1897 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
225 
To Kill Smut in Oats. 
J. D. W., Evart, Mich. —What is a simple, cheap way to treat seed 
oats to prevent smut ? 
Ans. —The simplest method is to soak the seed in 
water heated to about 133 degrees F. for five to ten 
minutes. This treatment is said not only to kill the 
smut, but to hasten the germination of the oats, and 
increase the yield to such an extent as more than to 
pay for the treatment. It is well to have two tubs, 
one containing water heated to 130 degrees and the 
other to about 140. Put the oats in a loose sack ; 
dip first in the cooler water for a minute or two, let 
drain for a minute, then dip in the other tub for five 
to eight minutes ; turn and knead the sack to get the 
oats all wet thoroughly. Empty the oats on an airy 
floor, and let dry thoroughly. Another method is to 
dissolve one pound of sulphate of copper in a bucket 
of hot water, add enough cold water to dampen seven 
or eight bushels of seed. Stir thoroughly, drain and 
dry before sowing. 
" Alkali Land' ’ in Colorado. 
P. P., Montrose, Col. —Will any form of potash, such as wood 
ashes, etc., improve or enrich soils that show white alkali on the 
urface in the spring ? I put on from 30 to 50 tons of stable 
manure per acre. 
Ans. —The wood ashes would not be likely to bene¬ 
fit such soils, except as they supply potash. The 
sulphate of potash would do better, but sulphate of 
lime or “ land plaster” would do as well and be much 
cheaper. If the drainage of this land is good, you 
can wash most of the alkali out by irrigating it. The 
object in using the plaster is to change the form of 
this alkali so that it will dissolve and wash away. 
When to Use Wood Ashes. 
J. M. McL., Franksville, Wis. —What is the best time of year to 
put ashes on the land ? Would it do to seed to clover this spring, 
and apply ashes after harvest ? Would it be of benefit to corn, 
to give it a dressing of ashes just after planting, and harrow 
in ? Would lime be of any use applied in the same way to corn 
on clay ground underlaid with limestone ? 
Ans. —In our opinion, the very best way to apply 
wood ashes is to broadcast them after plowing, and 
thoroughly harrow them into the soil. We would do 
this before planting. In case of meadows or grain, 
it is, of course, impossible to apply ashes in this way. 
In such cases, we would broadcast the ashes in spring 
—if possible, before growth starts. The practice of 
applying ashes to young clover after harvesting the 
grain, is often followed, and gives good results 
on the crop, but to obtain the greatest benefit to the 
soil, ashes or lime should be harrowed in. Ashes 
contain considerable lime, therefore their action on 
the soil is much the same as that of lime. 
Malt Sprouts for Manure. 
P. L. W., Flatbmh, N. T .—Truck farmers in Flatlands are 
using malt sprouts for fertilizer, getting them at breweries in 
Brooklyn, for about $10 per ton. Are these sprouts worth, for fer¬ 
tilizer, about half the price of good cotton-seed meal ? How do 
they analyze ? 
Ans. —The two articles compare as follows in fer¬ 
tilizing value: 
POUNDS IN ONE TON. 
Nitrogen. Potash. Phos. acid. 
Malt sprouts. 
. 75 
32 
29 
Cotton-seed meal. 
. 136 
17 
57 
Stable manure. 
. 10 
13 
5 
While the plant food in the cotton-seed meal is, prob¬ 
ably, somewhat more readily available than in the 
malt sprouts, the latter are, certainly, worth half as 
much as the meal. While it seems almost a sin t® use 
cattle food directly as manure, when we come to con¬ 
sider the cost of handling stable manure, and the 
average price charged for it, we believe that the malt 
sprouts at $10 a ton will give better satisfaction in 
the long run than the manure. One great advantage 
in using cotton-seed meal, is that it can be readily 
mixed with other chemicals. The malt sprouts are 
too coarse for this. 
Preservinq Eggs ; Tanning Hide. 
A. J. B., Utica, Pa. —1. What is a good way to put up eggs to 
keep them from summer to winter ? 2. How can I tan the hides 
of small animals with the hair on ? 
Ans. —1. Probably the most practical method for 
the farmer is to pack them in salt, placing them in 
layers, small ends down, with sufficient salt between 
the layers and eggs so that no two eggs shall touch 
each other. Then nail up the package tight, keep in 
a cool place, and turn it frequently. But the eggs 
must be perfectly fresh when put down, and will 
keep better if infertile. They must, also, be kept 
where there are no bad odors for them to absorb. 
When put up in this way, the yolks are likely to 
harden, and the whites to grow thin, but they will 
keep perfectly sweet. The most approved method of 
keeping eggs now is by cold storage ; this is super¬ 
seding liming, which was formerly the accepted 
method of keeping eggs in large quantities. 2. Here 
is a good method : Have the skins as clean as possi¬ 
ble. Cover the flesh sides with a mixture of two 
parts of salt and one each of alum and saltpeter ; fold 
them together, roll up tightly, and place in a cool 
place for a week or 10 days. Brush off all salt, pound 
out in strong soapsuds (not too hot, or the skins will 
be cooked) until clean, then rinse. A strong clothes 
wringer may be used to squeeze out the water. While 
warm, stretch, nail to the side of an unpainted build¬ 
ing, flesh side exposed to the sun for several days. 
When well dried, take down, lay on a bench, flesh 
side up ; work it a few minutes with a piece of No. 1 
or 2 sandpaper until it is as soft as desired. 
Gooseberries from Cuttings. 
S. 8., Nantyr, Ontario. —Wbat is your experience in propagating 
the gooseberry ? Can it be grown from cuttings like currants? 
So far, I have been compelled to mound up my bushes to get 
plants. 
Ans. —George S. Josselyn writes us that he does not 
grow gooseberries from cuttings, because this method 
of propagation does not pay him. He prefers to grow 
them in the same w as our questioner grows them. 
Some kinds do grow readily from cuttings, but many 
do not. 
To Get Rid of Elecampane. 
S. F. If., St. Lawrence County, N. Y.— How can I best eradicate 
elecampane ? Has the root any commercial value ? 
Ans —There are many worse weeds than elecam¬ 
pane, and we think that a reasonable amount of cul¬ 
tivation would subdue it. The root was once in high 
repute as a tonic and expectorant, but it is at present 
little thought of. 
Talks About Ensilage. 
J. R. C., Everettstown, N. J. —1. Should ensilage be salted when 
it Is put in, and if so, how much ? 2. Would Virginia field corn 
or Learning be better adapted to plant in this locality ? 3. What 
length should it be cut, and at what stage of ripening ? 4. How 
far apart in the row would make the best ensilage and give the 
largest yield, or would it best be checked, 3J4 x .3 >4 feet, and worked 
both ways ? 5. Is it advisable to coal tar the inside of the silo ? 
Would the cows eat the ensilage as well if so treated ? The boards 
are rough, inch hemlock, put on so as to break joints, with tarred 
roofing between. 
Ans. —1. No. The best authorities agree that it is 
better to put the corn alone into the silo. Salt, char¬ 
coal, lime and plaster have been used, but with no 
permanent benefit. 2. We would use the Learning 
corn. Where it succeeds, there is no better ensilage 
corn than Rural Thoroughbred flint. As a rule, the best 
local corn for grain will be best for ensilage 3. Cut 
to inch lengths. 4. Plant the corn just as you would 
for grain, and put it into the silo at the stage when 
it would naturally be cut for shocking in the field. 
5. Yes, you would do well to use coal tar in the silo. 
Fruit Growers' Needs 
is our special study—supplying them, our sole business. Have you need of ■■■ 
small fruits, fruit or ornamental trees, vines, roses? Our stock is 
the largest and fullest in the United States; our prices the lowest. All of the best old 
varieties, the choicest of the new kinds—many sorts exclusively ours. Great reduction 
on large lots—estimates furnished upon application. 
Send for complete illustrated catalogue and learn how you may save 50 per cent. 
Fruit crates and baskets. REID’S NURSERIES, BRIDGEPORT, OHIO 
TREES 
Well Bred are Constitutionally Strong, such fruit trees 
we grow by carefully guarded parentage. Men of good judg¬ 
ment buy stock of this character in preference to “ job lots ” and “ bar¬ 
gain lots.” An old customer writes: “I once tried the job stock, because 
cheap; I found it dear. I now let the other fellow buy it.” We covenant 
to save you disappointment if you will plant stock of a sturdy charac- 
ter, started primarily, with a view to long life and fruitfulness. Our 80- 
page catalogue is not flashy or full of promises, but we think you need it for its practical value. 
WILEY & CO., Cayuga Nurseries, Cayuga, N. Y. 
TREES 
AND PLANTS 
At ROCK BOTTOM prices. Have you seen our NEW 
Catalogue ? No ? Then write us at once. IT’S FREE. 
In the 28 years we have grown Nursery Stock, we have 
never offered such GOOD TREES, at such LOW 
PRICES. We KNOW our stock is RELIABLE, for WE 
GROW it ourselves. 
Established 1869. 150 acres. Address 
The Geo. A. Sweet Nursery Co., K)°I3, Dansville, N. Y. 
GENERALLY 
BRING GOOD 
RESULTS 
And all Nursery Stock, dug, shipped, and, \jwj3sjT perhaps, planted the same day. Those are 
favorable conditions to start with. The risk of loss is slight, in fact if you do your work 
well, the risk is entirely removed. Our stock is first-class. Prices low. Special discount for early 
orders. Our Fruit Catalogue mailed free. Write for it. T. J. DWYER, CORNWALL, N. Y. 
FROM TOP 
TO ROOT 
Every tree of every sort that Collins sells, is the bestp^ 
and most vigorous of its particular variety that canoC 
be grown. Choicest varieties only,carefully selected. 
Illustrated catalog shows nearly 150 sorts of 
fruits, all kinds of nuts, finest berries, vines 
and nursery specialties. It’s free—write for it. 
ARTHUR J. COLLINS, MOOBE8TOWN, N. J. 
HIM PH. 
The only Yellow 
Freestone PEACH 
Ripening with Amsden. 
Descriptive Catalogue FREE. 
PEACH TREES 
JOS. 
■ 75 Varieties in Stock. Largest 
stock of Peach Trees in the coun¬ 
try. PRICES are all right for the times. 
If you have never received our three-colored 
plates, send 10c. for three-colored plates of New Fruits and one Triumph Peach. 
BLACK, SON 4. CO., Village Nurseries, HIGHTSTOWN. N.J, 
WE WILL FOR $5 
Send you by express or freight enough trees 
and plants to supply your family, including 
peach, apple, pear, plum, aud cherry trees. 
Strawberry, raspberry and blackberry plants. 
CHAS. WRIGHT, Seaford, Del. 
450.300 TPggS 
800 varieties. Also Grupe«,MmnlH>iiits,et«HiC8t root¬ 
ed stock. Genuine, cheap. 2 sample currants mailed for 
10c. Deeo. price list free. LEWIS UOESCU, Fredonla, M. X. 
Cotta’s Top-Grafted Trees, 
Both Apple and Pear, are the hardiest and best In 
America. Succeed 300 miles farther north than trees 
grown by other processes. Warranted against winter- 
killing. Splendid assortment. Headquarters of the 
New Northern Prize Winter Apples. MILWAUKEE 
and EICKE. Best new Pears, Plums and Berry 
Fruits. General Nursery Stock, including Evergreens 
and Ornamentals, all tirst-class. Catalogue free. 
J.V. Cotta, Nursery, Carroll Co., III. 
PEACH TREES 
—Fine healthy stock, by 100 
or car-load lots, for spring 
1897. Grown on new land; 
the best I ever raised. Low prices. Address 
JOSlAH A. ROBERTS. Malvern, Pa. 
FAY’S CURRANT 
LARGE STOCK. 
EXTRA STRONG. 
Two year old, 20 bushes for $1, er $3.50 per 100. 
One year old, 25 bushes for $1. or $2.50 per 100. 
FRED. H. BURDETT, Clifton, N. Y. 
come from the best trees. 
The best trees are grown 
in the far North. The 
very best trees come 
from our great Minne¬ 
sota N u rseries — abso¬ 
lutely the best anti hard¬ 
iest that money will buy. 
We sell millions of 
trees and plants every 
year. This season we 
want to sell more than 
ever. Nobody at any price can sell you 
as good trees as we can at a low price. 
The thing to remember is that our trees 
and plants grow. And iliey bear fruit. 
All we ask is your name and address, 
so we can send you a great deal of valu¬ 
able information free.* Tell us where you 
live, and we will tell you about our trees. 
THE JEWELL NURSERY CO., 
Box 15. LAKE CITY, MINN. 
TREES 
GREATEST OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME. 
During the month of March we have decided to give away 50.000 Trees, Shrubs 
and Vines, and for every one ordered at our low catalogue price, we will give 
one free, exactly as good to those mentioning this paper Small or large orders 
all doubled. Stock guaranteed good. Catalogues free. 
THE ELIZABETH NURSERY CO., Elizabeth, N. J. 
That's what you want for profit and for quick 
returns. Why plant novelties and doubtful 
sorts, when you can get •* Business ” varieties 
_ _ __._like LARGE MONTMORENCY, ENGLISH 
MORELLO. EARLY RICHMOND, WINDSOR, BLACK TARTARIAN, and other 
ROGERS TREES 
AKK 
BUSINESS TREES 
“BUSINESS CHERRIES” 
MORELLO. EARLY RICHMOND, WINDSOR, BLACK TARTAR_ 
leading varieties, largest and finest two-year old trees, 5 to 7 feet and 7 to 8 feet, 
at $9 and $10 per 100? Also as a special offer on sour varieties: Medium size, in 50 or 
100 lots, at $7.50 per 100; second size, at$G per 100 (customers please change price 
page 9). Bargains In Chorries aud Dwarf Pears, $4.50 and $5 per 100: Plums and 
Standard Pears. $0 to $7 per 100. Oher prices in proportion. All fresh-dug. 
Better stock never gresu. Don’t be talked into paying higher prices. Rogers' Bar-__ 
gains and Easy Terms are helping many a farmer in these hard times. Our catalogue Is free and will tell 
you all about It. All stock healthy and clean. Certificates furnished. Rogers Nurseries, Dansville, N. Y. 
You Can Eat 
A Campbell’s Early Grapes without eating the seeds. The pulp is sweet to centre, so the seeds are 
< » easily separated without making the tongue sore, as common grapes do. 
| CAMPBELL’S EARLY CRAPES 
are unusually hardy and vigorous. Largest clusters, finest quality. Ripen early and keep late 
None gebuine without our seals. Elegant Catalogue free. 
CEO. S. JOSSELYN, FREDONIA, NEW YORK. 
