68o 
TIIE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
September 16, 
FAR MERS’ C LUB 
[Every query must he accompanied by 
tbe name and address of the writer to in¬ 
sure attention. Before asking a question, 
please see whether it is not answered in 
our jadvertising columns. Ask only a few 
questions at one time. Put questions on a 
separate piece of paper. 1 
MOWING BLIGHTED POTATO VINES 
J. 1<\ T., Patton, Pa .—There is every indi¬ 
cation that the potato crop in this section will 
be greatly reduced by the rot following 
blight. I have- a field of Carman No. 3 that 
I am spraying with Bordeaux the fourth 
time. The blight is however making its ap¬ 
pearance. Have you had any experience in 
cutting off the vines to prevent the conse¬ 
quent rot? 
If J. F. T. were to mow off the tops 
of the potato vine with the idea of re¬ 
moving the parts of the plant now affect¬ 
ed with blight and expecting that the 
new growth would appear and be pro¬ 
tected by spraying, it is certain that he 
would be disappointed with the operation. 
The new growth that would appear 
would be very small and not live very 
long. In removing the portions of the 
vine that are now affected with blight 
enough of the spores of the blight would 
be scattered over the ground to cause the 
rot of many of the tubers provided the 
weather conditions were such as to favor 
the development of the rot; that is if 
there was rain enough to wash the spores 
down to the tubers. If the weather is dry 
there will not be this danger of loss from 
rot. The effect of pruning potato tops 
was worked out experimentally by Prof. 
Jones of the Vermont Experiment Sta¬ 
tion several years ago and his results 
show that the operation caused a loss of 
at least one-third of the crop. 
H. J. EUSTACE. 
N. Y. Experiment Station. 
From my experience I would advise 
not to cut off the tops. Serious reduc¬ 
tion of yield would certainly follow and it 
is doubtful whether there would be any 
less rot. We tried the experiment of top 
pruning potatoes at this Station as fol¬ 
lows : variety. Green Mountain, planted 
May 19 on good soil; tops cut back one- 
half on alternate rows August 12; effect 
was to reduce yield by one-third (clipped 
plants yielding 152 lbs., not clipped 221 
lbs.) Experiments repeated various sea¬ 
sons have shown us that with potatoes 
like the above, the tuber growth is more 
rapid during the last half of August than 
at any other time in the season, and this 
growth is checked the instant the tops 
are removed. On the average with late 
varieties we find that fully one-half our 
crop is formed after the 20th of August; 
the loss from top pruning therefore would 
be far greater than any probable loss from 
rot. Moreover, since you say that the 
blight is already well started, it is prob¬ 
able that the ground is well seeded with 
the spores which cause the rot, so you 
would not lessen the rot by removing the 
tops at this time. We have in our ex¬ 
periments had abundant evidence that the 
affection of the tubers which leads to rot 
occurs soon after blight appears on the 
top. We have also found that in case 
the tops are blighting, it is much better 
not to dig the tubers until some time after 
the tops are dead. Our general advice is 
that the tubers be not disturbed until, at 
least, two weeks after the last tops are 
dead. * l. r. jones. 
Vermont Station. 
Applts for Maine. 
I. L. IF., Gardiner, Maine .—1 send you a 
list of apples which I have arranged as to 
hardiness but I would ask you to correct 
the list where I have made errors. I will 
begin with the tenderest, which is Baldwin, 
Gravenstein, R. I. Greening, Koxbury, Rus¬ 
sell, Wagener, Stark, McIntosh, Bellflower, 
Spy, Arctic, Ben Davis, Wealthy. 
Ans. —Of the varieties named all are 
reasonably hardy in Kennebec County, al¬ 
though both Baldwin and Gravenstein suf¬ 
fered some during the past very severe 
Winter. Of the others there need be no 
fear as to hardiness. For commercial pur¬ 
poses, however, the list given is too long 
for any Maine orchard. As a rule Bald¬ 
win top-worked upon Tolman, Spy or 
Pewaukee may be regarded as the best 
commercial variety for Kennebec County. 
Wagener is a very good apple if it is suf¬ 
ficiently thinned upon the tree, but this is a 
very profuse bearer, and if allowed to 
grow without thinning the fruit is likely 
to he small and the trees may be checked 
or stunted. Stark is being planted quite 
largely but is defective in color, although 
the tree is very vigorous and productive 
and is an excellent stock for top-working. 
Bellflower is being planted extensively at 
the present time. Its color is objection¬ 
able. Arctic is a particularly vigorous 
sort, but it is not needed where the Bald¬ 
win will thrive. Wealthy is excellent as 
a filler, as it comes into bearing very 
early, but like the Wagener is likely to 
overbear. w. m. munson. 
Bermuda Onions in Florida. 
How much seed of Bermuda onion should 
be used to produce sufficient sets to cover an 
acre? How should the seed be sown and 
cared for, how large should the sets be be¬ 
fore they are transplanted? 
Ans. —Ordinarily four pounds of good 
seed properly sown will plant an acre. 
However, unless conditions are right, 1 
should plant five or six, much depending on 
germinating qualities of seed and weather 
conditions. Sow on old land that is clear 
of weed seed, Velvet bean land preferred, 
in drills three inches wide, covering one- 
half inch deep and keep moist at all times. 
We plant seed in October and plant out 
sets when the size of slate pencils or 
slightly smaller, three or four inches apart, 
on hummock land, and somewhat closer 
on everglade muck, as they are apt to grow 
too large on the latter unless crowded. 
They will split badly when grown too 
large, which makes them unsightly and 
tends to rot them also, as they bruise much 
more when large or overgrown. We use 
fertilizer, one ton or V/2 ton per acre, 
about one-half of this being put on the 
land a week before planting sets and 
worked in shallow, the remainder in two 
or three later applications, always work¬ 
ing shallow and not towards onions. 
With plenty of rain they will produce 500 
or 600 bushels per acre by March follow¬ 
ing. In case surface irrigation is prac¬ 
ticed plant in double rows 12 inches apart 
and 30 inches or 36 apart to run water 
through and slightly elevate these dou¬ 
ble rows to confine water. I might add 
that Bermuda onion growing is still in 
its infancy in this country, and the above 
is gained from a rather limited five years’ 
experience. Be sure to get genuine Ber¬ 
muda seed grown on the Island of Tene- 
riffe, and preferably the strain known as 
Crvstal Wax. Walter waldin. 
Florida. 
WANT TO KNOW. 
Questions About Water Pipe. 
I would like to know whether any of your 
readers have had the same experience that I 
have with water, and if they have solved the 
problem satisfactorily. My water comes from 
a spring 50 or 60 rods through logs, down 
hill, through a hollow and up hill to the 
buildings, which are quite a litle lower than 
spring: these logs are a great nuisance, rot¬ 
ting out and springing a leak at any and all 
times. Galvanized iron pipe (of which I have 
a piece) will fill up in a few years with a red 
rusty looking substance, and has to be taken 
up. After drying it can be loosened and so 
got out by pounding pipe with a hammer. 
Would lead pipe fill up, and would it be safe 
to use? I have an overflow at barn, and the 
water runs all the time, but only a small 
stream. Of course pipe through the hollow 
would be full all the time. e. w. m. 
Wadham's Mills, N. Y. 
New Fall Catalogue 
NOW READY 
containing full and accurate de¬ 
scriptions of the BEST NOVEL¬ 
TIES and IMPORTANT SPECIA L- 
TIES (both Fruit and Ornamental) 
for FALL PLANTING, together 
with a beautiful colored plate of 
Hardy Pnlox. This pamphlet fur¬ 
nishes information indispensable 
to planters, and will be mailed 
free on application. 
ELLWANGER & BARKY 
Nurserymen-Horticulturists 
Mount Hope Nurseries n , , „ 
Drawer F Rochester, N. Y. 
Jones Wheats Lead 
New Wheat Mammoth Amber Giant of the Wheat 
Field. Wheat that will lead in all sections when 
known. Also Silver Sheaf Longberry Red. Send 
for description to 
JONES THE WHEAT GROWER Le Roy, N. Y. 
S 
EED WHEA 
T 
jFultzo Mediterranean, Fulcaster, Dietz 
and Jones’ Longberry, Also Mammoth 
White Winter Rye. Write for prices and our new 
circular NOW. 
HOLMES SEED CO., Harrisburg, Fean. 
We have been a Mail Order 
House for 90 Years. 
Our Catalogue Saves Your Money. 
20,000 Money Saving Bargains. 
DEALERS IN RELIABLE 
MERCHANDISE ONLY. 
This Month 
Onljfj . , 
We are located in tbe commercial 
center of America, where we can buy 
and sell to better advantage 
and where freight and ex¬ 
press rates are lower than 
any other city in the country 
This is the 
handiest small 
thing in the 
world, ready for every 
emergency. Contains 
the following; Pocket Knife, 
Leather Punch, Swedging Awl, 
Wire Cutter, Wire Pliers, Alligator 
Wrench, Hoof Hook, Screw Driver 
and Screw Bit; all drop forged, and 
fully warranted in every detail. 
Cuts off barb wire as easily as an 
ordinary 8-inch plier, and gives 
entire satisfaction in handling and 
cutting fence wire, baling and bind¬ 
ing wire, harness rivets, and many 
other uses too numerous to mention. 
Is invaluable to Farmers and Horse¬ 
men. Length only 4Vinc.h. 
As the result of getting a quantity of 
these from the manufacturer, we are 
able to offer this knife at the remark¬ 
ably low price of 85c. postage paid. 
White, Van Glahn & Go., 
No. 15 Chatham Sq., N. Y. City. 
Established 1816 . 
OIDESTMM OMR 
HOUSE IN AMERICA 
CALIFORNIA PRIVET. 
This most popular hedge plant, as well as all other 
kinds of ornamental and general nursery stock. 
Catalogue FREE. Address, 
.JOS. H. BLACK,SON & CO., Hightstown.N. ,J. 
FOR SALES 
SEED WHEAT, HARVEST 
_ _ ; immense yielder, $1 per bush. 
Also, SHEPHERD PUPPIES, males, $4.00; females. 
$2.00. Good ones. A. W. GRAHAM, Castile, N. Y, 
A I |T—Crimson Clover Seed, 
I O La E. $5.50 per bushel; Cow 
Peas, $1.75 bushel. J. E. HOLLAND, Milford, Del. 
F OR SALE.— Thirty bushels Winter Wheat. Will 
sell in small lots; $2 per bushel. Apply OASIS 
FARM, Harrison, N. Y. Charles Furthmann, Prop. 
CHOICE SEED RYE. 
Our SEED RYE is grown on sandy soil and produces 
heavy crops when sown on loam. 85 cents per bushel. 
Sample on application. 
EDWARD RIGG, Jr., Burlington, N. J. 
BEFORE orrn VA/UEAT write me for prices, 
BUYING OLCU TlilLnl stating how much you 
will use. Booklet free. Samples for stamp. Four hardy 
and prolific varieties. Clean and graded. Moderate 
prices. A, H. Hoffman. Bamford, Lancaster Co., Pa. 
MAMMOTH WHITE WINTER RYE. 
Heavy yielder and large straw ; clean and graded. 
Price. $1 per bushel. Bags free. 
PETER D. HULST, Billings, Dutchess County, N.Y, 
DANSY Mine. Perret, Genuine; gold medal. Hardy 
* White Welsh Onion: all kinds of seeds for florists 
and market gardeners. BEAULIEU.Woodhaven, N.Y. 
When you write advertisers mention The 
It. N.-Y. and you'll get a quick reply and 
“a square deal.” See guarantee, page 8. 
For Fall Planting 
Our Descriptive Catalogue is now ready 
and will he mailed free on application. It 
is beautifully illustrated and contains full 
cultural directions and a most complete 
collection of all the newest and best sorts. 
Hyacinths 
Tulips 
Daffodils Lilies 
t • including a magnificent collection of 
J OSes t * ic ncwc?t and most beautiful varieties 
of the Japanese Iris 
Crocuses Freesias 
Lily-of-the-Valley, Etc. 
Send for our catalogue. We are the largest 
and oldest bulb importers in America. 
J. M. THORBURN & CO. 
36 Cortlandt Street, New York | 
ESTABLISHED 1802 
HOYT IS AT THE HEAD 
With a large and most complete stock of 
Fruit, Forest, Ornamental and Evergreen 
Trees, Vines, Shrubbery, Roses, California 
Privet, Asparagus and Berry plants. 200 
acres in cultivation with Nursery Trees. 
This stock is healthy and fine. Send us 
your list of wants and let us price it. 
Satisfaction guaranteed. Send for our 
FREE Catalogue. Address, 
THE STEPHEN HOYT’S SONS CO., 
NEW CANAAN, CONN. j 
BARTLETT PEARS 
these as well as all kinds of Early A PPT FS 
have paid well this season. We Li-1 J. 
have a fine stock of botli: also a full lino of Nursery 
stock. Catalogue free. 
JOS. H. BLACK, SON & CO., Hightstown, N. J. 
fircr JInlf n Century of Fair Denting 
has Riven our products that prominence 
which merit deserves. We still offer 
everything of the best for Orchard, 
Vineyard, l.invn, Park, Street,Garden 
and Greenhouse. Catalogue No. 
1 free to purchasers of Fruit 
and Ornamentul Trees. No. 3 
free to buyers of Holland und 
other Bulbs, Hardy Plants 
and Vines, Roses, Ferns, Palms and 
Greenhouse Goods in general. Try 
_ us; will give you a square deal nnd 
guarantee satisfaction. Correspondence solicited. 
52 vears; 44 greenhouses; 1200 acres. 
THE STORRS & HARRISON CO. 
Box 14 PAINESVILLE, OHIO 
100 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS for $1. Guarantee 
full crop 1906. Plant now. List FREE. 
KEVITT PLANT FARM, Athenia, N. J, 
FRUIT TREES THAT GROW 
and hear fruit true to label. Fine assortment of stock. 
All conveniences for packing FRUIT GROWERS 
and DEALERS ORDERS. Can save you 15 to 30 
per cent on large or small orders. Get my prices and 
free catalogue without delay. 
Martin AVahl, Nurseryman, Rochester, N, Y. 
'IT BOOK 
shows in NATURAL COLORS and 
accurately describes 216 varieties of 
fruit. Send for our liberal terms of distri- 
V pution to planters.— Stark Bro’s. Louisiana, Mo. 
TD C C 0 $ 5 PER l0 °, FREIGHT PAID Poplars, healthy, true to name and fumigated, 
K F ^ All kinds of trees and plants at low wholesale prices. Remember we beat all other reliable 
| ^ La Nurseries in quality and price. Catalogue free. Reliance Nursery, Box 10, Geneva, N.Y. 
TREES FOR DEALERS AND AGENTS 
Orders filled and packed ready for delivery for Dealers and Agents; splendid facilities; quick execution; 
best prices; best stock and best treatment. Correspondence solicited. 
THE RIVERSIDE NURSERY CO., Confluence, Penn. 
TREES AND PLANTS 
Our FREE CATALOGUE will save you money. 
Fre^^tr^caJe^^Ne^^m^hoic^Varieties. 
Blackberries, Strawberries, Raspberries 
MYER <& SON, BridgeviUe, Del. 
HAIRY VETCH. 
Bushel, 60 pounds, $6; 
Two bushels, $10. 
ROGERS ON THE HILL, 
DANSVILLE, N. Y. 
THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF TREES 
SAFE TREES AND THE OTHER KIND. 
THERE ARE TWO 
HERE IS ONE WAY : 
“ I have been growing the Northern Spy Apple in 
nursery for 33 years. We are still using cions from 
the same stock and have never made any change in 
cions during that time. We have never cut any cions 
from bearing trees. ”—F. om one of the largest growers 
in the Genesee Valley, New York. 
Wliioli 
WAYS OF GROWING TREES, 
THE OTHER WAY 
Is the safe way, OUR WAY. Our new Tree Breeder 
tells about our plan of breeding and selection. 
and SWF$TY" 8PeCial service »” Phonal attention 
ROGERS ON THE HILL, Dansville, N.Y 
You Prefer ? 
ROGERS TREES ARE SAFE TREEST 
