THE FORAL MEW-YORKER. 
when you exhibit your two-ounce berries all 
you need do is to append your name—the ber¬ 
ries will tell their own story. P. M. Augur. 
Otsego Co. N. Y. 
RAISING SUNFLOWERS FOR HENS. 
The necessity for a variety of feed for 
chickeus is generally understood, but very few 
people are aware of the value of suuflowors as 
lien feed. They are very productive of oil, are 
eaten greedily, and give a peculiar luster to 
the feathers. I have one-eighth of an awe 
planted to this crop, and propose to bind them 
into bundles, and stow therm away in a dry 
place for winter use. The heads can be 
thrown into the hen bouse, where the chickens 
will soon pick out the seeds, thus giving them 
exercise as well ds variety. With plenty of 
other grain within reach, they will cat no more 
sunflower seeds than are beneficial to them. 
The seed can be bought at our seed stores at 
one dollar per bushel, at which price it ought 
to be more generally used titan it is. 1 think 
a plot of sunflowers, with their great yellow 
laces turned to the sun, an agreeable sight. 
Black Currants. 
One must add line upon line, and precept 
upon precept, in agricultural matters as well 
as in spiritual and moral affairs, so 1 may 
be excused for repeating what 1 have before 
written in favor of Black Currants. Having 
just sold my crop—19 bushels—of this fruit, it 
may be well to add that it is one of the most 
satisfactory and profitable crops grown upon 
my place. So far, no worms or insects have 
attacked it; the birds do not eat the fruit, the 
chickens leave it alone, and even thievish 
boys do uot steal it. It is the only crop that 
thus escapes all damage from depredators, 
always yields heavily, aud sells well. For 
pies, puddings, jelly, and preserves, it is sec¬ 
ond to no other fruit. For all throat diseases, 
black currant jelly is a valuable remedy, while 
a little mixed with cold water makes a most 
delicious and refreshing drink. 
Onondaga Co., N. Y. Nelson Ritter. 
drop. 
HAVANA TOBACCO CULTURE IN THE CON¬ 
NECTICUT VALLEY. 
E. R. BILLINGS. 
Tobacco Culture iu the United States. 
The culture of tropical tobacco took its rise 
In this country in West Florida, where it was 
planted by theSpaniards soon after they made a 
settlement there. Previously they began its 
culture in 8t. Domingo, and afterwards in 
Cuba, and the industry has continued in these 
two islands until uow. Tobacco has been cul¬ 
tivated in Florida ever since the Spaniards first 
planted it, and it is now quite an important 
production iu one or two counties of the State, 
Perique, an old Spanish navigator, in 1830 set¬ 
tled in St. James Parish, Louisiana, and at once 
began the culture of that variety of tobacco 
which now bears his name. At first he used 
seed from Virginia, later from Kentucky, and 
finally from Cuba; but at length abandoned 
the use of Havana seed for the single reason 
that the plants were of inferior size, and con¬ 
sequently a less profitable variety to cultivate. 
Properly speaking, the tobacco cultivated in 
those States is tropical or semi-tropical, being 
fiuer in flavor than those sorts grown iu the 
Northern and Western States. The growers of 
Connecticut seed-leaf, after years of trial in the 
cultivation of their famous variety of tobacco, 
succeeded in raising the finest leaf for cigar 
wrappers known to commerce. In size, tex¬ 
ture, color and good bnrning qualities it has no 
successful rival among the various kinds of 
seed-leaf tobacco grown in this country, and 
lacks only one important quality, namely 
flavor. As a natural result, it is only lit to wrap 
cigars, and for this purpose is used for the cov¬ 
ering of most of the brands of domestic goods. 
A few years since some of the growers in the 
Valley tried the experiment of growing tropical 
sorts of tobacco, including Orinoco, Latakia, 
Tara, and at length Havana. The first sort was 
of good flavor, but the leaf was too short and 
thick; the second was decidedly too 6mall and 
is used only for pipe smoking. It Is better fit¬ 
ted for the Virginians to cultivate than for the 
more Northern growers of the weed. The third 
variety was in some respects a desirable kind 
to cultivate, since it grew very tall, bearing from 
20 to 25 leaves to the stalk, and frequently the 
former number after being •• toppad." Finally 
Havana seeds were planted, and although the 
results reached were so varied that some 
succeeded while others did uot, many were 
doubtful as to the practicability of its culture so 
far North. Man}' of the failures arising from 
its culture arose from an imperfect knowledge 
concerning the methods employed by the Caban 
growers of the weed in the selection of soil, 
etc. At first the principal object sought for 
by the growers seemed to be the right 
Selection of Seed. 
It was claimed by nearly all who tried the 
culture of this sort that it was necessary each 
year to procure fresh seed in order that the 
tobacco might be of fine flavor, and thereby 
aproximate In quality to that of the imported 
leaf. Thib is doubtless true, hut the leaf grown 
is somewhat smaller and not quite so thin or 
silky in texture. After some six or eight years 
of experimenting, it is now generally conceded 
that seed of the third year's growth is prefer¬ 
able front the fact that the leaf is larger and of 
finer texture, while it is almost as fine in flavor. 
It is also much easier to sweat than plants 
grown from imported seed. Another mistake 
made by growers was in the 
Selection of Soil. 
Very many of the first growers who planted 
Havana seed supposed that the Cubans grew 
the weed on light, sandy soil, and accordingly 
acted upon their belief in the matter. The re¬ 
sult was, that the leaf grown was leathery in 
texture aud was found to sweat badly when 
cured eveu in quantities of from 300 to 400 
pounds. The Cubans plant their tobacco in the 
red clay soil found on the bauks of the rivers 
aud small streams that flow from the mountains 
to the ocean, although quite a quantity is 
grown on the hill sides adjoining these valleys. 
These lands aue found mostly in the Vuelta 
Abajo and Vara districts, hut the plant is cul¬ 
tivated in other sections of the island ; the 
former, however, produces the finest-flavored 
leaf that commands the highest price of any 
grown on the island. A clay soil is well adapted 
for tobacco, and those growers in the Valle}' 
who have selected either a dark or clayey soil, 
have generally succeeded well in growing Cuba 
tobacco. Our growers selected a light soil, and 
oftentimes set out the plants iu a protected 
place by the side of a wood or between two 
hilis,so that the plants might get the sun’s rays 
all through the period of growth. In Cuba, 
however, the plants grow through the winter 
months, as they could notwitlistand the stifling 
heat of summer. 
The culture of the plants is about the same 
in Cuba as in the Valley, the only difference 
being iu harvesting the plants. In Cuba the 
leaves arc gathered owe by one as they ripen 
and taken to the large drying sheds situated 
on the “vegas” (tobacco farms) where they 
are hung up to dry uutil the humidity of the 
atmosphere inoiBtens them sufficiently, when 
they are taken down aud tied in bundles or 
“ hands” ready to bale. The Cubans do uot 
pick the leaves until they are thoroughly ripe ; 
hence the Havana imported leaf is not liable 
to be of the bitter flavor, which it would have 
if the leaves were only partially ripe. Our 
growers after topping the plauts, allow them to 
stand in the field from 30 to 28 days, trrrtess 
there is au appearance of a frost, when if 
unripe, the plauts are usually cut, siuee bitter 
tobacco is better than frosted leaf, which is 
entirely unlit for cigar purposes. Our growers 
did not make any mistake in applying fertili¬ 
zers, but used a sufficient amount of well de¬ 
composed nianurp in order to hasten the rapid 
growth of the plants, iu order that the leaf 
might be of good texture and color. 
Last eeason a large area was planted to 
Havana tobacco in Connecticut and Massachu¬ 
setts, especially in the latter State, chiefly in 
Hampshire and Hampden counties. In the 
former State the Havana sort is cultivated 
mostly iu Hartford county; but the soil is not 
quite so well adapted for it as that further up 
the river. This season a very large area has 
been planted in Massachusetts, in the two 
counties named above. The yield per acre is 
from 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, and it commands 
about one-third more per pound than Connec¬ 
ticut seed-leaf. It ripens earlier and grows 
more rapidly, and is easier to cultivate. About 
1,000 more plants arc set to the acre than of 
the seed variety, namely, from 7,000 to 7,500. 
Such has been the success of the Massachusetts 
aud Connecticut growers in raising Havana 
tobacco, that the Wisconsin growers ol seed- 
leaf tobacco have begun its culture, and have 
planted a large quantity of Spanish tobacco 
this seasou. If its culture is found to be a 
success in these sections, Havana seed tobacco, 
as it is called, will take the place of the cheaper 
grades of imported Havana leaf now so largely 
used by our manufacturers of cigars. 
■ • ♦ ♦♦ 
BLOUNT'S WHITE PROLIFIC CORN. 
PROFESSOR A. E. BLOUNT. 
By the time this article appears in print the 
many inquiries made through the columns of 
the Rural, by those who planted my Prolific 
Corn, will be answered by its growth. Some 
weeks siuee in the Rural I stated that farmers 
are too apt to overdo in the matter of fertiliz¬ 
ing when they have a small quantity of fine 
premium seed to test. Some—indeed many 
—1 have no doubt surfeited the premium 
corn sent out by the Rural. The huge stalks 
many write about, come from the injudicious 
application of manures that contain too much 
stalk food. Alluvial soils, too, almost always 
make too large a growth of stover and too 
little grain. A close study of the corn plant, 
its habits and demands, will soon inform the 
farmer liow to feed, cultivate aud select his 
corn. 
I have been improving this corn for nine 
years and this is the first season it has suckered 
to any extent. The soil of this locality, being 
sandy loam, and the climate, make all varieties 
sucker. More than half my crop became so 
thick that the sun could hardly penetrate to 
the soil. You stated some weeks siuee in an¬ 
swer to a correspondent that I “removed the 
suckers.” I always do; but never in the way 
most farmers do. If pulled off when young, 
they will come agaiu and the operation injures 
the main stalk. They should never be pulled, 
but cut off with a spud which can be used at 
the same time to root-prune. Suckers should 
be removed after—never before—they form the 
first joint. My crop of four acres is the most 
promising 1 have ever had. It is uow taasel- 
ing. As many as 12 ears appear on many of 
the stalks. “Colorado,” people say, “is no 
corn country.” Cool nights and short seasons 
work against its ripening. Last year I planted 
on March 30, and cut up my crop on August 5 
—130 days. This year 1 planted on May 7, and 
if no frost comes until October, I shall make 
my corn a success. Cool nights 1 fear will 
retard it too much. Many call to see and 
wonder at it. I am still improving it. It is 
my endeavor now to make the shanks on the 
lower cars shorter and the cob smaller. Many 
other improvements I see cau be made. One 
suggests another. 
State Agricultural College, 
Fort Collins, Colorado. 
-•-*-•-- 
Vetches.—T his is the great forage crop 
for horses in England. The vetches are 
hawked round cities and towus by the bunch, 
when they first come in, 20 or 30 pounds being 
60 ld for about 13 cents, and, us six tons in the 
green st ate arc a light crop, fifty dollars or more 
per acre arc made by small farmers who are 
called market gardeners, aiul as these will be 
sold by the middle of May a crop of potatoes 
is grown afterward. These vetches are sown 
the preceding September and are a winter 
variety. In this climate the great spring “ Gore 
Vetch" should be drilled in March or immedi¬ 
ately the frost is out of the ground, as they 
are as hardy as the pea. They will then come 
to a great bulk and gentlemen who have favor¬ 
ite horses aud youug oues too in the stable, 
would find a wonderfully beneficial effect from 
them, for they cleanse the blood and remove 
all humors, acting medicinally as if by magic. 
The cause of their not having been used more 
in the United States has been because when 
tried, they have always been sowed too late, 
the land has not been rich enough, and the 
seed has been of a smaller variety than the 
“English Gore Vetch" G. 
Jam ®o|irs. 
THE TRUTH ABOUT IT. 
[The object of articles under this heading is 
not so much to deal with “ humbugs” as with 
the many unconscious errors that creep into 
the methods of daily country routine life,— 
Eds.} 
“WHENCE THEN COME THESE TARES v 1 
Weeds eat up the farmer’s substance! The 
truth of this ought to be apparent to every one 
who would figure up the cost of eradicating 
them from the crops. Aud yet it is not au 
enemy who hath done this. The farmer him¬ 
self is the one to blame. Just now the fields 
are white with daisies and white-weed. The 
stubbles are green with rag-weed. The roadsides 
are clothed with golden rods, thistles or creep¬ 
ing briers. The door yards and nooks and cor¬ 
ners of the farm hear their burdens, aud these 
nurseries of weeds are neglected with the 
greatest care. Timothy cut lor seed is gathered 
with the daisies; clover is collected with rag¬ 
weed or thistle down, and the seeds are sent 
abroad for sale, thus polluted with loul weeds 
which are spread far and wide. The thought 
of this fact recently came home to me in a 
leading seed store as I examined a bag of 
Hungarian grass seed, of which oue-fourth at 
least consisted of seeds of weeds. The truth 
is, we rarely sow seeds of plants desired for 
crops without sowing with them many kinds of 
weeds. Anil if we should ask ourselves: 
“Whence came these weeds?" we should iu 
truth reply, “ Sown by our own hands! " 
The ground is more than sufficiently stocked 
to give us work enough to keep down weeds for 
the term of our natural lives, but that we should 
negligently sow fresh seed or permit weeds to 
ripen their seeds, is a monstrous mistake. 
There is time now to avoid this the present 
season, in groat part. Numerous pestiferous 
weeds are constantly maturing; these could be 
gathered aud burned, and we could easily 
remedy the other mistake by ordering only 
clean seed, and refusing to accept any other. 
If this were always done, the seedsmen would 
be chary of purchasing foul seeds, and would 
avoid supplying them to their customers. 
a western farmer. 
■-♦»» - 
FARM NOTES. 
S. RUFUS MASON. 
Transplanting beets is nothing new; in 
fact, if they are taken up when about au inch 
through, the very best crops can be produced 
by that means, and far better than in the spot 
they were first sown. The soil becomes packed 
in the seed-hed, and when the beet is trans¬ 
planted. the new, loose, warm, rich soil is just 
iu condition to make it grow. There is no 
danger of wilting if the top is small aud the 
root large at the time the change is made. 
Transplanting always checks top growth and 
cucouragcs root formation, bonce to grow any 
root we have only to make a chauge of base. 
The study of the principles of plant-growth 
is very interesting; no man can fail to learn 
even from a cabbage head, and if be watches 
the usual course of events in a garden, many 
little matters will suggest themselves which 
may he turned to practical account. For in¬ 
stance, certain plants arc very liable to be 
eaten off by insects during the first few days 
after they Lave appeared above ground. Ef¬ 
forts to destroy the insects almost always fail. 
If you are attacked by a dog and have a stick 
too light to hurt him with, hold it so that lie 
can bite it, and hewilldosojthisgivesyou time 
and yon finally escape. Insects have a choice 
of food, and frequently like something else 
better than our plants which we wish to save. 
Potato bugs like some kinds of potato vines 
better than others ; a row or two of 6uch vines 
in a field will attract the bulk of the pests aud 
save the patch. Melon bugs like radish leaves 
much better thau melon leaves, and if radishes 
are plauted in the hill the melons escape 
entirely. 
Poisous in a garden or field are dangerous to 
poultry, animals aud people, and are not at all 
uecessary. There are many things which, as 
the cases arise, may be done to avoid loss on a 
farm ; weeds must be dealt with promptly ; in¬ 
sects must be provided for; dry or wet seasons 
must be offset by draiuage or cultivation. If 
the wheat crop in Nebraska this year had been 
drilled in rows for cultivation, we should have 
had a splendid crop of excellent grain and no 
weeds. Now we have so thin a crop that 
whole fields are abandoned on account of the 
weeds, which the crop could uot smother. 
The proper mode of cultivation on a farm is 
governed by no set rule, circumstances con¬ 
tinually arise which call for something differ¬ 
ent from what was first planned out. The 
good farmer is he who plauts to allow a vari¬ 
ety in modes, as necessity may demand- 
change of mode, chauge of times, aud change 
of seed are as necessary as tillage itself. We 
fatten calves and ail young stock by change of 
feed or pasture, and if we adhere to set rules 
or do as our fathers did before us, aud only be¬ 
cause they did so, we violate the laws of ad¬ 
vancement. Ruts iu a roud are indictable 
here, and the man who allows ruts in his land 
is on a bad road, but he who doesn’t learn 
from what passes before his eyes every seasou 
should go another quarter to uight school, and 
be sure to take a candle with him. 
Dodge Co., Neb. 
$arm tfotmoinj}. 
PIG AND CORN EXPORTS. 
PROFESSOR E. W. STEWART. 
We are given credit for great shrewdness as 
a commercial people. The Yankee is repre¬ 
sented as always seeing the interest side of his 
account; never staudiug oil trifles, but with 
eye on the main chance. Yet he is, no doubt, 
often given eredit for more thau he deserves. 
He is certaiuly a determined trader, but he 
does not always sell judiciously. He has been 
prone to sell too largely of the raw material 
and too little of the finished product. This is 
quite the opposite of John Bull’s tactics. He 
never sells raw material, but buys ranch of it, 
expends labor upon it, and sells the finished 
product to all the world. England buys largely 
of grain and other feeding stuffs to make her 
own meat. We sell her over 00 million bushels 
of Indian coni and transport it iuland and on 
ocean 4000 miles, for which she pays about 50 
cents per bushel, hut the American farmer 
does not receive more than 30 cents per bushel. 
When this corn is judiciously fed, it will make 
nine to ten pounds of pork to the bushel. 
This will bring the farmer, on an average, 5J 
cents per bushel at his own door. Grain rais¬ 
ing with meat production draws on the fer¬ 
tility of the soil but little, and if, temporarily, 
it paid no more to sell meat than grain, still it 
would be great economy iu the end. But it is 
easy to see that the farmer, who sends the 
bulky, raw material so far to market and pays 
transportation, must be the loser as compared 
with the man who sends one-sixth of the same 
