PteceUaucau# 
arc to be sent out iu tbe future, does not abate 
in the least degree the objections which I 
would urge against the seed bureau. The or¬ 
iginal idea of the act of Congress was. no 
doubt, a good one, and related to the testing 
and introducing of new varieties of grain and 
vegetables which might prove profitable in 
this country. If this was done, and then 
when the value of some new variety was es¬ 
tablished. It was distributed intelligently, 
good might come of it; but I see no reason 
why the commonest kinds of grains and vege¬ 
tables should be sent out. I object to it also 
because of the method of distribution. No 
ouo is asked what he wants, but a lot of seeds 
is sent out, often a mouth or two after the 
proper time cf planting, and I doubt if one 
package in 10 is ever planted at all. I have 
received at different times hundreds of pack¬ 
ages of seeds from Washington weeks after 
they should have been planted, and of varie¬ 
ties that I would not plant under any circum¬ 
stances. If the Government should start a 
shoe shop aud send out half the boots and 
shoes made on No 1 12 lasts, it would be about 
on a par with the present method of distribut¬ 
ing seed. 
The question is, how are we to remedy this 
evil? The politicians will favor it, for they 
have an idea that they are conferring a great 
favor on the “hard-fisted" fanner and making 
themselves “solid" with him. The demand 
for its abolition must come from the farmers 
themselves, and possibly the best way would 
be to get up a form of petition to Congress to 
have it discontinued, and circulate it for 
signature-. I believe that a great majority of 
intelligent farmers would sign it. 
Butler Co., Ohio. 
iVUsccUiuu'cnts. 
BOOKS RECEIVED. 
James J. H. Gregory, Marblehead,Mass.— 
A catalogue of seeds of all kinds aud as trust¬ 
worthy in its lists and commendations as any 
we know of. Mr. G. has the advantage of 
many seedsmen in having seed farms of his 
own and in being himself a practical farmer 
and gardener. Among the novelties the “All 
Seasons’* Cabbage may be mentioned, which is 
roundly praised by the best authorities in the 
country. It, seems to he a real novelty and a 
first-rate acquisition. The “ Delicious" Pea 
is auother novelty, of which Mr. G. sent us 
last season a trial quantity of seed, as we as¬ 
sume from his disruption, though it was not 
then named. It is of the branching habit of 
AbundauCe and Everbearing. It is said to be 
of the best quality, which through au accident 
we were unable to test. Mr. Gregory consid¬ 
ers the Learning Corn the best for the silo. 
This catalogue will be sent, without charge, to 
those of our readers who apply for it. 
Isaac F. TILLING hast, La Plume, Pa.— 
Illustrated catalogue, with several colored 
pictures, of seeds of all kinds. Puget Sound 
Cabbage seed is made a specialty. We don’t 
understand why this seed is more valuable 
than seed grown elsewhere. The Charles 
Downing Potato is announced for sale. We 
have tried it two years in succession, and find 
that it resembles the Beauty of Hebron iu 
every way except that it is rather earlier. 
The quality is first-rate. The yield in our rich 
test soil was at the rate of 428.50 bushels to the 
acre. 
W. Atlek Burpee & Co., 475 and 477 N. 
5th St,.. Philadelphia, Pa.—This firm is looked 
upon as being one of the most enterprising in 
this country, and their catalogue shows it. 
There are 120 pages, all illustrated, and three 
colored plates showing lettuce, beets, beaus, 
muskmelons, peppers, radishes and various 
flowers, all of new strains. This firm has re¬ 
cently made a stirringly new departure by es¬ 
tablishing a branch house in England, 183 
Camion St., London, E. C., where a supply of 
such American seeds as there is a demand lor 
in Europe, will be offered for sale. The 
catalogue is one that will interest all farmers 
and gardeners. 
G. H. & «J. H. Hale, South Glastonbury, 
Conn.—A trade list of the Earhart and Car¬ 
man Raspberries. As judged at the Rural 
Grounds by its behavior last season (a very fa¬ 
vorable one) the former is a real acquisition 
whether considered as an everbearing black¬ 
cap or not. As to the Carman Blackcap, hav¬ 
ing once expressed our opinion, we prefer to 
hear from others, or, at least, to watch it 
through a less favorable season, before further 
commending it, to our readers. 
William Bkukkut, 47 Federal St., Alleghe¬ 
ny City, Pa.—A neat,, plain, handsomely il¬ 
lustrated catalogue of seeds and plants with a 
well executed colored plate of Victoria As 
ters. So far as we can judge, the selections 
whether of new or old kinds, are of the best, 
It mentions the White Elephant and Late 
Beauty of Hebrou as tbe same, a fact v» kich 
the Rural was the first to state. This cata¬ 
logue will be mailed free to all Rural sub¬ 
scribers who apply for it. 
Best Incubator on Earth. Catalogue 
from the Andrews Hatcher Co.. Elmira, N. 
Y.—This concern* is well established. The 
company seem determined to wiu public favor 
by doing a straightforward business. The 
proofs upon which the incubator’s title is based 
are well given in the catalogue. All who 
think of buying such a machine should send 
for it. Every year we receive hundreds of 
letters asking us to name the best incubator. 
Such a thing would be impossible for any one 
to do. We have not tried all, and, as with 
everything else, what would suit one might 
not suit another. Those who are seeking for 
the best should not neglect to send for this 
pamphlet. 
Hemmtnoway's London-Purple Co., 90 
Water St., New York.—A circular setting 
forth the advantages of Loudon Purple over 
Paris-green for killing potato beetles, canker- 
worms, etc. The Rural New-Yorker was 
the first of the farm press to use London-pur¬ 
ple. It is about half the weight of Paris- 
green, so that a given quantity will cover 
more space, while the price is but one-third. 
It. is fully as effective in killing potato beetles, 
adheres to the leaf better whether used with 
plaster or in water. Those who use the Lon¬ 
don-purple should be careful not to use it too 
strong—one part of the Purple to 90 of plas¬ 
ter. With water it is best to make a paste of 
the Purple, allowing three gallons of water to 
one ounce of the Purple. Agents are desired 
everywhere. 
Channel Can Creamery. Pamphlet from 
Wm. E. Lincoln Co., Warren, Mass., and Lon¬ 
don, Ontario.—Dairymen ought to read this 
pamphlet. Many reasons are given to show 
that the patent channel can is tne best on the 
market. The main points claimed are econ¬ 
omy of labor and a more perfect cooling of the 
milk than can be secured by other methods. It 
is also claimed that, less ice will be required. 
The whole story is told in the pamphlet. 
Peruheron Stallions and Mares.- — 4 at- 
alogue From W. F. Walters & Co., Baltimore, 
Md.—This is a novelty in the way of n stock 
catalogue. It is filled with well executed pho¬ 
tographs of the horses offered for sale. This 
stock, which includes some beautiful speci¬ 
mens of the breed, will be sold at auotioif 
March 10 at St. Mary’s, Govanstown, Md. 
Chicken Marker. —This is a little imple¬ 
ment invented by W. H. Wigmore, Philadel¬ 
phia, Pu.—It can be easily carried in the vest 
pocket. The chicken is marked by having a 
little hole punched in the web of its foot. 
Some mark of this kind is sometimes abso¬ 
lutely necessary where several flocks are kept 
iu close proximity to each other. 
R. & J. Farquuau& Co., 19S. Market St., 
Boston, Mass.—An excellent illustrated cata¬ 
logue ( ( .H) pages) with many interesting data 
and cultural directions, and the best of the 
novel!ics of the season. Seeds of all kinds, 
fertilizers, insecticides, bellows and garden 
implements term the bulk of the catalogue. 
It will be sent to all Rural applicants with¬ 
out charge, 
Alfred Brldoeman, No 37 East 19th St., 
New York.—A plain, conveniently arranged 
catalogue of 60 pages, with well-selected lists. 
This house was established in 1824 and is 
among the most trustworthy m the country. 
There are no overdrawn descriptions; no in¬ 
tensely colored plates. The engravings are 
well-executed wood-cuts, nearly 200 iu num¬ 
ber. We take pleasure in commending it to 
our readers to whom it will be sent ou appli¬ 
cation. 
Johnson & Stokes, 219 Market St., Phila¬ 
delphia, Pa.—An illustrated catalogue of seeds, 
e t<.,—88 pages, free to all applicants. Sixteen 
pages are devoted to novelties or to varieties 
of recent introduction. A new sweet coru 
named “The Honey," a inuskmelon named 
“The Princess;” a new potato named “The 
Crown Jewell" seem, if judged by the descrip¬ 
tions, worthy of trial. 
The Pingee & Conard Co., West Grove, 
Chester Co., Pa.—The New Guide to Rose Cul¬ 
ture, for teST, being an illustrated catalogue 
of roses as a specialty and a general collection 
of hardy shrubs, vines, gladioli, hardy bulbs 
and. Anally, a collection of flower seeds. The 
colored pictures show the following roses: 
Queen’s Scarlet, Souvenir de Victor Hugo, 
Comtesse de Frigneuse, the Bride, Madam 
Jeau Sisley, Gabrielle Brevet aud American 
Beauty. The catalogue is full of special lists 
at reduced prices. All who love roses should 
seud for it. 
E. & J. C. Williams, Montclair, New Jer¬ 
sey.— Several circulars, price lists, and colored 
illustrations or small fruits, pears, apples, 
peaches, etc. The lists are well selected by ex¬ 
perienced and trusty men. A showy colored 
portrait of the new “Jessie" Strawberry. The 
list of grapes is one settled upon after careful 
THE SEVEN CUTICURA BOYS. 
These se -en beaut Iful boys owe their beauty of skin, 
luxuriance of hair, purity of blood, and freedom from 
hereditary taint or humors to the celebrated Ccticcra 
Rkmkdies. 
Thousands of children arc born Into the world every 
day with some eczematous affection, such as milk 
crust, seal! head, scurf or dandruff, sure to develop 
Into an agonizing eczema, the Itching, burning, aud 
disfiguration of which make life a prolonged torture 
unless properly treated. 
A warm bath with CrnccRA So.vt*. an exquisite Skin 
Reautifler, anti a single application of CCTteriiA. the 
Great Skin Cure, with a little CimctsA Resolvent, 
the New Blood Purifier. Is often sufficient to arrest the 
progress of the disease, and point to a speedy and per 
manent cure. 
Your most valuable CtmcrttA P.emkoies have done 
my child so much good that I feel like saying this for 
the benefit of those who are troubled with skin dis¬ 
ease. My Uttle girl was troubled with Eczema, and I 
tried several doctors and medicines, but did not do her 
any goes! until I used the Conceits Ur. it spies, which 
speedily cured her. for which I owe you many thanks 
aud many nights of rest. 
ANTON BOSSMIER, F. Ilnburgh. lnd. 
Sold everywhere. I Vice. Ccticcra, fiOc.t Soap. 2.1c.; 
Resolvent. $l Prepared by the Potter Drug and 
Chemical Co., Boston. Mass. 
ITT* Send for “How to Cure Skin Diseases,” 64 pages, 
so illustrations, and (flu testimonials. 
D A D V’C Skin and Scalp preserved and beautified 
D AD V O by Ctticcra Mrdicated Soap. 
trials of most of the varieties offered for 
sale. 
Taber Organ Co.—Catalogue from Tbe 
Taber Organ Co., Worcester, Mass.—This 
pamphlet is full of interesting and practical 
information. It is a neat and attractive ad¬ 
vertisement and will be sure to please all who 
send for it. 
H. H. Bkrgkr & Co., 317 Washington St, 
San Francisco, Cal.—A catalogue of rare 
Japanese fruits, ornamental trees, plants aud 
bulbs. The plants are guaranteed true to 
name. The catalogue is curious and interest¬ 
ing. 
Frank Ford & Sons, Ravenna, Ohio.—A 
catalogue of seeds, a first-rate list of potatoes 
classified according to their seasonsof matur¬ 
ing, all the new strawberries, raspberries, etc. 
F. E. McAllister. 22 Dey St., N. Y.— 
Market Gardeners’ Seed-list, comprising the 
newest aud best sorts. Free. 
C. H. Perkins, Moorestown, Burlington 
Co.. N. J.— An illustrated catalogue of small 
and large fruits. 
H. WATERER, 56 N. 38th St., Philadelphia, 
Pa.—A circular of new chrysanthemums. 
Cole & Bros., Pella, Iowa.— An illustrated 
catalogue of seeds. Free. 
pi.sccUancou.s 
T HE AMERICAN GARDEN is an Illus¬ 
trated Magazine of Horticulture, cov¬ 
ering all departments of Gardening , 
Fruit-Growing, Market Gardening, Land- 
sea pe-Gardening , Floricultxire, Greenho use. 
Conservatory , Window Gardening, W omen 
in Horticulture, etc. For amateurs and prac¬ 
tical gardeners and fruit growers.. Experi¬ 
ment Gardens on Houghton Farm. Send for 
free specimen to E. H. LIBBY, Publisher , 4< 
Dey St., N. Y. Price reducedlto St a year. * 
Our oldest child, now six years of age* when an In¬ 
fant six months old. was attacked with a virulent, 
malignant skin disease. All ordinary remedies fail¬ 
ing, we called our Tamlly physician, who attempted- 
to cure it: but it spread with almost Incredible rapid¬ 
ity. until the lower portion of the little fellow's per¬ 
son: from the middle of his back down to his knees, 
was one solid rash, ugly, painful, blotched and ma¬ 
licious, We had no rest at night, no peace by day. 
Finally we were advised to try the CPTtCCRA Remed¬ 
ies. The effect was simply marvellous. In three or 
four weeks a complete cure w»s wrought, leaving the 
little fellow’s person as white and healthy as though 
he had never been attacked. In my opinion, your 
valuable remedies saved his life, and to-day he Is 
a strong, healthy child, perfectly well.no repetion of 
the disease having ever occurred. 
GEO. B. SMITH, 
Att’y at Law- and Ex-Pros. Att’y, Ashland,O. 
Reference: J. G. Weist, Druggist, Ashland. O. 
One year ago the UuncTRA and Soap cured a Uttle 
girl In our house of the worst sore head we ever saw. 
and the Resolvent and Crntnu are now curing a 
young gentleman of a sore leg. while the physicians 
are trying to have It amputated. It will save Ills leg. 
S. B. SMITH & BRO.. Covington. Ky. 
CcTicfRA Remedies are absolutely pure, and the only 
infallible skin beattflers and blood purifiers. 
ni aa PLES. black-heads, chapped and oily skin pre- 
rl flfl vented by CiTICURA. Medicated Soat. 
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
AN OVER-VALUED FERTILIZING MIXTURE. 
J. G. B., Ashtabula , Ohio —Tbe following, 
in substance, is going tbe rounds of the agri¬ 
cultural press: “Take 800 pounds of unleaebed 
ashes, mixed with 100 pounds of ground bone 
in a heap, kept moist, to which is added one 
bushel of fresh-burned lime,^hoveled over and 
mixed with one-fourth of its weight of plaster. 
If bone is raw, such a mixture will contain 
four pounds nitrogen. 50 pounds phosphate of 
lime aud 10 pounds of potash (worth *4.50 per 
100 pounds). Is the above mixture worth as 
much as this? Does it contain all that plants 
need? Is it a complete manure? I can buy 
wood ashes for 10 cents per bushel and bone 
for *38 per ton. Docs the Rural recommend 
such a mixture as a profitable one? W bat 
is the weight of a bushel of ordinarily dry 
ashes? 
ANSWERED BY PROF. G. C. CALDWELL. 
The quantities above given of the three 
important plant nutrients said to be contained 
in the mixture described, arc about correct, 
but tbe value assigned to the product is simply 
absurd. At the rate of $4.50 per 100 pounds, 
the value per ton would be $90. The fact is, 
that the quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric 
acid and potash contained in 100 pounds of 
the mixture, and of about tbe same degree of 
solubility, aud, therefore, of about the same 
value for producing crops, could be bought at 
retail in tbe fertilizer markets for about 58 
cents. It would be an immensely profitable 
