The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-10-12

the seed be covered and Is rolling the
soil essential? Mrs. Il. aanlit
(Al Too deep covering is the most
frequent cause of grass seed not coming
up promptly, when nature does the
sowing, the seed are merely dropped on
top Of the soil surface. Good land pre-
paration fertilization is important and
its very desirable to roll or press the
soil after sowing, otherwise the small
germ often dries out before establishing
enough root to sustain life.
(Q) What is your experience in re-
moving stumps from landg What is
the cheapest and most effective method
A. H., StOnewail; Miss. II
{A) There is no fixed rule that would
apply because so much depends on the
character of the soil as well as the
stumps. There are experts who dig them
out very cheap and thoroughly, a
stump puller Is very effective on some
stumsp, though frequently dynamite can
be economically used.
(Q) Can you give us a good plan to
destroy rats? G. s., Millport, Ala.
(A) it win pay TO write to agriedl-
tural department, Washington, ID. G.,
for booklet on. the subject, any adyer-
tised rat killer is effective If directions
are followed. The application and the
frequent change of the bait are the main
factors.
(Q) What material is used in making
coverings for cold frames and plant
beds during winter? i. D., Florehce,
Ala.
(A) What are known as mats are
used for the purpose. These are either
spread over the glass sash in very cold
weather or on wooden frames which Is
generally sufficient. Such mats can be
quilted out of burlap or straw, common
floor mating is frequently used
(Q) 1 have had some success in
growing Canada peas in the winter, but
have never tried them with grain. How
would oats do to plant with? Mrs. g.,
Jasper, Ala.
(A) 1t is good practice when oats
are to be grown for hay to SOW with
them half to a bushel of Canada field
peas to the acre. The peas fertilize the
soil and add greatly to the value OF
the resulting crop.
(Q) In putting down 10 inch thing
to drain land, how deep should it 60
and how for apart? j. H., Oneonta, Ala
(A) Much of course would depend
on the land, but as a rule thing should
go down 3 or more feet deep aud 20 to
90 feet apart. The character of the soil
and the amount of water to take off
would be determining factors. advise
that you secuse a government bulletin
on the subject. ~
(Q) What are the proper propositions
to use in mixing concrete for farm
purposes? Mrs. s., Garden City, Ala.
4 A dsT.o l. l.
walls, curbs and small foundations use
part of Portland cement, two of sand
and 3 Of gravel, by bulk. This formula
Will have to be varied slightly for some
classes of work.
(Q) have been told that my place is
infested with Sam Jose scale and ]
want to get rid Of it. / have been
spraying with BOardeaux the past season
will this remedy kill it QUIT H., An
niston, Ala.
(A) Lime sulphur is what you need
TO spray with to central any variety OF
| scale. Get a bulletin on the subject and
follow directions. See letter on the
subject.
(Q) What has become of the old
fashioned snow drops. / never see these
bulbs now advertised in catalogs? Mrs
H. EuSley, Ala.
(A) Most bulb dealers catalog them
under the name Of Scilla (Squill) on
ChinOdOxa. They are still very popular
in some sections as very lovely spring
blooms.
90 Do any of the Dutch hyacinths
grow more than one bloom stalk to the
bulb? Miss b.
(A) The larger bulbs, generally sold
Under the name of mother bulbs, often
produce more than one bloom stalk.
(Q) / have read a good deal about
rape for chickens, now l have only a
small place about half an acre and ]
wonder if this would be enough space
to Craze 40 or so chickens on! Mrs. p.
s., Wylam, Ala.
(A) Rape is one Of the hardest winter
growing plants and fine for poultry or
live stock, where ground is limited its
best to cultivate the rape in drills like
turnips, cut it where needed and throw
it to the chickens. 1t is not best to allow
the chickens to run on it unless you had
much larger patch.
(Q) / have rooted all through sum
mer number of cuttings of various
hybrid tea vases in old cans. Should
these now be set to permanent lOca-
tions or had better leave them alone
until spring? Miss ", Selma. Ala.
(A1 If they are good strong growing