Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1917-03-23
Farm Demonstration Notes.

A recent visit to all the larger hardware
stores In Washington revealed the fact that
practically all the pruning saws sold were
OF the double-edge type. Yet of all the
pruning saws made these are the most dis
appointing and unsatisfactory for orchard
work. Why are the poorest pruning saws
made sold to the practical exclusion of
several really excellent ones which are ON
the marketH Doubtless because the DUR
chasers think they are getting two saws
Tor the price of one. That particular fea
ture makes good talking point for the
salesman and takes with the customer.
Neither have given enough thought to the
desirable qualities of a pruning saw to
select one really suited to the work.
Visits to number of young orchards in
the county during the past week show a
similar lack of care in the purchase of
nursery stock for planting. both Of apples
and peaches The two or three -year-old
trees sell for much higher price than the
year-old whip from the nursery row. The
agents commission on a hundred older
trees is. therefore. larger than on the same
number OF younger ones. He, therefore,
shapes his arguments accordingly, and per-
suades the prospective purchaser that he
is getting more for his money. He is getting
more-worthless wood. But in five years
time the year-old trees are as large, or
larger, and In much better form than the
older ones This is strikinely demonstrated
in block of 400 peaches planted in the
spring of 1916 on the farmo Of J. C. Louthan,
near Rockville. The young trees are by
far the best. though they cost less than
one-sixth as much as the older ones. They
will fruit as soon or sooner. The purchase
of old and large trees is a financial leak
easily stopped. The self-interest of the
salesman is poor guide in making any
purchase.
There is some well-bred seed corn in the
county for sale, both yellow and white,
and any one in want Of such should COM
municate with the County Agent 1t will
give as good results or better than seed
imported from a distance, and can be
bought for less.
Now is the time to tip. butt and Grade
your seed corn and test for termination.
There is no surer way of increasing your
yield than to really know that your seed
is of such uniform size as to insure an
even drop and that at least IS per cent
of the grains dropped will grow. Should
one good-sized ear which will not germ-
nate get into the seed planted on an acre
it will cause loss equivalent to about
800 hills. 1t is the missing hills and
barren stalks that cut the yield in spite
of good cultivation and favorable seasons
On the first clear and MINDLESS morning,
and before that corn ground is dry enough
to pillow. just say to your hands. Let us
sprayr Then get busy with the barrel
pump for few hours 1t is the only way
to be sure of sound fruit either for sale or
for home use.
Mondays Baltimore sun announced
report from the Department Of Agriculture
that 1870 farm tractors were now in use on
Maryland farms. Montgomery county al
ready has more than her fortunate share.
another sign that Old Montgomery is bound
to march in the vanguard of agricultural
progress. The arrangements for the county
tractor demonstration are progressing sat
isfactOrily. and a definite announcement
will soon be made as to time and place of
holding it.