1910. 
THE RURAI 
NEW-YORKER 
603 
TREATMENT OF OLD ASPARAGUS BED. 
R. F. R., Richmond, Va .—I have just 
bought a farm near hero. The soil is yel¬ 
lowish clay, somewhat sandy on top, with 
small gravel scattered sparsely all through 
the soil. There is about three-quarters of an 
acre in asparagus that has had no atten¬ 
tion in four years, covered with what ap¬ 
pears to be wire grass, but the asparagus 
has grown into bushes, or plants, about 
three feet high and quite thick. The ground 
was cultivated in furrows or hilled in 
ridges like corn. Will it hurt to plow it 
down before the bushes ripen the seed, 
and to plow the ground level? The grass 
to be raked up and burnt to kill it. I 
would be pleased to hear what will be the 
best to try and bring it back so as to make 
old roots give a fair yield. A part of the 
place is in broom sedge, which I believe 
indicates sour land. I am told that there 
are white grubs in it. Could watermelons 
and cantaloupes bo raised on such land, 
and if so would the grubs eat the seed? 
How would field peas or Soy beans grow 
on such soil? 
Ans. —The hilling or ridging has been 
necessitated either from the fact that as¬ 
paragus roots tend to get nearer and 
nearer to the surface or perhaps because 
the grower wanted to cut the shoots un¬ 
der ground and white. You can plow 
it now and turn the sod over and har¬ 
row, but whether you can level the land 
or not will depend on how deep the 
crowns of the roots are in the ground. 
I would turn the sod from the rows very 
shallowly, so that the grass can be more 
easily raked out. But in the rows I ex¬ 
pect that it will be necessary to hoe out 
the grass. Then, after getting the grass 
out, you should give the plot a heavy 
dressing of manure or 1,000 pounds per 
acre of a high grade fertilizer and cul¬ 
tivate it clean the remainder of the sea¬ 
son. Broom sedge will flourish on land 
that is acid better than better grass will. 
It makes a very tough mass of roots that 
are rather slow to decay, and like any 
old sod it may be infested with white 
grubs, the larvae of the May beetle. 
But if plowed now, these may be caught 
in the pupa state and destroyed before 
coming out perfect beetles. Then you 
may grow a late crop of melons on it, 
but it would be better to plant it to late 
potatoes. _ You can get cold storage seed 
potatoes in Richmond, and these planted 
the first of July and well fertilised 
should make a good crop of potatoes on 
such land. w. F. massey. 
THE RICHEST LAND IN THE WORLD. 
E. I'. 8., Wichita Falls, Tex .—I have 
just bought a tract of GO acres, one mile 
from excellent local market, where all 
tilings are highest price possible. Four 
acres was a feed lot and slaughter pen for 
10 years or longer, where numbers of cat¬ 
tle and hogs were fed largely on cotton¬ 
seed meal, hulls and corn. Lot is covered 
nearly a foot with this aged manure, blood, 
offal, and about a carload of bones. How 
can I use this lot to best advantage for 
orchard and truck between? I want 
apples, cherries, plums, apricots and pears. 
What varieties for this district, North Cen¬ 
tral Texas, next Oklahoma, rainfall 30 
inches, ground never freezes two inches, 
level river bottom soil, two to four feet to 
red clay, sandy line-grained chocolate loam, 
25 feet above low water mark in river, 
drainage perfect, can be irrigated. I want 
quality first, as our market never asks the 
price if it is right. On other side of river 
1 have 40 acres, all sandy made land, na¬ 
tive grass eight feet high, never gets dry, 
but drains immediately after rain, average 
18 feet above low water, overflows for a 
day once in four, five or eight years, has on 
it hundreds of two to four year seedling 
pecan trees, from seed left by overflow, 
also some large cottouwood and hearing 
pecans, willows and brush. I would like 
to divide this to pecans, Catalpa and 
grapes, with ten acres left for Alfalfa. May 
I hope for success with grapes and apples 
on such land? I'ecans, Alfalfa and Catalpa 
are certain. I have never grown any nut 
trees, have had small experience with fruits 
for market; first-class truck farmer. I aim 
to make this permanent home, llow can 
I do it best? 
A ns. —If pecan trees are scattered over 
all the 60 acres sufficiently to make a 
grove, that is from 50 to 100 feet apart, 
question of what to do with it would 
be settled forever. A pecan grove it 
would be. I would at once proceed to 
work over the trees to the best varie¬ 
ties known and never stop until it was 
all a good stand of them. Anywhere in 
Texas or in any of the'Southern States 
where pecan trees have come up natur¬ 
ally, as in this case, there is no doubt 
whatever as to what nature intended the 
land to produce. The crops of rich 
nuts that it will produce, if properly 
handled will repay with increasing prof¬ 
its for a century or two almost any ex¬ 
pense that is likely to be incurred in 
getting the natural trees changed to the 
improved kinds. Pecans do not grow 
naturally on poor soil. They are nearly 
always found in the rich river and creek 
bottoms of the lower Mississippi Val¬ 
ley and in the valleys of the streams of 
Texas, and to some extent in Mexico. 
There is where they flourish best of all, 
although they may be made to grow and 
do grow and bear well elsewhere. 
If there ever was a tract of land 
richer than this old stock lot I have 
never heard of it. The land being nat¬ 
urally rich and then used as a place to 
feed cattle and hogs for years past, it 
must be extra well suited to grow what¬ 
ever is suited to that climate, except for 
the fact that it is occasionally over¬ 
flowed. I have been on those rich bot¬ 
tom lands along the Trinity, Red and 
other rivers of Northern Texas, and 
know that there is no more productive 
land in all the country. The floods that 
occur sometimes sweep off the annual 
crop, but even these are grown with 
good profit notwithstanding occasional 
losses. Such land is too valuable to be 
left idle, but I would never plant it to 
Catalpa trees, although they would make 
fine growth and produce valuable timber 
within a few years. Nor would I plant 
apple trees on it. That soil and climate 
will produce apples, but not so well as 
in more northern sections. Grapes will 
grow there, too, and I would have what 
may be needed for home use, as should 
be done with apples, but for profit the 
pecan should occupy the main part of 
the land, which will succeed far better 
on land subject to overflow. As the 
place is to be made into a permanent 
home, the planting of sufficient fruit 
trees and other things that are necessary 
for comfort and pleasure should not be 
neglected. The natural pecan trees, no 
matter what their size or age, should 
not be left to stand nearer than 50 feet 
apart, and 75 to 100 feet is better. Be¬ 
tween them, unless the trees are very 
large and shade the ground, truck crops 
and berries mav be grown. Tilling the 
soil will do the pecan trees good. All 
other trees must be cut out and the 
ground kept cultivated or in pasture, the 
former being the better way. The little 
pecan trees should be budded with 
choice varieties, beginning the coming 
July and continuing so long as the bark 
will peel freely. This is expert work, 
and the greatest care should be taken 
to do the work properly. The State 
Department of Agriculture at Houston 
has a publication giving very good di¬ 
rections how to proceed with the work. 
All large trees must be cut back next 
Winter that young sprouts may grow 
out next year and be budded at the 
proper time. It will take several years 
to get the new tops on the trees, but it 
will pay abundantly. There are several 
good varieties that have been well test¬ 
ed, and some of them are of Texas ori¬ 
gin. Among them are Stuart,' Van 
Deman, Young, Success, Schley, Halbert, 
Daisy and Moneymaker. If there is a 
part of the tract not naturally set to 
pecan grove, or too wide spaces between 
the trees others should be planted to 
complete it. Every acre of pecan grove 
at bearing age will be worth from $500 
to $1,000, which is a moderate estimate, 
judging by what is now being gathered 
from really choice trees. 
H. E. VAN DEMAN. 
AN ENGLISH FERTILIZER CASE. 
Mark Lane Express for May 2 gives 
an account of an English fertilizer case. 
An agent of a fertilizer company sold a 
mixture which he claimed was suitable 
or superior for growing turnips. A 
farmer bought this mixture and used it 
on turnips—about 1,506 pounds per acre.- 
As the season went on it was evident 
that the mixture was a failure. The 
farmer got witnesses and “proofed” the 
turnips—that is, proved where this mix¬ 
ture was used and weighed or measured 
the crop. Another kind of fertilizer 
yielded 15% tons to the acre, while the 
turnip mixture gave only 4% tons of 
poor turnips. Farmers testified that 
there would have been a better crop if 
none of the mixture had been used. The 
farmer refused to pay for the goods, and 
the fertilizer manufacturer sued to re¬ 
cover the price. The court held that 
since the fertilizer failed to come up to 
guarantee or promise the farmer was 
released from his responsibility. This 
farmer then put in a claim for £30, or 
about $150—which was stated by the 
judge as follows: 
lie should have had an average crop of 47 
tons on the three acres which were sown 
with turnips, hut which produced nothing 
of any value. For buying and carting tur¬ 
nips that year he had to pay 10s. per 
ton, so that 47 tons lost involved an out¬ 
lay of_ £23 10s. In addition to this he 
paid £5 12s. Gd. for bone manure, and the 
balance of 17s. Gd. represents the value 
of the farmyard manure also applied for 
the corn crop. The claim does not appear 
to be overstated. 
In this case the farmer stated that 
he relied upon the skill and judgment 
of the fertilizer agent to supply plant 
food for the turnips. He lost his crop 
through doing so, and therefore, under 
this English law, was not compelled to 
pay for the fertilizer, but was entitled 
to damages. 
ARE YOU GOING TOJBUILDIOR REMODEL 
your old building? If so, write today for FREE SAMPLE and proof that 
Is Cheaper and Better Than 
Lath and Plaster 
This practical substitute for lath and plaster ls'easily 
nailed to studding, being applied dry, it is at once 
ready for decoration—paint, paper or burlap. Saves 
time and labor; is clean and sanitary; proof against 
cold, heat, dampness, vermin. 
bishopric Wall board is made of kiln-dried dressed 
lath, IMBEDDED in hot Asphalt Mastic, and sur¬ 
faced with sized cardboard; is cut at the factory into 
uniform sheets 4 x 4 ft. sq. and three- 
eighths of an inch thick. _ These sheets 
(delivered in cratesjare easily and quickly 
nailed to studding ready for wall paper, 
paint or burlap. 
Guaranteed Proof Against Moisture, Heal, 
Cold, Sound and Vermin 
It?i ManyUhfjs:—B iahoprlc Wall Board In usod 
for dwelling, ploaauro, health rcaort and factory 
Jmildmpp*, now partitions in old builtliiiKH, finish¬ 
ing allies, collars, porches, laundries, KuragoB. 
Price $2.SO per 100 sq. ft. or $6.40 per 
crate of 256 sq. ft. f.o. b. factories , New 
Orleans , Cincinnati or Alma^ Mich. 
Write today for Free Samples and Booklet. 
i/iieapesE iur rrame or 
Cement Buildings 
Bishopric Sheathing is made of same materials and 
in the same way as Wall board, but finish is not nec¬ 
essarily so fine and therefore costs less. It is cheaper 
than lumber, affords better protection, is applied in 
less time, makes a smoother job and does away with 
building paper. Bishopric Sheathing, like Wall board, 
is delivered in crates ready for immediate application. 
It is guaranteed proof against heat, cold, damp¬ 
ness, sound and vermin. Allows dead 
air space between laths and weather 
board, forming splendid insulation. 
Our free booklet fully explains its 
many uses and advantages over lumber 
in both frame and cement construction. 
Also used with excellent results as a 
lining for dairy barns, poultry houses, 
stables or other outdoor buildings. 
Price $2 per 100 sq.ft, or $5.12 per crato 
of 256 sq. ft. f. o. b. New Orleans. 
Cincinnati or Alma, Mich. 
DEALERS. WRITE FOR PROPOSITION. 
THE MASTIC WALL BOARD & ROOFING MFC. CO. 43 East Third St, Cincinnati, 0- 
ALPHA 
PORTLAND CEMENT 
is absolutely the best that can be made 
for all farm work. Largely used by 
U. S. Government and in State, Munici¬ 
pal and Railroad work—a reputation of 
20 years behind it. Ask your dealer for 
ALPHA 
Send for Booklet and learn why it is the best. 
ALPHA PORTLAND CEMENT C0. y 
ADDRESS 
2 Center Square, EASTON, PA. 
INDRUROID 
ROOFING 
Requires no Coating or 
Paint. 
Acid and Alkali Proof. 
Elastic and Pliable Always. 
Strong and Tough. 
Absolutely Waterproof. 
Climatic Changes Do Not 
v Affecft It. 
Pradtically Fire Proof. 
Can Be Used on Steep or 
Fiat Surfaces. 
Any Workman Can Put 
It On. 
No Odor. 
Will not Shrink or Crack. 
Ligiit in Weight. 
Does not Taint Water. 
Write for samples, prices 
and circulars. 
H. F. WATSON CO. 
ERIE, PA. 
Chicago, Poston. 
Mention R.N-Y. 
when and where you want it, no matter 
where the well or spring may be located. 
They are durably made, moderately 
priced and cost little to keep in order. 
Built to meet every condition and 
service. Write for our free book. 
“Water Supply for the Home" 
It will tell you how best to solve water 
supply problems—pumps $3.00 to $300. 
When you buy a puntp see that 
it bears the name "GOULDS." 
It is a guarantee of satisfaction. 
THE GOULDS MFC. COMPANY 
No. ‘58 West Fall St., Seneca Falls, N.Y. 
Let Me Pay the 
Postage on My 
Big FREE Book 
to "\^V■vn This Is just a little 
ad but It will bring 
you my Jflg 1910 Book Free—8 cents 
postage paid by mo. Show you over 125 
Styles aud save youj20.50or up it you’ll 
Write a Postal 
Boo my Split Hickory Auto-Scat, color- 
Illustrated In book. Prices will 
astonish you. All sold on SO 
Days’ ltoad Test—2-Ycar Guar 
tee. 
an 
now. 
Also harness. Wrlto me 
H. C. Phelps, Pres. 
The Ohio Carriage Mfg. Co. 
Sta. 290, Columbus, Ohio 
Genasco 
Ready Roofing 
This cross-section shows why it lasts. 
R BBMBMB MHBBWMBBTrinidad Take Asphalt 
Asphalt-saturated Wool Felt 
■■■BBOBBCm Trinidad Lake Asphalt 
Ask any wideawake dealer for Genasco. And 
get the up-to-date fastening—the Kant-lcak 
Kleet. Does away with cement and large nails. 
Look for the trademark and insist on the gen¬ 
uine. Write for Good Roof Guide book and 
samples. 
THE BARBER ASPHALT 
PAVING COMPANY 
Largest producers of asphalt, ami largest 
manufacturers of ready rooting in the world. 
PHILADELPHIA 
New York San Francisco_ Chicago 
THE PRODUCT OF 
EXPERIENCE*" 0 HONOR 
CALDWELL SPECIAL-S93.10 
belter 4M 
than mine 
Money cannot buy a 
H. P. gasoline engine 
and I am ready to 
prove it as I want 
you to be thor¬ 
oughly satisfied.Let 
me sendyou tliisen- 
gine.free of all charge, 
You may use it for sixty days 
-I’ll even pay the return charges 
if you don’t want to keep It. 
Fully guaranteed for 5 years, 
but will last a life time and 
always give satisfaction. 
Try tile Caldwell Special on 
vour place. Write me. 
CALDWELL-HALLOWELL MFG. CO. 
511 Commercial St., WATERLOO, IOWA 
Biggest Hay Press 
Profits 
Made With 
DAIN 
Presses 
Daln Pull Power or Bolt Tower 
Presses make largest number 
of perfect bales each day with 
fewer hands, lightest work, 
smallest repair expense. Sim¬ 
ple steel construction. No 
clumsy step-over pitman, no 
troublesome toggle joints. 
Patented tucker mukessmooth 
ended bales that puck closely 
and sell quickest. Don’t buy 
a press beroro you get some 
very important information 
from us. Write today. 
I DAIN MFC. CO. 802 Vine 
ffERE/r/S- 
IMPROVED CLARK’S DOUBLE ACTION 
CUTAWAY HARROW 
Tho most wonderful farm tool over invonted. 
Two harrows in ono. Throws tho dirt out. then 
_ in, leaving tho land level and truo. 
kl If A labor saver, a time saver. Needs 
* no Tongue Truck. Jointed Pole. 
Bowaro of Imitations and in¬ 
fringements. Send today for 
FREE Booklet 
CUTAWAY HARROW CO. 
839 Main 8t., 
lligguiiuin, Good. 
