1904 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
i35 
STARTING MELONS UNDER GLASS. 
I would like to know how to start canta¬ 
loupes in hotbeds? 
Laurel. Del. 
The melon cannot be handled like 
most other plants grown under glass, to 
he removed to the field later on. Ex¬ 
amine a melon plant with four to six 
natural leaves and you will find several 
long roots running horizontally through 
the soil. These long roots may have at 
this time a few side branches and the 
whole literally covered with small root¬ 
lets or feeding hairs. Now suppose we 
dig up one of these plants, breaking off 
from one-third to two-thirds of these 
long roots. We deprive the plant of its 
means of taking up food and moisture 
in sufficient quantity to sustain life, to 
say nothing about subsequent growth 
and development. I have grown musk- 
melons from plants raised under glass 
with varying success. I have tried using 
ordinary top-dressing on the beds, and 
when plants were ready for the field cut 
in squares and set in the hill same as 
is done with early tomatoes, egg plant, 
etc. That was done when I did not take 
into consideration the amount'of root 
mutilation I was doing. The conse¬ 
quence was my plants stood still for a 
long time, and some died. I have used 
sods cut four or five inches square and 
inverted and packed as close as possible 
in the frames, each square representing 
what is to be one hill in the field when 
transplanted. This method we find ad¬ 
vocated in almost all articles we read on 
the subject; practically it does not work 
as well as it should for best results, be¬ 
cause the inverted sod cannot be made 
mellow enough for the roots to pene¬ 
trate; they therefore run along between 
the sod and soil used in covering the 
seed till they reach the point where sods 
are joined together, then go down be¬ 
tween two sods. I have taken up melon 
plants so started that had practically all 
their roots on the outside of the sod. 
One can readily see why this is so with¬ 
out further discussion. I believe this to 
be a more imperfect method than the 
one first described. 
The only method I have had any de¬ 
gree of success with is to use plant boxes 
without any bottom. These boxes come 
in the flat, are creased to fold in a 
square, and two three-ounce tacks make 
the box. These boxes come either with 
or without bottoms as ordered. 1 have 
used them both ways, and find the bot¬ 
tom more of a detriment than other¬ 
wise; this may seem strange to some, 
but I think it nevertheless true. With 
the bottoms on one has much more dif¬ 
ficulty in getting plants from the box in 
the field, and is much more liable to 
crumble the soil to pieces in his effort 
to get box apart than is the case when 
no bottoms are used. 
How to Use Boxes Without Bot¬ 
toms. —First make the frame the proper 
width for your glass, have bottom per¬ 
fectly level. On this place about two 
inches of fine stable or barnyard ma¬ 
nure. This manure must be worked up 
fine, so the boxes will settle into or bet¬ 
ter through it. Place boxes on this in 
rows and see that they fit very tight 
l oth ways to exclude too much air. 
When boxes are all placed have a board 
10 or 12 inches wide and just long 
enough to fit crosswise of frame inside, 
put this on top of boxes, and get on it 
with both feet and press those boxes 
through the manure if possible, taking 
pains to have all level on top. Now fill 
all boxes with compost same as for any 
other plant, like tomato, pepper, etc. 
One will find in filling these boxes that 
they do not fill very well or firm, there¬ 
fore it will be necessary to firm the soil 
in each individual bcx with a square- 
ended stick; do this sufficiently to ex¬ 
clude air and retain moisture. Fill boxes 
level full and strike off same as you 
would a measure of grain. Plant eight 
to 12 seeds on top, we may say, of each 
hox, and scatter them some; when 
planted cover with sandy soil free from 
foul seed if possible and not over three- 
fourths inch deep. If soil is dry wet at 
once; put on glass and they are ready to 
begin operations at once. Care should 
be taken to see that temperature does 
not get too high; 70 to 80 degrees I 
would say is about right for the first 
few' days, or until plants begin to break 
through. However, should the mercury 
rise to 90 degrees for a short time it 
will do no harm, but it is best not to 
force the plants, but get as near to na¬ 
ture as possible. As soon as plants are 
over ground air freely to prevent a 
leggy unnatural growth. Keep the plant 
as close to the ground as possible. 
When weather is fine take off sashes en¬ 
tirely; a natural healthy growth is what 
is wanted. Water from time to time to 
supply needed moisture. 
Transplanting. —This method will 
require about six weeks to fit the plants 
for the field, and plants should never be 
put in the field till weather is settled 
and all danger of frost is over. In re¬ 
moving to the field all one needs to do 
is to take out one end of bed, take a 
close-tined fork and lift four boxes at 
one time; place them on the wagon. In 
unloading reverse the operation, take off 
four boxes and place in center of check, 
leaving a box for each hill. The men 
setting can reach a box with one hand, 
cut down one corner with knife, take off 
box and let block of earth, roots not dis¬ 
turbed, remain right where wanted. On 
opening one of these boxes you will find 
quite a mass of roots between box and 
earth, but if properly handled but few 
will be destroyed. In setting in the field 
I think it advisable to set a little deeper 
than they were in the bed. Plants 
should be thinned in the bed to four 
plants to the box, and if the grower is 
going to leave only two plants per hill 
to grow it would bo better to thin to 
three in the bed, leaving one to be taken 
out after plants have taken root in the 
field, provided insects, cutworms, etc., 
leave it for you. There are so many 
sidetracks and little technical points in 
growing melon plants under glass that 
one hardly knows when enough has 
been said. The writer feels, however, 
that for the man who is accustomed to 
handling vegetable plants under glass 
enough of this is sufficient. For the be¬ 
ginner I would say go slow on this crop 
until you have experience. 
New Jersey. c. c. kulsart. 
with an Appleton Wood 
SAW you can rapidly and with 
case and safety 
your own wood 
and Save Coal, 
time, labor and 
money; or saw 
your neighbor’s 
wood and make 
$5to$l5aDay 
Strong, rigid 
_ frame, adjustable 
dust-proof oil boxes, etc. We make five styles. 
Also the famous “Hero” Friction-Feed Drag Saw, 
Feed Grinders, Ensilage and Fodder Cutters, Husk- 
ers, Shellers, Sweep Horse Powers, Tread Powers, 
Wind Mills, etc. Write to-day for free catalogue. 
AppletonMfg.Co. 27 Fargo St., Batavia, I1L 
Freeman WO< Saws 
I save time and slavish work. Why kee P ,°Jl I 
I the same old drudging way? Get tho outfit 
that’s suited to all work Tilting and slid- 
ing tables for wood and | 
long poles. Also portable 
steam pawing outfits, wind 
> mills, etc. Farm nmchin- 
ery book free. Ask for cat-1 
alogue 102. 
S. Freeman & Sons Mfg. Co.,| 
Racine, Wisconsin. 
THRESHERMEN 
have come to realize the fact that for efficient 
and permanent service, there is no power t hey 
can take into the field so satisfactory as the 
RUMELY t< eium?eL 
Modern invention shows a tits best in their making. 
They have no superfluous purts or trappy d vires. 
Hear Geared vi h steel gearings. Cross heads and 
slides are protected from dust. Cut shows sinylo 
cylinder. Wo make also double cylinder engines. 
Burn wood or coal, or strawindirecttlue. Lateeata- 
logue describes 1 ully this matchless Engine line . nd 
famous New Runiely Separators. Mailedfree. V\ rite. 
M. RUMELY CO., La Porte, Indiana. 
Eureka POTATO 
LANTER 
Catalogue 
KKKK 
Plants whole or cut seed any 
distance—any depth— in 
any soil. With or without 
fertilizer. Simply con¬ 
structed. Light in draft 
Fully guaranteed. 
EUREKA MOWER CO., 
Utica, N. Y. 
Prove This Mill 
Return at our expense if not found the 
. best for ear corn crushing and mixing 
| in and grinding all grains. 
QUAKER CITY 
Grinding Mills 
have double hoppers, are onh-bearing, fastest 
grinders, lightest running Fine tablo meal inak- 
.Tdiuiuuu*"^ ers. Don’t buy until you get our 37th Annual 
Lowcflt price, on KM »n<l pwollne engine,, swoop and tread powere. 
T h , IT 11- OfrmthPft 8737 Filbert St., Philadelphia, Pa. 
! tie Ji. H. olfOUO uO. Canal A Randolph Sta., Chicago, III. 
ti 
> I WANS’ 
AUGER 
BEST IN THE WORLD 
_ Post Hole & Well 
I For Post Holes,Wells, Prospecting for Minerals, etc. 
I A man can do thrice the 
work with an “lwan” than 
. with any other. Used by U. S. Gov’t. 
“Highest awatd. World’s -1 
Fai r, 1003. 4 to 10 i nch 82.50; 
12 inch, l<>.00. Sample at 
i special price to introduce. Show to your hardware 
j dealer or write for particulars. 
’ IWAN BROS., DEPT. 4, STItEATOK, IH- 
SAW MILLS 
The DeLaach Patent Variable Friction Feed Saw Mill 
with 4 h. p. cuts 2000 feet per day. All sizes. Shingle 
Mills, Planers, Trimmers, Corn and Buhr Mills, 
Water Wheels, Lath Mills etc. Flno catalog froe 
DE LOACH MILL MFC. CO.. 
Box 900,ATLANTA, CA. — 
tST Meat Us at St. Louis. 
KING Corn Field” 
Tho Grent Planter and 
Fertilizer Distributer 
A Tool 
that 
Leads 
all 
Others. 
A machine distinguished for perfection and variety 
of duty. Plants Corn. Peas, Beans, Beets, Buck¬ 
wheat, etc. C rn and Beans or Corn and pumpkins 
at the same time. Plants cither in drills or in hills 
9,12, 18, 24, 36 or 72 inches apart. Distributes 
uniformly all commercial fertilizers, wet, dry, 
lumpy, etc. 25 to 700 lbs. per acre. Improved row 
marker. Strong and durable, easily handled, fully 
guaranteed. Agents wanted. Catalogue free. 
Belcher & Taylor A, T. Go., 
Box 75 Chicopee Falls, Mass. 
All Farm Tool Grinding 
done easily and exactly. 4 tools in one. Sickle Grinder, Edge Tool Grinder, Saw 
Gummer and Polisher. Fitted with the world famous abrasive, Carborundum, 
you grind 20 times as fast as with sandstone with the 
BI PEDAL SICKLE and TOOL GRINDER. 
Does not draw temper or glaze. Special Offer to Farmer*--1 O Day* Free Trial. *34 worth 
of machinery for *8.50. Return at our charge if not satisfied. Rapid seller for agent*, 
with liberal terms. Ask for beautiful Carborundum sample and booklet. Free. 
J. LUTHER BROS. COMPANY. 22Penn St., N. Milwaukee^Vyis^ 
Mulched Orchards.- We in western 
New York have come to the conclusion it 
is better not to plow an orchard after it 
has got to bearing. It is almost impos¬ 
sible to plow an orchard without barking 
the trees, especially if hired help does it. 
We mulch the trees with coarse manure 
every Spring, pasture with sheep, b. t. b. 
Albion, N. Y. 
A HOT PROPOSITION! 
To introduce our Ball-Bearing Steel Forges, 
Malleable Iron Visas and Blacksmith Tools 
for farmers* use we will make special prices. 
Ship on approval. Prepay the freight. Write 
today for special offer. We*ll save you 
money. Diplomas from Iowa, Nebraska andj 
Kansas State Fairs. • - 
C. R. Harpor Mfg. Co., Box 123. Marshalltown, Iowa. 
MAPLE SUGAR MAKERS 
Don’t Miss a Good 
INVESTMENT. 
As horses vary In price ac¬ 
cording to quality so do 
Sap Spouts. Tho GRIMM 
Spout costs you nothing. The gain of 
one-fourth more sap pays for it. It’s a 
conservative guarantee. Purchaser as- 
8 nines mo risk. Why not venture? 
Order what you need and return if not as represented. 
Samples FRKK. G. 11. GRIMM, Rutland, \ t. 
IDEAL 
SAP SPOUT 
Made open or closed. Send for dealers’ 
.rice nst and catalogue of full line of 
_ iAPLE SUOAK GOODS. 
CHARLES MILLAR & SON CO., Utica, N. Y. 
WATER. 
If you want water only when the wind blows a windmill will do your work 
and cost less money than our ltider and Ericsson Hot-Air Pumps, butlf you want 
water every day while your flowers are growing and do not want your pump blown 
down when the wind blows too hard, no pump In the world can equal ours. We 
have sold about 20,000 of them during the past twonty-flve years, which Is proof 
that wo arc not making wild statements. 
Our Catalogue “C 4” will tell you all about them. Write to nearest store. 
36 Warren St.. New YORK. 
239 Franklin St., Boston. 
Rider-Ericsson Engine Company, 
692 Craig St., Montreal, P. Q. 
Tentente-Bey 71, Havana, Cuba. 
22 Pitt St., Sydney, N. 8 . W. 
40 Dearborn St., Chicago. 
40 N 7th St., Philadelphia. 
for Babcock ^ 
Corn Plant 
One-Jlorso Corn, Bean 
and Garden Seeder. 
Drops in bills and drill i 1C 
acres a day. Fertilizer extra 
row - . 
planter with automatic reel 
and 80 rods wire. 
for this Com 
GardcnDrill 
With 11 tools complete$8.50 
20 forWol v eri ne 
Garden Cultivator. 
We have complete line gar¬ 
den tools. Seed Drills 65c. 
Steel lever harrow; cuts 
10 ft; 60 teeth; two sec¬ 
tions. 
Stool 
80 cis. 
buys this 
seeder. 
Our No. 
1428 
Genuine 
. Otis 
'^crank 
seeder, 
sows wheat, oats, grass 
seed etc. Retails at 
$3.00, our price $1.25. 
Michigan Wheelbarrow 
Seeder 12 ft. $4.95, 14 ft. 
$5.25. End Gate Seeder, 
^■¥.50 for Fanning 
VI Mill with grain 
outfit for cleaning 
wheat, rye, oats, 
com, barley, beans 
etc. board for cheat 
ami cockle. Clover, 
extra. 
,50 
50.5Obuys_ i gjy 
up 
M , v .. Cultivator, 
plain, with 5 shovels, Lnd uatcbeetier, g rwSS sieves ext 
i spreads to 33 inches. 1 improved pattern, J&.So. Warehouse Mills 923.50 doz. Koot luncr *>.»>. iccva >» u.r.j m 
CUT THIS AD OUT eutturalani^Funa Machinery Catalogue FREE. MARVIN SMITH CO. CHICAGO. 
perfect 1(0 
egg incubator com¬ 
plete. 84.35 for 60 Egg 
Wolverine. Jr. Incu¬ 
bator. Brooders $8.15 
and up. Handy egg 
carrier 28c,holds 1 to 12 
doz. Root Cutter 83.25 
For this 12-16 all steel 
disc harrow. Frame is 
made of best anglestecl 
Axle of cold rolled pol¬ 
ished steel. Dlscshighesi 
grade tempered steel 
Spring seat. Draft is di¬ 
rect from axle. Guaran¬ 
teed in every way. 
two section steel land 
roller. 7 ft. 3 section 
$17.50. 8 ft. $18.75. Light 
ru n ni ng,strongest,best. 
<?LOWS 
sir. 
