The Wisconsin Seedling Strawberry-Fine Specimens. MESSERS. HOYT & CAMPBELL:-Not being able to give you as perfect specimens of the Wisconsin Seedling, last year, as we desired, I take the liberty of sending you a few, as we have raised them this season, showing more perfectly the conical and wedged shape of this particular variety. I had reserved some a little larger and more curiously shaped, but the birds had pecked them before I was ready to send them. The Seedling is about two weeks later than Wilson's Albany. I also send you a specimen of our next two best varieties: the Triomph de Gand, and the Great Austin, or Shaker Seedling. Both are very prolific, and are splendid fruit. The Wisconsin Seedling is sending out runners very abundantly, and promises well. Yours, &c., MRS. J. PRENTICE. WATERTOWN, June 29, 1884. [The specimens of the Wisconsin Seedling and other strawberries above referred to were duly received and quickly disposed of. They were all very fine, but the Seedlings took the prize. Larger than any variety we have seen this season, beautiful in color, and delightfully flavored. Glad that we are likely to be able to supply all our subscribers who are entitled to them the coming fall. -EDITOR ] RULES FOR PRUNING GRAPES.-Hovey's Magazine gives substantially the following general rules for grape pruning, after recommending grape growers to be free in the use of the knife, followed by the remark, that where one vine is pruned too severely, nine are not pruned enough. The State Fair. A host of friends of horticulture were pleased at the announcement of another Fair, as an omen of good old times coming around again, as an occasion of general exchange of ideas and experiences, as well as of products and inventions. Now, in the department of Horticulture, a “great show and a god time" depends, not so much on the amount on exhibition, as upon the variety and number of entries; or, in other words, the industry and faithfulness of the great number of those interested largely in fruit growing Notwithstanding the comparatively small crop of fruit being grown this year, we find in every orchard more or less fine looking specimens of the long tried varieties, or those more new and untested. Multitudes have choice fruit that they cannot name, or have not the true name; some have failed altogether, and would like to know the cause; others have been very successful, and now owe the pubbut bumane or philanthropic; indeed, there lic the benefit of their experience, as an act are reasons abundant why a general rally of fruit growers and nurserymen should take place; and if all who come will bring a few time of general interest in this department specimens with them, we may have such a as has never been witnessed in this State. Fruit growers, begin now to collect specimens of the early fruits; seal them up in air tight cans, with liquid sugar or diluted alcohol, to preserve form and color, and keep in a dark, cold place. (Special premiums being offered under this head, we hope for an uncon mon display of sealed fruits.) The fall and winter fruits being the main 1st. No shoots should be nearer than reliance, we urge the propriety and necessi one foot of each other. ty of 1oking up the finest pecimens, and then notify, all hands off. 2d. Prune back to within one eye of the old wood, every fall and spring, about onehalf of the usual shoots-the remaining eyes producing canes to be retained for bearing next year--when the old bearing wood is in turn to be cut out, to make room for new shoots. 3d. Disbud or rub off, as soon as they appear, all shoots not wanted as bearing wood. Tie up with netting or other thin cloth, to mark and protect, and when picked, number, register, and carefully preserve the record of tree and fruit. Let this accompany the fruit on exhibition; it may add largely to the interest of the exhibition, by the actual information furnished. Let all who are in the fruit growing interest, or who desire to revive the organiza tion of the "Fruit Growers' Association," MECHANICAL AND COMMERCIAL. 1701 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, July 9, 1864. To the President or Secretary of the Board of Agri. culture for Wisconsin: DEAR SIR:-I wish to inquire which is the best way to leave the soil, after the plowing process. Is it better to leave the sod turned over, as is now done by the common plow, or leave it thoroughly pulverized, and the roots of the grasses beaten from the earth, so that they die on the surface, or may be removed, if best. The reason that the diggers have not been in successful use for a long time is because of the greater complexity of the machinery necessary to the perfect accomplishment of the kind of work they are required to do. They are, nevertheless, bound to succeed in course of time, and measurably to supplant that good, old-fashioned implement, the plow. This is our settled opinion.-EDITOR FARMER AND SEC. W. S. A. S. "Which is the Best Grain Drill ?” A correspondent-and doubtless there are many more of the same sort—is anxious to be satisfied as to the best grain drill. He wishes particularly to know whether the Badger State Drill, manufactured at Janesville, and advertised by u-, has given satisfaction the past season; also, whether the corn planter attached has done good service. The following extract from his letter embraces a discussion of what the Drill should The argument in favor of turning over the soil is, that the crop gets the start of grasses turned under. The argument in favor of thorough pulverizing is, of course, anticipated, viz: lightness of soil, and readiness be: with which crops may root. I am aware that digging devices have been submitted to the attention of agriculturists; but, so far as my own knowledge goes, they are not successful. Can you tell me why? I am also aware of the process of dragging plows, but as yet I do not hear of their introduction on the prairies. Mechanics would think in the proper direction, and come to the aid of the farmer, as successfully as did Manny or McCormick, did they know justly what would or would not answer for plowing. * * * As to myself, I believe in drills. I am doing but a small business in farming, and am too poor, or else I would have one. I have used one belonging to a neighbor, a very little, and I like it, though I think a drill could be got up in better shape for working than any I have seen. When the tubes and teeth are set all in one row, they work well, when the ground is fine, and right for them; but when it is not right, they will sometimes clog, as the teeth come too near together; and when they are set in double row, they clear the rubbish better, If you will take the trouble to enlighten but do not leave behind as pretty work, and ne, you will confer a favor on Yours, &c, WM. S. SAMPSON. ANSWER.-Our verdict is for the digger, in all cases, except for the work of original breaking, or for turning under turf; in other words, for all lands in regular cultivation. For such lands thorough digging and pulverization is emphatically and in every respect better than plowing. The plow is a wedge, mechanically considered, and cannot fail to pack and harden the soil to some extent, on both the upper and the lower side; whereas the digger rende s it lighter and more porous. the teeth in the latter row fill the channels of the first row, and cover the seed of the first deeper than the last row. I think a drill got up in the shape of a>, or what is called V drag, only more spread out, and with a seat behid, would clear rubbish better, leave more even work behind, and enable the driver conveniently to watch its working. I suppose it would be some more expense to get up, as it would need, perhaps, a little more gearing to work the two seed rollers, and the two seed hoppers, or boxes. I don't know whether it would need an extra small tumbling wheel in front, or wheth er it could be better balanced evenly on two wheels. If you think the above would be any improvement to the drill, you may call the attention of drill makers to it; if not, let it slide. GEO. CAPSTICK, SEN. FOUNTAIN, WI8., June, 1864. P. S.-The Farmer is cheap enough, without strawberries, or anything else. I picked up, in three nights, last winter, eight volumes, and I would not like to sell the worst of them at cost price. Please excuse my badly written letter. G. C. HEADQUARTERS VETERAN RESERVES, Mr. EDITOR:-May I be allowed to solicit your kind co-operation in promoting the project of an exploring expedition, chiefly in the interest of agriculture, which is under the consideration of the Committee on Foreign Relations, and of the Committee on Agriculture, of the Senate. At least, I beg that the enterprise may be discussed or noticed by your journal. Numerous bodies, scientific, agricultural and legislative, have concurred in memoralizing Congress in favor of the scheme. I beg to subjoin extracts from the petition of the New York State Agricultural Society, and the American Institute, which succinctly explain the object contemplated by the proposed exdedition. Very respectfully, D. J. MCGOWAN, U. S. A. Per B. J. Lester. Resolved, That the Society regard as a subject of great importance to the industrial and agricultural interests of the United States, the project of Dr. D. J. Macgowan, U. S. A., for the appointment by the National Government of a commission, composed of scientific men and practical agriculturists. to visit and explore Eastern Asia, with a view to acquire information bearing upon arts and manufactures there pursued, and to obtain and transmit seeds, plants, and animals, the cultivation and propogation of which would be likely to add to the valuable products of our farms; that it is likely to result in substan ial benefit to every section of the country.-New York State Agricultural Society. The American Institute, which has for its object the advancement of commerce, agriculture, and the mechanic arts, earnestly recommends to the fostering care of our National Government this expedition, as one which can hardly fail to increase the number and variety of our agricultural products, will most likely add to the catalogue of new and useful minerals and animals, lead to the discovery of new and valuable fibrous textiles, give an impetus to our foreign commerce, and promote g nerally the cause of science and agriculture. Your petitioners therefore pray for the enactment of such laws, or the adoption of such resolutious, as may secure to the proprosed commission of exploration not only such aid as will be satisfactory to its enlightened projector, but at the same time be creditable to a great and growing nation. [We regret that the above communication came too late for the June number of the Farmer, since it could not otherwise appear before the adjournment of Congress; not that the Farmer, or any other one journal could cisions of Congress, but that we might the exert a very material influence upon the dein the enterprise it advocates. more opportunely have shown our interest of the world's civiliza ion have been greatly In times past the cause of agriculture and our opinion a liberal appropriation by the advanced by expeditions of this sort; and in National Legislature for this purpose would prove a good investment. We believe the but its friends should not despair on that measure failed to carry at the last session, account. Dr. McGowan, the projector of this scheme, is as fit a man as any citizen of the United States to lead the expedition, for the reason that in addition to being a man of large scientific and practical knowledge, he has had a residence of many years in China and Japan, and is thoroughly acquainted with the language and customs of the leading oriental nations.-EDITOR.] Chemistry Simplified. A neat, substantial edition of Porter's Chemistry has just been issued by Barnes THE HOME. en Fancy Work vs. Romaancing. Burr, New York, which makes use of very DEAR FARMER:-In your May number apsimple apparatus to illustrate the text. peared a communication from "E. P.," Clay tobacco pipes, glass tumblers, earthern titled "Farmer's Daughters," in which I bowls, and other simple apparatus, take the noticed, particularly, the remark that we place of the more complicated and costly. The whole thing is so simplified as to enable country girls are in danger of becoming too the teacher of the common school to intro-certain-yea, a large amount of practicalpractical. This, I think, is very true. A duce it, to the great benefit of his more advanced pupils. Even the young farmer may very profitably enter upon the study during his leisure hours. Chemistry is so very intimately connected with all the affairs of life, that some knowledge of the subject is almost indispensable. The present edition of this work gives some of the more simple applications of chemistry to agriculture and the L. L. FAIRCHILD. various arts. ROLLING PRARIE, WIS. ity is, of course, desirable; but there is an old saying which I must be allowed to quote in this connection, viz: "Too much of a not think God would have given us so many good thing is worse than nothing." I do materials which need but the labor of our hands to become pleasing to the eye, if He intended we should withhold that labor; nor do I think He would have planted within us love for the beautiful, if it was not right to gratify that love. Therefore, it is not right THE MOON. - Professor Phillips, of Eng- for us to become too practical. But how land, has succeeded in obtaining drawings the romancing which "E. P." mentions is of the moon seen through a new telescope to become a cure for this evil, I cannot perwith a six-inch object glass. They exhibit many rew and striking features, showing a volcanic character of which we have no conception. What would we think if our whole continent was a collection of craters, with hills rising out of their midst, and divided by radiating ravines of awful depth? The only approach to any such scenery in our world is to be found in the Cordilleras of our gold regions.- Scientific American. says: NEW USE FOR PETROLEUM.-A surgeon in the Federal army has introduced the use of petroleum for suppurating wounds. He "What cold water is to a wound in its inflamed state, coal oil is to it in its sup; purating state, dispelling flies, vermin, and promoting healthy granulations. I have seen two patients, whose wounds had been dressed with it, asleep before I was through with the third." NEW USE FOR COAL OIL.-Coal oil is said to be a sure destroyer of bed-bugs. Apply plentifully with a small brush or feather, to the places where they most do congregate. The cure is effectual and permanent. Gilt frames, chandeliers. &c., rubbed slightly over with coal oil, will not be disturbed by flies. THERE ARE 38,184 houses of worship in the United States, of which 12,814, or about thirty-three per cent. are in rebeldom. ceive; neither do I understand how “such reveries" may ever "add a nameless charm to a character." Taking the country girls whom I frequently meet and myself as any kind of a standard, all that the “ building of cloud castle," the "dreaming," and the "romancing," would amount to would be, that the difference between those bright mind-pictures and our real life would certainly not make us more contented with our lot. Now, dear Farmer, I think that if we farmers' daughters were encouraged in exercising our ingenuity and employing our time in making little things, which would give a cheerful appearance to our homes; if we were taught that our parlors may be as pleasant, and t'e articles in them as tasty, though perhaps not as costly, as our city cousins', there would be the preventive and the cure for an excess of practicality. Therefore, will you pardon me if I trespass still further on your patience, by mentioning a few kinds of 'fancy »ork' which I admire, and which are very simple, and easily made. A wreath of leaves-different kinds, of course stuck on to Bristol board, or other stiff, white paper, with a solution of gum arabic rejoice when she rejoices and weep when she weeps. Now, when the exultant shout of victory, or the saddening tale of defeat is borne like a wave across the states, our faithful mail-carriers mount their snowshoes, and with the precious news strapped upon their backs, commence their toilsome tramp, that we, too, by-and-by, may learn what progress is being made in puting down the rebellion, which, may the God of justice and liberty help us to soon bring to a final end. and water. Then varnish the wreath and A Word from the Far North. MR. EDITOR: -I am surprised that your oft repeated invitation to contribute to the columns of the FARMER is not responded to by those in this community who are fully capable of interesting your readers; but as no communication from this Lake Superior region has yet appeared, permit me to occu py a little space, and perhaps shame at being so poorly represented may induce others to write. We were much amused with "Mrs. Hopeful on Slovenly Husbands." She says the majority of farmers “are as slovenly as they well can be." That is a deplorable state of affairs. Perhaps the following recipe might prove an efficacious remedy, if well applied: I would administer an occasional dose of kind talk, and set before him an example MRS. FAITHFUL. ASHLAND COUNTY, WIS., 1864. HEALTH AND DISEASE. [From the Herald of Health.] BY MRS. M. M.-JONES. A "Farmer's Wife," in the May number of the Wisconsin Farmer, under the above heading, says: "I was much interested in the article in abuse our Stomachs.' I believe it is all your February number, entitled, 'How we true, and am sorry it is so, for it is a sad reflection that so many in this great nation are digging their graves with their te th.' writer's pen, I would not-could not-have But it seems to me that, had I wielded that left off where he did; but, having pointed out the dangers, I would fain have suggested a remedy tion which heads this article, in such a way that the answer can be used practically and successfully in a farmer's family, and yet so as to give satisfaction all around?" Although almost beyond the pale of civi. lization, with a vast wilderness between us She then asks if the editor, or some one of and the more favorite portions of our State, his many correspondents, who know how, we yet hope the time may not be far distant" will not be so kind as to answer the queswhen the mineral wealth and fertile soil of this region will place it in a more enviable position. For the present we move on in the even tenor of our way, in a little world of our own-more especially during the long winter months. We never felt the inconve-menting on, was an extract from "Hints nience of this i olation so much as since toward Physical Perfection." Among other the war began, for with the love of country criticisms on it she says: deeply implanted in our nature, we would The article a "Farmer's Wife" was com "Suppose a prairie farmer's wife, as she |
