esting or useful to at least a few of the Ru 
ral readers. 
Oue who regularly reads auy paper pub¬ 
lished within the ‘-Belt,” will soon become fa¬ 
miliar with the whole process of growing, 
curing and marketing the weed (ou paper), and 
will consider himself fully prepared to trium¬ 
phantly ride—ou a load of tobacco—to mar¬ 
ket and a small fortune. These instructions 
on paper are delusive (though correct), as 
hardly two barns require exactly the same 
treatment in curing. One comes out as near¬ 
ly perfect as it well can be; while another, 
treated in the same way, is utterly ruined. In 
the cultivation of other crops—corn, forex- 
ample—the novice can follow the operations 
of his neighbors with a reasonable chance of 
being paid for his labor, or a mistake made 
may be partially remedied by after cultiva¬ 
tion. Not so in producing bright tobacco. 
There are many apparently small matters 
which, if neglected or performed at the wrong 
time, cause a complete failure. The experi¬ 
ences of others are valuable in so far as the 
beginner learns the “why” and “wherefore;” 
but only pcrsoual experience, good judgment 
aud the closest attention will be successful, 
and that only after more or less of failure. 
The writer proposes merely briefly to give the 
practice of some of our successful growers. 
Auy time between Jauuary 1 and March 1 
the location for the “planfe-bed” having been 
selected—usually on a mucky bottom near a 
“ branch”—a supply of wood, previously pre¬ 
pared, is piled over the surface high enough to 
make a brisk fire, which is kept burning 
about half a day. All remaining brands ure 
then raked off, the roots a inf' stumps are 
grubbed out, a little manure is spread broad¬ 
cast, the soil loosened up two or three iuches, 
raked fine aud smooth and it is ready for the 
seed. After sowiug, the soil is thoroughly 
firmed aud the bed is covered with brush. No 
more attention is given—except to see that no 
water stands on the lied—until the young 
plants begin to show, about April 1, when 
their first, but not only enemy, the (lea, puts 
m au appearance too, destroying the plants in 
a short tame, unless prevented, which is now 
easily and cheaply done by spreading a sheet 
of thiu cotton cloth, costing 531.. cents per 
yard, over the bed. Weeding, watering if 
dry weather occurs, and a dusting with some 
commercial fertilizer, once or twice, eonsti- 
but I never heard of its giving 50 bushels for 
one; I have only raised 48; so I think it is 
money in my pocket to take the Rural. 
Milford, N. H. p. c. 
the roots, and will cut all kinds of vegetables, 
from pumpkins to small potatoes. It weighs 
less than 50 pounds, and takes up but little 
room. Some of the best testimonials are 
given by those who have used it. 
Eureka Salt. —Pamphlet from the Eureka 
SaltM’f’gCo., Mercantile Exchange Building, 
New York. The finest dairy goods in the 
world advertise this salt so well that there is 
little left for us to say about it. Those who 
send for this pamphlet will be well repaid. It 
contains an article by T. D. Curtis on “How 
to make the best Butter,” one of the best dairy 
tracts ever sent out, which is sent with the 
pamphlet. Send to the above address, Box 
3241 New York. 
R. H. Allen Co , 189 Water St., New 
York.—An illustrated catalogue (96 pages) of 
farm, garden and flower seeds aud agricul¬ 
tural implements. A new variety of oats 
called “Wide Awake” is offered, which is said 
to yield heavily while the straw grows tall 
and strong. As usual, we shall plant small 
plots to all the new oats of the season. The 
catalogue will be forwarded to all Rural ap¬ 
plicants. 
S. Y. Haines & Co., 64 and 06 North 
Front St., Philadelphia, Pa.—An illustrated 
catalogue of field and flower seeds. Among 
the novelties is a new variety of white dent 
corn called “Hickory King,” for which the 
claim is made that it has the smallest cob and 
lai'gest grain of any dent corn known, and 
that it will yield more than other kinds on 
poor soil. 
Peter Henderson & Co., 35 and 37 Cort¬ 
land street, N. Y —This is oue of the finest 
and handsomest seed catalogues in the coun¬ 
try. There are 150 pages, several colored 
plates and the novelties and specialties are 
such that we shall take occasion to refer to 
them again. All of our readers should send 
for one. The price is 10 cents. 
W. Atlee Burpee & Co., Philadelphia, Pa. 
—An illustrated circular of uovelties. viz: 
Champion Market Melon, Silver-ball Lettuce, 
Golden Heart Lettuce, Ruby King Pepper, 
Short-stem Drumhead Cabbage, Nichol’s Cu¬ 
cumber. Tomhaunock Lettuce and Turner’s 
Hybrid Tomato. Free. 
William Henry Maule, 1,711 Filbert 
street, Philadelphia, Pa This is crammed 
with illustrations, both colored and plain, and 
about every novelty of the pest several years 
is conspicuously presented. It is full of start¬ 
ling announcements, aud one must examine it 
with a steady nerve and cool head not to get 
altogether bewildered. It is a catalogue of 
seeds of all kinds aud free to all applicants. 
Z. De. Forest Ely & Co., 1122 Market St.. 
Philadelphia, Pa.—A Garden Almanac and 
Seed Manual of 95 pages illustrated. The Red 
China Squash. Prince of Wales Pea and 
Eclipse Beet arc among the seeds of recent 
introduction. 
Hiram Sibley & Co., Rochester, N. Y.— 
A neat, well-arranged catalogue of 100 pages 
of seeds of all kinds. In applying for seeds¬ 
men’s catalogues for 1887 this should not be 
omitted. 
CATALOGUES, ETC., RECEIVED. 
Jas. M. Thorburn & Co., 15 John St., New 
York.—There is no catalogue issued that 
gives us more pleasure to examiue and to com¬ 
mend to our readers than this. While the 
lists of ordinary vegetable, flower and farm 
seeds are very full, there are other lists uot to 
be found in any other catalogue, such, for 
example, as seeds of evergreen and deciduous 
trees aud shrubs, native grape seeds, palm 
seeds, miscellaneous seeds, etc. Among novel¬ 
ties, the Triumph Water-melon, which we 
have seen, is described as of Russian origin 
with seeds so small that a No. 6 thimble will 
hold 55. It is very early and productive. 
The Alaska Pea, introduced by the R. N.-Y., 
Kaffir Com (a sorghum). Rural Branching 
Sorghum, seeds of a new pure white aster, a 
new clematis, etc., are among the many kinds 
offered which may please those who care to 
experiment with the new or rare. The en¬ 
tire collection, it is claimed, is the “ largest in 
the world.” We presume the catalogue will 
be mailed to all Rural readers who apply. 
Waterproof Fiber or Plant-Bed Mus¬ 
lin— Circular from the Waterproofing Fiber 
Co., 56 South St., New York.—This material 
is designed to take the place of glass in hot¬ 
beds, cold-frames and other germinating ap¬ 
pliances. It costs about one-tenth as much as 
glass, is lighter aud easier to handle, will uot 
break as glass will, permits a proper ventila¬ 
tion to the plants, aud by its peculiar odor 
renders the premises very distasteful to insects. 
It is stronger, heavier aud tougher tbau ordin¬ 
ary muslin or muslin prepared by the home 
treatment of linseed oil. Three grades are 
made, varying in thickness and from three 
cents to time cents per yard. It has received 
the highest testimonial from Peter Henderson 
and other horticultural authorities. As a pro¬ 
tection for the tobacco plant at the South, it 
is said to be the best preparation in use. 
Gardeners are requested to examine this ma¬ 
terial. We believe they will be pleased with 
it. The firm also makes waterproof cloth of 
various weights, wagon covers, hay caps. etc. 
Cornish Organs and Pianos.— This is a 
beautiful new illustrated catalogue of these 
celebrated organs aud pianos, the demaud for 
which is, by the way, so great as to necessitate 
the running of their factories both day and 
night. The Cornish. Co. is a very successful 
and reliable institution, and we have noticed 
that their organs and pianos give great satis¬ 
faction. One commendable thing about the 
company is the fact that they sell direct to 
their customers, thus avoiding the salaries 
commissions, etc., of middlemen aud agents. 
Send at once to Messrs Cornish & Co., Wash¬ 
ington, N. J,, for one of these beautiful cata 
logues which will be gladly sent free to any 
address. 
Mishawaka Sulky Plow.— Pamphlet from 
the St. Joseph Manufacturing Co., Mishawaka, 
Ind. We have often spoken of the advantages 
to be derived from the use of sulky plows. 
The “Mishawaka” is claimed by main who 
have used it, to be the best iu use. The light¬ 
est draft, best wheel, best lifting attachment, 
best hub box, best patented clevis, and best 
sliding axle are among the points of superior¬ 
ity claimed. Auy boy that can govern a team 
can manage the plow. It has an arrangement 
by which u steel or chilled plow can be at 
tached at will. Besides the sulk} - plows, this 
firm manufactures steel Scotchman plows, 
feed mills, shovel plows, etc. 
Ant. Roozkn & Sox, Uvcrveen, Holland. 
Sole ageut for the United States and Canada. 
J. Ter. Kuile, 31 Broadway, New York.—A 
catalogue of gladioli, dahlias, irises, eannas, 
begonias, gloxinias, lilies, etc. All who huve 
such bulbs or plants to order should examine 
this catalogue which will be sent to all of our 
readers who apply. From several years' deal- 
iugs with this firm, we know it to be entirely 
responsible; while the goods are offered at 
reasonable prices. A special offer is that of 
200 bulbs, assorted, at $3.73. 
The Storks & Harrison Co., Paiuesville, 
Ohio.—This is one of those carefully arranged, 
printed aud illustrated eatalogues that all 
people who sow seeds or have plants of any 
kind to purchase should examine. It is really 
three catalogues in one, viz: vegetable, farm 
aud flower seeds; greenhouse and bedding, 
hardy ornamental trees and shrubs, and fruit 
trees of all kiuds—to which is appended a long 
list of uovelties. The entire catalogue com¬ 
prises 145 pages aud it is, all iu all, one of the 
best Issued in this Country. 
Bullock’s Root Cutter.— Circular from 
W. T. Falconer, Jamestown, N. Y.—With this 
cutter a man or boy can cut a bushel of tur¬ 
nips per minute. It cuts roots iu slices half 
au inch thick aud then slits them the other 
way. It also separates most of the dirt from 
RICH SILKS, VELVETS, 
FUES, HOSIERY, GLOVES 
UPHOLSTERY GOODS, 
Housekeeping Goods, Etc 
All Grades of Goods Manufactured. 
Prompt Attention Given to Mail and 
Express Orders. 
IAMPLZS SENT ON APPLICATION, 
Beautiful $275 ORGAN X $90.00. 
Stool ana Bn,i!c Free. Other beautiful styles from 
S50 to 75. Circulars free on application. 
Special 30 Day offer now ready. 
The oldest organ manufacturer in Washington, 
S. J. 20 yearn ma nit fact u ri n y organs. 
This organ will be sent on 13 days' test trial. 
29,000 .of these organs now in use. They are 
beautiful, they are sweet, they are lasting. 
Address tire manufacturer, 
H. W. A-lsuis, Washington, N. J. 
CORRESPONDENTS’ VIEWS 
Better Late Than Never. —For years I 
never tookau agricultural paper. I belonged 
to the large class of farmers who believe every¬ 
thing they see in a newspaper, but nothing 
they see iu a farmers' paper. Now, I must 
say that I don’t know how T could get along 
without au agricultural journal. The more I 
read it. the mor*? of a friend it seems, and the 
wider my circle of acquaintance extends. 
Here 1 can sit in my house aud see how others 
are farming all over the country. 1 get ac¬ 
quainted with new people, new methods and 
now ideas; it makes me tbiuk and I find life 
going on n little better than before, w. a. r. 
Wilawana, Pa. 
Another Farmers’ Club.—I was glad to 
read about the Cayuga Farmers’ Club iu the 
Rural of Dec, 18, We have just organized a 
club uuder the name of the Rome and Floyd 
Farmers’ Club. In the two meetings we have 
helil, much mterest has been developed and 
we have good hopes for the future. We thought 
it best to be governed by a constitution and 
by-laws, but made them as brief as possible. 
Besides our regular officers, we have 10 direct¬ 
ors— five of them ladies. We hold a meeting 
ouee in four weeks. We would like to hear 
from other clubs as to questions to be dis¬ 
cussed, and methods of keeping up interest. 
Oneida Co., N. Y. si. c, wiggins. 
[R. N.-Y.—Let us hear from other clubs. 
We all want to know what to talk about, 
what to think about and what to do to keep 
up interest.] 
Empire State Potato.—I consider myself 
well able to subscribe this year. From what 
the Rural said about the Empire State Po¬ 
tato, I determined to try it. 1 bought a bushel 
from Gregory, which cost me, delivered, $3.50. 
I planted them in rather moist soil, among 
boulders. I used 175 pounds of Bradley’s 
superphosphate with uo manure. I harvested 
61 bushels from the one bushel planted. There 
were only three bushels of small ones, I might 
have kept them aud sold them for seed at 
double the market price, but when I get a 
good thing I want others to enjoy it. I lot 
them goat 60 cents; while Early Rose aud Bur- 
bauk sold at. 50 cents. 1 could have sold 500 
bushels if I had had them. Burbank’s Seed¬ 
ing is called the best to yield around -here 
F- e McAllister, 
SEED AND BULB MFRCHANT, 
22 Dey Street, New York. 
OCR MARKET GARDENER'S* SEED 
LISTS FOR 1SS7, 
ENGLISH AND GERMAN, 
is now ready, and same will be sent free upon ap 
plication. 
gttukfUancou.s j3uJvertk$tttg 
KANSAS S E E n HO USE 
F. BARTELDFS & CO., 
LAWRENCE, KANSAS. 
SEED GROWERS. IMPORTERS AND DEALERS 
IV>v Srtds a specialty. Catalogue mailed free on ap¬ 
plication. 
There is no question but that 
Maule’s Garden Seeds are unsur¬ 
passed. Their present popularity 
in almost every county in the 
United States shows it. When 
once sown, others are not wanted 
at any price. One quarter of a 
million copies of my new Catalogue 
for 18S7 have been already mailed. 
Every one pronounces it the most orig¬ 
inal and readable Seed Catalogue ever 
published. It contains among other 
things cash prizes for premium 
vegetables, etc., to the amount of 
$1300, and also beautiful illustra¬ 
tions of over -500 vegetables and 
Mowers, (-0 being in colors). These 
are only two of many striking fea¬ 
tures. You should not think of 
purchasing any seeds this Spring 
before sending for it. It is mailed 
free to all enclosing stamp for re¬ 
turn postage. Address 
WM. HENRY MAULE, 
1711 Filbert St PHILADELPHIA, PA. 
ibley’s Tested Seed 
Catalogue free on application. 
Send for it 
HIRAM SIBLEY A CO.. 
Rochester, n. Y. & Chicago. Iu.. 
Ulster. Po'ki'epsle, and Duchess GRAPES: Mtnne- 
wasfel BLACKBERRY; I.ucretla DEWBERRY; Mare 
bom RASPBERRY; and Comet PEAR. Send for de 
scriptive circular to A. .1. CA YAVOOD & SON, 
MARLBORO. X. Y. 
^ T arge Garden Guide 
. Free to a:i. Von should 
f have it. Best varieties, 
all tested, *t low prices. 
Seedsmen. F’ellu, la. 
OLE At 11KO 
M in fl n 1 n To reduce our stock of tousle we 
II i \n IR w Lll send by malL po6t paid, 60 
1U WUIU pieces full sheet music size. Includ¬ 
ing songs, marches, waltzes, quadrilles ;wltb eallsl, 
Ac- by Mendelsohn. Beethoven. Mozart. &c., for ‘JOc. 
Monev refunded if not satisfactory . 
WHITE WINGS Music' all K " 
lO cts. 
Y. HATHWAY. o89 Wasulnoton St . BossToy, Mass. 
FARMS&MILLS 
For Sale & Exchange. 
FREE Catalogue. 
Richmond, Va. 
It. 11. CHAFFIN <Jt CO 
PERFECT HATCHER 
AND 
PERFECT BROTHER, 
The leading machines of the world for Artificial 
Hatching and raising all kinds of Poultry. H. D. Grin 
die, M.D., writes:“Out of 77 successive hatches with 
the Perfect Hatcher the average yvas 91 per cent.” 
This beats all records of hens or machines. Don’t bny 
au Incubator until you see our circular. 
AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC CO., 
ELMIRA. „N.' Y. 
mm 
llajmw 
fl 11 ft\w 
