THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
March 25. 
248 
TRIMMING LOW-HEADED APPLE 
TRtES. 
How Mr. Vergon Does It. 
When To Do It. —Everything consid¬ 
ered, I believe March and April the best 
seasons of the year to trim trees, although 
we trim all Winter, but leave the younger 
sections of the orchard to trim last. If 
I were to plant an orchard I would select 
trees that are well balanced, roots and 
tops, even if the cost was a penny or two 
more per tree. The roots should be as 
even as possible around the base of the 
tree, not side rooted; a tree thus rooted 
is not likely to be blown out of position 
if well planted. The top should be head¬ 
ed not higher than two and one-half to 
three feet. The stem should be straight 
and the branches some distances apart— 
not opposite each other. This can be 
helped with the knife if you have the 
right kind of trees. If forked take off the 
least one, cut back the former year’s 
growth about one-half, and all mutilated 
roots sloped up from the under side. A 
tree with all the branches in a clump at 
the top, even if it be low enough, is very 
objectionable; you cannot separate them 
with the knife, and it is quite impossible 
for them to knit together so as to make 
as strong a tree as otherwise. In this 
case, after the limbs become four to six 
inches in diameter, they are so pressed to¬ 
gether at the base and weakened by ex¬ 
pansion from hard freezing that often an 
incipient crack is caused, and by storm or 
when the tree is heavily laden with fruit 
it splits down and is ruined. These small 
cracks are indicated where they exist by 
the water running down ; it comes in 
contact with the wood and colors ,a 
streak down the body of the tree rust 
color. An iron cable should be then 
placed up in the tree, which I shall ex¬ 
plain later on. Trees should be trimmed 
but little for a few years after planting; 
water sprouts or chafing branches should 
be removed. A fullness on the inside 
of small branches and twigs helps to force 
out lateral growth, and the branches 
grow more stocky. If all this little stuff 
is cut out it encourages an upright, slen¬ 
der growth. 
Alteration With Growth.— It must 
be remembered that you cannot trim at 
one time for years hence—it must be 
done as evolution of the tree takes place. 
It is a hard thing for me to show on 
paper. Your best judgment should be 
taxed all the time. Some thinning must 
be done before the trees come into bear¬ 
ing, and not too much; some varieties 
need more than others. Be very careful 
not to remove limbs that should form a 
part of the skeleton of the tree, which 
should be evenly distributed around its 
circumference. At this age the growth or 
limbs are mostly upright, and apt to look 
too dense, but now the trees are coming 
into bearing—see how Nature helps us 
out. Each crop bends the branches down, 
often at right angles, and even rainbow 
fashion if too heavily laden; they never 
get entirely back to their former upright 
position. The tendency is the reverse 
with succeeding crops. In fact, the tips 
of the branches of my trees rest on the 
mulch at harvest time. It is apparent 
now that the tops of the trees have 
opened up, covering a much greater area, 
by the spreading out of the branches, ad¬ 
mitting sunshine and air into the trees. 
If the work has been well done we have 
a typical tree in sight, more especially 
adapted for the “grass mulch” system, as 
cultivation cannot be done under such 
low-headed trees. 
Thinning Small Branches. —Water 
sprouts should be removed annually, and 
the branches thinned out semi-annually, 
or as the case may require. None but 
experienced men should be employed, un¬ 
less you can be at their heels all the time. 
Some remove all the . urs and small 
branches from the inside of the trees and 
on the base of the limbs, thinking they 
are doing a good, clean job, and it is 
quite wrong. Nature provides the small 
branches and spurs for protection and 
fruit; if removed the tree will be full of 
water sprouts the following year to make 
renaration. It should be remembered that 
apples do not grow on the previous year’s 
wood, as peaches do, or quinces, that fruit 
only on the tips of small twigs that grow 
each spring before the bloom appears. 
We are at work now on trees of some 
age; the limbs have been borne down, 
some in contact with each other, and must 
be thinned out for best results. Almost 
invariably it is best to remove branches 
from the underside of the large limbs, 
out as far as necessary; the wound will 
heal over better, and it is always dan¬ 
gerous to remove branches from the top 
side of large limbs. If it breaks down 
it will almost invariably be where branches 
were removed. f. p. vergon. 
Barnyard Grass in the South. 
II. L. IV., Pulaski , Va .—I wish to ask 
some of your readers who have had experi¬ 
ence with it, what are the merits of Barn¬ 
yard grass or Japanese millet as a hay 
plant? Comparing it with German millet, 
what is its yield in tons of dried forage per 
acre? What is the quality in fineness of 
stalk and palatability to stock of the prod¬ 
uct? Does it have the same effect on the 
kidneys of horses as German millet Is said 
to have? Is it easy to cure into hay? 
The Barnyard or Japanese millet is 
a coarse forage plant inferior to German 
millet as a hay producer so far as qual¬ 
ity is concerned, but less liable to be in¬ 
jured by vicissitudes of weather, and 
yielding more than the millet- German 
millet has no injurious effect upon horses 
unless seed are allowed to mature. If 
cut in the flower as other hay grasses are, 
there will be no injury. The injury re¬ 
sults from the animal swallowing the 
seeds without being masticated. These 
seeds, moistened by the warmth of the 
stomach, swell and cause irritation in the 
alimentary canal. The seed of the Japa¬ 
nese millet would produce a similar ef¬ 
fect if allowed to ripen. Further, if the 
seeds are. allowed to ripen, the quality of 
the hay is seriously impaired. 
S. C. Agr. College. j. s. newman. 
We have never made any experiments 
here with the Japanese Barnyard grass. 
Our native Barnyard grass grows very 
rankly on the fertile bottom lands along 
the rivers, especially near the Blue Ridge, 
and from the stature of the natural 
growth there I would assume that it 
would make a heavier crop than German 
millet, but would probably be harder to 
cure because of the succulen«e of the 
great stalks it makes- In the absence 
of any feeding experiments I can hardly 
give an intelligent opinion as to the com¬ 
parative feeding value of the two grasses. 
German millet has been found injurious 
to horses only when it has been allowed 
to get too ripe. If cut at the proper 
stage, when the seed is in the milk state, 
it is a fairly good hay, but not equal 
to the southern Crab grass, which, if 
cut at. the proper stage, is better than 
any Timothy hay.. w. F. MASSEY. 
N. C. Experiment Station. 
E LDORADO OATS, heaviest oat grown; enor¬ 
mous yielder; two hundred and four bushels have 
been grown on one acre. Stiff straw, with long heads, 
filled to tip with plump, white oats;: 70 cents bushel. 
CHARLES CODNER, Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y. 
27 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE 
is behind every 
CALDWELL 
tank and tower 
WE BUILD. 
Our Tanks are tight and durable. 
Our Towers will stand in any storm. 
Got our references in your section. Also 
our illustrated catalogue and price list. 
W. E. CALDWELL CO. 
Louisville, Ky. 
THE TOWNSEND 
WIRE STRETCHER 
is the most easily attached or de¬ 
tached of any implement made. 
Stretches to the last post as well as 
to any. Steel grips that never slip. 
Can be got at any Hardware store. 
Write for circulars. Satisfaction 
guaranteed. 
F. G. TOWNSEND, 
Painted Post, New York. 
LOGANBERRIES 
Let every fruit-grower plant some Loganber¬ 
ries. They are proving more productive and 
profitable than Blackberries and ripen at a sea¬ 
son befo-e summer dreuths. Strong, well- 
rooted plants, $1.00 per dozen , postpaid. 
Write for illustrated circular. Special prices in 
quantities. 
J B. PILKINGTON, Nurseryman 
Portland, Oregon 
FRUIT & ORNAMENTAL TREES, 
SHRUBS, VINES & ROSES, 
All the best and hardiest varieties. Illustrated Descript.ve Catalogue FREE 
on request. T. J. DWYER & CO., Box 1, ( ornwall. New York. 
Wood’s Seeds. 
New Era Cow Peas 
are rightly named. They are the 
best of Cow Peas, whether for 
northern, western or southern 
planting. They are early to ma¬ 
ture, upright in growth, enormous¬ 
ly productive, both of vines and 
peas, and are altogether the most 
satisfactory and sure croppers 
grown. 
We are headquarters for Cow 
Peas; had over forty different 
varieties in our exhibit at St. 
Louis, on which we were awarded 
the Grand Prize. 
Wood’s Descriptive Catalogue gives 
the fullest information about Cow Peas 
and all Garden and Farm Seeds. Write 
for it and special price list of Farm Seeds. 
T.W.Wood&Sons, Seedsmen, 
RICHMOND • VIRGINIA. 
If you want the sweetest and best Water 
Melons and Cantaloupes grown, plant 
Wood’s Soutbern-grown seed. Our 
Descriptive Catalogue tells all 
about the best kinds to plant. 
It’s mailed free for the asking. 
At ST. LOUIS a GLAND PRIZE 
was awarded on Vege tables, the 
Products of 
Burpee’s Seeds 
If you garden you 
want THE BEST 
and we shall be pleased to mail you 
Burpee’s Farm Annual for 1905 
an elegant vew book of 178 pages, 
which tells the plain truth, with 
hundreds of illustrations, beautiful 
colored plates, and describes Sttperb 
Novelties of unusual merit. IVrtte 
to-day! A postal card will do, while 
it is sufficient to address simply 
Burpee, Philadelphia 
W. ATLEE BURPEE & CO. 
The World’s Largest Mail - Order Seed Trade 
VEGETABLE PLANTS 
Large transplanted plants of Cabbage, Celery, 
Tomato, Pepper, Egg Plant, Cauliflower and Let¬ 
tuce for the man that plants for profit. 
Ouf Cabbage Plants are transplanted in De¬ 
cember and are grown in a cool temperature all 
winter; they will head earlier than any other 
plants. Write for Price Lisi. 
J. E. HUTTON <fe SON, Conyngham, Pa. 
MATIVE EVERGREENS — Balsam Fir, Arbor 
’ Vitae, Am. Spruce, 6 to 12 in., $4 per 1,000, 5,000 
for $15. White Pine and Hemlock $5 per 1,000, 5,000 
for $20. A Iso Fresh Apple Seed, crop of 1904. Write 
for Price List. Mrs. JAMES A. ROOT, 
Skaneateles, N. Y. 
The BEST RASPBERRY 
Is Flum Farmer, early, large, enormously 
productive. Catalog of raspberry, straw¬ 
berry and other berry plants free. Write. 
L. J. FARMER, PULASKI, NEW YORK 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS 
and other small fruits including the Ward Black¬ 
berry, one of the most reliable. Send for descriptive 
circular. 100 000 Asparagus, one and two year old. 
Peach and other fruit trees. 2(0.000 Cal. Privet for 
Hedging, very cheap. Seed Sweet Potatoes, Jersey 
Red and Yellow. Second crop Va. Seed Potatoes, 
Crown Jewel and Early Rose. Send for price list 
before placing orders. Address, 
CHAS. BLACK. Hlghtstown, N. J. 
What Do You Want 
in Fertilizers this year ? Don’t pay agents’ profits 
for goods not adapted to your so.l or crops. 
Have your Fertilizers Made to Order from best 
materials. Special formul s for special crops, 
if desired. E. E. BURWEiL, New Haven, Conn. 
(Market Gardeners’ Specialist.) 
BERRY PLANTS— 23d Annual Catalogue free. 
Climax only $2.00 per 1.000. Lucretia Dewberry, 
$4 00. Best plants at bottom_prices . 
SLAYMAKER & SON. Dover, Del. 
DIE A Oats are the heaviest and best yielders I ever 
UIU grew, even plump berry. 50c. perbu. in lots of 
n ormore; bags free. J. S. Tilton, Norwalk. O. 
DEAD FARMS 
A dead farm won’t grow alfalfa, 
clover, etc. Why is it dead? No nitro¬ 
gen-gathering germs in the soil. How 
can you put them in? Use 
y* N1TRO-CULTURE 
G t $2.00 worth, sprinkle on seed 
before planting It contains germs 
that supply plants with nitrogen. 
Makes nitrogenous fertilizers unneces¬ 
sary. Write for cat~ logne R. N. Means 
hundreds of dollars to you. 
NATIONAL NITRO-CULTURE CO. 
West Chester, Pa. 
LONG ISLAND CABBIGE SEED,- Spring, 
Summer, Fall, Winter. Catalog and Sample Free. 
Four 10c. FRANCIS BRILL, Hempstead, N. Y. 
Rahhacrp \PPfl Long Island grown, Succession. 
UQUUdgC OGGU Flat J )utchi Early Spring, 75c. 
per lb. B. E. GOODALE, 1947 Broadway, N. City 
ASPARAGUS I RHUBARB ROOTS 
Large, Healthy Stock, Leading Varieties. Prices 
reasonable. H. D. CULIN, Mt. Holly, N. J. 
VEGETABLE PLANTS 
Asparagus Roots, very strong, one yearold plants; 
better and stronger than most two years old; grown 
on new land, $5 per 1.000. Rhubarb Victoria, 
divided roots, better than seedlings, $5 per 100. 
Vegetable Plants, by the millions. Price list 
mailed free. LUDVIG MOSBAEK, Onarga, Ill. 
PEDIGREED PEACH TREES . 
New Fruits and Berries—Low Prices. 
Everything for the Fruit Grower. Catalog FREE 
LINDSLKY'S NURSERIES, Whitehouse, N. J. 
Strawberry Plants 
CRIMSON CLUSTER 
the best late variety, more productive than the 
Gandy and the Climax. The leading variety and 
50 other varieties. Apply for price list to 
D. Rodway, Hartly, Del. 
NONE BETTER THAN 
FAIRVIEW FARM SEED POTATOES 
And prices are moderate. Send for descriptive price 
list. F. H. THOMSON & SON. FairviewFarm,® 
land Patent, N. Y. 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS 
Jessie. Splendid, Clyde, Barton's Eclipse. Sample 
Nettie. Write for price. J. K. LOSEE, Elnora. N. Y. 
BUY PRESIDENT STRAWBERRY PLANTS 
of the Originator. Send for circular 
THOMAS R. HUNT, Lambertville. N. J. 
B 
EST FRUIT PAPER 
for3 months. Stamps orsilver. 
NATIONAL FRUIT GROWER, 
St. Joseph, Michigan. 
10 ° 
IRISH COBBLER SEED POTATOES $3.00 per 
^ barrel. JOHN HERR SHENK, Lancaster, 1’a. 
Abington yielded over 300 bu. per acre in matted rows. 
Circular free. Lester Blanchard,Abington, Mass. 
If You Are Planting 
STRAWBERRIES 
you cannot get better plants, better varieties, or bet¬ 
ter service at the lowest price. See list. Address 
tYM. PERRY, Cool Spring, Del. 
NEW HOME STRAWBERRY ^TiYt's 
PLANT FARM, Athenia, N. J. 
Irish Gobbler Potatoes choice seed. Fair 
price. C. D. JONES, Vermillion, N. Y. 
PEACH 
and other fruit trees at wholesale 
prices. Circular free. 
R. S. JOHNSTON, Box 4, Stockley,Del. 
C 
AULIFLOWER SEED 
KARL KOLLE 
1234 North 50 Ave., Chicago,III. 
DCTITCEC grown especially for SEED. 15 
fU I A | UCw varieties, price right, list free. 
GEO. H. COLVIN, Crest Farm, Dalton, Pa. 
100.000 BLACKBERRIES Mersereau,Eldorado, King, 
etc. Finest catalog. W. N. Searff, New Carlisle, ft 
SPRAYER 
IIIIDCT’Q potato & 
nuitol O ORCHARD _ 
Sprays Everything— Trees, Potatoes, Truck, or- 
chards and small patches 
equally well. Rows, 4 at a 
time, 20 acres a day. Even 
2-acre growers say: “Pays 
itself first season." First 
order (where no agent) se¬ 
cures Wholesale price. Ten 
days’ free trial or will take 
extra yield one acre as pay. 
Write to-day for one freo in 
each locality. 
H. L. HURST MFG. CO., Dept C, Canton, O. 
tw~ “ All kinds ” Sprayer s , Barrels, etc., ataboutone- 
half if you write at once • 
BARGAINS 
Complete Surplus List of Fruit Trees 
Now ready for immediate shipment. Large stock PEACH, APPLE, PEAR, also CHERRY, PLUM, 
QUINCE and SMALL FRUIT PLANTS. Everything FREE FROM SCALE. Warranted true to 
name. Safe delivery guaranteed. The PATTERSON NURSURY CO., Stewartstown, Pa. 
