THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
i89i 
Business. 
HISTORY OF THE BORDE LUX MIXTURE . 
T^e far reaching effects aTistr g from the senseless action 
of the authorities in this city in regard to sprayed grapes 
have prodr. c da de-ire for more knowledge in regard to 
this snLj-*ct. The use of sulphate of copp-r seems to be the 
only eff-cMve means of overcoming black rot and similar 
fnogous dheases of the grape. Properly used it Is as harm¬ 
less as any other insecticide or fungicide. It is not a new 
thing adopted hastily on the spur of the moment, in time 
of urgent 1 eed ; but has been thoroughly tested under 
varyir g conditions, and in different localities in this coun¬ 
try for the past five seasons. 
Previous to this it had bfen tested in France, where its 
use was beeun in 1886. The latter country, together with 
Italy and Spain, the principal grape growing countries of 
Europe, uses large quantities annually, not only for black 
rot, but for ail vine du-etses. France uses something like 
20,000 tons annually, Italy 15 (00 and Spain 8.000 t >ns. It is 
sprayed on the vines from May to August, and is regarded 
with great favor. 
Oar Department of Agriculture began its experiments 
through trusted agents who were practical viueyardists 
in different parts of the country, in It87. During this year 
a series of experiments were conducted by special agents 
at Vineland, N J , Charlottesville, Va., Neosho, Mo , and 
Denison, Tex. Besides these, morethan 200 grape growers— 
some in nearly every State, who had experimented with 
the snlpta'e of topper remedies—reported the results ob¬ 
tained, to the government. 
In 1888. t he experiments were continued by special agents 
of the D p rtmeut under instructions from the Commis¬ 
sioner of Agriculture, as well as hy individual grape grow¬ 
ers. To the former were sent formulas for Eta Celeste, 
Bordeaux Mix r ureand Sulpdatlne. The formula for the 
Bordeaux Mixture was a-- follows : “Sulphate of copper, 
six pounds ; lime four p mod-t, water 22 gallons. Dissolve 
the copper in 16 gallons of water; in another vessel slake 
the lime in s x gallons of water ; when the latter mixture 
has cooled, pour it slowly iato the copper solution, care 
being taken to mix the fluids thoroughly by constant stir¬ 
ring.” Tois was sprayed upon the vines at various times 
throughout the season, beginning at different times during 
the month of May, according to location. At Vineland, 
the grapes upon the uatreated vines were almost totally 
destroyed. Those treated with toe other formulas were 
also badly affected, while those upon the vines sprayed 
with the Bordeaux Mixture were strikingly free from rot, 
those wet with .the mixture “early and often” being 
saved. Thirteen vines treated with the Bordeaux Mixture 
yielded 80 pounds of grap-s, while 13 untreated gave but 
2^ pounds. Another section of 13 vines treated with Eau 
Colts’e No 1 gave 6% pounds; an equal number untreated 
gave two pounds. Fourteen vines treated wltn Eau Celeste 
No. 2, which contains twice as much sulphate of copper as 
No. 1 and an equal amount of carbonate of soda, yielded 
14 pounds of grapes, while 14 uatreated vines gave four 
pounds. Twenty-five vines treated with Sulphatlne gave 
20 pounds, and an equal number untreated but four pounds. 
Thus the Bordeaux Mixture proved far superior to all 
other tested fungicides. Tne Ml-souri experiments fully 
confirm the above conclusions in favor of the Bordeaux 
Mixture. The experimenter laid particular stress upon 
the “early and often” part of tne treatment. At Cnar- 
lottesville, Va., nine different remedies were tested, of 
which numbtr two were the Bordeaux Mixture with vary¬ 
ing amounts of sulphate of copper an l lime. Here, too, 
the Bordeaux Mixture evidenced its sup-rlority, the mixt¬ 
ure having the largest amount of copp-r proving most 
effective. Other preparations containing sulphate of cop¬ 
per ranked next in effect, while the preparations contain¬ 
ing carbonate of copper were least tffictive. 
These experiments were conducted on a larger number 
of vines and a lajger number ot varieties than those oy the 
other ageLt-*, bo that toe r.sults are mcr<j nearly those that 
may be obtained in practical work. They all show, too, 
that theactUe spent in overcoming the olack rot In tne 
sulphate of copper Experiments In Arsaoeas were equally 
conclusive. At Midi le Biss, Onio, 2 000 vines, mostly 
Catawbas, were treated and the loss was only aoout one 
per cent, while on a like number of the same variety, un¬ 
treated, similarly situated, one third of the lruit was des¬ 
troy ed. 
As is usually the case with new remedies, the Bordeaux 
Mixture is often imp)operly applied. Treaunent snould 
begiu early, even as eariy as iu the autumn. So far as 
possible, all ti e leaves aud affected berries should be col- 
lecied and burned, together with the prunlugs from the 
vines. Then in ihe spring after the vineyard Is put In 
order the vines should be thoroughly spray ed with Bor¬ 
deaux Mixture containing 16 pounds of sulphate of copper 
instead of the six pounds iu the general formal* given 
above. Anctter spraying using theregular formula should 
be given about 10 nays before blooming, and another when 
the flowers are tpmlng, thoroughly wttting all green 
p-irts. After this, spray every two weeks untii the fruit 
begins to color. This treatment is also tffective for the 
mildew. 
Experimenters both here and in France say that spray¬ 
ing should cease when the fruit begins to color or at 
least 15 days beiore the vintage. The trouble with some of 
the fruit to which oi j action was made by the New York 
Board of Health, was that it was sprayed too late, and per¬ 
haps too large a quantity of tne mixture was used; but 
that an official of a city boaid of health who was entirely 
ignorant ot the methods employed should, without suf¬ 
ficient investigation, make adeclslon thatcaused tuousands 
of dollars’ loss to innocent parties, is a gross outrage. It 
is preposterous to suppose that the Department of Agri¬ 
culture, after such thorough and extended trials as we 
have outlined, would recommend anything which would 
in any way prove detriment'll to the public health. Aftei 
time years’ use in the vineyards, it seems a little late in 
the day for such pretended dev tion to the welfare of the 
people. No woneer the charge has been made that it was 
all for political tffect 
OUR FXPORT APPLE TRADE. 
Questions of Interest to Apple Growers. 
I have noticed with considerable interest the prires and 
quotations of apples, etc , in the British markets, glvtn in 
r l he Rural, and, having a l-rge crop of very fine fruit, I 
have about concluded to try an English market. Wnat is 
the best method of shipping to fort-ivn m«rketsf Is it 
necessary to employ an agent at New York ? Wnat is one 
of the best lines of steamers to send by ; and also what is 
the address of some large dealer In Great Britain ? 
MilaD, Pa. G. C. W. 
It is just as easy to ship apples to Europe as to shipthem 
to New York. J. C. Houghton & Cl, Liverpool and Lon¬ 
don, and James Lindsay & Son, Glasgow, Edinburgh and 
Leith, are extensive dealers in American apples. Otto G. 
Mayer & Co., 7, 9 and 11 Bridge Street, N*-w York, ship 
immense quantities annually. Mr. Josiah Rich, who has 
charge of this branch of the business, has had many years’ 
experience and gave our representative Information that 
cannot bat prove of ranch value to apple growers during 
the present season. Toe prices of apples are depressed 
here at. present owing to the competition with the earlier 
fruits aud to the lar^e quantities that have been hurried 
to market before there Is any demand for them. Tne de¬ 
mand from abroad is a boon to our apple growers this year. 
Any good keepers will do to ship It is folly t > send 
apples that will not keep sound during the time required 
for a voyage. Kings, Baldwins ant similar apples have 
sold for the highest pre-s this year. Wnatever the va¬ 
riety, they must be carefully assorted ; anl only tne fair, 
smooth, sound ones should be select el. The barrels must 
be new and clem, preferably wltn 16}£ or 17-lucn heads. 
No wormy or bruised apples should be used. Tne apples 
should be faced in the barrel the same as for the Am-rlcan 
market, but there should not be too great a difference be¬ 
tween the size at the head and the middle of the barrel, 
and every barrel shi u!d be good ; for they are sold In lots, 
a barrel being taken from each lot and emptied out to 
show tbe character of the lot. The apples must bs well 
shaken Into the barrels while filling, and the barrels 
should be filled as full as possible, carefully headed, well 
nailed and hoops be nailed around both heads Inside the 
chine to make all secure. The barrels shoul l be marked 
plainly with the name of the variety and toe name or 
brand of the shipper. This last should never be used ou 
Inferior fruit, as, If one continues shlpplug, the brand be¬ 
comes known and the apples are sometimes sol i from the 
brand alone without examination; a single barrel of poor 
apples would completely destroy the reputation gained for 
a brand. 
Now let us follow a lot of apples ready for shipment. 
Lots of less than 10 barrels are not desired. Load them 
on the cars or boat, consigned to tbe firm above rneni ioned, 
and send notice of shipment by mail if practicable. Teat 
ends the shipper’s work till he receives his check. The 
apples re«ch New York. Theconslgntes procure shippli g 
permits, pay the freight and cartage, obtain a bill ot lad¬ 
ing, a copy of which is sent to the shipper, and see that 
the apples are safely and carefully put aboard thesteamer. 
If the shipper desire, Insurance will be effected on his 
shipment. There is quite a lively competition among 
steamship lines for the apple shipments, hence rates are 
low. The apples are sold at auction Immediately upon 
landing, and the delivery is made within 24 hours of sale. 
Accounts of sales are msde up Immediately after delivery, 
and the net proceeds of each parcel Is cabled to the Ameri¬ 
can agents, less five per cent commission for selling. Tne 
Same day on which the cable Is received, a cheek Is sent to 
the shipper for tbe amount less the commission, freight 
and cartage. This is generally with n 15 days of the date of 
sailing of ibe vessel, and Mr. Rich informs us that he has 
often made returns within 11 days. This is muen quicker 
than it is possible to get ret urns from some speculators 
and commission meri hants in this city. The freight from 
New York to L varpool Is about 3*. or about 72 cents; to 
Gla-gow, aboi t 3-. 61 . or 84 cen's ; there is a dock charge 
ot 15 cents per barrel The commission for selling Is five 
per cent. The cartage in New York amounts to out a few 
cents per barrel. The freight to New York each grower 
can le trn for himself. Put these t >getber and figure out 
for yourself whether it will pay you to ship to Europe. 
Our own opinion Is that it will pay to ship prime apples, 
but not Inferior ones. Mr. R ch says that the price will 
probably d>-cline a little uuoer the present heavy ship¬ 
ments, but not ma erlally. Anv fuither Information will 
be cheerfully furnished by The R. N.-Y., or the above 
firm, if The Rl ral is mentioned. 
In regaid do tne best days to ship and future rates, Mr. 
Rich says, under date of October 5: “ Ic appears t o be the 
prevailing opinion among apple shippers that Mondays 
and Thursdays are not good days for apples to reaci New 
York. We take this opportunity to inform our friends 
that there are no better days than Monday or Thursday, 
because by holding apples so that tney reaca New York on 
Tuesdays and Fridays, such a large quantity arrives on 
those days that it Is difficult for the receivers here, and for 
the steamship people, to properly care for them. As a 
matter of fact, apples reaching New York on Mondays and 
Tnursdays are more ltkeiy to secure- a good place In the 
ship than they do when such large quantities arrive here 
together, as we often have on Tuesdays and Fiidays. The 
best part of tne ship is appropriated for apples, in fact 
that part In which emigrant passengers are brought to this 
country. If apples seem scarce on Mondays and Thursdays, 
the steamship companies, In order that no space on the 
74, 
ship may be lost, are liable to use a portion of the space 
reserved for ap; las for other freight, thus necessitating 
the stowage of apples reaching the ship at the last moment 
In parts of the ship that are not so desirable. We hope 
that our friends will understand that this suggestion is 
made entirely In their Interest, as there is often danger 
that apples reaching Naw York on Tuesiay may be shut 
out of the Wednesday boa* - , and ou Friday from the S atur- 
day bsat. Last w< ek over 1 500 barrels were shut out of 
the Ar'zona and E ruria because they, being unee^tiln 
how many barrels of apples would be shipped, had filled 
up with other freight. From this date the rates of freight 
will be advanced. The rates having been fixed at 3c to 
Liverpool and 3j. 6i. to Glas ow, by the regular boats.” 
BUSINESS BITS. 
Handling the Potato Crop —My method of handling 
the potato crop is truly primitive. When the time for 
harvesting a^rlvts a cart or wagon Is driven into the field 
with a couple of barrels to receive the small tubers as they 
are aborted from tbe large in the process of digging No 
mschiDe has as yet proved » fficient enough to get the po a- 
toes. All the labor is performed by band. After a lo d 
has been dug it Is taken to the cellar where it Is scored, 
after having received a good sprinkling of air slaked lime 
while being dumped into tbe bin. For gathering t ie po¬ 
tatoes, what are called “oyster baskets” holdtng one 
bushel each, are used. Their bottoms are open-work, 
which lets all the dirt out on the ground. From repeated 
trials 1 think that the lime spread on the tubers at har¬ 
vest time is not only a preventive of rot, but it kills the 
germs of the disease in the potato, thereby lessening the 
amount of tbe dhesse next year. j. c. F. 
Westchester Co., N. Y. 
I grew 214 acres of early potatoes this season. They 
were dug with an Avery digger which covered up and left 
a gord many in the ground; but I got 215 bushels from 
tbe 2)4 acres. I follow the digger with half-bushel bas¬ 
kets which are filled, aEd a bushel and a half are put in 
sacks: then they are hauled to the potato houses. 
Hickman, Ky. D. w. D. 
All Thoroughbred Stock —On October 15 I am voing 
to have an auction sale of Jersey cows, Caester White 
hogs, etc. My Rural No. 2 Potatoes are marvels ot eize. 
I have about 100 bushels I shall sell at the sale. I had a 
400 Tomato last week, that weighed one pound 10 ^ onnees. 
Brdford, Ohio. w. n. button. 
Peter Henderson & Co., 35 Cortlandt Street, 
New York.—A beautiful catalogue of bulbs, for planting 
now; for house culture; palms for house culture; winter 
roses; carnations, callas, hardy shrubs and vines ; flower 
seeds for fall sowing; vegetable seeds and roots for 
forcing, etc. 
IMPLEMENT NOTES. 
The Cutaway Machines are now made by The Cuta¬ 
way Harrow Co. of H ggannm, Conn. This new company 
has just been organized for manufacturing the harrows, 
plows, root cuUers, cider mills, etc , manufactured under 
the Clark patents. It Is now ready to fill all orders. 
Corn Busker and Fodder Cutter.—O ne of the most 
remarkable machines put on the market of late y ears Is that 
sold by the Keystone Manufacturing Co., of Sterling, Ill. 
One of the most expensive and dreaded jobs on a corn 
farm Is that of husking. It means sore fingers, chapped 
hands, rheumatism and cold for the busker and a loss of 
nearly 10 per cent of the selling price of the coin for the 
owner. As for the corn fodder—that was considered a 
waite product, because it must be handled over and over 
again before the stock coaid eat any of It, and then the 
tough, hard butts were lelt as a nuisance to every body. 
Now we have a machine that changes ail this work. The 
stalks are fed to the macnlLe just as bheaves of wheat are 
ltd into a thrashing machine. Ears, hmk, stalk aud all 
go into tne machine. Tne hubked e<ais drop out at one 
place, while toe hmks, silks, stalks and leaves come out 
at another, cut, ciushtd ana crumbltd into a mats flntr 
than ensilage wouid Oe wltn tne water all equttztd out of 
it. In tne circular tent by me Kcybtone Co. some In¬ 
teresting statements aie made by mo&e wUo have Used 
this machine. One man in Kansas has this to s a y : “I 
cannot state j jst yet tne exac„ value ot the fodder alter it 
Is cut in comparison with Uay, as i nave baen tecuiug only 
two wetKs now ; up to mat lime I Uad my sicca in stalk 
fields. 1 can say tuls aOout It, mat it lteus inrte times as 
far as It aid in the old way of feeding It whole lu all 
kinds of weatner. 1 win just siat.e heie mat me two weeks 
1 nave teen leeuing the cut ioucer nave litta very wet and 
muudy, and in lttdmg me louuer wlmout cutting, tne 
Cattie would nave wasted naif, if not more, wulle by having 
It cut they eat it all, and are looking well. 1 am sure 
it is bUcn^er feed than hay. 'lne diflerente be¬ 
tween an acxe of lodder cut and noused in goou time in the 
fall and an acre ol stalks standing In the field, is many- 
fold. 1 buy a good many hiaik fields every fall at irom 40 
to 50 cents per acre, and a low estimate on an acre 
of lodutr cut up ana housed would be at least $5 compared 
with tne price of hay, besluts the great saving of lime In 
fetding it to stock. 1 will state Uere my inoue ot putting 
it up irom the machine. 1 bund two lodder bins similar 
to large corn cribs, only that 1 have the spaces widtr be¬ 
tween tne boards, with feeding mangers ail around each 
bln for the Cattle to eat out of. 1 have at present 125 
head of Cattle eating out of tnese mangers, and one man 
can fi.i tne mangers In l«sa man 30 minutes, wane in tne 
old way of feeding me fouder wnoie, lo would take two 
men and a team at least two Uours to iecd tnat many cat¬ 
tle. Tne cost of these bins was about «50 lor lumber and 
nails. The two bins houstd 40 acres of heavy, bottom land 
fodder. They will last many years for that purpose.” 
