984 
ning them over a screen made by fasten¬ 
ing properly spaced %-inch rods securely 
into a frame. The frame should be eight 
to 30 feet long and must be well built, 
and the rods should be provided with 
thread and burs so that they can be held 
rigid in the frame. At Fig. 370 is shown 
a most convenient sorter which I have 
used with great satisfaction. The screen 
is hung by short rods or bails from posts 
so as to give it an easy motion. A man 
stands by the side and operates it by 
hand. As the tubers pass before him 
over the screen, he can pick out ill- 
shaped and imperfect ones. The screen 
removes the small ones making three 
grades in all. Three men with this ma¬ 
chine can grade potatoes as fast as they 
can be dumped or shoveled into the hop¬ 
per and the sorted potatoes cared for. 
Ohio. F. L. ALLEN. 
and Lespedeza vastly better 
Blue grass, because they do 
up in the drought and heat of 
but thrive all the better for 
Notes and Comments. 
Bermuda Grass. —My old friend, E. 
E. Miller of Tennessee, comes to the de¬ 
fence of the Bermuda grass (page 915) 
and so far as the greater part of the 
cotton belt is concerned, he is perfectly 
right. But I have always thought that 
Kieffer Pear. Fig. 372. 
(See page 9S2.) 
in the red hills of the Southern Pied¬ 
mont. north of Georgia, the Bermuda is 
not the best pasture grass. It does its 
best on the level sandy soil of the coast 
region, but in the hills I have found 
that there is no better pasture grass 
than Orchard grass, especially wheu 
sown with a mixture of Kentucky Blue 
grass. The Orchard grass being apt to 
run into tussocks makes a shelter for 
the Blue grass and the two make a su¬ 
perb pasture on the hills, and the mas¬ 
sive roots of the Orchard grass holds the 
soil and prevent washing. In all the 
sandy soils of the coast region, even 
here in Southeastern Maryland, the Ber¬ 
muda thrives. Here it is known as 
wire-grass, and is the detestation of the 
farmers. Driving with a friend over Ins 
farm he called my attention to a part of 
his cornfield, and wanted to know what 
to do with the wire-grass which was 
such a pest on part of the field. I 
called his attention to the fact that as 
far as the wire-grass patch extended he 
had the best corn in the field, an e ?i- 
dence that the grass was furnishing 
some organic decay which the soil badly 
needed, and I suggested that a dense 
growth of Crimson clover would do more 
towards choking out the grass and fur¬ 
nishing better organic decay than any¬ 
thing he could do, for the Bermuda is 
easily smothered out by shading crops, 
since it is a sun-loving plant and will 
not grow in the shade. I have tested 
the mixture of Orchard grass and Blue 
grass on the red hills in the Virginia 
Piedmont, and I believe that in the hills 
of East Tennessee this mixture will be 
better than the Bermuda there. But 
from Central Georgia southward and on 
all the South Atlantic coast region 
there is no pasture grass equal to the 
Bermuda, and in most places the nat¬ 
ural growth of the Japan clover, Lespe¬ 
deza, aids greatly in the pasturage. A 
stockman from a Blue-grass section of 
Ohio came to North Carolina, and says 
that he finds the Summer pasture of 
THE RURAL 
Bermuda 
than the 
not burn 
Summer, 
the hot weather. 
Soy Beans and Cow Peas. —Mr. 
Miller is right as to the superiority of 
cow peas as a preparatory crop for 
wheat. But a mixture of cow peas and 
Soy beans makes the finest of hay crops, 
and more wheat can be grown on the 
stubble than if the crop is turned under, 
for turning under a heavy growth so 
late will prevent getting the soil into 
the compact and settled condition which 
wheat demands. 
Asparagus. —I make no Spring ap¬ 
plication of fertilizer to Asparagus. In 
the late Fall the whole plantation is 
thickly covered with stable manure. 
This is dug in in the early Spring. Then 
after cutting stops I cultivate clean and 
apply several dressings of a high-grade 
commercial fertilizer to urge a strong 
growth and make strong crowns for the 
next season’s shoots. I have long 
thought that if we could eliminate the 
seed-bearing plants we might improve the 
size of the shoots, as seed-making is a tax 
on the plant. But in going through my 
asparagus I find that the plants making 
seed are invariably the stoutest and 
strongest plants in the whole lot, and evi¬ 
dently nature gives these plants the extra 
stature for the purpose of carrying the 
seed crop. At any rate as I need more 
seed I am allowing plants to ripen seed 
this season. w. f. massey. 
of the 
sod is 
not beneficial 
your inquirer 
State road, he 
I believe will 
Renewing Strawberry Bed. 
I have about one acre of strawberries 
two years old, which I want plowed un¬ 
der. to put a new bed next Spring. Can 
I take out the best plants and put now 
on a newly prepared bed, and have fruit 
next year? Let me know whether this is 
possible. What do you mean by potting 
strawberry plants? f. g. 
Delaware. 
Strawberries may be transplanted at 
any time after the ground thaws in the 
Spring, or before it freezes in the Fall. 
In Northern New Jersey we have made 
plants live all the way from March to 
November, but at these extremes of the 
season the plants must be vigorous and 
well rooted, and the soil must be moist 
and well prepared. We prefer Spring 
planting for the strawberry, but many 
thousands of potted and layer plants are 
successfully planted during August or 
September. This year there will be more 
late planting than ever, as the wet sea¬ 
son put the soil in good condition, and 
some of the earlier plantings are so 
weedy that it will pay better to plow 
them all under and start again in Au¬ 
gust. In taking plants from an old bed, 
however, for this replanting, you must be 
careful and not use the old plants which 
are two or more years old. While it is 
often possible to make these old plants 
live and give a fair crop next year, they 
are not what you want for future fruit¬ 
ing, but you should be sure and take 
strong layer plants of this year’s growth, 
well rooted, and with a good top. Dig 
them up with a bunch of soil around the 
root, if possible, and transplant them into 
their new quarters at once, pressing the 
soil firmly about them, but not pinching 
with the fingers around the stem of the 
plant. Potted plants are layer plants 
well attached to the parent by the run¬ 
ner, but rooted into small pots which are 
sunk in the ground beside the parent 
plant. Our own plan is to scoop out a 
little hole with the trowel and set the 
pot full of soil down into it. The root of 
the runner is then pressed down into the 
soil of this pot and fastened there, either 
by means of a stick or a hair pin. or with 
a little stone placed on top of the runner. 
This little plant takes root in the pot, 
and in the course of about two weeks, 
with plenty of moisture, forms a mass of 
roots inside the pot. It can be thumped 
out, and transplanted or shipped very suc¬ 
cessfully. For planting from one patch 
into another nearby, we consider strong 
layer plants the equal of the potted. The 
latter, however, ship better and make a 
stronger plant for distant planting. 
NEW-YORKER 
are large enough to stretch fencing on 
them. I would not nail to the tree, but 
rather to boards or posts put between. 
I think pear trees having more of an up¬ 
right shape than apples, would be better 
for such work. Would Kieffer pear trees 
be suitable? I want to know what ob¬ 
jection there would be to it. s. b. k. 
It is being practiced to quite an ap¬ 
preciable extent, over the State, but so 
far as my observation goes, they are not 
used very much as living fence posts. 
There is very little reason for a road 
fence any more, and I note a growing 
disposition on the part of farmers and 
fruit growers, to eliminate it. If the 
field on the inside is to be used as pas¬ 
ture, that will usually dispose 
value of the trees. Again, heavy 
as usually practiced. If 
lives along an improved 
may run up against what 
be a ruling of the State 
Highway Commission in the near future, 
to plant shade trees along the borders of 
these roads. It would seem to me Kieffer 
would be as good as anything. 
Ontario Co., N. Y. frank e. rupert. 
I can see no serious objections to plant¬ 
ing fruit trees along the road to be used 
as fence posts, although I should use 
posts between, using the trees only as 
secondary supports. Most trees would 
ne too valuable to nail or staple to. 
There are, however, two objections to 
be considered. First, a given number of 
fruit trees are taken care of more easily 
and cheaply planted in a block than in a 
single row. This would be especially 
true if there was a fence along that row. 
Second, with fruit trees that ripen the 
fruit on the tree there would be some loss 
from passers-by helping themselves to 
the fruit. This probably would not be 
worth considering, however, unless there 
was a great deal of travel over the road. 
I think Ivieffers would be suitable for 
such planting if they could be cultivated. 
Tompkin Co., N. Y. Herbert p. king. 
In our part of the country the shade 
trees along the roadsides are being cut 
down for the reason that these trees are 
a detriment to the orchard land. They 
take out so much moisture and fertility. 
In order to replace these trees with some¬ 
thing that will beautify the country and 
at the same time prove profitable miles 
of the roads on both sides have been set 
with sour cherries. An effort is being 
made by tourists to pass a law making it 
compulsory to set shade trees along the 
country roads. If this same effort were 
made toward setting fruit trees, it seems 
as though it might meet with great suc¬ 
cess- F. W. CORNWALL. 
Wayne Co.. N. Y. 
August 7, 1915. 
ALFALFA 
AMERICAN NORTHERN GROWN 
Our Fall Book tells how to succeed growing Alfalfa on 
any soil or climate eastof the Missouri River; how to sow; 
how to harvest; what to do to retain a perfect meadow. 
We refuse to handle Turkestan or “ Dwarf Alfalfa," our 
Seed is ail American grown, guaranteed dodder free and 
99% pure. We can furnish Nebraska, Montana or Dakota 
and Grimm seed at very moderate prices. 
RDijUM Al FA9 FA VTc Lave the Genuine Grimm 
ummm HLl MlI H as well as Hansen's great new 
Siberian varieties. Also “Dakota 30” and Nebraska seed. 
Al FAI FA Dl AIITQ A sure and economical way oi 
HLiHLrVI ■ Lriniw beginning the new hardy va¬ 
rieties. 
CLOVER and GRASSES 
Northern grown and of strongest vitality. We can fumisU 
grass mixture suitable for any soils. Write for prices. 
WING SEED CO., Sox 233 Mechanicsburg, O. 
The objections to planting any kind of 
fruit trees along the roadside for fenc¬ 
ing purposes are first, the law prescribes 
all trees along public highways must be 
trimmed to a certain height, all that part 
at least which overhangs the highway. 
Second, most fruit trees should have cul¬ 
tivation for best results. Third, with 
any kind of fruit that was at all appetiz¬ 
ing, the trees would be liable to be broken 
by people passing along the highway. 
The Kieffer pear to my hiind would be 
the most unsatisfactory fruit tree I can 
think of for such plantings as I never 
yet have seen good Kieffer pears grown 
except on rather light soils with high 
feeding and thorough cultivation and 
then too, the Kieffer pears would have to 
be systematically cut back each' year to 
give them an upright habit. Without 
this treatment, which most growers do 
not practice, the trees would droop so 
badly, whenever loaded with fruit, that 
they would be most sure to become a 
nuisance along any highway. If it seems 
desirable to plant fruit trees at all for 
this purpose after taking all objections 
into consideration, if the locality were 
suitable I would suggest sweet cherries 
on Mazzard stocks, as most promising of 
anything for this purpose, because of 
their upright habit and their ability to 
get along without much cultivation and 
spraying, and sometimes even do better 
under these conditions. 
WILLIAM IIOTALING. 
Columbia Co., N. Y. 
From my personal experience and ob¬ 
servation I find either a row of Kieffer 
pear or upright growing cherry trees de¬ 
sirable for a road border or eventually 
to attach a fence to. If cherry, do not 
plant too many varieties unless you wish 
to cater to travelers. Then set your tem¬ 
porary fence 32 feet back from row and 
give thorough cultivation for a few years, 
and when full grown the row will earn 
enough to build a fence nearly every 
year. WILLARD HOPKINS. 
Niagara Co., N. Y. 
“For the Land’s Sake, use Bowker’s 
Fertilizers; they enrich the earth and 
those who till it.”— Adv. 
Guaranteed Genuine 
* Everlasting All* If* 
Grimm Alfalfa 
Produces plants with large branching roots which 
resist winter conditions. Leafier and of better 
feeding value than other varieties. 
Booklet, “How I Discovered The Grimm Alfalfa.” 
ami sample free. I recommend July or August ulanlino 
for this hardy Alfalfa. 
A. B. Lyman, Grimm Alfalfa Introducer 
Alfalfadale Farm, R. F. D. 3, Excelsior, Minn. 
SEED WHEAT 
VARIETIES THAT YIELD MORE AND RE¬ 
QUIRE LESS SEED. GROWN IN THE FAMOUS 
LANCASTER COUNTY VALLEYS. SMOOTH 
AND BEARDED SORTS. CLEAN-SOUND — 
GRADED. OUR “ WHEAT BOOK ” FINEST 
YOU EVER SAW —WITH SAMPLES — FREE. 
A. H. HOFFMAN, Landisville, Lane. Co., Pa. 
Winter Seed Wheat 
JONES’ ST. LOUIS GRAND PRIZE and RED WAVE 
Grown in the Genesee Country from stock obtained 
of the Originator and Seed we put out, is selected 
and recleaned in our usual careful manner. Put up 
in, new Cotton bags, 20c. each. $1.65 per bushel. 
llickox-Kumsey Co., Inc. P. 0. Box N, Batavia, N. Y. 
SEED WHEAT-“Stoner’s Miracle” 
Stools so wonderfully, only one-half to two-thirds 
the seed is required to sow. Write for descriptive 
circular and Price to J. N. McPHERSON, Scottsville, N. Y. 
Sepfl Whpaf Read’s Vermont. New variety. 
^ ,,,,Cdl iown Sept. 20th, aver, yield 
56 bus, to acre. Write f or circ. G. A. Read. Charlotte, Vt, 
WANTED-Dawson Golden Chaff Wheat 
also PENNSYLVANIA WHITE RYE. Send samples,stating 
quantities can offer, and lowest prices. We arc also 
in the market for other improved varieties of wheat, 
hurley or rye, and shall lie glad to receive nffe s of 
same. T. \V . WOOD & SONS, Richmond, Va. 
For Fall 
Planting 
Every reader of this paper who 
is planning to set out an orch¬ 
ard next fall should write for 
our big general catalog. Or, 
better yet, come and see us. 
We extend a cordial invitation. Your hotel bill will 
be paid by us. You’ll be particularly interested in our “Test 
Peach Orchard” containing over xoo kinds—the delight of all 
our visitors. Now is the time to get ready. Plant Harrison's 
trees—they succeed. Grown in deep rich soil on the Maryland 
peninsula; vigorous healthy, heavy-rooted. We sell only the 
trees wc grow—you’re protected. Millions of guaranteed true- 
to-name fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, roses, etc. 2500 acres 
Mine of the world’s largest nurseries. Write today for catalog. 
J,(J.HARRjaON .-6 SONS 
Box 14 
p«OK»R|CTOBS 
Berlin, Md. 
EH Quarts of Strawberries Next Spring 
from 100 plants. All my plants are now well 
rooted. 100 strong-rooted young plants for $1.50 25 
YEARS' SPECIALIST. SEND FOR MID SUMMER Catalogue. 
T. C. KEVITT, - - Atlienia, N. J. 
Plants Pot Grown and Runner 
„ _ foi-Summer and Fall planting. 
Catalogs I-t ee. L. G. TINGLE, Box 96. Pittsvillo. Md. 
STRAWBERRY PLANTS 
RUNNER and POT-GROWN for August and Fall plant¬ 
ing. Will bear fruit next summer. Raspberry, 
Blackberry Plants Fruit Trees. Catalogue free. 
HARRY L. SQUIRES, Remsenburg, N. Y. 
Strawberry 
Cabbage and Celery Plants 
fine stocky plants, of all the Leading Varieties, $1 
perl, 000; $8.50 per 10,000. J. C. Schmidt, Bristol. Pa. 
PI AN X^- flLL leaoing varieties of cel ery 
■ ^ AND CABBAGE— 90c. per 1,000; 5.000 
lots, $4. WILLIAM RILEY, Torresdale, Pa. 
Russian PitlfllS SEED RYE. Rank grower. Enormous 
HUSOlall r I* US y, e ],j e ,. ji 10 p e r bu„ subject to advance. 
Supply limited. Orderearly. Clovcrdale Farm, Charlotte N. Y 
\Millions oftrees & plants 
‘ Wholesale Prices. Direct from grower. Guaranteed] 
quality. Apple & peach trees. Asparagus, gooseber¬ 
ries,berry ptants, privet hedging. New catalog ready 
THE WESTMINSTER NURSERY, Box 129, Westminster, Md. 
GARDEN AND FARM BOOKS 
Vegetable Gardening, Watts .$1.75 
Productive Vegetable Growing, Lloyd 1.50 
Garden Farming, Corbett . 2.00 
Manures and Fertilizers, Wheeler... 1.60 
Farm Manures, Thorne . 1.50 
Farm Management, Warren . 1.75 
Irrigation and Drainage, King . 1.50 
For sale by THE RURAL NEW- 
YORKER, 333 W. 30th St., New York. 
Fruit Trees for the Roadside. 
What objection can be found to plant¬ 
ing fruit trees along the roadsides, which 
may later be used as living fence posts? 
My idea is to plant these trees on the 
three-rod limit of the road, and when they 
CABBAGE WORMS Destroyed by Dust ■ 
ingwith HAMMOND’S SLUG SHOT 
So used for 35 years. SOLD BY ALL SEED DEALERS. 
For pamphlets worth having write B. HAMMOND, Beacon, New York 
