Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1882-06-01
Tobacco PrOsnpcts.


BILE. Farmers have been unable to
give more than few odd days or
hours to their tobacco ground. There
has been only one or two warm sunny
days, the rest being either rainy or else
cool, without rain. The plants have,
however, been growing steadily, if lot
very fast, and many are nearly or quite
ready to set out. In several instances
that have been brought to our notice
this has already been done. Plants
that are growing in open seed beds are
at all events likely to be strong and
hardy, and able to withstand rough
weather after being set out in the
field.
Complaints reach us from various
quarters that the seed beds are invaded
by the tobacco flea, and fears are ex-
pressed that they will prove as hurt
ful as they were two years ago. Shonld
their appearance become general over
the county, and their numbers prove
as great, there is danger that they may
reappear in the summer, when the
crop IS about to ripen. Tobacco grow
ers should therefore strain every nerve
not only to save their plant beds, but
to destroy the first crop of insects, and
thus lessen the danger that threatens
later on. We have so often made sug-
gestions as to how to treat this ques-
ton, that it would be superhuous for
us to do so now.
Prof. Riley has lately directed atten-
ton to the extraordinary virtues of the
plant called ''pyrethum" as an insect
destroyer, and its great efficacy when
used against the army worm, and we
believe tobacco farmers should give It
a thorough trial. Under the name of
Persian Insect Powder" it can be had
at any drugstore. /. is cheap and
easily applied, and while fatal to the
lower classes of insect life, it is quite
harmless to man and the domestic
life. A tobacco grower has also in.
formed us that his seed-beds are so in
tested with the common earth worms
as to be partially ruined This is not
often the case hereabouts.
Soap-suds, if literally applied has,
been found efficacious; unleached
wood-ashes are excellent, and are at
the same time among the best Of fer
tiizers. Perhaps If those were liberal
ly applied at che time of making the
ed-beds, and thoroughly incorporat-
ed with the soil, and no trouble from
earth worms would be experienced.
A strong decoction made of tobacco
stems and leaf refuse would no doubt
also drive them away. Salt might do
it, but we have heard of cases where,
when 80 used, it also killed the young
plants. If used at all, it should be
long before the seed is sowi.
A correspondent, writing from Mil
ton Grove says the acreage of tobacco
planted in that vicinity this season will
far exceed that of any previous year.
Around Rice's tavern, and along the
southern boundary of Lebanon county,
it is estimated the acreage will be
double that of airy former year. Few
farmers in that section, that have the
proper soil but will this year engage in
the growing of this crop.
Among the profitable crops Of the
past season must be included that of
Mr.. Levi l.. Lands, of Leacock town
ship, who grew 3,711 pounds on two
acres, which he sold to Messrs Diller
4 Rutter. of Intercourse, at the very
large price of So cents through, realiz-
ing him the handsome snm Of 81 $685.
So, or $649. AZ per acre. We do not be-
lieve these figures have ever been
equaled in the northern states outside
of Lancaster county.-Penn. Nep Era.