1897 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
243 
FARMERS’ CLUB. 
(CONTINUED.) 
Fertilizing Value of Corn. 
E. I. W., Rindge, N. H.— What is the value of a 
bushel of corn as fertilizer ? 
Ans. —To be exact, a bushel of average 
corn contains one pound of nitrogen, 6% 
ounces of phosphoric acid, and 3% ounces 
of potash. It would cost you about 183^ 
cents to buy these substances in the 
form of fertilizers. 
A " Fake ” Fertilizer Mixture. 
O. S., Summit Station, N. T. —What do you think 
of this combination for the destruction of grubs 
and worms: 500 pounds of quicklime, 300 pounds 
of common salt, 300 pounds of powdered phos¬ 
phate of lime, 100 pounds of nitrate of soda ? 
The quicklime to be slaked, the salt then mixed 
with it and allowed to remain 30 days for 
chemical changes and combinations to take 
place, being shoveled over three or four times to 
have it intimately mixed, then add the powdered 
phosphate of lime and nitrate of soda. The above 
is recommended by Andrew H. Ward. I cannot 
make out what is meant by powdered phosphate 
lime. 
Ans. —We don’t believe that it will do 
you any good. When you get enough 
salt in the soil to kill insects, you will, 
probably, find that nothing will grow 
there except asparagus. Mr. Ward thinks 
that soda will take the place of potash 
in our fertilizers. Our opinion is that he 
is doing great harm by such advice. On 
some soils already well supplied with 
potash, a mixture of nitrate of soda and 
bone or dissolved rock may produce a 
fair crop. On average soils, however, this 
will mean a failure. If the experience 
of year after year teaches any single 
thing about fertilizers, it is that the per 
cent of potash is too low in the great 
majority of brands. We venture to say 
that nine men out of 10 who give their 
soil a fair test, report that extra potash 
is needed. “ Powdered phosphate of 
lime” seems to mean “ floats ” or finely- 
powdered, raw phosphate rock. Buck¬ 
wheat, clover, and some other plants 
are, evidently, able to make use of this 
rock to a certain extent. To advocate it 
as a substitute in general fertilizers for 
bone or dissolved rock, is just exactly as 
sensible as it would be to advise you to eat 
coarse rock salt because your cows have 
tongues rough enough to lick it down. 
Tobacco Stems and Dust as Fertilizer. 
W. W ../., Seminole, Ala. —I am offered tobacco 
stems with a guaranteed analysis of 8 to 10 per 
cent potash and 3 to 4 per cent ammonia, at $12 
per ton, and tobacco dust with a guaranteed 
analysis of 2 to 4 per cent ammonia, one-half per 
cent phosphoric acid, and 6 to 8 of potash, at $15. 
First, the tobacco stems; taking the minimum 
analysis, I figure as follows, in one ton: 
160 pounds potash at, say, 4*4c. per pound.. .$6.80 
2J4 per cent nitrogen, equivalent to three per 
cent ammonia, or, say, 50 pounds nitrogen 
at 15 cents per pound. 7.50 
Market value.$14.30 
Selling price. 12.00 
In buyer’s favor.$2.30 
Second, ground tobacco dust. In one ton: 
1*4 per cent nitrogen, or 30 pounds at 15c....$4.50 
1 per cent phos. acid, or 20 pounds at 7c... 1.40 
6 per cent potash, or 120 pounds at 4Mc_ 5.10 
Market value.$11.00 
Selling price. 15.00 
In merchant's favor.$4.00 
The nitrogen in high-grade, tested cotton-seed 
meal does not cost over 12 cents per pound, with 
the phosphoric acid and potash thrown in (I 
mean the per cent of each the meal contains). 
This is in car lots of 10 tons, as myself and 
friends purchased. The phosphoric acid in acid 
phosphate at $12 to $14 per ton, analyzing 14 per 
cent, does not cost six cents per pound at the 
maximum figure; muriate, $2.50 per 100 pounds, 
or $41.50 to $42.50 per ton. Taking the figures I 
give as a basis, is the mechanical condition of 
the ground tobacco dust worth so much more 
than the stems as a fertilizer ? Of course, 1 pre¬ 
sume that its fineness makes it available sooner. 
Is the potash in these two forms as good as 
high-grade muriate, as to solubility and avail¬ 
ability for fruit trees and other plants ? Tobacco 
dust is said to be a good insecticide, or more 
properly speaking, a good preventive of insect 
attacks; so, if the chemicals the dust and stems 
contain are worth their market value as a fertil¬ 
izer, it seems to me to be a reasonably cheap 
product to use. 
Ans. —Your figuring seems to us fair 
enough, except that the stems should 
contain, at least, 10 pounds of phos¬ 
phoric acid, which would make their 
value even greater. As between the 
two, we would buy the stems. It is true 
that the dust is much finer, and that the 
plant food is more available, but not to 
an extent that would make up for the 
difference in price. About the best way 
to use the stems is to run them through 
a fodder cutter and use them for bed- 
ing, particularly in the trenches behind 
the horses and cattle. They make a 
good absorbent when mixed with straw, 
and add much to the value of the 
manure. Tobacco has a value in repel¬ 
ling attacks of insects. The best way to 
use it is in the form of a tea made by 
steeping the stems or dust. The dust is 
sometimes used dry around such plants 
as melons. The potash in tobacco is not 
nearly so soluble as that in the potash 
salts like muriate or sulphate. In fact, 
potash and phosphoric acid in stable 
manure or other organic forms are not 
by any means readily available. We do 
not know what crops you expect to use 
the fertilizer for. If you keep stock and 
care for the manure, our advice would 
be to use the stems for bedding and 
absorbent—cut smaller if possible. We 
would use them in the manure broad¬ 
casted and plowed in. We would then 
mix cotton seed meal, acid rock and 
muriate in proportions to suit various 
crops. 
Life and Health 
Happiness and usefulness, depend upon pure 
blood. Hood’s Sarsaparilla makes pure blood. 
This is the time to take Hood’s Sarsaparilla, 
because the blood is now loaded with impuri¬ 
ties, which must be promptly expelled or health 
will be in danger. Be sure to get only 
Hood’S 8 pari1fa 
The One True Blood Purifier. $1, six for $5. 
Prepared only by C. I. Hood * Co., Lowell, Mass. 
Hnod’c Exilic. cure nausea, indigestion, 
* IbUU * ***** biliousness. Price, 25c. 
Have you read about THE COMET $2.50 to $5.00. 
CJ P D 1 YF R S th buy till 
1^ | I\ A I L» 1\ you see them. 
9^0 M ■ \ Send postal cardfor free cata. A har¬ 
vest for agts, write today. H. B. RuSLER,Johnstown,0. 
CHOICE** STRAWBERRIES 
_ W FOR THE GARDEN AND FIELD 
BARGAINS IN PLANTS FOR 1897. 
CATALOGUE FREE TO ALL. 
C. N. FLANSBUKGH, LESLIE, Michigan. 
12 Glen Mary Strawberry ) „ 
12 Clyde Strawberry - - L*L Mai1 
12 Miller Raspberry - - 
CATALOGUE FREE. 
T. C. KEVITT, - - ATHENIA, N. J. 
For $1 00. 
“Strawberry Plants that Grow.” 
Standard sorts, $1.50 to $2.50 per M. Best Raspberry 
and Blackberry plants, $3.50 to $5 per M. 
My "97 ” Catalogue mailed Free. 
C. E. WHITTEN, Bridgman, Mich. 
REDDY PI ANT? Lar se stock. Over 50 
DLnni I LMIl I 0 BEST Varieties, # 1.50 
per M and up. Central States Fruit Grower Free 
with every $2 order. Catalogue Ffree; It tells all. 
R. J. STAUKLIN, Bridgman, Mich. 
RFDRY PLANTS. Best varieties, best pack- 
DCltlt I ages, best plants, best prices. All kinds. 
Catalogue free. SLAYMAKER & SON, Dover, Del. 
Tho ** Ririnau/av A new strawberry of 
I IIC lliuyonaj. great merit. For price 
of plants and free catalogue address 
M. H. RIDGEWAY, Wabash City, Ind. 
Columbian Raspberry <£»>; 
and cir. ad. C. L. Yates, Nurseryman, llochester.N. Y. 
nmnil CEE n~ SouTnl ’ ollT GL0IiE seed only 
UI1IUIV dCCII HAND WHEEL HOES and 
SEED DRILLS, Meeker’s Smoothing Harrow, 
Send.for Catalogue. C. O. Jelliff & Co.. Southport, Ct. 
Carman No. 3 
bbl. Selected stock. Price-List Small Fruit Plants, 
etc., free. R. N. ROBINSON, Sidney. Ohio. 
E arly thoroughbred potatoes, $ 3.50 bbi. 
Miller Red Raspberry, $7 per M; Brandywine 
Strawberry, $3. Other leading sorts, $2. Golden Queen 
Raspberry, $4. All genuine and first-class 
K G. PACKARD, Dover, Del. 
Seed Potatoes 
^—Carman No. 3, Banner 
and Onward, $1 75 bbl 
Carman No. 1, New Ideal, Early Nortner, $1.50 bbl 
Early Thoroughbred, $4 bbl. List Free. 20 varieties. 
GEO. H. COLVIN. Crest Farm, Dalton, Pa. 
ARMAN No. 3 
SEED POTATOES 
.00 
per bbl 
All bbls. 4 bn. 25 varieties at lowest prices. Whole¬ 
sale Catalogue free. Geo. A Bonnell, Waterloo, N.Y 
Pntl tone—Carman No 3. $1 25, sack of 2^ bu.; Carman 
1 ULdlUCa No. 1, R. N.-Y. No. 2. Sir William. World’s 
Fair and others, $1 sack. K. D. Frost, Plainfield. Wls. 
Mulleins vs. Potatoes 
they grow, big ones where nothing else will ? The 
DUTTON is the Mullein among potatoes. Will yield 
anywhere. A moneygetter for you. Send for catalogue 
of Farm Products : Eggs, Grain. Swine, Sheep, 
Berries. C. E. CHAPMAN, Peruville, N. Y. 
umf DIRECT and pay but one profit, Our assortment is one of the best 
and most complete in 
Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, 
Plants, Roses, Vines, Bulbs, Seeds. 
? Rarest new. choicest old. Send for our catalogue 
today; ittellsit all; au elegant book, 168 pages, 
magazine size, profusely Illustrated, free. 
Seeds, Plants Bulbs, Small Trees, etc. by mall post¬ 
il paid, safe arrival and satisfaction guaranteed, larger 
by express or freight. 43d Year. 32 Greenhouses. 1,000 Acres. 
THESTORRS & HARRISON CO., Box 345, Painesvllle, O. 
New Canaan Nurseries. 
We take pleasure in calling attention to our 
IMMENSE stock of FRUIT, FOREST, ORNA¬ 
MENTAL and EVERGREEN TREES, SHRUB¬ 
BERY, ROSES, SMALL FRUIT, etc. 
BUY DIRECT FROM THE GROWER. We are 
in the market TO STAY. Our stock is WELL 
GROWN and PLEASES US, and we know IT 
WILL PLEASE YOU. We grow the very best 
stock, and lots of it. We send out the best stock 
only, and GUARANTEE SATISFACTION. Send 
for free catalogue. 
1897 Catalogue Sff' 
VAUBHAN’S SEED STORE, 
New Yorki CHICAOOi 
14 Barclay St. 81 and 86 Randolph 8t. 
SEEDS! SEEDS! 
STEPHEN HOYT’S SONS. 
NEW CANAAN, CONN. 
TREES AND PLANTS. 
Full assortment. Special prices on PEACH TREKS, 
Large stock CALIFORNIA PRIVET, NORWAY and 
SILVER MAPLE. 
N. P. BROOKS, Lakewood N. J. 
Beau- rVFRf RflFIV'k Hardy and In great assort- 
tiful L» LilVullLiDilvJ nient. Splendid general 
nursery stock, including Shade & Ornamental Trees. 
Hedge Pl’ts, 8hrubs. Vines, Roses. Fruit Trees, Small 
Fruits, etc. If you're wise you’ll get our price before 
ordering elsewhere. Catalogue free. EVERGREEN 
NURSERY CO., Evergreen, Wis.(Suc. to Geo. Pinney) 
WINTZER’S NEW AMERICAN PEDIGREE 
CANNAS 
1897 set—12 magnificent varieties# including 
Duke ofMarlboro, Duchess of Marlboro, Maiden's Blush l 
Gloriosa,Triumph,California, Sunset,Champion, Pillar 
of Fire, Brilliant, Lorraine , and Golden Pearl — em¬ 
bracing the newest and most distinct colors and 
the highest types of Canvas yet produced Descriptive 
List of New and Hare Canvas, with Catalog of New 
Boses, Plants, Flower Seeds and Garden Fruits , FREE. 
ALFRED F. CONA 1 J 1 ), Box A, West Grove, l*n. 
Colorado Blue Spruce 
From six to eight feet (true blue). Grafted. 
Large Specimen Japan Maples 
Rare Evergreens, 
In large sizes, for Immediate ornamentation. 
HENRY E. BURR, TremontAve., Orange, N. J. 
Hammond's Seed Potatoes 
Reduced prices on Early Michigan, Maule’s and 
Everitt’s Thoroughbred, Acme, King of the Earlles, 
Burr’s No. 1, Uncle Sam, Carman No. 3, and other 
varieties. Rock bottom figures on barrel lots. Write 
for special prices on the best New Muck Land Seed 
Potatoes and Farm Seeds. 
HARRY N. HAMMOND, Seedsman, Decatur, Mich. 
THE CARMANS. 
Nos. 1 & 3 (Thorburn Stock.) 
We want orders. Do you want Choice Seed Pota¬ 
toes ? We quote prices to suit the times. One Tuber, 
Great early Thoroughbred with each Bbl. No. 3 at 
$1.50, No. 1 at $1.25. References given. FRASER 
BROS., Vernon, Wis. 
Carman No. 1 (Thorburn’s) $1.25 per bbl., and choice 
EVERITT’S and MAULE’S 
Great Thoroughbred 
POTATOES 
What Burpee, Olds and Specialists say. Write to¬ 
day. My circular compares yields. Will save grow¬ 
ers # # in experimenting, and $2 50 on each barrel; 
direct from grower. Shipments from New York, 
Pennsylvania and Indiana. Write to headquarters 
before you order. 35 choice and new varieties. 
SMITH'S STOCK AND SEED FARM, Padelfords,N.Y. 
73d Annual Priced Catalogue of 
Vegetable, Farm and Flower Seeds 
Is now ready, and mailed free to all applicants. 
BRIDGEMAN’S SEED WAREHOUSE, 
37 East 19th St., New York City 
2 BLADES 
OF GRASS 
WILL GROW 
ANYWHERE 
in place of one, under proper culture, as com¬ 
pared to poor cultux-e. Get Dreer’s 25c. book, 
called “Grasses and Clovers’’—just out. 
HENRY A. DREER, Philadelphia,Pa 
WE LL BUY OR SELL£*k 1“ C-\ 
Grass.CloverorTimothy ■■ ■■ I ■ 
-We clean them by specialL mi Im 
methods * machinery, and take out every kind of weed 
need. Ordinary seeds contain weeds—over-run the farm 
—exhaust it—* reduce quantity * quality of crop. Our 
seeds are clean. W rite today for free booklet, Seed Sense 
The WHITHEY-NOYES SEED CO.'WIJJVSJk 0 ." 
f Yl'mCATl flfiVfir Thomas McElroy. European Seed 
vllllioUlI vlUVCI c om . Merchant, Mercantile Ex¬ 
change Bldg., Harrison St., N. Y., continuesthe largest 
importer of high grade reliable stock of Crimson Clover 
seed in this country. Prices to dealers on application. 
Have You a Silo? 
If so, send for sample of BATTLES CUBAN GIANT 
ENSILAGE CORN. Produces more fodder and solid 
Cohn to the acre than any other variety. EARLY, 
SWEET and NUTRITIOUS. Seed grown in the North. 
Catalogue tells all about it, and contains reports 
from leading dairymen Write to-day. 
FRANK H. RATTLES, Seed Grower, Rochester, N. Y. 
CLAIRAGE CORN 
Grown within 40 miles 
_ of lake Erie. Early, 
large-eared, deep-grained; deep yellow and a larne 
yteidor. Sample packet and circular tor two-cent 
stamp. J. M. FLUKE, Nankin. Ohio. 
ALEXANDER’S 
Try it. 
Earliest Garden Corn in 
Columbian Oats. $1 per bushel. Address 
O. H. ALEXANDER, Charlotte, Vt. 
I am the originator of 
this improved strain of 
the Vineless Sweet Po¬ 
tato and I will.send FREE 
a full history of it and 
how it was brought to 
its present state of per¬ 
fection and how to grow them successfully or for 10c. 
stamps I will include a sample potato and the stamps 
may be deducted from the first order. 
WILLIAM T. SIMPSON, Box 74, Pine Bluff, Ark. 
Finest stock, best varieties, grown and stored in cold 
Northwest. Low prices. Small lots delivered 
free. Write for Illustrated Catalogue. 
E. W. ALLEN, Wolverton, Wilkin Co., Minn. 
Potatoes, grown especially for seed. Stock pure and fine, in bushel or 
car lots: Carman No. 3, Wisconsin Seedling, $1.50 per bbl. Thirty new 
and standard varieties. $1.25 per bbl.; three pounds your choice with 
every barrel sold. Mortgage Lifter Oats, 40c. per bu.; Lincoln, Ameri¬ 
can Banner and Race-horse Oats, 30c. per bn.; Gold Mine Seed Corn, 
60c. per bu.; Forsyth’s Prolific (white), 75c. per bu.; American and German Millet, 60c. per bu. New cotton 
bags, 15c. each. C. C. 1SKAWLKY, New Madison, Ohio. 
THOROUGH-BRED 
are just like thor¬ 
ough-bred animals. 
You know in advance what to expect 
of them. Get the Dreer seeds. They 
are true. Get Dreer’s new book on “Open-Air Vegetables,” and read what experts say. -Get Dreer’s 
new hook on “Grasses and Clovers,” and read it, and do it. Send for Dreer’s new “Water Lily 
Leaflet,” free. The books 
are 25c. each, by mail. 
HENRY A. DREER, Philadelphia. 
Tne"Bov66”and"Sir Walter Raieioh” 
POTATOES. 
Although offered this year for the first time, these Grand New Potatoes are 
already too well known by readers of “ The Rural” to need description, but we 
will mail descriptive list on application. 
Price, $2.50 peck ; $7.50 bushel; $15.00 bbi., f. o. b. New York. 
PETER HENDERSON & CO. 
