THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
March 4 
158 
Apples for New York State. 
W. II. P., South Durham , N. Y. —1. What are the 
be8t varieties of apples to set for family use and 
for commercial purposes here ? I purpose to set 
about 60 trees, beginning with Astrachan. My 
soil is fairly good, facing the south, but exposed 
to high winds from the west. What is the best 
distance to set apple trees ? Would 33 feet apart 
in the row be too close ? 2 Is Ben Davis likely to 
prove valuable as a market variety ? The Bald¬ 
win does not do well here; it does not color well 
on the tree. 
Ans —1. In setting an orchard of such 
varieties of apples as would be suitable 
for both home and market use in New 
York, it would be wise to select many 
more varieties than if they were for 
market alone, and especially is this true 
of the Summer and Fall kinds. It is 
rare that any but Winter kinds pay, 
although in some places, there is a mar¬ 
ket for Summer and Fall apples. A good 
orchard may be made from the following 
varieties, which will be named in order 
of ripening : Two Summer Rose, two Red 
Astrachan, two Early Harvest, two 
Primate, two Fanny, four Lowell, four 
Maiden Blush, four Jefferis, four Graven- 
stein, four Grimes Golden, ten Hub- 
bardston,ten Sutton, ten York Imperial. 
2 . I would not recommend Ben Davis for 
planting anywhere in New York, for the 
seasons are not long enough to give time 
for its proper development. Ben Davis, 
as grown in southern Illinois and Mis¬ 
souri, is poor enough in flavor, but when 
grown in New York, it is worse, I do 
not say that Ben Davis will not pay to 
grow in New York, but there are better 
kinds that will pay just as well. n. e. v. d. 
Growing Sweet Potato Plants. 
G. G. M. L., Garpenteria, Cal.—l. How shall I 
go to work to raise sweet potato plants ? 2. 
What quantity of potatoes is required to produce 
2,000 plants ? 3. What is the best variety for gen¬ 
eral market ? What variety would, probably, 
do best in California ? 
Ans. — 1. Sweet potato plants are 
grown in a hotbed that is made in the 
ordinary way. As soon as the heat in 
the bed is of the proper temperature, the 
seed poiatoes should be put in. The soil 
should be about four inches deep, of a 
light, sandy character, and free from 
weed seeds. Those who make a specialty 
of growing sweet potatoes use great 
care in selecting soil from the forest 
that is a mixture of sandy loam and leaf 
mold, and that has had no chance to 
get troublesome weed seeds in it. The 
potatoes should be laid on top of this, 
gently pressing them half way under. 
They should not be nearer each other 
than one inch. Then cover over the 
whole with enough more soil to put the 
tops of the potatoes two inches below 
the surface. Keep the soil moist but 
not wet. When the sprouts are large 
enough to transplant, pull the larger 
ones carefully, and allow a second set to 
grow. A third crop of sprouts is some¬ 
times pulled. 2. One bushel of good 
seed sweet potatoes will make 2,000 
plants at three drawings, if everything 
works well; but it is oftener the case, 
that 1% bushel will be needed. 3. The 
variety known as Big-Stem Jersey is the 
main one grown in the eastern States, 
and is of the best quality among the 
yellow kinds that have dry, mealy flesh. 
Southern Queen is grow r n to a consider¬ 
able extent in the central States, be¬ 
cause it is of quicker growth, and yields 
a good crop of large potatoes in nearly 
all seasons. The color is creamy white, 
and the flesh is very soft and inclined to 
be sticky. Where the market is good 
for this variety, it is profitable to grow ; 
but in some sections there is but a 
limited demand for it. The most popular 
variety for home use in eastern Virginia, 
where sweet potatoes of all kinds do re¬ 
markably well, is the Hayman. This is 
either the Southern Queen under an¬ 
other name, or is so much like it that I 
never could tell them apart. The south¬ 
ern people like a soft, very sweet, clam¬ 
my sweet potato, such as the yams, 
while the northern people want one that 
is dry. Therefore, the dry yellow kinds 
are grown and shipped n orth to market 
almost entirely. Whatever is the de¬ 
mand in the markets of California should 
be a guide to the planter there, h. e. v. d 
Painting a Water Tank. 
J. M. 77., Sturgis , S. D.— Can you suggest some¬ 
thing to treat a tank to some kind of tasteless 
compound to prevent leaking ? Capacity 60 bar¬ 
rels. The tank supplies water for domestic use. 
Ans. —Two ways are often suggested 
to preserve wooden water tanks from 
decay: One is to treat the inside with 
some waterproof substance, and leave 
the outside untreated. This method pro¬ 
vides for keeping the water from soak¬ 
ing into the wood, also gives any water 
that may soak in an opportunity to be 
evaporated from the outside. If the tank 
were painted on the outside, also, then 
any water which got into the wood could 
not easily dry out, and would cause de¬ 
cay. The second method is to paint the 
outside and leave the inside untreated. 
Where the tank is always full of water, 
the latter method is as satisfactory as 
the former, so far as preserving the wood 
is concerned, because wood which is con¬ 
stantly under water will not decay, and 
where the water is for domestic use, it 
is to be preferred, because it is difficult 
to find a paint or waterproof coating 
which is tasteless and harmless. Lead 
paint will not do, on account of the 
danger of poisoning. 
By coating the outside with any good 
paint, the staves are kept from drying 
or checking, and with the tank always 
full of water, there is every chance that 
it will last a long time. A cheap, service¬ 
able tank may be made by constructing 
a framework of rough scantling, and 
fitting inside of it a galvanized-iron tank. 
This needs no paint, and will outlast 
several tanks made wholly of wood. 
L. A. 
The Dwarf Rocky Mountain cberry will grow 
and bear fruit In central Ohio, but the fruit is of 
poor quality, and hardly worth raising. 
Fok a vine for a porch with a northern expo3 
ure, we would select the Ampelopsis Veitchii, the 
Climbing Hydrangea, and Actinidia polygama. 
We would, also, try the Crimson Rambler rose. 
The Velvet Bean. —I planted a pound of seed I 
obtained from Florida, with my sugar corn. The 
idea was to feed out the stalks and beans as the 
corn was gathered for the table. As such, the 
experiment was a perfect success. I left enough 
to ripen seed, and feel disposed to plant this 
bean with all the corn planted this year, at the 
second hoeing. Mr. Mason, of North Carolina, 
says it is slow; it is not as fast as the pumpkin 
vine that chased the man ovel’ the fence, but it is 
next thing to it, first cousin, even on our poor 
mountain soil. K. 0. N. 
Tracy City, Tenn. 
WU\W\VWtVWVVV'V\\VWV\VVVV\W ( , 
l MAKE MONEY] 
> on your cabbages, onions and early J 
S beets. How ? Force their growth 
S with applications of 
S Nitrate of Soda, 
£ the quickest of all fertilizers. Es- 
S peeially adapted to early vegeta- \ 
5 bles. Produces size and quality at J 
5 the same time. Book, “Food for ■ 
? Plants ,” tells how and why. Free! 
% by addressing John A. Myers, 
S 12 O John Street, New York. 
5 Nitrate for sala bv 
\ BALFOUR, WILLIAMSON & CO., 
^ 27 William St., New York. 
B erry Boxes 
Best White wood, 
@ $ 2.50 1000 . 
Send for New Catalogue, FREE. 
Peach and Grape Baskets. 
Melon Baskets. 
Vx(oe)3j?$A:zO;&^e!w! 
which, being interpreted should read, send for 
Green’s Free Illustrated Catalogue, and save 
half your money by dealing direct with the pro¬ 
ducer of trees, plants and vines. Address, 
Green’s Nursery Co., Rochester, N. Y. 
!EW STRAWBERRIES! 
Nm 
Most complete list of popular varieties in Mlcl& 
gan. Strong, healthy plants FRESH DUG an* 
GUARANTEED to all parts U.S. and Canada. We 
also make a Specialty of Choice Michigan Crown 
SEED POTATOES . ,S "c4t ai,<k;§e v e FREE 
and note what our customers In many states say about 
our carcl'iilly growniand grndediatock. 
FLANSBIM S PIERSON, Leslie, Mich. 
JttafrPLAITS ti-GROW. 
If you want all the tested new rarletiea 
the standard old sorts in atraw- 
berriea, I can suit you. I ha?e 80 acres In 
strawberry plants. Strong, rigorous 
plants with big bunches of fibrous roots, 
absolutely free from disease. Can bell you 
HuflflV A dozen or a million. 
light fresh from the ground. No cellar or cold 
etorafre plant* here. 32-page catalogue FREE. 
W. P. ALLEN, JR., Box 44> SidlsbtHj, AM- 
Public Opinion. 
The following extracts from letters re¬ 
ceived from some of our leading horti¬ 
culturists are well worth considering : 
J. B. Wilson, Fibre, Mich., says; “The 
fruit trees that I received from S. W. 
Call, Perry, O., were the best I ever saw 
come from any nursery,” 
G. W. Hiskett, Fulton, O., writes : 
1 With an experience in fruit tree plant¬ 
ing extending over a period of over 50 
years, the fruit trees that I received from 
S. W. Call, Perry, O , are the finest trees 
I ever planted.” 
B F. Nash, Peru, Ind., says; “I have 
bought trees from agents and also direct 
from different nurseries, but the trees 
that I received from S. W. Call, Perry, O , 
were the best lot of trees I ever bought. 
They were perfi ct in top and root.” 
Hundreds of others write similar let¬ 
ters. Call’s Price List will be sent free 
to aoy readers requesting it. 
Choice Fruits 
are the only kind that pay for the cost of growing and 
marketing. The best are Echo Strawberry, Loudon 
and Columbian Raspberry, Erie and Kathbun Black¬ 
berry, Pearl Gooseberry, Pomona and Red Cross 
Currant. Immense stock. Warranted true to name. 
My catalogue is free, but it is worth dollars to you. 
Allen L. Wood, whoiesais c-rower, Rochester, N. Y. 
Grape VinesiS 
tow price*. Diaeriptlr* It.t fre#* Varied**. 
CURRANTS, Gooseberries, 
CAMPBELL’S EARLY Grape. Quality extra. 
V*rr«Dted true. T 8. HUBBARD CO., FredouU, N.Y. 
TREES. 
If yon want fine Peach Trees, Pear 'frees (including 
Kiclter), Apple Cberry, Plum.oranything else intlie 
way of lrutt trees: small fruits. Shade Trees. Ever¬ 
greens, Shrubbery, or Hedge Plants, write to THE 
WILLOWDALE NURSERIES for prices. We are 
well prepared to till orders for first-class stock, free 
from ail injurious insects or diseases, and at low 
prices. Send us list of whit vou want. 
BAKE3TRAW & PYLE, Wi!lowdale,ChesterCo..l*a. 
IMew Fruit. 
Johnson Quince.-JS&Sut *XfVsl 
grown, largest, mildest Havored. most evenly grained 
of any cn my experimental grourd 
Lehigh Greening Apph.-f^SST& 
very large, crisp, mild sub-acia. dessert or cooking; 
season January to J une. 
Red Paradise Sweet Apple^u ^ 
sweet apple I ever ate.” Van Deman: “It is excel¬ 
lent.” Plate and description given in this journal 
about a year ago. For full description address 
W. B. K. .JOHNSON, 
City and Whitehall Nurseries, Allentown, Pa. 
nrinu TRFCQ 1 to 0 ft. at 3)<Sc.; 3 to 4 ft. at. 
r r"fllin 1 2b>c.;alllyr.from bud.healthy 
and thrifty; no scale. Official certificate 
accompanies each shipment. Sample by express if 
wanted. Can ship any time. Trees kept dormant 
till May 10. K.S. JOHNSTON. Box 4, Stockley, Del. 
Frilit TrflQO - PEACH TREES at special prices. 
riUll IlCbO Catalogue free. Peach Culture, de¬ 
scribing 40 varieties and other valuable information, 
Price, 50c. To U. N.-Y. readers by mall for eight 2-c. 
stamps. West Jersey Nursery Co., Bridgeton, N. J 
Red Currant Plants 
I have the best grown. Handsome descriptive 
book, with practical suggestions on cultivation, 
mailed free. Write for it. 
J. E. SHIDELER, Indianapolis, Ind., Rultsbide Fruit Farm 
Trooc and Plante atlowprices. Catalog Free 
ireea anu riatllb Established 1369. ISOacres. 
The Geo. A. Sweet Nursery Co., B. 1605, Dansville.N.Y 
■ E* you are Interested in Fruit Trees and Plants. 
1 ■ send for my catalogue, It will save you money 
C. A, HYATT. Croton-on-11 udson, N. Y. 
Columbian Raspberry 
For sale by the ORIGINATOR, 200,009 of the FINEST 
PLANTS, one and two years old. Write for prices 
to J. T. THOMPSON, Oneida, N. Y. 
PFAPH TKBBS < 3c - AI1 kinds of stock CHEAP. 
I Linvll reliance Nursery. Box 10, Geneva. N.Y. 
OTRAWBERRYKS 
and choicest stock in the world (50,000,000. 100 
varieties.) Lowest prices. Safely and cheaply 
delivered anywhere on continent. Catalogue free. 
CONTINENTAL PLANT COMPANY, Strawberry 
Specialists, 34 South Street. Kittrell, N. C. 
PI ANT^ _Raspberry and Strawberry Plants at a 
iLMn 1 0 very low price. Our catalogue tells all. 
WM. CARSON A SONS, Rutland, Ohio. 
QKDIOREE STRAWBERRY PLANTS, 
I of the best varieties. None better ofiered. $1.25 per 
1,000 and up. WM. PERRY. Cool Spring, Del. 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS, BEST re* 
Circular free, send for it. li. King,Tewksbury. Mass 
If yon Klve our wonderful new straw- 
Nklll9l berry a suitable name. Catalogue free. 
0 W 1,000 var. T. C. Kevitt, Athenta. N. J. 
MERRY PLANTS, that grow vigorous,guaranteed 
SI true to name, all the new & Standard sjrts. None 
finer; cheap. By the dozen or 100,000. Catalogue 
y free. J. W. HALL. Marion Station, Md. 
m If*If DEDBiEC-T^J-OK-* 1 - 25 per ioo. 
DLAUlVDCnilBK.d Five hundred. $5. 
MORNING SIDE FARM, Sylvania, Pa. 
,?, e ,STRAWBERRY PLANTS 
Cabbage and Celery Plants, of which 1 ^ 
only list the best out of 100 varieties, “ FtJt? 
J. L. ARNOUT, Plainsville Pa. 
Small Fruit Plants.—Strawberry, Blackberry 
and Raspberry Plants, from $1.25 up. Catalogue fr,e. 
A. R. WESTON & CO., Box E, Bridgman, Mich. 
f*| finCTflAIC Earliest, largest, best. Fully 
ULhUw 1 UHL described in THE Rural New- 
Yorker, and in our new Berry 
CTDAUIDCDBV Catalogue—FREE, 
d 1 n A if Dunn I Slaymaker & Son, Dover, Del. 
Z'' Y T 1 ' A T'X in price but not in quality, 
s r~“j /A Trees, Plants and Vines. 
's—Z A J J—^ 4 * A Write for Catalogue, free. 
ALLIANCE NURSERIES, Rochester, N. Y. 
STRAWBERRIES 
ails C ( (E a l nftn for standard kinds. Only 
« » • I u a 5 OUU New Beds. Best Plante 
you ever saw. Raspberries, $5. a IOOO 
Other fruits at like rates, Lists SENT FREE. 
JOHN F. DAYTON, WAUK0N, Allamakee Co., IOWA. 
CTARK l' ave a 74-YR. Record. , Fruit Book Free 
mm iurk k m bko ^ PAY FREIGHT 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS ^ 0 ® 
8HAILER BROS., Ty ervillc, Conn. 
“STRAWBERRY PLANTS THAT CROW." 
Why pay fancy prices for plants, when you can get just as good or better at from $1.50 to $2.50 per 1.000. 
My FREE. 1899 Catalogue lists all the later introductions and standard sorts at right prices. 
Send for it. C. 11. WHITTEN, Bridgman, Mich. 
«!f r u Atf£ 9 Sftl ETHIIIT Five acres of LOGAN. We have a line stock of 
SlC SIR BE, HWSlktf III ritUII ELDORADO and LOUDON. DELAWARE 
PEACHES and WiCKSON PLUMS, are specialties. We have fine two-year old stock. CHERRIES and 
STRAWBERRIES in good supply Send for our catalogue of all the valuable new and standard varieties. 
MYLK & SON, Bridgeville, Del. 
ym aiu miiiim.i;in;n[ni;iii<iiiiiii uiiiin mmiinillum i!iii uuii nmiu niiiiiii:iiiiimian.iiimuimii| nmmm i"imniniT"i"—n 
' ““ ““ “ “ “ Seeds Need Not 
Be Swallowed. 
CAMPBELL’S EARLY 
“First of all Grapes,” says Rural New-Yorker. Scaled 96 points In possible 100. “Will 
ship round the world.’’ Early or Late. Insist on our Seals and get what yon buy. 
Largest stock of other Grape Vines, Small Fruits. Elegan t Catalogue FREE 
GEORGE S. JOSSELYN, FREDONIA, NEW YORK. 
Your Home Address 
plainly written on a postal card and mailed to 
L„ Jm Farmer, go x Pulaski, N* Y, 
will secure valuable information on Strawberry Culture 
and catalogue of Berry Plants FREE. 
YSfi&r —TO plants “Earliest” Straw- 
xA/yfc-C rS<dta *U >1 berry (new) only 10c postpaid. 
Write to-day. This ad. will not appear again. 
The Popular CAROLINA POPLAR. 
Just the tree for city planting—Thrives where others fall—Resists 
■moke and gas as the salamander does fire. Til.OO© of them, beautiful trees 
6 to 8, fj to 10,10 to 12 and 12 to 15 feet. Immense stock of all other Shade Trees, Shrubs and 
Roses. Hundreds of f liousands of Fruit Trees, Small Fruits. Grape Vines, 
I’lants, Seeds, Valuable Catalogue free. Correspondence solicited. Write us your 
jjA* wants if you would procure the best at bottom prices. 
45th YEAR. 44 CREENHOUSES. 
THESTORRS&HARRISON CO., Box543 
1,000 ACRES. 
PAINESVILLE, OHIO. 
