The National tribune., 1882-12-21
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
Our Agricultural Editors Weekly Chat With His
Readers.

"I have been informed that the trees of
Australia are well adapted TO dry countries. |
have been furnished with a list of eucalyptus
and acacias, and / would ask if you know
where could get the seed. %. R. Precept, Fur
mas county, Neb. AEs. The opinion that these
Australian trees are peculiarly well adapted to
our dry Western regions is a mistaken one.
These regions differ greatly in conditions of
season from the native habit of these foreign
trees. In Australia the season of growth is
quite wet, although often followed with long
dry term. In addition, these trees are unable to
resist any considerable cold, few degrees of
frost proving fatal TO most of them They
flourish best on the Paciic-coast regions.
John Tower, Ohio wants to know chow to
remove trees from the woods when the earth
around the roots is frozen" Aas.: This is
known as the frozen ball mode of transplant
ing 1t is a costly, labOrious and not particu-
larly successful method, and we would not adj
wise il as a good plan for transpanting trees
from the woods. Wait till spring, then lift the
tree with all the roots possible, and after plant
ing II cut the stem off just at the surface of the
ground. New shoots will soon spring up. Sc
lect the best for the future tree and remove all
others. This Is a safe plan TO follow.
"Is the wood of the ailantus tree of any
value? We find the tree TO grow well with us,
and we would plant more Of it if likely to
prove profitable" - Senex, Indiana. Ans !:
The ailantus is a valuable tree in mixed plan
tatiOns, and viii grow well on land too poor TO
produce weeds; the timber is said to be equal
to white oak for fuel. 1t answers we'll for in
side finishing work, and is not liable to
warp in drying. Its easy culture and rapid
growth render il valuable as a tree for young
plantations as il shelters and protects those Of
slower growth.
Can licorice be cultivated proftably in this
country; and if so, what is the most suitable
climate and soil il2'-JuniOr, Camden, n. j.
ARS.: The licOrice Is quite a hardy plant, and
may be grown wherever Indian corn will rpen
a crop. The plant requires deep and rich
soil so that the roots may increase and permeate
readily in any direction. The roots require at
least three years growth before attaining a
saleable size. This intcr6res with the profits
of its culture; the crop is too long under way.
"WiI the rings in a stump tell the age of
the tree accurately? | have always been told
that each ring will count one year. but ] have
heard ii disputed and ask for information. y
A. H., Bristol, Pa. AHS.: Not accurately
Sometimes two rings will be made in a year it
seems to depend upon the kind of weather
which prevails during summer. If dry for
some time and then rains cause fresh growth,
it seems to add TO the number of rings.
"WiIl the arborvite make good hedge if
planted only in single row? Will it do TO
plant it now g"-NIrs. f. g., Baltimore county,
Maryland Aas. A single row is ample in
deed, all hedges need only be in single rows,
they take up less space and are more satisfac-
tory. 1t is too late TO plant your hedge this
year. About the lst of April next viii be the
best time for your locality.
"How much per acre is good or safe dress
ing Of salt on wheat u. Slater, Va. AmS
From 400 to 500 pounds per acre will be safe
for wheat; salt acts variously on plants, some
viii be invigorated by dressing that would
destroy others.