1906. 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
35i 
CHEMICALS AND WORN-OUT SOIL 
WILL, SUCH FERTILIZERS FERTILIZE ? 
The Plain Story of a Practical Farmer. 
Part IV. 
Preparing for Dynamite.—I trust the 
experienced readers will be patient with 
me while I try to be helpful to the in¬ 
experienced in the matter of using dyna¬ 
mite. It seemed good to us first of all to 
shovel all the way around the stone, if 
its outlines were not clearly revealed, in 
order to get a better idea what we had to 
contend with. Then when the opening 
was made beneath the stone the dyna¬ 
mite was placed in a snug pile, excepting 
the last stick, which was opened at the 
end, a small hole bored in it a couple of 
inches deep, in which was inserted the 
cap and fuse. This “cap,” known to the 
trade as “exploder,” is really a brass 
cap perhaps 1^-inch long and just big 
enough inside to receive the end of the 
fuse. The cap is charged with a sufficient 
quantity of nitro-glycerin in order that 
this may be exploded by the burning fuse. 
Care must be taken to see that the end 
of the fuse that goes in the cap is cut 
squarely off so as to butt up nicely 
against the explosive in the cap, and see 
to it that they are in contact, the end of 
the fuse with the explosive in the cap. 
The cap can be easily kept in its place 
by pinching it down on the fuse—at the 
upper end of the cap—with a little pair 
of nippers with jaws on one side; they 
can be found in any good supply house. 
When the cap has been properly fitted to 
the fuse, which can be done much quicker 
than it can be told, an opening is made in 
one of the sticks of dynam'te as told 
above. Some people think it wise to make 
assurance doubly sure by tying a string 
tightly around dynamite and fuse. I 
always did something of this kind if the 
charge were to be lowered down in a hole, 
but when placed on the level I never 
bothered so much. When the charge is 
all in its place the hands are usually em¬ 
ployed to draw some fine earth over the 
dynamite until it is nicely covered, when 
the shovel and rammer may be used to 
finish the job. I generally stamped it with 
my feet. A fuse 18 inches is long enough 
ordinarily, but if vour charge is half way 
under a stone 12 feet across you will have 
to cut your fuse long enough to reach the 
outside where you can get at it nicely; 
then when the loose tamping is properly 
firmed, the scattered tools taken care of, 
just split the end of the fuse till you see 
the black powder, touch your match and 
let her go. SUe’ll go all right. 
Soil Regeneration.— T he more I 
looked over that field, the more it seemed 
to me that success, so far as I was con¬ 
cerned, consisted in a complete regenera¬ 
tion of that particular piece of ground. 
The plan formulated in my mind was to 
remove the stone already thrown to the 
surface, fill the holes, plow the ground 
thoroughly, and with a gang of men be¬ 
hind the plow take out what stone had 
been overlooked. After we had the plow 
nicely started the ground seemed so hard 
in the bottom of the furrow that the 
idea of sub-soiling took hold of me. We 
had a good sub-soil plow, and with a gang 
of six men besides myself we went at 
it. Some stones could be pried out, some 
needed a chain and a team from one of 
the plow.^ and still others had to have 
the encouragement of a stick or two of 
dynamite. That was easy, for I always 
carried a couple in my boot-tops just to 
save time. Talk about enjoyment—com¬ 
parative term again—I never enjoyed 
anything quite so much as those days de¬ 
stroying the face of nature. The effects 
of sub-soiling were quite noticeable on 
this field on the potato crop a year and a 
half later; the drought that season was 
very severe, and about half an acre hav¬ 
ing been left without sub-soiling was a 
check plot, the top died there a good 
while before the rest of the field. The 
whole field was thoroughly replowed in 
the Spring after removing the stone the 
Fall before, and sown to cow peas, most¬ 
ly of the Wonderful variety. The first 
week of May, Spring of 1896, the 
ground was fertilized with 400 pounds 
acid phosphate, 200 pounds muriate of 
potash, and 100 pounds nitrate of soda 
per acre. We sowed the field both wavs, 
putting in 1*4 bushel of seed each time, 
2 'A bushels per acre. I know the folks 
all say a bushel to the acre, but it does 
not pay me to sow any less than two 
bushels. I wished afterward I had put 
on more fertilizer, partly to see how big 
the pesky things would get, but mainly 
because I believe it to be a better way to 
treat the future potato crop, just applying 
the fertilizer to the clover or cow peas 
that precede it and give those vigorous 
feeders an opportunity to assimilate the 
plant food in the fertilizers, and by this 
system of elaboration render it more ac¬ 
ceptable to the potato crop. 
Results With Cow Peas.— The reader 
will understand that I had obtained an 
idea of what this ground needed by 
watching the growth of late cabbage, as 
mentioned in a former article, and I had 
started Out to reproduce the conditions as 
far as I could, get a whole lot of vege¬ 
table matter in the soil, and then apply 
the fertilizers as intelligently as I knew 
how. September 26 this crop of cow peas 
was approximately weighed by measur¬ 
ing a square yard in three different places, 
the idea being to get the best, the worst, 
and medium. I drove a stake at the cor¬ 
ners of those squares, then drew a string 
around them and cut the vines inside with 
my pocket knife; they were weighed sep 
arately and the average struck. The re¬ 
sult as noted at the time in my book 
was a gross yield of tops of 35,695 pounds 
per acre; this of course did not include 
the mass of leaves that had fallen off the 
vines and formed quite a coat on the 
surface, nor did it take in the great mass 
of roots, whose thread-like filaments 
seemed to fill the whole earth. From a 
bulletin issued by the R. I. Experiment 
Station about this time they reported a 
crop of Black cow peas on their ground? 
that yielded at the rate of 35,003 pound? 
per acre of green stuff, which, when ana¬ 
lyzed was shown to contain 157 pounds 
nitrogen, 32.2 pounds phosphoric acid, 
and 109.5 pounds potash. We shall see 
next week what benefit this was to the 
soil. m\ garrahan. 
inn 
f!i 
YOUR BARN 
•will be as well protected as your 
dwelling house, and your dwelling 
house better protected than most buildings 
whose roofs have cost much more trouble 
and expense to lay, if you cover your buildings with 
* . ***** 
Or - * • S ’. •--.V:'""* 
Rex Flintkote Roofing 
Tin rusts, shingles dry and blow off, tar roofs sag and run, 
both burn at the touch of a spark, . , 
Rex Flintkote is good fire insurance because it is spark- 
proof. It affords perfect protection in all kinds of weather, 
hot or cold, wet or dry, because it is pure, long-fibre.wool-felt, 
saturated with an acid, alkali, water-proof material, both sides 
coated with a water-proof and fire-resisting compound. Any 
ordinary laborer can lay it as easily as a carpet. 
SEND FOR FREE SAMPLES 
With samples you get a book, giving valuable suggestions 
concerning roofing, showing photographs of Rex Flintkote 
buildings of all kinds, from poultry houses to railroad 
terminals, which are to-day proving our claims for Rex 
Flintkote. of imitations. “Look 
for the Boy” on every roll. Don’t take 
cheap goods just because they are cheap in 
price. Write for dealer’s name. 
J. A. * W. BIRD A CO. 
?ri Iudlu St., Ronton, Mass. //A 
Agents everywhere 
m 
TRADE, 
MARK 
I 
BUSINESS BITS. 
Used for painting barns, granaries, shingle 
roofs, silos, posts, bridges and all other wood¬ 
work. Avenarlus Oarbolinemn is guaranteed 
to prevent rot and decay, and at the same 
time imparts a nice brown color to objects 
painted. Used in the chicken house against 
chicken lice, mites, etc., it is the most radical 
remedv for this purpose, and saves the month¬ 
ly expense for insect powder, lime, kerosene, 
etc. One coat applied to the interior of your 
henhouse wil last for years. Our claims are 
based on 30 years' experience and thousands 
of testimonials. Whosoever desires further 
Information about Avenarlus Carbolinem 
should write to the Carbolineum Wood Pre¬ 
serving Co., Milwaukee, Wis. 
The Sharpies Separator Co., of West 
Chester, Pa., prove to dairymen that, if they 
have not a famous Sharpies^ Tubular Cream 
Separator, they are picking out of their own 
pockets one-third to one-half the profits they 
should make from their milk—that they are. 
in fact, losing one-third to one-half their 
cream. These men can convict you of robbing 
yourself. They will do it. either by lending 
you a Tubular for a free trial, or by skimming 
for you, free, a batch of milk you have al¬ 
ready skimmed with pans or cans, and taking 
out of that milk, which you think is skimmed 
clean, the cream you have left in it. We 
suggest that you write The Sharpies. Separa¬ 
tor Co., of West Chester, Pa., about this. 
Horace L. Bronson. Star Farm, Cortland. 
N. Y., reports Increased sales of llolsteins. 
Among others he sold to Howard Townsend, 
the richly bred, registered bull calf. Prince 
Lilith Count Pauline, 33079; to W. A. Morse 
the choice cow Jennie Mercedes Atossa De 
Kol, 71473; to S. S. Comfort, Elmira, N. Y„ 
the heifer America De Kol Boon. 71468; to 
Levi Weils, Lacyville, I’a.. bull Sadie Vale 
De Kol Mercedes Paul, 36160: also two 
choice cows, Ononis De Kol Butter Girl, 
61087 : to F. M. Turner. Pittsburg, Pa., I’iet- 
ertje De Kol Pet, 58242, Homestead Belle 
Pietertje, 66524. Mr. Turner also took 
Amarilla Beauty, 71149, Duanna Veeman 2d, 
54062, Fanny De Kol of Maple Shade, 71150, 
and Bessie Victoria Spoffard. 61037. 
It is really a most serviceable and stylish 
line of vehicles that the Anderton Mfg. Co., 
of Cincinnati, are turning out. The wonder 
appears when prices are named. Of course 
these low prices would not be remarkable if 
the quality were inferior. But “Anderton" 
quality, it is well known, is not inferior. The 
long guarantee proves that. Even after the 
30 days’ free trial during which the proposed 
purchaser has not advanced a cent, the pur¬ 
chaser may have his monev back any time 
within two years if the vehicle proves not to 
be what it was represented. The “Anderton” 
catalogue, a 110-page book, explains this in 
detail. It is a good book for vehicle buyers 
to have before purchasing. A copy can be 
had by writing to the Company at the address 
given and mentioning The It. N.-Y. 
When you write advertisers mention The 
R. N.-Y. and you’ll get a quick reply and 
“a square deal.” See guarantee, page 14. 
BALING PRE 
TheDainBaling Press bales 
more hay with less labor than 
any other press made. Is all- 
steel, pull-power, continuous 
travel, 2 feeds to each round. 
Built better than necessary to 
stand racket without breaks or 
trouble. Sold by all dealers. 
Write today for tree catalog. 
Dam Manufacturing Co. 
Ottumwa, Iowa. 
THEY LASTF0REVER 
Standard Steel Posts 
Are to be Driven 
ONE-THIRD CHEAPER 
THAN WOOD POSTS. 
Can be ui*ed with plain, barb or 
woven wire fencing. Poata made 
for all requirements; will last for¬ 
ever. For prape tields they have 
no equal. Thousands in use and 
thousands sold for immediate de¬ 
livery. Write for circular, price 
list and reference to 
J. H. DOWNS, 
335 Broadway, N. Y. 
Factory near Pittsburg. 
Positive Circulation and Minimum 
Vibration Can be Obtained Only With 
Write for Free Cat. O. 
Abenaque Engines. 
2-25 H.P. 
Gas and 
Gasoline 
Portable 
and 
Stationary. 
IRCNIOUE MACHINE WORKS, Westminster Sta., Vt. 
Reliable 
Power 
Is it not worth while to consider the 
maker when you buy a power? You 
can buy all sorts of 
gasoline engines at all 
sorts of prices. But 
is it wise to buy an 
unknown power from 
an unknown builder 
without assurance of 
adaptability or work¬ 
ing? We are selling 
powers everywhere. 
There is a reputation 
to be sustained when 
you buy a 
Fairbanks 
engine. We see to it that the buyer 
gets a style and size suitable to his 
wants. Our expert power men look out 
for conditions, needs, types, adaption, 
etc. And we take care of our custom¬ 
ers after the sale is made as well as be¬ 
fore. You want a power. Couldn’t we 
get together on such a basis? Write 
for our Farm Power book. 
The Fairbanks Company, New York, 
Albany, Buffalo, Philadelphia, 
Baltimore, Hartford, Pittsburg, 
Bangor, Me., New Orleans, Syracuse, 
Boston, London. Eng. Glasgow. 
CYCLONE S STEEL FENCE 
Made in all heights. So 
good that we can and do 
guarantee every rod of it 
Quick shipments. Ask 
for our catalog an d prices. 
Both will interest you. 
CYCLONE FENCE CO. 
Waukegan, 111. 
H 0 II 7 , fllch, Cleveland, O* 
BEATS THE 
Grindstone 
Ten Times Over. 
Grind anv tool, knife to mower.’ 
sickle, with the > 
Practical 
Grinder. 
3,000 revolutions of 
alundum wheel per min¬ 
ute. Greatest abrasive 
known. No pressure 
needed; does not draw 
temper or heat tools. 
Lvery home needs it/ 
Different sizes. Write for 
price and circular. Foot- 
power attachment. A 
few good agents wanted. 
Koyal Mfg. Co., 226 E. Walnut St., Lancaster, Pa. 
WARREN’S' 
WALRUS 
ROOFING 
Tough and tight as a walrus I 
hide, and just as pliable and 
lasting. Summer sun, winter 
ice, won’t affect it. It can’t rust and won’t | 
crack. Anybody can lay it. Send for sample. 
Warren Chemical & Mfg,Co.,l6^Batter^PI. New York | 
sz mm 
HEAVIEST FENCE MADE) 
AUNo. Steel Wire. WcI. -iUvanized. Weighs j 
Kmore than most fences. 16 to 85c per rod 
delivered. We sell all kinds offence wireat 
wholesale prices. Write for fence hook show- 
lng HOstyles. The Brown Fence and.' 
Wire Co., Cleveland, Ohio. 
NCHOR FENCE 
Quality of steel and 
galvanizing are im- 
— portant 
—You want your 
slice to last: it will if the 
laker puts life-time quality 
ito it. Use Anchor Fence. _ 
’he Anchor Fence & Mfg. Co., Dept. D, Cleveland.!) 
LEARN TO BE A JUDGE! 
OF WIRE FENCE. 
The size of the wire and the form of the “knot” 
are the vital points to be considered Ask different 
makors for FREE SAMPLES of these parts, compare 
them carefully, and you won't need advice from any¬ 
body. Our Sample is ready for the asking. 
BOND STEEL POST COMPANY. ADRIAN, MICH. 
Poultry In, Stock Out 
Page Poultry Fence is so closely 
woven that poultry can't get outs 
so strong and high that heavy 
stock can’t get in. Stands up 
straight on few posts, requires 
no top rail or bottom board and 
lasts. Let us tell you about it. 
IWANS’ 
AUGER 
POST HOLE 
AND WELL 
Best earth auger in the world. For Fence and 
Telphone Post Holes, Wells, etc. Three times 
the work ac- ^SSSSiS. complished with an 
l\NANi2L Iwan A !4 ger tba . t l with 
oJe 
other. Makes 
hole smoothly and 
[quickly; empties CMily; is very durable. Used by U. S. Gov't. 3. 4, 5 , 
19 , 7 , 8. 9 and 10 inch, $2.60 eaoh; 12 inch, $6.00; 14 Inch . $7.50. Sampl# 
w at special price to introduce. Agents Wanted. Inquire of dealers or writs 
dlrvot for particular.. IWAN BR08,Dept.No4 Streator, ILL. 
FOR SALE 
STEEL FENCING? 10c. per rod, while It lasts. 
Rochester Radiator Co., 268 State St.,Rochester, N.Y. 
For the Protection and 
Adornment of Lawns, Schools, Parks, 
Cemeteries, Cemetery Lots and public and 
private places generally, no fence can com¬ 
pare with the Hartman Steel Picket Fence 
for beauty and durability. The first fence we 
made was put up sixteen years ago and is In as 
good condition now as the day it was erected. 
The Hartman Fence protects and adorns a lawn 
without concealing it. It can be erected upon un¬ 
even as well as level surfaces—on stone walls or 
wooden bases as well as in the ground. No me¬ 
chanical skill la required to erect it. All first- 
class dealers handle the Hartman Steel Picket 
Fence. It youra doesn’t, write for Illustrated 
catalogue and prices to 
GLEN MFG. CO., 110 Mill St.. Eliwood City, Pa. 
