The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-07-31
Culture Ferns and Palms


 through neglect. the plant struggles along, takes on an ugly or diseased aspect, ana. finally dies. It must be remembered that such plants are either tropical or semi-tropical in their nature, hence an essential t' success Is a fair amount of heat light and moisture. Just plain water Is the cause of more deaths than most any other thing, especially with palms. It is common habit to soak the palms every day when the best condition is moderate moisture regu- lariy maintained. The first evil dence of overwatering Is a .sellow appearance on tho tip ends of the leaves, which progresses slowly, but will soon render the plant unsightly. When you first notice these yellow tips, reduce the amount of water and the plant may overcome the defect. Dark situations of such plants are liable also to induce yellowing Of tip ends, often the case in winter. when not enough light Is available. The foliage of all ferns and palms should be frequently washed or sponged off to remove dust particles. and when ever done, look out for insects. Care Is the main factor and the value of such plants justifies 1t.
 More Nftrmtes Discovered
 While all this squabbiing is going on over Muscle Shoals and it's de- velopment as a factor in cheap fer tilizers for the American farmer. the Chilean government has quietly an- nounced the discovery of new field of nitrate deposits, covering an area of over 1,500 square miles. Their government engineers declare the de- posit to average from two to three feet thick and the, analysis to run from 2b to 40 per cent nitrate of soda. There will be no squabh e-sss about its development; in fact, the Chilean government doesn't need this new find, and may not utilize it for many years, but it's fine surplus of wealth to have, and to know its great value in dollars and cents, This government monopoly in Chilli has made the country rich beyond the dreams of It's earlier civilization, and practically every farmer on earth has contributed directly or indirect- ly to the great wealth of this South American republic. How much longer is the United States going to pay the annual tribute to the nitrate syndicate when 1t is admitted we can. produce our supply at Muscle Shoals.
 Questions and Answers
 o. I want to SOW an acre in rich new ground mainly to produce salad to bunch and sell green on the mar ket. I want to SOW mixture or early and late seed so the patch will last. Please suggest a mixture ana what proportion. J. H., Gardendaie.
 A. would suggest the following to sow broadcast on the entire acre: Half pound each curled mustard, Purple Top globe turniup. sweet German turnip and seven top turnip. Mix all together and SOW broadcast. This mixture will afford an abund- ance of greens, and no small amount of excellent turnip, and will last all winter.
 O. My large hanging baskets are coming to pieces, the moss Is break ing through between the wire. let ting out soil when I water them. Can you suggest some way to rem edy? Mrs. D., Woodlawn.
 A. Chink up the holes with moss or add burlap and stretch fine wire netting or small wire around so as to reinforce the outside of the bas- kets. Fasten snugly around so 1t holds close.
 O. What Is meant by saturated solution? Miss E.
 A. It means all that liquid solvent such for example as water, will dis' solve of a given solid. When salt Is added to water until no more will be taken up or dissolved, the resultant liouid Is a saturated solution.
 o. am told that plants don't do well in concrete urns and window boxes. Have you had any ezperience with them? Mrs. c.
 A. A great deal depends on the plant, character of the soil, exposure and. most important of all, drainage A very few plants will grow with out under drainage. and particularly if soil is porous enough to promote