450 
THE RURAL WEW-YORKER 
<l\)t (?)umst. 
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
(Every query must be aeeompauied by tbe name 
and address of tbe writer to Insure attention.] 
THE “WILD CHERRY” FOR GRAFTING. 
./, W. K., Denton, Md.—l n “Notes ou 
Back Numbers” by Dr. Hoskins, on page 73 
in relation to “black-knot,” he inquires “May 
it not be that in the older States the wild 
cherry, upon which the black-knot revels, is 
becoming a comparatively rare tree?” and in 
concluding the same note, he remarks: “By the 
way, the seedlings make excellent hardy 
stocks for budding the cultivated varieties 
on.” Now what 1 know as wild cherry has 
never to my knowledge been affected by 
black-knot (I mean the Cerasus serotinn), and 
therefore I would be gl \d to have the Doctor 
tell the readers of the Rural if he meaus the 
same tree or not, as the term or name 
“ wild cherry” is, I find, given to trees in 
some localities, very different from trees to 
which it is applied in others. If it has been 
practically ascertained that the seedlings of 
Cerasus serotina make good stocks for bud¬ 
ding tbe cultivated varieties ou, I would teel 
grateful to the Doctor if he would inform me, 
as 1 have planned several experiments in 
reference to the “ stocks” of wild cherry, and 
possibly may be on an “ old trail.” 
ANSWERED BY DR. T. H. HOSKINS. 
Iu reply to Mr K.’s inquiry as to the “ wild 
cherry” referred to by me iu “ Notes ou Back 
Numbers,” I confess that I ought to have given 
the botanical designation. The Black Cherry 
(of the sub-geuus Padus), grows wild,it is true, 
iu New England, yet is rarely if ever called 
•• wild cherry,” any more than is tbe choke 
cherry, of the same sub-geuus. Neither of 
these is nearly enough allied to the cultiv ated 
species of the European cherry to be availa¬ 
ble as stocks for graftiug or budding. But 
our most abundant variety, tbe “wild cherry” 
of popular designation, is a prunus of the sub- 
genus Cerasus, Prunus Pennsylvania, or 
Wild Red Cherry. This is the species so 
badly affected by the black-knot, and also 
the one upon which the cultivated sorts can 
be successfully worked. The Kuropeau cul¬ 
tivated cherries are of two species, P. avium 
and P. Cerasus, and possibly it may prove 
that only the descendants of the latter can be 
worked upon P. Pennsylvania. P. avium is 
naturally much the larger tree, aud perhaps 
most nearly allied to P. serotina. P. Cerasus 
or vulgaris (Cerasus vulgaris) is a smaller 
tree, like our P. Pennsylvania, aud is reck¬ 
oned by some writers as only naturalized in 
Europe, being an Asiatic species. 
SEEDING FOR A “BRUSH” OR “WOODS” PAS¬ 
TURE. 
Canadian, Collingswood, Out.—I have GO 
acres of bush laud more or less uneven aud 
bioken with rock. I intend to seed this down 
to permanent pasture, but before doing so 
would like to know how it is likely to turn 
out. 
Ans. —If by “brush pasture’-Canadian means, 
as we suppose, what Americans call “woods’ 
pasture,” that is, opeu forest land without 
underbrush, and the trees not very close to¬ 
gether, tbe best grasses to sow in it are Ken¬ 
tucky June Crass I PoaprateDsis) and Orchard 
Crass (Dactylis glomerata) If seeds of these 
varieties are sown late in the Fall iu such pas¬ 
tures they will grow finely, even among the 
fallen leaves, in the Spring, except, perhaps, 
in hollows, and in the lee of fences and rocks 
where tbe leaves gather too deeply. As re¬ 
gards the value of such pasture, if the land is 
good and the trees not too crowded.it will be 
found very valuable for cattle, horses, or 
sheep. The growth will not bequfte so heavy > 
perhaps, as ou open land, but it will be ,ess 
likely to die out, as it is protected from the 
tfljn ii] Bummer by the trees, and from the 
cold in Winter by the snow, which does not 
blow off there. If the land is moist and rather 
springy, so much the better. Two seasons 
would be enough to let it lie after the seeding, 
but care should always be taken not to over¬ 
stock it. If there is a tendency to the repro¬ 
duction of undergrowth, sheep enough should 
be put in to keep down all sprouts. Use 
grass seeds in about equal proportions, and 
seed liberally, say 30 pounds of Orchard Crass 
and 20 pounds of Blue Grass. The latter va¬ 
riety ts what is known in the Northern States 
and Canada as June Grass. Five or six 
pounds of White Clover seed might be added 
with advantage. 
BOG SPAVIN IN A COLT AND “SCOURS” IN A 
HORSE. 
W. H., Belmont, Wis.— 1. What should be 
the treatment of a bog spavin in a colt? 2. 
Wbat is a lemedy for scours in a horse? 
Ans.— 1. For a bog spavin complete rest 
should be given, with a high-heeled shoe. 
Apply cold water or brandy and salt. If i 
there is much inflammation reduce it by • 
fomentations of w ater, and if there is pain, i 
let the fomentations be an infusion of hops. i 
In later stages use tincture of arnica diluted 
with water. 2. There are several causes for 
scours or diarrhea iu a horse, such as indiges¬ 
tible aud irritating food, too much water, 
purgative medicine, disorders of the liver, 
cold, over-exertion, and a natural tendency to < 
the complaint. Diarrhea is also one of the 
symptoms of several other diseases. As a 
preventive avoid any of tbe above causes to 
whichyour judgment, knowing all the circum¬ 
stances, may lead you to attribute the maladj. 
A safe remedy in most, if not all cases, is rice 
boiled until quite soft, and mixed with warm 
water until of the consistency of a thin liquid. 
If not taken voluntarily it should be given 
as a drench. For severe cases an ounce or 
two of laudanum may be added to a quart of 
milk, aud given every time the bowels act 
violently; or, instead, a thin gruel may be 
made with wheat meal, and the laudanum be 
mixed with it. 
QUACK GRASS. 
F. L. JCarlisle, Ark .—What is Quack 
Grass? Will it do well as far south as South¬ 
ern Arkansas? Where can seed be obtained? 
Ans —Quack Grass is really n wheat, each 
culm bearing only a single spike. It is known 
by a great many names, such a&Couch, Quitch. 
Quick, Twitch, Chandler,Dog, Witch. Quake, 
Squitch, Wheat Grass and Creeping Wheat. 
Its botanical name is Tritieuui repeus. It 
has an erect, round, smooth stem, from one 
to two-and-a-half feet high, according to the 
richness of the soil, striated, five or six flat 
leaves; smooth joints, leaves dark green, 
rougliisli, the upper ones broader thau the 
lower ones. Flowers here in June. This 
grass is generally regarded as u troublesome 
pest by farmers, as its long, creeping roots 
traveling iu all directions, take entire posses¬ 
sion of the soil. When green, however, it is 
greatly relished by cattle, and it cut iu the 
blossom it makes good hay. It is an importa¬ 
tion from Europe, and as it has thriven wher¬ 
ever introduced, it would probably do well 
in Southern Arkausas. Owing to the bad 
reputation it has among farmers, dealers do 
not keep the seed for sale. 
SOWS AND PIGS. 
J. P. Cl., Virgil, Kan.— I. A sow that was 
removed from her pigs became lame as if she 
had rheumatism all over her, though well fed 
and warmly housed: why? 2. Another sow 
uow with pig, eats ducks, chickens, feathers; 
why? 
Ans. —1. The sow was taken from the pigs 
too suddenly, and the result was to produce 
inflammatory action upon the nerves aud 
blood, the effects of which are similar to those 
of rheumatism. Probably there was a slight 
attack of meningitis, which is indicated by 
the lameness aud stiffness. Any suddeu 
change in the condition of any animal in any 
respect whatever is to be avoided as produc¬ 
tive of changes in the vital functions, which 
may produce disease. A dose of some simple 
laxative medicine or a change iu the f..od 
should always accompany anv such change. 
It is well to wean pigs gradually, so as to leave 
them with the sow for an hour in the day for 
a week or so, until the milk secretion is re¬ 
duced. 2. A pig that, eats chickens has a dis¬ 
eased appetite, aud should have half a piut ol 
linseed oil or sweet oil repeated two or three 
times. 
EARLY CORN. 
It. w. M., White Sulphur Springs, W. Vo. 
—1. Would the Learning or the Early Compton 
Corn oe likely to mature here for a main crop 
—climate like that of Western New York, 
with more moderate Winters ? Owing to our 
high altitude we are troubled with late and 
early frosts, so that we must have an early 
variety. Which variety has the shortest 
period for maturity ? 2. How far apart must, 
different varieties be placed to prevent “ mix¬ 
ing?” 
Ans.— 1. We should not fear either for your 
climate, though the Compton would mature 
earlier. The yellow dent called Queen of the 
Prairie is very early. We tested it live years 
ago. Pride ot the North is much the same. 
We hope you will try the Rural Union. 2. If 
they do not ripen the tassels and pistils at the 
i same time they will not mix if pirated to¬ 
gether. If they do, much will depend upon 
! the weather when the pollen is ripe. This 
may be carried for miles by the wind or in- 
. sects. It is not safe to plant different kinds 
. of corn less than half a mile apart. 
I HEN MANURE. 
C. H., Wrentham, Mass.—What should be 
l mixed with hen manure before application, 
aud for what crop isit best? 
} Ans.— Pulverize the manure before apply¬ 
ing it, and mix with it three or four times its 
bulk of dry mold, or, better still, dry muck. 
t It will thou be applied more easily, aud theie 
will be less risk of “ burning” the seed. If it 
is dry, some dry wood ashes may be bene¬ 
ficially mixed with it a short time before it 
is used. If the manure or ashes are wet, the 
alkali in tbe latter will set free the nitrogen 
in the former, if the two are together any 
length of time. Generally, however, it would 
be better to apply the manure and ashes sepa¬ 
rately, sowing the latter broadcast. If hen 
manure is in contact with the seed, there is 
always danger that the latter will be injured, 
though this risk is small where the manure 
has been well diluted with mold, dry muck or 
coal ashes. Hen manure gives good results 
on any crop, but corn is a favorite crop on 
which to employ it. 
“EVERGREEN MILLET ” 
J.N. V., Lowell, and W. A. S., Centralia, 
Kans., both inquire about the merits of Ever¬ 
green Millet, which appeal’s to be widely ad¬ 
vertised thereabouts by circulars and in pa¬ 
pers. 
Ans. —We have tried this so-called Ever¬ 
green Millet and think very little of it. It is a 
sort of sorghum with uarrow leaves and aerial 
roots as we often see in the corn plant. It is 
closely allied to Burgh tun halapense. if not in¬ 
deed the very same thing. It is known in 
the South variously as Johnson Grass, 
Cuba Grass, Guinea Grass, Means Grass, 
etc. The root-stocks penetrate the ground 
in every direction, and we know of cases 
where they have taken complete pos¬ 
session of gardens in the vicinity of Aiken, S. 
C. They are much liked by hogs. It will bear 
being cut several times in warm climates. It 
is partially hardy as tar north as New York 
and Chicago. It must be cut while young, as 
animals refuse to eat it, if left until mature. 
PLUM TREE TROUBLE. 
W. F. B., Ann Arbor, Mich .—What is the 
matter with the plum trees ? The leaves blight 
in mid-summer and drop, leaving tae tree as 
nude as in Winter. This eoutiuues two or 
three years and the tree dies. This trouble is 
destroying all the plum orchards iu Michigan, 
and uo cause or cure is known. 
ANSWERED BY T. T. LYON. 
Prior to 1343 or 1850 the plum was not thus 
affected in Michigau, and this is still true of 
the northern aud uewer portions of the Stale. 
The cause has so far eluded discovery. The 
“ red spider ” has been by some supposed to be 
the cause, since the defoliation occurs in dry, 
warm weather, while others imagine it to be 
caused by a microscopic fuugus. Some varie¬ 
ties such as Bradshaw aud Lombard, are less 
subject to this disease, as is the case with ail 
the Chickasaw varieties. Liberal aud thorough 
cultivation is, by many, believed to be at 
least a partial remedy. 
INFLAMMATION OK THE EYE IN A HORSE. 
H. 7’., Mansfield, Minn. — A little blue speck 
appeared on one of the eyes of my horse, and 
gradually spread all over it. becoming red and 
bloody. What is the right treatment ? 
Ass.—This is inflammation of the body of 
the eye, the blue speck being a deposit of pus 
produced by the inflammation between the 
coats of the cornea. The remedy is to reduce 
the inflammation and cause an absorptive 
action. This may be done by applying a solu¬ 
tion of four grains of chloride of zinc iu oue 
ounce ot fresh rain water, injecting a small 
quantity In the eye, and tilting a cloth steep¬ 
ed in it, so as to hang over the eye all the 
time. The animal should lie kept in a darken¬ 
ed stable until the eye is well. A dose of lin¬ 
seed oil (one pint) aud some bran mash will be 
beneficial. 
MAPLE SUGAR MAKING, ETC. 
G. A. B., Groton City, N. Y.—l. Some evil- 
disposed person broke the tops off of some of 
my two-year-old apple trees, just below the 
branches. Immediately I put some grafting 
wax on the stubs: was that the right treat¬ 
ment? 2. How should maple sap be reduced 
to sugar? 
Ans —1. You did the best thing that could 
be done. They will all push buds uext Spring. 
2. The sap should be boiled down to a sirup 
that will "pout” like hasty pudding uud 
“hairs” from the end of a spoon. It may then 
be stirred dry into grained sugar, nearly 
white, or stirred a little and run into cakes. Iu 
boiling it ts necessary that great cleanliness 
be observed. 
son Bros., of Easton, Pa , are, we believe, reli¬ 
able men. They manufacture a cheap bone 
mill which will, without doubt, meet i.he wants 
of the inquirer. 
GREEN MANURING WITH CLOVER. 
C. S. C., Sweetsburg. —How should clover 
be utilized for green manuring? 
Ans.— The clover may be sown upon Fall 
grain in the usual manner as soon as the soil 
is sufficiently dry, and the sooner the better; 
or it may besowu in July or early iu August 
alone. It is grown and managed in the usual 
way, and the second year it may be cut for 
bay, the second growth left to grow up to be 
plowed in. If the seed is sown in July or 
August it will be ready for plowing under the 
next Fall; if it is sown in grain in tbe Spring 
it may be cut for hay in June the next year, 
aud the second growth plowed in September 
or left until the next Spring and plowed in for 
corn. 
THE THOMAS SMOOTHING HARROW'. 
A. C. no address.— Is the Thomas smooth¬ 
ing harrow a good implement? How should 
it be used ? 
Ans.— The Thomas smoothing harrow is an 
exceedingly usefu. implement. It can be used 
for harrowing Spring gvain, as soon as the 
ground is dry in the early Spring, as well as 
for corn and potatoes. As soon as these crops 
are planted, the harrow Ls run over the sur¬ 
face, which is pulverized and mellowed. It 
may be used again after the coru or potatoes 
are firmly rooted aud the plants are from three 
to six inches high. It is also useful for har¬ 
rowing in grass seed, aud for^covering grain 
or for spreading manure, or for harrowing- 
sod. 
Miscellaneous. 
W. C. It.. Bridgewater, Vt. —1. Do Welcome 
Oats prove as recommended for a field crop? 
2. Which are the better, the Welcome or White 
Mountain Oats? 3. ls Mensury Barley 
worthy of a trial in this section, and where 
can it be got? 4. Are Jobusou and Btokes. of 
Philadelphia, a good seed house? 
Ans —1. The reports which we have read 
give to Welcome Oats the heaviest yields we 
have ever heard of. Our own test last Bum¬ 
mer was iu a small way, aud further than 
has been stated iu Notes from tbe Rural 
Grounds, we have nothing to say. Very 
heavy premiums are offered for tbe best 
yields next season, anil we should advise a 
trial of them certainly. 2. We know nothing 
of White Monarch Oats. 3. It is an excellent 
kind, andis lor sale for isl a bushel by Howard 
Tryon, Flemming, N. Y. 4. They enjoy that 
reputation. 
Mill Bridge, S'. C — Where can I get eggs 
fora setting of the Brown Leghorn. Light 
Brahma. Golden-Bpangled Hamburg. Black 
Spanish fowls, aud also of Bronze Turkey. 
Ans — We know of no firms dealing in the 
above nearer to you thau W. Atlee Burpee & 
Co , and Benson, Maule & Co., of Philadel¬ 
phia, Pa. 
II. II. F., West Cheshire, Conn. —Is a po¬ 
tato obtained from a seed-ball more likely to 
perpetuate itself than oue obtained by cross¬ 
ing. 
Axs.—Yes, the seed from the seed-ball of a 
potato or the seed from any other fruit is 
more likely to perpetuate itself if not crossed. 
J. E. C., Humboldt, Tenn. —Where can I 
address a practical carver of wood-cuts of 
stock, fruit, grain, etc.? Who keeps cuts of 
stock, fow’ls, etc., to sell? 
ANS.—A. Blanc, Philadelphia, Pa., has cuts 
for sale, and can refer you to a practical 
carver. 
P. I). G.. Loveland, Cal., asks about feed¬ 
ing grain to pigs aud the management of 
young pigs. 
Ans.— See article by Col. F. D. Curtis under 
“Swineherd." 
D. D. M., Xenia, O .—Is the improved 
1 Learning Corn what it is represented to be? 
Ans.—I t is a good variety. 
VALUE OF BONES FOR FERTILIZING PURPOSES. 
E. K , Maitland, Ont.—l. What are whole 
bou6a worth per 100 pounds for grinding up 
as manure? 2. Who makes a mill for grinding 
bones, the motive power being a sixteen-foot 
geared windmill ? 
Ans.— 1. Old bunes are worth much less 
than fresh ones. Iu bleaching the phosphoric 
acid becomes less soluble, aud they lose much 
of their nitrogen-forming substances. Wlicu 
finely ground and not adulterated, bone meal 
is considered worth, on an average, about 840 
per ton We can hardly conceive of their 
being so badly bleached that they would not 
be worth, w hen ground, 825 per ton. 2. Wil- 
COMMUNICATIONR RECEIVED KOR TIIE WEEK ENDING 
Saturday, March l. 
V. T. O.-F. C. W.-S. H. C.-J. W. J.- W M. D.-G. 
C. K., thanks.—W. T.-J. W. H.-E. W. D.-L. S. E.- 
A. S. H.—E. J. 8.—T. II. H —W. W. S. D. F. A. B. A.- 
D F yes.—F. D. W. H.—W. H. A., we tiuve no Blush 
Potatoes,—G. L. N.-O, W. T.-S. L. B.-G. W. P. A. 
B. A.-H. It. F.—H. It. S., prizes X and VII!’ It Is 
now too late to compete for prizes. -J. w.-v, w s.- 
H. W. B.—W. H. M.-O. E. D.-T. T. L.-M. G.-C. A. 
B.- L. W. U.-W. H. P. C. A. U.-J. A. G.-J. C.—G. E. 
\V.—W. G.—B. F. J.—“Gray Beard."—A. B. E.—F. J. 
M. B. B.—F. I)., thanks.—W. M.—W. II. B.—J. P. S.— 
D. B. 11.—U. B. XV., Winter.-A. M. M.—R. C R.-J- S. 
T. B.-J. It- L.—M M. -T. B.-G. S„ for prize.-T. B 
—J. B.-E. E. H J. B. N.—O. B. l>.—A. B D.—N. and 
B. K. G. McC.-W. B. n.-T. T L. .1. H. F.-D. T. O. 
—A. U S.-G. H, S. K. O S.-L. C. L.-J C. B. A. C. 
M.-W. 11. S., et ol, Mi usury Barley may be procured 
of Howurd Tryon, FleiumltiK, N Y.-U. U.-M. MoC.- 
E B.-G. O.- J. E. Z.-0. P. U.-E. S. M.-W. S.-N B. 
_\V. B D.-E. Y.-I. M. E. J.—A. R. M. S.-D. S.-L. 
E H. — K. W. S.-M. E. S.-F. S. G. A. M. M. F. H. 
M. C.-C. It. G.- H. N. G.-C. C.-L. K.-S, M.-W. J- * 
-H. W. B.-L. B.-J. Q.-C. B.-P. K.-C. A. B. 
