7o8 
October 10 
FARMERS’ CLUR 
[Dvery query must be accompanied by 
the name and address of \he writer to in¬ 
sure attention. Before asking a que.stion. 
please see w’hether it is rot answered in 
our advertising columns. Ask only a few 
questions at one time. Put c;ue.-3tlons on a 
separate piece of paper.] 
SELECTING SEED OF OSAOE MELON 
L. W. E., Benton Harbor, Mich.—For per¬ 
haps 10 years I have been growing Osage 
melons, always saving seed from the best 
specimens, and planting again on the same 
soil. The advantage of this is getting seed 
of known purity and quality, and avoiding 
the risk attending change. Now I am ad¬ 
vised that I could get better results by 
getting seed from melons grown on differ¬ 
ent soil, and in a different location. Dur¬ 
ing rainy weather melons are apt to crack 
at the bloom end; -would .seed saved from 
such melons be likely to increase that ten¬ 
dency? 
I am decidedly of the opinion that 
seed grown on different ground and lo¬ 
cation, other things being equal, will 
give better results. Seed from cracked 
melons will produce more cracks. You 
can breed up a line of melons that will 
all crack at blossom end. 
Colorado. J. J. thomas. 
For several years we have not raised 
our own melon seeds, preferring to buy 
of seedsmen whom we know, believing 
that they can furnish us plumper and 
better seed than that of our own rais¬ 
ing. We find that wm can get fine melons 
of best quality, provided the season is 
all right, and we can keep clear of bugs, 
blight, aphis, etc. When our melons be¬ 
gin to crack we think it a pretty good 
sign that the quality is good. We often 
have them crack in dry seasons. We do 
not think that this comes from the seed, 
but rather from the conditions of 
growth. We find it necessary to change 
our melon fields every year, never rais¬ 
ing more than one crop on the same 
field, and even then we have the enemy 
to fight—bugs galore—with the spray 
cart going over the field every 10 days 
to hold off blight and anthracnose. Let 
the Aunes get diseased and quality is 
gone. HOLMES bros. 
Michigan. 
From my experience I certainly should 
expect a failure in melon growing by 
using seed from the same field year af¬ 
ter year, even though it was from the 
very best selected melons. If one saves 
his own seed and takes up a new field 
on different sections of the farm from 
year to year, good success may possibly 
be attained, but I am sure a greater per¬ 
centage of first-class melons can be 
grown if select seed grown under en¬ 
tirely different climatic conditions is 
always used. For my melon growing in 
Georgia I like northern grown seed, and 
the farther north it can be procured the 
better. Then by making the best selec¬ 
tion in the South w'e have fine seed for 
sending north. This all, I think, ap¬ 
plies especially to the melons of the 
Osage class, and also the Netted Gem. 
About Hartford here we have a number 
of gardeners who are wonderfully suc¬ 
cessful with the Emerald Gem, and I 
know some of these continue to use seed 
of their own growing year after year, 
and you could not tempt them to try 
any outside seed. Yet I believe from 
my own observation if they were to send 
some of their own selected seed to dis¬ 
tant points for growing one year, and 
then bring some of the best strains back 
here they would do even better than 
now. J. H. HALE. 
Connecticut. 
I think our Michigan friend’s trouble 
lies as much in planting on same soil 
for 10 years as it does in seed, or more 
so. I do not grow the Osage melon, but 
judging from what I have seen and 
learned, I think the variety has some¬ 
thing to do with the cracking at bloom 
end. If I understand the variety men¬ 
tioned, it is medium size, thick meated 
and salmon colored flesh. My experi¬ 
ence has been that all thick-fleshed va¬ 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
rieties crack in wet weather much more 
than thin or medium fleshed varieties 
do. I have known varieties to be bred 
tainly be a sure remedy. After the 
fruit is off, then spray foliage with 
Paris-green or arsenate of lead. 
When you write advertisers mention The 
R. N.-Y. and you will get a quick reply and 
“a square deal.” See our guarantee 8th page. 
toward thick flesh, to the extent that 
more than half the crop would open at 
bloom end if season was wet, and a good 
many would do so, even though the sea¬ 
son be fairly dry. I think any melon 
grower will bear me out in the follow¬ 
ing statement: Melons that crack are al- 
v/ays the highest flavored melons in the 
field. I have always advocated saving 
seed for one’s own planting. In that 
respect I think he is right, but there 
are times when a change is beneficial. 
For example, suppose something hap¬ 
pens the crop early in the season, and 
the fruit ripens rather prematurely; 
such seed would not, and could not, be 
expected to produce as strong plants as 
seed from choice melons taken from 
strong, vigorous vines at time of ripen¬ 
ing. Rather than plant such seed I 
would change, but would certainly try 
to obtain seed of known purity and vi¬ 
tality, Some vegetable seed should be 
changed from one soil to another quite 
often, for example the tomato. But 
muskmelons will do well here in this 
locality for a long time by carefully se¬ 
lecting seed from thoroughly ripe and 
perfect melons taken from green or 
groAving Adnes. I Avould not save seed 
from cracked or decayed fruit. I would 
certainly be afraid they would all crack 
in a few years, wet or dry. I feel quite 
sure that if our Michigan friend will 
save seed from fruit not so thick flesh¬ 
ed, or get seed from a strain not so thick 
fleshed and save seed along that line, he 
will largely overcome his difficulty. 
However, I may be wrong in saying so. 
There are some varieties of muskmelons 
that crack badly, while other varieties 
under the same conditions will scarcely 
crack at all. Possibly the Osage is one 
of those varieties that have a tendency 
to crack. If it cracked for everyone 
who grew it that I knew then I would 
change varieties. Our friend says he 
plants always on same soil. That I 
certainly would not do. I know a grow¬ 
er here who did that, and continued to 
do it until he could not grow “hog 
melons,” to say nothing about table 
melons. I do not allow melons on same 
ground oftener than every third year, 
and would much rather make it every 
fourth or fifth year. I feel quite sure 
that if L. W. R. will change his place 
of planting, rotate every third or fourth 
year, select seed from fruit not too 
thick in flesh, and last but not least, 
from sound fruit well ripened, he will 
be on the right track, c. c. huls.u?t. 
Monmouth Co., N. J. 
Slugs Inlure Strawberries. 
E. F. ir., Catawisaa, Pa.—l have a very 
destructive pest in my strawberry patches; 
it is the slug, not the snail with a shell, 
Avhich groAvs very rapidly from an egg and 
gets as long as three and four inches in 
length. They are not so destructive to the 
plant as to the fruit. What can you recom¬ 
mend to destroy them, and not hurt the 
plant when in blossom or fruiting? I have 
found common salt will destroy them, but 
if applied thick enough it will also kill 
the plants. 
Axs.—These gigantic slugs or snails 
have increased with great rapidity in 
this country since they were introduced 
from Europe several years ago. They 
often invade greenhouses, where they do 
much damage. As snails are nocturnal 
animals, or feed mostly at night, one 
can hand-pick large numbers of them 
at night with a lantern. During the 
day they hide in any protected or shel¬ 
tered place. This habit enables one to 
entice large numbers of them under 
large leaves, shingles or boards laid on 
the ground where they can be gathered 
by hand during the day. I can suggest 
no application that could be made dur¬ 
ing the fruiting season of strawberries 
that would not injure the plants or 
fruits and would kill the snails. I think 
persistent hand-picking at night and 
after enticing them under boards during 
the day would pay, and it would cer- 
M. A'. SLIXGERLAND. 
Apple Growing in New Mexico. 
.t. F. .1., Claremont, i’a.—Will you tell me 
what you think of Sun Juan Co., New 
Mexico, for commercial apple groAving, 
varieties, future prospects, etc.? I expect 
to go to New Mexico and should like to 
go Avhere Winter apples do Avell; should 
like to set 10 acres or so. Do Winter ap¬ 
ples do AA’ell and keep well in the Mesilla 
Valley, and would it be a safe investment 
to set an orchard there? I know what 
they say in New Mexico, but should like 
an outsider’s A’iews. I was in New Mexico 
years ago. and like the climate. 
Ans.—T he Mesilla Valley in New 
Mexico is a good section for Winter ap¬ 
ples. I have seen many from there, and 
all that I have seen so far have been of 
the most salable character. They seem 
to keep well, are beautifully colored 
and of good quality. I can see no rea¬ 
son Avhy an investment in an apple or¬ 
chard there might not be very safe and 
profitable. In choosing the varieties to 
set it AV’ould be wise to take the advice 
of those groAV’ing apples there. Jona¬ 
than, Rome Beauty and Missouri are 
some of the best so far tested. 
H. E. A'. D. 
For the land’s sake, use Bowker’s Fer¬ 
tilizers. They enrich the earth.— Adv. 
'TIMOTHY SEED.—Choice new seed, grown on 
^ hew clean land, extra cleaned, $1.40 per bush., bags 
included. Write for prices on all farm and Grass seeds. 
Address, Itatekin's Seed House, Shenandoah, Iowa. 
PEACH 
and other FRUIT TREES at fair 
prices. Circular free. U S. JOHR- 
Sl'ON. Box 4, Stockley. Del. 
APPLE TREES. 
Largest and best stock of heavy grade, first-class, 
standard apple trees in the East. Ail leading varie¬ 
ties. Wholesale prices on box orders of 2o0 or more. 
Freight paid to K. R. station of purchaser. Inspec- 
tlon of nurseries by would-be patrons solicited. 
Agents wanted. Send for catalogue No. 7. Individual 
or club orders solicited. 
THE GEBKISH NURSERIES, Xiakeville, Mass 
THIS IS THE 
Best Season 
to plant Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry, Quince, and Nut 
Trees. All the Small Fruits, and Hardy Ornamentals 
named in our free AUTUMN CATALOGUE. Write 
for it. Our stock first-class. Prices reasonable. 
T. J. DWYER & SON, 
Orange County Nurseries, Cornwall, N. 
DON’T WAIT 
till Spring buy those Trees, 
Plants or Ornamental stock which 
you have in mind. Send us your 
order now and save money. Get 
fi^rst-class goods and avoid the 
rush of vSpring orders. We have 
a large stock to select from and 
guarantee satisfaction. Ours is 
the largest Nursery in New Eng¬ 
land—over 200 acres in trees. 
Cata'ogue sent free to R. N.-Y. 
readers. Send your address. 
THE STEPHEN HOYT’S SONS CO., 
NEW CANAAN, CONN. 
Fruit Trees Planting 
A compisle line of Nursery Slock. Genesee valley grown. 
Not the cheapest but the best. Catalog free to i n terested parties. 
THE SWEET NURSERY CO., 245 Main St., Dansville, N. Y. 
PLANTS AND SHRUBS 
FOR HOME DECORATION. 
Let us help you make your yard more at¬ 
tractive and “ home like.” A few hardy 
pla-fs and ?hrnbs rightly placed will work 
wonders. Fall is the time to p.ant them. 
AA'rite ns what you need, if onl^ a Crimson 
Rambler for the comer of your porch. 
Perhaps your entire lawn needs attention 
Docs it? Then don’t delay a day. Write us 
about it. AVe handle planting problems 
large and small; tell you what you need and 
why. No charge unless you want the plants. 
That’s fair, is it not? 
Get OUR NEAV FLORAL GUIDE, Just 
out. Mention Rural New-Yorker, and 
address; 
THE CONARD & JONES CO., 
Growers of the Best Eases in America." 
Box 4, West Grove, Pa. 
SEEDS 
AND 
GRAIN 
The Henry Phi 
Red Alsike, Crimson and Alfalfa 
Clovers. Timothy and Grass Seeds. 
Hungarian, Millet & Buckwheat. 
Dwarf Essex Rape and Sand 
Vetches. Turnip Seed and Seed 
AVheat. 
Feeding com and Oats In car 
lots, deUvered on your track. 
Clipper Grain & Seed Cieaners 
Let Us Know Tour AVants. 
ipps Seed & Implement Co., 
Department “ A,” Toledo, Ohio. 
BUDDED FRUITS. 
Peach, Apple and Pear Buds. 
Largest and best assortment in the United States. 
Write us to-day for the list of varieties & prices. 
Harrison’s Nurseries, Box 39, Berlin, Md. 
My Illustrated Catalogue of Trees and Plants at 
WHOLESALE PRICES. Buy direct, and save 
commissions. I pay the freight when cash accom¬ 
panies order. 
E. O. PETERSON, MONTROSE NURSERIES, 
Montrose, N. Y. ' 
904 
—Full crop from Layer Strawberry Plants; 
$2 per LUUO Try Fall planting; list free- 
KEVITT SPLAN'rFARM,Athenia N.J. 
100,000 Apple, 200,000 Peacli, 
30M. SOUR CHERRY. Low Prices. Catalogue. 
WOODVIKW NURSERIES, B. 2, Mt. Holly Springs,Pa 
TREES SUCCEED WHERE 
'£„:e~ur.ory. OTHERS FAIL 
'Fruit Book Free. Result of 78 years’experience 
^STARK BROS, Louisiana, Mo.; Dansville, N. Y.; Etc 
NORTHERN GROWN TREES. 
Best climate, Best soil. Best for the Frtdt 
Grower. Best for Agent and Dealer. Best Cata¬ 
logue. Best Prices, My treatment and trees make 
permanent customers. Once tried, always wanted. 
Catalogue free. Instructive, Interesting. 
MARTIN WAHL, Rochester, N Y 
MAIDEN’S BLUSH 
Is but one of hundreds of varieties of trees grown 
by us. AVe send FREE, ui)on request, new band- 
some. complete illustrated catalogue, giving valu¬ 
able hints and suggestions on selection and care 
of stock. We have Largest Nurseries, Most Com¬ 
plete Facilities in Afichigan. Write us to-day. 
CENTRAL MICHIGAN NURSERY, 
Nurserymen, Florists, Landscape Architects. Kalamazoo, Mich. 
Fruit & Ornamcnlal, 
.Shrubs, Roses, Bulbs 
Jand Plants. 
Catalogue No.1,112 pages, 
free to Purchaeera of Frua 
^ and Ornamental Trees. 
''pages, to buyera of Holland Bulbs and Gwa- 
^ house plants. Try us, satisfaction 8“»rante^ 
Correspondence solicited. 60th year. 44 greenhouses. 
XOOO acres. __ _ > 
THE STORRS & HARRISON CO»$ 
PAINESVILLEt OHIO. 
WHY NOT GROW GINSENG? 
IT IS THE GOLD AVINNEK. We sell Northern 
Pennsylvania AVild Roots. The best, surest ana 
cheapest to start with. Write for prices. 
8 . H. BRIGC8, Warren, Pa. 
FRUIT TREES 
FOR FALL PLANTING 
We do not hesitate to say that you will get mort 
excellent results from planting our 'rrees in uc^ 
her and November. A full line of varieties, named 
in my Catalogue, which is free. Get i t to-day. 
□a:- js. „ 
Cayuga Nurseries, Cayuga, N. »• 
But HOW we grow them and WHY we 
'E GROW THE.AI. That’s why we KNOW them, 
low them, the “Tree Breeder” tells, N Y* 
HE TREE BREEDERS. ROGERS ON THE HILL, DANSVILLE, » 
00 DCD inn APPLE, PEAR, CHEERY, and peach, healthy, true to name and 
OO iLn lUUi Fumigated, All kinds of trees and plants allow wholesale pnew. 
Don’t buy until you get our catalogue, which is free, or send list of wants for 
price. Address RELIANCE NURSERY, Box lO, Geneva, New York. 
TREES 
BULBS 
tures for the lawn 
and pleasure ground. 
CAI I Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocus, Narcissus, 
• V/la ■ Our New Bulb Catalogue is sent free, it 
_ , a KI ^ B Bki ^ a-U about the best bulbs, also seasonable seeds 
PLAIM I IIMUl and plants, including our celebrated grass mix- 
Hf/VRV A. OREER, Philadelphia, Pa. 
