The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-12
BULBS AND BUNK" WARNING
 SOUNDED BY C. 8. M'VEY
Majority Of Highly Advertised Bulbs Worthless To Anna Of South Declares Expert On Gardening Writing For The Age-Herald-Recites History Regarding Grim son Clover
By GEORGE F. M,yAY

Ing to the planter with luminous ads and special articles about every con sort of wering bulb, some of which do really posses merit, but It might be said at the outset that the majority of them are worthless to the amateur Cf the south. It Is really hard to convince some people in Alabama and especially in the district, that much of the recommendations read in north ern publications are not at all ap- plicable to our sections. Some peo- pie cannot visualize the fact that our southern climate is much differ ent from the northern and that the article they may read is based on of the writer, who may have never been out of their own state. The Age-Herald Is prepared to tell you when and what to plant, no matter whether 1t be bulbs, flower seeds CT vegetable crops and readers of this publication should avail themselves of this service. Crimson Clover.
 One of the first bulletins dis in Alabama on crimson clover, some 20 or more years ago, was known as bulletin No. and written by the writer. At that time. the plant was new to the southern farmer and nc one would credit the great economical value of the plant. but since then. the plant has steadily gained in favor with the farmer un- tll now it's cultivation Is almost uni versal throughout the south. Grim son clover is an annual and this should be kept in mind in planting 1t. It does reseed itself If left un- disturbed but one cannot depend on this for a succession. Crimson clover Is valuable winter cover crop and can be made to serve the purpose as such. may be used as a grazing crop or hay crop, but its chief function Is to turn under for the benefit of the soil. Crimson clover may be planted now, but early plantings should be protected by some shade such as corn and cotton. Early planting Is to be 
 Hairy Vetches.
 The term veitch so often used In descriptive matter appearing in the agricultural press, Is often mislead- ing because there are several types of vetches, all perhaps belonging to the same genus, but different va rieties. Hairy veitch, frequently called sand vetch. is an annual win ter legume; in short. is really a win
  for the fertilizing of the soil, but for the production of a high grade hay, either sown by itself or in connec- tion with winter grain. Hairy vetch may be sown any time from now on up to November 1. It is generally best to sow with rye, fall oats or wheat. The plant Is climbing in character and while it does not twine around any support 1t throws out curls that fasten themselves to any support and thus the grain enables the plant to stand up. The plant is often cultivated for it's beautiful pur- pie blossom and is frequently sown in waste places for this purpose. Stock are exceptionally fond of it and the quality of the hay is unsur- passed.
 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
 0. What variety of cowpeas sells bestin the open market? P. S., One onta, Ala.
 A. All varieies sell well the main factor being to keep the varieties separate. Most farmers make no ef- fort to keep the varities separate, consequently their crop must be sold as mixed at greatly reduced prices.
 c. We have some barley to sell and would like to know if its alright to measure it or should it be weighed and how much to the bushel P. A. Decatur, Ala.
 A. Barley is always sold on basis of AS lbs. to the bushel and the purchaser would naturally expect this quantity.
 Q. How much hairy vetch is sup posed to constitute bushel? We find this seed quoted by the bushel. s. P, Albany, Ala.
 A. A measured bushel of hairy ll,r, Irrl pounds. Its best to buy on the pound basis and then you know what you are doing.
 c. We have several hundred pounds of Crimson clover left over from last year. Do you think these seed are good and would answer for plant ing now2 D. H., Tallapoosa, Ga.
 A. There Is considerable doubt about this because Crimson clover looses its vitality quicker than most any other seed. The only safe plan would be to test the seed before plant ing. This is easily done by plant ing shallow in damp sand, between blotters or in moss. only two or three days is required to determine vital ity.
 - Q. have a big ridge of jonquils. spring, the plants made few blooms, What could be the trouble? Mrs. J. M, R. F. D. g.
 A. The trouble is undoubtedly due to the fact that the plants are too thick. l would advise that they be taken, separated and reset. This mist be done at times with all jon quils and narcissus.
 c. l have been told that tomatoes are injurious to children while others say, that they are good for stomach and bowel troubles. Do they really possess any medicinal value Mrs. F., Vivian, Ala.
 A. Alphabetically, tomatoes do possess a medicinal value. The juice frequently given to children suffer ing with cholera infantum-a little salet and red pepper is sometimes added to the juice. Most vegeta ble s have medicinal value.
 Q. l have a lot of fine water oak shade trees that have good many dead branches that l am anxious to done now without injury to the trees? J. F.
 A. By all means, I would have the dead stuff cut out. There is no dan ger to any plant in cutting out dead wood. It is really better to do 1t now when you can see what you are doing.
 %' Sah JoQ tcll us WHdI we SnOulu pay for bur clover seed? We want seed in the burs grown in Alabama. .. F., Opp, Ala.
 A. When 1t comes to buying seed in the rough or burs, price don t mean anything. Most of the seed advertised contains, by weight or bulk, from 75 to 90 per cent of dirt and trash. Seed offered at 10 cents per pound is liable to be five times more expensive than others offered at 20 cents. The sensible thing to do Is to buy only by sample.
 c. In taking up my hyacinth bulbs l notice that some white lice are working on them. I want to dry them and put in sand for winter planting. Should I use anything on the bulbs to kill the lice? Miss E.
 A. Mix equal parts of common sul- phur and air slaked lime or com mon dry lime and dust the bulbs. Let them dry out in the shade for about about a week. The lice should dis a annaar when hulhg may fhan he