272 
April l, 
FARMERS’ CLUB 
[Every query must be accompanied by 
the name and address of the writer to in¬ 
sure attention. Before asking a question, 
please see whether it is not answered in 
our advertising columns. Ask only a few 
questions at one time. Put questions on a 
separate piece of paper.! 
A PRIZE BLACKBERRY BUSH. 
E. C. Brown, of Vermont, who sent us 
the photograph pictured on first page, says 
of it: “This is a hill of Snyder black¬ 
berries containing 1,500 berries actual 
count, the handsomest sight I ever saw. 
I tried to see what I could do, and it paid- 
This picture lias been worth a good many 
dollars to me, as I have sold thousands of 
plants by showing it.” 
Top-Dressing Wheat with Fertilizer. 
C. h\ IF., Baltimore, Md .—Will top-dressing 
of fertilizer on field of wheat this Spring in¬ 
crease the yield sufficiently to more than 
pay expense incurred for fertilizer and labor? 
If so, give analysis of fertilizer, the quantity 
per acre and the best time to apply it. I 
have been advised that 75 to 100 pounds ni¬ 
trate of soda or 150 to 200 pounds of a good 
article of superphosphate made from animal 
bone sown broadcast will largely increase 
yield. 
Ans.— It will depend on the soil, the 
wheat and the fertilizer or manure used 
last -year. Sometimes wheat does not 
winter well. In that case 250 to 300 
pounds per acre will improve it. The 
soil may be light or lacking in nitrogen. 
Usually we prefer to fertilize well at the 
time of seeding, and not top-dress in 
Spring. The most necessary elements us¬ 
ually needed in Spring are available nitrer 
gen and phosphoric acid. If wheat seemed 
in need of fertilizer we would use 75 
pounds nitrate of soda and 150 pounds su¬ 
perphosphate per acre. You should figure 
the cost of this application and see how 
many bushels of wheat will be required 
to pay for it. 
Fitting Hen Manure for Drilling. 
E. M. TT'., Jefferson, Kan .—We have eight 
or 10 barrels of hen manure that we wish to 
prepare so it will drill with a “King of the 
Cornfield" planter. It is in covered barrels, 
and gathered in the last two months. What 
is its worth, and how can we prepare it for 
drilling? We wish to use it on Kaffir corn 
on light sandy prairie soil. IIow much to the 
acre? We are getting in the first planter 
that will drill fertilizers we have ever seen; 
this country being new, did not need it, but 
we are satisfied we must use eastern methods 
for greater success. 
Ans.— Hen manure well dried and 
without too much dirt and feathers is 
worth about four times as much as aver¬ 
age stable manure. Many farmers will 
say at once that this is a low estimate, 
yet we believe it to be a fair statement. 
In the East, on poultry and fruit farms, 
the hen manure is crushed and mixed 
with chemicals. It must be thoroughly 
dried with plaster or dust before it can 
be made fine enough for drilling. Some 
farmers who have large quantities of the 
manure use a small hand bone mill which 
grinds or crushes the hard chunks. Others 
spread these chunks on a hard floor and 
crush them with a heavy spade or wooden 
maul, sifting in a sieve used for sifting 
coal ashes until the coarse pieces are sifted 
out and fined. It is a tedious job to 
crush any large quantity. 
Musk melons Crack Befoie Ripe. 
A. 8. K., Jackson, Torn .—What is the 
cause of muskmelons cracking open before 
ripening? Is it a deficiency of potash, phos¬ 
phoric acid or excess of nitrogen? What va¬ 
rieties are the least subject to it? Is there 
no remedy? I would like to grow Paul Rose 
and Osage largely, but they blight and crack 
badly. The variety grown mostly here is 
Rocky Ford, but I like the Paul Rose and 
Osage so much better I would like to grow 
them instead. This was my experience in 
northern Indiana last season, but the season 
was very cold and short, very abnormal in¬ 
deed. 
Ans.— We always considered it was 
due in part to the exceptionally quick 
growth produced by hot, wet weather 
It is always more prevalent under such 
climatic conditions than when the weather 
is dry. Anything tending to produce a 
rapid rank growth w.ould have a tendency 
to increase it; consequently an excess of 
THE R.URAL NEW-YORKER. 
nitrogen might be responsible in a meas¬ 
ure for it. We are always careful to 
avoid saving seed from- a cracked speci¬ 
men, because I believe it is hereditary. 
You will often see every cantaloupe on 
an individual hill burst open, while there 
is not another single fault}' specimen for 
a long distance around it. Therefore I 
am convinced that the fault lies with 
that individual seed—seed from a burst 
cantaloupe probably the previous year. I 
know of no remedy except guarding! 
against propagating a cracking strain. 
J. BARTON. 
A Concrete Tank in Attic. 
E. IF. J., Crossville, III. —I see on page 47 
a letter from C. L. J., Vergennes, Vt., in re¬ 
gard to cement reservoirs. I should like to 
know if it will be practicable and safe to con¬ 
struct a reservoir of cement in the attic for 
the water sutmlv of the house. I do not 
think I should like one of lead so well as of 
concrete if the latter could be made. What 
materials would you use or recommend for 
that purpose if concrete is not good? Which 
system of water supply is considered best, air 
pressure from basement or gravity from attic? 
I am wishing to build, and am not posted on 
such things. There are very few houses in 
this region where such water supply is in¬ 
stalled, so I do not know where to go for 
information. 
Ans.— I do not think I would build a 
cement tank in the attic, although I can¬ 
not say that I have had any experience 
with them. Cement is heavy material to 
use in such a situation, and more suscep¬ 
tible to accidents and leakage than gal¬ 
vanized iron or steel, of which such tanks 
are commonly made. I would put in an 
air pressure tank in the cellar instead of 
a reservoir in the attic. The pressure 
system has some points of superiority 
over other. There is less difficulty on 
account of freezing, and there is not the 
liability to damage from leakage or over¬ 
flow. If I had water not deeper than 20 
feet from the cellar floor, and if the water 
was required for an average sized dwell¬ 
ing house, I would use a hand force pump 
as the source of power for lifting the 
water. It would take but a few minutes 
pumping every day to answer for the 
ordinary requirements of dwelling, for 
kitchen, bathroom, etc. Write to the Chi¬ 
cago House Wrecking Co., Chicago, for 
their catalogue containing prices, etc., on 
tanks and water supply outfits. .g. d. 
Atlantic Strawberry. — This variety 
shows very decidedly the point that lias been 
maintained regarding the value of certain va¬ 
rieties when grown under congenial condi¬ 
tions, and the utter worthlessnes of the same 
variety when an attempt is made to grow it. 
under unfavorable conditions. This berry 
was sent out to be tested at the experiment 
stations as early as 1SS9, and, so far as T 
know, was reported as being from fair to 
worthless: was discarded from the lists of 
varieties being tested, and also from many 
of the plantsmen's catalogues. I have before 
me reports from various sources, all speaking 
in a discouraging manner as to one or more 
of its habits. In 1894 and 1895 this berry 
obtained a foothold in Oswego County, and 
at once attracted the attention of the New 
York and Boston buyers on account of its 
good size, high color and firmness. Fancy 
prices have been paid for crates of extra fine 
fruit, and, in fact, each year this berry 
brings from two to five cents a quart above 
the market price, being quoted by itself, as fs 
the case in some localities with Gandy. A 
box or crate of well-grown Atlantics is the 
handsomest thing in the way of fruit I ever 
saw. and where this variety can lie grown 
there is money in it. hut even in Oswego 
County it does not thrive on all soils. doin°- 
finely on strong or gravelly soil, but proving 
a failure on heavy soil. I should strongly 
advise testing this variety to a limited ex¬ 
tent. as it w'll surely prove a profitable 
variety in localities where it will thrive. 
c. E. IIUNN. 
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 5eeds. 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 Southern-grown seed. Our 
Descriptive Catalogue tells all 
about the best kinds to plant. 
It’s mailed free for the asking, r 
C 
AULIFLOWER SEED 
KARL KOLLE 
1234 North 50 Ave., Chicago, III. 
Abington yielded over 300 bn. per acre in matted rows. 
Circular free. Lester Blanchard,Abington, Mass. 
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, Box4,Stockley,Del. 
DHTITHCC grown especially for SEED. 15 
lU IA I UCv varieties, price right, list free. 
GEO. H. COLVIN, Crest Farm, Dalton, Pa. 
50,000 PINEAPPLE STRAWBERRY ordinary.** Very 
profitable. Fine catalog. IV. N. Scurff, New Curllale.O. 
NEW HOME STRAWBERRY gVviTTui 
PLANT FARM, Athenia, N. J. 
CIvauikArru Dlan4c 100.000 Crimson Cluster 
OiraWDci f J rldtllb a nd 50 other varieties. 
Send for price list. D. Rodway, Hartly, Del. 
Rift A are the heaviest and best yielders I ever 
DIU *r grew, even plump berry. 50c. perbu. in lots of 
ten orniore; bags free._.J, S. Tilton, Norwalk. O. 
P Old illmuor CnoH Choice Banish grown, Early DwnrfF.r- 
UdUIIIIUnc! OCCU, flirt, $1. so. Early Snowball, f2. oo oz 
B. E. GOODALE, 1947 Broadway, Now York City. 
DERRY PLANTS— 23d Annual Catalogue free. 
Climax only $2.00 per 1.000. Lucretia Dewberry, 
$4 00. Best plants at bottom pi-ices ■ 
SLAYMAKER & SON. Dover, Del. 
FIRST PRIZE MEDALS ries and Gooseberries 
shown at St. Louis Fair. Write for catalogue. A. T. 
GOLDSBOROUGH.Wesley Heights,Washington,!).C 
GREATSCOTT 
a new Strawberry. 
S. H. WARREN, 
Weston, Mass. 
Alfalfa, Clover 
AND OTHER CROPS 
Can be doubled by treating the seeds, 
before sowing, with 
NITRO-CULTURE 
Science has overcome poor land. Just 
moisten seeds in water containing 
harmless nitrogen-gathering germs. 
Inexpensive. Results guaranteed or 
money back. Write for catalog R.N. No. 1 
NATIONAL NITRO-CULTURE CO., 
West Chester, l’a. 
GRAPE VINES 
Cnrranti, Gooseberries, Black¬ 
berries, Raspberries, Straw¬ 
berries. Price List FREE. 
Send 2c stamp for illustrated descriptive catalog. 
T. S. HUBBARD CO. Frsdonia, N. Y. 
Perpetual bloomers—the kind that growl 
__ ' real roses—the kind to buy. Our catalog J 
offers a splendid selection. Write for copy I 
today i it’s FREE. GROVER Hi UR8ERYI 
CO., 71 Trust Bldg., Rochester, N. 
BABY RAMBLER ROSE 
An Everbloomlng Dwarf Crimson Rambler, 
Other novelties as well as a general list of nursery 
stock. Illustrated descriptive catalogue FREE. 
JOS. II. BLACK, SON & CO., Hightstown, N.J. 
Mention 
this 
EVERGREENS 
trees, nursery grown and hardy 
rywhere. All sizes for all purposes, 
lowest prices. 50 bargain lots, ali 
first class, prepaid, tl to *10 per 100. 
Catalogue and bargain sheet free. 
D. Hill. Evergreen Specialist, Dundee, III. 
BURT’S 
DAHLIAS 
20 KINDS $ I 
Awarded the GRAND PRIZE 
(highest honor) at St. Louis Ex- 
S osition. Catalogue free, 
i. F. BURT, - Taunton. Mass. 
RUBY RED RASPBERRY 
A new berry of great promise; has been grown six 
years, and today is ahead of all others for profit „o 
growers. We have a nice lot of well-rooted plants. 
Send for circular and price list. C. G. Velio & Son. 
Marlborough, N. Y., Valley View Fruit Farm. 
2TGRAPE VINES 
69 Varieties. Also Small Fruits, Trees, A c. Best root- 
ed stock. Genuine, cheap. 2 sample vines mailed for 10c. 
Descriptive price-list free. LEWIS ROESCH, FREDONIA.N.Y. 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS 
and other small fruits including the Ward Black¬ 
berry, one of the most reliable. Send for descriptive 
circular. 100 01)0 Asparagus, one and two year old. 
Peach and other fruit trees. 200,000 Cal. Privet for 
Hedging, very cheap. Seed Sweet Potatoes, Jersey 
Bed and Yellow, second crop Va. Seed Potatoes, 
Crown Jewel and Early Rose. Send for price list 
before placing orders. Address, 
CHAS. BLACK, Ilightslown, N. J. 
STRAWBERRIES 
Mark Hanna variety, the great new 
vorite. A prolific bearer of excellent 
We grow along list of the finest 
Get your favorite kinds from 
strong rooted plants. 1905 Catalog 
Harrison’s Nurseries, 
Box 29, Borlln, Md. 
VEGETABLE PLANTS 
Asparagus Roots, very strong, one year old 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. 
MATIVE EVERGREENS —.Balsam Fir, Arbor 
* ~ Vita’, 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. Also Fresh Apple Seed, crop of 1904. Write 
for Price List. Mrs. JAMES A. ROOT, 
Skaneateles, N. Y. 
NONE BETTER THAN 
FAIRYIEW FARM SEED POTATOES 
And prices are moderate. Send for descriptive price 
list. F. H. THOMSON & SON. Fairview Farm,Hol¬ 
land Patent, N. Y. 
ASPARAGUS | RHUBARB ROOTS 
Large, Healthy Stock, Leading Varieties. Prices 
reasonable. H. D. CULIN, Mt. Holly, N. J. 
I£ You Are Planting 
STRAWBERRIES 
you cannot get better plants, better varieties, or bet¬ 
ter service at the lowest price. See list. Address 
\VM. PERRY, Cool Spring, Del. 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS 
Jessie, Splendid, Clyde, Barton's Eclipse, Sample, 
Nettie. Write for price. J. K. LOSEE, Elnora,N. Y. 
O r r n O -I Offer Seeds of SUPERIOR quality 
IVI" p I at money-saving price—order now. 
VkkUV New White Waveriy Seed Oats yield 
over 80 bushels to the acre in this county, $1.25 per bn.; 
Timothy, Clover, Alsike, Alfalfa, Red Top, Orchard 
Grass, 2 or 6-rowed Barley, Beardless Barley, Iowa 
Gold Mine Corn, Cream of Ensilage Corn. Learning 
or Pride of the North Corn, Spring Rye, Spring Wheat, 
Field Corn, Yellow or White, Sweet Corn, Golden Mil¬ 
let, Hungarian, at very reasonable prices; Early Seed 
Potatoes, 75c.; Champion Peas, $2.50: Potato Planters, 
$2; Field Peas, $1.50; Mangel Beet, 20c.; Calf-Weaners, 
30c.; Cow-Weaners, 50c.; Cahoon Seed-Sowers,$1.50; 
Stock Labels, $4.50 per 100; Sheep Dip, 50c. per pkt. 
Everything for the farm, garden and lawn. Cata¬ 
logue free. Established nearly forty years. 
F. A. EBLiINGF, Syracuse, New York 
Wholesale and Retail Dealer and Importer. 
SEED CORN 
IMPROVED WHITE CAP YELLOW DENT Long 
kernel, large ear. Ripens in 85 to 95 days. 
Beats them all on poor thin land. On rich land the 
yield is wonderful. I also have improved Learning. 
Send for full description and prices. S. P. SHEPARD, 
Oberliu, Ohio. 
VVWVWVWVWVWVWVWVWVWVWWT 
f A.UJPL.E TREES 5 
5 We have a surplus of Baldwin,Ben Davis, Gano, J 
x Grimes, Greening, Fallawater, Fall Pippin, r 
5 Newtown Pippin,Rome Beauty, Sutton Beauty, < 
5 York Imperial, Yellow Transparent and other J 
2 standard varieties. Peaches. Chair’s Choice, 5 
> Belle, Frances and 40 other varieties. Pears, 2 
^ Plums, Cherries, Currants and Grape Vines. 4 
< Write today for descriptive catalogue and bar- ? 
5 gain prices. BARNES BROS. NURSERY r 
2 CO., Box 8, Yalesville, Conn. j 
> V.’V-VWWW WWWWVVWWWWWVW > 
Choice Nursery Stock in Surplus 
In order to reduce my surplus of the following 
strictly first-class stock, 1 shall offer same for the 
next 15 days, at prices as follows: F. O. B. Rochester, 
New York. IHieness Dwarf Pear, 2 year, $1.50 per do/,., 
$10 per 100. Black Sweet Cherries, 2 year, 5 to 7 feet, 
$4 per do/.., $30 per 100. Black and White Sweet Cher¬ 
ries, 4 to 0 feet, $3 per doz., $25 per 100. This stock 
will be shipped in season for planting this spring. 
SEND YOUR ORDER NOW, so stock can be reserved 
for you. Address, C. A. LeCLARE, Nurseryman, 
Rochester, New York, Cutler Building. 
S“ 
Every variety o£ seed the farmer needs 
r to make the farm pay. Northern grown, --—--———- 
hardy varieties. We carry an especially attractive lot of Grass Seeds—Clover, 
Alfalfa, Timothy, Millet, Blue Grass, Harvey’s Special Pasture Mixture, etc. 
HARVEY’S SURE SEEDS 
are all tested and true to name. Held Seeds, Potatoes, Oats, Wheat, Barley, tn0 
best that grow. Corn—the regular sorts and several new varieties of money- 
makers, some especially suitable for ensilage-fine for the dairy f-ymer. Write 
for complete free catalog. Harvey Seed Co., lluEllicott Street, Buffalo, a. x, 
BARGAINS 
Complete Surplus List of Fruit Trees 
Now ready for immediate shipment. Large stock PEACH, APPLE, HEAR, also CHERRY, PLUM, 
QUINCE and SMALL FRUIT PLANTS. Everything FREE FROM SCALE. Warranted true to 
name* Safe delivery guaranteed. The PATTERSON NURSERY CO., Stewartstown, Pa. 
