The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-10-26
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Our Agricultural Editors Weekly Chat With His
Readers,

In answer to "Young Farmer" writing from
Connecticut, we would state that he need not
hesitate to plant the honey locust as hedge
plant. 1t Will be perfectly hardy in that State,
and, by timely Neutrality-suspicious. which no
plant viii make a good fence,-hc will secure a
good protective hedge.
A correspondent-W. c., Wiiliamsport, Pa
asks for an article on the culture of the Chi
nese yam. He finds that it is a good, eatable
root, and thinks that its culture ought TO be en-
couraged. We endorse all that is said about tie
goodness of the tuber but as it takes at least two
years growth to form anything like crop,
and even then a very sparse one, it has not be-
come popular, except as an ornamental vine, a
purpose which ii serves very satisfactorily, be-
ing hardy perpetual plant.
What is meant by heeling-in plants ~
Novice. Ans: "Heelng-in," and laying in
by the heels are technical terms used by nur-
serymen to indicate a sort of probationary
planting of trees or plants of any kind, until
they are planted permanently. Trenches are
thrown ont in which the trees are set as
closely as they can be packed, and the roots
and part Of the stems thoroughly covered with
soil. Trees are oftentimcs lifted in the fall
and heeled-in for the winter, then SGT out in
the orchard or grove in spring.
4 see pottcd strawberry plants recommended
How do they differ from other kinds of straw
berry plants? '-Inquirer. Nebraska. nus:
The ported strawberry plants which are adj
vcrtiscd are produced by sinking small flower
pots filled with soil near the plants and CON
vcying the runnerupon the end of which a small
plant is forming directly over the pot, where it
is usually secured by a stone. As the roots
grow they enter the pot, which is soon filled
with root fbcrs. II is then lifted. turned out
Of the pot and planted, and as the plant re-
ccivcs no check to its growth when removed.
fruitiug plantation can be made within a year.
Plants set out from pots in August viii give
full crop the following season.
A Bcrks county Pa Farmer" asks
whether the Japan clover is worthy of his at
tcntion. how it differs from ordinary red clover,
and what are its particular merits" In reply we
would state that the so-calcd Japan cloveris
plant belonging TO the tribe of bush clovcrs,
and is botanically known as Lcgpcdc:a strata.
1t IS altogether different in its aspect from the
common idea Of covcrs, but produces tibry,
woody stems similar to those Of the cranberry,
and Of course would be Of no value where the
succulent ciOvers (Trifoliums) can be grown.
The Japan clover is said to be an Improvement
upon sedge grass as food for cattle, and may be
valuable in usurping the place of useless weeds,
although we do not consider it plant worthy
Of cultivation.
A correspondent, dating from Raleigh n c.,
states that he is informed that apple trees
from Northern nurseries are not reliable for
the Southern States; that winter apples from
the North viii not keep when grown in the
South" and wishes to know if there is any
truth in the statement. 4ns.: SO far as young
trees are concerned it makes no difference
whether they are grown in Northern or South
ern nurseries, but in regard to the keeping
qualities Of the fruit, it is well known that
the best keeping varieties in the North prove
to be mostly fall apples in the South There
fore it is advisable to plant those of Southern
origin whose keeping qualities are well known |
and of which there are many varieties, as may
be learned from any Of the nurseries in the |
Southern States, where attention has been !
given to this fruit.