The National tribune., 1884-05-08
NoTELETs.

Experiments show that salt acts not only
as a solvent of plant food, but as an antiseptie,
preventing rust in oats; yet experience has also
shown that it is not always remedy where the
land is not properly drained. Grasses are greatly
benefited on some lands by the application of
salt at the rate of six bushels to the acre, and
on arabic lands from ten To fifteen bushels
may be used, according as the crop IS cereal or
root. Beets, celery, cabbage, onions, aspara-
gus, together with many dubious plants, viii
flourish after dose of brine which would
quickly kill an elm tree.
1t will save much disappointment to re-
member that nothing is gained by putting GER
tain vegetable seeds in the ground before it Is
warm. Melons, squash, bush beans, lima beans
and okra are among those that rot, instead of
negotiating, in cold soil.
-Raspherries and blaekberries can be very
readily propagated by pieces of their roots. Dig
up roots now, cut them in pieces about three
inches in length, lay them in a bed two or
three inches apart, and cover them with three
inches of sand or light soil. They viii soon
send up shoots, and viii make strong plants
before the fall.
-Silkworm cocoons which have been raised
on the leaves of the Russian mulberry bring
ten cents per pound less than those which have
been raised on any Of the other varieties Of the
white mulberry. From the conflicting state
ments regarding the value of the plant and the
color of the fruit of the Russian mulberry, it
appears evident that much confusion exists re-
garding the plants sold under this name.
1t IS advised TO burn widowed leaves Of
grape vines and other plants, in order to stamp
out the disease of mildew. This is the silliest
kind of advice; as well try to stamp ont fever
and ague' by killing off the people in maIarious
regions.
Following are two formulas for making
good fertilizers either of which are adapted TO
general use: 120 pounds of sulphate of ammo
MIA, 10 pounds dried blood, 1880 pounds bone
black superphosphite, and 20 pounds muriate
of potash-in all, 1850 pounds. The second
formula consists of 40 pounds of nitrate of
soda, 80 pounds of sulphate Of ammonia 145
pounds dried blood, 1.545 pounds bone-blaek
superphosphite, and 120 pounds muFiatc Of pot
ASIA total of 2,020 pounds.
in recent issue of the Americdn Farmer a
correspondent says that the Perfect Gem squash
has kept IN good condition up to this date.
Whilst we did not test it as a summer variety,
we viii continue it for further trial on account
of its excellent keeping qualities.
The injury done to trees by lightning is
supposed to result from the rapid conversion
of the fluids of the stem into steam; the con-
sequent expansion splits the tree.
The average yield per acre of some of the
principal grain crops of the United States are
given as follows: Corn, 20 bushels; wheat. IL
| bushels; rye, - bushels. In Western New
York and the Ohio Valley, the general average
rises to 10 and Is bushels Of wheat.
"A dead limb of q troe cannot be said to
transpire. which is term wholly applicable to
the action of a being with life Moisture sim
ply eYaporates from dry stick, and, by the
power of capillary attraction, fast it dries,
it will absorb moisture from anything to
which it may be attached that is moister than
itself.