The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1881-11-19

otthe Rhone, France, relates that plants npots may
be treated with hot water when out of health,
the usual remedy for which has been reporting.
He says when ll-health ensues from acid sub
stances contained or generated in the. soil, and
this is absorbed by the roots, it acts as poison.
Thesmal roots are withered and cease their action,
consequently the upper and younger shoots OF the
plant turn yellow, and the spots with winch the
leaves are covered indicate their morbid state.
In such cases the usual remedy is to transplant
into fresh SOIL clean the pots carefully, secure
good drainage, and often with the best results.
Rut the experience of several years has proved,
with him. the unfailing efficacy of the simpler
treatment, which consists in watering abundantly
with hot water at temperature OF about 145 de-
erees Fahrenheit, having previously stirred the
soil of the pots so far mig ht be done without
injury to the roots. Water is then given until it
runs freely from the pots.
In his experiments, the water first came out
clear: afterwards it was sensibly tinged with
brown, and gave an appreciate acid reaction.
After this thorough washing, the pots were kept
warm. Next day the leaves of Ffcus elastica so
treated ceased to droop the spread of black spots
on their leaves was arrested and three days after
wards instead Of dying, the plants had recovered
their normal look Of health. Very soon they
made new roots Immediately followed by vigorous
growth.
PROTECTION OF VEGETABLEs.-As winter ap-
proaches there comes up the annual question.
what shall we do with the roots? The farm has
it's turnips, beets perhaps carrots and various
other things; the garden has cabbage, celery, and
loads Of other things. In all these questions there
must be various answers. How best to preserve
them will depend on how want to use them
and the convenience at command. Take celery
for instance: If we are to use it in large quanti
ties and often, we must have some place for it
very easy of access; but if we only want a little
now and then we need not go to half the trouble
as in the other case. What to do, or how to do
it, can be best understood by seeing Just what we
want to accomplish
Now, to preserve roots WELL we must keep
them from growing; for they are SO constructed
as to sprout with very little heat The nearer
we can keep them to the freezing point without
actually freezing the better for the roots. Again,
water is an enemy, if the temperature should be
much above freezing. So it comes down to this,
that whatever will keep roots 50 that they will
not wither from too great dryness Of their sur
roundngs, and will keep them cool, but not freez-
ing, is the perfection of plan.
Now, some may have cellar, some barn, some
nothing but boards or leaves to keep off water
and frost it is all the same in principle to keep
cool, not frozen, and a little dry
In keeping cabbages the water is very apt to
get in between the leaves and to be troublesome
when any kind Of protection is tried in the O Ga
ground but this is guarded against by turn
the cabbage upside down. Celery is much Re
best ii it eau be kept out in the ground to
last possible moment If there are leaves or scu.o
light material at command to cover with, SO as to
protect against the first frosts it may be left out
till near Christmas to advantage. 1t is cool as,
can be wished under such circumstances, and Just
free from frost, the very best condition possible.
Indeed, if covering enough can be had to keep
out all frost and no great amount of it required
at any one time, ii might be best to leave it out
all winter choosing the chance to get enough out
al a time to last couple of weeks If it is wet,
snowy, cold, or something or another, however,
when we want to get at the vegetables, a cool
place under cover is far the best if we can COM
mand it.-Germdntocn Telegraph.
JAPAN PERsIMMoN.-Several years ago the
L. s. Agricultural Department sent variety of
Japan Persimmon trees to the Horticultural
Society, Of Norfolk, Va. One Of these is now
bearing fruit, which is very large, one of the
finest specimens measuring ten inches in circum-
ference.
These fruits will prove quite an acquisition to
our tables, being less astringent than our native
kinds, and much larger and finer in every way
In Japan, they are dried and packed similar to
figs. and they are becoming an article of consid-
cradle export from that country.
The trees are more tender than our native
species, but will do well south Of latitude 800.
the potato called the Grange very reliable
and productive variety. 1t is said to be bug
proof and drouth-proof, and yields enormously of
the best keeping potatoes. Another authority
gives the palm to the Beauty of Hebron" for
and quality.
VEGETABLE GARDES.-In choosing situation
for the culture of vegetables, that one which
affords the most shelter should have 4 careful
The best situation and aspect is
one having gentle southwest slope, backed on
the north and east points by shelter Of trees
sufic emily distant to break the force Of winds
without interfering with the crops. This is, per-
haps, of more Importance than the natural adapt
i1jty off tho .,,J+uro