February 23 
126 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
SOLUBLE FERTILIZER SCItMCE. 
How io Estimate Values. 
Reader, Tioga Go., Pa.—A good many people 
are scanning the fertilizer catalogues with 
a considerable degree of Interest, and those 
of us who used freely of them during the 
late drought, to no perceptible benefit, are 
alive to the word interest. Possibly, and 
very probably, we were not as Intelligent 
buyers as it is possible for The R. N.-T. 
to make us. Hence, some questions. Years 
ago the formula was something like this: 
Nitrogen, two to three per cent; phosphoric 
acid, four to five per cent; potash, four to 
five per cent. At present the word “ammo¬ 
nia” has replaced the word nitrogen. When 
nitrogen is worth say, 15 cents per pound, 
what valuation shall we put on ammonia? 
Then we have the words “reverted” and 
“insoluble” as additions. When phosphoric 
acid is worth five cents per pound, what 
valuation shall we place on insoluble and 
reverted? The same answer is requested 
for potash. I have in my possession two 
formulas, one priced at $36 per ton and the 
other at $47.50; $11.50 per ton difference in 
selling price, and yet I could not find but _ 
about $6 difference in constituents. Can 
you give a good reason for this? A very 
much exploited $40 fertilizer of another 
company contained only $22.50 of value— 
said to be “as good or better than Mapes.” 
I took the Mapes, and still am asking 
questions, as what I know would not fill 
a very large pamphlet. 
Ans.— In its natural state nitrogen is 
a gas. It does not combine well with 
most other substances. Thus it makes 
the powerful or “kicking” part of most 
explosives, as it gets away from a com¬ 
bination as quickly as possible. In fer¬ 
tilizers it must be combined with other 
substances in order to be useful, and 
“ammonia” is a combination of nitro¬ 
gen with another gas called hydrogen. 
The hydrogen hangs on to the nitrogen 
and holds it in place and form. It takes 
three parts of hydrogen to hold one part 
of nitrogen, and this proportion is al¬ 
ways found in ammonia. Nitrogen 
weighs 14 times as much as hydrogen. 
Therefore, in one pound of ammonia 
there will be fourteen-seventeenths, 
82.35 per cent, or 13.17 ounces of nitro¬ 
gen. You should never buy fertilizer on 
the basis of its ammonia, but figure out 
the actual nitrogen. When nitrogen is 
worth 15 cents a pound, or .938 cent an 
ounce, a pound of ammonia containing 
13.17 ounces of nitrogen is worth 12.35 
cents, or fourteen-seventeenths of 15. 
There are three forms of phosphoric 
acid. The insoluble form is combined 
with lime in the proportion of three 
parts of lime to one of phosphoric acid. 
When sulphuric acid is added to the 
finely-ground insoluble phosphate it is 
“broken up”—that is, two parts of the 
lime are taken away by the acid, leaving 
only one part of lime to each part of 
phosphoric acid. In this form the phos¬ 
phoric acid is soluble in water. When 
this soluble acid is put in the ground or 
near lime, it takes up another part of 
lime, making two for each part of phos¬ 
phoric acid. This is called the “revert¬ 
ed” form. It is not soluble in water, but 
will dissolve in weak vinegar, which 
represents about the strength of the 
acids secreted by the roots of growing 
plants. In estimating the value of a fer¬ 
tilizer “soluble” and “reverted” are con¬ 
sidered equal in value, and are called 
“available.” In Pennsylvania, the 
chemists consider the “insoluble” phos¬ 
phate worth two cents a pound. The 
rule in New England, New Jersey and 
New York is to figure only on the avail¬ 
able phosphoric acid, and not consider 
the insoluble part. 
The various forms of potash are all 
soluble in water. They differ in value 
somewhat, the basis of this difference 
being the fact that they do or do not 
contain a substance known as chlorine. 
This chlorine is a part of common salt, 
and when there is a certain amount of 
it present the chemist concludes that 
the potash comes in the form of muriate 
or kainit, both of which contain more or 
less salt and are not considered so good 
for crops like potatoes, beets or straw¬ 
berries. The potash in these forms is 
considered worth half a cent less per 
pound than that in the sulphate or In 
wood ashes. Of course we must under¬ 
stand that it is not a mere statement 
of analysis that gives true value to a 
fertilizer. The different kinds or forms 
of nitrogen differ greatly in value. One 
man might use a large quantity of tank¬ 
age or ground fish, and get a high per 
cent of nitrogen, but his fertilizer would 
not be worth nearly as much as another 
with the same per cent of nitrogen ob¬ 
tained by a mixture of nitrate of soda. 
bone, tankage, cotton-seed meal and sul¬ 
phate of ammonia. In the case mention¬ 
ed, of course we cannot say definitely 
without knowing how much of the nitro¬ 
gen was from nitrates. Chemists are 
now giving these analyses, so that this 
point is made quite clear. 
What Field for Alfalfa. 
li., Cohleskill, N. T.—We have two pieces 
of land plowed, each containing about five 
acres, and upon one we would like to sow 
Alfalfa; one piece is rather low and half 
surrounded by a brook, though not wet, 
and is of a mixed soil—a spot of black 
loam, a sandy streak, another of yellow 
clay, and so on. The other field is an or¬ 
dinary dark soil, not very heavy nor yet 
light; upland, and facing the north. Which 
would be the better place for Alfalfa? 
Ans.—I f the hill field is in good con¬ 
dition we should prefer it for Alfalfa. 
This plant does not like “wet feet,” and 
the field lying near the brook would be 
likely to prove too wet from overflow, 
or because the water is near the surface. 
Planting Locusts for Posts. 
K. 8., Long Island.—liext Spring I wish to 
plant an acre of locust for posts. Will you 
advise me which is better to plant, the 
Yellow or Black locust? I have some 
White locust which the borers trouble bad¬ 
ly. Would Yellow or Black locust be ex¬ 
empt from borers? 
Ans.—T he Black, Yellow and White 
locusts are merely varieties or forms of 
the same species, Robinia pseudacacia. 
The black and yellow forms are consid¬ 
ered most resistant and are usually 
found in the driest places. If seeds or 
suckers can be had from these dark and 
dense-wooded types they would natural¬ 
ly be preferred for planting. All varie¬ 
ties of the common locust are attacked 
by borers, and a multitude of insect 
enemies. The Honey locust, Gledit- 
schia triacanthos, is not troubled by in¬ 
sects to so great an extent as the Ro¬ 
binia, but is much inferior in lasting 
qualities as fence material. 
Some Varieties of Gooseberries. 
N. T., Carrollton, /».—What do you think 
about the following gooseberries. Keep¬ 
sake, Industry, Red Jacket and Pearl? My 
soil is a deep rich loam with a clay sub¬ 
soil. I have now Downing and Houghton, 
but I would like to have something larger. 
What do you think of Red Cross currant? 
Is it better than Cherry? 
Ans.—K eepsake is one of the most 
promising European varieties for exten¬ 
sive trials in this country. It has only 
been offered here within the last few 
years, but has given evidence of suit¬ 
ability to our climate. The bush is vig¬ 
orous and prolific, and the berries very 
large, and of tolerable quality. We have 
not heard of any commercial trials of 
the Keepsake. Industry bears fine red 
fruits of good quality, but as a rule is 
a feeble grower, except in a few favorable 
localities. Most of the bushes planted 
within the past 10 years are either dead 
or but little larger than when set out. 
Red Jacket or Josselyn is vigorous and 
prolific, fruit of fair size and quality, 
but the habit is too sprawling for an 
ideal gooseberry. Pearl is generally 
vigorous and wonderfully prolific. The 
berries are larger than Downing, and of 
good cooking quality. \Ve would rather 
plant it for profit than any of the other 
varieties mentioned. We have seen no 
evidence to prove that Red Cross is a 
better market currant than Cherry. It 
is lighter in color, milder in flavor, and 
somewhat later in ripening, but other¬ 
wise the difference is not marked. 
When you write advertisers mention The 
R. N.-Y. and you will get a quick reply and 
“a square deal.” See our guaranteeSth page. 
TWENTY-SEVEN 
I think there’s 
more money in 
raising M u s h - 
rooms than 
^'poultry— 
^ easier too! 
“How to 
GrowThem” 
for stamp. 
G. C. Watson, Watson’s Seed Store, Phil¬ 
adelphia. P S.—If you want select stocks 
of Tomato and other Seeds for forcing 
or outdoors, give Watson’s a trial. 
24 years experience behind every order 
filled. Catalogue for the asking. 
1.7 
I $1.5 
the New Auto 
Strawberry. Larfiest and 
Best. 8,000 qts. to the acre, 
oz. plants for $2. Other good kinds as low as 
$1.50 1,000. Cat.free. 81ayinaker&8on,I)over,Del 
PEDIGREED PE^-CH 
TREES o o 
New Fruits and It e r r 1 e s—Low Prices. 
EverythlnK for the Fruit Grower. Catalog FREE. 
LINDSLEY’S NURSERIES, Whitehouse,N. J. 
$f.00 ONIONS 
This Is the year to plant Onions. Present 
prices mean $200 to $500 per acre. 
$1.00 SEED 
We have a special fine large 
stock at $1 per pound. Every 
seed 1900 crop, our own Ohio grown. IMPROVED 
LARGE YELLOW GLOBE, rich orange yellow, beau¬ 
tiful globe shape, big cropper, good keeper. Also, 
our Ohio-grown LARGE RED GLOBE, finest red on 
market. If to go by mall, add 10 cents per pound. 
For Trial—Pkt., 5c.; 1 oz., 10c.; 4 oz., 30c. Our 
beautiful annual of “True Blue” Seeds FREE on 
request. Several New Tomatoes. 
LIVINGSTON SEED CO., 
Box 309. 
Columbus, Ohio. 
Try the Theilmann Seed Co. 
for your Carden & Field Seeds. 
Erie, Pa. Catalogue Free. 
PEAS 
For Seed. 80c a bushel and up. 
Varieties- White, Green, Blue, Golden Vine and 
Hammond’s Hog Food, also Cow Peas. We are 
the largest growers in America, Catalogue of 
Peas and all other seeds FREE uiwn request. 
HARRY N. HAMMOND SEED CO., 
ftmtrl]/0/Pifitkl. Rox 4Sf Bay Olty. Mleh. 
FREE 
IG SEED 
10 Collection __ 
N 0 money r equired in advance. Sell , 
60 pk^ of our seeds at 5c each and 
we will send you ourbig$1.60co!lec> 
of held & vegetable see<lH freeorchoice 
of b other premiums, including Silver* 
filled watch and suit of clothes. Write 
jtostal accepting this offer and we will forward 
Ri'pd-*, catalo-rue. etc., by mail. Reference — City\ 
Bank of Richnumd. KING CO.,Klehmond, Va | 
Our Seeds Are Northern Growni 
Pnfkinds. $3 a barrel. Cir. Free 
OCtU ruiaiuta k. finch, box R, Clyde, N. Y. 
POTATOES 
Sir Walter Raleigh and 
Carman No. 3 seed potatoes. 
These potatoes were raised In one of the best potato 
sections of Western New York and are first-class 
stock, free from scab or rot. Price for lots of 10 
bushels 60c. per bushel. Write for car-lot prices. 
LATIMER BROS., Arkport, Steuben Co., N. Y. 
Choice Seed Potatoes. 
Bovee, Sir Walter Raleigh, Carmans and other 
standard varieties, grown and packed under my 
personal'supervlsion. Send for price-list. 
F. H. THOMSON, Holland Patent, N. Y. 
Strawberry Basket 
and Fruit Package 
manufacturers de¬ 
pend on us to sell 
their output. Now 
is the time for you 
to place your orders 
to save money. 
Fruit and Farm Baskets ourSpecialty 
Send for new 1901 Catalogrie. Established 1884. 
COLES & COMPANY, 
109 <fc 111 Warren St., New Y’ork. 
cnniiiQ DKDI saie. 
Wl IlinU DIIIILIbI so cents per bushel. 
BERT BALDWIN, Selma, Ohio. 
GINSENG 
pUnta pn 
year*. Book telling how to grow It ,ie. 
Lakeside Ginseng Gardens, Amber,N.Y. 
ALL BRASS. 
~$17 outfit for $7.00, express paid. 
WilTspray a 10 acre orchard per day. 100,000 in use. 
Satisfaction guaranteed or money refunded. Hid. 
catalogue free. Agts. make from $5 to $15 per day. 
New Improvements. FreeTrial. Mention thispap>.r. 
P. C. LEWIS HFO. CO., Catakill, N. Y. 
J. F. GAYIXIRD, Receiver. 
with our new patent 
KEROSENE SPRAYERS 
1 ta Bimple indeed. KeroMne ExnuUion 
Imnde while pumping. 12 rarietiei i 
I Sprayers, Bordeaux and Vermorel j 
r yozT.lea, the “World’a Beat.** 
'THE DEMINQ CO. SALEM. OHIO.I 
WcBtern Agents, Henion A Hubben,> 
Chicago. Catalogue and h'ormulaa Fraa. 
SPRAYING FRUIT TREES. 
The question of spraying fruit trees to prevent 
the depredations of insect pests and fungous dis¬ 
eases is no longer an experiment but a necessity. 
Our readers will do well to write Wm. Stah;, 
Quincy, Ill , and get his catalogue describing 
21 styles of Spraying Outfits and full treatise 
on spraying the different fruit and vegetable 
crops, which contains much valuable informa¬ 
tion, and may be had for the asking. 
Buy a Good 
Spray 
Pump 
don’t experiment- 
costs money. We have done 
the experimenting—used the 
common spray pumps in our 
own orchards, noted their 
defects — then invented the 
ECLIPSE. You get the bene¬ 
fit of our experience free- 
Send at once for catalogue. 
MORRILL & MORLEY, Benton Harbor, Mich. 
300 ACRES, 
For more than .50 years we have grown nursery 
stock—only varieties of known worth. Fruit, Orna¬ 
mental trees. Shrubs and small fruits. October 
Purple Plum, fruited with us last year, excels 
Abundance and Burbank In every way and Is one 
month later In ripening. We have large stock of 
two-year old trees. Extra fine stock of Green 
Mountain Grape. Catalogue free. 
STEPHEN HOYT’S SONS, 
New Canaan, Conn. 
fPATUNTZm 
Goulds "KerowaterSprayer 
For Emulsifying and Spraying Kerosene 
and Water. 
Endorsed by the leading Horticulturists and State Experimental 
Stations. A kerosene sprayer which accurately proportions the 
mixture for any desired strength. Built in three sizes, for tank 
barrel or knapsack use. There is a great demand for them. Ask 
your dealer or write direct to us. 
“How to Spray, When to Spray, What Pumps to Use,” a valu¬ 
able Booklet, free for the asking. 
The Goulds Mfg. Co., 
SENECA FALLS, N. Y. 
Warerooms: 16 Murray St., New York. 
ROGERS TREES are “TRUE AS STEEL.” 
When you read the label and plant the tree you know just what the fruit will be. THE TREE BREEDER (Fi-ee) will tell you why we say it, and the 
trees themselves will prove it. It also gives prices, special offers and discounts for early orders. We ask no more for dependable trees than 
others charge for the doubtful kind. No Catchpenny Schemes, no fake wholesale (?) prices, but full value in trees. The Best Trees for your money. 
THE TREE BREEDERS. THE ROGERS NURSERIES, Dansville. N. Y. 
FUMIGATION 
WILL NOT COME BETWEEN YOU AND US, 
but we stand between you and danger when you buy ROGERS TREES, foi’w® 
fumigate every tree you buy of us. It costs only 15c. to .500. per 1,000 trees. You may 
run no risk without it, but it’s surer when it’s done. We belong to no nursery combine, we make our own prices, we grow our own trees and you will 
find it safe in every way to place your order to-day with THE ROGERS NURSERIES, The Tree Breeders, Dansville, N. Y. 
