davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

After eight years of experimentation
with the yellow-fowered a a
known to botanists as Medicaeo fal-
cata, plant specialists Of the U. S. De-
partment of Agriculture feel that the
plant can not yet be recommended for
general cultivation. They believe,
however, that because of certain desir-
able characteristics, some strains Of
the species will be valuable for use in
plant breeding and that from hybrids
resulting from crossing this yellow
lowered alfalfa with the common al
falfa, hardy types more valuable than
any now cultivated should be devel-
oped. With this end in view, the De-
partment specialists will continue their
experiments.
The yellow-howered species, which
grows wild from the Mediterranean to
northern Siberia, was introduced be-
cause of the desire of the Department
to find strains Of alfalfa sufficiently
hardy and drought-resistant to grow
successfully in the cooler and drier
portions Of the United States. Most Of
the specimens introduced have been
found to be relatively hardy and
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24
VALUE AND PRESERVATION OF
HEN MANURE.

According to the Maine station, the
drOppings should be collected daily
and mixed with substances which will
% prevent loss OF nitrogen, ca add
sufficient potash and phosphoric acid
to make better balanced fertilizer
and CD improve the mechanical con.
dition of the manure SO that il can be
applied to the land with a manure
sprcader.
This can be done as follows: To
each thirty pounds of the manure add
ten pounds of sawdust, good dried
loan, or peat, sixteen pounds Of acid
phosphate, and eight pounds of kainit
Such a mixture will contain about rs
per cent Of nitrogen, As per cent OF
phosphorjc acid, and two per cent of
potash, which, used at the rate of two
tons per acre would furnish fifty
pounds of nitrogen, 1876 pounds of
phosphoric acid and eighty pounds of
potash, and at the present price of
fertilizing ingredients is worth about
SO per ton. The mixture would fur
nsh well-balanced stable fertilizer,
which. although not fine enough 10
work well in drills. can be successfully
applied with manure spreader. The
treated manure should be well shelter
ed until time to apply to the land
that is shortly before blowing.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24
EROSION.

The farm practices that cause ex-
cessive erosion are continuous culti-
vation shallow blowing, furrowing
with the slopes, leaving the land bare
in winter, neglect of gullies and the
exhaustion of organic matter. Prac-
tees tending to control erosion are
systematic rotation containing fewer
cultiva 81 crops and more hay and
pasture crops. the gradual deepening
of soil by occasional deep blowing. the
use of barn yard and green manures,
winter cover crops such as rye and
wheat, and prompt attention to gullies
and bitches. rerracing and contour
farming are coming into favor as pre-
yentive practices as lands increase in
value. Thing poorly drained sloping
lands such as spouty hillsides, helps
by opening up the subsoil and carry
ing part Of the water off through the
tiles.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

The crested canary is another unus-
ual form, with a long crest extending
down around the head below the level
of the eyes, The frill or Dutch frill
canary is large bird with long curling
feathers. The Lancashire is the larg-
est of known varieties of the canary,
standing head and shoulders above all
others. These giant" canaries may be
crested or smooth headed. o tn e
forms that may be mentioned are the
border fancy. small bird and the
Norwich, or Norwich plain head. from
which come many Of the common ca
naries.
1t must not be supposed that the
number of varieties of canaries emu
merated covers the entire field. For
each of the main forms there are al
most endless groups or divisions that
have been developed on color peculiar
tiles. To obtain pure-bred birds re-
quires constant care and supervision.
and with any slackness of method
host Of mongrels appear Interbreed-
ing between the various forms, differ
ing so widely in color, results in rever-
sion to the original type, which was a
spotted or striped greenish bird, GER
tain proof of the common origin Of all.
That the color of canaries may be
deepened or intensified by certain col
or foods given during the mott is we'll
known and has attracted much Inter-
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

much earlier in the southern states
and is a very desirable garden flowe'
or for cutting. as they keep especialfy
well in the hot sun.
For all varieties of Iris there should
be heavy coat Of manure In the fall
the fresher the better. II the soil Il
very poor apply IT several inches thick
III good. give only an inch In thick
ness. This should be we'll incorporated
with the soil by raking. When this
ground Is in good shape in spring
spade up and puiverize the soil. max,
Ing 1t soft and pliable. For Germa,
Iris plant the roots deeply. This ali !
applies to the Japan Iris. Cover ths
bulbs very lightly.
All the culture they need IL to haze
the soil Kept free OF weeds ana hood
very lightly or raked just 30 the cr,Is,
Ia broken and kept loose. Never allow
weeds to get start in the beds as the
Iris cannot resist the encrpachmeutl
Of rapid, strong-growing weeds.-C
Bcstcher.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

drought-resistant. The chief defects
which make the species undesirable
for general cultivation under present
conditions are its failure to recover
quickly after moving, and its poor
seeding habits. These characteristics,
in most cases, make impossible the
cutting of more than one crop of hay
and make the harvesting of sufficient
seed for planting purposes exceedingly
difficult and costly.
In their plant breeding experiments.
the specialists will strive to produce a
plant which will embody the good
qualities of Medicago falcata but from
which its. defects have been eliminated
AS far back as mention of Medicago
falcata can be traced in the history of
agriculture it has almost invariably
been referred to directly or indirectly
as a noncultivated species. Incidental
ly it may be inferred from certain
references by early writer's that the
plant was utilized in a very limited
way for forage in some localities in
Europe. but no hint is given that it
was cultivated there for that or any
other purpose. No attempt has been
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

tinct strains, with a large number Of
varieties, are known.
The common canary is reared pri-
marily for it's song. and from it prob
ably came the roller, or song canary, q
great favorite in Germany and more
recently, in England. In rearing song
canaries attempt is made to produce
males with clear, soft, pleasing songs
with long rolls or trills, and no atten-
ton whatever is paid to other charac-
ters. These birds, therefore, are usu-
ally nondescript as regards color and
appearance, but care is taken in mat
ing to secure males that are good sing
ers and females from good stock. The
young BIRDS when fiedged are put in
rooms with birds noted for their soft
song, and here, through imitation, they
develop their own vocal powers. Care
full watch is kept over them. and any
bird developing harsh notesis remoy-
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

pure-bred Belgians were to be found,
and under present war conditions 1t
may Niger recover it's own. The typi-
cal Belgian canary is a large bird with
small head, long, slender neck. large
shoulders, and a long, tapering body.
1t Is primarily a bird Of position. y
When examined it hops up on a perch
and throwing its shoulders up brings
the head down we'll below their level.
The back and tail form perpendicu-
lar line and the feet are held close to-
gether.
Another bird Of position is the
Scotch fancy canary. This variety re-
sembles the Belgian, but when in po-
sition throws the tail in under the
perch until its outline in profile Is al
most a semicircle.
Another well-marked variety Is the
cinnamon canary. one of the earliest
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24
FOR SHOT-HOLE BORER,

One gallon of commercial lime sui
fur to eight gallons Of water as used
for the San Jose scale during the
dormant season is quite effective. An
oil spray as recommended for the
scale is also beneficial. Stiff white
wash with a pint Of crude carbolic
acid added to each 10 gallons, is also
used. These washes may be applied
as sprays before the buds open. but
where it is necessary to repeat the APP
plication after the leaves appear they
can be applied to the trunk and main
limbs with a brush. The best and
cheapest remedy is prevention by
keeping all trees vigorous.
In the case Of apple, pear, and other
trees which do not exuGe gum to any
extent. II Is a question of judgment
whether it will be possible to save
trees attacked by this insect. II the
infestation Is rather severe, II usually
indicates that the tree is beyond hope
of saving. Individual branches on
trees may often show attack by this
insect and should be promptly remov-
ed and burned to prevent further in
crease and spread Of the borer.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

Canaries have been domesticated for
several hundred years and, though
| more common in western Europe and
the United States than elsewhere. have
been carried over practically the entire
! civilized world. In England and Ger
! many there are hundreds of canary
breeders and many agricultural socie-
ties. Several periodicals dealing solely
I, with cage birds are published there,
and in the larger cities bird exhibitions
! are held annually. In the United
States there are comparatively few
! fanciers as yet, so that, though num-
1 bers Of canaries are reared here "a
large part Of the stock is secured from
| abroad. More than three and one
quarter millions of canaries have been
brought into the United States during
the last 10 years, an average of more
than 100000 birds each year. Most
OF these have come from Germany, but
some are imported from England.
Canaries seem to thrive in any eli
mate where not exposed to too severe
weather conditions, and in spite Of the
long period they have been protected
and held in captivity they are capable
Of enduring a surprising degree Of cold
when hardened to it. In England it is
not unusual to find them in outdoor
aviaries throughout the year. They
seem able to establish themselves
again in wild state under favorable
conditions. In 1909, brood Of domes-
tic canaries wac released on Midway
Island, q small sandy islet in the Ha-
waiian group. BY 1914 they had in
creased until It was estimated that
ley numbered about 1000.
The actual origin Of the canary as a
cage bird is as obscure as is the early
history of other domesticated animals.
It seems probable that captive canaries
were first secured from the Canary ISL
ands, a group with which they have
long been popularity associated. There
are in the Old World, however, two
closely allied forms from which the
domesticated canary may have come.
One Of these, the bird now recognized
as the wild canary" is found in tho
Canary Islands with the exception Of
the islands Of Fuerteventura and Lam
zarote). Madeira, and the Azores. The
other form, the serin finch, ranges
through southern Europe and northern
Africa, extending eastward into Pales-
tine and Asia Minor. In a wild state
these two forms are very similar in
color and Is novice are hardly dis
If. as is supposed, the original sup
Islands, it may be considered doubtful
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

season. In a wild state they nest early
in spring and again later, rearing two
broods. The nest made of plant stems
and grasses and lined with hair and
plant downs. is placed in bushes or low
trees. The eggs are clear green in COL
or. spotted and clouded with deep wine
red and reddish brown. From three to
five eggs are deposited.
Variation among domesticated cana
ries began early. as Hernandez, in
1887, speaks of the canary as wholly
yellow in color save for the tips Of the
wings. The various forms have had
their origin in distinct geographic
areas and though some are almost ex-
tinct at present, all at one time or an
other have had a devoted following OF
fanciers. At present at least II dis
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24
FLOWING.

Flowing ID the first operation in tho
production Of all common farm crops
and II not we'll done 1t Is hardly Ioeil
cal to expect good results, even thoueh
the other operations are well-pesi
formed.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

nave red pepper as base For q Ions
time methods OF preparing and feedin :
them were kept secret, but now they
are outlined in many manuals on ca.
nary keeping.
A standard color food may be pro-
pared as follows: To the ordinary egg
food Gone hard boiled ege choppc.]
nne with an equal bulk OF bread
crumbs or unsalted cracker crumbs,
add teaspoonful Of ground sweet red
pepper Mix until the food shows an
even reddish tint throughout! Each
BIRD to be experimental upon should
receive one small teaspoonful daily.
The quantity of pepper Is increased
gradually, until two heapinx teaspoon
fuls are used. Addition Of a little
brown sugar and few drops Of pure
olive oil 10 beneficial. and sma,i
quantity of hot red pepper gives q bet
ter flavor. The food should be pre-
pared fresh each day. In mixing. NJ
loWance must be made for variation n
the size Of eggs used. In color feeding
some canary breeders increase the
proportion Of sweet red pepper until
-FOUR teaspoonfuls are added to tho
usual quantity of egg food. Half II
teaspocnful of this concentrated TO Il
Is allowed each bird. This method ma,
DE used during a short. quick mott
Care Of Pe'es and Bill.
AS canary grows old Il will be no.
ticed that its claws get long and catci,
on the perches and wires as i. nor !,
about the cage. In state Of nature
the activities Of the bird as 1t moves
about on the ground or among twigs
and limbs keep the claws properly
worn down. Confined in a cage, TIL,
canary is less active. and while the
rate of growth of the claws remains
the same they are subject to much less
abrasion. 1t is necessary. therefore, tn
trim them with pair Of sharp scissors
every few months. 1t Ia important to
watch the condition of the claws care
fully. as by catching they may cause a
broken leg. In each claw slender
blood vessel extends we'll down toward
the tip. This may be seen on close ex-j
animation through the transparent
sheath OF the claw. In trimming cut
we'll beyond this canal and take spec ID i
care not to break the leg while ham
ding the bird.
In cage birds the horny covering Oh
the bill, as we'll as. the claws, some-I
times becnmea dsAtnrtNds IT r.o-s-s4s
growth without sufYicient wea ThaS
tips of the mandih1es may be pare.Nl
down with a sharp knife. but care
must be taken not to cut deep enough
to- reach the quick.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

D1agram OF Foot OF Canary with
OvergrOWn Claws.
blood vessel. B-Point
at which claw may be trimmed with
out injury.
ment Well-trained birds bring high
prices, and fair number of these find
their way each year into this country.
In the great class Of exhibition birds
perhaps none is more striking than the
Belgian canary. Formerly known as
the king Of the fancy" It was reared
in Belgium, but Of late
years its popularity has been on the
decline. In 1911 it was said that few
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

est. Turmeric, marigold flowers, SAT-
from, cochineal. annatto. port wine
mustard seed and other agents rich In
natural color are often used fo'
this purpose, but it is doubtful whether
they exert any real influence. So fai
as known all successful color foods
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

ed with cloth to lessen tendency to
Objectionable loudness Of song. In six
months or less their education COM
pleted, these songsters may be sold or
in their turn utilized in training others
still younger. 1t Is common to teach
these birds some simple strain or air,
through its constant REPETITION by
whistling or by means of an instru-
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24
AN1LrNE DYE INDUSTRY,

the possibilities of coal tar products is
to be established at Johns Hopkins un-
iversity. with the cooperation OF gas
companies Of Philadelphia and Balti-
more. The purpose is to develop the
aniline dye industry
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

Use ordinary light hinges. ! use
seven cross pieces, and then by dou-
bling these. which is absolutely neces-
sary you will have to use fourteen,
with four pieces length-wise, making
a total of eighteen pieces, cheap and
durable and economical gate.
In making the latch use any of sew
eral convenient methods. - Burdine
Webb.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24
A Choice Flower

OF all plants the most indifferent ia
all conditions and environments. sol
and care. none yields the product thai
the Iris does, and with high culture Il
is just that much more satisfactory fol
the added attention.
The German Iris is in many ways al
especially desirable plant. 1t nev$
fails az plant for Memorial Day pux1
poses in the northern states. ct bloo&
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

Both of the wild varieties inhabit
vineyards. -thIekets, and--nafs open
country where bordered by trees. At
times during fall and winter great
focks are found together. The birds
feed uron various seeds and occasion
ally eat figs or other small fruits in
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24
BY ALEXANDER WErMORE.

ed at once to prevent his corrupting
the purity of tone in the song Of his
brothers. A mechanical instrument
known as bird organ, that produces
liquid trills, is frequently utilized in
training, usually when the adult birds
are silent during mott. Ordinarily the
room where these birds are kept is
darkened, and frequently the cages
containing the young birds are SCREEN
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24
Economical Farm Gate

Take board strips, one inch thick,
three inches broad, and the proper
length and width you want your gate,
nail them across each other, making
about three inch cracks.
-AThen take the same sized and width
eces and double the crosses, mailing
.ecurely. half pound of No. 8 nails
will do the work.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

BY planting wild trees and shrub
bearing fruits about the hone. ths
householder can attract birds and q
the same time protect cultivated fruitII
from their rAtageA
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

1T is the March, April and May bees
that are most valuab bic in producing
strong colonies and abundant surplus
of honey.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

A. few blackberry plants and currsnt
bushes should have their place in the
home supply.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

Plant. first of all, to feed your fam
ny and live stock.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

1t Is good plan to force egg pro-
duction. but nature may be materially
aided by good feed selection
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

Wet salt applied to bee sting will
quickly give relief.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

Apple trees make good shade trees
bor the back yard.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

Packing apples attractively helps to
sell them for more money.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

Barn-yard manure increases the
water-holding capac city Of the soil.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

o
edtoN stand Rear YoungAd dstoT pukny
The midland journal., 1917-07-20

next instant was Jerked bodily out OF
his seat. Lorelei uttered a cry of
fright, for the whole side of the cab
seemed to go with her employer.
There was a brief scuf1e, whirl of
flying arms, then Bergman's voice rose
in strangely muff1ed howl, followed
by nasal curses. With below Of an
guish he suddenly ceased his struggles,
and Lorelei saw that Bob was holding
him by the nose. 1t happened to be
large, unhandsome and fleshy MEM
ber, and, securely grasping it, Berg
mans conqueror held him at painful
and humiliating disadvantage.
Bob was painting, but he managed to
say, "Come! We. will dance for the
lady"
A muffled shrek of pain was the an
swer, but the street was empty save
for some grinning chauffeurs, who Of
fered no assistance.
"Be good fellow. insist, my dear
Nobel"
"Drive on, quickly" Lorelei i'm
plored, but the chauffev- cranked his
motor reluctantly. A moment passed,
then another; he cranked once more.
Bergman was sobbing now like a
woman.
Bob paused and wheezed: "Bravo!
You done noble, Nobel We've learned
some new steps, too, eh?" All power
Of resistance had left the victim, who
seemed upon the verge of collapse. 81
say we've learned some new steps;
haven't we, Bergy?" He tweaked the
distorted member in his grasp, and
Bergman's head wagged loosely.
"Oh, ,please-please-" Lorelei cried,
TREMENDOUSLY "Don't-"
"Canter for the kind lady" Whar-
ton insisted. Bergman capered awk-
wardly.
"Mr. Wharton! Bob Lorelei's
agonized entreaty brought her admirer
to the cab door, but he fetched his pris-
oner in ". "Let him go orwell be
arrested:
"I'll let go If you insist. But it's
there such nose"
Bergman, with a desperate wrench,
regained his freedom and staggered
away with his face in his hands.
"It-actually stretched" said Bob,
as he regretfully watched his victim.
II dare say I'll never find another nose
like it,
Lorelei's cab got under way at last,
but barely in time, for crowd was as
sembling. Not until she was safely
inside her little apartment with the
chain on the door, did she surrender;
then she burst into trembling, chok-
ing fit Of laughter. But her estimate
Of Wharton had risen, and for the first
time he seemed not entirely bad.
The midland journal., 1917-07-20
CHAPTER XIII.

Jimmy Knight felt his sisters deser-
ton quite as keenly as did his mother
and father, for his schemes, though in
choate, were ambitious, and his heart
was set upon them. Lorelei's obsti-
macy was exasperating woman's
unaccountable freakishness.
He confided his disappointment to
Max Melcher. ITS pretty tough"
complained Jimmy II had Merkle 60
ing, but she Grabbed it. Then just as