ccsf, plants!, &t. 
I. R. W.. Taylor's Center, Cortland Co., N. 
Y., asks: “Will a half-blood Pekin Drake 
breed in with the common ducks, and the eggs 
hatch ?” 
Ans. —Yes. It is only the Muscovy cross 
that results in a male —a hybrid that will not 
breed. 
J. A. 1 if.. Edge Hill, Pa., asks where would 
he be likely to get White-crested Black Polish 
fowls. 
Ans. —Write to G. S. .Josselyn, Fredonia, N. 
Y. — J. T. Lovett. Cornwall-on-thc-Hudson, 
N. Y. 
J. O. B., from some one of the 16 Bridgeport .s 
in the U. B., asks which is-the best time to 
prune fruit trees, such as the Apple and Pear. 
Ans.—F all, winter or early spring. If in 
winter, choose a mild spell. 
A r . E. P., Fillmore, Alleghany Co., A 7 . Y., 
asks whether we have tested the Fultz wheat, 
and if we think it a desirable variety. 
Ans.— We have not, but have read mnay fa¬ 
vorable reports of it. 
J. R. Hftrtsgrnr.e, Astalmla Co., 0., asks where 
can he get Alfalfa seed. 
Ans,—O f any large seedsman who deals in 
farm seeds. 
Many inquiries regarding the plants men¬ 
tioned under “Catalogues received,” are refer¬ 
red to the Catalogues themselves. We praise 
or condemn only such plauts as we have tried 
and found meritorious or of little account. 
We purchase and test aR now plants that seem 
to be worth testiug—except those which re¬ 
quire tropical heat during tha winter. 
We refer many inquirers about White-crested 
Black Polish fowls to our poultry number. 
Also to current numbers. 
d’Anjou. 7. Sprinkle over them fine, sifted 
coal ashes or plaster, in which a little sulphur 
has been thoroughly intermixed. 8. Give it a 
heavy dressing of barn-yard manure. 9. R. F. 
& L. F. Allen’s New American Book, $2.50; 
Barry's Fruit Garden, $3.50; Wright’s Practical 
Poultry-Keeper, $2 : Harris’s Talks on Manure. 
$2; Henderson's Gardening for Profit, $1.50. 
T. H. T., Hillsborough, Washington Co,, Ore¬ 
gon, ask6. 1, whether Ayrshire cattle are 
now “ out of fashion,” and whether they are 
not as good as Short-horns or Ilolsteins for a 
cheese dairy; 2, how to cultivate Pearl Millet. 
Ans. —1. Ayrshire cattle have never been wide¬ 
ly “ in fashion” in this country, and at present 
they seem to be as strong favorites with those 
who are well acquainted with them as they 
have been at any time. They are excellent 
cows for cheese dairies, fully as good as deep 
milkers among Short-horns. Holstein cows, 
on luxuriant pasturage, such as they have in 
Holland, are very deep milkers of milk suit¬ 
able for cither cheese or butter production, 
and under such conditions it is very doubtful 
whether auy pure breed can equal them for 
cheese dairies ; but the Ayrshire is much read¬ 
ier to accommodate herself to circumstances, 
and will give a satisfactory yield on scanty 
feed on which the larger and less active Hol¬ 
stein would be half-starved. 
2. Prepare the land the same as for wheat, 
and plant two seeds four feet apart each way 
over tire plat to be planted. As soon as the 
plants appear, pull up one. Each plant, under 
good cultivation, will uced 16 square, feet. 
W. II., Norwich., asks what is the matter 
with his fowls. He has Partridge Cochins and 
White Leghorns and they dou’t lay. He feeds 
them bran and meal scalded, in morning; buck¬ 
wheat. at noon, and occasionally meat aud 
scraps. He is now feeding them burnt corn. 
He also wishes to know can hens he too fat to 
lay. 
Aus.—We take the last question first, as that 
is probably the whole cause of his trouble. 
They are too fat. Over-fat has the same ef¬ 
fect on hens as on milch cows—a very fat cow 
is rarely a good milker. An over-fat hog is 
never a good breeder. Just so with poultry: 
they should he generously fed, but no more 
than they will run after. Feed should never 
lie by them. Give them only what, they will 
cat up clean, and always have them looking 
for a little more. W. H s course of food is 
good; cut the fowls to half rations; leave 
them almost without any for a day ar two, and 
we thiuk eggs will soon come. 
W. II. B.. Amlaver, N. Y, asks, 1, whether 
the juice of Liberian sugar-cane can he pressed 
out by means of a common eider mill; if not, 
ran a farmet get a cheap machine suitable for 
the purpose; 2, would it he advisable for him 
to buy a seed drill on six months’ time, having 
quite a number of acres to sow, aud if so, 
which is the better, Farmer's Favorite nr 
Buckeye. 
Ans. —Yes, a eider mill can be made to 
answer. See Rural, Feb. 8, p. 93 aud Feb. 15, 
p. 109. 2. As to buying implements on time, 
our friend must be guided by his own circum¬ 
stances and prospects. Both are excellent 
drills, and we would suggest that our corres¬ 
pondent procure descriptive circulars of both, 
and judge for himself which is best adapted to 
his needs. 
M. M., Bloommlle, Ohio, asks, 1, for informa¬ 
tion concerning the effect of spreading ati inch 
or two of lime under the roosts in the poultry- 
house, aud also, 2, what Mowers will bloom and 
do well as a border around a bed of Ferus ou 
the north side of a building, where the sun 
shines only a few hours in the morning. 
Ans. —1. It will set free the ammonia in the 
poultry droppings—and as ammonia is a most 
important ingredient of the manure, it will 
depreciate the quality of the fertilizer. Plaster 
or gypsum will do no harm. 
2. Alternanthera, Cerastium, jEschyranthes, 
Violets, Saponaria aud Pansies will do as a 
border, aud Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Petunias, 
Godetias and various Pinks will bloom tolerably 
well in a shaded place. 
J. C. K., Fredericksburg, Va., asks, 1, the 
name of a new work treating on the subject of 
Sheep Husbandry in all Us branches and de¬ 
tails ; 2. also where Norfolk polled cattle can 
he obtained. 
Ans.— 1. The only modern work on Sheep 
Husbandry is Stewart’s Shepherds’ Manual, 
price $1.50, which can be procured through 
this ollice or of any bookseller who has a cor¬ 
respondent in New York. This hook describes 
all the new breeds and their management; the 
rearing of lambs for market, and the treatment 
of the diseases usual in llocks. 2. Norfolk 
polled cattle are bred by Mr. F. W. Taber of 
Patterson, Putnam Co., N. Y. This is the only 
herd in this country. 
II J., Pennvillc, N. J., asks for our opinion 
of Golden Millet as a forage plant; he has a 
rich meadow in which he wants to sow some 
variety of Millet. 
Ans. —Golden Millet, also called German 
Millet, is a variety of the common or Italian 
Millet (Setaria Ital i a). It is a heavy cropper 
BAR SEEDLINGS.-No, 1.88; No. 9, 
Mazzard Stocks—No. 1, No. 3. $3 per 
Ten Packets for 25c. Rural New-Yorker with 
Extra Premium for f2. Also Rabbits, etc. Send 
Postal for Circular. 
TTJISCO GREINER, Naples, N. Y. 
Shaker’s Carden Seeds. 
True mill Genuine. Fresh and Reliable. 
One of llie oldest seed firms in the country. Seeds 
sent by mail, postage free. Special prices and terms 
to OranafTH. 
"The excellence of the Shakers’Garden Seeds is 
generally admitted.'’— Eds. Am. Affricnlturiat. 
Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogue of Vegetable 
d k lower Seeds Free. 
Address CHARGES SIZER, 
Mount Lebanon, Col. Co., N. Y. 
N FAV I,IFF INTENSE SCARLET, striped 
white; Dr. Denny—almost a blur. Other new Ge¬ 
raniums and Novelties. New Grape. " Moore’s Early," 
tine. Discrintive Catalogue and A mateur's Low mail¬ 
ing list, Free. ELLIS BROS.. Keene. N. H. 
2 AAA AAA Strawberry, Raspberry. Black 
berry. Currant, drape Wines, 
jWUivs/v/ Asparagus Hoots, Peach-Trees. 
IOO SELECTED VARIETIES. 
Genuine stock. Quality best. Prices lowest. Sendforfree 
Catalogue to JOHNS COLLINS, Mooreslowri, N. J. 
Eight beautiful Evcr-btooming Roses, 
ready for immediate flowering, sent post¬ 
paid, by mall, on receipt of $i.oo. 
25 varieties of Choicest Flower Seeds , 
sent post paid, by mall, on receipt of $1. * 
Splendidly III narrated Catalogue Of 
Flowers and vegetable Seeds and Plants for 
a 3-eent stamp. 
Special Price Gist to Market Gardeners 
free. 
Wholesale Catalogue to dealers, on ap¬ 
plication. Address 
BKNJ. A. ELLIOTT & CO., 
lit Market St., Pittsburgh, Pa. 
Communications received for the week ending 
Saturday, March Sth. 
M. E. A. — W. W. — J. G. C. — W. C. — S. C. — 
S. E. II. - .J. C, \Y. - A. H. - L. L. 8. — J. F. L.— 
S. 1. F.— A. F. A.—P. — J. T„ thanks —N. M. L.— 
j. b.—W. M.—M. O., thanks —S. H. H.—T. IT. II — 
D. H. — M. S. W. — E. W. 8. — E. G. IL—F. D. C.— 
.T. M. K. — A. M. IT. — C. M. —J. J. D. — J. D. S. — 
M. c. C., the .first Seed Distribution of 1879 closed 
last week —R. M.—W. N. \V.-\V. 1.1.—W. C. G'.— 
R. g. — W. P. G. — F. K. M.—J. C, W„ thanks — 
W. J. G.—V. D. — F. M. II. — J. S. — M. A. E.—Dr 
T. H. IL—H. L. W. — C. II. S. — E. W. — S. E. J. — 
E. J. R. — F. D. C.—C. H. H.—11. C. C. —C. E. V.— 
T. T. L. 
NEW PLANTS for 1879. 
CATALOGUE NOW READY. 
Most of these NOVELTIES in Plants and Seeds were 
SELECTED PERSONALLY by ns. while abroad, and 
are now offered for the FIRST T IME in this country 
( . II. HOVEY tY CO., 
22 Tremout St., lin.ston, !Ho»s. 
GOOD CURE FOR HARD TIMES. 
A PLANTATION OF EARLY PROLIFIC 
mid RELIANCE RASPBERRIES. 
1 no non Plants FOR SALK; also 200,000 
Cinderella and Continental Strawberry 
rtants. Millions of other Plants, Trees, etc. Every- 
thing new, novel ami rare. Prices law. Hendi for 
Descriptive Circular to t.IBSON iV BENNETT, 
Nurserymen ami Fruit Growers, Uoodbury.N J 
^ectlsf, plants!, &c 
Doura or Guinea Corn, 
THE BEST ANNUAL FODDER 
PLANT. 
25 rts. per 2 on. packet. 
R. II ALLEN & CO.. 
189 & 191 Water St., N. Y 
A NEW LETTUCE 
“EUREKA.” 
A new variety of our own production, which we 
offer forthc first time to the public, and can confidently 
say it is the best Lettuce for Dimly use ever inirqducea 
Possessing morn ^ od qualities than any variety we 
have ever tried. I he entire stock of this valuahle in- 
trod iction i= in our hands. Give it a trial. Price, 
2.) ots. per packet, or 5 packets fnr 81. 
Address, CROSMAN BKO’S, Rochester, N. Y, 
N. B.—Our Seed Catalogue sent free on application. 
STRAWBERRIES. 15.000 Quarts 
DTB1CTLY FIRST-CLASS 
° SMALL FRUIT PLANTS, 
Seeds and Seed Potatoes. 
Catalogue free. Address Y. M. HBXAMEB, 
Ncw-Castle. Westchester Co., N. Y. 
New York 
15 .Volin St 
Will Issue in January and mall to applicants their 
new 
$1,000 Worthc 
II A S TB E B B 
<3-IntoXX- Away 
Strawberry, Blackberry, Currant, (grape 
berry and Asparagus. UK) varieties. _5rop 
true to name. Extraordinary offer, mmib 
2 D varieties $5. Circulars free. G. II. & 
IIALE, 8oiuh Glastonbury, Coun. 
DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE OF 
for the VEGETABLE and FLOWER 
Garden, for the LAWN, the 
FARM and NURSERY. 
NEW & RARE PLANTS 
The largest and most remarkable collection ever 
offered fnr Hale lit this country. Also, an extensive as¬ 
sortment In large unantities of FRl’IT and OK- 
NA MENTAL TKKE8, -IT U U If* nod VINKS. 
SvK.ctAt.TtKH . JntmUfiHC Maples, Rhododen¬ 
dron*, Hardy and Greenhouse Azalea*, Ca¬ 
mellia*, Ko*c*. Magnolias and New and 
Choice tlardv Plant*. 
Price Lists Free. Descriptive Catalogues 10c. 
PARSONS & SONS CO. .Limited), 
Kissksa.Nurseries, Flushing, L. I. 
Best ever grown 
|Down goes price* cheap¬ 
er than dirt. Warranted 
fresh from grower. Send 
for free Illustrated book 
and Guide to the garden. 
Prettiest ever printed. 
R. H- SHUMWAY, 
^ liOCKfOKD. ILL. 
Reid’s Floral Tribute , 
C - " The tru ;t'heniihhil n:*ci coni- 
••lute Seed and P.nUr C.-t •!<v'ie pub- 
iNtwid. CO SscK&itrily CTicred Plates, 
Cot’ -p in Dcscri- 
1C03 sorts Fin:cent LA I >>•■ in V.-v 
,’rica, £j Cants. All ordering ihr.lmok 
m: ti"gutcml and the price refunded 
-ii first order for St-oik, to tl e 
imnunt ot «i. WM. IL SLID, 
Name this paper. BjCiestsr.S.". f.\ 
THE ALBANY SEED STORE, taV. 
TRICE & KNICKERBOCKER, successors to 
mm®mm 
•ttSEEDSMEM 
Spring Catalogue—250 illustrations—mailed on receipt 
of six cauls in stamps, to prepay postage, which will be 
allowed on first order 80 State St., Albany. N. Y, 
ARTICHOKES 
Red Brazilian and White French varieties ; Cheap 
est hog food known. Send for Circulars. 
E. F. BROCKWAY, Ainaworth. Iowa. 
Garden, Flower & Field Seeds, 
Reliable, frejsh and pure, at reasonable prices. 
(Established 1839. 
STAIR «fc RENT)EL, 
Cleveland Weed Ifitore, Cleveland, Ohio. 
