1911. 
1186 
HOW THEY HOLD US UP. 
As an illustration of the rates still 
collected by express companies for a 
service that could be rendered profitably 
at less than half the rate charged, I 
have recently had to pay the American 
Express Co. 85 cents carriage on a par¬ 
cel of books from Columbia, Mo., 
weighing only pounds. The postage 
on these books would have been 52 
cents, and if I am not mistaken the ex¬ 
press company had no right to charge 
any more than that. I told the delivery 
clerk that the charge was an outrage, 
but the only satisfaction I got was the 
service smile which says, “Well, what 
are you going to do about it?” 
So far as I can see, the only thing we 
can do is to keep everlastingly at the 
demand for a parcels post service, and 
for one just as broad and liberal as the 
best enjoyed by our neighbors. We have 
the right to demand from our national 
legislature any kind of a public service 
that will be useful to us. We are pay¬ 
ing to private monopolies, in this in¬ 
stance, more than such a public service 
would cost, and it is a discredit to our 
intelligence and a reflection upon our 
voting power that we have gone without 
it for so long a time. This country was 
not founded to nurse and protect 
monopolies, and whenever our repre¬ 
sentatives get the idea that their duty 
lies in that direction, we cannot drop 
them too quickly. 
Again let me say, let us keep ever¬ 
lastingly at it! When Congress opens 
this month let us begin to send in peti¬ 
tions, letters and postcards, backed by 
declarations of what we intend to do at 
the polls next year if our demands are; 
not respected. And then, let us do what 
we promise. If this present Congress 
does not give us what we ask, as good 
a parcels post as the best enjoyed by 
other countries, let us send men to 
Washington at the next election who 
will. A. J. L. 
Ithaca, N. Y. 
R. N.-Y.—Referring this matter to 
the British Consulate General in New 
York we obtain the following: 
Tn reply to your letter of the 18th inst., I 
have to acquaint you that the Inland 
Parcel Post rates in Great Britain are as 
follows: 
Not exceeding s. d. 
1 pound. 0 3 
2 pounds. 0 4 
3 pounds. 0 5 
5 pounds. 0 G 
7 pounds. 0 7 
8 pounds. 0 8 
9 pounds. 0 9 
10 pounds. 0 10 
11 pounds. 0 11 
Thus this package would have cost 
sixpence or 12 cents postage, all in one 
package. Here the books must go in 
two packages! 
FROST-PROOF FARM STORAGE. 
I have noticed that the Hope Farm man 
regards the potato crop as a great gamble, 
and as safe only when a man has had the 
money in his hands and spent it. Her 
(Northern Ohio) we plant very late. My . 
date Is June 15, or as near to that as 
weather conditions will admit. This year 
potatoes planted in August in a garden 
made good, while the few planted in April 
and May were not worth digging. Planted 
so late we can seldom begin digging till 
the last of October, and then must strain 
every nerve to get them out. Last year 
I had 14 acres dug, about 1,200 bushels, 
and had 1,000 bushels I think freeze in 
the ground. This year we could not be¬ 
gin to dig, as the ground was wet and 
the vines still green, till October 20. We 
got two acres dug: then it rained and 
turned our clay fields into a mortar bed. 
But warned by last year we abandoned our 
$125 four horse digger, and all hands went 
to forking them out with manure forks, 
and not a potato of the thousand or more 
bushels but had to have the mud wiped off. 
We had got off 40 bushels ; had about 000 
bushels in the barn drying and about 100 
yet to dig, when the blizzard of November 
12 struck us, and in spite of our work 
Sunday to cover them up we shall still lose 
many bushels of 70-cent potatoes. When 
the thermometer drops to five degrees and a 
hurricane wind is blowing it takes some¬ 
thing besides straw and corn fodder to keep 
out frost. So you see from this prelude 
that what seems to me now an absolute 
necessity is some place where we can carry 
our potatoes direct from the wagon, quickly 
and easily, and know that they are safe if 
they have to stay till Spring, as indeed our 
seed and for home use do. I see you are 
thinking of that same thing for your 
apples. I have no bank or hill to dig into, 
and I would not carry them down steps and 
up again, so I wish to build a frost and 
fireproof storehouse on a level, so that I 
can back my wagon, set the crates off with 
the least possible labor and time; then 
when they are ready to go, back in the 
big wagon, throw on 70 bushels and drive 
out. We have about 1,000 crates and let 
them stand as long as we can to harden 
up, so they will not skin in handling. 
My plan so far as I have any is some¬ 
thing like this: I can buy what are known 
as No. 2 square-hole conduits, practieallv a 
hard burnt glazed square tile, 5% inches 
square, 18 inches long, with 3%x3% hole. 
I bought a car once and laid them for drain 
tile, so I knew pretty well what they are, 
and they cost me $12 per 1,000 feet, deliv¬ 
ered at my station. This would be prac¬ 
tically $25 per 1,000 feet surface of wall. 
My idea is to lay up a double wall two 
inches or more apart, tied together by wires 
and fill in between the tile with dry saw¬ 
dust. I would thus have four air-proof 
walls % inch thick, two dead air spaces 
THE RURA.1^ NEW-YORKER 
3 V 2 inches and dry sawdust two or 
more inches. Problem: How thick should 
the sawdust be? For the roof I have joists 
2x12 inches, 20 feet long, and my idea is 
to place them two feet apart on centers, 
nail two-inch strips about two inches from 
bottom edge, then cut boards 22 inches long 
and drop in between the joists, then fill in 
with sawdust to top of joists. On the 
ceiling I could lath and plaster, or nail on 
this plaster board. As 1 want this build¬ 
ing to be as near fireproof as possible how 
can I cover this dry sawdust so that no 
stray spark from a thrashing engine can 
get to it. As I know nothing about tar 
and gravel roofing I shall probably put on 
a galvanized iron roof either corrugated or 
V -crimp. 
As to the ventilation I can put one or 
more galvanized cupola ventilators in the 
roof with damper in them, but if any air 
comes out how can any air get in to take 
its place? I have made no provision for 
windows, as they would add a good bit to 
the expense, and I do not want any sunlight 
more than will come in at the north door. 
If I wish to work in there I have my 
gasoline torches or can pipe in my gas. We 
used to hear a great deal about a sub-earth 
duct ventilation. How would it do to run 
a tile drain out say 10 rods and have it 
come up in the floor, or should I just put 
some tile crossways through the wall near 
the floor and in cold -weather stuff them 
with rags or waste? This building as 
planned will be 20x42 feet, and 12 feet 
from the end a partition of the same con¬ 
struction as the walls will be put in, and 
this part run up two feet higher and a 
gable roof put on for my icehouse. “The 
need is great.” My only outlay will not 
be very heavy except in trouble and anxiety, 
but I will guarantee that your readers in 
this county have lost enough this time to 
pay for The II. N.-Y. the rest of their 
lives, so I make bold to ask you to take 
this matter up and give us all the informa¬ 
tion 5-011 can in this matter ; whether frost¬ 
proof storehouses for the farm are prac- 
tical, and if by any means they can be made 
cold storage” too, so much the better. 
Medina Co., Ohio. d. a. clapp. 
R. N.-Y.—Mr. Clapp could not have 
started a more useful discussion. Such stor¬ 
age houses are greatly needed. In our own 
case it would mean a saving of at least 
one-third of our Fall fruit if we could hold 
it while thousands are pouring the crop 
into market. Mr. Clapp has made the po¬ 
tato growers’ situation clear. Now we want 
a full discussion of this thing. Take the 
plan as hero given and analyze it. Tell 
where it can be improved if possible or 
if it is right O. K. it. Our readers can 
settle this important matter if they will. 
A Farm Cisterx.— I have a cistern at 
the corner of my barn 12 by 12, built in 
the shape of a bottle. I put it six feet 
underground and built a mound six feet 
high. I take the water from both roofs 
of the barn. The barn is a little higher 
than my house (150 feet away), so we have 
all the water we need for every purpose 
except cooking and drinking, drawing from 
a faucet in the kitchen sink. Very many 
farmers would save themselves and wives 
a large amount of work by doing the same. 
Massachusetts. c. M. f. 
Lucille Grape.— A few weeks ago you 
referred to Lucille grapes. I think this is 
the best red grape we have, with only two 
drawbacks. A strong; healthy grower to do 
its best wants from 16 to 20 feet of room; 
bunch large shouldered and compact, berries 
large, juicy and very spicy; skin thin. It 
ripens about September 1, has to be har¬ 
vested when fully ripe. Against it, the 
strong aroma and fine skin invites insects, 
if not protected. If left on the vine 
(bagged) after ripe, it will lose flavor, the 
juice darkens and by the middle of Sep¬ 
tember looks flaky or milky. I have 10 
bearing and will propagate quite some the 
coming year. h. a. p. 
Middle Valley, N. J. 
When you write advertisers mention The 
I{. N.-Y. and you’ll get a quick reply and a 
"square deal.” See guarantee editorial page. 
THE LITTLE WIDOW 
A Mighty Good Sort of Neighbor to Have* 
“A little widow, a neighbor of mine, 
persuaded me to try Grape-Nuts when 
my stomach was so weak that it would 
not retain food of any other kind,” 
writes a grateful woman, from San 
Bernardino Co., Cal. 
“I had been ill and confined to my 
bed with fever and nervous prostration 
for three long months after the birth 
of my second boy. We were in despair 
until the little widow’s advice brought 
relief. 
“I liked Grape-Nuts food from the 
beginning, and in an incredibly, short 
time it gave me such strength that I 
was able to leave my bed and enjoy my 
three good meals a day. In two months 
my weight increased from 95 to 113 
pounds, my nerves had steadied down 
and I felt ready for anything. My 
neighbors were amazed to see me gain 
so rapidly, and still more so when they 
heard that Grape-Nuts alone had 
brought the change. 
“My four-year-old boy had ecz'ema 
very bad last Spring and lost his appe¬ 
tite entirely, which made him cross and 
peevish. I put him on a diet of Grape- 
Nuts, which he relished at once. He 
improved from the beginning, the ec¬ 
zema disappeared and now he is fat 
and rosy, with a delightfully soft, clear 
skin. The Grape-Nuts diet did it. I 
will willingly answer all. inquiries.” 
Name given by Postum Co., Battle 
Creek, Mich. 
Read the little book, “The Road to 
Wellville,” in pkgs. “There’s a reason.” 
Ever read the above letter ? A new one 
appears from time to time. They are genu¬ 
ine, true, and full of human interest. 
Take Your Choice 
of these 
32 Special Books 
Let us show you free of all cost or obligation 
exactly how you can save money on everything 
you buy to eat or wear or use in any way. 
Here are a number of the special books we 
I Issue. In the entire list there may be but one 
or two or three that will interest you at this 
time. But by all means get that book or books 
in which you are interested. 
You owe it to yourself, to your family to at 
least investigate this big opportunity for saving. 
Check Over the List Now 
1 Paints 17 Baby Carriages 
2 Pianos 18 Men’s Par Coats 
3 Organs 19 Sewing Machines 
4 Trunks 20 Gasoline Engines 
21 Cream Separators 
22 Building Material 
23 Stoves and Ranges 
24 Underwear Samples 
20 Automobile Supplies 
26 Bicycles—Motorcycles 
27 Baby’s Dress and Toilet 
23 Women's Tailored Suits 
30 Women’s FaBhion Book 
31 Raincoats—Mackintoshes 
33 Men's Clothing 
34 Women’s Furs 
C. n J T/\ Each of these books Is nicely 
oena 1 O-Liay. illustrated. The illuatra. 
tions are true to life. The descriptions are abso. 
lutely accurate, and behiifd every article there is an 
unconditional guarantee of satisfaction or money 
refunded. The titles of these various books tell you 
the nature of the contents. Pick out the book or 
books that interest you. write their number in the 
coupon below and mail to us to-day. 
Sign and Mail Coupon NOW! 
0 Roofing 
6 Vehicles 
7 Furniture 
8 Incubators 
9 Wall Paper 
10 Typewriters 
11 Grocery List 
12 Feed Cookers 
13 Tank Heaters 
14 Wire Fencing 
IB Carpets, Rugs 
16 Building Flans 
MONTGOMERY WARD & CO. 
19th and Campbell Streets 
KANSAS CITY 
Chicago Avenue Bridge 
CHICAGO 
Please send to my addresa below books Nos. 
absolutely free of cost. 
Name... 
Poet Office....... 
State... 
Send coupon to the address nearest you 
W E are manufacturers of the largest line of Cold- 
proof knit goods in America. Our catalog 
will save you money. You need its help to select 
warm, comfortable and stylish winter garments for 
all members of the family at manufacturers’ prices. 
Send us your name to-day. We are giving free 
gloves and sweater coats to introduce ourselves. 
E. G. LOWER CO., Little Falls, N. Y. 
i Get v 
1 Engine 
Jthese^ 
T Books, 
—.„ 
Gasoline Engine. Know 
what is important—what 
to avoid. These books 
wilitell you everything. 
Sturdy Jack 2 H. P. Pumper 
Working a revolution in pum¬ 
pers. Low priced, too. Air-cooled 
or hopper-cooled. 
JACODSOM MACHINE 
MFG. COMPANY 
Dept.DjWarrwkPa.j 
MIDDLEDITCH 
KEROSENE 
ENGINES 
Give most power with least 
expense for fuel. Run on 
common coal oil, gasoline, 
distillate, or alcohol. Sim¬ 
plest—safest—most durable 
—easiest to start—smooth¬ 
est running. Ask about 
our 30 days’ 
Genuine Free 
Most liberal trial proposition 
ever made. If you are not per¬ 
fectly satisfied, you pay noth¬ 
ing. Our new 1912 model now 
ready for delivery. Write for 
introductory price** They 
will surprise you* 
Max'* 
THE MIDDLEDITCH ENGINE CO.. 
29 Meldrum Ave., Detroit, Mich. 
When you write advertisers mention Tnra 
R. N.-Y'. and you’ll get a quick reply and a 
“square de.al.” See guarantee editorial page. 
Iowa 
Arctic 
Sea the Heavy 
Cum Yoe Cap 
See the "Samson** 
Extension Heel 
Strong at the Right Places 
Do you want your arctics to wear? Do you 
want yonr arctic to last and not break out at 
the toe or heel ? Beacon Falls Arctics look d if- 
ferent and are different from others. The 
IOWA Arctic is one of them. It is just as good 
as it looks. "Samson” Extension Heels and 
the Heavy Gum Toe Caps mean better wear. 
They insure strength at the right places. 
When you want any kind of a rubber boot or 
shoe ask your dealer to show you the Beacon 
Falls—the kind with a Cross on every pair. 
They are made of fine rubber and are always 
the best for the money. 
If your dealer cannot supply you, send us 
his name and we will see that you are 
promptly fitted out. An illus¬ 
trated booklet, describing Beacon 
Falls rubber footwear free, if you 
send your name. 
The Beacon Falls Rubber Shoe Co. IZfaSZSi 
Chicago New York Boston Cro»» 
t GALVANIZED ROOFING 1 
L 
Corrugated $^96 per square, 
or V crimp <£m Del. your station 
Send postal for new cataloguo 13 
GRIFFIN LUMBER CO., 
HUDSON FALLS 
N. Y. 
3 
Bigger Profits 
With This Power 
More work at less expenso and less repair"' 
cost than with any other engine made. Let us’’ 
prove it. Write for Free Lelfel Book. Youaronot^ 
prepared to buy until you get our proposition. 
Steam 
Engines 
are the simplest. 
Leffel 
moat durable, anti 
economical povor 
outfits made. Lars© 
variety of uses. No 
breakdowns, no do-* 
lays. Don’t decide 
on any outfit until 
you jret the LEFFEL 
FREE HOOK. 
Address 
James Leffel & Co. 
Box264 Springfield, 63 
“Top Notch” 
Lauson “Frost King” 
engines have steel gears and other parts 
subject to great wear, made of specially 
heat-treated steel, ground to size. Ordinary 
engines use cast iron and common steel. 
Frost Kings” are made thruout to stand 
constant wear and hard usage. We know 
they will do it. That is why we say, "Satis¬ 
faction or money back.” Repair expense is 
reduced to the minimum on Lauson “Frost 
Kings” 
Write for catalog showing full line of Lauson 
engines, i to 7s H. P. State power needed. 
6 THE JOHN LAUSON MFG. CO. 
218 N. W. St. New Holstein, Wis. 
For Orchard and Farm, 
All genuine “Cutaways” are intense cultivators and 
will increase your crops 25 to 50 per cent. Our Double 
Action "Cutaway” Harrow is a wonderful invention 
—can be used in field or orchard. Perfect center 
draft. Drawn by two medium horses will move the 
earth twice on every trip. We can prove it. 
“Intensive Cultivation,” our new catalogue is Free. 
Send for it today. 
CUTAWAY HARROW CO., 839 Main St., Higganom, Conn. 
YES SIR-FOOL PROOF WAY IT IS 
Ttfc hfe^Wa v AIR COOLED 
Built like a high-grade watch. Wheels in perfect balance. 
Working parts enclosed to keep out dirt. 
Piston always perfectly clean, can’t scratch cylinder. Nothing to freeze. 
The open crank case engine fills up with dirt and chaff—always makes 
trouble—loses power—eats up fuel like sixty. 
Buy the engine that is fool proof. Ask for Catalog No. 5 
140 SHERIDAN ST. 
Ttti'Mc w-W a/Heron Company 
LAMSiMt. M/UfICAK aS.A. 
