davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

frequently paid. The quotation OF one
dollar or more is not to be expected
1t is true that for a fine grade of
mushrooms such prices are raid to
retailers by the fancy trade and cur
ing special seasons or for sTec al coca
sions. The grower may well look fer
the time. however, when the market
demands will support generous sap
ply at a constant but fer price.
Under favorable c:rc"~, ta~"c~ y
bed may come into bearing "" tN:1 X
weeks 1t usually requires. - ~"
longer period, and eight we K "'2r
more nearly represent tle Z :. r.
conditions If the cond ,ticns h. y
variable, and especially f at TIM"
very low temperature has p e3a .a,l,
bearing may be. still f@irt.?, " acsaNeti~
Again the period of proGUc:it Il 7 t.rn
profita BILE life" of Succcs&f:;, el
may vary greatly, ranging from. tis,
weeks to as many months. rs a RUE.
a bed which produces iine, i.eavi:
mushrooms will bear longer tha.: on;
which yields plants ,tl:ghte1 wei ;nt.
Many growers think hat th,r' is
profit in a bed which yields Gre y
pound, per square foot of surfacs' a;et.
One should not be. sat SIZED WI: esi
than this, and if the test conIi on
prevail this yield is far below W IA:
should be obtained Two pcuntis .'e'
square foot is an excellent y e:1 az
some. of our growers r2poz this
amount. Some of the spawn PREPARED
blythe Department Of Agriculture h.l;
also given a yield equal to this max
mum: When the conditions for mush-
room growing may be so faithfully
reproduced that yield of two pounds
may be made constant. mushrooms
may be within the reach CT many
more, persons. . 1ms.. .,...-..-. ill.,
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29
PERSPECTIVE or HcAI/n1 1z1Es.

come up in large united clusters, it
will be best to cut them, in order not
to disturb the mycelial connections Of
all. Some good growers practice cut
ting" throughout, but the. stubs must
decay and are a source of danger.
After all good mus hrooms from a clus-
ter have been taken. remove any fieshy
spawn masses adhering and add fresh
loan.
AS they are picked, the mushrooms
are put into shallow baskets and taken
to a sorting and packing table. The
stems are cut off and any adhering
loan is brushed from the cap. 1t is
true that mushrooms keep somewhat
better If the stub is left attached and
the loan removed by rubbing, but ex-
cept in special cases this procedure Is
not to be recommended. 1t is not nee
essary to cut the stem off short. but
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

sour fermentation to become estab-
lished. In from fifteen to twenty-one
days, depending upon the conditions,
the temperature will begin to fall, the
violence of decomposition will begin
to show a subsistence, and the compost
will be ready for the construction Of
the beds. The bacteria of rapid decay
will become less and less abundant.
and finally, when the beds are pre-
pared as subsequently described. the
spawn will be able to grow in spite of
the bacteria present.
Mushroom beds are of two general
types CD the fiat bed, and 90 the
ridge bed known as the French type.
In making the former the entire-foor
space may be utilized as a bed. or the
beds may be arranged in the form OF
tiers or shelves. In low cellars or
caves and indeed wherever the amount
of floor space is not the most impor-
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

ranges from $50 to 60 F., with the
best from $50 to So F. 1t is unsafe to
attempt to grow mushrooms on a
commercial basis, according to our
present knowledge Of the subject at a
temperature much less than 500 or
greater than go F. Any severe
changes of temperature retard growth
or else act injuriously. and many
changes of temperature would entire
ly destroy the profits of the mushroom
crop. From this it is evident that N
many places mushrooms may not be
grown as a summer crop. With arti-
fetal heat they may be grown almost
anywhere throughout the winter.
Moreover, it is very probable that in
this country open-air culture must be
limited to a few sections. and restrict
ed. commercially at least, to single
season.
"A second important factor Is that
of moisture. The place should not be
very damp, or constantly dripping
with water. Under such conditions
successful commercial work is not pos
sible. A place where it is possible to-,
maintain a fairly moist condition Of
the atmosphere, and having such
capability for ventilation as will cause
at least a gradual evaporation, Is, by
general practice and by the most ex-
tensive experimentation, shown to be
necessary. With too rapid ventilation
and the consequent necessity of re-
peated applications of water to the
mushroom bed no mushroom crop will
attain the highest perfection.
Cellars, caves and abandoned mines,
or specially constructed houses. are
used for growing mushrooms, because
in such places only can the conditions
Of temperature and moisture be best
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

" The successful cultivation or mush-
rooms in America has not been 81
General as in most of the European
1t Is in France and IN Eng
land that the mushroom industry mas
been best developed. France Is prop
serly speaking, the home of the pres
sent mushroom industry. Unusual IN
sterest has been shown in the United
s6tates in the growth of mushrooms
within the past few years, and 1T Is TO
he hoped and expected that within the
next ten years the industry Will de-
Svelop to the fullest limit of the mar
sket demands. The latter will. or
course, be stimulated and developed
~ the increasing popular appreciation
or this product. In some cities and
,lowns there is already a good market
ademand for mushrooms, while in 9TH
iers they may be sold only directly to
Especial customers. This should be
borne in mind by prospective growers
In the United States the term
s.mushroom'' refers commercially to
but a single species (Agaricus cam
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

The Scuppernong Is probably the
oldest cultivated variety of native
American grapes. While the place OF
origin cannot positively be stated, ow-
ing to the age of the variety, it has
been pretty definitely tablished that
it originated in Tyrrell County, n. c.,
before 1860. From here it was soon
distributed over the northeastern part
Of North Carolina and to Roanoke
Island. In this section many large old
Scuppernong vines are to be found.
Many Of these are known to- be over
100 or 125 years Of age. An old vine
growing on Roanoke Island Is said to
have been planted by, Sir Walter Ra-
leigh and to be the original Scupper-
nong Those who have investigated
most closely the origin of the variety,
however, adhere to the theory that the
original vine grew wild IN Tyrrell
County, in the vicinity of the Scupper-
nong River.
From the vicinity Of its origin the
variety was distributed throughout the
eastern part of North Carolina and
was planted in vineyards ranging in
size from a few vines to many acres.
Some Of these vineyards have been
steadily enlarged. but many were al
lowed to run down. From these Vine
yards the variety was gradually dis
tributed over the Coastal Plain and
Piedmont sections of the southeastern
United States. 1t has steadily in
creased In popularity and is today the
leading variety of the Muscs dine
grapes.
The vine Is productive and vigorous,
rank grower. with long, slender,
smooth, yellowish canes, covered with
small light brown dots or lenticels. 1t
thrives best in well-drained sandy
loan soils. The leaves are always of
medium size, cordate, with the margin
medium serrate. In texture the leaf
is smooth and rather thin in compari-
son with other varieties. The cluster
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

the market demands that there shall
De few, long shanks. s.#....
FOR the best trade 1t Is desirable to
sort the mushrooms, placing only
those or nearly the same size In tho
same packages 1t Is certainly not
well to pack together "broilers" and
buttons. If this can be avoided. De-
fect1ve mushrooms should invaria bly,
De thrown out. Mushrooms should be
treated as first-grade product in ev-
cry way. and therefore the package
must be made an attractive one. Ship
ment should be made in boxes of
sizes demanded by the trade Baskets
afford excellent ventilation. yet boxes
are sometimes preferred. ass 81. .u.
The prices paid for mushrooms In
American markets are unusually vari-
able. Perhaps 1t is fair to. say that
one should consider from 35 to so
cents per pound good average price.
In many cities or towns 80 cents would
be as much as could be obtained. On
the other hand, price of rs cents is
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29
Trapping Moe Most Effective Way oFreeng Infested Ground

The common garden mole, which,
because OF Its .sectivorous habits, is
in most situations much more benefl-
cial than harmful. is a decided nui-
sance when it invades a well-kept
lawn or a newly planted seed bed.
Many reports Of its damage to lawns
are received by the Dept. of Agri., and
also frequent complaints of destruc-
ton of potatoes, bulbs and plants
which Is wrongly attributed to the
mole. Damage to plants and tubers Is
generally the work of pine mice or
meadow mice, usually the former. Tho
burrowing habits Of pine mice closely
resemble those of the mole, and they
frequently use mole tunnels to reach
growing plants. Pine mice may easily
be killed with poisoned grain. but as
moles will seldom take poisoned bats
of any kind, tho main dependence FOR
destroying them is traps, and consld-
cradle experience and judgment are
required to use them effectively.
The ordinary traps intended for rats
and other rodents are useless for TAX
ing moles. Special mole traps, Of
which there are on the market three
general types. are required. These
may be designated as the harpoon, the
scissor-jaw, and the choker types,
marked -. and G, respectively, in the
accompanying illustration. Harpoon
traps are intended to impale the mole
in the soil by spring-driven spikes.
Scissorjaw traps, are to be set astride
the runway to grasp the mole when it
to pass in either direction.
The choker trap has a pair of wire
loops that encircle the burrow when
the trap Is set All these traps are
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

A mole trap can be successfully OPP
Grated only when set on that part OF
q mole runway which Is near the sur
face and has the soil raised into a dis
tinct ridge, newly worked. Freshly
broken soil usually indicates that the
tunnel is in use. When in doubt, the
operator may make a small break in
the ridge and observe whether the
mole repairs it within a few hours. In
placing a trap, one Of the stretches Of
the runway that leads in definite d.
rection should be chosen rather than
one of the turns that may not be reg
ularly traversed by the mole.
Before setting the trap, 1t is well
to ascertain the course of the burrow
by thrusting down a lead pencil or
stick of similar size. The trap select
ed should then be lined up with the
course as nearly as possible; the jaws
Of the scissor-jaw type should stra ddle
it, the loops of the choker type should
encircle it, and the spikes Of the har-
pooh type should be directly above it.
In the case Of the harpoon type, 1t Is
best to force the impaling spikes: into
the ground once or twice to facilitate
their penetrating into the burrows
when the trap Is sprung. 1t Is 'deslr-
able also, in setting any of the traps,
to depress only that part of the ridge
Immediately under the trigger pam
using the hand instead of the foot for
this purpose A little earth or a small
chip Of wood may be placed under the
pan if necessary. The trigger catch
should be set as lightly as possible.
and one should avoid stepping on any
part Of the runway near the trap. 1t
will pay to visit traps at least twice
day
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

tant consideration, 1t would be we'll to
avoid the use of shelves. but where
the amount of floor space Is an impor-
tant factor they may be adopted to
advantage. although the additional la
Dor involved in the growing of a crop
under such conditions is an item to be
considered. When shelves are used
one should be careful to Whitewash
these after each crop in order to avoid
the increased danger from insect dep
relations. In any case. fiat beds
should be made from to 10 inches
deep.
Ridge beds enable one to get a
somewhat greater surface space in
given area, but they are also more ex-
pensive so far as the labor of construc-
ton is concerned. Nevertheless, they
are very desira BILE.
When a bed Is in full bearing, the
musnio ms should be gathered at least
once in two days, and 1t Is we'll to
pick item every day, particularly if
the temperature is up to so F. or
more. Picking is itself an art, and
the intelligent grower will soon find
that the yield Of bed may be greatly
lessened by lack Of Judgment in pick
ing. To satisfy the general demands
OF our markets at the present time it
is not recommended to take the but
tons; yet If there Is fancy trade for
these it should be met. Little or no
gain Of weight occurs in the mush-
room, however after the veil begins
to break, so that mushrooms should
not be left after this time. Flat tops
are a third-grade article. but these. as
we'll as all defective mushrooms,
should be sedulously removed from the
bed every day
In picking, grasp the mushroom by
the cap Ga large one by both cap and
stem), twisting it to remove 1t easily
from the soil. VIII ere the mushrooms
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

the hoops to form the top. In the ton
poaru mole 10 inches square is cut.
raraHel to the sides of this opening
ana ABOUT an inch from them should
We nalled half-inch strips. Into these
little Jambs should be fitted a screened
frame. which should be held tightly in
place by wooden buttons.
10 make the cage, nail - or IA
mesh screen wire "a inches wide
around the top and the bottom, and
wire or solder the lap, so that no flies
can escape. Outside the screen nail
TO the top and the bottom frames at
equal intervals four 25-inch laths or
strips of wood, allowing them to pro-
ject l inch at the bottom to form legs
for the trap and leave an entrance for
fles into the cone.
Inc cone for a trap of this size
should be 20 inches high and Of such
diameter at the bottom that it fits ex-
actly inside the lower hoop, to which
II should be closely tackled In max
Ing the cone it is easiest to experiment
with large sheet of stiff paper until
a cone of the right size has been made
This paper when cut will be at pat
tern for cutting the wire screening. An
easy way to make this pattern is to use
semlcircle Of paper with radius Of
"a inches 1t will take about two
thirds Of such semicircle to make
the pattern for a cone of the size de-
scribed.
Before inserting the cone, make a
small hole at the point or apex,
through which the flies can crawl into
the trap.
To bait the trap, place beneath the
cone on a fiat saucer or a piece Of
board banana skins, strip. meat or
other foods which seem to attract flies
The flies will fly upward from the bait
into the cone and continue until they
go through the small hole into the
cage. To remove the flies from the
cage, scald them and pour them out
Of the opening at the top.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

Cellars are very commonly used In
producing mushrooms for family use.
Natural or artificial caves are OF the
first Importance. however, for COM
mercial work, since the situation Of
these below the surface will best in
sure tempera ture throughout almost
the entire year more or less close to
that which is desired.
In selecting caves or cellars one
should guard against the possibility
of flooding or Of too much seepage
water during a rainy season. Perhaps
the least satisfactory situation is the
greenhouse. Under ordinary circum-
stances 1t heats up too readily during
days Of warm sunshine, and, unless
special precautions are taken, 1t Is not
to be generally recommended for anna
teurs. Nevertheless; during the fall
and winter it is possible to grow
mushrooms under the benches or in
any other unused space with but very
little outlay of money or labor. Cold
frames may also be used to good ad
vantage during the autumn or spring.
The natural caves Of this country and
abandoned coal mines in some sections
should be further Investigated with
relation to their adaptability for the
commercial production Of mushrooms.
A thorough study should also be made
of open air conditions.
In the construction of special mush-
room houses any one of variety OF
nlans NAV he followed and the Selec-
ton of the style will depend, of course,
upon its cheapness and efficiency in
the particular locality.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

1t should be borne In mind that
while there are many methods leading
to failure there are number leading
to success. In fact. persons succeed
in mushroom growing by methods
which seem absolutely different. 1t Is
essential that the physiological condi-
tions of growth be understood, and
then good judgment must be depended
upon.
In the growing Of mushrooms for
commercial purposes, the beds should
be constructed of stable manure which
has been fermented or composted.
Many experiments have been made
looking toward the substitution Of
other composts or waste products for
stable manure, but nothing has Vet
been found which may be more highly
recommended. Fresh manure should
be obtained, and this should include
the litter used for bedding the anil
mails, unless the latter consists Of
coarse weeds. 1t Is a great mistake,
in commercial way, to attempt to
use manure free from straw. Again,
stable manure which has been we'll
trampled Is nearly always we'll pre-
served, and is frequently much richer
than any other kind.
The manure should be piled in heaps
about feet deep when we'll pressed
down with the fork, and these piles
may be of considerable extent. 1t
should be watered until we'll moist
ened throughout, but not drenched.
In the course of four or Ave days or a
week it will be necessary to fork over
or turn" the manure. A second turn
ing will be required usually In from
seven to ten days. and it may be neces-
sary to water again If the material has
suffered considerable drying out. If
well pressed down and merely moist,
the manure will not burn and. more
over, there will be no tendency for a
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29
Pastures.

Cd The use Of poor spawn, or Of
spawn which has been killed by i'm
proper storage.
. CD Spawning at temperature in
juriously high.
CD The use of too much water
either at the time Of spawning or later.
60 Unfavorable temperature dur
ing the growing period.
Mushrooms may be grown in any
place where the conditions of temper
allure and moisture are favorable. A
shed, cellar, cave or vacant space in
a greenhouse may be utilized to ad-
vantage for this purpose. The most
essential factor, perhaps, is that of
The proper temperature
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

regulated. Cold is less injurious to
mushroom beds than heat The for
mer renders the bed for time unpro-
ductive; but the latter stimulates the
spawn to too rapid growth, which Is
usually followed by the production Of
unstable mushrooms, or by the even
tual death Of the spawn, supposedly
by damping off.
Mushrooms may often be grown in
very simply constructed shed or I'M
used barn which will provide against
any sudden changes Of the tempera-
ture. and when It Is possible to employ
artificial heat the season for mush-
room production in such structures
may be greatly extended.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

Conical Hoop Flytrap; Side View.
s(A) Hoops Forming Frame at Bottom.
.tB) Hoops Forming Frame at Top.
EfC) Top of Trap, Made of Barrel
Head. Cd Strips Around Door. (E)
Door Frame. F) Screen on Door
SSG) Button Holding Door. (H)
Screen on Outside of Trap. CD Strips
ON Side OF Traps Between Hoops (D
TIPS OF These Strips Projecting to
I Form Legs. (K) Cone. N) United
Edges of Screen Forming Cone (M)
Aperture at Apex of Cone.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29
Inexpensive and Easily Constructed Flytrap

"a homemade fytrap which has
been most effective in barns near out
houses and other places on the farm
where flies are numerous, may be
made as follows:
The bottom frame Of the trap is
made by fitting two fiat barrel hoops
one inside the other SO that the inside
sdiameter is Is inches The upper part
of the frame Is made in the same way,
but round board Is fitted tightly into
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

sprung by the same sort of mechan-
ism--a trigger pan resting on a de-
pressed place In the mole ridge In such
way as to be lifted when the animal
passes beneath. No part of a set mole
trap should ever be in the runway, as
its presence makes the animal avoid
the obstruction by burrowing around
or below 1T. -
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29
CLIPPED FROM FARM LETTERS

II never fed any other feed as cheap
as silage."
II wouldn't be without a silo. Mine
paid for itself in two years." --
=. II practically wintered twenty head
Of stock on thirteen acres of silage.
and wouldn't have had nearly enough
II fed from the field
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29
The Scuppernong, the Oldest Of American Grapes

Is small having to Is but generally
to 6 berries. The berries average
three-fourths Of an inch in diameter.
and when fully ripe vary In coloc from
pearly green to reddish brown, de
pending on the amount of exposure to
the sun of the individual cluster and
berry. They ripen fairly early and the
Individual berries shatter readily from
the cluster when ripe. The skin Of
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29
KEEP THEM DRY.

If young turkeys get wet, take them
to a warm room until Thoroughly
warm and dry. The more exercise
young turkeys have the better. AL
ways give free range in dry weather
If possible.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29
BUILD A SILO.

A well-built silo Of any type will
keep silage we'll, so the cost of differ
ent materials will in many cases de-
eide whether to buy or build. and
what type Of silo to select. In choos-
ing, low first cost. cheap maintenance.
durabilit and smooth, alright wall
should be demanded. Ordinarily the
more permanent silo should be built.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

Fly-screens on every door and win
dow? No! Well do not wal. another
day. BY keeping the pests out they
cannot breed in the dust in the cracks
In the walls.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

Access to fine gravel, crushed shells
and broken charcoal is necessary for
turkeys. Give them plenty Of green
food. 1t prevents digestive troubles.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

Any hen manure left? Good place
IL. I Ell. Stir 1t in close
to the hills. II left out on top it may
dry up in the sunshine and do nobody
good.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

$ Team-po can be increased best
~ increasing the size of the horses
rather than by adding to their num-
bsr.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-06-29

the berry Is medium tough and Is COW
cred with numerous small russell
dots and sometimes russell blotches.
The flesh Is pale green, juicy, soft,
musky, sweet. sprightly, and Of good
quality. The seeds are large. This
variety Is suited for home use and
wine making. 1t Is productive but not
so productive as the James or Thomas.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-03-25
New Spring Waists and Blouses of Alluring Newness

crepe de chine seems to have caught
fashions favor more strongly than ever. and
diaphanous Crepe Georgette bids fair to win
Spring choice These at $225, s295 and ID
to $500.