The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-04-12

yards they seem to suffer less than in
other locations. This may be due to the
fact that they are usually in vigorous
condition, and therefore able to resist dis
ease. and the fowls are maintaining con-
slant warfare against the insects.
However, 1t Is not safe to depend EN-
tirely upon these favorable conditions.
The only way to insure Il good crop of
first-class fruit Is to spray the trees with
those insecticides and fungicides which
are known to be effective. The spray
mixtures and seasons vary In different
localities. so the amateur will do well to
be guided by successful fruit growers In
his vicinity. Most seed and poultry sup
ply stores carry spray mixtures In stock
and can supply full directions for apply
ing them
II piece of land can be conveniently
fenced in for the exclusive use Of small
chicks. this may well be set out In straw
berries. The chicks. even when quite
young, will pick and spoil some OF the
ripening fruit. but their presence In the
patch goes far toward insuring a good
crop of berries. They spend their time
searching among the plants for insect
life. and the good they accomplish In this
way more than offsets the damage they
do the berries.
The value OF chicks as insect DESTROY
ers in the patch Is being recognized by
commercial growers OF strawberries in
sections where this crop is an important
one \ gentleman who annually grows
many acres of these berries In southern
Delaware recently told the writer that he
has become convinced that the best way
TO hght the troublesoin. strawberry weevil
l. to locate small fioclIs OF chicks in Va
rOus parts OF the field and let them
range al Will. At that time he was pre-
pairing 10 hatch several hundred chicks
for this purpose.
This weevil seems 10 be immune to the
effects Of the poisons which so success
fully control practically all other insect
pests. and II has done untold dana ge
iuring the last few years. II attacks
the plants just before the blossoms APP
pear, causing many of the latter to drop
on. In many cases the damage Is 30
great rs to eliminate all chance OF profit.
Some large growers have been compelled
to drop certain fiyorite varieties OF straw
berries and substitute therefor others
which are less desirable but which are
Tree lowering. II the weevll destroys 80
per cent. Of the buds OF the latter there
are enough left to set fair crop Of
fruit.
During the last season or two a num-
Der of strawberry growers have expert
mented with the "chick cure for the
weeVil. and excellent results were Sc
cured. one extensive operator stated that
tines" industrious little workers actually
fNl1lfn 81 Ntldl uplltIs q mead, Dtsl1lE
this estimate upon q comparison OF the
valu" Of the berries picked on nelds over
" hich the chicks ranged with those which
We're not 80 protected
This is merely another illustration OF
how poultry may be used to advantage
The idea OF making our domestic fowls
actually work for the good Of the farm il.
worthy OF further development.
The value OF ample shade in fowl and
chick runs has been emphasized above
This Is best supplied by trees. In many
cases trees cannot be used and other
provisions must be made
There are several quick growing plants
which work in to advantage Among
them corn, sunhowers, artichokes and
lima beans are prominent
a patch of corn is always enjoyed by
the birds, but IL does not provide the de-
sired protection early in the season. Sun
flowers may be planted early and they
are Of use before corn has made much
growth Artichokes grow tall and rank,
and though they have no spreading
branches they form thckets which af-
ford snug and shady retreats. Further,
when once established they come up year
after year. demanding no further atten-
ton on the part of the poutryman.
Lima beans make tremendous growth
OF vines and are especially desirable for
training over fences and arbors. They
have thick foliage ana are or much us"
from nlidseason until late fall. In this
same class may be placed the various
gourds which are ornamental and easy
10 grow. Also the plebeian pumpkin and
squashes Of various kinds. which will run
over any suitable support II given the
right start
Trees and vines alike spell comfort for
the fowls purify the soil and are tn.
source of additional income. No progress
b nDtllt rNmlp VIII fail IN them
the fullest extent
Copyright, 1914, Jy Mdtos-M Mems ADJ. Co.,
me