896 
FARMERS’ CLUB 
[ Every query must t>e accompanied by the 
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Pn'. questions on a separate piece of paper.] 
A BUNCH OF QUESTIONS. 
E. R., Hamilton , Md.- —The top soil of 
my farm is a good loam, hut like many 
farms around me the subsoil in many places 
is a very hard clay; in fact, so hard it 
tvoul require a pick to dig it. I have in 
mind to use a posthole digger wherever I 
find the above condition, and dig holes 
every 10 feet each way to the depth of 
two to three feet, and placing a charge 
of dynamite, loosen up the subsoil, so as 
to allow the rains to sink to a good depth 
instead of carrying off the top soil. Is 
this advisable? 2. I have a two-acre grove 
of large White oak and chestnut trees. It 
has an undergrowth of huckleberry and 
honeysuckles (Do you call them native 
Azaleas?). The grove is situated south¬ 
west of the house about 200 feet, and in 
the Spring when the wild flowers are in 
bloom makes a beautiful sight. How can 
I best utilize this grove? Would it be a 
good place to raise hogs, or would it be 
best to clean out the underbrush and sow 
orchard grass? What is your advice? 3. 
Would you raise potatoes in an orchard, 
or what vegetables might be raised in an 
orchard? 4. Would you use kainit as a 
fertilizer for corn? 5. What is the cheap¬ 
est method of draining land, if stones are 
not convenient—-boards or concrete (one 
cement to four sand)? 1 have in mind to 
use short boards four feet long, four inches 
wide, and nail them together in shape of 
inverted V, and placing them in the trench 
three feet deep and on top put a layer of 
concrete three inches deep. 
Ans.—1. There is no doubt that 
charges of dynamite would blow up the 
subsoil extremely effectively, though I 
have never tried the plan, but it seems 
to me that the dynamite would do bet¬ 
ter work in a smaller hole or one made 
with a crowbar. Nevertheless, I believe 
that a good subsoiling with a good sub¬ 
soil plow following a turning plow 
would do very good work in your soil, 
though the effect of any deep loosening 
of the subsoil would not be very last¬ 
ing in your level land. ' The dynamite 
would throw the subsoil clay all over the 
land and would make troublesome con¬ 
ditions for a time until it had got mel¬ 
lowed and sweetened, while a subsoiling 
to a depth of 16 inches all over the land 
would keep the tough clay off the sur¬ 
face. I would prefer Fall plowing and 
the subsoil plow. 
2. What you call honeysuckles are 
certainly one of our native Azaleas. 
What you should do with the grove will 
depend on the use you make of it. If 
you want it to renew itself and be pro¬ 
ductive of material for cutting you 
should let the underbrush alone and keep 
the forest conditions intact. Cleaning 
up the undergrowth and seeding to 
grass will put an end to forest repro¬ 
duction, and you will have simply a 
pretty grove. Stock of any sort would 
damage the undergrowth, hogs less than 
any. But if you want to enjoy the wild 
flowers and have an occasional tree to 
cut to utilize I would leave the woods 
in its natural condition merely cleaning 
out brush and worthless trees and en¬ 
couraging the growth of valuable ones. 
3. In a young orchard a crop of early 
Irish potatoes is as good a crop as any, 
for it will be out of the way by the time 
the trees have made their growth for 
the season, and you can sow Crimson 
clover in the orchard for a Winter 
cover and a crop to turn under in the 
Spring. 
4. That depends on the needs of 
your soil. If potash is needed I would 
use the muriate or the sulphate of pot¬ 
ash rather than kainit, for you will only 
have to freight one-fourth as much to 
get the potash needed, for kainit has 
but 12 per cent of potash while the 
other more concentrated forms have 50 
per cent. As a rule however I believe 
that the best preparation for corn is a 
Crimson clover sod on which the farm 
maqure has been spread during the 
Winter. Last year W. Oscar Collier 
of Talbot Co., Md., made nearly 100 
bushels of corn an acre on a clover sod 
that was lightly limed after turning. 
Commercial fertilizers pay best on the 
wheat crop in the form of phosphoric 
acid and potash, and if you farm in a 
good rotation and grow plenty of 
legume crops and feed them and return 
the manure to the land you will never 
need to buy any fertilizer containing 
ammonia. 
5. The cheapest method of draining 
land is not always the best or most 
effectual. The method you propose 
THE RURAL, 
NEW-YORKER 
September 9, 
would be neither cheap nor effective for 
two planks nailed V-shape and inverted 
would soon choke and be useless from 
settling in the soil. I know plank 
drains that have been effective for over 
20 years, but they were made complete 
box form of four planks nailed, break¬ 
ing joints, and nothing like cement 
above them. I have also drained land 
over 20 years ago that is still drained 
by cutting a ditch along the base of the 
higher land and from this cutting 
ditches straight to a stream as an out¬ 
let. In these ditches I laid two skinned 
pine poles with a space between them 
and a third pole on top, covered them 
with pine leaves and then with earth. 
That was on a piece of bottom land 
surrounded by hills, and formerly grew 
only willows and water stood on it all 
Winter. It now grows fine crops of 
Red clover and corn. The best way 
to underdrain is to use the earthenware 
tiles made for the purpose. These, 
properly laid with a uniform grade, are 
the most permanent thing to use for 
underdrains. w. f. massey. 
Fermentation of Manure. 
A. A., New York. —In prodding a heap 
of manure a cloud of hot air or vapor 
arises. What is it, and would it be worth 
anything to the farmer if it could be kept 
in the manure and placed in the soil? 
Ans. —When manure, and particu¬ 
larly horse manure, is left in a pile 
fermentation starts. Considerable heat 
is generated and the pile is well 
“cooked” or steamed. Most of the 
steam or vapor which you notice is 
water escaping in that form much as it 
would pass away from a boiler with 
heat under it. The vapor does not 
hurt the manure—it simply dries the 
pile out. If, however, you can smell 
ammonia in this vapor you are losing 
the best part of the manure. Nearly 
everyone knows how ammonia smells. 
If you find it passing from the manure 
pile put on water or liquid manure and 
stamp the pile down hard. Mix land 
plaster or acid phosphate into the pile. 
It is not likely that the hot air or 
vapor you speak of is carrying away 
plant food. 
Human Piebalds. 
Are there any eases on record where 
dark-skinned humans of mixed breeding 
have taken the piebald or calico color seen 
in horses and other animals? J. S. B. 
Ans. —This was referred to the 
Smithsonian Institute at Washington 
with this reply: Dr. Ales Hrdlicka, 
Curator of Physical Anthropology, 
states that no such effect of mixture is 
known in man. Occasionally the face 
of a white-black mixed breed will be 
found covered with freckles of darker 
color. Piebald skin may occur in the 
Negro, but it represents a pathological 
condition. w. tie o. ravened. 
Fertilizer with Green Manure. 
In directions for growing nearly all veg¬ 
etables. well-rotted manure is recommend¬ 
ed. As this is hard to obtain. I would 
like the nearest analysis of fertilizer, 
which with green manure if needed, would 
answer the purpose. C. J. D. 
The advantages of rotted manure are 
that it is fine and can be evenly spread, 
while the nitrogen in It is quite available. 
The following mixture will give a better 
combination of plant food than such ma¬ 
nure: 100 pounds nitrate of soda, 100 
pounds dried blood. 30o pounds acid phos¬ 
phate. 100 pounds sulphate of potash. It 
is usually better to plow under coarse ma¬ 
nure, while the fine, rotted manure can 
be broadcast and harrowed in. 
Pennsylvania Weed Law. 
Is there any weed law in Pennsylvania 
which will enable me to prevent my neigh¬ 
bor from letting wild carrots go to seed so 
that my land will become foul? 
HEADER. 
There is no law in Pennsylvania for the 
prevention of weeds, except that the Canada 
thistle must be cut before maturing seed by 
the owner of the land on which the thistles 
grow, and in default of which it becomes 
the duty of the township officers on notice 
from persons likely to suffer injury, to have 
them cut and collect the cost of cutting 
from the owner of the land. 
“For the Land’s Sake, use Bowker’s 
Fertilizers; they enrich the earth and 
those who till it.”— Adv. 
Our style M No. 90 men’s seamless hose ; combed Maco 
yarn; interspaced linen heel and toe, elastic tops; com¬ 
fort to tired feet. Eight colors, all sizes. Warranted 
hole-free or new hose free. Trial pair postpaid 25c. De¬ 
scriptive leaflet on other styles free. 
Economy Stocking Co., SSo-f J>, Broadway, K. Y. 
GOOD SEED WHEAI“u“” “ohS*"vS.’S 
that bring results—85 to 48 bushels per ncre. Red 
Wave. Gypsy, White Fultz, Improved Poole, Har¬ 
vest King, Rudy, Winter King and Red Wonder. 
Ask for our Special Wheat Circular; it’s free. 
MACE & MANSFIELD, Greenville, Ohio 
IMflTHY SFFFl and alsike, both new crop, 
imu i 11 I vluu ;i nd without a single weed, 
so alfalfa, vetch ami crimson clover. 
M. Scott & Sox, 100 Main St., Marysville, Ohio. 
The 
^ Hay Press 
YOU Want 
Write postal for all facts. Let ns prove 
"Ohio" Superiority. It’s the haler you 
want because it is simple-powerful-efficient; 
non-brcakable Feeder mounted on rocker shaft. 
Automatic relief spring clutch takes up all strain 
In heavy charges; smooth and silent action—no 
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■ The only Press made with Automatic Block Drop. 
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Friction clutch pulley keeps the “Ohio” under perfect 
control—stars and atop, it quick. Cot our free book 
an.I Tbe 
Alfalfa Clover 
Should be sown during August and Sep¬ 
tember. We offer high grade seed and 
will send you sample and prices on re¬ 
quest. 
Crimson Clover 
the great soil improver: also earlv green 
foovl. grazing and hay. Special circular, 
sample and price of seed on request. 
Winter Vetch 
(Vicia Villosa) 
Valuable as a winter cover crop and for 
green manure. Extremely hardy. Write 
for price. _ 
Dreer’s Autumn Catalog 
Ready early in September and mailed free to 
all applicants: offers Seeds, Plants and Bulbs 
for Fall planting. Write for a copy. 
HENRY A. DREER 
PHILADELPHIA, PA 
FRUIT TREES 
We are ready to take orders for Fall Delivery 
for BLACK’S QUALITY TREES. 
. . . Send, for Hooklet . . . 
JOS. H. BLACK, SON A CO.. HIGHTST0WN, N. J. 
CALIFORNIA 
D D | CT Best of the Hedge Plants—an ideal 
* 1 w *“ * hedge for fawn purposes. A quick 
grower. No thorns. Easily trained. California Privet 
is generally known and universally popular. Particu¬ 
larly suitable for private grounds. Perfectly hardy ami 
almost evergreen. Large stock. Prompt shipments. 
Plant this Fall and gain a season. Write today for free 
Catalog of Trees, Vines, etc. 
ARTHUR J. COLLINS 
Box R Moorestewn, N* J. 
Tnprft FOR FALL PLANTING. We 
I K !■ !■ V have the finest stands of pear. plum. 
ILLu and cherry ever grown in the Upper 
Genesee Valley. Write us today. 
KING BROS. NURSERIES, Dansvitle, N.Y. 
Peach 
ELBERTA 
The Best 
Strawberry s ^EL? t R 
TREES! 
CATALOG FREE 
MEYER d 
SON, 
Bridgeville, Del. 
The 
By the Millions. A complete line 
at wholesale prices. Large supply 
of peach trees and Privet Hedging. 
Westminster Nursery, Westminster, Maryland 
EDIIIT TDCCC and plants of all kinds at 
rnUI I I nCbv Reasonable Prices. Send 
for Price List. BASIL PERRY, D. 18. Cool Spring, Del. 
2000 Acres in Nurseries - 10 .Valuable Farms For Safe, 
--- Harrison s Nurseries, Berlin, Md. 
APPI F TRFF^—All kinds Trees and Plants. 
BF' kt I llktw Prices reasonable. Salesmen 
Wanted. Mitchell’s Nursery, Beverly. Ohio 
APPLE BARRELS-fAi St T H 
or Hoops. ROBT. GILLIES, Medina, N. Y. 
JONES SEED WHEAT 
Pure and Well Cleaned. “St. Louis Grand Prize” and 
“Red Wave.” Two of the best yielding and fly re¬ 
sisting wheats grown. Send for samples and prices 
to J. N. McPHERSON, Pine View Farm, Scottsville. N. Y. 
The Best Roof 
—For* the Home 
— The Barns and 
—Out. buildings 
The standard of du¬ 
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faction in rooting mate¬ 
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When a patent, art/. - 
ftcial roofing can be 
made to measure up to 
this —it will be worth 
your consideration— ~ 
worth your buying. Up to date, however, no 
patent roofing has been invented that can 
give the service and satisfaction of slate. 
Sea Green and Purple 
Roofing Slate 
is nature’s own and the one reliable roofing for your 
home, barn, factory or out-buildings whether these 
be old or new. 
It costs no more than artificial Imitations—is proof 
against bra-brands— never becomes water soaked, 
never dries out, splits, warps or needs repainting or 
repairs. 
The best roofing is none too good for you. The 
kind that never wears out is the kind you want 
Specify that Sea Green or Purple Slate be used and you 
effectually solve your roofing problems for the balance 
of your natural life. 
Tell us Where to Send This Booklet 
of practical, timely and helpful hints that will Save you 
money in the final selection of now roofing for the homo, barn, 
dairy, granary or any other building on your farm. Simply sign 
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forwarded—without cost or obligation—by return mall. 
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(.Roofs that never wear out) 
, HO Clark Street, Granville, N. Y. 
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other Native and Foreign Bulbs 
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The Largest Assortment in America 
CATALOGUE NOW READY 
Mailed free for the asking 
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33 Barclay Street Dept. Y New York 
ib H.RFarm Engine tfylASO 
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Greatest value ever offered in a 4 cycle water- 
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THE 
BEST FARM 
LOCATIONS 
To the man looking for a home where productive lands, favorable climate 
and abundant rainfall make the best paying farm locations in America, the 
Southeast is now the unequalled section. Land from $10 to $50 an acre near 
the heart of the country and close to the best markets. The largest returns 
from Alfalfa and other hay, wheat, corn and all truck crops. Land unsur¬ 
passed for live stock and poultry x-aising and dairying. For fruit growing 
no region is more profitable. 
Beef and pork are produced at from 3 to 4 cents a pound. Experts say no 
other section can compete with the South in stock raising. Our mountain 
and Piedmont regions will be the most successful daily districts of the country. As many as 6 crops 
of Alfalfa a season are harvested. Other hay crops are also large. Hay brings $12 to $22 a ton. 
The Southeast is rapidly coming to the front as a corn section Onr States will grow 600,000.000 
bushels this year. Good farmers can get the largest yield possible anywhere, as returns prove. The 
south is the leading section for truck farming of all kinds, and growers make the largest profits. 
THE SOUTHEAST HAS LOCATIONS FOR EVERY KIND OF FARMING 
The climate assures not only the finest results from intelligent agriculture, hut makes the region unsur" 
passed as a healthful and pleasant home location. The Southeast is an OPEN WINTER country, and its sum" 
mers are enjoyable. You will be able to locate where there are good schools, church facilities, good loads’ 
rural delivery and all other advantages. 
The Southern Railway and associated lines will help you to find the location you desire. Our several publi¬ 
cations, free on application, will tell you about the region where the greatest farm opportunities await you. 
Address M. V. RICHARDS, Land and Industrial Agent, Southern Kailway 
1341 Pennsylvania Ave, ..... Washington, D. C. 
