The National tribune., 1883-02-15
RURAL TOPICS.
Some Practical Suggestions for Our
Agricultural Readers.

is agricultural education in schools, and how
does it differ from ordinary educatlonF" Put
IN this direct manner we were rather puzzled,
and in thinking the matter over we were leo
into train of reasoning somewhat as folloWs:
Metaphysicians have shown that there are
certain faculties, or, as they express it, clements
of knowledge, which must exist in the mind a
priori, in order to our forming judgment upon
any subject or object. The agriculturlSt, above
most others, must possess greatly Varlcd
knowledge, in order to exercise proper )uQg-
ment or approach TO uniform success IN his
varied operations. He must be conyersant
with the principles of cultivation, and before
he can perceive the rationale of his labors he
must have a knowledge of the laws-the del-
mite and unvarying principles OF physical
science-so far as ascertainable. The held OF
study thus becomes one of immense MAGNITUDE
How plants grow, how they feed, and what
they feed upon why some are fruitful Whlie
others are barren the exact specific relations
that exist between them and the soil upon
which they are growing, and the different de-
velopments induced by the unequal dlstrlbu-
ton of the elements of growth, are the subject
matter Of physiology-a science that compre,
hends knowledge of chemistry, botany, and
the greneral principles Of natural philosophy
The constituents of soils, their numerous COM
binations, and the sources from which they
have been produced, are taught by studying
mineralogy and geology.
Economy of labor depends upon the skillful
application of the laws of mechanics. knowl-
edge of the laws or principles of hydrostatcs
and hydraulics is necessary before he can I'M
derstand the science of draining lands, or pro-
vide for its proper application or execution.
To guard against attacks of insects and repel
those which may have found Judgement IN
his crops, involves an acquaintance with ento-
mology, and the complicated influences OF Gil
mate brings him in contact with meteOrology
and climatology. In short, there is no branch
of knowledge but will contribute to his aid,
and may be productive of suggestions appllca-
bic to some one or other of his varied pursuits.
Who can decide as to what is and what is not
included in agricultural education, and Its
practical application to the cultivation ofplantsf
REMARKS ON VEGETABLES.
The following notes on vegetables are briefed
from remarks of B. p. Ware before the MaSSa-
chusetts Horticultural Society: Beginning with
squashes, a variety called Butman was said to
be of excellent quality, but not very productive.
The Marblehead squash is a selection from the
Hubbard, is generally higher priced, but does
not crop so well. The Essex is cross between
the Turban and Hubbard, and unites the form
and fine quality of the Turban with the good
keeping properties of the Hubbard. 1t is
rapid grower and may be planted late, and thus
avoid the maggot 1t is the best early variety.
As to cabbages, Fottlers Improved Brunswick
has gained in size but lost in earliness. The
Stone Mason is the best variety ever intro
duced, making solid heads Of excellent quality.
The American Improved Savoy has small
stump and large head, and has preserved the
fine quality of the old variety. The Danvers
carrot was originated in Danvers, as also the
DanVers onion, the onion of the world for
general growth. The Long Orange carrot is
too long, and the Early Horn not productive,
but an intermediate variety has been intro
duced, Of which the speaker had raised thirty
five tons on an acre. OF sweet corn, the Mar
blehead is the earliest, the stalks are small,
and the ears are produced near the ground.
Three OF four varieties should be planted at
the same time, so that they would come in use
in succession, and in this way two paintings
would be enough for the season. Next after
the Marbehead comes Crosby's Early, the
Moores Early; and for late varieties the Mar
blehead Mammoth, the Burr's Improved, or
StOwelPs Evergreen. As to potatoes, the Early
Rose may be considered as the basis of all the
good potatoes that we have. Burbank's Seed
ling is better cropper, keeps well, and is of
excellent quality. The Early OHIO is earlier
than the Early Rose, and has the requisites of
a first-class variety. The Bell is probably the
best new variety. Those who have tested it
thoroughly claim for it better qualities than
are possessed by any other. Concerning toma-
toes, he places the Acme and Paragon ahead of
any others for the table. With regard TO peas,
the American Wonder is a sweet, wriEKled
variety, and great acquisition. For the ear
liest green pea, Dan OROurke, or any of its
class is recommended; then American Won
der, McLean's Advancer, and Champion of
England for the latest. Mr.. Ware makes three
paintings; the late ones are quite uncertain,
are apt to mildew, yet it is worth while to try
them, since nice green peas late in the season
are great luxury. OF turnips, the White Egg
is the most reliable for a crop. 1t is fiat
variety, and is better than the Purple Strap
Leaf, though not quite so early.
PHYLLoxERA Oh GRAPE LOUISE.
Prof A. J. Cook. of the Michigan Agricul-
tural College, gives in the New York Tribune
some Of his observations, as follows: "The
insect-PtyllorerG uastGtrir, one Of the plant
Ece-appears on the leaves of the grape and
forms gals, but in this form it does little harm
Hardy grapes, like Clinton, often show these
gals on leaves, and the vines continue healthy
and vigorous. Another form of this louise
works ON the roots of the more tender grapes,
like Iona, Catawba and Delaware, causing the
plants 10 die. 1t is this form that has tormented
the grape growers Of Europe" If the Profess
sor was better acquainted with the diseases of
grapes he would not thus merely repeat the
sayings of others. The Iona, Catawba, and
Delaware are not tender grapes in the vicinity
of Cayuga Lake, for example, in the State of
New York. Yet, perhaps not two miles from
that lake, or even less distance, following the
line of Pleasant Valley, in the low grounds he
might call them tender, because there the mil
dew attacks the leaves. 1t is fashionable to
attribute all grape troubles to phylloxera,
while, as matter Of fact, the only serious
drawback to grape culture arises from midew
and fungus growths of which the phylloxera
is mostly consequence and not a cause. When
mildew is prevented, or absent, all of our ma
tive grapes are equally hardy so far as can be
fbaT- lclsg, al
il is only those persons who have no practical
experience in grape culture, and having but a
superficial knowledge Of the progress of this
industry, who continually intrude their crude
ideas and notions whenever they can find
plausible opportunity.
HOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS IN ORCHARDS.
1t seems TO be a well-attested fact that fruit
orchards where pigs chickens and other kinds
of poultry are allowed TO rambe at will are the
least troubled with insects and produce the
fairest fruit. The larvae OF the co1dling moth,
curculi0, and similar insects which inlest fruits
are kept IN subsection on account of these
animals eating the injured fruits which fall
from the trees and by picking up stray bugs,
moths and grubs. We recently attended
meeting of fruit growers where the subject of
insects in orchards was discussed, and we were
forciby impressed with the evidence brought
forward 10 show that where hogs and poultry
were allowed in orchards the fruit was com
paratively free from insect injuries and brought
an advanced price in market or this account.
In the application OF remedies which in
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