«s 
THE 
FES. 23 
®|f (S^umsf, 
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
Notice. —Our question b have so accumulated 
that we give undue space to them this week, 
while apologizing that we have been unable to 
give them earlier publication. 
Training Setters. 
Gussie 71., Bristol, Term.— Will the Bubal 
please inform me of (1) the best mode of training 
an English setter and at what age to commence: 
(2) also how deep potato onions ought to be 
planted ? 
Ans. —1. Commence when he is four months 
old. Be gentle but firm. Let his first lesson be 
in “down-charging." Place him in the proper 
position and repeat the words “ down-charge " 
frequently so as to associate the sound and the 
act. Make tho first lessons short. Never re¬ 
quire of the pup any obedience that is not abso¬ 
lutely necessary. But invariably persevere In 
any lesson that yon do attempt. It is of the 
first importance that tho pup should be made to 
understand that you are master and that there 
is no escape from a compliance with your com¬ 
mand. When house-broken in this manner, 
field-training, if he has a good nose and is of 
good parentage, will come very easy, You have 
but to teaoh him to come “ to heel" and to 
“ hie on," terms which explaiu themselves. 
Then he must “ down-charge" whenever a bird 
is shot or shot at. For the rest, his instincts 
will guide him. Good dogs are trained too 
much. Bad dogs are worthless creatures. 
2. Plant near the surfaoe in drills about a 
foot apart and four inches apart in the rows. 
About Clematis, Etc. 
Mrs. R. B. asks:—(1) Ought Clematis seeds 
to be soaked in boiling water before planting ? 
(2) What course ought to be pursued that 
would be most likely to produce double fiowers 
from the seedH of the Ten Weeks .Stock ? (3) 
Is there a pure white Nasturtium ? (4) If so, 
where can it be procured ? Have purchased 
seeds purporting to be white, but they proved 
to be a pale yellow 1 (6) Of the largo sud showy 
varieties of the Dahlia will you please name a 
good white one, also one of the best crimson or 
scarlet ones. (6) It would please me much if 
the illustrations and articles on Clematis pub¬ 
lished in the Bubal five or six yearH ago could 
be repriuted. 
Ans.—( 1) It will do them no harm if placed 
in water nearly but not quite boiling. We do 
not know that it will hasten germination, never 
having tried the experiment with Ck-matis 
seeds. Often they will not germinate in two 
yearB. It is well to bury them or place in 
dampish sand as soon as picked until the follow¬ 
ing spring. (2) Mixing the single flowers with 
the double ones. This may be done artificially 
by placing the pollen of the one upon the stigma 
of the other, or by plaoing both sorts of plants 
near together. (3 and 4) We do not know of 
any. (5) Testa, .Snow-ball and Snow-drift, for 
white ; Dr. Botes, Flambeau (Pompone.) (6) 
We would be happy to comply with this request, 
but the artiole was long and our columns are much 
crowded at present. We can, however, promise 
notes upon the Clematis ere long. 
Weeping Beech. 
F. H. B. —In setting this tree in the lawn, how 
much space ought to be allowed, to produce the 
best effect ? 
Ans.—I t grows very slowly for the first three 
or four years, but fonns a tree twenty feet high 
with spreading branches, in ten years. It is one 
speoially adapted in all respects to occupy an 
isolated position. We shall soon present a pic¬ 
ture of this tree that will give our friend a bet¬ 
ter idea of its form than anything we can add to 
the above. 
Grape Culture. 
E. P. Orr, Tuscola Co., Mich .—Being a new 
subscriber to your interesting paper, I would 
like to ask a few questions regarding the culture 
of Grapes. (1.) What time of the year Bhould 
Grapes be set out, and what kind of Boil ? (2.) 
What treatment do the yonng vines require the 
first year ? 
Ans. —(1) Spring or fail, the former preferred. 
The soil should be naturally of the best, or else 
enriched with bone, potash, and nitrogenous 
manures. Thoroughly decomposed stable ma¬ 
nure is good. 
(2) Clean culture, firm support, the pinching 
out of all but one, the strongest, shoot. 
Gypsum and Plast er of Paris. 
L. C. M.— What is the difference, if any, be¬ 
tween Gypsum and Plaster of Paris; some of 
my neighbors say they are the same thing ; 
others insist that they are not—will the Bubal 
please decide. 
Ans. —Gypsum—otherwise sulphate of lime or 
land-plaster—is sometimes confounded with 
Plaster of Paris, even by those who should 
know better. Plaster of Paris, however, is 
1 
RURAL HEW-YORKER. 
made from ground Gypsum by heating it. This 
drives off all the water and reduces it from a 
granular condition to that of an impalpable 
powder. GypBum is the most suitable name for 
the agricultural article, for it is not in condition 
to be used as plaster, and no confusion can 
occur by the use of the word. 
Miscellaneous. 
J. B., Fontana, Pa .—Will the Bubal please 
inform me where I can get eggs of the pure- 
blood Dominique stock, also a pair of the fowls ? 
Ans.—A ddress Geo. S. Josseltn, Fredonia, 
N. Y r . Henry Hales, Bidgewood, N. J. 
B. 8. Ward, Salem, Oregon .—In Bubal of 
Ootober 27. 1877, I notice a correspondent 
writes very highly of the Hornet Baspberry. 
What I wish to know is if there is a probability 
of its being what it is there represented and 
where it can be obtained. Will the Bubal 
please give me tho full address of some one 
that has them P 
Ans.—T he above publication of your letter 
will probably gain you the information you seek. 
Its hardiness in your climate is the one thing 
yon have to consider. 
IT. D., N. Y .—Would the Bubal please tell 
me through its columns of advice (1) about 
how much grass land is worth an acre in New 
Jersey, within fifteen miles of Newark; (2) if 
yon consider that locality very healthy. Also, I 
would like to have T. B. Miner say what the 
chances would be for a young man with a small 
capital, say about $3,000, who would start a 
chickon farm, without any practical experience, 
but who has studied French books and American 
papors on that subject. Any information on 
the above will be very thankfully received. 
Ans. —(1) It is impossible to answer this 
question with any degree of accuracy. The 
best answer we can give is to say $200. (2) 
There are localities within fifteen miles of 
Newark, in New Jersey, as healthy as can he 
found within fifteen miles of New York City or 
Boston or Philadelphia. 
J. L. Bill .—Will the Bubal please inform me 
(1) whether coal ashes will pay to put in tho 
barn yard to help make manure ; (2) Can ripe 
grapes be put up in any way to keep them any 
length of time fresh and good ; (3) What shall 
I do to a plum tree to make it bear fruit; it 
blossoms but they all fall off. 
Ans.— (1) The fertilizing properties of coal 
ashes are very trilling, if at all existent; but the 
ashes are often useful as an absorbent, while 
their mechanical effect in lightening heavy soil 
is also beneficial. If the manure is to be applied 
to soil of this description, mixing coal ashes 
with it will pay, otherwise, scarcely. (2) TIi * 
roots can be wrapped in moss and occasionally 
moistened. (3) Cut it back now and enrich the 
ground about it. 
Jasper. —(1) I believe, according to the 
Rural’s announcement, I am entitled to five 
papers of flowers. (2) Please tell me when 
seeds of the Pelargonium should be planted 
to insure success. 
Ans. —(1) The free seed distribution was dis¬ 
continued last year by limitation. Another will 
be announced during the present year of whioh 
wo hope our correspondent may avail herBelf. 
(2) If in the house, plant now; if out of doors, 
not until the middle of May. 
Mrs. L. G-, Ml. Vernon, TV. Y .—Many thanks 
for the seeds you so kindly sent. Will yon 
please tell me through the columns of the 
Bubal if an Agsratum and a Enpatorium, are 
tho same. 
Ans.—T hey both belong to the same great 
family but are different genera. Eupatorium 
perfoliatum iB the well-known Thoroughwort or 
Boneset. E. ageratoides is White Snake-root— 
both native plants. The Ageratums are from 
tropical countries. 
Mrs. S. C. T., Ferry, N. Y .—A short time 
since I received a variety of flower seeds from 
the Rubal office for which accept my most sin¬ 
cere thanks: I shall try and take the very beat 
care of them. Among them was one of the 
Glauclum luteum. I have searched the old 
Bubals and Viok’s catalogue but cannot find a 
description of the plant; you will confer a 
great favor upon me by giving me the name of 
it in English, also whether it is a house or out¬ 
door plant. 
Ass.—Glancium is derived from a Greek word 
signifying “ sea-green ” referring to the color 
of its leaves. Luteum is Latin for yellow. It 
is a hardy perrenial and is very desirable for 
flower-beds, the lawn or for edgings. It is not 
offered for Bale except by a few seedsmen 
among their novelties. 
Communications received fob the week ending 
Monday, Feb. 18th. 
8. H. R.—“ Jim Crow.”—W. J. B.—8. R. M — 
Mrs. w. < H. H.-s.b. p.—“Minnehaha” 
—M. G. K. thanks always.—“ Grace Gould.”— 
“ Clinton."—S. J.—N. 11.—L. L.-L. A. R.—R. U. C. 
—A. W. M—E. W—G. G.-J. B. R.—J.—C. T.— 
F. A. R.—K.—G. M.—T. B. M.—W. C. L. D.—S. B. 
P.—T. T.—H. C. U.—E. G.—R. S. C.—“Rural 
Reader."—E. M.—J. B. A., thanks—F. H. D. 
ftftos of ffjt ®M, 
CONDENSED NEW YORK TELEGRAMS. 
Tuksdat, Feb. 12 . — intense excitement and 
wrath among the “visiting statesmen” at the 
fate of the Louisiana Returning Board. They de¬ 
clare A nderson’s conviction the result of a packed 
jury, a drunken judge and a lawless mob. 
The situation in Europe is highly critical: Rus¬ 
sia threatens to occupy Constantinople If the 
fleets of England or any other nation approach 
tiie city. England is resolved to send her fleet 
thither, and Intimates that sUe will consider Rus¬ 
sia’s occupation of the Turkish capital a census 
bail. All talk about the projected conference 
seems to have dropped In view of the Imminent 
peril of Immediate hostilities. Turkey seems to 
have suddenly conceived a great affection for and 
confidence In the Muscovites. It seems conceded 
on all sides that Bismarck holds the key of the 
position. What use will he make of It 7 
Wednesday, Feb. 13.—The President has writ¬ 
ten a letter to the Attorney-General, asking what 
the Administration can properly do to save the 
La. Returning Board. He and his cabinet think 
the prosecution the result of partlzan rancor and 
the conviction the consequence of a packed jury 
and a corrupt and hostile judge. Tho proposed 
reduction of the whisky tax has been defeated- 
That Conkllng and Speneer, aud Spencer and 
Conkllng ha ve different Influence was shown yes¬ 
terday by the confirmation of Wlckersham to be 
postmaster or Mobile, despite the opposition of 
spencer and Conkllng, whereas those whose con¬ 
firmation was opposed by the other union were 
defeated. 
The excitement In regard to the menacing at¬ 
titude of the British Government towards Rus¬ 
sia, Is intense. Lord Derby says he hopes by 
Tuesday to be able to Inform Parliament that the 
fleet ts before Constantinople. Prince Gortsclia- 
koff has snubbed the English Ministry by answer¬ 
ing their enquiry about the proximity of the Rus¬ 
sians to Constantinople In court terms, that, the 
conditions of the armistice concerns the belliger¬ 
ents alone. The Grand Duke has Informed the 
Porto that bis troops will enter the city so soon as 
the British fleet appears lri the Bosphorus. 
Thuksday, Feb. u.— violent recriminations be¬ 
tween Democrats yesterday In tho House with 
regard to the charges of dishonest bargains In the 
Electoral matter. 
The British fleet has passed the Dardanelles In¬ 
to the Sea of Marmora, and will go to Constanti¬ 
nople at all hazards. Torpedoes have been ship¬ 
ped from Odessa for Russian use In the Bosphor¬ 
us. At all the Eogltsh dock yards, work Is being 
pushed forward by day and night. At present 
there Is a dark outlook, but|as the war. If once be¬ 
gun between Great Britain and Russia, would 
most likely Involve the whole of Europe before 
long, doubtless every expedient will be tried for 
V, ertlng so disastrous a struggle. 
Friday, Feb. 15.— Mr. Tllden la credibly re¬ 
ported to be the prime mover in the trials or the 
Louisiana Returning Board, with a view to his 
re-nomlnatlon at the next Presidential election. 
Very severe weather on the ocean reported by 
vessels that have just come into port. Many of 
the passengers that escaped from the wreck of 
the Metropolis, set sail again yesterday for Brazil 
on board the Richmond. 
The Russians have renewed their march on 
Gallipoli, and are within a few hours’ march of 
the place. The English Ministry have decided to 
Ignore Turkey’s protest against the advance 
of tho British fleet. A large number of White- 
head torpedoes have been shipped to the East. 
Gladstone and most of the Liberals violently op¬ 
pose the warlike movements of the Government. 
Austria is Indignant at Russia’s disregard of her 
representations, and will probably join England 
In hostile movements unless the Czar soothes the 
Emperor by conceding at least a part of what la 
asked for. It Is said that that Koumanla also, 
rather than yield to tho Russian demand for the 
retrocession or Bessarbla, may join the coalition, 
and endanger the Muscovite communications. 
‘Saturday, Feb. 16.—According to her last wish, 
the body of Mrs. Jane Pitman of Cincinnati was 
yesterday cremated at. Washington, Pa., by Dr. 
Lemoyne. Reports of local embezzlements, bank¬ 
ruptcies and swindles compose nearly all our 
domestic telegrams. 
Four British Iron-clads have reached Princes’ 
island, four miles from Constantinople, two re¬ 
main at Gallipoli, and three at Beslka Bay. To 
prevent the Turks from firing on them, Admiral 
Hornby had to declare that the fleet came to pro¬ 
tect Turkish as well as British Interests. Come 
what may, the Sultan will remain in Constanti¬ 
nople. The Turks are still fortifying the redoubts 
around the city. Russia has assured Austria that 
she will occupy Bulgaria lor only two years, it 
Is said British prevarication has so disgusted tho 
Turks, who based all tbelr hopes and conduct on 
English untrustworthy assurances of aid, that 
nenceforth they will seek a close alliance with 
Russia, however disastrous It may be to British 
Interests. 
Sunday, Feb. IT.— After an all-night Besslon of 
the Senate on Friday night, the Sliver Bill was 
passed early on Saturday morning by a vote or 
48 to 21. Four absent members,two of whom would 
have voted affirmatively and two negatively, were 
paired; and Ransom of N. C., who would have 
voted tor it, was absent through sickness without 
pairing. Ab more than two-thlrda of the Senate 
are In favor of It, there Is but little doubt but 
It will become a law, even If the President vetoes 
1U 
The outlook In Europe Is more peaceful. The 
English fleet has been withdrawn to Mudania 
Bay, forty miles south of Constantinople to facili¬ 
tate negotiations to prevent the entry of the 
Russians; orders have been sent to the Musco¬ 
vite headquarters not to occupy Gallipoli. A 
Congress—not a Conference—has been agreed up¬ 
on, to meet within three weeks at Baden-Baden. 
All the Powers have consented : and it Is expect¬ 
ed peace will be signed by that, time. The Grand 
Duke Nicholas will visit Constantinople as the 
friend and invited guest of the Sultan. The 
Greeks seem resolved to risk a whipping, and are 
again preparing for hostilities. When the con¬ 
clave assembles, it Is expected a new Pope will 
be elected In a few days. 
Monday, Feb. is.—The rrestdent Is reported to 
think that, his veto will kill the Sliver Bill, where¬ 
as Its frlendB are confident the late vote of the 
Senate guarantees Its success despite the veto. 
Russia has represented to England that the 
United States, as a maritime power, should take 
part, In the approaching Congress. England has 
consented, but said Greece also should be admit¬ 
ted. The latter country will be an ally of England 
tn case of war. Tho Czar has Intimated to the 
Porte that It should remove tho Mussulman pop¬ 
ulation from Bulgaria. Bismarck’s representa¬ 
tions have modified the demands of Russia, and 
are said to have renewed the good understanding 
between Russia and Austria, so that the latter 
will not be an ally of England, should she venture 
to break with Russia. The English fleet will re¬ 
main at t.helr present post during the Congress, 
and the Russians have agreed not, to enter Con¬ 
stantinople. The ultramontane cardinals are 
making vigorous efrorts to elect a Pope of their 
own party. Many false reports of disputes, etc., 
etc., In this connection, are sure to be spread 
until the conclave has finished Its labors by nom¬ 
inating a new Pope. 
•-- 
HOME NEWS PARAGRAPHS. 
Some of our readers may feel too lazy to “go 
forth ’’ aud obtain two new subscribers, which 
would entitle them to the Cricket as a present,. 
If, however, a single subscriber should fall in 
their way, they may add one dollar and secure 
the Rubal Cricket, which, could they not pro¬ 
cure another, they would not part with for five 
dollars! 
Two hundred different varieties of a fruit re- 
grown successfully In Georgia. 
On New Year’s day, new potatoes sold in San 
Francisco at ten cents a pound, $6 a bushel. 
During the past year not a single mile of rail¬ 
road was built In Georgia, Mississippi or Arkansas. 
Nineteen thousand sheep from one county In 
Texas, alone,are being grazed on the North Platte. 
From 1867 to 1817 the total tax paid on manu¬ 
factured chewing tobacco amounted to $213,216,- 
827.15. 
It cost the Government, $5,187 to run thejreven- 
ue office at, Frenchman’s Bay, >le., last year, and 
the receipts were $8.85. 
Sixty millions in IT, S. Government bonds have 
been returned from England and Germany with¬ 
in three months as the result of the silver agi¬ 
tation. 
They have “ mush socials” In Cleveland, and 
vast quantities of boiled mush, cold mush, fried 
mush, mush patties, mush omelet, mush pudding, 
&c., are disposed of. 
The large number of negroes who have rented 
land In Alabama and gone to farming for them¬ 
selves, has caused a great scarcity of hands 
among landowners who desire to farm their own 
land. 
The overseer of the poor at Geddes, N. Y., 
erected a building worth $400 lor tramps to lodge 
In tree of cost. On the third night they beat tbelr 
benefactor almost to death, and burned the 
house. 
The number of Mormons In Scandinavia Is stat¬ 
ed to be 2,24'.) In Denmark, 1,606 In Sweden, 892 In 
Norway, and 15 In Iceland. During the course of 
last, year, 583 persons emigrated from Scandina¬ 
via to Utah. 
Tho southern education convention, In session 
at Atlanta, Georgia, has adopted a resolution fa¬ 
voring the creation of a national education fund 
from the proceeds of the sales of wild lands, and 
will memorialize Congress. 
Indiana farmers say that cither the dogs must 
be killed off, or they will stop raising sheep. So 
much rnlscblei has been done to flocks of line 
sheep by worthless curs recently, that the raisers 
are completely discouraged. 
In opening a bed of marl at Tarboro,’ N. C., re¬ 
cently a stream was found about eight feet below 
the surface, in which was an Indian canoe con¬ 
taining the skeleton of a man, with the remnant 
of a paddle in the hand. 
An owl shot near Burlington, Vtt, had a steel 
trap and two feet of chain belonging to a Hins¬ 
dale, (N. H.) man, on Its leg. The trap was set five 
weeks before in the Hinsdale man’s henhouse, 
and was carried about 100 miles by Its oaptlve. 
The total Imports ot;barley from the Province of 
Ontario Into the Uulted States In 1S77 were 6,825,- 
082 bushels as against 7,521,382 bushels in 1876. 
The Imports at Oswego from Canada In 1377 were 
8,812,154 bushels, an increase over the previous 
year. 
A Sacramento woman accused her husbnnd of 
attempting to kill her, and he was sentenced to 
prison for two years. Then she begged to be sen¬ 
tenced for the same term, because she could not 
bear to be parted from him, and the Judge re¬ 
fusing, she went away and tried to hang herself, 
n 
