1896 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
7o5 
son. With the approach of cold weather, the young 1 
lice seek other quarters, and many of them find their 
way to the roots of the vines, where they remain dor¬ 
mant until spring. By the end of September, the 
leaf-galls are, usually, deserted. 
In the spring, the hibernating lice attack the root¬ 
lets, subsisting by suction, and their punctures result 
in abnormal swellings. These swellings eventually 
decay, which often also involves the adjacent tissue, 
thus driving the lice to fresh roots. With the multi¬ 
plication of the root lice and their extension to all 
parts of the root system, the vine stops growing, the 
leaves become sickly and yellowish, and death finally 
results. While the work of the leaf form is quite 
noticeable and not uncommon, it rarely does much 
damage to the vine. The root form, however, is 
rarely seen, but is the real cause of most of the injury 
to the vines from the insect. The young lice which 
begin work on the roots in the spring, shed their 
skins, rapidly increase in size, and soon begin to 
deposit eggs. A series of subterranean generations of 
wingless female lice are then developed, which differ 
but little from the inhabitants of the leaf-galls. Dur¬ 
ing the late summer and fall, some of these root lice 
give rise to winged females which escape through 
cracks in the soil on warm days, and fly to neighboring 
vines. These winged lice lay eggs in a day or two in 
groups of two to four in cracks in the bark on the old 
wood of the vine, and then die soon after. These 
eggs are of two sizes, the smaller and fewer in num¬ 
ber yielding males in nine or ten days, and the larger 
eggs producing the females of the only sexed genera¬ 
tion developed in the whole life round of the insect. 
In this last and sexed stage, the mouth-parts of both 
sexes are rudimentary, and no food at all is taken. 
The sexed insects are very minute, and resemble the 
newly-hatched louse of either the gall or root form. 
After the female is fertilized, her single egg rapidly 
increases in size until it fills the entire body of the 
mother, and is then laid within three or four days in 
the fall on old wood ; this is known as the winter egg 
from which hatches in the spring the young louse 
that produces the leaf-galls. 
Thus this Grape Phylloxera normally has a two-year 
life round, but this is not necessary to the existence 
of the species, for the root form may, and usually 
does, go on in successive broods year after year, the 
leaf form often rarely occurring on European vines. 
The young lice from the leaf galls may be taken from 
the galls, and easily colonized on the roots; but the 
reverse or the migration of tbe young directly from 
the roots to the leaves, has never been observed. 
The above complicated, yet interesting, life story of 
this tiny foe of the vineyardist, was obtained only 
after many years of painstaking research by Ameri¬ 
can and French scientists. 
In America, comparatively little has been done in a 
practical way in fighting this insect, because its in¬ 
juries here are, usually, not serious. A simple, and 
the only sure method of combating the leaf form is 
to pick and burn the infested leaves as soon as they 
are noticed; no spray can reach the lice in their galls. 
Of late years, much progress has been made in check¬ 
ing the pest in Europe by the use of resistant Ameri¬ 
can stocks on which to graft their susceptible 
varieties, and by the planting of vineyards in very 
sandy soils in which the lice do not seem to be able 
to work so easily. In some European vineyards, the 
root forms are also killed by submerging the land for 
several days, or by introducing bisulphide of carbon 
into the soil among the roots. The most practicable 
method, thus far, however, has been the use of our 
resistant varieties as stocks. Of our wild American 
vines, those of chief importance as sources of stocks 
are the Aestivalis, Riparia, and Labrusca, the first 
species with its cultivated varieties ranking first; the 
varieties derived from Riparia- are quite resistant to 
the root-form, but are most subject of all vines to the 
attacks of leaf-gall lice; the Clinton, Taylor, Solonis, 
etc., are cultivated varieties of this wild species. The 
Fox grapes (Labrusca varieties), while more resistant 
than European grapes, are much inferior to the other 
American species in this respect (Isabella and 
Catawba, for example, are very subject to root lice, 
and the Concord is but little better). 
Weevil Eaten Wheat as Food. 
J. G. K., Buckners, Ky .—I have about 600 bushels of wheat of 
the 1895 crop, which is now full of wlnte worms, and, also, has 
some weevils in it. Is this wheat good for flour, and what is the 
best method to utilize it ? How can I destroy the weevil and web 
worm, as some call it ? The wheat was extra line, and in a good, 
dry granary; but we had an unusually hot summer. Will lime 
kill the weevils ? 
Ans.—A n authority on grain insects has recently 
said : “ In addition to the loss in weight occasioned 
by these insects, grain infested by them is unfit for 
human consumption, and has been known to cause 
serious illness. Neither is such grain desirable for 
food for stock. Horses, it has been experimentally 
proved, are. injured by being feJ with ‘weevily’ grain, 
and it is somewhat doubtful whether such material is 
fit even for swine. Poultry, however, feed upon it 
with impunity. 1 Weeviled’ grain is, also, unfit for seed 
stock, as its use is likely to be followed by a diminu¬ 
tion in the yield of a crop.” J. G. K. would thus bet¬ 
ter go into the chicken or turkey business, in which 
case it would not be necessary to kill the insects, but 
let them go towards a meat ration for the poultry. 
The insects can be killed by putting the grain in as 
tight a box or bin as possible, and then applying car¬ 
bon bisulphide. Pour the liquid in shallow dishes, 
and put these about on the surface of the grain. The 
liquid rapidly volatilizes, aud, being heavier than 
air, descends and permeates the mass of grain, and is 
sure death to all animal life therein. One pound of 
the liquid is sufficient to treat one ton, or even 100 
bushels of grain. The substance is explosive, and 
should thus be handled like gunpowder. m. v. s. 
Creosote Sta/ns for Shingles. 
II. C. G., Dundas, Canada. —We are preparing to shingle the 
roof of a large dwelling house, and are advised to dip the shingles 
in creosote. We wish, also, to stain them red, but our carpenter 
who has the contract knows nothing of either process. 
Ans. —Creosote stains for shingles are sold in this 
country in nearly every store of any size dealing in 
paints. They may be had in any ordinary color, as 
red or green. In using this stain, the shingle should 
be dipped before laying, in order to produce the best 
results. . The oil is absorbed by the shingle, leaving a 
dull finish of any desired color. This stain is durable, 
and the colors usually selected are those which re¬ 
semble weathering effects, such as are produced by 
time on all roofs ; one color frequently used has some 
resemblance to moss. It is very doubtful whether 
the use of stain, oil or any kind of paint increases the 
durability in any way over an unpainted roof. 
B. C. CARPENTER. 
Bisulphide of Carbon for Grain Insects. 
II. S. \V., Little Utica, N. Y. —Our two bins of wheat and rye, 
this year’s grain, early thrashed, are full of the little white worms 
that eat the grain, leaving a fine dust to denote their work. 
What to do to kill them has been printed in Tub R. N.-Y., and we 
have hunted through all the back numbers, but the one we want 
has been mislaid. Will you print again, as soon as possible, the 
simplest and most effectual way of getting rid of the worms? 
They are in such numbers that, if they are not disposed of, they 
will destroy the grain. 
Ans. —Bisulphide of carbon is what you want. Put 
it in a deep dish like a soup plate inside the bin on 
top of the grain. Then close the bin and make it as 
nearly air-tight as possible. If need be, put a blanket 
or quilt over the top. The bisulphide of carbon will 
evaporate. The fumes are heavier than air and will 
sink all through the grain and kill the insects. In 
order to have these fumes effective, the bin must be 
tight, so that no pure air can work in. Do not 
breathe the fumes and do not bring a flame of any 
sort near them. Mr. Slingerland has answered it 
more fully above. 
What Vegetation for Shaded Places ? 
E. L. G., Cleveland, Ohio. —Some trees standing near an angle 
of my bouse cause such a dense shade that grass will not grow 
there. I tried some wild ferns this summer, but they languished 
and died. I would like to cover the ground with vegetation of 
some kind. Can you recommend something? 
Ans —In dry soils, or under trees, the weed, Com¬ 
mon Wild Cinquefoil or Fivefinger (Potentilla Cana¬ 
densis) flourishes admirably, and does not mind the 
lawn mower. It spreads rapidly, makes a soft carpet, 
and covers the soil as completely as any grass. Vinca 
minor—the Periwinkle or Myrtle of gardens—is an ex¬ 
cellent vine for dry, shady places. The Wichuraiana 
rose delights in shady places, and isn’t at all particular 
as to soils. 
Decay of Quince ; Strawberry-Raspberry. 
G. S. C., Ashaway, It. I. —1. If you do not know, will you inquire 
through The R. N.-Y. the cause of the decay iu the blossom end of 
the quince ? 2. Why does the Strawberry-raspberry bloom and 
set no fruit ? 
Ans. — 1 . The R. N.-Y. requests information from 
those who have had experience. 2 . It is due, we 
presume, to one or the other of two causes—imperfect 
flowers, or to the fact that the stigmas of the pistils, 
and the anthers of the stamens are not mature at 
the same time—dichog’amy, botanists call it. 
Fall Top-Dressing with Fish Compost, 
W. 11. P., New Jersey .— I have some fish compost that is quite 
strong. Can I use it to top-dress grass, without loss, this fall ? 
Ans. —Yes. Such compost is about as soluble as 
well-rotted manure. We should not broadcast it on 
steep land, but on an ordinary level, it may be applied 
at almost any time during the fall or winter. 
The Age of Weed Seeds. 
J. 0. B., East Setauket, N. Y .— Does any one know how long 
weed seeds retain their vitality in the ground ? Do some .kinds 
retain their vitality longer Ijhan others ? 
Ans. —Yes, the longevity of weed and flower seeds 
—seeds of all kinds of plants, indeed—varies greatly. 
We have planted balsam seeds ‘known to be over 20 
years old, that germinated freely. The seeds of many 
kinds of wild radish, Shepherd’s purse, Pepper grass, 
Wild mustard, Toad flax, and many of the grasses 
would seem to live almost indefinitely. This is shown 
where canals have been dug or other excavations 
made. The grove on the Rural Grounds was destroyed 
by the tornado of last year. It had been wood land 
for 100 years or more. The land is now covered wtih 
Sow thistle, Sonchus oleraceous botanically. During 
20 years of familiarity with the grove, we had not 
seen a Sow thistle. There are other weeds besides 
that did not find favorable growth conditions while 
the land was densely shaded and the soil undisturbed. 
A Ration for Dairy Cows. 
J. E. I)., Branchville, N. J .—What other feed is necessary to make 
a balanced ration for milk to sell, with what is known here as 
“ corn feed *’ or “ corn-starch feed ” ? It was bought at Chicago, 
at $9.50 per ton, by the car-load. I also have both corn fodder and 
husked stalks, all cured in shocks in the field .cut quite green. 
Dried brewers’ grains cost here about $11 per ton, winter wheat 
bran the same, spring bran a trifle less. 
Ans. —What is known as a “balanced ration” for 
a dairy cow, contains a proportion of one part muscle- 
makers to 5% parts of fat-formers. The foods named 
above have the following average composition : 
Muscle- 
Fat- 
Pure 
makers. Formers. 
fat. 
Corn fodder. 
40 
.9 
Corn feed. 
22 
2*4 
Dried brewers’ grains. 
. 14V4 
37 
4% 
Wheat bran. 
. 11% 
44% 
2*4 
These are average analyses, and, of course, sample 
lots may vary somewhat from these figures ; but it 
is pretty safe to figure on the basis given above. Since 
you have nothing but stalks and corn fodder for 
roughage, the problem is simplified somewhat, since 
you have only to combine the grain foods so as to 
make the ratio. We should use wheat bran in prefer¬ 
ence to dried brewers’ grains. For one thing, the bran 
has a more laxative effect on a cow, and you will need 
something of the sort with constipating foods like 
corn. If you could feed from a pound to a pound and 
a half per day of linseed-oil meal in place of part of 
the bran, you would have a much better ration. If 
you must use these mentioned feeds, however, we 
should advise a grain mixture of about five parts bran 
and three parts corn feed with all the corn fodder the 
cows will eat clean. The amount of grain should be 
determined by the yield of the cow and the profit. 
If you can cut and steam the stalks before feeding 
them, you will obtain more of their value. This is 
not, by any means, an ideal ration. You cannot make 
a first-class ration with corn fodder as a basis, with¬ 
out using some strong food like linseed meal. 
Grinding Bones for Fertilizer. 
L. M. N., West Kennebunk, Me .—I have a heavy Buhr stone 
grinder, and plenty of power. Would it pay me to buy bones 
at $10 per ton, after the tallow is taken out, and grind them for 
fertilizer ? Do they have to go through an acid process or 
something similar before being ground; and if so, what is it, and 
how is it done ? 
Ans. —The bones are a good bargain at $10 per ton, 
provided you are able to grind them properly. The 
way to make the bones grind easily, is to steam them. 
On page 114 of The R. N.-Y. for 189G, you will find an 
excellent account of the way a Massachusetts farmer 
manages bones. The steaming leaves them in excel¬ 
lent shape for grinding. 
A ‘'•Bad Taste" in Butter. 
II. II. 8., Greenfield Hill, Conn .—I have started a little dairy. 
My butter has a peculiar taste for which I cannot account. 
Everything I have is sweet and clean. I have examined every¬ 
thing thoroughly, and have finally discovered that the trouble is in 
the milk. The cow’s breath is very strong, and the milk smells as I 
begin to milk. Did you ever hear of a case like it ? I never had 
anything like it before, aud cannot account for it. The cows are 
in the best of pasture on a meadow. Is it something that they 
are getting, and what can I do to prevent the taste ? My churn 
and worker are quite old, and, thinking that it might be in them, 
I have purchased new. I am positive that it is my cows. The 
cream has a taste as it sets, the same as when the cows eat 
onions, only it is a different odor. Is there anything I can do ? 
Ans —The fact that H. H S. detects the peculiar 
odor in the breath of the cows, and flavor in the 
newly-drawn milk, shows that the trouble lies in the 
cow or her feed, and not in any bacterial contamina¬ 
tion of the milk or cream. Then it must be due 
either to some disordered or unhealthy state of the 
cows’ stomachs or digestive process; or, more prob¬ 
ably, to their eating some plant whose peculiar flavor 
is absorbed directly into the blood, hence affects the 
milk which is being secreted in the udder. This is 
very common. I would get them on another run of 
pasture for a few days. Flavors due to eating any 
weed will disappear very promptly when the cause is 
removed. It is, at least, not a difficult experiment. 
If, as is, perhaps, the case, the flavor is due to over¬ 
feeding on rank, green, and, perhaps, frosted after- 
math, which tends to undergo putrefactive changes 
in the cows’ stomachs, I should expect it to disappear 
if they were only pastured for part of the day and 
had, in addition, a liberal allowance of dry food— 
dieting the cows, in fact. In either case, the matter 
would, probably, be helped by heating tbe cream to 
155 or 160 degrees for a few minutes and then cooling 
quickly to a low temperature. Heat by setting the 
can of cream in hot water and stirring. Flavors of 
this kind are volatile, hence are driven off by heat. 
Finally, I would be rather surprised if the trouble do 
not disappear soon without any remedy or apparent 
cause, the only difficulty being that his private cus¬ 
tomers are likely to be gone before this occurs. 
JARED VAN WAGENEN JR. 
