13:2 
THE PERNICIOUS POISON IVY. 
Q., Oregon .—Do you know of any sure 
remedy for poison from poison ivy or poison 
oak (RIius radicans), also any preventives? 
Ans.— Individuals vary greatly both 
in susceptibility to this poison and in 
treatment for the poisoning. The poison 
is a non-volatile oil, insoluble in water, 
hence it cannot be washed off the skin 
by water alone, but is readily removed 
by alcohol. The poison is present in 
all parts of the plant, and even in the 
dry wood, hence the handling and burn¬ 
ing of stove wood on which the vine 
has grown sometimes causes severe poi¬ 
soning. In one case coming under our 
observation a number of families suf¬ 
fered, one Winter, from inflamed eyes, 
the trouble being finally traced to the 
burning of such wood in the kitchen 
stove. The standard remedy for the 
eruption caused by this poison is a sat¬ 
urated solution of sugar of lead in al¬ 
cohol. The strongest grade of alcohol 
is somewhat irritating to tender skin, 
so a 50 to 75 per cent grade is used, 
to which powdered sugar of lead is ad¬ 
ded until no more will dissolve. This 
is applied thoroughly to the skin at in¬ 
tervals. Tinctures of grindelia or witch 
hazel are also beneficial in checking the 
eruption. The sugar of lead solution 
is highly poisonous if taken internally. 
In our own experience we 1. .e found 
pure olive oil very effective in checking 
ivy poisoning, but it must be absolutely 
pure olive and not any of the other 
“salad oils.” We also find that rubbing 
exposed portions of hands and face 
with this oil, before working where the 
poison ivy grows, washing it off after¬ 
wards with alcohol, seems to prevent 
poisoning. But it must be remembered 
that the poisonous oil gets on the cloth¬ 
ing and may cause poisoning after¬ 
wards, and towels also may spread it. 
Every effort should be made to extir¬ 
pate the plant! Grubbing up the plants 
is a certain but unpleasant method. A 
half teaspoonful of concentrated sul¬ 
phuric acid applied to the stem every 
week or two in Spring, when the plant 
is growing vigorously will destroy it, 
but the acid is too dangerous for or¬ 
dinary handling. 
TREE SUBSTITUTION. 
I have been much interested in the dis¬ 
cussion of this subject in The It. N.-Y., for 
it is a question few fruit growers have not 
had experience with, and I know of nothing 
more discouraging to the young and inex¬ 
perienced fruit grower than to grow and 
care for some worthless trees when he most 
needs an income from them. I shall never 
forget my feelings when as a young man I 
set in a peach orchard 100 or so of a sub¬ 
stituted variety (but correctly labeled) sent 
in place of the standard variety ordered, 
when that substitution meant .$200 or $300 
loss, and this meant more than it would 
now. In the first place, to accommodate 
some neighbors I began the selling of trees, 
and in a few years sold quite a few thou¬ 
sand trees, besides setting a few thousand 
for myself, and I soon got, right down to 
business. I paid for no trees until received. 
I ordered no substitution, with the under¬ 
standing any trees not as ordered would be 
returned at shipper’s expense. Although I 
sold a few thousand apples in all, and as 
high as 5,000 peach trees in some years, 
the worst case of substitution I had com¬ 
plaint about was a man who bought 40 
apple trees, four varieties 10 each ; 20 were 
correct, the rest were not. Yet the trees 
the man received were worth more to him 
than the varieties ordered, and even in 
large wholesale orders, where the varieties 
were five or less, substitution was not un¬ 
common. But there was little or no trouble 
with standard varieties in hundred lots, 
although one firm would often fill Oldmixon 
and Stump from the same block. 
In a talk a number of years ago on this 
subject with a well-known nurseryman, he 
defended the practice, and said they had 
many orders from people who knew little 
about fruits, and who ordered varieties 
which they (the nurserymen) knew would 
be worthless to them, and that it was better 
to put in a more valuable variety, but he 
did not believe in going as far as another 
nurseryman who issued a catalogue with a 
long list of varieties who said he could fill 
all his peach orders with six or seven 
varieties. The greatest trouble in the nurs¬ 
ery business is the long list of varieties cat¬ 
alogued by many dealers to sell to suckers 
vho buy from catalogue description only, 
: hd then working off the surplus where It 
i ; neither ordered or wanted. IIow long 
THE; RURAL NEW-YORKER 
February 5, 
could a seedsman do business if he tried 
to put in any old thing if he did not have 
what was ordered? 
The small buyejt is at a great disadvan¬ 
tage, both in the price paid and the quality 
of stock received, and especially liable to 
substitution. Whether he could improve 
conditions by cooperation is a hard matter 
to decide. Personally, out of quite a number 
of small orders, $15 or less to a number of 
different dealers not more than one or two 
has proved satisfactory. Even this last 
season, in buying some plum trees, one lot 
of 25 Wickson ordered, tags were all right, 
but one Climax they forgot to remove proved 
they were substituted intentionally, as they 
proved to be Climax, not Wickson, yet the 
others were all right, except not worth half 
price on account of storage, although 
shipped early. The nurseryman does not 
make all the mistakes nor is the only one 
at fault. I learnt much of human nature 
in the selling of trees, and was surprised 
at the number of people who would order 
trees and then on their delivery or when 
they bore fruit, would say they never or¬ 
dered such varieties, but something different, 
and could not be convinced of their error 
without being shown an order with their 
name on it. Very few people seem to keep 
any copy of their orders, at all, and will 
often blame the dealer for their own blun¬ 
ders. Neither are substituted trees the only 
unprofitable ones in many orchards. Many 
were chosen deliberately by the growers, 
others set on account of some fad then run¬ 
ning amongst our agricultural scientists. 
We have often wondered what cross-pollina¬ 
tion of -fruit blossoms or the trying to do 
so, has cost our inexperienced orebardists. 
When such advice as in setting Baldwins, 
set at least every other row with another 
variety to pollinize their blossoms, was pub¬ 
lished under the name of a New England 
agricultural professor, and in the Baldwin 
belt too, although for a few years much 
advice was given on the subject, it would 
be very interesting to know how much from 
the scientific standpoint wc really now know 
on the subject. H. O. mead, 
Massachusetts. 
Our wells have been dry for a long time, 
but this rain will help to fill the cisterns. 
We have had to drive the cows one-quarter 
mile to water every day. There is plenty 
of snow, but the ground froze hard before 
it came, and we are in a bad fix. It was so 
dry the wind carried clouds of dust from 
our new seeding; it will kill a lot of it by 
leaving roots bare. We are making milk 
and losing money at the game. I did well 
with strawberries and potatoes, but grubs 
spoiled quite a lot of them. The white grub 
has played havoc with us this last season. 
They got into my strawberry bed and killed 
hundreds of plants, but I replanted. I do 
not know what the result will be. d. e. 
Meriden, Conn. 
Wiiex you write advertisers mention The 
R. N.-Y. and you'll get a quick reply and 
• a square deal.” See guarantee page 10. 
Mend the Leaks in Your 
granite, tin, aluminum and 
iron dishes, kettles, pans, 
etc., with Peck’s Soft Metal 
Rivets. Anyone can do it. 
Quick and easy. No solder, 
cementor bolt. Fitany sur¬ 
face. Send for sample box 
of 2."), assorted sizes, lOe. 
postpaid. Regular pack¬ 
age, 25c. 
peck & CO., 152 Main St., Batavia, N. Y. 
HARRIS’ 
Seed Specialties 
We make it specialty of raising the very 
best selected strain of vegetable and field 
seeds, and can offer this year’s seeds that are 
FAR SUPERIOR to those usually sold. 
Some of our specialties are: 
SWEET CORN —Some new strains. 
CABBAGE— E xtra selected strains. 
MUSK MELON—1 hire selected seed of 
our own raising. 
ONION —Very superior strain. 
TOMATOES— Our “Thoroughbred” 
strains are far better than ordinary seed. 
It will pay gardeners to try them. 
POTATOES —Some new and superior 
kinds, as well as choice, pure strains of 
standard varieties. 
(We offer pure Sir Walter Raleigh at "5c. 
per bushel, in 10-bushel lots.) 
FIELD CORN —Improved by selection. 
Real seed corn thoroughly, dried and of 
strong germination. 
OATS— L ong’s White Tartar, Golden Fleece 
and “Regenerated” Swedish Select, all 
good varieties. Pure seed free from smut 
and weed seeds. 
Lots of other good things. Ask for our 
catalogue and wholesale price list, free. 
Joseph Harris Go., Coldwater, N. Y. 
FARMERS, IT WILL PAY YOU 
to use our FARMER’S FORGE OUTFIT on vour 
farm in doing blacksmithing and repairing. Wo have 
high endorsements for the thousands of Farmer’s Forges 
sold direct to farmers within the past twelve years in 
every state and Canada. Our Forges have hearths 24x2P 
inches, 11 3 4 inch blowers, run easy, and have all the first 
class qualities of high-priced forges. 
WE POSITIVELY GUARANTEE TJrlXZ 
as large, as durable, do as much work and equal in every 
way any $10.00 forge on the market, and as represented 
or money refunded. 
SPECIAL WIHTER OFFER we offer 1 Farmer’s 
Forge complete $3.60 or one Farmer’s Forge, one anvil 
and vice combined, and one pair of tongs, all for $5.40. 
Ten carloads on hand. Orders shipped promptly. This 
offer may not appear again. IsyWrite to-day. Send 
stamp for catalogue No# 11 and testimonials* 
C. A. S. FORGE WORKS, Saranac, Mich. 
BUY A NEW YORK STATE WAGON 
DIRECT FROM FACTORY 
We make the best New York State Standard quality Wagons and 
sell them direct from factory to users at 
No. 190—Runabout 
Sells at retail for $65. Easy 
riding, stylish and very dur¬ 
able. We defy [competition 
with it. 
No. 290—Buckboard 
Retailers ask $70 for its 
equal. Our own pattern, 
strongly made, easiest rider 
known, and a general favorite. 
Wholesale Prices 
You save all dealer’s and jobber s 
profits and obtain our binding guar¬ 
antee for one yean from date of 
purchase. 
No Money in Advance 
Any wagon will be shipped to 
you for free examination and 
approval. No deposit or references 
required. 
Safe Delivery Guaranteed 
You take no risk whatever. 
Every wagon will reach you in per¬ 
fect condition, or it can be returned 
to us at our expense. 
Send for Catalogue 
Showing 150 styles of wagons 
and 50 styles of Harness. Every 
approved pattern is shown at a 
wide range of prices. 
No. 118—Top Buggy 
Fully as good as retails for 
$70. Will give years of ser¬ 
vice, nicely finished, and a 
bargain. 
No. 350—Handy Wagon 
Removable seats, very strong, 
and one of our best selling 
styles. Can’t be duplicated 
anywhere for less than $65. 
ROCHESTER VEHICLE COMPANY, 360 Main Street, Rochester, N. Y. 
One Pair Outlasts Three 
to Six Pairs All-Leathers 
___ The comfort, economy and durability 
l’at. of Steel Shoes is amazing. Thou- 
Dec. 4, 'or, sands are throwing away leather 
Others Pen soled shoes, boots, rubbers, etc., 
and wearing “Steels” instead. They keep your feet dry 
—prevent colds, sore throat, rheumatism, etc. Saving 
in doctor bills pays for them over and over again. They 
fit fine and feel easy—no corns, bunions or soreness. 
How Steel Shoes are Made 
Soles and an inch above is light, thin steel. Uppers 
of waterproof leather. Bottoms studded with Adjustable 
Steel Rivets. Hair Cushion Insoles give elasticity and 
absorb perspiration. Sizes 5 to 12. 
Send $3.00 for 6-inch high pair or $4.00 for 9-incli high 
pair (state size). Book FREE. Order a pair today and 
you will save S3 to $10 ofyour shoe money this year. 
STEEL SHOE CO., Dept. 356, RACINE, WIS. 
Best and Easiest Fitting 
Leather Shoes Ever Made 
I invented the famous Steel Shoes and 
have now brought out another kind of 
shoe that exrcln nny leather shoe in 
existence. “Scientific Shoes” are 
my latest triumph. Made of a won¬ 
derful Processed Leather. Stronger, 
more durable and comfortable than 
ai-y other fine shoes in the world. These shoes ac¬ 
tually Cure Corns, Ilunions and Knot Troubles t Noth¬ 
ing else like them ! Made on a Scientific, Natural Last. 
So easy on the feet that they make foot troubles impos¬ 
sible! High-class, stylish. Make rubbers entirely un¬ 
necessary. To introduce these shoes quickly, I will sell 
you a pair at less than the wholesale price. Send for won¬ 
derful little book, “The footsteps of Shoe Science,” Write 
today. Don’t miss it! (16) 
CANADIAN BRANCH, TORONTO, CANADA 
IP)Minnesota Grown 
CLOVER 
TT7HEN we say seed is “Min- 
*V nesota Grown” we mean 
justwhat the words imply. Such 
seed,having been produced from' 
plants which have endured the cold 
of winter and alternate freezing and 
thawing of spring and fall, Is hardy 
and vigorous. By plantin g this seed, 
clovers may be established in north¬ 
ern sections where until recently, 
it was not thought possible for 
them to survive. Another impor- 
tantpointis that clover grown from 
Minnesota Grown Seed in sections 
farther south is more productive, of 
greater vitality, and of better quality 
than from seed produced in any other 
section. Order your clover seed at once. 
It usually advances during the season 
and the demand may exhaust our supply. 
26th ANNUAL CATALOGUE 
Considered the most informing and com¬ 
plete as well as the handsomest seed cata¬ 
logue published in America. Every one of 
the 140 pages is filled with information 
valuable to the seed planter. No farm or 
garden is so large or so small 
that this book will not assist to 
greater profits. It is expensive 
and we cannot distribute them 
indiscriminately, but wo send 
it free to those who wish to 
buy seeds. 
Northrop, King & Co., Seedsmen, 
358 Bridge Sq. Minneapolis, Minn. % Tra<Je Mark 
TREES AT WHOLESALE PRICES 
Send for our illustrated catalog of 
fruit, ornamental and shade trees, 
hedges, vines, shrubs, roses. Stock 
first quality. Government inspected 
Guaranteed true to name. Anything that 
don’t grow, replaced free. 
Trovers) GROVER NURSERY CO. v 
\GROw/ 71 Trust Building, Rochester, N. Y. \ 
S TRAWBERRIES—GRAPES- Most choice selection ever 
offered. Booklet free. MCKINNEY NUR¬ 
SERY CO., Geneva, N. Y. 
GROM ASPARAGUS 
IK 4 TO 5 WEEKS 
Big White, tender* showy stalks can be 
grown in four or live week*. Most 
dainty And healthful vegetable At a minimum 
cost. No trouble, no care from the time that 
bed is made until out. Reliable, practical 
method.- A bed six by three feet will pro¬ 
duce asparagus enough fora family of five 
with some to sell to your neighbors. 
The book telling in a simple way the 
method, sent for $1.00. postpaid. Satis 
faction guaranteed. Order today. 
A.S. Dietzman, 6424th Av.,Louisville, Ky. 
AT BARGAIN PRICES 
8 Apples for $1.00. 6 Pears for $1.00. 
6 Plums for $1.00. 8 Cherries for $1.00. 
12 Peaches for $1 00. Trees guaranteed. 
Write at once for Illustrated Catalogue an 1 
ALLEN L. WOOD, Rochester, N. X. 
Bargain list. 
SKGRAPE VINES 
69 Varieties. Also Small Eruits.Trees &e. Best Root¬ 
ed stock. Genuine.chcap. Zsample vines mailed for 10c. 
Dcsc. price-list free. LEWIS ItOKSCH & SON, Fredouia, A, Y. 
Melons, Cukes, Lima Beans 
and Tomatoes one to four 
weeks earlier if started in- 
PAPER POTS. 
P. B, CROSBY & SON, Catonsville, Maryland. 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS. 
$1.75 per 1,000 
delivery. Cat; 
THE SNOW 
FARM, Ohari.ie S 
Maryland, Dept. 20. 
—Millionsof them: line 
stock: price $1.50 to 
Perdue, Prop., Snow Hill. 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS 
At 81.00 per 1,000 and. up. Catalogue free. 
ALLEN BROS., Paw Paw, Mich. 
MARLBORO RASP. BUSHES 
Produced last year 4.010 qts. per acre. Bushes are 
my own growing; well rooted and guaranteed to 
give satisfaction. Send your orders in now for 100 
or 10,000. Pay when stock is ordered shipped. 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS, all kinds, by the 
dozen, hundred or thousand. Carman No. 3 Pota¬ 
toes for seed; also Early Michigan, Early Exeter. 
New National. 
EDGAR EMPIE, Sharon Springs, N. Y , 
GRAPEVINES 50 CtS. 
Sent postpaid. Best varieties—red, white and black. 
We also offer Flvo Throo-Yo*r-Old Vln*» lor 91.00. 
Will bear year after planting. Our valuable book how 
to plant, cultivate and prune free with every order. 
Grapes are easily grown and should be in every garden. 
I, S. Hubbard Co., Grapevine Specialists, 350Central Ave., Fredonia. N. Y. 
JSstublishcd Ui Years. 
