44 - 
AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST. 
[February, 
and air may be bad to insure the proper ripening 
sf the frj.it growing in the centre of the bushes. 
Trellises for grape and other vines will be needed, 
and they may be made during stormy weather. 
Posts should be cut and prepared for use in and 
around the garden ; locust and red cedar make the 
most durable. 
Eiitclieaa CSardleM. 
Every one who has a piece of ground, even 
though it be only a city lot, can have a constant 
supply of some of the choicer vegetables if a little 
effort is made in this direction. Most persons would 
he surprised to know the quantity of vegetables 
which market gardeners grow upon their small plots, 
and though it is not expected that all will do as 
well, yet on a very small area properly cared for, a 
great many of the garden luxuries could be grown. 
Lettuce, cucumbers, radish, tomatoes, egg-plants, 
etc., are a few of the things which are raised 
easily. At the South cabbage, lettuce, onions, 
parsnips, beets, etc., may be sown at any time 
during the month. The tenderer varieties, how¬ 
ever,must not be put in until settled warm weather. 
Manure is one of the necessities of the gardener 
as well as the farmer, for without it no adequate 
returns can be had. Every precaution then should 
be used to preserve and increase the quantity. With 
a little care the amount may be increased very 
largely. Absorbents should be used in the poultry- 
yards, around the stables, and in the pig-pen. If 
the manure-pile is turned occasionally, and the 
louse slops poured over it, fermentation will be 
more active, and the pile better rotted, and conse¬ 
quently more useful for the immediate needs of the 
crops. Save the horse manure in a separate pile, 
where it can be easily got at when wanted for mak¬ 
ing hot-beds. 
Straw Mats. —During cold and stormy days, when 
there is no chance for out-of-doors work, make a 
supply of straw mats for covering frames and hot¬ 
beds, to protect plants from too much sun and 
from frost. Use rye straw, making the mats 7 feet 
long and feet wide, so that two will cover three 
sashes. The best plan is to take five strands of 
tarred twine the proper length, then lay the straw 
on an inch thick, placing the butt ends towards the 
edge of the mats. After this, take five other 
strands and lay them directly over the first ones, 
and with a needle and twine sew through the 
straw, taking care that the loop catches both 
strings. When the whole is completed, the edges 
of the straw can be cut straight, and the mat is 
ready for use. Always store in a dry place under 
cover when not in use. 
Cold Frames will need considerable attention now 
to supply plenty of air. Remove the sashes en¬ 
tirely when the weather will allow. 
Hot beds will not be needed except by market 
gardeners before another month, unless very early 
vegetables are wanted. Shelter should be provided 
at the side fr am which the prevailing winds come 
to keep the wind from blowing directly upon beds. 
Brush and Poles for peas and beans should be cut 
early, trimmed and sharpened; place near where 
they are to be used. 
Boot Crops left in the ground during winter may 
he dug as soon as the ground will allow. 
BTiubarb. —Apply a thick dressing of fermenting 
manure to the bed to induce an early start. A few 
Toots for forcing may be taken up and removed to 
a hot-bed, and supplied with plenty of fermenting 
manure. 
Flower twarcleai and Lawn. 
The beauty of a flower girden consists in having 
a different arrangement of plants each year. Where 
the same varieties are planted year after year, with 
no change in the grouping, a garden soon loses 
its attractiveness. With a little forethought this 
difficulty can be done away with. 
Laums. —Roll ns soon as the frost is out of the 
ground, and if not top-dressed last fall apply a 
compost of fine manure or bone-dust and ashes. 
Plants in Pits or Cellars. —Give air every warm 
day, or else they will become sickly and drawn, 
now that the sun is more powerful. Water only 
when the soil looks dry. 
Dahlias and other roots stored in cellars must be 
looked after, to see that they do not rot from too 
much dampness. If any signs of mould or rot oc¬ 
cur remove to a dry room. 
Shrubs. —Prune and thin when the weather is 
mild enough. Cut back those varieties which 
flower on the new growth to proper shape. Where 
the flower buds are already formed only the crowded 
growth should be cut out. 
Bustic Work. —Give a coat of petroleum to pro¬ 
tect from the weather. Make any new trellises or 
rustic work needed now in order to have every¬ 
thing ready for use as soon as required. 
Walks. —Clear up all rubbish which has accumu¬ 
lated and roll when the frost is out. 
CwreeiaSiosase sold. Window Plants. 
Care must be used with the fires, as during mild 
weather they are apt to be neglected, and a sudden 
change may cause a great deal of damage. Never 
let the lire go entirely out; if very warm a few 
cinders or ashes placed on the Arc will prevent its 
burning rapidly. 
Camellias and Azaleas coming into flower require 
more heat and water. Never sprinkle the plants 
when in bloom, as the water injures the flowers. 
Window Plants will need showering to remove 
the dust; some of the plants with thick leaves can 
have the dust removed with a sponge. 
Bulbs. —Continue to bring these from the cellar 
to keep up a succession. As fast as the flowers 
fade remove the flower stalks and gradually dry 
off. Those flowered in glasses are not worth keep¬ 
ing, as several years are needed before they will 
recover from the effects of forcing. 
Propagation. —Plants needed for sale or planting 
in the flower garden and borders may be propagated 
this month. The temperature of the air of the 
propagating house should always be lower than 
that under the cutting bench. This is usually ef¬ 
fected by means of boards arranged so as to confine 
the heat under the benches. 
Annuals. —Sow a few boxes for early flowers, and 
for planting out. 
Be-pot such plants as have filled the pots with 
roots, and all intended for specimen plants. 
Climbers. —Tie these up to wires; climbers will 
serve a good purpose for shade for other plants. 
Passion-flowers, wax-plants, roses, etc., are all 
very good for greenhouse use, as they are of easy 
culture. 
Insects. —Fumigate often to kill the green-fly. 
The plants should be thoroughly syringed the 
morning after smoking. 
Forcing. —Deutzia gracilis, and Astilbe Japoniea 
are good plants for forcing. They should be 
brought into heat early this month. 
Commercial Matters—Market Prices. 
The following condensed, comprehensive tables, care¬ 
fully prepared specially for the American Agriculturist , 
from our daily record during the year, show at a glance 
tlie transactions for the month ending Jan. 13th, 1874, 
and for the corresponding month last year, also for the 
year ending Dec. 31, .1873: 
1. TRANSACTIONS AT THE NEW YOKE MARKETS. 
Receipts. Flour. Wheat. Corn. 7li/e. Harley. Cats. 
24 d’atfttt m’th280.416 2,192,000 279,000 21,000 75.000' 553,000 
25 d’a last in’th 331,000 3,230,000 2,066,000 9,400 537,000 922,000 
Sacks. Ftnnr. Wheat. Corn. Hue. Barley. Oats. 
24 d’s this in’tliSia.OOO 2.651,000 1,611,000 43,000 289,000 1,410,000 
25 d’s last m’lli 366,000 3,873,000 3,932,000 106,000 446,000 1,532,000 
3. Comparison with same period at this time last year. 
Receipts. Flour. Wheat. Corn. Bye. Barley. Oats. 
24davs 1871...280.416 2,'92.000 279,000 23,000 75,000 553,000 
26 (lavs 1873.. .350,000 2,258,000 1,330,000 28,000 664,000 821,000 
8 \ i.ks. Ftnnr. Wheat. Corn. Hire. Barley. Oats. 
21 dnvs 1874.. .3"8,0 M 0 2.051,000 1,611,000 43,000 289,00'i 1,410.000 
26 days 1873.. .263,000 1,953,000 2,606,000 42,000 325,000 2,335,000 
3. Stock of grain in store at New York. 
Wheat. Corn. Bye. Barley. Oats. Malt. 
niisli. bush. Inish. bush. bush, busli. 
•Tan. 12.1871. .1,235.418 1,146.202 1,131 186,708 514.117 35,482 
Dec. 19, 187.1. .1.558.8! 3 2,093.514 244.885 579.742 60.805 
Nov. 3. !S73..1.596.500 2.951,993 109,983 23,804 630,466 91,460 
Oc\ 6. 1873.. 1,270,801 5,429,537 43,297 643,723 1,451,868 201,727 
Oct. 7, 1872.. 23,142 3,812,181 39,92u 40,025 2,505,006. 12,535 
A. 
1873. 
1872. 
1871. 
1870. 
5. 
1873. 
1872. 
1871. 
1870. 
1869. 
1363. 
Receipts at head of tidewater at Albany each season, 
to Nov. 3(14/1. 
Flour. Wheat. Corn. Bye. Bariev. Oats 
bbls. bush. bush. bush. bush. bush 
.153,500 22,761,700 18,552,208 95U,260 2,153,1X10 8 385 900 
■.137,300 11,349,100 29.928,100 474,60J 4,548,6.0 5,696 000 
......290,i00 21,313,100 20,042,300 1,107,900 3,889,46(1 6 6S9.400 
......430,400 17,124,7u0 4,805,100 5S7,500 3,981,700 6,16i^0* 
Receipts of Breadstuff ’« in New work in each of the 
last six years : 
Flour. Wheat. Corn. 
...3,546.568 33,5,9,870 24,589,345 
...3,030,711 10,229,418 25,292,156 
...3,649,045 26,518,360 27,108,156 1 
...4,143,993 24,083,74? 9,143,478 
...3,535,716 23,818.652 11,666,781 
...2,S60,72G 12,98S,147 19,058,615 
Rye.- Barley. 
992,447 2,448,526 
491,563 5,117,351 
,055,621 3,869,123 
550,169 6,0-0,718 
357.803 3,007,958 
773,351 2,853,043 
Oats. 
M ,235,420 
12,486,348 
IS,546,966 
6,628,006 
9,747182 
10.221,59# 
Exports from New York, Jan. 1 to Dec. 81: 
1873. 
1872.. 
1871.. 
1S70. 
1869.. 
1868.. 
Flour. Wheat. 
1,655,331 27.801,829 
.1,179,050 13.144.956 
.1,659,755 21,968,613 
.1,950,234 18.446,035 
..1,582,211 18,240,586 
.1,020,522 5,775,109 
Corn. 
15,587,527 
27.864.000 
13,046,670 
4R7.792 
1,(37.586 
0,002,626 
Bye. Barley. Oats. 
1,060,148 19,376 49.710 
668,547 22.856 81,480 
525.772 98,745 47,310 
92,481 - 28.988 
142.542 - 40,393 
153,093 - 94,349 
7. Comparative Stock of Flour in New York, Jim. I: 
, 1871. 1872. 
Western and State Flour.. .548,349 335,197 
Canada Flour. 850 300 
Southern Flour. 45,870 25,974 
California Flour. ioo 
1873. 1S74-. 
‘2.124 ‘ 
322,' 
1,839 
36,700 
SX.80 
244,412 
1,05# 
84,289 
Grand total, bbls......565,C63 356,271 S5S,C2i 869,751 
8. Comparative Stock of Grain in New York, Jan. 1: 
^ 1871. 1879. 1373. 1874. 
Wheat, bushels_3,700,000 4,227,181 1,096,(81 1,258.600 
Corn, bushels. SCO,033 1,439,801 6,125,803 1,272,500 
Rye, bushels.2,289,006 573.557 110,654 14,639 
Barley, bushels.... 192,070 565,772 1,211,176 194,400 
Oats, bushels......1,461,192 2,874,586 1,765,699 471,008 
Malt, bushels. 14,571 129,480 258.403 26.538 
Peas, bushels . 853,330 9,500 9,293 12,47# 
Current Wholesale Prioes. 
Dec. 12. 
Price op Gold .... 10©K 
Flour—S uper to Extra State $5 til © 8 00 
Super to Extra Southern.... 6 85 
Extra Western...... 6 68 
Extra Genesee. 8)0 
Superfine Western... 5 50 
Rye Flour . 4 58 
Cop.n-Meai. 8 35 
Buckwheat Flock, 100 its. — 
Wheat—A ll kinds of White. 1 60 
@11 <# 
@11 09 
@ 9 50 
© 6 50 
© 6 09 
© 4 40 
@ - 
© 1 90 
Jau. 13. 
1U& 
fS 65 <» 8 25 
Corn—Y ellow. 
.. 78 
© 
79 y. 
88 
© 
Mixed.. 
. 65 
@ 
79 
70 
© 
White.. 
© 
81K 
88 
© 
Oats— W estern. 
.. 56 
® 
69M 
65 
State. 
.......... 5S 
@ 
59K 
Ci 
© 1 S) 
© l no 
© 85 
Baulky. 1 25 
Hay—B ale, 10 100 tts...... 1 05 
Straw, 18 100 Its... 60 
Cotton—M iddlings. 10 B>_ 1ft 
Hops-Crop 011873, ft lh.. SO 
Feathers—L ive Cleese, TP B. 05 
Seed—C lover. IP lt> ... 9 
Timothy, IP hushel. 2 90 
Flax. IP bushel. 1 80 
Sugar— Refi’g&Grocery ¥!!> OK© 
Molasses, Cuba. #) gal. ..... 17 ® 
New Orleans, K) gal . 50 @ 
Coffee— Rio(Gold). 21?f@ 
Toiiacco, Kentucky, &C..IM6. 5M© 
Seed Leaf, IP lb. 5 
Wool— Domestic Jneece, TPB 88 
Domestic, pulled, ¥< B.. 28 
California, clip....... 19 © 
Tallow, ?) B . 7Je@ 
Oil-Cake— ton.SJ CD @38 50 
Fork—M ess, IP barrel... ..... 16 CO © — 
Prime, IP barrel ... . 12 59 © — 
Beef—P lain mew... 8 50 ©1100 
Lard, in trcs. & barrels, V B. 7Jf@ W, 
Butter—S tate, TP 9>. 23 © 42 
Western, lt>. 17 @ Si 
Cheese.. . . 3 @ 14 
Beans —V bushel. 150 @3 75 
Peas—C anada, free. V bn ... 1 10 @ 1 15 
Eggs—F resh. TP dozen 
“ Limed dozen. 
Poultry—F owls. 
Turkevs—'IP B. 
Geese,' TP pair. 150 @2 50 
Ducks, TP pair. GO © 100 
“ TP B. 10 © 14 
Pigeons, W doz. 1 40 @ 2 00 
Woodcock, if) pair. y...... — © — 
Partridges, TP pair. 40 
Grouse, trapped, TP pair. 23 
Harks, ?!pair.. 50 
Venison, $ B. 6 
Quail. ?* doz... 125 
English Snipe, dozen.... 1 25 
Robins,?! dozen.............. 50 
Gray Squirrels, each.. 5 
Rabbits, pair.. 
Turnips $ obi. 
Cabbages—TP 100.. 
Cauliflowers, ?! doz.. 
Broom-corn.. 
“ Lady.. 
Cranberries— 
Peaks, ?! box .. 
Grapes. TP B- 
30 
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40 
20 
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112J4—closing 
January 
ietii 
. afe 
11176 as against 109*4 on December 12th—..The deal¬ 
ings in most kinds of Produce have been on a moro 
liberal scale since onr last, and the prospect at the close 
is much more encouraging for mercantile interests gen¬ 
erally.There has been an active trade in Flour, es¬ 
pecially in shipping and trade extras, at improved prices. 
Wheat has been in much bettor request, chiefly for ex¬ 
port, advanced ratos, but closed tamer, and 8c. @ 6«. 1? 
