OCT 14 
704 
THE RURAL HEW-YORKER 
THE 
RURAL NEW'YORKER, 
A National Journal »or Country and Suburban Homes. 
Conducted by 
ILBIBT S. C IBHAH. 
Address 
THE RURAL NEW YORKER, 
No. S4 Park Row, New York. 
<-A i Li v, OuT. 14 . Ivta. 
The Rural Pouter for 1883 is thought by 
all who have seen it to be very showy and, 
well—taking. We should be delighted 
to send it with our new Premium List, 
which, of course, is decidedly more gen¬ 
erous in its offers than ever before, to all 
who will engage in the highly laudable 
enterpiise of soliciting subscriptions to 
the very best rural journal in America. 
We hope that our friends will heed this 
modest little notice. 
Friends hiving occasion to send us 
new plants to be tested will please direct 
the packages to the Rural Grounds, River 
Edge, Bergen Co., New Jersey. It will 
often save delays. 
IIofs. —Again we repeat “Hops is 
hops.” He is a lucky man this year who 
is a hop-grower. When the foreign hop 
crop was found to be short the English 
brewers and dealers at once cabled here 
to secure a large quantity, and it is 
said they were successful in buying about 
one-fourth of all on hand. The price 
jumped from 30 cents to 50 and 55 cents; 
last Wednesday it reachfd 85, and 
Thursday choice lots brought 90 cents per 
pound. A dollar per pound, it is thought, 
will soon be reached, and $1.50 per pound 
has been stated as a limit before next 
year’s crop comes in. Everyone will want 
to grow hops another season, but they 
should not be carried away by the pres¬ 
ent exceptionally high prices. 
A regularly organized gang of four 
swindlers have lately “victimized” farm¬ 
ers about Mormon, Ill,, out of over 
$4,000. The rnodvs operandi was as fol¬ 
lows: They would go to a prominent 
farmer, claiming to have a lot of farm an¬ 
vils to sell, and ask the farmer to haul 
them up from the depot to his place, at 
the same time handing him $5 or $0 to 
pay the freight, for which they took his 
receipt. This receipt, however, after¬ 
wards turntd up as u note for a good 
gum, often running tip into hundreds. It 
is satisfactory to learn that all of them 
have bren captured and just tiied and 
convicted of forgery at Morrison before 
Judge Bailey, who sentenced one of them 
to ten, one to eight, and the two others 
to five years each in the penitentiary at 
Joliet. Few of such swindlers are so 
properly rewarded, however, and the pun¬ 
ishment of those few does not reimburse 
their viclims, so once more we say, “Be 
Caieful What You S : gn.” 
- *-■»-» - 
“Tna Farmers Congress” met in 
the fore part of the week in St. Louis, 
30 members being present—rather a slim 
representation of the five or six million 
farmers in the country. President T. J. 
Hudson, of Lamar, Wisconsin, in his 
annual address insisted that agricultun 
should be represented in the PiesideLt’s 
Cabinet } and that agriculturists should 
have some one at Washington who-e 
special training and knowledge would 
enable him to point out the evil effects 
likely to be produced on agriculture by 
obnoxious State and Federal legislation, 
as well as the results of commercial 
treaties. A resolution was passed favor¬ 
ing the appointnu nt of a comraitttee to 
address the Tariff Commission in behalf 
of the producing classes, and letaiiing the 
“ruinous effects of the protective tariff 
on agricultural interests throughout the 
country.” Although we really cannot see 
that agriculture is ruined just now, still 
we heartily approve of aDy measure by 
which agricultural grievances can be ven¬ 
tilated with a view to their removal. 
Weeks ago we urged that the interests of 
agriculture should be freely discussed be¬ 
fore the Commission, but the more we see 
of the career of that body, the less im¬ 
portance do we attach to any action it 
may take or to any recommendation it 
may make to Congress. 
DESCRIBING WHEATS. 
We are glad to see that the Rural’s 
plan of describing wheats is being gen¬ 
erally followed, viz., that of giving the 
average length of head, the number of 
breasts or spikelets and the number of 
grains to a breast or spikelet. This tells 
the whole story in a few words. Of 
course, the number of grains to a spike- 
let varies with the soil and climate even 
in the. same varieties. Tb<? Clawson, for 
example, at the Rural Farm averages but 
a fiaction over two grains to a breast, 
while in some of the famed wheat lands 
of the West it will average three or 
more. The Silver Chaff at the Rural 
Farm averages nearly three. Wo have 
repeatedly examined beads of the Silver 
Chaff sent to us from Oregon, California, 
etc , that averaged four. But one is in¬ 
structed by stating the number all the 
same, since we are thus enabled to judge 
what a given wheat will produce in a 
given locality. Wheat breeding is now 
becoming very general and we may look 
for scores of new and imi roved kinds 
during the next five years where now we 
have one. In this we should constantly 
hear in mind that productiveness is a l.rst 
consideration, since we can scarcely hope 
to improve upon the quality of many of 
the older kiuds. To render wheats more 
productive we should strive to increase 
the size of the kernel, to increase the 
number of breasts to a bead; the number 
of kernels in the head—one or all. 
Parents should be selected accordingly. 
-♦-*-*- 
JERSEYS STILL “BOOMING” UPWARD. 
Last Thursday a grand auction sale of 
75 imported Jersey cattle took place in 
this city, and the prices obtained aver¬ 
aged higher than any ever before real¬ 
ized for so large a number of animals. 
The total sum realized was $46,085, an 
average of $632 per head. The highest 
price paid was $5,100 for the famous 
Coomassie bull Sir George, three years 
old. This is the highest price, ever paid 
for a Jersey in this or any other country, 
Col. H. 8. Russell, of Milton, Mass., be¬ 
ing the purchaser, Cicero, two years old, 
another bull of the Coomassie strain, at¬ 
tracted even more admiration, and could 
be have shown heifers of his get as old as 
Sir George’s, he would have brought even 
a higher price; as it was, he went for 
$3,100. The highest priced female was 
Mabel 2d, six years old, also of the Coo- 
masie blood; for her C *1. Russell paid 
$2,200, while W. H. Vanderbilt paid 
$1,700 for her two-year-old daughter, for 
whose five-weeks-old calf $025 were re¬ 
alized. Mabel 5th, seven months old, a 
sister to Mabel 2d, by Sir George, was se¬ 
cured by Cul. Russell for $1,350. From 
the figures given at this sale—the lowest 
of which was $225 —it is evident that the 
Jersey “boom” has not yet beguu to start 
on the downward grade. Lovers of 
“fancy” stock from Maine, New Hamp¬ 
shire, Vermont, Massachusetts. Connecti¬ 
cut, New Y’ork, New Jersey, Penusylva 
nia, Virginia and Kentucky competed 
for the high-priced “critters,” showing 
that the “boom” is not confined to any 
particular section. The purchasers, how¬ 
ever, are amply able to pay for their 
“whistles,” and their example is hardly 
likely to spread a mania for such expen¬ 
sive “whistles” among ordinary farmers. 
BREVITIES. 
We call attention to the notice or the Breed¬ 
ers’ Sale of Thoroughbred J*rseys to take 
place at the American Hnr«e Ex hange 50th 
Street and Broadway, N. Y. City on the 18 h. 
inst. The cattle a lvertised will be sold with¬ 
out reserve and guaranteed as represented. 
Heavy importations of Chicago dressed 
meat have inaugurated a “reign of terror” 
among the slaughter-house butchers of New 
York and Washington during the past 
week. Retail butchers, however, must realize 
the kindly feeluies of their English brethren 
with regard to American dressed meat—both 
pocket the difference in price between the 
imported and home killed meat. In both cases 
the midd'e men, and not the public, are the 
chief gainers by the enterprise. 
England just now baa a surplus of mules 
which will doubt leas be disposed of at low 
figures. During the late Egyptian war the 
British Government, in its feverish desire to 
obtain mules for the quartermaster's Depart¬ 
ment of the army in Egypt, ransacked every 
place where mules could be found. Turkey 
was threatened with heavy penalties for pro¬ 
hibiting the exportation of these animals 
from her Asiatic provinces; Spain was de- 
f rived of many of her darling mules, and 
taly was co’ soled for the loss of roanv_ of 
hers only by British gold. A cargo of Ken¬ 
tucky mules loft. this port for Alexandria a 
few weeks ago, and when the war suddenly 
closed mules from all quarters were on their 
way to the Land of t he Pharoahs. At once 
the ships carrying them were ordered to Eng 
land and it is now estimated that thereon the 
hands of the government at least 10,000 mules 
for which no immediate employment can 1)3 
found. It is suggested to uso them instead 
of cab horses, but the suggestion is not likely 
to be apptoved ivy the British “cabby.” 
W hen prices are lower on the or her side of the 
water than on this, we bring back American 
pork, cheese, and other products—why not 
bring back the amiable Kentucky mules, now 
likely ** to go for a song” in unappreciative 
England, to cultivate the cotton fields of the 
South and teach caution to all meddlers. 
(Continued from page 701.) 
Among the exhibit made by Hiram Sibley 
& Co., was the Belle City Feed and Ensilage 
Cutter, manufactured by David Lawton, 
Racine, Wis. TbiB cutter is in use upon the 
agricultural farm of Cornell University, and 
meets with the hearty approval of I. P. 
Roberts, Professor of Agriculture, as instanced 
by his article recently published in the Rural. 
I am also informed that it is in operation 
on ‘ nearly every agricultural college farm 
in this country. The superior points claimed 
by the manufacturers for this implement 
are its ease of operation, great capacity, sim¬ 
plicity and durability, and the small power 
needed to operate it. In case of accident its 
reverse motion which is operated by a lever, 
renders injury impossible to the machine or 
operator. The largely increased sales, and 
unsolicited testimonials which come to the 
manufacturers from every direction are posi¬ 
tive proofs of the meritorious points of this 
machine. As an ensilage cutter it has been 
proved an unparalleled success. 
J. F. JohuBon of the firm of Johnson & 
Field, of Racine, Wis., made a fine exhibit of 
their “Racine” farm and warehouse fanning 
mills. This was their first appearance at this 
State fair and their mills attracted a great 
deal of well merited attention. The “Racine” 
Mill has been but lately introduced in the 
East, and it already meeting witb a large sale. 
It is the leading mill in the West and South 
where they have a very large sale and a first- 
class reputation. They are made of all sizes 
from the regular farm fanning mill up to the 
largest double warehouse mill for elevator use- 
Each mill is capable of a very wide range of 
work and will clean and grade all kinds of 
grain, seeds, beans, peas, etc., perfectly and 
rapidly. The mills are made in the most sub¬ 
stantial manner and with all the latest im¬ 
provements. The firm have established a 
reputation throughout the West for putting 
out none but the best goods and so far have 
m«“t with the same success here. 
The E. M. Birdeall Co., Auburn, N. Y., 
showed traction and portable engines and gaw 
mills. A fine traction engine, weighing 8,000 
pounds, was in continuous operation, and was 
so easily managed that it attracted the atten¬ 
tion of all visitors, and every one was amazed 
to see how easily it could be controlled. The 
portable engines were also shown in operation, 
and desirveily received the favorable com¬ 
mendation of every judge of this class of im¬ 
plements. This company also had in success 
ful operation a new portable saw mill. It is 
so constructed that the log remains stationary, 
and the saw moves through the log, and is re¬ 
turned to its position by means of a continu¬ 
ous belt. The advantage claimed by the 
manufacturers for this new method of sawing 
is that tuis saw passes over the top of the log, 
and thus cuts more exactly with the grain of 
the timber, thus requiring less power. 
H. M, Robbins, of Newington, Ct., ex¬ 
hibited a cattle tie, which attracted the atten¬ 
tion of every one who visited the cattle de¬ 
partment. A fine Holstein bull was used to 
show its workings, and every one was satisfied 
that it possessed merits. Mr. Robbins receiv¬ 
ed first premium last year at the New Eng¬ 
land. New Jersey, Conn. R I., and Danbury 
Fairs, and, iu fact wherever exhibited he 
always carries off the awards. It is destined 
to become universally used among all cattle 
breeders and dairy men. 
Messrs 8hort & Smith, Syracuse, N. Y., 
had on exhibition in Carriage Hall a fine show 
of wagous and cutters, consisting of four top 
buggies of different styles, one light Tirnken- 
spring wagon, three spring wagons (two 
three-spring and one half platform), rind 
Portland and swell-box cutters. This exhi¬ 
bition showed excellent taste in manufacture 
and finish, and attracted much attention. 
This company were the recipients of the first 
prize on single Brewster buggy and Portland 
cutter—a compliment well deserved. 
Messrs. Deere & Co., of Moline, Ill., through 
their branch house at Rochester, N. Y., which 
is in charge of J. M. Adams, made a fine dis 
play of their Gilpin Bulky plows, Deere riding 
and walking cultivators, etc. Mr. Adams 
may well be proud of his first entry of this 
sulky plow at the New York State Fair, for 
he carried off the “ Certificate of highest 
merit,” and added further laurels to the many 
already won by Messrs. Deere & Co. in this 
country aud abroad. Mr. Adams is meeting 
with a fine trade in the Gilpin throughout 
New York State. 
The McCormick Harvesting Machine Co., 
of Chicago, through their General Agent, H. 
N. Johnston, of Broekport, N. Y., exhibited 
for the first time on these grounds their com¬ 
bined harvester and twine-binder, Daisy self¬ 
delivering reaper and new iron mower. 7 his 
company, after successfully covering all the 
West and all the grain-raising countries 
abioad with their machines, areuow prepared 
to establish agencies throughout this State. 
Mr. C H. McCormick, Jr., and G. ft. Butler, 
from headquarters, were on the grounds. This 
company has met with remarkable success, 
having sold the past season 48,000 machines. 
D. W. Seeley’s patent perpetual hay and 
cotton pres* was exhibited by D. W". Seeley, 
Albany, N. Y. it was shown in full opera- 
tioa. In addition to the baling of hay in the 
regular way, Mr. 8*ely ravle a very interest¬ 
ing exhibit as to the way In which his press 
would bale hay cut up Into half-inch lengths, 
corn cut up for ensilage, etc. The successful 
manner in which this cut feed and hay were 
baled raises the quastion whether this will not 
be a new way of preparing corn, etc., for the 
silo. The biles were packed very compactly, 
and can I>e made perfectly square if necessary. 
Mr. Seeley carried off for the third consecu¬ 
tive year the first premium by his hay press. 
His press is light, cheap and durable. Worked 
with one horse its economy and convenience is 
easily seen. G. B. B. 
-- 
NEW YORK STATE FAIR NOTES. 
IMMENSE SUCCESS!! 
The receipts for the week made the treasur¬ 
er happy. 
Hiram Sibley & Co‘s., large collection of 
bulbs was a novelty at this fair. 
Ellwanger & Barry's exhibit of 1 60 dif¬ 
ferent varieties of pears attracted well mer¬ 
ited attention. 
The Netherland Family, represented on the 
first page of our Fair E iition, were the promin¬ 
ent members of the Holstein herd that car¬ 
ried off the herd and all special premiums. 
Looks funny —Plows from Illinois and 
Indiana, self-binding harvesters from Illinois, 
Wisconsin and Minnesota, other machinery 
coming from the same quarters! The East 
used to invade the West; now the West in¬ 
vades the East. 
Messrs. Smiths & Powell's two year-old 
Clydesdale, stallion “ Staudard-bearer,” re¬ 
ceived first premium in his class and a special 
pi ize of $100 insweepitakes over all classes and 
ages. This firm also received first premium for 
ODe, two, three, and four year old Clydesdale 
mares. Their premiums on horses and cattle 
amounted to 16 first prizes and 7 second, and 
in amount of cash they excel all other ex¬ 
hibitors. 
Mr. James Haviland, one of the oldest 
members of the N. Y. State Ag. Implement 
Ass’n, who for 20 years past has faithfully 
and efficiently represented the ioterests of the 
Buckeye mowers and reapers at the meetings 
of the society, suddenly fell dead while en¬ 
gaged in putting tip a machine at St. Albans, 
Vt. On Friday a meeting was held in the 
tent of the Rural New-Yorker for the pur¬ 
pose of paying proper respect to his memory. 
The meeting was largely attended, in fact 
nearly every exhibitor on the grounds was 
represented. J. M Childs, of Utica, was made 
chairman, aud Geo. B. Briggs, of the Rural 
New Yorker, secretary. The chairman, af¬ 
ter some brief and well chosen remarks touch¬ 
ing the sudden and unexpected death of Mr. 
Haviland, appointed a committee who drafted 
appropriate resolutions. 
-- 
Suffolk County Fair. 
The thirtieth annual fair of the Suffolk 
County Agricultural S iclety was held on the 
society’s grounds at Riverbead, Long Island, 
N. Y., Oct. 3-5 th. The fair was a success: 
the weather being more favorable this year 
than last, consequently the a'tendauce was 
greater. Crowds of visitors were on band 
early Wednesday morning and continued to 
come until late in the afternoon. There being 
between seven and eight thou-and people on 
the grouuds, some difficulty was experienced 
in getting notes on the different exhibits, all 
being well filled. 
Cattle were shown to good advantage: A. 
Belmont Jr., had on exhibition a fine herd of 
Jerseys. The Alderney, Ayrshire, and 
Devon breeds were also well represented. The 
show of sheep was good, Hampshire Downs, 
South Downs, Lsicesters, Shropshire*, Cots- 
wolds anti Merinos comprising the exhibit. 
The poultry tent was well filled, Plymouth 
Rocks, Brown and White Leghorns,Black and 
Whit 9 Cochins, Light Brahmas, and Black 
Poland breeds were exhibited. Display if 
potatoes very good; varieties too numerous to 
mention Beauty of Hebron, White Elephant, 
and Burbank took first premiums. A splendid 
display of vegetables also. Horticultural 
Hall was well filled. There was a fine display 
of grapes, including fine specimens of 
Lady Washington, Wilder, and Concord. 
The show of apples and pears was very 
good; but there were only a few peaches, 
owing to the late season. There was u credit¬ 
able display of many cut tl rners, and also of 
flowers in pots. The exhibition of agricul¬ 
tural implernent-i was not as good as last year, 
but all kinds of labor-saving machines were 
shown. The Walter A. Wo.d harvester and 
binder was in operation on the grounds aud 
attracted large crowds; “fuklrs” with their 
many catch-penny schemes were on hand. 
Money was also wagered at the race-t.r«ck, 
but no intoxicating liquors were sold on the 
grounds, and a more orderly assemblage could 
not be found at uu agricultural fair. J. a. s. 
