4 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
January 4, 
FARMERS’ CLUB 
f Every query must be accompanied by the 
name and address of the writer to insure 
attention. Before asking a question, please see 
whether it is not answered in our advertising 
columns. Ask only a few questions at one time. 
Put questions on a separate piece of paper.! 
Wintering Lime. 
D. TP. Gilboa, N. 7 .— We contemplate 
the purchase of a car of fresh burned lime. 
We have more time during late Fall or 
early Winter to haul It a distance of five 
miles from station. Can we haul at this 
time, place In large plies out of doors, 
exposed to the storms and weather until 
Spring, and then spread, or will It be 
necessary to place under cover? 
Ans. —We would not care to leave the 
lime exposed over Winter. It will pay 
to go to the expense of building a rough 
shelter. 
Dynamite for Digging Ditches. 
E. N. G., Knox, Pa .—I have two acres 
of wet ground to ditch; will have to go 
through six or eight rods with ditch from 
five to eight feet deep; ditch 15 or 18 
rods long. I have been reading about 
using dynamite. Would you advise as to 
how deep it should be put in the ground 
and what distance apart? Ground is un¬ 
derlaid with a stiff clay with coal slate 
lying from 20 inches under surface to a 
depth of 10 or 15 feet. About how much 
dynamite to use to the shot? Do you 
think it will give the desired results? What 
per cent would you advise to use? 
Ans.— We find it difficult to obtain 
exact facts about this. We find many 
farmers who see, as they think, the the¬ 
ory of using dynamite, yet do not just 
know how to go at it. We have con¬ 
sulted one “professional blaster” who 
frankly says, “You could hardly expect 
one who makes a business of blasting 
to tell all the fine points of the trade.” 
This man, however, says that in the 
above mentioned case he would use 40 
per cent, dynamite. He would load this 
deep ditch in two strata—four-foot holes 
with five sticks of dynamite six feet 
apart—shooting the string with a bat¬ 
tery. He would use a two-inch auger 
ta make the holes. We have a field 
which needs cleaning and we would like 
to try the dynamite. Our plan would be 
to hire a blaster to come and do the job 
rather than go at it without experience. 
We find that the so-called drainage ex¬ 
perts differ as to the practical value of 
dynamite for this purpose. 
What the Spring Flood Did to Fruit Trees in 
Louisiana. 
It may be of interest to many to know 
the results of the great flood in the 
lower Mississippi Valley in a horticul¬ 
tural way. I wrote of the experiences 
at the time, giving some of the facts as 
to the depth and extent of the flood 
waters as I saw and knew of them in 
Louisiana. Now that I have returned 
and had opportunity to see what have 
been the results it is possible to form 
something like a fair opinion of the 
results. 
The water from the breaks in the 
levees was not very swift except im¬ 
mediately where they occurred, but there 
was a steady motion towards the ocean 
all over the vast area covered. This 
carried away wooden bridges across 
streams and all of those on the planta¬ 
tions across sloughs and drainage ditches, 
causing a lot of extra work in replacing 
them. Some were found in the woods 
or lodged against fences, but in many 
places the fences were submerged and 
they were floated away or pushed over. 
The water remained over the land 
from two to ten weeks or more and 
receded very slowly. This was very in¬ 
jurious to many kinds of fruit trees 
and plants and ornamentals as well, 
especially the younger things and those 
that were entirely submerged. It killed 
all peach trees that had their roots cov¬ 
ered with water. Our trees were loaded 
with peaches and not one ripened, the 
leaves turning yellow before the water 
was off and soon died entirely. The 
plum trees were almost the same way, 
but not so quickly, and a few ripened 
their fruit. Kieffer and Garber pear 
trees and two small apple trees lived 
through and seem to be none the worse 
for the soaking. Fig trees that were 
old and well established generally sur¬ 
vived, hut the young ones died, of which 
we had thousands. All the mulberry 
and native persimmon trees flourished, 
but some of the Japan persimmon trees 
suffered partial injury. The southern 
type of grapes, such as the Scuppernong. 
James and the Munson hybrids of this 
class, are almost uninjured and bore 
some fruit. The blackberry and dew¬ 
berry bushes were not hurt much. The 
asparagus tops died down, but new 
growth came up and is very strong. The 
pecan trees that were tall enough to 
have at least a part of their tops out 
of the water are practically unhurt, but 
the budded and grafted ones that were 
covered with water were seriously hurt 
and many of them killed. The seed¬ 
lings of the same and smaller sizes, 
even to yearlings, were practically un¬ 
harmed and came out in leaf again and 
made good growth. All the trees and 
plants mentioned were in full leaf when 
the flood came. The large pecan trees 
that were bearing did not seem to be 
hurt, but their nuts did not fill'so well 
as usual and our best and largest one 
dropped almost the entire crop. The 
grafts set in the pecan trees in the 
nursery were almost all killed. This 
was largely owing, we think, from the 
greater part of them not being waxed 
but covered in the soil almost to their 
tops. Some of those that were grafted 
above ground came out and have made 
fine trees. The seedlings were unhurt. 
I had planted three chestnut trees of 
the European species as a mere experi¬ 
ment and did not expect them to do 
well, if they lived at all, but they passed 
through the flood in good condition. 
Their tops were not submerged, how¬ 
ever. All the Johnson* grass was killed 
and of this we are very glad, for it is 
a most persistent and vigorous pest 
where not wanted. h. e. van deman. ■ 
Rheumatism and Catarrh Cures. 
What are the best remedies you know 
for sciatica, rheumatism, lumbago, catarrh 
of the head and nose? f. b. 
Ontario. 
Common as are the manifestations of 
rheumatism in its various forms, the true 
nature of the disease is still a matter of 
uncertainty, and it is quite likely that 
there are classed together uuder this name 
a number of affections which better knowl¬ 
edge will sometime show to be distinct in 
their nature and causation, though appar¬ 
ently similar in symptoms and effects. 
Until such a time comes and physicians 
have learned to recognize the true cause, 
or causes, of sciatica, lumbago, acute in¬ 
flammatory rheumatism, and other so-called 
rheumatic affections, the treatment must 
be more or less empiric, or based upon ex¬ 
periment rather than scientific knowledge. 
It is evident, therefore, that we can have 
no “best” or sure remedy for the affec¬ 
tions which you mention, hut that each 
case should be treated individually by one 
competent to recognize the conditions pres¬ 
ent which are most likely at the bottom 
of the trouble. It is unnecessary to say 
that this cannot be done by mail, and any 
one who would attempt to prescribe for 
you at a distance, with no greater knowl¬ 
edge of your case than a name which you 
have given it, is unworthy of your confi¬ 
dence. 
Catarrh is evidence of lowered vitality 
of the tissues affected by it, and the treat¬ 
ment is hygienic rather than medicinal. In¬ 
crease the resistance of the body by whole¬ 
some food, proper clothing and right liv¬ 
ing. The whole out-of-doors is filled with 
pure air; positively refuse to breathe any 
other, night or day ; take a morning sponge 
of head, neck and chest witli slightly salted 
cold water, and finish with a coarse towel 
rub that will make the skin glow. Any 
competent physician will prescribe alkaline 
washes to cleanse the membranes of the 
nasal passages and promote their health, 
but without proper habits of life, no local 
treatment will effect a permanent cure. 
M. B. D. 
Vermin-proof Comcrib. 
I note inquiries in relation to the con¬ 
struction of rat and mouse-proof corncribs. 
The writer having a corncrih constructed of 
one by two-incli lath, spaced one inch 
apart, found that the crib was little pro¬ 
tection to the gx-ain from the rats and 
mice. I conceived the idea of lining the 
inside of the crib with one-third inch mesh 
galvanized wire cloth. This was done, and 
the cost of the wire cloth would be ex¬ 
ceeded by the damage of the rats and 
mice in a very few months. The wire cloth, 
being rat and mouse-proof and galvanized, 
would last for a number of years. For the 
above reasons I believe this method the 
most satisfactory and economical for stor¬ 
ing ear corn in cribs. ff. B. p. 
West Virginia. 
Spiders in Chowder. —On page 894 ie 
an article on the bite of the spider. Some 
time ago I purchased a can of clam chow¬ 
der, put up by a Portland, Me., concern, 
which was flavored with a big black spider. ; 
I would like to ask M. S. J. how he \ 
would like that, or which he would prefer. 
O. H. M. 
Killing Rats.— Do you know how I can 
get rid of rats? I have built a new house. It 
is near an old barn which contains more 
than the proper number of rats. They 
have in spite of all our care got into the 
house and are cutting doors, destroying 
books and doing a great deal of mischief. : 
I would like to get something that will kill 
them In the open. I have used one adver¬ 
tised poison; they have to get the air 
when they eat that and they all die out¬ 
side. I am told that this particular pre¬ 
paration is no longer made. c. L. w. 
New Jersey. 
As to Rat-proof Corn-cribs. —Your sug¬ 
gestions, page 1157, are all right, hut the 
question is, are they really proof against 
rats? Especially not, if anything in the j 
shape of blocks or buildings are close, 
which is pretty apt to be the case upon 
our smaller farms, where every inch of ■ 
land is or ought to be utilized. I have 
noticed, and had considerable experience 
in beeping out rats, that a really rat-proof 
constniction is obtained in this way : After 
the frame is up, before placing siding on, 
cover with three-eighths or one-balf inch 
mesh galvanized wire, well turned in under 
floor boards and left sufficiently long so 
as to come up well on to roof boards, and 
fasten with staples, taking care to make 
close Joints around rafters and the like. 
Of course this is a little expensive, but I 
find it a good plan. A. M. baymond. 
Connecticut. 
When you write advertisers mention The 
R. N.-Y. and you’ll get a quick reply and a 
“square deal.’’ See guarantee editorial page. 
Fruit Book Free 
A FTER 30 years experience in 
the nursery business, I have 
written a book which will help you 
to avoid loss caused by wrong 
planting methods. 
My book tells how to care for 
stock on arrival ; how to “heel in”; 
how far apart and how deep to plant 
every variety of fruit and ornamental 
stock—besides much other valuable 
information. The instructions are 
practical, complete and go into every 
detail thoroughly. 
^■Write Me Today for a Free Copy 
With it I will send our Catalog of 
high-grade trees and plants which for 
over 30 years have been noted for their 
vigor, hardiness and productiveness. 
JOHN R. BARNES 
Barnes Bros. Nursery Co. 
Box 8 Yalesville, Conn. 
.Write 
for Catalog ot wp 
Guaranteed Fruit Trees \U 
Guaranteed true to name—well rooted and 
y.rt r ,i v —free from disease — one-half tree 
agents’ prices. WE TAKE ALL RISK IN 
SHIPPING, and guarantee arrival in good 
condition. Not a dissatisfied customer last 
year. Freight paid on orders of $7.50 and 
over. All varieties, fresh dug from the 
soil. Rapid growers. 
WRITE TO-DAY for handsome, illus¬ 
trated catalog. Fullof expert advice.^- 1 
WM. P. RUPERT & SON, 
Box 20, 
Seneca, N. Y- 
TREES AND PLANTS^ 1 ,!, 
sale price. Big supply Apple and Peach Trees. Privet 
Hedging. Tlie Westminster Nursery. Westminster, Md, 
WRITE for a copy of our Sev¬ 
enty-third Annual Catalogue of 
the Most Complete Nursery Stock in 
America. Strong, well developed 
trees and plants, free from 
defects and parasites. A 
square deal to every 
buyer. SAVE 
AGENT’S 
PROFITS. 
SPRAYERS 
v’ . . . 
^ For large or small orchards, market 
gardens, potato farms, grain, cotton, 
tobacco, home and garden work, _ 
poultry plants, whitewashing, 
cleaning, cold water painting, QO 
etc. From Bucket , Knapsack Jr _ 
k and Barrel Sprayers 
s Traction and 50. 100 
150 and 250 gallon 
Power Sprayers — 
complete or in part 
to build up 
to 
ft 
Sprayers 
ready in 
40 COL 
bina¬ 
tions. 
They 
have 
on taide 
pumps, no 
c o r r os i o n , 
Unit sprayers, so 
you can build big¬ 
ger when necessary. 
Ask your dealer to show 
„ them and write for new 
booklet, “Spraying Vines , 
Trees and Bushes We also 
make full line potato machines, 
garden tools, etc. 
Bateman MTg Co. 
Box 102-N 
Grenloch, N. J.« 
TREES 
CATALOGUE FREE. 
—150 AGBE8, Genesee 
Valley grown. “ Not the 
cheapest, but the best.” 
No San Jose Seale. 
Established 1869. 
Geo. A. Sweet Nursery Co., 
20 Maple Street, Dansville, N. Y. 
How to Grow Fruit FREE 
Write today for our book—more than a catalogue. Tells what to plant in your 
locality. Howto plant, howto trim, spraying, as well as giving you the choicest 
varieties of apples, peaches, cherries and other fruit—all “Wood Quality’) stock. 
Cost you about half agents’ prices. We sell direct only. We will send this book 
absolutely free. Not the biggest book, but one you can depend 
on. Don’t fail to write for a copy. Return mail brings it. 
WOODLAWN NURSERIES, Allen L. Wood, 590 Culver Road, Rochester, N.V. 
Valuable Hints on Varieties 
and Planting FREE! 
When buying any ar¬ 
ticle of commerce, one 
must depend almost en¬ 
tirely upon ’ the seller. 
He must be able to in¬ 
spire confidence, must 
show that he knows his 
business and, above all, 
prove that lie is honest. 
Have you ever been 
disappointed in fruit 
not bearing true? We have 
Stood the test for 59 years 
as Reliable - Nurserymen, 
Florists and Seedsmen. 
What better guarantee can 
we give ? Why take risks ? 
Why not deal direct and 
at real cost ? Everything 
in Fruit and Ornamental 
Trees, Evergreens, Roses, 
Shrubs, Vines, Bulbs, 
Flower and Garden Seeds. 
Satisfaction guaranteed. 
1,200 acres, 47 greenhouses. 
Write Today 
Catalog No. 2, or for Fruit 
and Ornamental Tree Cata¬ 
log No. lj both free. 
THE STORRS & HARRISON CO., Box 55, Painesville, Ohio 
• ( 08 ) 
I Can Save Hall Your Tree Money, Jp 
Even it You Spend Only $5 or $10, 
and Give You the Best Trees 
I HAVE 500,000 fruit trees for sale—apple, 
peach, pear, plum, quince and cherry trees 
160,000 of these are fine apple trees. 1 offer 
you these trees at less than half what you pay 
agents. You save half even on $5 and $10 lots! 
How I can afford to do this: I have no solicitors or 
canvassers—you order through my catalog and deal 
with me direct. That cuts out the agent's big profit 
and this dollars’-and-cents’ saving stays right in your 
pocket, if you take advantage of these low prices. 
Green’s Trees ™ 
are sure growers. Clean, hardy, healthy and free from 
scale. Northern grown, big bearers. Read Green's 
guarantee—trees true to name. Green’s is the largest 
and best stocked nursery in the country. 
Green’s 1913 Catalog FREE! 
My new catalog illustrates and describes trees, vines and 
plants of almost every variety. A valuable book for 
every farmer; contains advice and hints on planting 
and growing. Send now and I will give you free one of 
my interesting booklets, ‘‘How I made the Old harm 
Pay” or "Thirty Years with Fruits anfl Flowers. 
State Which you want. 
GREEN’S NURSERY CO. 
22 Wall Street, Rochester, N. Y. 
