The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-06-07

sometimes USED 10 NIX WITH c0cnlnea1s 1NCrSaS-
ing the intensity of its color.
Saffron affords over fifty per cent of a peeu-
liar eXtractive matter, named polychroite from
the changes of color it nndergoes by the action
Of reagents. This substance contains a volatile
oil, upon which the medicinal value of saffron
depends: it was at one time considered highly
stimulant and anti-spasmodic, but its principal
use is that of imparting color and favor to
oficinal tinctures.
COVER FOR GRAPES.
To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
Several years ago friend sent me cluster of
Diana grapes, which pleased me so well that /
afterwards planted half dozen of the vines, but
they did not give much fruit, and il was never
well ripened. The leaves always blighted
and many OF them would drop away. and between
that and winter killing l had made up my mind
TO noe them up. Last spring. they looked pretty
well and made some punches of fruit, so
concluded to let them stand, and having noticed
somewhere that grapes did best when the vines
were grown under board or cover procured
couple of white pine boards, about twelve feet long
and ten inches WIDE and spiked them fiat on the
top of the posts of the relis where the vines
tied These completely covered four of the vines
and partially covered fifth. / then went into the
woods and cut quantity of pine and some cedar
branches. and fastened them the top Of the
boards so that they projected well over and made
quite shady roof The result was that my vines
did well, and ripened the grapes that they
very fine. That this was due TO the cover was
quite plain, because the vines not under the
lost most all of their leaves by the end of August,
and did not T.pen d bunch of fruit. The covered
Hid not drop their leaves until about tie end
of October and this spring they out stronger
than they have done for years. i have already
extended the boards and mean to cover them again
with cedar branches, as they kept their leaves on
longer than the pine boughs did. don't know
why The cover helps but l think that the shading
is what keeps the leaves of the vines from blight
ing. AN OLD SOLDIER.
ESSEX COUNTY, N J.
Remarks. We are pleased to have the oppor-
tunity of publishing so gratifying a result.
The reason why the cover proved beneficial is
because ii prevented radiation of heat from the
vines at night, so that no dew formed on them,
and this again prevented miIdew from forming
on the leaves, so that the foliage was not in
iured, and consequently the fruit was properly
ripened. This subject was well treated in the
Agricultural Report of 1861, where an illustra-
ton is given of covered trellis, and the rea-
sons for It's success
JONES OF BTNGHAMToN.
The above is the title of small pamphlet
which, we are told in the opening address or
preface, contains much truth and some non
sensen
The truth part is, of course, all about the
Jones Weighing Scales which are adapted to
Every use, spot, and place." and the nonsense
begins with Adam weighing Eve on his knee
and is continued through several centuries of
historical data all deliberately illustrated in the
original and Characteristic manner peculiar to
Jones Of BiRghdmtoa.
We have known Mr.. Jones for many years,
have used his scales, and, notwithstanding his
nonsense" we know that his head is as level
as-Teil, as evenly balanced as his scales, and
we can think of no higher praise than that
If any any of our readers require scale to
weigh either five tons or five ounces, send to
Jones of Binghanlton, New York, and ask
him to send his price list.
POULTRY ITEMS.
If you wish to keep fowls from scratching up
your garden crops, scatter their manure ever
| the ground they do not like TO scratch in their
own manure. An easy way to keep chickens
free from verlnin is TO saturate a sponge with
kerosene oil and hang it IN such position that
when they enter their roosting shed it will
come in contact with their backs. The Oil
must be supplied at least once week.
The annual value of the poultry and eggs
consumed and sold in the United States amounts
to the sum Of S475090,000, or more than any
other product except corn, which is Only about
FIVE millions Of dollars more. The quantity of
eggs which are imported yearly amount to
millions. There is ample room for more poultry
producers. The business of egg raising lacks
systeinatizing and organization Why should
We import eggs?
FEEDING sILEwoRsfs.
As rule, the caterpillars should receive
steady, light meals, which should be repeated
as soon as they are eaten. But, as it is of no
use TO give q rule which viii not be observed,
we say it is absolutely necessary to give at least
six meals day, at about the following times:
The first al 6 q. or thereabout, the second at
a. M, the third at II m, the fourth at p.
IL, the fifth at p. M, and the sixth at 10 D.
M. Have the worms which are Matched one
day divided from those coming ont on the fol-
lowing day, because the Oldest ones mott and
We're not assorted, there would be confusion
between those that eat and those that molt,
and also those that spin, an affair which brings
disease TO the worms and annoyance to those
already spinning their cocoons.
SILK CULTURE
The american SIX and FTisit ostlturist saws
that the more we seeof the progress of silk
culture, the more we are convinced that it viii
eventually be one of the leading branches of
industry in this count The most intelligent
OF the agricultural part of the Nation are en-
barking IN it, and, in such hands, it cannot
fail of being profitable But we would give a
word of caution TO such as are overlooking with
enthusiasm in the cause. We would beg of
them not to be led astray by false notions of
great profits; not to undertake the feeding of
q large number Of worms unless they have ey-
perience, practical experience; but to be care
full, prudent, and become convinced by actual
! experiment
TOBACCO STEMS as AN NsEcTIcIDE
Tobacco stems are now being much used as
preventive against insects. Spread under
grape vines they prevent the thrips placed
around currant bushes they prevent injury
from the currant worm. Rose growers find
that layer Of tobacco stems placed on the soil
keep the plants free from aphs, and also, it is
claimed, act as preventive of injury from
mildew. Fruit growers, especially grape grow
ers, may find it TO their advantage to grow
patch of tobacco for the purpose of using the
dried leaves among their vines to keep away
troublesome and destructive insects.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
Our Agricultural Editors Weekly Chat With His
Readers.
Can you tel me how can keep the bugs from
destroying young melons? In former years have
been vexed with these bugs that have thought
That would not try them again; but if could
p