davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
LEOPARD MOTH; A DANGEROUS INSECT PEST
Shade May Be Protected Against This Drc
tive Enemy Should Be Employed Promptly and Thoroughly

The Injection of bisulphid Of carbon
n into the burrows of the leopard motn
and the cutting off and destroying OF
affected branches are recommended
as the most effective measures Tor
( getting rid Of this pest The insect
feeds on the wood Of a large number
\ of shade trees and shrubs and does
much damage along the Atlantic sea-
n board between Massachusetts and
y New Jersey and in the Hudon River
Valley. In the caterpillar, or larva
stage, the leopard moth eats into the
tree upon which it feeds and not only
II checks it's growth but so weakens 1t
! that 1t Is often broken by heavy wind
3 storms.
~ The presence of the pest Is indi-
Gated by the willing of twigs or
branches and by accumulations OF
sawdust like castings at the entrance
81 the burrows The discovery Of
this evidence should be followed
promptly by the pruning away Of all
the smaller injured twigs or branches.
TIL. larger ones may be cut back be-
hind the injury and the stubs covered
with grating wax to prevent the en-
trance of other insects. Ali the wood
that has been cut away should be
sp-on, pity burned, in order to destroy
the caterpillars within. This precau-
ton also should be followed with all
branches that have fallen to the
ground after windstorms. Wherever
the trees are so badly injured that
there is little hope Of their recovery.
sit is best to take them out and
promptly destroy them. In the case
sog trees which are only slightly az
fccted, and especially in the case of
large and valuable trees, bisulphid of
carbon can be used effectively. 1t Is
Injected into the openings of the bur-
rows with a long-spouted oil can or
glass; syringe. end the openings are
sc.osed Immediately afterwards, prefer
H IL with grating wax. . -
Carbon bisulphid must be handled
nth care, and precautions taken to
u oil, danger from fire and the in
l1lsing OF fumes. This means that
tie operator should not smoke while
!: @rll. On the other hand, there
j q no fear Of the liquid damag-
IA, hands.
SO leopard moth in it's adult form
spotted appearance, the semi
i, ssparent white wings being thickly
4 with blackish, dark blue, or
.sa,atsll spots. There are also large
HE h spots on the thorax and dark
.sfse.i sands on the white abdomen.
e Is moth lays it's eggs, either singly
s.s IN groups, during the summer,
I'LL ia y sele- ting crevices in the rough
la Il of trees as convenient place
~ eaosit them. The larvae or cat
q NJ lars hatch about 10 days after
%ss; and at once penetrate the liv-
wood AS they feed. they burrow
4 .sT.: which frequently encircle
e3ss.ia ;'totely the tree or branch. When
arva has grown too large for the
ls'ansh in which it Is feeding, it crawls
sC.at and moves to one more suitable.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
BE SURE TO PLANT ...
SOME PRETTY VINES.

Morning glories, cypress-vines, sweet
peas, gourds, nasturtiunns. Japanese
hops, wild cucumber, hyacinth bean
are among our most desirable annual
climbers. Seeds Of them do not cost
much, and a package Of one or the
other will yield shade. beauty and
grace. ss... v.
The sides of a steep terrace or bank
may be transformed into thing of
beauty by planting trailers along its
top. Rosa Wichuraiana, the memorial
rose, and its hybrids, are desirable for
this purpose. 1t produces a profusion
of long wreaths of small thickly set
leaves, that look as though they were
vanished. In June it literally covers
itself with large, white single Hpses.
The Virginia creeper, honeysuckle,
nasturtiums and moon-vines arp trail
ers rather than climbers. OF garden
plants the sweet-potato and thu dew
berry are genteel enough to b3Erown
as trailers. They give ediblesY Instead
of flowers.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

able because Of rapid corrosion. About
teaspoonful of the liquid bisulphid
is sufficient for each burrow
For stopping the holes after inject
ing the liquid, putty and moist clay,
advised by some, have been found
practically useless. Grating wax, on
the other. hand, gives perfect salts
faction. Coal tar is less advisable but
may be substituted for the latter, or
the holes may be closed by inserting
wooden plug and breaking or saw
ing it off even with the trunk. In
any case the stopper should be tight,
to exclude water from rains, viii IN
might tend to produce decomposition
of the surrounding wood or invite the
entrance of other insects, like carpen-
ter and other ants and secondary
borers, of which there are many
species, and injurious fungi.
1t is possible to reach and destroy
many larvae by forcing a copper or
other pliable wire into the cham :.
This is a well-known borer remedy.
1t is impossible, however, by this
m cans to kill the insects in all cases,
owing to the length or crookedness
of the burrows Bisulphid OF scarbon
should then be used.
To what extent electric or other
bright lights are serviceable as an
agency: in the destruction of the
m oths of this borer has not been def
nitely determined, but they possess
certain value. A method frequently
advised consists in placing shallow
pans around electric-light poles in and
about parks to attract the moths
The pans are partially filed with
water, and small quantity of kero-
sene is poured into them. The moths
flying against the globes drop into
the pans and are promptly killed
when they come in contact with the
oil. In this way many males can be
destroyed. ..'s
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
BRIDGE GRATING INJURED FRUIT TREES
Saving Badly Cirded BY Mice
Rabbits Seriously Injured by Blight Other Diseases

Bridge grating, the use of scions
or small limbs to connect the cam
blum above and below large wound
or girdled strip, may be practised sue
cessfully on almost any kind of fruit
tree that can be propagated readily
by grating. It is used more often
with the apple than any other fruit,
but pear trees often are treated In
this way, especially in certain Sec
lions. There seems to be no reason
why the method should not also be
successful on plums and cherries.
Peaches, however graft less readily
and there may be some question as to
the usefulness of the method in the
case of this fruit.
Mechanical injuries which may be
remedied are usually inflicted by ami
mails, by burrowing insects or by
implements carelessly used. Various
diseases, such as pear blight, also
cause local injuries which may call for
bridge grating. The trunks Of pear
trees are not infrequently completely
girdled and killed by pear blight.
ever, may save the tree. The method
also is useful when large areas OF
bark have been killed by sun scald
or other troubles. Protection Of trees
against rabbits and mice and disease
is. of course, better than having to
bridge graft to overcome damage.
To be effective, bridge grating
should be done in the spring before
growth starts, though sometimes it
can he done after growth starts IL
dormant scions for the purpose can
be secured.
Prepare the wound in the tree by
cutting away all dead tissue and thor
oughlY cleansing the injured parts.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

tn, entrance Of other insects or the
spores of decay-producing. fungi, al
though coal-tar preparations contain
ing mineral substances are in some
what general use for this purpose
After wi dst o r m 8 the affected
branches which have fallen to the
GROUND and those which remain at
tached to the tree should be collected
and burned. Wherever trees show
that they are past recovery it is best
to take them out and promptly de-
stroy them. The word promptly" is
used advisedly, since this insect, as
previously stated, frequently migrates
from one twig or branch to another.
In the case of young and rare trees
and others which show only a few
larval burrows in the bark, bisulphid
of carbon is the best remedy and one
which has been in general use against
the present species in the public parks
Of New York City. 1t Is injected into
the openings Of the burrows, and the
openings are Immediately afterwards
closed with various substances. For
this injection q mechanics long
spouted oil can of small size may be
used on large trees, but against a
related species the writer's have made
very good use of small glass syringe,
such as may be purchased at drug
stores for about 10 cents. These glass
syringes are most serviceable, because
the exact amount Of bisulphid may be
seen when drawn into the syringe and
because there is no threading to be
injured by the reagent. Metal syringes
may also be used, but 1t is more diff
cult to measure the exact amount, and
the bisulphid acts on the leather pack
ing. Rubber syringes are not service
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
FILLS A HENHOUSE NEED

One of the greatest needs in a
poultry house is dry, clean trough
for feeding shell, grit, bran or dry
ration. Here is the description Of an
easily made and simple trough for
this purpose.
The man who has ceiled house
can try my method and I'll guarantee
he will like it, says Michigan cor
respondent Of the American Agricul-
turist. Cut through the ceiling board
between the studding and take out
the board. Put two small hinges on
it, replace and fix a button to hold
it in place. Next cut a slit about two
inches wide and nearly to the stud
ding on both sides, about a foot above
the floor. Insert a trough running
back and slanting to the outside clap
boards. Allow the front edge of the
trough to come little above the
opening in the wall so the feed will
not overrun. With coal scuttle the
trough may be easily filed, and the
hens cannot waste or get on top Of
the trough and foul 1t.
I have three in my house for grit.
shell and bran during the winter.
Where one feeds grains and thinks 1t
best to keep hopper before the fowls
all the time this plan will be liked, as
it takes up no room whatever. II ones
house Is not ceiled the boxes may be
put on the outside Of the house with
troughs running through. The tops of
the boxes should slant so the rain will
run off. These, Of course, will have to
be filled from the outside. With this
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

This will aid IN drawine tiss enH1n
OF scion and trunk olosslv tooseAse
The operation b compsuasA, b sAoe.
oushly covering the aSsa occ1pesA ~
the ends Of the soions aaA the may.
Gins OF the wound With GsNlting w..
strips OF wa1ed cloth. or hv ssGas
other means that aAsqSaAsly wsA ~.
vent these parts from dsytag oal
some opsrstOrs oovsr he satlse
wound, sodons ind al, with snsltsd
WAX. Who're the bridgsd poStlon y
below or near the ground many opsr.
ators conserve moistuSs ~ os~sS1Ag
the gratis With earth
Where the wound u % lasss q %
make ordinary bridge sya1amg Ind.
POSSIBLE, another method OF brid4sns
may be used. Two-year-oid trees ase
planted about the base Of The in1ue>d
tress and their tops gral&sd into IL
trunk shove the girdisd space, which
has first been cleaned ~ IA ,tao o11aor
method. AZ tho tops OF ne sQsll
trees are too large TO maoApuloAO
readily IN the manner dsscrtbed for
scions. v-shAped vertical grooves e.
tending through the cannhiurn - ork
Just above the wounded area In The
bark Of the tree to b tDeated. The
tops OF the small trees are ahApsd to
correspond with thsss eroovss. The
two are then accurately Mad to-
geth0r In such 4 mannss - 10 bring
the cambium OF one into contact
with that Of the other. small
nails may be driven through the tops
OF the tress into the trunk, to hold
the parts firmly together. Thu woaaads
incident to- joining the tops Of th0
small trees to the trunk Of the large
one should be we'll covered With VIZ,
to prevent drying out. Sometimes
cord 10 tied around the trunk to aid
in holding the tops Of the young Trees
in proper position.
While bridge grating IL ssadeua
used on shade or other ornamental
trees, w. r. Fletcher. the author Of
a most instructive bullsttR On Bridge
Grating mo. 400. which has been
recently issued by the U. q Dspart-
ment Of Agriculture. writes that this
method Of grating would probably
prove succsssful in overcoming cor-
tain types Of injuries to them. It 10
certainly we'll worth trying.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

II possible, sterilise by washing With
a solution of bichloride OF mercury,
copper sulphats, or some other anti
septic. The irregular edges OF the
bark above the girdled tract or
wound should be cut back into an
even edge, far enough from the
wound to make certain that healthy
cambium Is under the bark.
For the grating. select scions from
wood Of the previous seasons growth,
either branches which grew the pre-
ceding season or water sprouts that
are only q year old. The scions should
be little longer than the space which
Is to be bridged. 30 they will arch
slightly over the central part Of the
wound.
Bevel the scions at each end on
the same side of the scion with =
long sloping cut 10 that the wedge
shaped ends thus formed will b
relatively thin and permit their being
thrust we'll under the bark without
danger of separating 1t unduly from
the cambium at the points Of inssr-
ton. The placing Of the scions will
be facilitated If the bark ut the mar
gins of the wound is slit for a short
distance at the points where the ends
are to be inserted.
In placing the scions 1t Ia Of the
greatest importance that the cambium
Of the scions which IL exposed in the
sloping cuts at the ends be brought
into intimate contact with the cam
blum that lies under the bark at the
margins of the wounded area. The
union Of scion and tree can occur
only where the cambium layers of
the two come together. The scions
may be secured in their proper posi-
lions, If need be, by driving small
nail through each end into the trunk.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
sILAGE.

Silage was at first considered q
Winter feed since it reduced the
amount Of labor in hauling fodder
during cold, stormy days and also
provided feed that was palatab BILE
when corn fodder and stalks would
not be relished. Now, however, ST.
lage is considered almost as much q
Summer food as for use In Winter
feeding. During the time Of short
pasture it takes the place Of that
succulence furnished by fresh pas
ture grasses. There is rarely a sea-
son when we do not have some dry
weather and consequently shortage
in pasturage. Very frequently there
are times in the Spring and Fall
when one cannot depend upon pas
lures. 1t is then that the silo with
it's supply of fresh feed comes to the
rescue.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
SIMPLE RULES PREVENT FIRES

Here are some instructions given BY
the states Insurance. department for
prevention Of fres:
Don't put ashes in wooden boxes or
barrels. Use metal cans.
Don't throw hot ashes against fences
or buildings.
Don't fail to burn all rubbish and
don't leave It until the IRE IL out.
Don't use coal oil to start 4 IRE.
Don't polish stove while 1t ID hot.
Don't All an oil stove after dark and
never fll one while It ID lighted.
Don't permit rubbish, paper, and
greasy rags to accumulate.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

As the insect remains in the larva
stage, feeding in this. way, for nearly
two years, it is capable Of doing q
great deal Of damage before it trans
forms to the pupa or chrysalis stage.
This it does in May or later, and some
time between May and the end Of
m 9th.
Damage by this borer in large parks
is often so severe as to render It
necessary to establish a system of in
spection. Wherever possible the BIZ
sulphid of carbon should be used.
Care should also be taken to see that
the insect is not allowed to breed in
growth that :; near valuable trees.
The use of fertilizers will strengthen
the trees to withstand the attacks Of
this and other insects.
The protected and concealed man.
ner of life Of this borer, which will
apply in the main to borers in general.
renders it very difficult Of treatment
by means Of insecticides or other d.
rect measures. The most eff1cacious
remedial measure consists in cutting
off and destroying affected branches
and In the injection of bisulphid Of
carbon into the holes or burrows
where the larvae are at work.
Twigs or branches which, by their
whiting or by the presence Of bur-
rows showing accumulations Of frass
or sawdust-like castings at their en-
II ances, indicate the presence Of this
borer should be carefully searched
out, the smaller ones pruned away
and the larger ones cut back, and the
portions promptly burned.
The stubs should be coated, prefer
ably with grating wax, to prevent
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
THE HOUSEKEEPER WHO KMUPD
MILK PURE TAKES CARE

To take the milk In at once ana
place 1t In tho refrigerator.
To keep milk and cream coad, until
ready for use.,
To wrap the bottle In wst closIa
If Ice II not available. and sst in q
dish Of cold water by IN open Window
but out Of the sun. The svapo5a&1on
Of water will keep the milk cool.
To use the milk directly from the
bottle al needed.
TO put no milk or cream back into
the bottle after 1t has bssn poured
out for use.
To clean utensils first with cold, and
then with boiling water: to thoroughlya
drain, and cool them before hlling
wit. milk.
To I've a separate bottle Of milk
for the baby.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
CLEARING THE LAND.

Stump pullers are now made In a
number of sizes, suitable for all classes
Of work, and where conditions are at
all favorable, it is surprising how
much can be accomplished in day, by
their use. Where time is available,
probably the best method Is to cut off
the trees one year and pull the stumps
the next. A years time for the stumps
to die makes a very great difference
in the time and labor required to do a
given amount Of work.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
IMPROVING THE SOIL.

Soils occupied by growing crops
are constantly getting better, as the
natural agencies are more active.
That is. unavailable plant-food is
made available, and vegetable matter
Is accommodating in the roots and stub
BILE. which improves the soil, both in
physical and chemical character.
The dairy barn should be roomy,
clean. dry, light and we'll ventilated.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
THE BEST KIND.

When a man has established a rep
utation for honesty and integrity;
when he has put forth his best en-
deavor to be good citizen and to
support his family in comfort and be
a good neighbor, and the community
in which he lives is better for his
having lived in it, he represents the
very best society to be found on
earth.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
AGarden Favorite

One of the most effective and easily
grown foliage plants for the lawn or
border for shrubs Is the Caladium
Esculentum elephants ears). It is
exceedingly beautiful when used as a
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
PRUNING THE RASPBERRY

The pruning Of the red raspberry
will be better understood If the
piuner knows the habit of growth of
the plant. A new cane springs up and
develops during the summer; the next
spring this cane throws out fruit
clusters, bears fruit, and dies that
year. The root is perennial and the
cane Is biennial. The object of the
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

border for tall growing cannas when
edged with coleus or other low-grow-
ing foliage plants. 1t will thrive in
any ordinary garden soil, but to get
the best results, plant in rich soil and
give plenty of water. .et
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06
A Convenient Feed Trough Attached
to the Wall.

We use carbolic acid as dlsin-
fectant. However, 1t cannot be rec
commended for general use. because
1t lie very dangerous.
All through the day. the hen should
scratch for her living, but at night,
she should 90 to bod with full crop.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

In the, artificial adornment Of
grounds by means Of plants, Nature
is our best instructor From her we
may learn the uses of grass, flowers
vines, shrubs, and trees, and how to
com ine them to the best advantage.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

Sheep will get along with less water
than any other animal but If they
have none the owner will pay for 1t
In weight, wool and lambs.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

Climbing plants meet demand in
the beautifying of farm home
which can be filled neither by trees
nor shrubs.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

pruner then, should be: first, to re-
move the old wood as soon as it dies
In order to give the new wood room
in which to grow; second, to secure,
both by thinning and by heading-i.l,
canes Of sufficient vigor and develop
ment to produce the most and the
largest fruit.
There is slight difference between
the methods Of pruning the red and
the black raspberry, a variation due
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

plan the feed drops down AZ fast %
the hens remove it from the troughs.
Feeding troughs and boards can be
kept much cleaner when they. can
have the benefit Of the fresh air and
sunshine. ssaE .7
When badly soiled, they should be
scrubbed and scalded. Water-vessels
should also be treated In sths same
manner. s4.t
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

More Toulouse are raised than of
any or possibly all other breeds of
geese.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

Rats, minks and weasels will not
mix with pigeons to your advantages.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

The soil Tor tomatoes should b nut
into good shape before planting.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-05-06

The proper preparation for an apple
orchard is deep, rich. mellow soil that
Will not become water soaked.