4l2 
May 21, 
FARM ERS' CLUB 
[Every query must be accompanied by 
the name and address of the writer to in¬ 
sure attention. 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 panpr.l 
Sorghum at the North. 
F. P., New York, N. Y.— Have your read¬ 
ers had any experience with sorghum in 
latitude of New York. I have heard it 
stated that it was superior to corn for fod¬ 
der. What cultivation and fertilizer is re¬ 
quired? 
Ans. —We have grown Early Amber 
cane several years. We consider the 
first cutting superior to corn fodder for 
green feeding, but we find it hard to 
cure in our moist climate. For hog or 
sheep pasture the sorghum is excellent. 
We have sown the seed broadcast and 
in drills, and prefer the former. The 
sorghum does best on light open soils, 
but must be well fed, either with 
manure or a fertilizer, such as is used 
for corn. We find it best to soak the 
seed thoroughly in hot water before 
sowing. 
Currants and Gooseberries for Missouri. 
R. B. H., Mexico, Mo.—Which are the best 
kinds of currants and gooseberries to set 
in Missouri for market? I wish to set 200 
or 300, about 150 each, some that are hardy 
and sure croppers. 
Ans.—C urrants do not flourish very 
well in Missouri, owing to the very- 
warm Summers there, but gooseberries 
do well. However, it is practicable to 
grow both for market in a limited way. 
I would advise thorough mulching of 
currant bushes for the purpose of keep¬ 
ing the roots cool and moist, which is a 
condition that they require for good 
results. The varieties that will succeed 
as well as any are Red Dutch, Red 
Cross and North Star. Of the gooseber¬ 
ries the Houghton, Downing and Cham¬ 
pion are among the best. The large 
English kinds are very subject to mil¬ 
dew 7 in warm climates, and are not 
suitable there. h. e. v. p. 
The “Red Albumen” Fraud. 
E G. M„ East Bethany, N. Y .—Can you 
tell what is the red part of the mixture 
called red albumen, of which so much was 
said? 
Ans. —J. M. Bain, who writes from 
Zanesville and New Concord, Ohio, im¬ 
poses occasionally upon the farm press 
in the form of a communication, such 
as—“How a poor widow supported her¬ 
self,” “How I made poultry pay,” “Oc¬ 
cupation and w 7 ork for all,” etc., etc., 
the articles being so worded, w 7 ith bad 
spelling, etc., as to appear reliable. He 
thus secures free advertising (as he 
adroitly refers to a company v 7 hich sells 
something), and after being exposed re¬ 
tires for two or three years, coming out 
again under a new name and address. 
He has been convicted once. It is near¬ 
ly time for his next communication. 
He got considerable free advertising on 
red albumen as a substance for making 
hens lay. It was a mineral, he said, 
discovered in South America, etc. Ex¬ 
amination showed it to consist princi¬ 
pally of red iron oxide, containing no 
albumen, of course, and absolu*'’y 
worthless. There is no such substance 
as red albumen. p. ii. Jacobs. 
Muriate and Sulphate of Potash. 
II., Akron, N. Y .—Will you tell me the dif¬ 
ference between muriate and sulphate of 
potash, and which is the better to mix 
with H per cent, acid phosphate? Sul¬ 
phate costs $5 a ton more than muriate. 
Ans.—T he muriate is a chloride—that 
is, combined with a substance known as 
chlorine, while the sulphate is combined 
with sulphur. To illustrate, salt is a 
chloride, being soda combined w 7 ith 
chlorine, w ? hile Glauber’s salt, often 
taken as a medicine, is a sulphate of 
soda. Most of us know what an ill¬ 
smelling substance chloride of lime is, 
and how different it is from land plaster 
or sulphate of lime. Thus in muriate 
the potash is lilfce the soda in the salt, 
combined with chlorine, while in the 
T1IE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
sulphate, like the lime in the plaster, it 
combines with the sulphur, so that 
potash, like man, is “known by the com¬ 
pany it keeps.” It is this differeface 
in combination that makes the sulphate 
worth more than the muriate. Put a 
large handful of salt or chloride of lime 
around most plants and you kill them. 
Put the same quantity of plaster and 
you make them grow. It is the chlorine 
that does the damage. When ordinary 
quantities of muriate are scattered over 
an acre of ground there is not enough 
chlorine to poison the crop, but it will 
to some extent prevent the formation 
of starch <md sugar. Thus on such 
crops as sugar beets or vegetables and 
fruits grown for high flavor, the sul¬ 
phate is worth more than the muriate. 
On ordinary farm crops, except potatoes, 
the muriate will answer. The sulphate 
mixes with acid phosphate better than 
the muriate because it is drier. 
/ 
Figuring a Fertilizer Mixture. 
L. If. R., Torrington, Com.—Will you give 
the analysis of the following formula, and 
express your opinion of same for potatoes: 
700 pounds blood, bone and meat; 600 pounds 
superphosphate; 200 pounds dissolved bone 
black; 300 pounds high-grade sulphate of 
potash; 200 pounds nitrate of soda? The 
same formula is used for berries, corn and 
other vegetables, except that the muriate 
of potash is used in place of the sulphate. 
Ans. —Taking the analyses as you give 
them the mixture would show the fol¬ 
lowing: 
Phos- 
Nitro- phoric Pot- 
gen. acid. ash. 
700 pounds blood and 
meat . 49 
600 pounds superphos¬ 
phate . 
200 pounds bone black. 
300 pounds sulphate of 
potash . 
200 pounds nitrate of 
soda . 38 
Total . 87 
This means nearly 4V 2 per cent nitro¬ 
gen, 9V 2 of phosphoric acid and 7*4 of 
potash. We take the lowest figure of 
the guarantee. Fertilizer dealers say. 
this is not fair, but. that we ought to 
take the average of the two figures. The 
lower one is all these dealers can guar¬ 
antee. There is probably some mistake 
about the analysis of nitrate of soda. 
This rarely averages over 16*4 per 
cent nitrogen. Perhaps you mean 
sulphate of ammonia. This mixture 
ought to produce a crop. From our ex¬ 
perience we doubt if such a mixture 
would pay for corn on a sod. Less ni¬ 
trogen would answ'er. 
The Blight on Cucumbers. 
C. E. K., Cedar Broolc, N. J— I plant every 
year several acres of cucumbers which I 
use in my business. In former years I 
had alw'ays a good crop, but the last two 
years thej 7 were an entire failure. The 
leaves started to get yellow after the first 
picking, and the vines died also. The 
farmers of the neighborhood call this the 
blight. Could'I help these with spraying, 
and what is the best to spray w 7 ith? My 
soil is medium light. I use stable manure; 
buy new seed every year and nevqr plant 
the cucumbers on the same field where 
they have been the year before. 
Ans. —It is quite evident that C. E. K. 
has what most of us call “the blight.” 
The disease is first made noticeable by 
small brow'n spots on the leaves. They 
usually occur in batches in various parts 
of the field at first, but in two or three 
days will spread over the entire field, 
turning the leaves almost black, crimp¬ 
ing the edges, and the field will look 
at the end of a v 7 eek as though fire had 
visited it. I presume this is the disease 
that is troubling the inquirer; it is 
however the one that Has ruined cucum¬ 
bers and muskmelons in this section 
for the last four years. I might say it 
is far worse on muskmelons here than it 
is on cucumbers. Some of the truckers 
in this section are having fair success 
some seasons with spraying, but when 
it comes to a season like the last, I do 
not believe anything will save vines like 
cucumber, or muskmelons. I have a 
friend near me w 7 lio claims he could not 
grow any cucumbers even in his green¬ 
houses were it not for spraying. This 
man follows it up very thoroughly, but 
70 
84 
32 
150 
186 
150 
failed last season to keep his vines alive 
the usual length of time. I believe this 
disease to be identical with that of the 
muskmelon so will speak from that 
standpoint. It is claimed by some of 
our most extensive melon growers that 
three to four sprayings with Bordeaux 
Mixture will keep the vine green 
through the picking season, provided it 
is begun early enough. It should be 
begun as soon as vines begin to run, 
and kept up at intervals as long as 
needed. I would think that the cucum- 
ings than the melons because the fruit 
ings than the melon because the fruit 
is picked green, and the longer you keep 
the vines alive the greater crop you ob¬ 
tain. The formula for this purpose 
When you write advertisers mention The 
R. N.-Y. and you will get a quick reply and 
“a square deal." See guarantee, page 8 . 
$250 WORTH CABBAGES 
PRODUCED BY ONE POUND 
VAN NAMEN’S EXCELSIOR HOLLAND GROWN 
Cabbage Seed, late large, round, solid white heads: 
highly recommended. Packet, 25 cents; quarter 
pound, 75 cents; pound, $2.00. 
C- H. JOOSTEN, Importer, 
-201 WEST STREET, NEW YORK. 
CHOICE CELERY CABBAGE 
PLANTS, only !$1 per 1,000. All good sorts ready 
in July. SLAYMAKER <fe SON, Dover, Del. 
P ADD ARC Plants, $1 per 1 , 000 ; $8.50 per 10 , 000 . 
VADDHUCi Early Jersey Wakefield, Early Sum¬ 
mer, Danish Railhead, E. W. KocheUe, Chester, N. J. 
varies with different farmers, some us¬ 
ing four pounds copper sulphate, four 
pounds lime and 40 gallons water, while 
others use it much weaker. What I 
SWEET POTATO PLANTS Jersey Yellow, jersey 
Red. Big 8 tem, Pierson, Vineland Bush, and other 
varieties. C. M* HARRISON* Viceland N* J* 
Formerly F. S. Newcomb. 
have used myself I made 4-6-50, and 
think it plenty strong enough for tender 
leaves. I think that if C. E. K will try 
one of these formulas and begin spray¬ 
ing early, keeping persistently at it, it 
will help if not entirely cure. c. c. h. 
Bees Working on Grapes. 
U. E. J., Morristown, Term.—Can anyone 
tell me how to keep bees out of the vine¬ 
yard, or how to prevent them destroying 
the grapes as they ripen? 
An«. —From the inquiry it is not easy 
to determine just what damage the bees 
do to the grapes. There are various 
species of birds that make a small punc¬ 
ture in the numerous berries of a bunch 
of grapes. The most frequent offender 
is the Cape May warbler (Dendroica 
tigrina). This little bird, quick of 
flight, about the size of a sparrow, and 
striped, makes its visits early in the 
morning. It will sit on a bunch, and run 
its needle-like beak into berry after 
berry, almost as fast as one can count 
In this way it will ruin a number of 
bunches before it is satisfied. The bees, 
attracted by the exposed juices oozing 
from the berries, will run their delicate 
tongues down into the opening made by 
the bird. As it is rarely if ever seen, 
and the bees are ever present during the 
daytime, it is naturally supposed that 
they puncture the grapes, when, in fact, 
the real culprit is the bird of the early 
morning. Another grape-puncturing 
bird is the Baltimore oriole, with its 
brilliant plumage. Sparrows, yellow- 
hammers and robins sometimes acquire 
the habit, but rarely. As the mouth 
parts of the bee are not adapted to cut¬ 
ting the skin of fruit, it is highly im¬ 
probable that they ever puncture any 
sound fruit. But some varieties of 
grapes, with a very thin skin, like the 
Niagara, when overripe, will crack. 
These the bees will crawl all over, suck 
dry at the opening, making themselves 
a general nuisance. But it will be ob¬ 
served in every case they leave the 
sound fruit intact, even after the 
broken fruit has been sucked dry. The 
remedy in each case is obvious. The 
owner of the vineyard, or the bee-keep¬ 
er himself, if the bees are tx-oublesome, 
should, early in the morning, watch for 
birds, for there will usually be only a 
very few of them; and if these are shot, 
the trouble will disappear if it is a case 
of puncturing. If it is one of overripe 
or cracked fruit, then the vineyardist 
himself should pick the fruit before it 
reaches that condition. If it is care¬ 
fully handled and screened as soon as 
put into baskets, there will usually be 
very little trouble by the bees annoying. 
We have about 300 colonies that have 
been located in a vineyard for 25 years, 
and we have no trouble because we take 
care of the birds, and pick the fruit 
before it cracks. !e. r. root. 
POTATOES.—Bovee, Carman, Cobbler, Harvest, 
* Hustler, Longfellow, etc. C. W. Ford, Fishers,N. Y. 
ONION SEED—Southport Globe 
MEEKER’S SMOOTHING HARROW 
Send for prices and catalogue. 
'THE C. O. JELL1FF MFG. CO.. 8 outhport, Conn. 
VEGETABLE PLANTS. 
Jf&W transplanted plants of Cabbage, Tomato, 
Celery. Egg Plant, Pepper and Cauliflower. Writs 
for Price List. 
J. E. HUTTON k SON. Conyngham. Pn_ 
POTTED STRAWBERRY PLANTS, KK 
T C. KEV1TT, Athenia, N. J. 
TREES succeed where 
Larfe™ery. OTHERS FAIL 
SPJBL.-- 
nil# Fruit Book Free. Beault of 78 year*’ expentnc* 
Vr STARK BR0», Lwiitaaa, Mo.; Dansrllle, N.V.; Elf 
Farmers interested in Mammoth 
Early 8 -Rowed Red glazed; 2.2UU 
bushels—14 acres, and White FUnt (test95;: descrip¬ 
tion and samples free. (Thisls notSouthern or West¬ 
ern), but N. Y. State grown. Can name you two seeds¬ 
men who have tested this corn and sent check for 75 
bushels each. One to 4 bushels,$2; 6 bushels, $1.75: 
10 bushels ormore, $1 50. Potatoes all sold. 
8 . J. SMITH CO., Shortsville, N. Y. 
FOB Q AI C—Crimson Clover Seed, $4 per bushel: 
* Ull 0HL.L Cow Peas, $1.75 and $2 per bubhel; Seed 
b weet Potatoes, $1 per bushel. 
J. E. HOLLAND, MUford, Del. 
HOYT'S TREES 
have a reputation of more than 50 years back of 
them. Our nurseries are the largest in New England. 
More than 500 acres of strong, rugged soil planted 
to everything that is best In Fruit Trees, Shade 
Trees, Plants and Ornamental Stock. All 
stock guaranteed healthy and true to name. 
Full Catalogue Free. 
THE STEPHEN HOYT’S SONS COMPANY, 
NEW CANAAN, CONN. 
50,000 Peach Trees 
Fine healthy stock in all the leading 
▼arieties. Write for prices to-day. 
Dwyer’s Spring Catalogue gives full 
information about fruit and ornamental 
trees, small fruits, vines, etc. Mailed 
free on request. 
T. J. Dwyer’s book on hardy trees, plants and 
vines, 50 cents. Sent free with spring orders. 
T. J. DWYER & CO., 
Orange County Nurseries, Cornwall, N. Y. 
PLUM TREES CHEAP. 
We offer great bargain in Plums, 4-5, and 5-6 ft., two 
year,on Plum Root. Varieties Imp. Gage, Lincoln, 
Grand Duke, Gueii, Fellenburg, Shropshire Damson, 
German Prune, Lombard, Shippers Pride, Inglebert, 
Ogon, Wickson, Bradshaw, Washington, Quacken- 
boss, Smith, Beauty of Naples, Moore's Arctic and 
Reine Claude. This stock is strictly first class, and 
we offer it at a bargain. Perfectly dormant. 
WOODVIEW NURSERIES, Mt. Holly Springs, Pa. 
d 
ETIberta Peach 
The perfect freestone.# Very 
large and fine. Golden yellow, faint- 
1 y striped with red. Fruit deliciously 
flavored. Harly August, Tree hand¬ 
some and most prolific. Fine market 
variety .All choice kinds.Catalog free. 
Harrison’s Nurseries,8x29,Berlin,Md. 
TnCCP and PLANTS at Wholesale Prices. 
I riLLO Cat. Free. Reliance Nursery. Geneva,N.Y 
Crimson Glover 
HENRY A. DREER, 714 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. 
In sowing this valuable clover it is iinpor- 
tant that American seed is used. '»- 
supply genuine Delaware seed only. uur 
special circular describing uses of Crimson 
Clover is mailed free. 
STARK GRAPE NURSERIES are in the heart of the famous Chautauqdfc 
ape Belt, which produces the finest vines grown in the U. 8 . We have 
immense stock of all leading sorts; quality perfect; prices low as those of 
an 
■t w m « j any reputable grower. Send us your orders— one vine of a car load. A com- 
I l\| 1-4 Vk plete line of fruit trees, small c -p * ni/ r> r)f$5C PORTLAND, N. Y. 
Y Ail L/O fruits, etc. Price List free, o A AKlv DKU O Louisiana, Mo. 
TREES 
$8 Pei 100 
APPLE, PEAR, CHERRY and PEACH, healthy, true to name 
and fumigated. All kinds of trees and plants at low” whole¬ 
sale prices. Don’t buy until you get our catalogue, which is free r or send list o' 
wants for special prices. Address RELIANCE NURSERY, Box 10, Geneva, N. Y. 
