1875 .] 
AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST 
115 
Composition of Cohn Cobs. —An old friend in Cana¬ 
da asks me to Inform him of what elements a corn cob 
consists ? "—Of precisely the same elements as sawdust. 
In fact, when you come to elements, all plants and ani¬ 
mals are pretty much the same thing. In this sense there 
is no difference between a stick of celery and a burdock, 
or a Canada thistle. Woody fibre, and starch, and sugar, 
are composed of the same elements. But we need not 
say that, there is a vast difference in their nutritive value. 
A green corn cob, when it is full of the juices which are 
afterwards organized into grain, is a very different thing 
from the dry corn cob of the ripened ear. When the 
latter is ground fine, I presume a half starved sheep or 
cow can digest more or less of its woody fibre. But I 
doubt very much whether there is nutriment enough in 
the cob to pay for the grinding. 
Corn vs. Clover for Pigs.— “ J. C. C.,” of Indiana, 
writes, “You recommended letting pigs run on clover 
pasture in summer. I have good land to produce corn. 
It averages one year with another CO bushels per acre. 
The same land will bring a very heavy crop of clover. It 
costs me about 10 cts. a bushel, to raise and put the corn 
in the crib. Now which is worth the most to the pigs, 
deducting expenses, the corn or the clover?”—The two 
together are cheaper than either alone. But can you 
raise corn and put it in the crib for 10 cents a bushel. It 
costs me more than that to put it in the crib, after it is 
raised and cut up. 
Buckwheat for Manure. —Dr. Harlan, of Wilming¬ 
ton, Delaware, writes me that on the 14th of last July, he 
had one bushel of buckwheat sowed on one-third of an 
acre of old potato ground, which had been manured 
with mineral manure for the potatoes. On the 3rd of 
September the buckwheat was in full bloom, and stood 
about four feet high. A square foot of it carefully cut, 
weighed lhf lbs. or 27 tons per acre, produced in 51 days 
at a cost of about 9 cents per ton. While the crop was 
growing, half a bushel of winter wheat was sown on the 
third acre. The cop was then cut with a mowing ma¬ 
chine. Why not have plowed the crop under ? “ Be¬ 
cause,” says Dr. H., “ ‘ one inch of straw,’ according to 
John Johnson, ‘ put on after sowing the wheat, would 
save it from the winds and frosts of winter,’ and he also 
says, ‘ one load of manure on top, is worth two plowed 
nnder.’ And do not the English farmers tell us that 
wheat should be sown on solid ground. Hence the rea¬ 
son of their heavy steam presser, used to consolidate the 
earth before seeding.”—All this is very well, and I shall 
be glad to hear the result. Still I doubt if the plan will 
usually be a good one. The growth of the buckwheat 
must extract an immense amount of water from the soil, 
and leave the land so dry that the wheat would often fail 
to germinate until late in the fall. 
When do You Sow Plaster ?—Usually in the winter, 
or while the ground is frozen in the spring. I do not 
suppose that this is the best time, but I like to draw the 
plaster while the roads are good, and I have no conveni¬ 
ent place to stow it away, and so we sow it from the 
wagon at once. We put a boy to drive, and one man on 
each side the wagon, and another behind to scatter the 
plaster as far as they can throw it. We put on two 
bushels per acre, mere or less. We are not particular, as 
plaster is cheap. This winter we are sowing it on all 
the clover, and on the fall-plowed fields where barley is 
to be sown in the spring. 
Mangels and Carrots on Swamp Land.—M r. P. 
Malcolm, of Ontario, has some swamp land which he 
flowed last year to mangel wurzel and white Belgian car¬ 
rots. “The mangels came up badly,” he says, “and 
what did come grew very feebly for a good while. Later 
in the season the tops grew very fast, but the roots were 
miserable. The carrots yielded a very good crop.”—As 
a rule, I think the best mangels are grown on rather 
heavy, well-worked and richly manured upland. The 
roots are certainly more nutritious on such land than 
those grown on low, swampy, or alluvial soils. 
Northern Spy Apples.— “S. L. S.,” Orwell, Vt., 
raised 6 Northern Spy apples the past year that weighed 
5 lbs. 6 oz. That will do. He wants me to tell him all 
about my orchard. There is nothing to tell The only 
way to raise choice apples, like the Northern Spy, is to 
plant the trees on thoroughly drained land. Make and 
keep the soil rich, prune properly, keep the bark clean 
by washing the trunks and large limbs with lye or car¬ 
bolic soap suds, and, last but not least, thin out the fruit 
when the trees are overloaded. My own orchard is in 
grass, and I keep the land rich by top-dressing with ma¬ 
nure, ashes, lime, plaster, or any thing which “ comes 
handy.” and eating the grass close all the time with sheep. 
Vermont Dairymen’s Association. 
—The sixth winter meeting of this.Association began at 
Montpelier, on the 20t.h of January. The Hon. E. D. 
Mason, of Richmond, Vt., delivered the opening address, 
in which he stated that the improvement in the quality 
of Vermont dairy products, which had resulted from the 
association of the dairymen, had benefited the State 
more than any other one thing. Papers were read upon 
the value of cheese as food, and upon cooking food for 
stock, in which no new ideas were developed. Prof. L. 
B. Arnold, of Rochester, N. Y., in some remarks upon 
the good fruits of the Association, said that the value of 
the Vermont butter had doubled since the Association 
was formed. Twenty live men in a dairy county in New 
York, had been able to demolish old fogy notions, and 
to improve the condition of the dairy interests more 
than all the butter makers of the whole State could have 
done single handed. An exhibition of butter was held 
at the close of the meeting; the first premium, a Fair¬ 
banks’ platform scale, offered by Fairbanks & Co., St. 
Johnsbury, Vt., was awarded to Judge Alvey Stone, of 
Chittenden, Vt. Samples of “gilt edged” butter, sold 
in the Boston market, were exhibited, some of which 
were very fine, and some were regarded as inferior to 
common butter. A sample which sold at $1.25 per 
pound, was adjudged by the members to be the second 
in quality. The best was made by S. Adams, of Mason 
Village, N. n., but it was not the highest priced. So 
much really fine butter is seldom seen on exhibition, at 
one time, and the Boston “ gilt edged ” furnished the 
Vermont dairymen with a standard of excellence, at 
which they may aim in their own dairies. 
The People’s Force Pumps. 
W. S. BLUNT, 77 Beekman St., N. Y. 
Awarded medal of American In¬ 
stitute over nil competitors for 1873 
and 1S74. For House and Out-doors. 
For Wells from 6 to 100 feet deep. 
Powerful Fire-Pumps. 
The Public are cautioned to look 
for the name, “People’s Pump, 
Patented Aug.31, 181)9,’’ cast on the 
lid, to insure obtaining the genuine 
article, and to avoid litigation. 
Send Postal Card tor Circulars. 
General Agencies: 
W. H. Banks & Co., Chicago, Ills. 
Magens & Co., Louisville, Ky 
J. G. Murdock & Co., Cincinnati, (). 
E. H. Leibev, Cheyenne, Wyoming. 
T. J. Itiley,'Houston, Texas. 
Frothingham & Workman, Mon¬ 
treal, C. E. 
Benedict & McConilie, Jackson¬ 
ville. Fla. 
Jas. H. Billington & Co., Phila., Pa. 
J. H. Woolsey & Co., St. Paul, Minn. 
Dunham, Carrigan* Co., Ag. for Pac. C„ San Francisco, Cal. 
HOW TO OROW CA g|JA& ON 
and make Tuberose Bloom, sent free to all who 
address CHAS. T. STARR, Avondale, Chester Co., Pa. 
OSAGE ORANGE SEED. 
We have a lot as choice as any ever offered for sale. We 
warrant every grain of it to be of the growth of 1874. We 
know it to be fresh and good, and will mail samples for 
testing to any that may desire it. 
Our prices for the next 30 days will be as follows : 
1 to 10 Bushels.per bushel ...$6.00 
10to30 “ . “ “ .... 5.50 
30 bushels and over. “ “ 5.00 
PLANT SEED COMPANY. 
St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 9,1875. Wholesale Seed Dealers. 
Established 1845. 
OUR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE 
Of ftiew and !f?are Plants, 
For f 875, 
Is now ready, and will be sent free to all applicants. 
IIOVEY & CO., 
53 North Market St., Boston, Mass. 
ROCHESTER 
COMMERCIAL 
[Established 18 'O.j NURSERIES. 
PRTNG Price Li st. per doz., 100 , and 1000 , of Trees 
mid Plants. incluSiing a select list of Specialties 
and Novelties, FREE to all. Beautiful new Orna¬ 
mental Catalogue, 10 cts. Address 
W. S. IiITTIiF, Rochester. N. Y. 
Smith’s Superior Onion Seed. 
Warranted FRESH, PUKE, RELIABLE. 
Onion seed growing is a specialty with me, and I have 
testimonials from over 30 States and Territories where my 
seed was used in 1874. 
Sent free by mall as follows 5 
Early Round Yellow Danvers.. . .Per oz., 30c.; per lb., $4.25 
Large Red Wethersfield. “ 25c.; 14 $3.25 
White Portugal, or Silverskin. 44 30c.; 4 * $4 00 
Cash must accompany the order. Address 
EDWARD SMITH, Coila, Washington Co., N. Y. 
¥ ASE’S IMPR<UE» IMPERIAL 
SUGAR BEET.— The best to raise for stock. Seed 
1 oz.flOc.; M lb., 25c.; K lb., 50c.; lib., 90c.; 4 lbs., $3125. 
Potatoes, by mail: Snowflake, 1 lb. 75c.; 4 lbs., $2.50; Early 
Vermont, Compton's Surprise, and Brownell's Beauty, each, 
1 lb., 40c.; 4 lbs., $1.00: by express (2nd size), 1 peck, 75c. i 
K bush., $1.25; bush., $2.00; bbl, $5.00. 
White Probsteier Oats, M bushel, 75c.; bushel, $1.25. 
Address, DAVID R. WOOD, Morrisville, Lamoille Co., Vt. 
SMALL FRUIT PLANTS, 
SEEDS and POTATOES. 
The largest and most complete Collections in the IT. S.— 
Everything warranted true to name. Catalogues and Price 
Lists free. Address 
REISIG HEXAMER, 
New Castle, Westchester Co., N. Y. 
KNOX NURSERIES, Estab’d in 1851. 
General supplies for Nurserymen, Agents, and Planters! 
cheap, well grown, and true to name. 
J. H. SIMPSON, Vincennes, Ind. 
IDI’IAIC Souvenir du Congress, Strawberries, 
-ST &c. Cions of Souvenir du Congress, Brockworth Park, 
and other new pears; al>o of new apples. Best Strawberries, 
Raspberries, &c. Eggs from Bronze Turkeys, Pekin Ducks, 
and other choice fowls. Send for descriptive catalogue. 
W. S. CARPENTER & SON, Rye, Westchester Co., N. Y. 
ROSES 
Fine everblooming and other roses sent 
safely by mail post-paid everywhere, and 
their safe arrival guaranteed. 
6 for SI 5 14 for S2. A splendid premium rose with 
each package when ten cents is added. A large collection 
of bedding plants, shrubbery, &c. CATALOGUE 
FREE TO ALL. Address 
JOSEPH T. PHILLIPS, 
West Grove, Chester Co., Pa. 
WK7'ilsoii*s Early Blackberry, $20 per 1,000. 
™ * Strawberries, 10 varieties. Raspberries—Brandy wine, 
Herstine, Saunders, Highland Hardy, &c. Berry Baskets and 
Crates. R. H. HAINES, Malden-on-tlie-Hud?on, N. Y. 
W ilson Strawberries, $2 per M. ; Dorchester 
Blackberries, Best kind. $7; Mammoth Cl. and Doo¬ 
little Rasps., $7. Sweet Corn, large and earliest, new, 20 cts. 
pt. S. f. DUFFELL, Yard Ville, N. Jersey. 
THE BEST AND CHEAPEST. 
Send for Illustrated Catalogue 
FREE. Address 
W. H. REID, 
Rochester, N. Y. 
TPOUIOUfA jNUatJSEBCY.—The largest and 
Bt Best Small Fruits, Trees and Plants of the most de¬ 
sirable kinds. Send for Illustrated Catalogue, 32 pages, tell¬ 
ing what and how to plant, with :16 years' experience. 
\VM. PARRY, Cinnaminson, N. J. 
EARLY CHAMPION 
GRAPE. 
Best early Grape known. Tiro weeks earlier than H. Pro¬ 
lific. Charles Downing and P. Barry caH it superior to it in 
both beauty and quality. Fruit large and handsome. 
Bunches compact, color and appearance of Concord. Vig¬ 
orous grower. Immense bearer. $1 each; $10 per dozen, 
postpaid on receipt of price. 
DONNELLY & CO., Rochester, N. Y. 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS, 
choicest kinds, for sale by E. P. ROE, (author of” Play and 
ITofit in my Garden," " Opening a Chestnut Burr,"’&c.). 
Send for Circular. Address at 
Highland Falls, Orange Co., N. Y. 
AMAZON RED RASPBERRY. 
300 per cent ahead of all other varieties. Descriptive Cir¬ 
culars with origin, &c., Free. (Special rates to dealers.) 
Plants per doz. and 100 sent by mail. (Best of reference 
given.) Address J. & w. K. JUDEFINI). 
Edesville, Kent Co., Md.. 
Proprietors Amazon Nurseries. 
C E>o «ni:ig, Albany Keedling, 
9 Kentucky and Boyden’s No. 30 Strawberry Plants, $3 
per 1,000. Wilson Early Blackberries, $18 per 1,000. Kit- 
tattinnv B. B., $12 per 1,000. Brandywine Raspberry, $20 per 
1.000. Cherry Currants, $5 per 100. C. C. Asparagus, 1 year, 
$4 per 1.000. Concord Grapes, 25 cts. each. Snowflake Po¬ 
tatoes, 60 ets. per lb.; $4 per peck. 
Price-List on application. 
SAMI EL €. DE COU, 
Moorestown, Burlington Co., IV. J, 
GRAPE VINES. 
GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICES. 
Besides a fine stock of all Leading Varieties, we offer 
the Largest Assortment and Best Collection of New 
and Rare Sorts. Plants warranted genuine and of the 
Best Quality. Price Lists gratis. 
Address, BUSH & SON & MEISSNER, 
Bushberg, Jefferson Co., Mo. 
O A A /Wk /h Strawberry and other Small Fruit Plants, 
/ Peach and other Fruit Trees and Nursery 
Stock at 7 low prices. Address CHAS. BLACK, Village 
Nurseries, Hightstown, N. J. 
TURNER’S RASPBERRY. 
S END to Headquarters for genuine plants of the original 
stock, 50 cents per 10, $1 per 25. by mail; $2 per 100; low 
per 1 , 000 , or will exchange. 
ISAAC BALDWIN, 
P. O. Box, 334, Jacksonville, Ill. 
S15 TO $25 PER DAY! 
Lo^al Agents wanted to s<*ll Bickford’s Celebrated 
Automatic Family Knitting Machines. 
Extraordinary inducements ottered to first-class General 
Agents For Circular and full partimibirs. address 
BICKFORD KNITTING MACHINE MFG. C0„ 
Sole Manuiaelurers. ttrattlrhoio. Yt» 
