ldoo 
833 
Club /toot in Cabbage. 
A. F. Y., Lanesville, Mass.—Last Spring 
cabbage seed sown in boxes filled with 
meadow earth which had been in sod for 
years produced many plants, which de¬ 
veloped club-root while in the boxes. The 
manure was carefully selected. Perhaps 
the soil was acid, and I am sure the 
plants were much too crowded, and suf¬ 
fered at times for water. To avoid the two 
latter evils next Spring, I should like to 
sow the seed in a last year's hotbed in 
which the very rich earth had none of the 
cabbage tribe in it last year, though it 
was taken from a spot very near which 
cabbage grew the year before. Will a 
liberal application of wood ashes or of 
lime make it safe to use this hotbed earth? 
Late cabbage sown in a low piece of fresh¬ 
ly-plowed grass land enriched with horse- 
manure also failed, owing to excessive 
club-root, though a neighbor had fine suc¬ 
cess on an equally low piece of similar 
grass land plowed under at about the same 
time. I used some lime and he did not. 
Ans. —Club-root in cabbage and other 
cruciferous plants is caused by a micro¬ 
scopic fungus, the spores of which have 
the uncanny power of swimming and 
creeping their way through moist soil 
and from cell to cell of the plants within 
which they subsist. The knots or galls 
on the roots are caused by the irritation 
of countless numbers of these parasitic 
bodies vegetating within the substance 
of the host plant. The germs or spores 
are supposed to retain their infecting 
power in the soil for three or four years 
at least after the last crop of cabbage, 
cauliflower, turnips or allied plants have 
been grown on the land, so that it is 
better to avoid all soil that is suspected 
of infection. Caustic or newly-slaked 
lime, at the rate of 4,000 to 6,000 pounds 
per acre, well worked into the soil some 
time before planting to cabbage, should 
reduce the disease very considerably, 
and in some cases may destroy it alto¬ 
gether. It would be safer to use soil for 
the hotbed or boxes from some locality 
free of all chance of infection and give 
the field a good dressing of lime. Gas 
lime is to be avoided, as it has but little 
effect on the club-root fungus, which is 
known among scientists by the very un¬ 
handy name of Plasmodiophora bras- 
sicae. In order to reduce the evil as 
much as possible destroy every infected 
plant by burning. If thrown to pigs or 
poultry, or in the compost heap, it only 
spreads the infection more rapidly. 
Traction Engines tor Farm Work. 
Several Readers.—Is it true that California 
farmers have tried traction engines for 
farm work and discarded them for mule 
teams? 
Ans. —We find traction engines cheaper 
than stock for plowing, being able to 
plow with one engine about 40 acres a 
day. This necessitates the cost of about 
$20 a day for fuel and help, including all 
incidental expenses connected with the 
work. It is a much cheaper way of plow¬ 
ing than with teams, as it does away 
with a large force of men and with be¬ 
ing obliged to carry a large stock of feed 
for the animals which would have to be 
used. It has proved very successful in 
this respect, especially on our reclaimed 
lands. The production and manufactur¬ 
ing of steam harvesters are increasing 
every year, and in the locality in which 
I am situated, we are using about 15 
steam harvesters. They give the best of 
satisfaction on our lands, where crops 
average from 25 to 40 sacks of grain to 
the acre. This would be almost impos¬ 
sible to handle with the headers, and it 
is too expensive to harvest our crops 
with binders or reapers. It has proved 
the most satisfactory way of harvesting, 
getting the crops into market much fast¬ 
er and without that loss which is occa¬ 
sioned by the grain being stacked and 
getting the early rains. Every one who 
owns one of these engines, which is con¬ 
fined to the largest farmers, uses them 
the year around. I could not answer 
your question regarding pushing or pull¬ 
ing binders, but I cannot see why they 
would not be just as succesful in this 
as they would be in handling the com¬ 
bined harvesters, for as you know, it 
takes the employ of eight men, and 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
these can harvest 1,000 sacks of grain a 
day, which we consider about an average 
run for harvesters that cut a 20-foot 
swath. The traction engines are used a 
great deal in the mountains for hauling 
lumber and logs, and from what I can 
find out they have been very successful. 
We formerly used coal for fuel, but 
since the discovery of oil, all those peo¬ 
ple who are handling faction engines 
find it much more economical and clean¬ 
er, and there is a great deal less danger 
of fire. Land which norses cannot go 
over or plow, we use what we call the 
“rolling-disk” plow, which will cultivate 
as I say, from 35 to 40 acres a day. As 
to the question of economy, this is a 
great deal more saving than any other 
way of harvesting. I do not know of 
any persons who have used the traction 
engines with combined narvesters that 
have discarded them. All that I know 
of that have been manufactured here 
are in use, and I have heard of no ex¬ 
pression of dissatisfaction. 
Stockton, Cal. frank e. lane. 
Growing Lettuce in the South. 
How is the lettuce crop grown in North 
Carolina? Is it a profitable business? 
Ans. —We are now handling our let¬ 
tuce in this section. All kinds of soils are 
used, with varying success, from a stiff 
clay to muck swamp, and seashore sand. 
The best soil adapted for lettuce is a 
deep, coarse-grained sandy loam, well 
enriched with manure. A soil that is 
close-grained, contains a large per cent 
of silt, and runs together after a rain, 
or crusts in dry weather. This is not 
naturally adapted for the growing of this 
crop, and in it lettuce will rot or damp 
off to a great extent. The rainwater and 
dew, or the moisture arising out of the 
ground under the succulent leaves of this 
quick-growing plant cannot descend fast 
enough after a shower or evaporate after 
sunrise in the morning, to dry off the 
surface of the ground, and consequently 
the under leaves, instead of lying on a 
dry ground, are lying on a saturated 
earth surface. The plants growing close 
together shade the ground and keep 
it from drying out by the rays of the 
sun, or the winds. The results are very 
likely to be a wet, rotten leaf. Close, 
muggy weather will further advance the 
growth of mold, and the plant will rot 
in very short time. There are other 
kinds of fungus and diseases which are 
very destructive to lettuce. If a man has 
the proper soil he is more likely to con¬ 
trol the latter procedures of growing a 
good crop. After the soil has been se¬ 
lected, good or bad, according to circum¬ 
stances, we begin to prepare what is here 
locally named hotbed. This is no hot¬ 
bed at all; it is simply a irame like a 
common cold frame, covered with cloth. 
The dimensions vary according to the 
lay of the land, and also to the indi¬ 
vidual’s fancy; mostly from 18 to 24 feet 
wide, and 150 to 250 feet long. This bed 
cannot very well be made too rich. By 
the latter part of August or first of Sep¬ 
tember we sow our seed broadcast in a 
seedbed; in about five to six weeks the 
plants are ready to be replanted in the 
previously well-prepared soil in tne cold 
frame, being careful to water the plants 
after setting in dry weather. This farm 
is equipped with hot-air engine, tank and 
water pipes for distribution, which make 
watering comparatively easy. We set 
our plants 10x12 inches, fertilize and 
work well, all of which is done with col¬ 
ored labor. During frosts and freezes 
the frames are covered with cloth, sewed 
together to fit the same, and fastened on 
by rings and staples. By the middle of 
November and after the first crop is 
ready to be marketed, later sowings are 
made, for midwinter and Spring crops. 
The price for lettuce is according to 
quantity and demand, with freight, com¬ 
mission charges, etc., besides the cost of 
growing deducted, sometimes satisfac¬ 
tory, but often a crop is grown at a loss. 
Wilmington, N. C. w. o. 
WISDOM BOILED DOWN. 
Are raspberries, currants and straw¬ 
berries ever attacked by the San Jos6 
scale? 
Yes, but not often. Strawberries are 
not likely to be injured. When the scale 
once attacks currants there is not much 
use trying to fight it. 
* * * 
How can I exterminate Canada this¬ 
tles? 
Keep at ’em. “Clean cultivation” is 
what the wise men tell us. In some 
fields they cannot be cultivated out. Cut 
them while in bloom and pour a little 
kerosene oil on the root. 
* * * 
People speak of putting a lump of 
saltpeter into milk to correct bad odors. 
Would this be dangerous? 
Saltpeter is a strong diuretic. It in¬ 
creases the action of the kidneys, it 
might not injure the milk for grown 
persons but we would not like to give it 
to children. 
* * * 
Where can I learn about care and fer¬ 
tilizing of shade trees? 
Bulletin 131 of the Connecticut Sta¬ 
tion (New Haven) gives much informa¬ 
tion about the beautiful elms in that 
city. The following fertilizing mixture 
is suggested: 50 pounds nitrate of soda, 
300 pounds cotton-seed meal, 100 pounds 
acid phosphate, 100 pounds muriate of 
potash. 
* * * 
Do the roots of fruit trees extend as 
far as the spread of the branches? 
Yes, and beyond. Pear roots have 
been traced over 20 feet out and apple 
roots of some varieties go farther yet. 
* * * 
Do you advise readers to make a 
“strawberry barrel” by filling the bar¬ 
rel with soil, boring holes through the 
wood, and setting plants so they will 
grow through the holes? 
No. We regret to say that we once 
half advised this scheme. It was a mis¬ 
take. The plants will not thrive in the 
barrel. 
* * * 
Where can horse manure be bought in 
New York? 
Some stables probably sell direct to 
farmers who drive in after it. Most of 
them sell to contractors. Kane & 
Wright, Forty-sixth street, collect from 
stables and load on cars as desired. They 
charge $1 per ton. A car holds over 20 
tons. The coarsest straw is shaken out 
and probably dried and sold again for 
bedding. 
Cyanide 
Guaranteed 98 to 99 per cent., lor generating 
Hydrocyanic Acid Qas 
the most effective fumigating material, to 
destroy scale insects on fruit trees and 
plants. The only positive eradicator of 
the dreaded San Jose Scale. Endorsed by 
all Agricultural Experiment Stations. “ A 
perfect practical remedy,” says Prof. W. G, 
Johnson, State Etymologist of Maryland. 
MANUFACTURED BY 
The Roesiler & Hasslacher Chemical Co., 
No. 100 William Street. New York. 
FOR RELIABLE FERTILIZERS Tuscarora 
Fertilizer Co., Rossfarni, Juniata County, Fa. 
RUBER0ID 1 
ROOFING 
will protect your chickens and 
other poultry from draughts 
and dampness, keeping them 
warm, dry and healthy. Cover 
the roofs and sides of the poul¬ 
try houses with it. Easily put 
on. Only a hammer and nails 
necessary. It is proof against 
weather, water, heat, cold, ver¬ 
min. alkalies, acids, gases, etc. 
Made of FELT, without tar or 
paper. Tasteless and odorless. 
Leaves rain water sweet and 
clean. Write for samples and 
prices. 
THE STANDARD PAINT 
COMPANY, 
83-85 John St., New York. 
FEED COOKER 
ON TRIAL. 
We are so sure that you 
will think the Eureka Steam 
Feed Cooker is the best made 
that we will letyoutry it for 
yourself. We pay the freight 
big; catalogue and special price 
your station. Can’t explode. Don 
Saves to }4 your feed. Our ca 
everything for the farm. Youne 
CASH SUPPLY & MFG. CO.. Box G. Kal 
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Clubbing List. 
We can save you money on any paper or magazine. 
We give you a list below. If you do not find all you 
want here, send us a list, and we will quote you price 
by return mail. It will save you trouble to send all 
your orders to us at one time. The price opposite 
each paper is our price to you for it. Every order 
must, of course, include asubscription to The Rural 
New-Yorker at $1. To make up a list start with 
The R. N.-Y. at $1, then take as many of the others 
as you need at price opposite each. 
American Bee Journal, Chicago, Ill. 10.90 
American Poultry Journal. Chicago. Ill.20 
American Sheep Breeder, Chicago, 111.80 
American Swineherd, Chicago. Ill.30 
American Queen, New York.43 
Arena, The, Boston, Mass. 1 80 
Atlantic Monthly, Boston, Mass. 3.25 
American Gardening, New York. 1.00 
Ave Marla, Notre Dame, Ind. 1.70 
A Few Hens, Boston, Mass.30 
American Agriculturist, New York. 1.00 
American Boy, Detroit, Mich.60 
Babyhood, New York.90 
Blade, Toledo, O.60 
Blooded Stock. Oxford, Pa.15 
Bee, Toledo, 0.60 
Baptist Union, Chicago, Ill.80 
Breeder’s Gazette, Chicago, Ill. 1.10 
Cincinnati Weekly Gazette, Cincinnati, 0.80 
Cosmopolitan Magazine, Irvington, N. Y.85 
Courier-Journal, Louisville, Ky 1 begin Jan. D... .60 
Cleveland Daily World, Cleveland, 0. 1.30 
Century, New York. 3.60 
Christian Herald, New York. 1.10 
Constitution, Atlanta, Ga.66 
Commercial Tribune, Cincinnati, 0.45 
Cleveland Leader, Cleveland, O.80 
Conkey’s Home Journal, Chicago, Ill.30 
Courier, Buffalo, N. Y.80 
Chronicle Telegraph, Pittsburg, Pa.60 
Country Gentleman. Albany, N. Y. 1.50 
Coleman’s Rural World, St. Louis, Mo.50 
Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cleveland, 0. 1.40 
Courant (Daily .Hartford, Conn. 6.50 
Courant (Semi-Weekly), Hartford, Conn.85 
Columbus Press Post, Columbus, O.85 
Dispatch, Pittsburg, Pa.55 
Drainage Journal, Indianapolis, Ind.55 
Demorest's, New York.95 
Delineator, New York.95 
Designer, New York.85 
Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, N. Y.55 
Dairy and Creamery, Chicago, Ill.25 
Enquirer, Cincinnati, O.55 
Evangelist. New York. 3.00 
Everybody's Magazine, New York.85 
Examiner, New York. 1.80 
Examiner (Daily) San Francisco, Cal. 6.40 
Examiner (Weekly) San Francisco, Cal. 1.20 
Every Where, New York.35 
Fruit, Dunkirk, N. Y. 25 
Forum, New York. 2.60 
Free Press, Detroit, Mich.60 
Frank Leslie’s Monthly, New York.85 
Farm Journal, Philadelphia, Pa.65 
Farm Poultry, Boston. Mass.65 
Family Herald and Weekly Star, Montreal, Can. .80 
Farm and Fireside, Springfield, 0.25 
Farm and Home, Springfield. Mass.40 
Gleanings in Bee Culture, Medina, 0.50 
Globe Democrat (Weekly), St. Louis, Mo.80 
Golden Days, Philadelphia. Pa. 2.35 
Green’s Fruit Grower, Rochester, N. Y.20 
Good Literature, New York.25 
Garden and Farm, Springfield, 0.25 
Household, Boston, Mass.60 
Horse Review. Chicago, Ill. 1.60 
Horse World, Buffalo, N. Y. 1.20 
Harper's Bazar, New York. 3.30 
Harper's Magazine, New York. 2.70 
Harper’s Weekly, New York. 3.30 
Housekeeper, Minneapolis, Minn.40 
Housewife, New York.25 
Hoard’s Dairyman, Ft. Atkinson, Wis.65 
Holstein-Friesian Register, Brattleboro, Vt.85 
Home Journal, Boston, Mass. 1.80 
Independent, New York. 1.90 
Inter Ocean, Chicago, III.75 
Inter-State Poultry man, Tiffin, 0.25 
Journal, Boston, Mass.95 
Judge, New York. 4.10 
Jersey Bulletin, Indianapolis Ind. 1.10 
Journal. Indianapolis, Ind.60 
Journal of Agriculture, St. Louis, Mo.80 
Little Folks, New York. 1.15 
Lippincott’s Magazine, Philadelphia, Pa. 1.75 
Ledger Monthly, New York.80 
Ladies’ Home Journal, Philadelphia, Pa.80 
Living Church, Milwaukee. Wis. 1.60 
Leslie’s Weekly, New York. 3.10 
McClure’s Magazine, New York.90 
Mayflower, New York.25 
Munsey’s Magazine. New York.90 
Meehan’s Monthly. Philadelphia, Pa. 1.80 
North American Review, New York. 4.10 
News and Courier, Charleston, S. C.60 
National Stockman, Pittsburg, Pa.90 
New England Homestead, Springfield, Mass. 1.00 
Ohio Poultry Journal, Dayton, 0.25 
Ohio Farmer, Cleveland, O.55 
Outlook, The, New York. 1.80 
Poultry Keeper, Quincy. Ill.20 
Press, Philadelphia, Pa.60 
Public Opinion, New York. 2.10 
Poultry Monthly, Albany, N. Y.SO 
Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.85 
Post Express, Rochester, N. Y.60 
Puck, New York. 4.10 
Practical Farmer, Philadelphia, Pa.85 
Review of Reviews, New York. 2.10 
Register, Wheeling. W. Va.80 
Reliable Poultry Journal, Quincy, Ill.30 
Republican, The Weekly), Springfield, Mass.90 
Scribner's Magazine, New York. 2.85 
Scientific American, New York. 2.60 
Star, Kansas City, Mo.25 
Sentinel, Indianapolis, Ind.30 
Swine Breeder's Journal, Indianapolis, Ind.45 
Sunday-School Times, Philadelphia, Pa.80 
St. Nicholas, New York. 2.60 
Success, New York.70 
Southern Cultivator, Atlanta, Ga.60 
Strawberry Culturlst, Salisbury, Md.20 
Table Talk, Philadelphia. Pa.85 
Tribune (Weekly). New York.25 
Thrice-a-Week Tribune, New York.75 
Times (Weekly , Cincinnati, 0.30 
Trained Motherhood, New York.60 
Truth, New York. 1.95 
Turf, B'ield and Farm, New York . 2.10 
Union Gospel News, Cleveland, 0.30 
Wool Markets and Sheep, Chicago, Ill.30 
Witness, New York.85 
Woman's Home Companion, Springfield, O.70 
World, Tri-Weekly, New York.65 
Youths’Companion.New, $1.25; renewal, 1.75 
Young People’s Weekly, Chicago, Ill.40 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER, NEW YORK. 
