352 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKEKJ 
May 19 
Farmers’ Club. 
[Every query must be accompanied by the 
name and address of the writer to insure atten¬ 
tion. Before asking a question, please see 
whether it is not answered in our advertising 
columns. Ask only a few questions at one time. 
Put questions on a separate piece of paper.] 
PHOSPHATES FOR APPLE TREES. 
Will the Crude Rock Answer? 
The Massachusetts Experiment Station 
reports some interesting experiments in 
fertilizing apple trees. It is reported that 
“floats” or finely-ground phosphate rock 
which had not been treated with acid gave 
excellent results. We find that a number 
of New England apple growers are satis¬ 
fied that the “floats” will answer in place 
of the dissolved rock. If this is true the 
cost of feeding an orchard may be con¬ 
siderably reduced, for the roots of the ap¬ 
ple tree will do the expensive work for¬ 
merly done by the sulphuric acid. 
Good f\iu Many Soils. —I have used 
floats on farm crops for 20 years and 
find it economical for several of the 
Staple field crops. On some of them, 
where lloats has been used against acid 
phosphate the floats or plain phosphate 
gave as good results. For clover I al¬ 
ways use it, and for corn, half and half 
often, but always some floats. It is used 
in seeding oats for the young clover. 
But for potatoes it is withheld, as ap¬ 
parently it is not efficient for this 
crop. l ! t is well known that floats does 
better on some soils than others, de¬ 
pending in part, perhaps, upon whether 
t'hey are acid or alkaline. The individ¬ 
ual farmer would better determine for 
himself. My experience with “floats” in 
orchards does not admit of advice, as it 
is practically nil, but if Prof. Maynard 
nnds it useful, coupled with my knowl¬ 
edge of his work, my own and the ex¬ 
perimental researches of others, I 
should without question accept it as a 
fact that in some soils at least, floats is 
an economical source of phosphoric acid 
for orchards, as we get twice the mater¬ 
ial in it for a dollar that we do in the 
soluble or acid phosphates. 
New Hampshire. j. w. sanborn. 
A theory pretty well established pre¬ 
vails that the phosphoric acid of bone 
that has been treated with acid soon 
reverts after being in the soil a little 
while, and Decomes as insoluble as the 
S. C. rock or floats. Whether this 
theory can be wholly substantiated or 
not it is the practice of some of our 
best growers to use floats as a source 
of phosphoric acid. Dr. Fisher, Fitch¬ 
burg, has used it for many years, and 
J. W. Clark, a successful grower in No. 
Hadley, a large apple grower, has used 
it for many years. I am much of the 
opinion that we have used more phos¬ 
phoric acid in our cultivated orchards 
than was needed, and in our turf land 
orchards too little nitrogen. You know 
something of the nature of our farming 
land in New England. Much of the 
rough, stony jand is deep and rich in 
quality, and we can grow good fruit 
upon land that is not worth more than 
from $3 to $20 per acre by the use of a 
moderate amount of chemical fertilizers. 
[PROF.] S. T. MAYNARD. 
Mass. Exp. Station. 
The Raspberry-Cane Borer and Asparagus Fly 
IF. E. B„ Port Dalhousic, Ont.—l. Give me 
some Information as to the habits of the 
cane-borer, which is in some of our best 
raspberries canes. Can anything be done 
by spraying to prevent its attacking 
tlie new shoots? Will the quality and 
quantity of the crop be affected by 
it? 2. Is the asparagus crop likely to be 
affected by the fly? What means would 
you adopt to exterminate it? 
Ans.— 1. The adult of the Raspberry 
cane-borer is a slender beetle, which 
emerges in June and proceeds to make 
two rows of punctures around growing 
canes near the top. Between these gir¬ 
dles or punctures, which are about one- 
half inch apart, the beetle inserts its 
eggs into the cane. The girdles serve 
to check the growth of the cane, and 
usually the tip droops, and sometimes 
breaks off at the girdle. The egg soon 
hatches, and the young grub tunnels its 
way down the cane, sometimes to the 
base. It is now thought that the insect 
requires two years to get its growth. I 
do not think that the insect can be 
reached in any way with a spray of any 
kind. It can be readily kept in check, 
however, by cutting off and burning the 
tips of the infested canes, Which are 
usually readily seen as they droop over. 
If this is done from June on during the 
season but few of the grubs will be left 
to develop. The cutting out of all un¬ 
healthy canes usually controls this in¬ 
sect. As the canes which are attacked 
usually die, the crop is, of course, seri¬ 
ously affected by it. 
2. I suppose by the asparagus “fly” 
is meant one of the Asparagus beetles 
which landed on our shores many years 
ago, and are now spreading westward. 
The most serious species of the two hi¬ 
bernates in the beetle stage and ap¬ 
pears on the shoots as they push 
through the ground in the Spring. It 
sticks its eggs on to the sides of the 
shoots, and from these hatch small 
olive-colored grubts, which gnaw holes in 
the shoot. When the grubs get full 
grown they go into the ground and trans¬ 
form to the beetles. There are usually 
two broods of the insect in the North. 
The later brood works upon the grow¬ 
ing plants. Both the beetles and the 
grubs feed on the young shoots and 
growing plants, and do a great deal of 
damage; in fact, they are the most seri¬ 
ous pest of the asparagus. If all the 
volunteer asparagus is cut down, and 
the beetles thus forced to lay their eggs 
on the new shoots in the Spring, and 
these new shoots be cut and sent to 
market every day or two, the eggs will 
not have time to hatch before the crop 
reaches the consumer. Some allow a few 
shoots to grow and serve as lures for 
the beetles. On these shoots the insect 
is killed with insecticides. Fresh air- 
slaked lime dusted on the plants early 
in the morning, while the dew Js on 
them, quickly destroys all the grubs 
which it hits. The arsenites applied dry 
in powder mixed with flour answer 
equally well, and possess the advantage 
of destroying the beetles as well as the 
grubs. It is said that the grubs may 
be killed in hot weather by beating or 
brushing them from* the plants with a 
stick so that they will drop to the 
heated earth, where they die, being un¬ 
able to regain the shelter of the plants. 
After the crop of new shoots is har¬ 
vested the growing plants should be 
kept sprayed with one of the arsenites 
during the latter part of the season. 
M. V. SLINGERLANP. 
Cow Peas in Corn; Manure. 
T. F. K., Carmel, N. Y.—How would It do to 
sow southern cow peas in a cornfield the 
last time we go through with a cultivator? 
Did you ever hear of it being done, and if 
so, with what success, to cover the ground 
in Winter, or would you rather sow rye 
in place of the cow peas? What will pre¬ 
vent horse manure from heating in a 
heap during the Summer? 
Ans. —In the South, cow peas do well 
in the cornfield. They are planted with 
the corn or dropped in the hills when 
the corn is knee high. In some cases 
rows of cow peas are drilled between the 
rows of corn when cultivation stops. 
The peas grow until frost and then die 
down. The following year the corn is 
planted where the cow peas grew, while 
another row of cow peas will follow the 
old corn row. By thus changing back 
and forth good crops of corn are pro¬ 
duced on the same ground year after 
year. We do not consider these plans 
practical for northern culture. We have 
sown cow peas in early sweet corn and 
obtained a fair stand. The cow pea is 
a sun plant, and does not thrive in 
shade, such as is found in our northern 
cornfields. In the South the corn rows 
are farther apart, and there is a longer 
growing season after the corn is 
“topped.” We prefer rye or Crimson 
clover in the corn, and would give cow 
peas the full sun. Keep the manure 
moist. The heating inside the manure 
heap is a slow combustion. Water or 
liquid manure will put 'it out, and keep 
the manure. In New York, where great 
piles of horse manure accumulate, 
water is used freely. 
Quick Fertilizer 
There is nothing in the American 
market today that acts so quickly and 
surely as a fertilizer as 
Nitrate of Soda. 
More About Bordeaux Mixture. 
T. II., Solon, Me .—On page 275 you say: 
“Use this stock solution in the same man¬ 
ner described above for the arsenite of 
lime.” Above you say: “One quart of this 
stock mixture to each barrel of Bordeaux 
Mixture or of water (to which add two 
pounds of lime), is sufficient for most pur¬ 
poses.” Are two pounds of lime to be add¬ 
ed to each barrel when the arsenite of soda 
is used? Would copper sulphate be good 
for coloring the arsenite of soda mixture? 
if so, what proportions and how used? 
Anh. —Yes, I would add two pounds of 
freshly slaked lime to each barrel of 
water in which the arsenite of soda is 
to be used. Theoretically, if the arsenic 
and sal soda are boiled and form a com¬ 
plete solution no lime would be needed 
to prevent any burning effects on the 
foliage, but tne lime will aid materially 
in making the spray stick to the foliage 
and remain on longer. A copper-sulphate 
solution would doubtless color the ar¬ 
senite of soda but as it is an acid, if 
used in quantities greater than one 
pound to 15 to 20 gallons, it would in¬ 
jure the foliage. Better get some cheap 
aniline dye and use just enough to give 
a -slight color. m. v. s. 
For the land’s sake, use Bowker’s Fer¬ 
tilizers. They enrich the earth.— Ad/v 
Apply to the surface in the spring. 
A small quantity does the work. Watch 
the crops closely and when they look 
sick or make slow growth apply the 
remedy promptly. Book, “Food for 
Plants ,” tells all about it. John A. 
Myers, 12 O John St., New York, will 
send you free copy on request. Nitrate 
for sale by fertilizer dealers everywhere. 
Writes at once for List of Dealers. 
The Slag Phosphate 
is not in the Fertilizer Trust, a We are 
still selling at old prices. Orders must 
be sent in early to receive prompt 
shipment. Address 
JACOB REESE, 
400 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 
CnO Cll E — 1.000 Bushels Crimson Clover 
lUtl vRIl. Seed; 1.000 Bushels Cow Peas. 
JOSEPH E. HOLLAND, Milford, Del 
r PIIOS. McELROY, European Seed Commission 
x Merchant, Mercantile Ex. Bldg., 6 Harrison St., 
N. V., offers Crimson Clover, Essex Dwarf Rape and 
English Perennial Rye Grass Seeds; spot and to ar¬ 
rive. Samples & prices on application. The trade only 
C r s m s o n 
Clover. 
Genuine Delaware Seed. Circular describing 
its uses, also prices, sent on application. 
HENRY A DUBE It, Philadelphia. 
10 
10 Apple, Plum or 1’ear 
80c.; 10 Dwarf Pear (50c.; 
10 Quince 75c.; 10 Grape, 
Gooseberry or Currant 
50c. Write Quickly. C. NUKSEUY AND ORCHARD 
CO., Charleston. W. Va. 
50c. 
Q \V EET POTATO PLANTS — Jersey Yellow. 
V ' J $1.50 per 1.000. Vineland Bush, $1 per 100, by mail. 
Also other v.u ieties. Send for circular. 
FRANK S. NEWCOMB, Vineland, N. J. 
Trees. Plants. 
We have all kinds of Nursery Stock. 
Catalogue Free. 
JOS. H. BLACK, SON & CO., 
HIGHTSTOWN, N. J. 
The Counter Edition of our 
Garden and Farm Manual 
m 
BEST by Test— 
fi 74 Yf ARS. Larg¬ 
est Nursery. Fruit Book free. We 
DAY CASH WEEKLY A want MORE 
I r\ I home cfc traveling salesmen 
STARK BRO'S, LOUISIANA, M0.; Dansvilie.N.Y. 
contains besides the very complete line 
of GARDEN AND FLOWER SEEDS a 
Great Variety of GARDEN AND FARM 
TOOLS and SPRAYING OUTFITS. Send 
for it. Send also for our Poultry Supply 
Catalogue. 
217 and 21!) Market Street, 
PUILADBLPU1A 
JOHNSON & STOKES, 
1 Pecan, 1 Bismarck Apple, l Dwarf Rocky Mt. Cherry, worth $8.20. Full line of 
Nursery Stock. Certificate. Arthur j. collins, Moorestown, Burlington Co., N. J. 
The Hick of the Island 
Personally Selected. 
When I went to the Island of Jersey, it was not my intention of buylDg anything near the number of 
Jerseys that 1 did. but I fell in love with the GOLDEN LAD-SULTANAS, and the weakness that I have dis¬ 
played the last 20 years agaiu got the best of me, and i was not satisfied unless 1 had the BEST. To accom¬ 
plish this, it took patience, judgment and money. Tnose who will attend my sale will say they saw the 
tlnest and most useful lot of Jerseys I ever imported. 
Those who are so anxious to improve on the fore udders in their herds, can get at this Sale just what is 
wanted. The r e will bo buch a show of GOLDEN LAD cows in milk, that old-timo breedeis will he forced to 
“snide” and grin (to themselves), and say, “ What have 1 been doing the last 20 years in neglecting my 
cow's udder?” They will see, at a glance, the prepotency of a most remarkable sire. 
Most of the GOLDEN LAD cows (and others as well ) have been bred to Golden Lad's Champion No.57222 
(lute Himley ), by Golden Lad, and Champion Winner over the Island 1829. beating, among others the 
Champion Winner of 1898 also by Golden Lad. 1 ule 
Others have been bred to Golden Lad of St. Peters. Champion Winner ovet the three Western Parishes 
The young Bull and Heifer Calves ( many out of the Golden Lad cows ) will be a rare lot to select from’ 
liumed ately after the Sale is over, the buyer can take ltis return train, and feel assured that his purchase 
will be forwarded promptly, and at as reasonable a rate as can be procured, as has been our practice at all 
our public sales the last 20 years. 
CATALOGUES will be out May 1st. Send postal card for same. 
T. S. COOPER., Cooporsburg, Fa. 
The Entire Importation lias been examined for Tuberculosis by I)r. Francis Bridge, Veterinarian for the 
Pennsylvania Slate Board of Agriculture for IS years and Health Certificates will be given with every ani¬ 
mal. The Entire Importation will be sold. Although very tempting offers have been made for certalu 
animals, positively none be sold at private sale. T. S. C. 
Young Buckeye Walking Cultivator. 
Something New 
in the line of WALKING 
CULTIVATORS, yet the 
most practical walker ever 
built. Has all the advantages 
of a parallel movement, ye- 
without any joints or connect 
tions to wear out. Front ends 
of the gangs operate automatically 
on ROLLER BEARINGS on axle, al¬ 
lowing them to take a direct line of 
draft, which always keeps the gangs 
parallel and the shovels square with 
the row. The gangs are suspended 
from a chain and rod at the center of 
them, to a Hat spring, which makes 
them VERY EASY' to OPERATE- 
Made both pin and spring shovel. We 
make a full line of riding and walking cultivators. If in the market for a walking cultivator, do not 
fail to investigate the merits of this implement. Send for catalogue. 
P. P. MAST & GO., No. 9 Canal Street, Springfield, Ohio, 
And PHILADELPHIA, PA. 
