'5o4 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
June 23, 
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. Tut questions on a 
separate piece of paper.] 
WILD HONEYSUCKLE IN SOUTHERN 
ORCHARDS. 
We have had several questions from 
southern people asking how they can get 
rid of wild honeysuckle which seems to be 
taking possession of the land, especially in 
orchards and similar places. Some recom¬ 
mend spraying, others speak of grubbing it 
out by hand. If you have had any experi¬ 
ence with this plant, what you would do 
to get rid of it in case it troubles you? 
Where the common honeysuckle, which 
is the one from Japan, gets rooted in a 
field in the Southern States it is exceed¬ 
ingly hard to exterminate. It propagates 
by layers that are made naturally, and 
very quickly and abundantly, and by seeds, 
which are also very abundant and easily 
germinated. I have seen the edges of 
fields where this vine had become estab¬ 
lished and spread along fences and some¬ 
times in the interior of the fields, that 
were so badly infested with it as to be 
rendered almost worthless for growing 
crops. It is so persistent and so inclined 
to form a mat on the ground, when there 
is nothing for it to climb upon that it is 
used by the railroads to cover the steep 
banks of railroad cuts and keep them 
from washing. The only practical way 
to destroy it, so far as I know, is to mow 
off the growth close to the ground about 
August, and to pasture it with goats. The 
latter method is the cheapest and quickest, 
provided the infested places may be en¬ 
closed and goats arc to be had. One year 
of constant browsing will about exter¬ 
minate honeysuckle, and two years will 
surely do it, unless there is an abundance 
of seedlings to replace the vines that are 
destroyed. Mowing the vines in Summer 
and burning them when dry is quite effec¬ 
tive. Putting the ground in any crop that 
requires frequent tillage is a great help 
in getting it free from this vine, that is a 
fragrant ornament in its proper place, but 
a nuisance in the fields. 
H. E. VAN DEiMAN. 
Wild honeysuckle is becoming a very 
serious pest indeed in this section. I have 
known of very little effort made to get 
rid of, or even to check it. My own ef¬ 
forts have been mostly confined to pulling 
and grubbing small patches before they 
have spread or got much hold. For an 
apple orchard badly infested with it, J. S. 
Woodward’s method of grazing with 
sheep would seem to me the most promis¬ 
ing method, but I think one would need 
to be an expert sheep man to keep as 
many sheep to the acre as he does and not 
get them diseased. a. r. lockhart. 
Virginia. _ 
A Sterile Mulberry. 
C. IF. F., Darien Center, A 7 . Y.—Can you 
give me some information about mulberries? 
I have a mulberry tree which is nine years 
old and has never had any ripe berries on it. 
It blossoms full every year, but the blossoms 
all fall oft before the berries set. Will some 
one inform me about the cause, if possible, 
and what to do. 
Ans. —There are several species of the 
genus Morus which is made up of the 
mulberries, and at least two or three are 
quite hardy in most parts of New York. 
The Russian mulberry is the hardiest, and 
is an offshoot of M. alba, which is the 
species that has been under cultivation 
in Asia and Europe from the earliest 
times. Of this species, most of the varie¬ 
ties are fruitful and some very productive, 
while some bear almost nothing, because 
of the imperfection of their flowers. In 
their normal condition all species of the 
mulberry are monoecious, that is. having 
the two sexes of the flowers on separate 
catkins, but on the same tree. The male 
catkins sometimes predominate, or the fe¬ 
male catkins may be entirely wanting. 
There are also many varieties of the na¬ 
tive American species, M. rubra, cultivat¬ 
ed or growing by chance all over the 
country, for it is found, naturally, from 
Massachusetts to Texas. I have seen an 
occasional tree of this species that bore 
only male flowers, and in such cases it 
was impossible for them to bear fruit. It 
may be that the tree complained of is one 
of these chance seedling trees, or it may 
be a cultivated variety that has only stam- 
inate flowers. In cither case there can be 
no fruit on it, although other trees that 
have perfect flowers, that is, bearing cat¬ 
kins of both sexes, might be near it. It 
would do no good to plant such near it, 
nor would grafting a productive variety 
on it cause it to bear except on the part 
that would grow from the graft. A bar¬ 
ren mulberry tree is so beyond all hope of 
change except to graft or bud it over 
entirely. H. e. van deman. 
The Koonce Pear. 
A. E., Tccumsch, Kan .'—I want some in¬ 
formation about the Koonce pear. Is it 
blight proof, a good bearer, fruit of good 
quality, etc.? 
Ans. —The Koonce is an early pear of 
medium size, greenish yellow externally, 
and only fair in quality. It is nothing 
very superior in any respect, although the 
tree is not so easily affected by blight as 
many kinds. Its season being early it 
comes in while there are many other 
fruits ripening, and yet it is not so early 
as some pears, which is somewhat against 
it. There is no variety of pear that is en¬ 
tirely proof against blight, and the Koonce 
is no exception, only in the degree of re¬ 
sistance to it. H. E. VAN DEMAN. 
Paris Green for Cabbage Worms. 
F. K. M., Harrisburg, Pa .—Last season I 
was using Paris-green mixed with water on 
potatoes. A row of cabbage alongside was 
badly cut by bugs or worms*. I just gave that 
row a sprinkling of Paris-green; the heads 
were beginning to form at the time. 1 
thought I had the nerve to eat it, but find 
the nearer I come to eating it “I don’t like 
cabbage at all.’’ 
Ans. —We should not hesitate to eat the 
cabbage if well washed before cooking. 
This is a sure way to kill the Cabbage 
worm, but the poison should not be used 
after the small head has really formed, as 
then a small part of the poison may be 
held by the plant. Before the head is 
formed we do not consider the poison 
method dangerous, yet we do not advo¬ 
cate the method, since careless people will 
not follow plain directions. 
Cedar Trees and Apples. 
J. J. K.. Rogersville. Tenn .—I would like 
information regarding the cedar tree in rela¬ 
tion to orchard. The cedar is very common 
in this section, and you will find them often 
in orchards. I have seen statements in pa¬ 
pers that they are very injurious to fruit 
trees, and especially apples. Will you give 
us a plain explanation on this subject? 
Ans. —you will find this matter fully 
discussed in a bulletin issued by the Ne¬ 
braska Experiment Station, Lincoln. 
There is a disease known as Cedar rust 
which attacks the leaves and fruit of the 
apple. The curious thing about this dis¬ 
ease is that while it spreads upon the 
apple, the “spores” which start it will not 
grow upon the apple, but will do so upon 
the cedar. What are known as “cedar 
apples” contain the fungus which carries 
the disease. There the spores are ripened 
and from the cedars they are carried to 
the apple trees, where they lodge and start 
the disease. This is why we are advised 
to cut down cedar trees growing near 
apple orchards, especially when any of 
the rust is found. 
Brussels Sprouts in the Gulf States. 
N. B., Wesson, Miss .—Will you give in¬ 
structions regarding the culture of Brussels 
sprouts? When should they be sown in tilts 
latitude, the best variety and average yield? 
How far apart, are they planted? 
Ans. —Brussels sprouts are not grown 
in large quantities, not on account of any 
difficulty in growing them, but for the 
reason that cabbage and collards seem to 
crowd them out almost entirely. The 
best sprouts are grown from seed sown in 
August and September. The young plants 
are grown just the same as cabbage, and 
taken and set out from the seed bed in the 
same way. Excellent sprouts may be 
grown from seed sown in January also, 
Them are no records of yields per acre to 
be found, but an estimate may be made by 
a little calculation. They arc usually 
grown in rows three or 3J4 feet apart and 
three feet in row. There is nothing to 
prevent anyone from growing good 
sprouts who knows how to grow good cab¬ 
bage. There is but one thing in which 
the care differs. In sprouts, as the small 
heads appear, the leaf is cut off, leaving 
a number of leaves at the top of the plant. 
The little heads will then develop. 
F. H. BURNETTE. 
Unfruitful Plum Tree. 
J. R. T., Esguesing, Ont .—Wc have a large 
healthy plum tree that blooms a little every 
year and yet has no fruit. Will you kindly 
tell us what is wrong with it and what is 
best to do with it. Would it he wise to cut 
it down or could we graft on it. 
Ans. —As this plum tree is one that does 
not bear it would seem proper to change 
its top to a variety that will be produc¬ 
tive. The writer does not say of what 
variety the tree is, but it is probably of 
the European species, Prunus domcstica. 
If so, there are plenty of reliable varieties 
to choose from, such as the Bradshaw, 
Golden Drop. Fellenberg and Grand Duke. 
If the tree is of one of our native Amer¬ 
ican species it would be well to use 
Wyant, Brittlewood or Surprise. My plan 
would be to cut back and graft the tree 
next April and on all the stumps where 
the grafts fail a few sprouts should be 
allowed to grow and these should be bud¬ 
ded as soon as they are in proper condi¬ 
tion, which would be about August. 
H. E. VAN DEMAN. 
Peaches for Colorado. 
M. P. G., Paonia, Col .—We are short ot 
two kinds of peach, that is. a good freestone 
a weeR after Elberta, and the other 10 days 
after the Elberta. What two kinds of 
peaches would you recommend? Will you 
give me some information on the Frances 
peach, in regard to its shipping qualities and 
flavor, size and color, free or cling, time oi 
ripening, behavior of trees? Where can the 
trees be obtained, provided the report is sat¬ 
isfactory? 
Ans.— One of the best of the peaches 
that ripen about a week later than Elberta 
is Reeves. It is a yellow freestone of the 
highest quality, and has no special faults. 
A very little later is Chairs, which is also 
yellow freestone, and a most excellent 
peach in every way. Either for home use 
or market these two varieties will be 
found to be very desirable. The Frances 
peach, about which inquiry is made, is a 
yellow freestone of good size, good flavor, 
medium to late in season, and ships vei\ 
well. The tree bears well enough, and. so 
far as I know, there is no special fault 
in either the tree or fruit of this variety. 
The trees can be secured from many of 
the nurseries. J. G. Harrison & Sons. 
Berlin, Md., first offered them for sale. 
H. E. VAN DBM AN. 
When you write advertisers mention The 
R. N.-Y. and you'll get a quick reply and 
“a square deal.” See guarantee, page 8. 
STRINGFELLOW’S 
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FOR SALE 
-Cow Peas, $1.75 per bushel; Crim- 
cftn (llftvflr KpoiI f ' 
A LFALFA SKKD-Kansas grown, best known. 
Prices and samples on application. 
KANSAS SEED HOUSE, Lawrence, Kans. 
UTAH ALFALFA SEED. 
The best. Buy where grown. Write for samples 
and prices at any time. SALINA MERC. CO., 
l$ox 1, Salina, Utah. 
60 Bus. Winter Wheat Per Acre 
That’s the yield of Salzer’s Red Cross Hybrid Winter 
Wheat. Send 2c. in stamps for free sample of same, 
as also catalogue of Winter Wheats, Rye, Barley, 
Clovers, Timothy, Grasses, Bulbs, Trees, etc., for fall 
planting. John A. Salzer Seed Co., LaOrosse, Wis. 
oNEgjym- STRAWBERRIES is 
plant guaranteed or money returned. Send for my 
mid-summer catalog. T. C. KEVITT, Atheuia, N. J. 
DERRY GROWERS who use our “Piekers’ 
Tally Tickets” save time and trouble; samples 
FREE. Thompson, The Printer, R.-8, Oswego. N. Y. 
CELERY and CABBAGE PLANTS 
FOR SALE— Leadiug varieties, carefully packed 
with moss in baskets, f. o. b. here. Write for prices. 
Cash with order. Plants ready about June 15. 
WOODLAND FARM, Canastota, Madison Co., N.Y. 
I nfl M ^ weet potato sprouts EXTRA FINE. 
I UU llli 500 M. cabbage plants several varieties. 
Ail $1 per M. and $8 per lo M. orders filled same 
day received. W. F. ALLEN, Salisbury, Md. 
TREES ARE FAMOUS 
'wherever planted; are planted 
"everywhere trees are grown. Free 
_ Catalog of superb fruits—Black Ben, 
King David, Delicious, etc.-StarkBro’s, Louisiana, Mo. 
NURSERY STOCK. 
A FULL LINE OF 
FRUIT TREES, BERRY PLANTS, 
and General Nursery Stock. Catalogue Free. 
JOS. H. BLACK, SON & CO., Hightstown, N. J. 
ROGERS TREES ARE 
DIFFERENT 
FROM OTHERS. 
ROGERS ON THE HILL 
Dansville.N. Y. 
APPLE BREEDERS. 
HAIL STORM IN NEW YORK. 
A territory of about 10 miles along the west 
bank of Cayuga Lake and about two miles 
west, partly in Seneca County and partly in 
Tompkins County was visited Saturday noon, 
June 9. by a very severe hail storm. I have 
beard of hail stones as big as hens’ eggs but 
always thought the size was stretched a little 
to make a big story; this time we picked up 
hastily at random one that was fully two 
inches in diameter and six inches in circum¬ 
ference, while neighbors tell of finding them 
7% inches around. It lasted from five to 10 
minutes, we were too dazed to tell very definite¬ 
ly. The grapes are destroped for this year, cher¬ 
ries and peaches were beaten off and bruised 
so that there are not many left and the trees 
injured to quite an extent. Plum, pear and 
young apple trees are bruised and bark torn 
off so badly that it must destroy some and all 
are greatly injured. I counted on one tree 12 
places where the hark was torn off at least a 
square inch and the limbs ne.arly girdled. 
Wheat was nearly ail broken down and grass 
beaten down; strawberry crops very much 
injured. T. H. K. 
Trumansburg. N. Y. 
“Here’s a wireless message,” announced 
the business manager, “from a man who 
desires to take our entire ‘Help Wanted’ 
department for to-day’s issue.” “Where 
is he?” inquired the managing editor. 
“On a capsized boat about four miles out 
in the Atlantic Ocean.”—Pittsburg Post. 
WRITE TO 
Bacon & Co. 
APPLETON, N. Y. 
for their Catalogue of 
Basswood Ladders 
Crates, Baskets 
and Fruit Packages 
Its yours for the asking. 
FROST fe'i^ce 
Made of the best hard coilod spring steel wire. Lhi- 
equaled for strength and durability. Will last a life¬ 
time. Send for catalogue and prices. Agents Wanted. 
Splendid opportunity tor hustling farmers. Write for 
terms. The Frost Wire Fence Co., Cleveland, Ohio. 
F0RDH00K KENNELS 
Have the past year been re-enforced with a 
number of Fine IMPORTED 
SGOTGH COLLIES 
Of the Choicest Blood. 
We shall be pleased to correspond with 
parties desiring Fine Puppies. 
W. ATLEE BURPEE & CO. 
PHILADELPHIA. 
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I In La w Nurseries in qualify and price. Catalogue free, Reliance nursery, Box 10, Geneva, N.Y, 
