THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY (o^o.T VAIS'S o’ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 https://archive.org/details/michigansoilsche9911kedz NON CIRCULATING CHECK FOR UNBOUND CIRCULATING COPY BULLETIN 99. JULY, 1893 MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. MICHIGAN SOILS. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF 1. Wheat Lands, 2. Soils of Peach Belt, 3. Potato District, 4. Jack-Pine Plains, 5. Celery Soils, 6. Ceneral Purpose Soils. IB IT IR,. C. KEDZIE. The Bulletins of this Station will be sent free to all newspapers in the State , and to such individuals int' l in farming as may request it. Address all applications to the Secretary, ultural College , Michigan. Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. Postoffice Address, Agricultural College, Mich. Railroad, Express and Telegraph Address, .... Lansing, Mich. A DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, AND, WITH IT, CONTROLLED BY THE INCORPORATED STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. Hon. FRANKLIN WELLS, Constantine, President of the Board, term expires 1895 Hon. A. C. GLIDDEN, Paw Paw, “ “ 1895 Hon. HENRY CHAMBERLAIN, Three Oaks, “ “ 1897 Hon. EDWIN PHELPS, Pontiac “ “ 1897 Hon. CHAS. W. GARFIELD, Grand Rapids, “ “1899 Hon. CHARLES F. MOORE, St. Clair “ “1899 Hon. JNO. T. RICH, Elba, Governor of the State, ) „ . Hon. O. CLUTE, M. S., Agricultural College, President of the College, . STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD. The President of the Board is ex officio member of each of the standing committees. Finance, . . C. W. Garfield, A. C. Glidden. Farm, ... . . Edwin Phelps. Garden, . . C. W. Garfield, Edwin Phelps. Buildings, A. C. Glidden. Employees, H. Chamberlain, A. C. Glidden, O. Clute. Weather, . . A. C. Glidden, C. W. Garfield. Experiment, H. Chamberlain. Veterinary Edwin Phelps. Institutes, A. C. Glidden, C. W. Garfield, O. Clute. Mechanics, . H. Chamberlain C. W. Garfield. Military, C. W. Gar field. Land Grant, . Edwin Phelps, H. Chamberlain. STATION COUNCIL. O. Clute, M. S. Director. P. M. Harwood, B. S., L. R. Taft, M. S., Agriculturist. I Robert C. Kedzie, M. A., M. D., Chemist. Horticulturist. I Ira H. Butterfield, . . Sec. and Treas. ADVISORY AND ASSISTANT STAFF. F. B. Mumford, B. S., H. P. Gladden, B. S., R. J. Coryell, B. S. W. L. Rossman, B. S., H. E. Harrison, B. S., Assistant in Agriculture, “ “ Horticulture. “ “ Chemistry. 44 44 44 E. A. A. Grange, V. S., G. C. Davis, M. S., Chas. F. Wheeler, B. L. A. Clinton, B. S., Mrs. L. E. Landon, Consulting Veterinarian. “ Zoologist. 1., “ Botanist. . Assistant to Director. . . . Librarian. SUB-STATIONS. Grayling, Crawford County, 80 acres deeded; Dr. O. Palmer, Local Agent. 8outh Haven, Van Buren County, 10 acres rented; 5 acres deeded; Hon. T. T. Lyon, President State Horticultural Society, Local Agent. THE SOILS OE MICHIGAN. No state in the union has suffered more in reputation from false state- ments and ignorant misrepresentation than Michigan. At the time of its first settlement, to the popular apprehension the far-off and unknown Michigan was only, and would forever remain, the home of the wolf, the Indian and ague. By the white man it was uninhabited and uninhabit- able. In a report made to a religious body in regard to the feasibility of establishing missionary stations in order to christianize this heathen wild, It was stated that the project was impracticable, “because only a narrow :,strip along the border of the territory was inhabitable, the interior being a " vast and impenetrable swamp.”. In his address at the laying of the corner stone of the new capitol in 1872. Hon. W. A. Howard made the following extract from the report of ' the surveyor general of Ohio, bearing date November 30, 1815: “The cl country on the Indian boundary line, from the mouth of the great Auglaize river and running thence for about fifty miles is ( with few excep- tions) low, wet land, with a very thick growth of underbrush, intermixed with very bad marshes, but generally very heavily timbered with beech, cottonwood, oak, etc.; thence continuing north and extending from the Indian boundary eastward, the number and extent of the swamps increase, with the addition of numbers of lakes from twenty chains to two or three miles across. Many of the lakes have extensive marshes adjoining their margins, sometimes thickly covered with a species of pine called tamarack, and other places covered with a coarse, high grass and uniformly covered from six inches to three feet (and more at times) with water. The mar- gins of these lakes are not the only places where swamps are found, for they are interspersed throughout the whole country, and filled with water, as above stated, and varying in extent. The intermediate space between the swamps and lakes, which is probably near one-half of the country, is with a very few exceptions a poor, barren, sandy land, on which scarcely any vegetation grows, except very small scrubby oaks. In many places that part which may be called dry land is compost'd of little short sand hills, forming a kind of deep basins, the bottoms of many of which are composed of marsh, similar to the above described. The streams are generally narrow and very deep, compared with their width, the shores and bottoms of which are (with a very few exceptions) swampy beyond description; and it is with the utmost difficulty that a place can be found over which horses can be conveyed. 4 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. “A circumstance peculiar to that country is exhibited in many of the marshes by their being thinly covered with a sward of grass, by walking on which evinced the existence of water or a very thin mud immediately under their covering, which sinks from six to eighteen inches from the pressure of the foot at every step and at the same time rising before and behind the person passing over. The margins of many of the lakes and streams are in a simular situation and in many places literally afloat. On approaching the eastern part of the military lands towards the private claims on the straits and lake, the country does not contain so many swamps and lakes, but the extreme sterility and barrenness of the soil continues the same. Taking the country altogether, so far as has been explored and to all appearances, together with the information received concerning the balance, it is so bad there would not be more than one acre out of one hundred, if there would be one out of one thousand that would, in any case, admit of cultivation.” From the number of persons who have continued to decry Michigan in whole or in part it would seem that the surveyor general of Ohio had a large family. But as settlers poured into the new territory they were sur- prised and delighted to find, instead of impassable bogs and sterile sand- hills, a region of wonderful beauty and fertility. Thus one county after another was rescued from the supposed dominion of chimeras dire, and pronounced to be the best farm lands on which the sun shines. But who shall say how many persons have been deterred by such ignorant and reck- less assertions from making their home in the best state in our union? Sin drove the first pair from the primal Eden, but ignorance has barred out thousands of their children from many an earthly paradise. GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION. When we cast our eyes upon the map of our country we are struck with the unique position which our peninsula occupies in comparison with other lands in the same latitude and mark how Nature clasps with her protecting arm of water the “ beautiful peninsula” and pours out the vast “ unsalted seas ” a rampart against the cold. Its geographical position and surround- ings point it out as eminently fitted for productive industry, while its easily available water carriage will save it from the blighting influence of monopoly in transportation. The watered- stock of railways find more than a match in the water ways of our system of lakes, drowning out monopoly of transportation. Michigan is planted on the highway of nations — the highway of commerce that must last “ as long as grass grows and water runs.” Such a region must occupy a prominent position in the world’s industries and commerce, unless these exceptional advantages are offset by unusual disabilities. LUMBERING VS. FARMING. The vast wealth of Michigan in lumber has so filled the public eye that it could not see the greater wealth of its soil. Men seemed to assume that tfee better it was for lumber the worse it must be for agriculture— as if a soil that could sustain such a wonderful forest growth must be incapable of growing anything but wood. As a consequence men seeking for new lands to make new homes have turned their back on rich soils, well watered lands, ready markets, available transportation, schools and churches, CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. o security and civilization to seek in the far west their resting place amid the alternate parching heat and deadly cold, and the wild disorder, discom- fort and insecurity of border life. They reached for sunset and grasped a shadow. The great mass of these restless wanderers have rejected Michi- gan for a home because they were ignorant of this region — of its soil, pro- ductions, capabilities for cultivation, and it adaptedness to make desirable homes. ANALYSIS OF MICHIGAN SOILS. Desirous of obtaining reliable data for estimating the value of our soils, I sent out a circular fifteen years ago asking for representative soils from all the counties of the State, for chemical analysis, calling for soils that would be fairly representative of the locality, and not soils of exceptional quality. In response to this circular, thirty-one samples of soil were received, analyzed and the results of analysis published in the report of the State Board of Agriculture for 1878. Some attention was also directed to the physical properties of the soil, especially as related to water. When chemistry was first applied to agriculture, it was supposed that the greatest benefit which chemistry could confer upon agriculture was to be derived from the analysis of the soil. The striking results which Sir Humphrey Davy obtained by analysis of a soil, barren from excess of the sulphate of iron, and the removal of the barrenness by adding lime to decompose the sulphate, confirmed the impression of the signal benefit to be derived from a chemical analysis of the soil. It was supposed that the fertility of any soil, the kind of crop it was fitted to raise, or the material which must be added to the soil to develop its greatest productiveness, were each and all to be determined simply by a chemical analysis of the soil. These extravagant expectations have not been realized. It was found that chemical analysis will not always distinguish between a fruitful and an unfruitful soil. A soil may be unproductive for physical reasons, though it may still contain all the chemical elements of fertility. The complete failure of Liebig’s mineral theory of manures when put to the test of experience rang the knell of mere soil analysis. But if chemical analysis failed when so much was demanded of it, we are not to go to the other extreme and conclude that because it is not good for so many things it is good for nothing. Chemical anlysis of the soil is of value in determining whether a soil is capable of fertility or the con- trary; also in determining the measure of its possible fertility. There are certain ash elements which are absolutely necessary for plant growth, in the absence of any one of which vegetable growth is impossible; if the supply is relatively limited, plant growth will be limited correspondingly. If all the ash elements are present in sufficient amount and in available form, such soil is capable of fertility. Hence, chemical analysis of a soil is of importance in determining possibility of fertility and of the relative fertility which may be secured under favorable conditions. CLASSIFICATION OF MICHIGAN SOILS. No minute and technical classification of soils is attempted. The soils are classed rather for their agricultural uses than their chemical composi- tion; the geographical position and climatic conditions in some cases affording a basis for classifying, e. g., the peach lands. 6 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. A word of explanation in regard to the meaning of the tables of analysis may be proper. To any one not familiar with agricultural chemistry, such tables will appear very dry and uninteresting, or even unintelligible. In these tables sand and silicates, alumina and oxide of iron make much the largest part of most soils. Everyone is familiar with sand; alumina is the basis of clay, and oxide of iron gives the brownish color to most soils. The great bulk of nearly all soils is made up of sand, clay and oxide of iron. Alumina is never found in the ash of cultivated plants; a certain amount of silica and oxide of iron is found in the ash of all plants; but the great mass of these materials as found in the soil is in large excess of the demands of the plant, and is of no worth in the chemistry of plant life; they are the mechanical agents of the soil, and are of worth mainly from their relations to temperature, moisture and the mechanical support of plants; their chief office in the soil is physical and not chemical, rendering the soil light or heavy, porous or retentive. The organic matter of the soil, besides furnishing a supply of combined nitrogen, is valuable for its physical relations to temperature, moisture and porosity of soils, and because it is an active agent in securing chemical changes in the soil, bringing the reserve elements of plant growth into active form. The numbers attached to the following analyses refer to sample bottles of soils placed in the exhibit of the Experiment Station of the Michigan Agricultural College in the World’s Fair, and to coresponding sample bottles in the Michigan State Exhibit in Agricultural Hall and one other set of such bottles at the Michigan Agricultural College. By referring to these sample bottles the reader can find the soils as well as learn their chemical composition. I. Wheat Lands. Nos. 1 to 9. A large part of the soils of Michigan are well fitted for the growth of winter wheat, and it might seem invidious to select any portion as wheat lands in particular, but the four southern tiers of counties are so specially adapted to this crop that they may be called the wheat belt. No. 1.— River Basin Bottoms, Deerfield , Lenawee , County. Selected by Geo. H. Kedzie. Forest Growth: Ash, Baswood, Hickory, Black Walnut, Oak, etc. Soil cultivated forty years, without manure. Sand and silicates 58.17 Alumina 6.48 Oxide of iron 7.62 Lime 1.98 Magnesia 1.43 Potash 1.84 Soda 1.20 Sulphuric acid .32 Phosphoric acid .40 Organic matter containing .42 Nitrogen 10.97 Water 9.45 No. 2. — River Basin Bottoms , Deerfield, Lenawee Co. Selected by Geo H. Kedzie. Virgin soil. Timber: Ash, Basswood, Black Walnut, Oak, etc. Sand and silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .37 Nitrogen Water 62.42 10.64 3.46 2.10 1.59 2.05 1.19 .24 .41 9.39 6.08 Capillary capacity for water, 65.60 Capillary capacity for water, 61.20 CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 7 No. 3. — Burr Oak Wheat Lands , Saline, Washtenaiv county. Selected by J. S. Wood. Timber: Burr Oak. Sand and silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .11 nitro- gen Water 81.00 5.23 4.66 1.28 .86 1.18 .19 .42 .40 2.98 1.72 No. 4. — Prairie Soil , Volinia, Cass Co. Selected by M. J. Gard. Soil has been pastured but never culti- vated. Sand and silicates 63.77 Alumina 3.72 Oxide of iron 5.11 Lime 2.02 Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .23 nitro- gen W ater .66 1.18 .56 .13 .44 12.30 10.19 Capillary capacity for water, 36.30. C apillary capacity for water, 73.20. No. 5. — Prairie Soil, Volinia , Cass Co. Selected by M. J. Gard. Soil has been cultivated for thirty years, has been plastered. Sand and silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .21 nitro- gen Water 75.74 4.20 5.46 1.38 .56 1.10 .43 .18 .33 7.50 3.10 Capillary capacity for water, 50.55. No. 6. — Bottom lands of Tittabawassee. Selected by Geo. F. Ball. Timber: Beech, maple, oak and basswood. Sand and silicates 67.20 Alumina 6.31 Oxide of iron 7.91 Lime 1.64 Magnesia 1.23 Potash 1.85 Soda 1.15 Sulphuric acid .30 Phosphoric acid .49 Organic matter containing .22 nitro- gen 7.48 Water 4.00 Capillary capacity for water, 51.40. No. 7.— Garden Soil , Agricultural College. Shlected by R. C. Kedzie. Timber: Oak, beech, maple, elm, cherry and sassafras. Sand and silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .16 nitro- gen Water. 85 37 4.53 1.81 1.22 .59 .85 .37 .23 .30 3.14 1.55 No. 8. — Clay Soil from Vineyard Agri- cultural College. Selected by R. C. Kedzie. Timber: Oak, maple, beech and elm. Sand and silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .11 nitro- gen. Water 65.48 15.60 6.40 1.28 .89 2.12 1.16 .25 .41 4.10 2.28 Capillary capacity for water, 39.60. Capillary capacity for water, 59.15. 8 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. No. 9. — Loamy soil from field No. 8, Agricultural College. Selected by R. C. Kedzie. Timber: Oak, beech and maple, Sand and silicates 74.65 Alumina 9.66 Oxide of iron 4.18 Lime 1.46 Magnesia .43 Potash 1.97 Soda 1.13 Sulphuric acid .26 Phosphoric acid .31 Organic matter containing .12 nitrogen 4.66 Water 1.25 Capillary capacity for water, 43,50. II. Peach Belt The conditions that determine the successful cultivation of the peach in our State are climatic to a large extent. Yet the peach thrives best, and produces fruit of finest quality on light, porous soils which are found in abundance along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Yet fruit of good quality is produced on some of the, heavy clay lands found in this belt. No. 10 . — Peach belt soil, South Haven I No. 11. — Soil from Chase, Lake Co. VanBuren Co. Selected by J. Brown. Selected by A. S. Dyckman. Timber: Maple, Elm, Hemlock, Basswood, Timber: Hemlock. j etc. Sand and Silicates Alumina Oxide of Iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric Acid Phosphoric Acid Organic matter containing .07 nitro- gen Water 87.23 2.87 1.52 .51 .46 .83 .34 .20 .13 3.41 2.23 Sand and Silicates Alumina Oxide of Iron Lime - Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric Acid Phosphoric Acaid Organic matter containing .12 Nitro- gen — Water 87.32 3.22 2.10 .62 .28 .90 .63 .10 .23 3.78 .55 Capillary capacity for water, 44.70. Capillary capacity for water, 45.55. No. 12. — Soil from Eden , Mason Co. Selected by C. E. Resseguie. Timber: Hemlock, intermixed with Hard Wood. Sand and Silicates Alumina Oxide of Iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric Acid Phosphoric Acid Organic matter containing .03 Nitro- gen — Water 92.43 2.99 1.23 .66 .12 .65 .23 .10 .22 .87 .27 No. 13. — Sandy Loam , Eden , Mason Co, Selected by C. E. Resseguie. Timber: Hardwood, mixed with Hemlock. Sand and Silicates 75.27 Alumina 6.93 Oxide of Ironj 6.10 Lime 1.00 Magnesia .89 Potash 2.10 Soda .90 Sulphuric Acid .27 Phosphoric Acid .30 Organic matter containing .09 Nitro- gen 3.30 Water 2.92 Capillary capacity for water, 32.40. Capillary capacity for water, 42.85. CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 9 No. 14. — Soil From Evart , Osceola Co. Selected by F. York. Timber: Hardwood, mixed with Pine and Hemlock. Sand and silicates 83.80 Alumina 5.10 Oxide of iron l 3.24 Lime .80 Magnesia T ’ .64 Potash 1.19 Soda .52 Sulphuric acid .12 Phosphoric acid .29 Organic matter containing .07 Nitrogen 3.06 Water 1.24 Capillary capacity for water, 45.80 No. 15. — Pine Land , Coif a x, Mecosta Co Selected by Fitch Phelps. Timber: Heavy Pine Forest. Sand and Silicates 75.54 Alumina 10.62 Oxide of iron 3.80 Lime .94 Magnesia .48 Potash 1.96 Soda 1.25 Sulphuric acid .26 Phosphoric acid .44 Organic matter csntaining .12 Nitrogen 2.97 Water 1.44 Capillary capacity for water, 45.40 No. 16. — Hardwood Lands , Big Rapids , Mecosta Co. Selected by G. W. Warren. Timber: Beech, Maple, Basswood. Sand and silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda... Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .10 Nitro- gen Water 76.00 10.00 3.41 1.14 .49 1.80 1.16 .24 .33 3.18 1.90 No. 11. — Hardwood soil , Sherman , Wex- ford Co. , Selected by H. D. Griswold. Timber: Maple, Rock-elm, Beech, Basswood and a little Hemlock. Sand and silicates 86.74 Alumina 4.32 Oxide of iron 2.10 Lime .65 Magnesia .24 Potash .83 Soda .34 Sulphuric acid .14 Phosphoric acid .15 Organic matter containing .11 Nitro- gen 3.26 Water .86 Capillary capacity for water, 43.80. Capillary capacity for water, 44.00. No. 18. — Soil from Lake City , Missaukee Co. Selected by L. A. Barker. Timber: Beech, Maple, Elm and some Pine. Sand and silicates 69.39 Alumina 8.35 Oxide of iron 5.80 Lime 1.15 Magnesia .98 Potash 1.95 Soda... 1.15 Sulphuric acid .25 Phosphoric acid .28 Organic matter, containing .11 nitrogen 4.73 Water 5.38 Capillary capacity for water, 39.10. III. The Potato District. Numbers 19 to 21 embrace several counties in the Traverse Bay region, where the soil is a sandy loam, rich in lime and potash. The fall of snow, caused by proximity to the lake, often comes before the ground is frozen, 2 10 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. and root crops may be left in the ground all winter without injury. The porous nature of the soil, the abundance of lime and potash, and the climatic conditions all contribute to the production of potatoes of superior quality. No. 19. — Potato Soil, Grand Traverse. Selected by C. F. Davis, Timber: Beech, Maple, Ash and Rock Elm. Sand and silicates 88.65 Alumina 2.95 Oxide of iron 2.60 Lime 1.37 Magnesia .41 Potash .89 Soda .32 Sulphuric acid .14 Phosphoric acid .13 Organic matter containing .04 nitro- gen 2.05 Water .49 No. 20. — Potato Soil, Benzonia, Benzie Co. Selected by C. L. Northrop. Timber: Beech, Maple, Ash, Elm, Cherry, etc. Sand and silicates 90.08 Alumina 2.86 Oxide of iron 1.50 Lime .55 Magnesia .27 Potash 1.10 Soda .45 Sulphuric acid .18 Phosphoric acid .21 Organic matter containing .07 nitro Capillary capacity for water, 40.20. ; gen - i Water 2.45 .35 Capillary capacity for water, 39.30. No. 21.— Potato Soil , Elk Rapids, Antrim Co. Selected by Geo. E. Steele. Timber: Maple, Basswood, Elm, Beech and some Hemlock. Sand and silicates 84.68 Alumina 4.82 Oxide of iron 3.20 Lime .95 Magnesia .36 Potash .98 Soda .40 Sulphuric acid .16 Phosphoric acid ^ .18 Organic matter containing .08 nitrogen. 3.14 Water .65 Capillary capacity for water, 52.10. IY. Jack-Pine Plains. Nos. 22 to 25. In the northern central portion of the lower peninsula is a large tract of light sandy lands which have been called jack-pine lands, the barrens, the plains, etc. It is a light, sandy soil, of a brownish color from the presence of oxide of iron, very porous, and little retentive power for water. The principal timber is pinns banksiana (jack-pine), scarlet oak, with scatter- ing trees of Norway pine and white pine. The subsoil seldom has any hard pan, and the water line in the soil is usually from fifteen to thirty feet below the surface of the soil. The annual fires which sweep over these plains burn up the yearly accumulation of vegetable matter, and the soil contains very little humus. The small lakes have an abundant deposit of marl of good quality. Some experiments have been made to ascertain the possibility of the use of these lands for agricultural or grazing purposes, on the experimental farm at Grayling, Crawford county. Three specimens of soil from this experimental farm are offered for inspection and one of marl from a lake near by. By comparing No. 22, the soil in its natural condition, only fenced CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 11 in and protected from fire for three years, with Nos. 23 and 24 which have been culitvated and enriched by plowing under the green crops raised without manure (green manuring,) the changes in the^ physical appear- ance and in chemical composition can be observed. The north field (No. 23) has raised successive crops of spurry, vetch and peas, which have been plowed under. The south field (No. 24) has raised successive crops of spurry, peas and red clover, all plowed under. No. 22. — Virgin soil from the experimental farm at Grayling. Sand and Silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .02 Nitro- gen. Water 94.97 1.03 .86 .20 .12 .20 .90 .06 .05 1.61 .23 No. 23. — North field of the experimental farm at Grayling. Sand and silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .05 Nitro- gen W ater 94.30 .61 1.17 .24 -17 .33 .58 .05 .04 2.50 .20 No. 24. — South field of the experimental farm at Grayling. Sand and silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .04 nitro- gen. Water 95.02 .49 .78 .32 .15 .30 .62 .05 ,01 2.25 .21 No. 25. — Marl from the lake , Grayling. Sand and silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Carbonic acid Organic matter containing .20 nitro- gen — Water. 1.90 .14 .10 45.16 .32 .37 2.65 .56 .01 43.10 5.69 .64 V. Soils for special crops : Muck lands adapted to the growth of celery , cranberries , peppermint , etc. Nos. 26 to 28. Of all our kinds of soil, swamp muck has been most conspicuously held up to public opprobium. Nothing good was said about it; nothing too bad could be said against it. Ye l for certain kinds of crops it was found the best land in the world, and the fame of Michigan celery has gone into every state. No one who has tasted Kalamazoo celery will forget its fine flavor, which has established its reputation far and wide. Many will look to the composition of the soil on which it is grown as the typical one for raising celery. 12 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. No. 26. — Michigan celery soils: Kalamazoo celery soil from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Selected by J. Dunlfley. Sand and silicates 19.16 Alumina 1.40 Oxide of iron 3.94 Lime 6.09 Magnesia .81 Potash .• .34 Soda .38 Sulphuric acid 1.31 Phosphoric acid .88 Carbonic acid 1.95 Organic matter containing 2.53 nitrogen 63.76 Water 6.51 Grand Haven has also become a center for the production of this deli- cious and appetizing plant. The extensive deposits of muck near the mouth of Grand river afford a large field for this plant. No. 27. — Michigan celery soils: Grand Haven celery soil from Grand Haven, Mich. Selected by George Hancock. Sand and silicates 24.09 Alumina 1.71 Oxide of iron 3.52 Lime 5.02 Magnesia .62 Potash .20 Soda .33 Sulphuric acid 1.04 Phosphoric acid .69 Carbonic acid 1.05 Organic matter containing 2.32 nitrogen 61.73 Water 10.85 But celery soils are not limited to the lower peninsula. A choice speci- men of celery muck was received from the Newberry Celery & Improve- ment Co., at Newberry, Luce county. Superintendent H. L. Harris writes: “ On this soil we have produced the finest celery grown in the State. The celery grown here has a fine nutty flavor unknown to the celery grown in the southern part of the State. The soil is from sixteen feet to unknown depth, and there are thousands of acres of the same character of soil in our vicinity. We would also say that during the eight years we have been growing celery here we have not had a failure of crop.” No. 28. — Michigan celery soils: Newberry celery soil from Newberry , Luce Co., Mich. Selected by H. L. Harris, superintendent of the Newberry Celery and Improvement Company. Sand and silicates 24.56 Alumina 2.21 Oxide of iron 1.30 Lime 4.18 Magnesia .75 Potash .42 Soda .40 Sulphuric acid .67 Phosphoric acid .46 Carbonic acid 1.10 Organic matter containing 1.75 nitrogen 63.75 Water 7.31 CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 13 A comparison of these celery soils brings out the fact that, except in the amount of sand and silicates, the composition shows a close similarity. The common supposition that oxide of iron is especially injurious in celery soils is not borne out by these analyses. Sulphate of iron is very injuri- ous, and when more than one per cent is present no valuable crop will grow. A specimen of muck was sent here from Decatur which was barren from this cause. PROPERTIES OF GOOD MUCK. In the moist condition, all these kinds of muck have a deep brown-black color, the blacker the better; they are friable, easily breaking between the fingers, and are free from coarse, fibrous material ; they have a pleasant earthy smell but no acid odor, and are entirely free from acid reaction. When moist muck of good quality is pressed against blue litmus paper so as to wet the paper, the blue color remains and no reddening takes place. Any muck that will redden blue litmus is unfit for cultivation while this acid condition remains. Sour muck is sorry material for cultivation. All the specimens of infertile muck that have been sent here for analysis — muck that would not grow weeds even — have been of this sour class and would turn blue litmus paper red very rapidly. By draining and weather- ing such soils by exposing to the action of frost, and especially by the application of lime, wood ashes, even leached ashes, the acid condition can be removed and these barren soils made to produce abundant crops of a certain class. OTHER MUCK CROPS. Celery is not the only plant that can be profitably raised on muck lands. Cranberry farms have been made on the mucky soil near St. Joseph and cranberries of superior quality produced. But success with this crop requires a soil free from acid; patches of sterile muck are often found in parts of cranberry fields, but in every instance the muck was sour. Another crop distinctive of Michigan cultivation is the peppermint. The center of peppermint farming and distilling the oil seems to be in St. Joseph county. A request was made for a specimen of the muck that pro- duced such large crops of the mint but none came. Another letter was sent which brought the following reply: “Yours of March 11th received. Your first communication was referred to , of this town, who is the largest mint raiser in the State, and who promised me he would for- ward the soil desired, but I saw him this morning and he said the ground was so frozen that he could not get it without being to greater expense than he wished to incur. The facts are that he does not want published to the world the benefits of reclaiming marsh land, for that is all there is in it. Any marsh land that can be drained so that it can be worked and still hold enough moisture to carry the crop through is good enough mint soil. * * * I could go twenty rods from my store and get marsh soil and send you but it would not be essentially different from what you could get on the Agricultural farm.” My modest fiiend, the mint grower, had “oil in his vessel,” but was unwilling to “let his light shine before men.” However, a college student brought a specimen of the mint muck, but too late for analysis and mount- 14 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. ing to exhibit at the World's Fair. It does not differ in appearance and properties from the Kalamazoo celery muck, No. 26. VI. General Purpose Soils. Nos. 29 to 38. This embraces a number of soils found in the central and northern counties of the State, which are of too miscellaneous a character to be placed in a more restricted classification. They are inserted to round out the list of Michigan soils that have been analyzed at this college. No. 29. — Gilmore, Isabella Co. No. 30. — Midland , Midland Co. Selected by P. H. Robins. Timber: Hardwood. Sand and silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash .. Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .08 nitro- gen — Water 88.13 3.77 2.40 .87 .27 .86 .37 .16 .19 2.35 .52 Selected by Gee. F. Ball. Timber: Beech, maple, oak and basswood. Sand and silicates Alumina Oxide of iron ! Lime Magnesia : Potash Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .22 nitro- gen Water 67.20 6.31 7.91 1.64 1.23 1.85 1.15 .10 .49 5.30 2.10 Capillary capacity for water, 49.60. Capillary capacity for water, 51.15. No. 31. — Sheridan , Clare Co. Selected by J. C. Rockafellow. Timber: Pine, hemloch, birch and maple. Sand and Silicates 93.31 Alumina 2.03 Oxide of iron 1.40 Lime .36 Magnesia .16 Potasb .54 Soda .26 Sulphuric acid .08 Phosphoric acid .15 Organic matter containing .03 Nitro- gen 1.34 Water .37 Capillary capacity for water, 43.10. No. 32. — Grant , Clare Co. Selected by J. C. Rockafellow. Timber: Maple, beech, basswood, ash, oak, etc. Sand and silicates 71.45 Alumina 6.50 Oxide of iron 7.18 Lime .99 Magnesia .73 Potash \ 1.90 Soda # 1.20 Sulphuric acid .19 Phosphoric acid .36 Organic matter containing .16 Nitro- gen 5.90 Water 3.70 Capillary capacity for water, 44.90. CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 15 No. 33. — Webber, Lake Co. No. 34. — St. Louis, Gratiot Co. Selected by George W. Townsend. “ The Plains.” Sand and Silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphuric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .04 Nitro- gen Water 92.48 2.22 1.59 .35 .30 .73 .32 .06 .14 1.22 .40 Selected by S. S. Hastings. Timber: Pine, Beech, Soft Maple, Oak and Sassafras. Sand and silicates 88.54 Alumina 3.11 Oxide of iron 2.15 Lime .68 Magnesia .30 Potash .92 Soda .26 Sulphuric acid .15 Phosphoric acid .14 Organic matter containing .06 Nitro- gen 2.82 Water .41 Capillary capacity for water, 35.30. No. 35. — Bay City, Bay Co. Selected by Judge Marston. Timber: Not stated. 82.24 4.60 2.42 1.18 .46 1.18 .54 .20 .38 5.57 .25 Sand and silicates Alumina Oxide of iron Lime Magnesia Potash Soda Sulphric acid Phosphoric acid Organic matter containing .17 nitro- gen — Water Capillary capacity for water, 47.30. No. 37. — Gaylord, Otsego Co. Selected by S. H. Crowl. Timber: Maple, Beech, Hemlock, Bass- wood, etc. Sand and silicates 91.92 Alumina 2.93 Oxide of iron .90 Lime .40 Magnesia .13 Potash , .61 Soda .28 Sulphuric acid .10 Phosphoric acid .14 Organic matter containing .07 nitro- gen 2.20 Water .39 Capillary capacity for water. 39.60. Capillary capacity for water, 38.40. No. 36. — Greenville, Montcalm C o. Timber: Not stated. Sand and silicates 85.40 Alumina 4.50 Oxide of iron 2.80 Lime .82 Magnesia .31 Potash 1.13 Soda .45 Sulphuric acid .21 Phosphoric acid .30 Organic matter containing .10 nitro- gen 2.75 Water 1.43 Capillary capacity for water, 37.80. No. 38. — Tawas, Iosco Co. Selected by J. A. F. Scheffler. Timber: Hemlock, Pine, Beech and Maple. Sand and silicates 80.06 Alumina 7.15 Oxide of iron 3.53 Lime .93 Magnesia .36 Potash 1.10 Soda .38 Sulphuric acid .19 Phosphoric acid .16 Organic matter containing .09 nitro- gen 4.59 Water .82 Capillary capacity for water, 63.80. E. C. KEDZIE, Agricultural College, Mich., ) Chemist of Experiment Station. July 2 , 1893. j BULLETIN 100, AUGUST, 1893 MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION STATE A6R1CDLTURAL COLLEGE HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. EIGHTY NEW STRAWBERRIES BY L R. TAFT and H. P. GLADDEN The Bulletins of this Station will he sent free to all newspapers in the State 9 and to such individuals interested in farming as may request it. Address all applications to the Secretary , Agricultural College , Michigan. Ml6HIGflN AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. Postoffice Address, Agricultural College, Mich. Railroad, Express and Telegraph Address Lansing, Mich. A DEPABTMENT OF THE STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, AND, WITH IT, CONTROLLED BY THE INCORPORATED STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. Hon. FRANKLIN WELLS, Constantine, President of the Board, term expires 1895 Hon. A. C. GLIDDEN, Paw Paw, “ “1895 Hon. HENRY CHAMBERLAIN, Three Oaks, “ “1897 Hon. EDWIN PHELPS, Pontiac *» “ 1897 Hon. CHAS. W. GARFIELD, Grand Rapids, “ “1899 Hon. CHARLES F. MOORE, St. Clair “ “1899 Hon. JNO. T. RICH, Elba, Governor of the State, £ _ . Hon. O. CLUTE, M. S., Agricultural College, President of the College, . STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD. The President of the Board is ex officio member of each of the standing committees. Finance, Farm, Garden, Buildings, Employees, Weather, C. W. Garfield, A. C. Glidden. . C. F. Moore, Edwin Phelps. C. W. Garfield, Edwin Phelps. A. C. Glidden, I. H. Butterfield. H. Chamberlain, A. C. Glidden, O. Clute, C. W. Garfield. A. C. Glidden, C. W. Garfield. Experiment, . C. F. Moore, H. Chamberlain. Veterinary, . Edwin Phelps, C. F. Moore. Institutes, A. C. Glidden, C. W. Garfield, O. Clute. Mechanics, . H. Chamberlain C. W. Garfield. Military, . . C. W. Garfield, C. F. Moore. Land Grant, . Edwin Phelps, H. Chamberlain. % STATION COUNCIL. O. Clute, M. S., Director. P. M. Harwood, B. S., L. R. Taft, M. S., Agriculturist. | Robert C. Kedzie, M. A., M. D., Chemist. Horticulturist. I Ira H. Butterfield, . . Sec. and Treas, ADVISORY AND ASSISTANT STAFF. F. B. Mumford, B. S., H. P. Gladden, B. S., R. J. Coryell, B. S. W. L. Rossman, B. S., H. E. Harrison, B. S., Assistant in Agriculture, “ “ Horticulture. It 44 44 “ “ Chemistry. E. A. A. Grange, V. 8., Consulting Veterinarian. G. C. Davis, M. S., Chas. F. Wheeler, B. S., L. A. Clinton, B. S., Mrs. L. E. Landon, “ Zoologist. “ Botanist. Assistant to Director. . . . Librarian. SUB-STATIONS. Grayling, Crawford County, 80 acres deeded; Dr. O. Palmer, Local Agent. South Haven, Van Buren County, 10 acres rented; 5 acres deeded; Hon. T. T. Lyon, President State Horticultural Society, Local Agent. EIGHTY HEW STRAWBERRIES For several years we have given considerable attention to the testing of varieties, both of fruits and vegetables, and we have about one hundred and fifty varieties of strawberries in our test plots, besides a duplicate col- lection at the South Haven sub-station. We have had under trial, since the spring of 1892, some eighty new varieties, many of which were received from the originators for trial previous to dessemination and others were obtained from the introducers; very few of them have as yet been generally introduced. When we could obtain them, twenty-five plants of a variety were grown in narrow matted rows set three and one-half by one and one-half feet. They received clean cultivation and were mulched during the winter. The soil upon which they were grown was a sandy loam with a slight admixture of clay, well enriched with stable manure. The plants in most cases made a satisfactory growth, and seemed quite free from disease until the crop began to ripen, when several varieties were attacked and, as noted below, the crop was greatly shortened. In order that the originators and introducers may be informed of the behavior of their varieties in this section, and that the public may have information to guide them in the selection of varieties, the results of this season’s trial are given in this preliminary bulletin. Later on we shall publish our regular strawberry bulletin and the report of the year’s work at South Haven. The letters after the names of the varieties indicate the sex of the plants , 1893. Prest. L. G. Gorton , Director Experiment Station: Dear Sir — Your inquiry in regard to the success of the experiment station here can not be fully answered in a letter, but of the grasses which have proved successful in these light burned soils I mention Red Fescue, 14 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. Sheep’s Fescue, Tall Meadow Oat Grass and Orchard Grass. The Fescues are slow of growth but make a very even sward, and excellent pasturage w T hen established, and fill the earth with roots which promise excellent results as fertilizers for future crops. They do not cut a heavy growth of hay and must be cut early, or it is woody. The Tall Meadow Oat Grass must be sown very thickly on this soil ; it grows very even over four feet in height and makes number one hay. The Orchard Grass is more inclined to be bunchy , but it is a rank grower, and mixed with the Oat Grass add-s materially to the meadow. All these grasses were introduced here by Dr. It. 0. Kedzie, professor of chemistry in the Agricultural College, while he had charge of the station, and no grass since introduced has proven of equal value. But far beyond all of these, for both forage and manurial value, is spurry — a plant also introduced by Dr. Kedzie, who had known something of its value in Germany and other parts of the old world. He imported seed the first year of the station’s life, and it has proved of so great value that its use has been continued by his successor, as Director of the station. On the lightest soil it has given a uniform, even growth, and on a little better soil has yielded a ton and a half of cured forage which was greedily eaten by horses, cattle and sheep in preference to the finest clover or timothy hay, while as pasturage it has proven most valuable for milch cows and for sheep. Its quick growth, maturing in 60 days with favorable showers* makes it very desirable, as it can be grown and plowed under for manure for other crops the same year, while it stands drouth better than any of the grasses, and I believe it to be fully equal to a full crop of clover which would take two years to mature. The introduction of this plant by Prof. Kedzie will alone be^of more benefit to Michigan in reclaiming the plains or Jack Pine lands than the entire cost of the station to this time. I could “ sing its praises ” all day, but the above statements will give you an idea of my opinion, and when we meet I’ll tell the rest. Very respectfully, O. Palmer. Specimens of spurry were received from Dr. Palmer the first of Sep- tember for analysis, which were a foot high. The climatic conditions under which it was grown are briefly told in the following extract from the Avalanche of September 7, 1893, published at Grayling. RAINFALL. One can hardly imagine the extent of the drouth in this vicinity without an exact knowledge of the amount of rainfall, which is given below, as recorded by the observer for the government: April, .92 inches; May, 1.45: June, .91; July, 2.07; August, .95; total, 6.30 inches. Besides the lack of rain, remember that it froze 26 nights in April, and eight during the first half of May, with very high winds for both months, which sucked the little moisture there was from the surface, and the only wonder is that there is any vegetable life left, yet corn is good and potatoes a fair crop, grain and grass suffering most from the abnormal condition. Under such conditions of cold, drouth, and high winds, that a plant should produce on a light soil and in less than four months a forage crop one foot high, shows a vigor of growth and a power to withstand adverse influences quite remarkable. CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 15 This spurry had matured a good crop of seeds which still remained in the boll. In the analysis to determine its food value it was considered fairest to take the entire plant, the seed with the stalks. A parcel was selected for this purpose, the roots cut away and the balance of the plant cut fine, dried and ground to fine powder for analysis. In this way the natural proportion of seeds and stalks was preserved in the ground product , Analysis gave the following results: ANALYSIS OF SPURRY. Per cent. Moisture 5.39 Crude ash 9.62 Ether extract, fat, etc. 5.76 Crude fibre _ 57.10 N-free extract, starch, etc 8.57 Crude protein 13.56 100.00 The crude protein contains of albuminoids 10.19 per cent and amide compounds 3.37 per cent. It may be that a dry season has secured a con- densation of the most highly developed food materials, but the amount of crude protein in the entire plant — about on a par with the leading grains used for stock feeding — explains why it is greedily “eaten by horses, cattle and sheep in preference to the finest clover or timothy hay, while as pasturage it has proven most valuable for milch cows and sheep.” The large amount of albuminoides required by sheep to produce the growth of wool suggests the great value of spurry in sheep husbandry. The report comes from Newaygo and vicinity that the spurry has proved a great disappointment, the crop not growing according to expectations. My information is too limited to afford an explanation, but it is probable that the seed was sown too early and the young plants were killed by spring frosts, as the young plant is very tender to frost. It should be sown after the time of severe spring frosts. LATHYRUS SILVESTRIS: FLAT PEA. The fiat pea was introduced into Michigan by the former Director of Experiment Station. The history of the plant and of its introduction was given in Bulletin 91 and need not be repeated. This member of the Vetch family gives promise of extraordinary value as a forage plant. It developes a large strong root, and the nitrogen- assimilating tubercles are very large and numerous, in excess of any plant known to me. The roots penetrate very deeply in porous soils and it promises to be a plant capable of withstanding drouth when once well established. The seed is very slow to germinate and as the plant seems to be little affected by the frost it is possible that very late fall sowing may be the best way to get the plaDt started. Dr. Palmer at Grayling writes that the “Lathyrus has withstood the drouth and made fine root growth but small top. It is entirely without manure except a light dressing of leached ashes and not much can be expected.” On the College experimental grounds this year the two year old plants have made a very large growth, the stalks being three feet long on July 13 16 AGRICULTURAL. COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. A selected and measured square rod was cut July 12 and the green mass weighed, yielding at the rate of 16 tons per acre; dried and thoroughly cured it made 4 tons per acre of hay. This is not the most satisfactory way of determining the hay making capacity of a crop but it is submitted for what it is worth. Some of the Lathy rus was cut on July 4 at which time it was in full bloom. The sample was analyzed and the results are here submitted. The analysis was conducted according to the “official method” and was carried on in duplicate giving concordant results, and the analysis has since been repeated. The results of analysis are surprising but no source of error is apparent. ANALYSIS OF LATHYRUS SILVESTRIS. Per cent. Moisture 7.99 Crude ash 8.32 Ether extract, fat, etc. 2.08 Crude fibre, woody matter j 26.70 IS -free extract, starch, sugar, etc 27.74 Crude protein 27.17 100.00 Of the crude protein the albuminoids constitute 14.36 per cent while the amide compounds form 12.81 per cent. Analysis of a sample cut July 13 gives 25 per cent of crude protein. If we fix our attention only upon the true albuminoids, showing more than 14 per cent in the air dry hay, we recognize the remarkable feec}ing qualities of this remarkable hay. Inquiry has been made for seeds of the Lathyrus silvestris. The College has none for sale. A letter from J. M. Thorburn & Co., No. 15 John St., New York informs me that they will furnish imported seed for $2.25 a pound. PEPPERMINT HAY. In the southern part of our State large crops of peppermint are raised for making peppermint oil. The residue after the oil is distilled is dried and makes “ mint hay,” which is readily consumed by stock. While it will not make any large part of the hay crop of our State, its chemical composition may be of some interest. Mr. C. C. Pashby, a student from St. Joseph county, brought a sample of mint hay to the college for analysis, which gives the following results: ANALYSIS OF MINT HAY. Per cent. Moisture 11.40 Crude ash 6.04 Ether extract — fat, etc. 1.80 Crude fibre — woody matter 35.47 N-free extract — starch, sugar, etc 36 73 Crude protein 9.56 100.00 CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 17 The crude protein contains 8.12% of albumenoids and 1.44% amide compounds. III! ADULTERATION OF GROUND FEED. Complaints came to this laboratory from teamsters and draymen, that the chops or ground feed did not keep their horses in as good condition for work as formerly, and the chemical department was asked to find out the cause. Some of the ground feed was examined and appeared to be very rich in oats because of the abundance of the oat hulls in the chops. Equal measures of oats and corn were ground together to make the favorite mixture, and when this was compared with commercial chops, it seemed deficient in the oat element, the oat hulls being more abundant in the commercial article. In reality the chops had much less oats, the apparent richness in oats being the result of grinding a large amount of oat hulls with corn. Oat hulls accumulate in large quantities at the mills where oat meal, rolled oats, etc., are prepared, the real grain being separated as oat meal, etc., and the chaffy and nearly worthless hulls become an incumbrance until the happy thought occurred to some feed-mixer to grind them up with corn and make the popular “ oats and corn chops.” To obtain more definite information on this subject, I wrote to a leading commission house for grain and feed, and obtained the following answer: “Dear Doctor “ Received your favor of 14th inst. and hasten to reply. Horry to learn that you are on the track of millers who are using oat hulls and corn hulls (or corn bran as we term it), for the road is a broad one, and you will have a large territory to cover, and plenty of work to do if you catch all the rascals, as we ail (or nearly all) use them. I send you a sample of oat hulls, such as I have used and as nearly all feed mills in the country do use; also sample of corn bran and a small sample of gluten feed. These are mixed with corn, screenings, barley, malt-sprouts and various other pro- ducts that can be used and mixed in grinding to make chops. Also send you a sample of chopped feed as being sold here. Prices of hulls vary accord- ing to demand of feed, from 81.75 per ton to $8.00 per ton, F. O. B. shipping points, with various rates to New York and other points. Corn bran is worth $18.00 per ton at present, Boston points. Have bought it from $5.00 to $6.00 per ton less during the summer. “ No use to give names of millers as nearly every feed mill in the coun- try is in the habit of using them or other cheap articles for grinding. Don’t know as you could now call it a fraud, as it is generally known that such stock is used, and purchasers buying cheap grades of feed know what it is made from as the price gives it away. “Any further information required on your part will be gladly furnished if possible, but remember that I am getting bread and butter out of oat hulls.” The guarantee of the quality of the feed from the price of the retailer will hardly satisfy the teamster, still less the team. If the horse only had a vote on this question ! 3 18 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. ANALYSIS OF ADULTERANTS. The oat hulls and corn bran have been analyzed and the results of analysis given. For comparison the analysis of oat straw is placed side by side with oat hulls: Oat hulls. Oat straw. Corn bran. Moisture _ _ 6.12 14.30 7.70 4.37 4.40 1.55 Fat .54 2.00 10.65 Crude fibre. 35.87 39.70 14.34 Carbhydrates 51.73 35.60 57.64 Crude protein.. _ .. 137 4.00 8.12 The composition of oat straw is the average of a number of analyses, taken from Armsby’s Cattle Feeding. From this table it is seen that the oat hulls, with the exception of carbhydrates (starch, gum, etc.), is of less value than oat straw , having only about one-quarter of the fat and one- third of the protein or albuminous materials. On the other hand oat meal contains more than 17 per cent of protein, 6 per cent of fat, and 64 per cent of carbhydrates. The meal contains all that is of material value, and the chops where the whole of the oats is the oat hulls is poor fodder for working horses. I have no remedy to propose for excluding such chops from the market. The best remedy is an enlightened public opinion, and the best cure for a fraud is to show that it is a fraud. Specimens of these adulterants are kept at the chemical laboratory and can be seen by any one interested in this subject. GLUTEN FEED. Another material which may become important in forming a food ration for stock is “ gluten feed” the albuminous residue of corn in making starch. This is not the “gluten meal” so widely exploited in this State last spring by an agent of the Buffalo works. “Gluten feed” is too rich to feed alone, but would make a valuable addition to fodders too poor in fat and protein. ANALYSIS OF GLUTEN FEED. Per cent. Moisture 7.12 Ash .85 Fat 6.45 Crude fibre .. 1.45 Carbhydrates 47.67 Crude protein. 36.37 100 . CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 19 Almost the entire amount of crude protein is in the form of albuminoid — 36 per cent — while only .37 of one per cent is in form of amide com- pounds. The great value of gluten feed as an ingredient of stock feed is evident from an inspection of the above table. IV. MINERAL RESIDUES IN SPRAYED FRUIT. The practice of spraying fruits with certain mineral compounds to destroy insects and fungi has called out discussion in regard to the ripened fruit after such spraying, and its fitness for food. The subject has awakened an earnest discussion and many wild statements have been made on both sides of the subject. The first condition for intelligent discussion of any sub- ject is to know the facts in the case. The Horticultural department iu 1892 and again in 1893 sent to the Chemical department specimens of fruit for analysis which had been sprayed during the season of growth, with a careful statement of the com- position of the mixture used in spraying, the quantity used and the dates of application. Two kinds of spraying mixtures were used. No. 1 consisted of lib Lon- don purple in 200 gallons of water; and filb of CuS0 4 , 5H 2 0 (crystallized sulphate of copper) and 4Eb of lime in 32 gallons of water, the spraying mixture (unless otherwise stated) consisting of equal measures of the Lon- don purple and the Bordeaux compound. The No. 2 spraying mixture differed only in the use of 21b of the copper salt and l^lb of lime for 32 gallons of water with an equal measure of the London purple mixture. In stating the results of analysis the calculation is made on the basis of one pound avoirdupois of fruit, and the metals found in a pound stated in grains; the “arsenic” as white arsenic ( As 2 0 ;} ) and the “copper salt” as blue vitriol (CuS0 4 , 5H 2 0). RESULTS IN 1892. Strawberries No. 1. Sprayed with No. 1 mixture June 18 and 23, one- half gallon on one rod of row. Picked June 24. Fruit excessively sprayed, the berries nearly covered with the mixture. Arsenic found __ .044 grains Copper salt 4.87 “ Strawberries No. 2. Sprayed June 18 and 23 with No. 2 mixture, one- half gallon to rod of row. Picked June 24. Excessively sprayed. Arsenic found .0298 grains Copper salt 1.821 “ Red Cherries No. 1. Sprayed June 18 and 30 with No. I mixture, one gallon to a tree. Picked July 6. Arsenic found .0882 grains Copper salt .390 “ Red Cherries No. 2. Sprayed June 18 and 30 with No. 2 mixture, one gallon to a tree. Picked July 6. Arsenic found * . _ . __ .025 grains Copper salt .252 “ White Cherries. Sprayed June 30 with No. 1 mixture, one gallon to a tree. Picked July 1. Arsenic found . .. .121 grains Copper salt not estimated. 20 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. Red Currants. Sprayed with London purple solution May 25, June 7, 18 and 30, one gallon to one rod of the row the first and second times and three-fourths of a gallon the third and fourth times. Picked July 8. Arsenic found .0503 grains Raspberries. Sprayed with No. 2 mixture June 6 and 28 and July 8. Picked July 20. Arsenic found .0098 grains Copper salt .028 “ Gooseberries No. 1. Sprayed with No. 1 mixture June 18 and 29, July 8 and 22, one- half gallon to a row two rods long. Picked August 2. The fruit was first washed with 10 per cent Hydrochloric acid to dis- solve off the visible remains of spraying and the acid washings and washed fruit separately analyzed. Arsenic in acid washings .0186 grains Copper salt *_ .463 “ Washed fruit: Arsenic found .0047 “ Copper salt .138 “ Total residue found on and within the fruit: Arsenic .0233 “ Copper salt .601 “ Gooseberries No. 2. Sprayed June 18 and 29, July 8 and 22 with mixt- ure No. I, J gallon to two rods of row. Picked August 2. Fruit washed with acid the same as the preceding specimen. Arsenic found in acid washings .0207 grains Copper salt .212 “ Washed fruit: Arsenic found .0165 grains Copper salt .150 “ Total residue found on and within the fruit: Arsenic .0372 grains Copper salt .362 “ Pears. Sprayed June 15, July 7 and 21, and August 7 with mixture No. I. Picked September 6. Arsenic found .0088 grains Copper salt .0738 “ RESULTS IN lfc93. In the experiments with tree-fruits this year the Bordeaux mixture of 2 Bbs copper salt and 2 lbs lime to 32 gallons of water was used for spray- ing the fruits on the tree. The London purple was omitted. Pears were sprayed May 15, June 12, and July 10. One pound of the fruit gave the equivalent of .100 grains of copper salt. Russian cherries were sprayed with Bordeaux mixture May 14, June 10 and 18 and on July 15 with modified eau celeste. One pound of fruit contained .147 grains of copper salt. Plums treated in the same way as Russian cherries, and at the same time, gave .2 grain of copper salt to a pound of fruit. In these experiments extending through two years, the minerals used in spraying the fruits were found in appreciable quantities in every instance, though the amount was small in all cases except when the spraying had been purposely excessive. CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 21 The inquiry naturally arises whether these poisons merely adhere to the surface or penetrate the substance of the fruit? The results .with goose- berries seem to show that they penetrate the body of the fruit to a limited extent. A test of this question has been made with some of the sprayed pears. A pound of the pears was selected, the skin carefully pared off and burned by itself, and the body of the pear burned to ashes by itself and each ash separately analyzed. The pear pealings from 1 pound of pears gave .106 grains of copper salt, and the flesh gave .071 grains, showing that while most of the copper salt adheres to the surface, a portion finds way into the body of the fruits. The copper salts adhere to vegetable surfaces more persistently than is commonly supposed. A student in chemical analysis (W. F. Wight), during the first week in May, 1896, made some investigations on this subject. The outside bark of trees that had been sprayed with Bordeaux mixture was gathered, burned to ash, which was dissolved in nitric acid and the copper plated out on a platinum dish and weighed. The results are cal- culated for 100 square inches of bark surface. The bark of a tree that was sprayed April 18; 1893, gave .124 grains of metallic copper. The bark of a tree more recently sprayed, and on which the spray was still visible, gave grains of copper. The bark of an apple tree sprayed about one year before gave .05 grains, and the bark of a plum tree sprayed about J une 1, 1892, gave .044 grains of copper. The suggestion has been made that an opinion in regard to the safety in the use of such sprayed fruits as food would not be out of place. The condition where the poisons are applied directly to the fruit a short time before ripening is quite different from that where the poison is applied to one part of the plant while an entirely different part is used for food, such as the application of Paris green to potato vines to kill the Colorado beetle. So also the spraying of the young apples with Paris green soon after the blossoms have separated in order to destroy the larva of the cod- dling moth is quite different from spraying the developed and ripening fruit. The persistence with which such poisons adhere to the bark and other surfaces as shown in preceding experiments is quite significant. The use of poisons in horticulture in my opinion is largely in excess of the amount required for a fungicide. One-lialf or even one-third of the amount usually employed would probably give as good results. In the spraying of some fruits, such as strawberries in 1892, the amount was purposely used in large excess. In one case nearly five grains of blue vitriol were recovered from one pound of fruit —a dose no sensible person would want to take in his food. Yet even that dose would not probably be fatal, though it might cause vomiting. Any of the doses of arsenic or of copper found in a pound of these fruits might be swallowed without endangering life by bach single dose. It is the repeated doses, day by day, of such poisons that might produce slow poisoning and the gradual undermining of the health without obvious cause. It is safe to refuse all fruits which have been sprayed with these poisons (especially arsenic) during the period of ripening. For a large part of the analytical work which forms the basis of this bulletin I am indebted to my assistants, W. L. Rossman and H. E. Harri- son. I am fortunate in having such able and faithful helpers. Agricultural College, September, 1H93. R. C. KEDZIE. BULLETIN 102. CELERY INSECTS. ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. Michigan is peculiarly a celery state. It no doubt has enough" swamp lands, of the peculiar muck soil, so requisite to the best success in celery culture, to supply the whole country, and certainly will make use of them largely for this appetizing plant in the near future. Every year brings an increased acreage. When celery was first introduced and raised only in limited areas, no insect attacks were ever reported, and probably none occurred, as an introduced plant is seldom attacked for several years. As several species acquired a liking for it, occasional reports of injury would be received. The past two or three years, the species that attack celery have so greatly increased in numbers and severity that the calls demanded a more extended knowledge which would assist both professional and amateur celery growers to keep these little depredators in check by means of the best remedies that could be suggested. So far as can be ascertained, only two species have been reported in economic literature as celery insects. But little celery is grown at the college, and what has been learned has been largely by frequent visits to the extensive fields at Kalamazoo, Tecumseh, and Jackson, and through correspondence with some of the most intelligent growers at these places. More might have been learned could the fields and myself have been in closer proximity, but the most destruc- tive species are briefly described, illustrated, and remedies given. Many are spoken of that are not numerous at present but may be in the seasons following. I wish to express my thanks to the members of the Board and the Directors of the station for their generosity and assistance in making this bulletin what it is, and to Mr. Russell of Tecumseh, and Mr. Wilson of Kalamazoo, and the many other colery growers at the various places visited, for their ever ready assistance in the field work. I am also very 24 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. grateful to Mr. VanDuzee, Prof. Fernald, Prof. Osboru, Prof. Williams, the department at Washington, D. C., Profs. Cook and Wheeler of this college, and others who have so kindly assisted me in determining the various material gathered. LOCUSTS AND GRASSHOPPERS* Owing to favorable seasons last year and this for grasshoppers and locusts, they have been very numerous and made their work felt on various plants — celery being one of the number. Those celery fields that have been surrounded mostly by high meadows, grain fields, forest or pasture lands, have suffered the most severely. It is on the drier, more sandy land that they are the most numerous early in the season, and then, as vegeta- tion in these places becomes dry and partly dead, they avail themselves of the fresh and green fields of celery in the low lands. They will never be found on the low lands in numbers except in dry weather when they are driven from the uplands by a scarcity of food. The eggs are laid on sandy knolls or the mellower parts of the uplands, and here the young hatch and attain considerable of their growth before they travel any distance. If the fields where the hoppers breed could be plowed and thoroughly rolled in the fall, and kept under cultivation the following season, the hoppers would probably be considerably reduced in numbers. The roller is especially important as it is found that rolling crushes so many of the frail egg cases. THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE SPECIES. Fig. 1. The red-legged locnst, Melan oplus femur-rub rum— (alter Riley.) Fig. 2. The two-stripped locnst. Melanoplus femor- atus— (after Riley.) The species most frequently found and found in the greatest numbers was the common red-legged locust, Melcmoplus femur-rubrum (Fig. 1). While no special study of the species on celery was made, it was evident that those common in meadow and pasture lands were proportionately common in celery fields. They stripped the celery of its leaves along the border as readily as that of any forage plant. Some of the species besides the red-legged locust that were common are the two-striped locust, Melanoplus femoratus ( Fig. 2), and Dissosteria Carolina. Of the common meadow grasshoppers, Orchelimum vulgare , Xiphidiumfasciatum and X. strictum , and the katydid, Scudderia furculala (?) were plentiful. REMEDIES. A very good preventive, in one instance at least, that came under my observation while in one of the fields, was to leave a strip of land about * The term Ibcust is applied in its more restricted sense to the brown hoppers with short horn-like antennae, or feelers, and grasshopper, to the green hoppers with long thread-like antennae, and will bs so need in this bailetin. ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 25 four rods wide without plant growth. The instance cited was a strip used in the spring for a plant bed. It was along the end of a field next to a pasture field. The plants had all been taken up and transplanted in other parts of the field and the strip left idle until used for a late crop of celery. The locusts were plentiful along the border, but only a few wandered in far enough to reach the celery, while the other borders were suffering from locust invasions. The disuse of so large a strip of land makes this method of prevention rather expensive unless the surrounding land is of little value. The surrounding of the fields with ditches partly filled with water, although reported as effectual, is also quite an expensive outlay. At my suggestion, Mr. Slater of Tipton tried sweetened bran with Paris green added, as suggested on page 4 in bulletin 98. He reports that he had no trouble in getting the hoppers to eat it, but was unable to tell whether it killed them or not. From some experiments conducted by my- self there seems to be no doubt bat that they are killed and quite quickly. The locusts were placed in three lots of which one was fed on molasses and bran with enough Paris green added to give it a green tinge, another the same with strychnine instead and the third without poison. Inside of twenty-four hours those fed on the Paris green were all dead. At the same time only one of those given strychnine was dead, and all were lively and active in the unpoisoned case. It is quite probable that Paris green used in this way will prove very helpful in keeping the number of locusts diminished, but care must be taken that it: is not used where fowls or stock can get at it. What at present seems to be the most effectual means of thinning the numbers is a modification of the “hopper dozer” spoken of and illus- trated in bulletin 98. This modification was devised and used by Mr. C. H. Hardy of Tipton and, from his trial of various remedies through the season, he feels that this method is superior to all others. He bought large flocks of turkeys and chickens hoping they would keep the locusts in check, but they trampled the plants and ate the plume of the older ones and did not diminish the number of locusts as much in a day as two men would in a few hours with his hopper collector. The accompanying cut shows the outline plan. The pan is made of sheet iron and is about 12 or 15 feet long by 4 to 6 wide. Then with a high fender on three sides and project- ing wings from these and a whiffletree attachment at one end as at a, the mechanism is complete. The horse draws the pan to where it is to be set 4 26 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. on the grass at the border of the celery, then two men go into the celery and drive the locusts toward the pan. The two wings aid in crowding them into the center, and soon a large number of the hoppers are on the tar which has been previously coated over the inside of the pan. The collector is then driven up another space and the same operation repeated. Mr. Hardy used an old sugar pan with one side cut off and wings added. It is easier to collect the hoppers before their wings are fully developed, or in the cooler part of the day when they do not fly so readily. The regular hopper dozer is not practical in the celery fields as it must be raised so high to run over the plants without injuring them that the hoppers mostly go under the pan. THE TRUE BUGS — ORDER HEMIPTERA. This order of insects furnishes nearly one- half of the celery pests, and several of the most injurious ones that we have. They do not bite or chew, but puncture the plant and draw the sap through the puncture. They are all charac- terized by having a beak. In the accompanying cut, the head and beak of the tarnished plant bug are shown. The four needle-like parts work together in the groove inside the beak, and, after they have pierced the plant, the sap is sncked up through this groove into the stomach. The beak does not enter the plant, but only presses against it. In the very young stage of this tarnished plant bug, the whole operation showed more plainly than any before observed. The piercing needles entered the plant as rapidly and apparently as easily as one could push a pin into a cushion. As the needles passed on through the stalk, the jointed beak became telescoped till it was all in two joints and scarcely half the length it was at first. It is thought by many that these bugs injure the plants by secreting a poison when the sap is drawn. It is quite probable this may be so for the pur- pose of increasing the flow of sap. We all know of the mosquito poisoning for a similar purpose the puncture it makes. Fig. 4.— Head of the tarnished plant bug, shcwiDgthe jointed bpak, or rostrum, a, and the four neeille- like mouth parts, 6, used in pierc- ing plants— (original). LEAF HOPPERS. All through the season, leaf hoppers were common on the celery. Early in the season they were especially abundant, usually flying ahead of one like a swarm of flies, as he passed through the field. When the plants are small, these leaf hoppers do a great deal of injury by sucking the sap from the plant through the thousands of little punctures that they make with their pointed, beak-like mouth parts (see 4a, plale I). While the plants, for the first few weeks after transplanting, are having their hardest struggle for existence, the little leaf hopper’s work is the*most destructive. This season many fields of celery were retarded in growth at this period. This is a part of the season when the celery grower can the least afford to allow any interruption in the growth of his plants. ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 27 Platk I. — Fig. ], Cicarlula 4- 1 in cat a ; 2. Emporium mali ; 8, Platymetopivn a cut us ; 4, Athysnmis inutubiliH n. Bp.; «, front view of the head showing clypeiiH. lora, cheek* and front; f>, Megarnelus piceus n. ap.; a, complete wing of macropterous form. All drawn ten times the natural size. 28 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. SPECIES THAT WERE MOST NUMEROUS. 1. Cicadula 4-lineata Forbes (Fig. 1 of plate I) was the most common species everywhere. At the college and where the mack had considerable clay in it, they could be taken by the hundred at almost any time in the season. The species is greenish brown, with yellow scutellum, and head spotted as shown in the figure. 2. Empoascci mali Le B. (Fig. 2 of plate I). This is a pretty little yellow species with transparent greenish wing covers and green legs. It was very common through the season after July. At Kalamazoo many were found down in near the heart on blanching celery. It is probable that they help spot the white stalks. They breed on the plants. 3. Platymetopius acutus Say (Fig. 3 of plate I) was common the lat- ter part of the season. The young were found on the plants early this fall. The soecies probably does little harm as it prefers to be high up on the leaves instead of on the stems. To the naked eye it is a dark brown and can be easily told by the acute projection of the head. 4. Athysanus instabilis* n. sp., Van Duzee (Fig. 4 and 4 a of plate I). Form of Deltocephalus inimicus Say. Black, dotted and marked with fulvous as fol- lows: hind edge of the vertex, a dot, sometimes wanting, touching this either side of the middle, another near each eye, two marks on the disc, a line before each of these, an angular mark at apex including a short longitudinal dash, a dot on the temples, six or eight arcs and the central line on the front, the latter expanded on the clypeal suture, two dots on the base of the clypeus, another on each lora, a spot on the cheeks and their slender outer edge, the irrorations of the pronotum and a few large spots on its anterior edge, six spots on the scutellum— four marginal and two discal — and its median line, knees, a transverse band on the femora and the slender hind edge of the abdominal segments. Posterior legs pale, more or less clouded with fuscous, with the inner face of the flattened tibia black. Elytra pale, slightly clouded at apex, the are- oles broadly margined with fuscous, nervures whitish. Last ventral segment of the female long, feebly arquated either side of the middle, with the lateral angles promi- nent. Valve of the male short, plates triangular subacute. Length 4-434 m - m - Quite common at the college through August and September. Mr. Van Duzee has the specimens of the same species from Colorado also. 5. Megamelus piceus n. sp., Van Duzee (Fig. 5 and 5a plate I). Piceous-black; base of the vertex, keels and narrow hind edge of the pronotum, disc of the mesonotum, or at least its carinae, disc of the tergum, especially towards its base and apex, and the edge of the dorsal keel; the genital segments and sometimes the base of the venter, brownish yellow. Face pale shaded to brown above, clypeus deep black. Antennae, rostrum, tylus, and legs pale, soiled yellow, the latter lineate with brown. Elytra reaching to the second abdominal segment in the branchypterous form, with the apex truncated, piceous-brown, or even black, with the apical edge white more or less broadly interrupted with black at the middle; nervures strong, granulated. In the macropterous form the elytra extend considerably beyond the tip of the abdomen about as in Liburina pellucida ; they are smoky with pale granulated nervures, the exterior and interior of which are forked at about three-fourths their length. Pygafers of the male cylindrical, on their ventral aspect cut out for about one-half their length and carrying on the broad base of this incisure a broad and short projection extended into a short conical divergent tooth at each angle, beyond this are the incurved spine-like stylets included between the long slender ventral projections of the plates. Length, 234 to 3 m. m. New York and Michigan. Described from many examples of both sexes taken in western New York on grass in low swampy meadows in August and September, and one female taken on celery at Kalamazoo, Mich., August 26, 1893, by Mr. G. O. Davis. In this species the vertex is shorter and broader, the pronotum shorter and the meso- * This and the following species were found to be new to science and Mr. E. P. Van Dnzee. a specialist on Jassid®, to whom they were sent, has kindly consented to describe them. His same descriptions will also appear in the Canadian Entomologist. ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 29 notum longer with more divergent carinas than in M. notulus. The yellowish markings above vary much in extent, some specimens being almost entirely of a dull piceous- black while some are pitchy brown with the pale markings much extended. The characters of the bead, the pale face and the black vertex and clypeus seem quite con- stant as does also the color of the tylus, rostrum, legs and elytra. Of the other species Phelpsinns irrorciius Say and Agallia sanguineolenta were quite often taken: Teiticjonianoveboracerisis, Thawnoteitix clUellaria Deliocephalns melsheimeri Fitch and D. inimicus Say, occasionally taken. No extensive collecting was done in getting this material. To secure specimens of those most common on celery rather than a complete list was the object. REMEDY. Owing to the fact that leaf hoppers do not feed by chewing the plant, but live on sap taken from the inside of the stem or leaf, most of our insecticides are of little avail. This being the condition and the hoppers so injurious to the joung plants, another method was devised that has Fio. 5.— The hopperette lined in collecting leaf hoppers, flea beetles and many of the celery bugs, a , string— (original ) . succeeded even better than my first anticipation had predicted. It is by means of a small tarred pan attached to a hand wheel hoe as in Fig. 5. The pan is made of sheet iron. The bottom is lfix20 inches with a notch 30 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. six inches deep by four wide cut in the center of the front edge. On the two sides and back is an upright sheet about four inches high to prevent the leaf hoppers jumping over. The edges of the front side and notch are rolled up merely sufficiently to prevent the tar on the bottom from running off; one-eighth of an inch is ample. The hopperette, as we will designate this collecting pan, is attached to the wheel hoe by two strips of strap iron fastened under the pan as a support and at the other end bolted to the frame of the hoe or fastened in any way that will make it solid. The shaping of these braces and the lowering of the pan depends entirely upon the make of carriage used. The one used in my own experiments was a two wheeled hoe sold by D. M. Ferry & Co. under the title “Planet Jr. 5 ’ With this machine the pan was lowered five inches below the axle, which brought it very close* to the ground and still kept it level. When placed entirely in front the pan can be raised or lowered considerably to conform to the uneven surfaces on the ground. The notch cut in the bottom is a great aid as it permits the plant to be nearly sur- rounded before it is disturbed and all insects are caught that jump to the sides as well as back. Another feature that added considerably to the efficiency of the hopperette was a strong twine string stretched across the notch about four inches in from the edge, as at a. This not only pro- tects the plants from the sharp edges, but causes the hoppers to leap at the right time. If the holes punched for the string cut it, eyelets may be used or a wire about the same size may be used. GOST OF HOPPERETTE. The first cost for collecting leaf hoppers in this way is very slight and it takes comparatively little time in collecting, as a man can pass over a con- siderable area in a day. The pan made of sheet iron cost $1.25. There is no patent on this or the collector spoken of under locusts and they may be made by any tinner. The coal tar used in coating the pan is very cheap. Enough of the tar should be kept in the pan to occasionally run over the bottom and recoat it, and by this means cover over refuse material and insects that have accumulated. Those who may wish to purchase a “Planet Jr.” for use in the celery fields and for leaf hoppers too will find it listed in D. M. Ferry & Co’s catalogue at $1.00. With an outlay of not over $6.00, and a few hours work, many times that amount wili be saved in the celery crop where the little leaf hoppers are at all thick. One may not realize how many there are of them till he stirs the plants and watches the number hop away. In my first trial of the hopperette, the hoppers were not as common as a week or two earlier, but on a row five rods long' at least two hundred were caught. THE TARNISHED PLANT BUG (Lygus pratentis Linn). Order HEMIPTEtiA. Family CAPSID2E. A brown bug that is the cause of the rusty, dead spots and streaks on celery known among growers as one form of “sun scald,” but different from the disease known as leaf spot, which will be treated of Jater. Although not found in such great numbers as some other pests, the tar- nished plant bug is one of the worst with which the celery grower has yet had to contend. It goes directly to the teuder stalks of the plant that are blanching and by means of its beak draws the sap from the stem, and ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 31 leaves a large brown wilted spot which greatly mars the attractive appear- ance on the market and lowers the price accordingly. I do not remember of talking with a celery grower this season, who knew the real cause of these brown spots on celery. The most general belief was that it was caused by “sun scald,” or perhaps bruised in blanching. This is not at all surprising as the bug is so shy and retiring, when one is near, that it is only by quiet and careful watching that it is seen feeding. Then, too, it Fig. 6.— The tarnished plant, bog, showing the various stages of growth. A, very young bug; B, second stage; (', the fourth stage; D, the matured, winged form. The line at the right shows the natural size —(original). is’almost always well in toward the center of the plant and is protected largely from view. Very often when disturbed, or even on the approach of possible danger, the mature form will take wing and fly away, and the younger ones not having wings will drop to the ground and seek protection there, LITERATURE. The tarnished plant bug is a native of nearly all parts of our country. For this reason, coupled with its general destructiveness, it has been made the subject of many articles. Nearly all are brief notices of injury done. The only really extensive or exhaustive article on the species is by Prof. Forbes in the 13th Illinois Entomological Report, 1883, pp. 115-135 (111.). All of the more important literature is referred to here. The work treats of the bug as a strawberry insect, causing the berries to shrivel by suck- ing the juice from them. Pyrethrum is the remedy recommended. In the following year, report 14, pp. 79-80, additions to the previous report are given in which Prof. Forbes describes the egg of the bug and records an experiment with pyrethrum not working as well as expected. Several other authors have before and since written short accounts of it as a strawberry bug. The earliest important article was by Dr. Harris in “Insects Injurious to Vegetation,” pp. 199-203. Under the name of Phyfocoris lineolaris , he treats of it as injurious to flowering plants and potato vines, and recom- mends simple but as inefficient remedies. 32 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF GROWTH. As a usual thing it is only the larger winged form that we notice, the young forms remaining concealed in the denser part of the plant. The common name, tarnished plant bug, is a very appropriate one for the adult as it has a stained or tarnished appearance, though still retaining a pol- ished surface. It is a very variable species in its markings, and has until recently been considered as several distinct species. The females, as in the figure, are quite a light brown with yellowish white markings; the males, a dark reddish brown with scarcely a light marking. Intermediate mark- ings, ranging between the two extremes, may also be found. There are four distinct stages of growth between the egg and the mature form; the first, second and fourth of which are illustrated in the accompanying figure. The small line at the side shows the natural size. The first two stages are entirely wingless, and in color are a light green. They resem- ble the plant very closely, and this affords them a means of protection which they often make use of by keeping very quiet on the stalk of like color and so are easily overlooked. The next two stages begin to show evidences of the wings, quite small in the first but very distinct in the next. They are still green with a very few dark markings, but the color does not seem to be used much as a protection in these two stages. THE LIFE HISTORY. Early in the spring the first insects to make their appearance on early vegetation are the imagos (adults) of the tarnished plant bug. They have lived through the winter in this form, under boards, bunches of dead leaves, grass, rubbish, or anything that they can find which will give them shelter. They are very general feeders as will be readily seen in looking for them on the plants in one’s immediate vicinity. They feed on all the common weeds as well as grass, clover, and plants raised for their flowers. The fruit, blossoms and foliage of the pear, apple, quince, strawberry and grape suffer alike from their piercing beaks. Our vegetables suffer in the same way. They not only feed on these plants but breed on them also. Early in the season the eggs, described by Prof. Forbes as minute, white, smooth, slender, oblong ova, are deposited on the plant. From these the young soon hatch. They are at first very slender for their size, but, as they grow older, the imbibing of so much sap tends to expand the body much faster than it lengthens. From the first part of June through the remainder of the season, all stages from the youngest up could be found on the celery though at times certain stages were more common than others. Before the cold autumn weather becomes severe, the adults are again in winter quarters. BEST MEANS OF FIGHTING THE BUG. A great many insecticides have been tested only to find them ineffectual and unsatisfactory. Owing to the bug sucking its food from the inside of the plant, no remedies affect it except those that kill by contact. Of these, the kerosene emulsion, so often recommended in our previous bulletins, is probably the best, but as the bugs are so shy and hide, or take flight so readily, a large per cent of them escape even with the most thorough work. It was noticed that in collecting leaf hoppers with the hopperette, ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 33 quite a number of tarnished plant bugs were also collected and it seems probable that this is a quicker and cheaper means of fighting them than is any insecticide. As prevention is better than cure in disease, so it is with this bug, and we must look largely to this means in keeping it in check. The relation between the number of bugs and the manner in which the celery fields and surrounding borders were kept, was very noticeable in every celery field visited this season. If long grass, weeds, loose sods, or boards were left scattered along the border or in the vicinity of the field, the bugs were sure to be there in greater numbers than where everything was kept picked up and cleaned up so that the bugs could find no protecting shelter in which to hibernate. This is the reason certain localities suffered so much more than others. Occasional exceptions in locality were seen, but where such occurred the bugs were scarce in proportion to the care used in keep- ing rubbish cleared from the fields. The loss produced by the bug is impossible to estimate as it is not a total loss of celery, but only a decrease in the market price. The loss in this way is a serious one as every celery grower who has a poor article to put on the market well knows; and when it can be avoided, at least the most of it, by a little care and tidiness, it is well that all such precaution be taken. « THE LITTLE NEGRO BUG ( Corimelaena pulicaria, Germ). Order JHEMIPTERA. Family CORIMELAENID2B. The little black bug which appeared so suddenly and in such great numbers on celery this season. It kills the leaves and dwarfs the plant. By the remedies suggested it is thought it can be controlled. Fig. 7.— The little negro bug. A, upper side much enlarged, a, natural size; B, under side of the same showing the beak ; C, section of a leaf with bugs at work— (original). No celery insect up to the present time has caused more alarm over the State than this species did the past season. It came so suddenly and in such great numbers at Tecumseh that for a time it appeared as 5 34 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. though many fields would be cut to the ground in a few days. The attack was quite general all over the celery-growing portions of the State, but not as severe as at Tecumseh and vicinity. The fields at Jackson suffered slightly, and one field at Kalamazoo was quite badly injured. The bugs appeared on the college celery but did no harm. On the 22d of July letters from Tecumseh and vicinity began coming in, asking for information and help. The following may be taken as a sample of those received. “Dear Sir — I mail you a box containing some bugs. Millions on millions have commenced work upon our celery, from twenty- five to fifty collecting about one leaf and in an hour or two it is gone. * * * They are doing great damage and if they last many days, will do many thousand dollars worth of damage. Please state if there is any remedy and how long they will last and what you know about their habits. Please answer at once. Yours truly, - E. L. Russell. Several similar letters being received the same day made it imperative that something be done, and before Mr. Russell’s reply reached him, I was in his field of bugs and celery. METHOD OF ATTACK. The attack was very sudden and severe and Mr. Russell’s statement was found to be no exaggeration. They had not acquired possession of the entire field, but were extending their domain daily. The first thing that would be noticed in the attack upon a plant was a knot of little black bugs around the node where the three top leaflets met, and here they would suck the sap till the leaflets wilted and drooped, when they would go down to the next joint below and so repeat the operation till the leaf was drained of its sap; then they would pass to another leaf and attack that in the same way. They always went in bunches of usually from fifteen to thirty when feeding. With so many little beaks drawing the sap from the leaves, it is no wonder the destruction was so rapid and alarming. The attack was almost invariably made on the highest leaves. When one of them was cut down to the denser part of the foliage, the leaf would be left and others reduced to the same level. When they came to the plume (central white leaves), it suffered the same and then the plant was spoiled for market. This habit of taking the highest leaves first is no doubt due to their love for heat and sunlight which they could not have when below the crowded central leaves. In looking over a field after the bugs have worked in it a few days, it has the appearance of having been clipped off about half way down and the dead leaves left just where’ they had been cut off. The plant would be in a much better condition after recovering from a clipping than from an attack of this kind, as the dead leaves are still attached, which in itself is harmful, and then they so completely cover the living part that it is almost entirely shaded. In their attack the bugs showed a great preference for the older j celery that had commenced to grow stalky and was nearly ready to blanch or was blanching. The younger celery where the leaves were spread out and the center exposed was injured comparatively little. Where the bugs did work on such plants, they were found sometimes on some of the higher leaves as described before and sometimes in little groups around the heart stalks. ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 35 THE EFFECT. As the heart stalks of celery form the edible part of it, the bugs could not have attacked any other part of the plant where as little harm would be done as on the higher' and older leaves. Then, too, the severest part of the attack did not last over three weeks. It was the attack of such countless numbers that made their work so severe. Most fields at Tecum - seh suffered less than was at first feared, but where the bugs were abund- ant the loss to celery was considerable. Plants, that had suffered a severe attack, were retarded in their growth from two to three weeks, and when they appeared to have recovered, it was not with the same large perfect stalks, so characteristic of Tecumseh celery, but with a large number of little curling, gnarly stalks that would be of little or no market value. We might as well say that in such cases the crop was an entire loss. NOT THE CHINCH BUG. Owing to the sudden appearance of this little negro bug, a great many in the region thought it surely must be the chinch bug. Some were not convinced till speci- mens of the chinch bug were sent from Iowa and com- pared with the negro bug when they at once saw a great structural difference. Both have the odor peculiar to all similar bugs and have a beak for sucking, but are very different in most respects. The form, as will be seen in the two cuts, is entirely different, and the chinch bug is not shining black, but a dull, dusty brown with the ter- minal half of the wings membranous. There is little danger of a chinch bug invasion as far north in Michigan as the celery fields. • GLEANINGS FROM LITERATURE. Before we attempt to suggest any remedies let us learn more about the little negro bug’s habits, and what others have learned of it. The earliest account of its destructive habits that was found is an article in the Canadian Farmer for August, 1867, where Bev. C. J. S. Bethune speaks of its attack on strawberry plants in Canada. In the same year B. D. Walsh, in the Practical Entomologist, Vol. II, p. 119, reports it as swarming on raspberries in Missouri in such numbers as to render the berries worthless both from odor and taste. Walsh and Riley, in the American Entomologist, report it as puncturing strawberries and causing the blossoms and fruit to wilt; also as attacking the cherry, quince and pear in the same way. The remedy suggested was cresylic soap, which has long since been superseded by better remedies. Dr. Riley in his second Missouri Report (1870), gives a review of the plants attacked and reports it very common all over the state the year before. In the Prairie Farmer, August 15, 1868, he reports a new growth of stems and leaves of grape vines injured by it. In the U. S. Agricultural Report, 1884, p. 390, Mr. Webster reports breeding the bug on wheat. Prof. Forbes in his Illinois Report for 1890, p. 51, reports it common in Fig. 8.— Chinch bng ( Blissus leucopterus ) . 36 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. wheat and grass fields along with the chinch bug, and for this reason often considered inj urious by farmers, but it seemed to feed only on weeds. There are a few other minor references, but these give us something of an idea of its habits and the cultivated plants attacked. It always has been known best as a strawberry insect, because the oftenest found injuring that plant. The above references are all largely incidental, but with these and what has been learned of it on the celery this season, we are enabled to more closely determine its LIFE HISTORY. We owe thanks to Mr. Webster for assistance by his notes on the early stages of this bug. as it is single brooded and the first brood was mature when found on the celery. His record is: “Adults were observed copulating May 9, and were at once confined on wheat under glass, being fed on ripe strawberries. The females began to oviposit on the 20th, placing their eggs singly on the leaves and sheath of the grain. On the 26th, after depositing a few eggs in the intervening time, they made their escape. The eggs may be described as follows: Length, f m. m. ; diameter, f m. m. ; form elongate oval; and when first deposited the color is shining, very light orange, which gradually deepens until just previous to hatching, when it is a livid red. One of these eggs deposited on May 21, hatched June 6, the larva being jm. m. in length, brown anteriorly and red barred with brown posteriorly, legs yellow.” Careful search was made for the nymphs through the celery, and only a short distance on one row next to a ditch, were there any found, and then only an occasional one. They were like the mature form except the abdo- men was blood red, soft and segmented. These fed in the group along with the adults. After reaching the mature stage they lose their appetite in about three weeks, so that after the 10th of August this year they did the celery no harm and gradually disappeared. Those kept in the breed- ing jar have not cared to feed, but have have collected in crevices in a semi-torpid state awaiting the coming of winter. They hibernate under boards and rubbish as does the tarnished plant bug. PREVIOUS APPEARANCE ON CELERY. With only one exception, no one, when asked regarding the bug, had ever seen it at work on celery before. This one was Mr. Frenthway of Kala- mazoo who says he has seen it on his celery for the past seven years; only a few each year, not enough to do any harm. It certainly never has been numerous or others would have noticed its work. DOES IT BREED ON CELERY? This is a question which was studied very carefully while in the fields, and while it cannot be said positively that they do not breed on the plant at all, yet it seems very certain that such is the case. In every instance where the bugs were the worst, a rank growth of weeds was found near by. In most instances the weeds had been cut only a few days before the bugs appeared on the celery; but in some cases the weeds, while still standing, were nearly deserted and the celery attacked. The border of the celery field nearest the weeds always showed the first signs of attack, ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 37 and was injured the worst for the first few days, after which the bugs would scatter so that no difference could be noticed. The bugs are not general weed feeders like the tarnished plant bug, but are partial to a select few. They w T ere found feeding on five different species bordering the celery fields, viz: *beggar-ticks, stick-tight or fork weed (Bidens frondosa); tick-seed (Coreopsis trichosperma); red root ( Amarantus retroflexus) \ g round nut ( Apios iuberosa), and great lobelia (Lobelia syphilitica). In addition to these Dr. Riley reports them on rosin weed (Silphium) and speed well (Veronica per egrina); Webster, on evening primrose ( CEnothera ); Forbes, on plantain (Plantago lanceo- lata), and sometimes on rag weed ( Ambrosia ) and smart weed (Polygonum persicaria). When found on these weeds they are always more plentiful than on celery near by; but in some instances where found in large numbers on these weeds a few days previously, the weeds had been deserted and the celery attacked. All seems to point toward their breed- ing elsewhere than on the celery at present; but even if this is true, should they continue to make celery a food plant, they will undoubtedly make it a breeding plant as well. INEFFECTUAL REMEDIES. While celery growers should not be discouraged at the start, for it is probable .the bug can be controlled, yet it is quite evident after experi- menting with the remedies usually effectual on such insects, that nearly all the remedies belong to this first class — the ineffectual. Our most effectual remedy on the true bugs is kerosene emulsion and this was the first to be tested on these bugs, but they were too well armored for it to penetrate. They were, even placed in the dilute emulsion and forced to swim for five or ten minutes, but they soon recovered when taken out and were as lively as before. The full strength emulsion that would kill the tarnished plant bug as soon as dropped into it, w’ould not kill the little negro bug for several minutes. Similar in nature, but even less effectual was “ Little’s Chemical Fluid,” a prepared sheep dip and insecticide. THE MORE EFFECTUAL REMEDIES. Finding our most effectual remedies that kill by contact were of no avail, we next turned our attention to repellants and here found a vulner- able point. They were driven and scattered by offensive odors. Crude carbolic acid mixed with water at the rate of a tablespoonful to two gallons and sprinkled over the plants or mixed with air slaked lime or land plaster at the rate of a teacupful to each bushel and dusted over the plants, seemed to serve as a repellant the best of anything tried. The odor from a field sprinkled with carbolic acid water could be detected quite a distance off for at least twenty-four hours after the application was made. The odor from carbolized lime is not nearly as strong but seems to be more permanent. Lime alone was of little effect. It was intended to procure some gas lime (a refuse product in the manufacture of gas), but none could be obtained, and ammonia water with a strong sulphur and coal tar odor was taken instead. For the plants it had to be reduced at least seven-eighths, but the bugs could swim in it full strength without appar- *The plants wore detertnined for me by oar station botanist, Mr. C. F. Wheeler. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN, 38 ent injury. As a repellant it did some good, though not equal to carbolic acid. Other repellants, such as coal-tar water, salt, sulphur, etc., were tried but were of no evident effect. The only remedy found which would kill the bugs was hot water. Celery will endure a stream of water heated to 175° Fahrenheit, and the bugs succomb at 155°. » MEANS OF CONTROL. We now come to the most important part, viz.: how to protect from future attacks. With the present knowledge that we have, probably the best method will be a combination of the carbolic acid and hot water. It is probable that the bugs will appear about the same time again next season, and careful watch should be kept from the 10th of July on. When they appear it will be in large numbers in some spot along the margin, and this is the time to treat them before they spread over the field. Carbolic acid can then be used on the plants surrounding the bug-infested patch for some distance back, or to make it more certain, on the remainder of the field; then, while the bugs are held in this little patch, dose them with hot water. It should be between 155 and 175 degrees Fah. when it strikes the bugs. The use of hot water is impracticable in a large field, but if used only on a little patch, is not so difficult. It may be applied with a cup from a pail or with a spray pump without the spraying nozzle. The water must be thrown in a stream, as it will cool too rapidly when thrown in a spray. The application of hot water will necessitate the use of a thermometer that the temperature may be accurately known. A good precaution against attack would be to keep all weeds in the vicinity of the celery fields and along ditches cut down close through June and July so as to prevent the bugs from breeding on them. Unlike the tarnished plant bug, the amount of rubbish under which the negro bug can hibernate does not seem to affect its numbers in the least. THE 13-SPOTTED LAD1 BIRD BEETLE ( Hippodamia 13-punctata, Linn.). Fig. 9. — The three stages of the 13-spotted lady bird beetle, nat. size- Many suspected this spotted beetle, which was so often present with the little negro bugs or found at the node after it was left by the bugs, of helping harm the celery; but the beetle was there only for the sap that issued from the wounds made by the bug. The beetle is one of our little friends as it feeds on plant lice and seldom, if at all, on the plants themselves. ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 39 THE THREE-LINED THRIP ( Coleothrips trifasciata , Fitch). Order HEMIPTERA. Family THRIPIDjE. Fig. 10. — The three-lined thrip ; In June and July these very minute sap sucking insects were common on the celery at the college. The species is our most common one in the heads of clover and is found on onions and various weeds. The individual spec- Mmens are only about one-eighth of an inch long, slender, and prettily marked with three white cross bands along the wings. They were found mostly on the tender central portion of the plants, often hid in considerable numbers between leaves, but as often scattered singly all over the plants. They no doubt assisted the leaf hoppers in making the celery look sickly, but they are so minute that they are not likely to do special harm unless very numerous. wings in natural position on one Should this occur, a spray of kerosene emulsion side and spread on the other. The -ni* • • 1 • 1 line at. the side shows the nat. size Will dimmish their numbers. —(original). The me th 0( l G f preparing the kerosene emul- sion may not be well known to all celery growers, and so it will be given: To two quarts of water add one quart of soft soap or one-fourth pound of hard soap, and heat the whole to boiling. When the soap is dissolved, take from the fire, add a pint of kerosene and agitate so thoroughly and rapidly with a force pump without the nozzle that the mixture will foam like milk when filling the dairyman’s pail on a summer’s evening. It should be churned in this way until the soap and oil become permanently mixed; that is, until the oil will not rise or appear on standing or when diluted. This will take at least three minutes rapid work. Stirring with a stick or spoon or slow pumping will not emulsify the soap and oil, though an egg beater may be used for a very small quantity. The emul- sion as first made is too strong and will injure the plants unless diluted before applying. The soft soap emulsion should have as much water added as there is emulsion, and the hard soap emulsion, twice its bulk of water added and well stirred. They are now ready to be applied with a spray pump. The dilute emulsion should be stirred frequently in applying. The above is the regular formula. The emulsion can be made in larger quantities in the same proportion, but if made in quantities larger than six or eight times the regular formula, it will be difficult to make a stable emulsion with a small hand force pump. This has been one of the discouraging features in the use of kerosene- emulsion. It now seems evident that we can overcome that difficulty in a large measure. The method is to use the soft soap formula, as given above, without the water. The soft soap is heated until it becomes liquid and then, without water, add half as much oil as there has been soap used, emulsifying according to the directions given as above. The emulsion made in this way is as perfect as when used with water and it is so concentrated that it is one- third oil, or in other words, the same emulsion in this way occupies less than one-half the space that it would when made by the first formula given. An emulsion made in this way, without water, will need to be diluted with four times its own bulk of water before using. 40 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. THE CELERY APHIS ( Rhopalosipum dianthi; Schr). Order HEMIPTERA. Family APHIM. Nearly all plants are troubled with plant lice, or “green fly.” On celery the above named species has been very common except from the latter part of July till the September rains came. Prof. T. A. Williams of the South Dakota station and Mr. F. A. Sirrene of the Iowa station pronounce it a very common species feeding on many plants. The dark, winged form has been the most conspicuous and so common at times that a dozen or more could be counted on single plants. The very young wingless ones were found early in the -g /[ season and very late, but through the Fig. 11.— The celery aphis ; enlarged and wings rest °{ the f eaS °“ neither young nor old spread at a, side view and natural size at b 1 were round. I hey probably breed on —(original). SO me other plant. Had they continued to breed in the field throughout the season as rapidly as they did in the breeding jar where confined, the plants would have suffered severely. As it is, they did little harm the present season. It would not be surprising if they should acquire a better liking for celery and in a few years should breed on it. As with the Thrip, kerosene emulsion becomes our “ helper in the time of need.” THE CELERY APHALARIA ( Aphalaria calthea , Linn). Order HEMIPTERA. Family PSYLLIM. This is another insect very closely related to the celery Thrip and Aphis, that was on the plants in the spring along with these two species and about as common. Later in the season it was not found. It is about the size of the celery aphis and is of a yellowish brown color with a reddish tinge. The family to which it belongs is known as “ jumping plant lice,” because many of the species jump rather than fly. There are but few of the species known to be injurious, and Fig. 12.-The Celery Aphalaria, enlarged as it is not at all probable that this Species shown by the line beneath-(originai). will be a serious celery pest. If at any time it becomes so, the best remedy that can be suggested is the kerosene emulsion* OTHER LESS COMMON BUGS. Besides the species of true bugs already considered, there were several others found less common on celery which were either seen sucking the sap or else known as plant feeders. The most conspicuous one of these is a common stink bug, Euchisius tristigmus. It is a broad flat bug that seems to prefer a mixed diet, as it was not only found with its beak thrust ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 41 into the celery stalks but into some unfortunate larva that came in its way. The species is not common enough to do any great injury, but another darker and somewhat more slender species, closely related to the tarnished plant bug, may prove harmful. This species is known as the dusky plant bug, or Derceocoris ( Calocoris ) rapidus Say. It was only occasionally found on celery this season. Two other species, Agalliasfes associatus * Uhl. and Poeciloscytus basalis (?)Eeuf. were also occasionally found. Remedies suggested for the tarnished plant bug will apply also to these species. CELERY BEETLES. In this order of insects, the beetles, with their hard shelled wing covers, the injurious species are very few. What there are belong to one tribe y — the flea beetles. They are given this / name because when disturbed they will leap and jump like fleas, instead of flying. The largest of these little beetles is not over a twelfth of an inch long. In feeding they are not like the bugs just treated of, but have biting mouth parts with jaws that chew the leaves. The work of the flea beetles is easily recognized by the numerous little round holes that will be found eaten in the plant on which they feed. We always find them the worst in the early part of the season when the plants are young and tender. On the celery Fig. 13 . — Lcmqitarsus vielanurus, one of there were three Species, LongUaVSUS mel - the ceJery flea-beetles— (original) . aUUVUS (Fig. 13), Crepidodeva CUCUmeris , and Chmtocnema parcipunciaia that were common in the order named. The second species named, along with the turnip flea beetle, Phyllotrefa vittata , has often done much harm on our grounds to turnips, radishes, tomatoes and cabbages, and no doubt their work is familiar to all. They have often skeletonized the leaves so that little but veins would be left, or with the plants recently transplanted, have eaten them so that they have wilted and died. The work of the flea beetles on celery is the same as on other plants, and their work in spots last spring was considerable. If the beetles are at all numerous at transplanting or soon after, they will soon do the plants harm and the plants should be freed of them. To do this a very safe and sure means would be to use the hopperette spoken of under leaf hoppers on page 29. The beetles are very easily disturbed and leap so readily when it is warm that they are almost sure to be caught. Prof. Cook found a few years ago that a strong tobacco decoction worked admirably in keeping the little flea beetles off the plants. He used a double handful of tobacco dust to each gallon of boiling water. THE CELERY CATERPILLAR ( Papilio asterias, Fabr). Obder LEPIDOPTERA. Family PAPILIONIDvF. We now come to the caterpillars that in the mature form become butter- flies and moths. The first caterpillar of which we treat is one of the most conspicuous of all the celery insects. Its large size when nearly grown, and the striking color of yellow with black transverse bands, makes it on 6 42 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. the dark green background of the celery leaf an object that is readily seen. It has been known as a celery caterpillar for some time. Every year we receive specimens of the caterpillar with a great many queries regarding it; not particularly because it is so plentiful, but because it so quickly catches the attention and arouses the curiosity. The Y-shaped yellow horns, that it throws out when annoyed, have no sting and are harmless. They are scent organs that emit a very disagreeable odor as a protection against its enemies, FROM CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY. Of course, this caterpillar first hatched from an egg that was laid on the celery plant. At first the caterpillar is small, but in only a few weeks it has grown to its full size. Then it attaches itself to the stem and in a few hours time the caterpillar will have become a chrysalis as seen at d, Plate II. This is the resting period, as it has little power to move and eats noth- ing; but on some bright sunny morning a fresh, new, black and yellow butterfly comes from this pupa case and spreads her gauzy wings ready for flight. The butterfly feeds only on the sweets from flowers and does the celery no harm, except that, after a few days of her career, she haunts the celery field and deposits her eggs there for another brood. The cater- pillars are the most common through September, but are occasionally seen in July and August. They live through the winter in the chrysalis stage. OTHER FOOD PLANTS Parsnip, carrot and wild parsnip are fed upon by this caterpillar as readily as celery. Many other plants as caraway, parsley, sweet fennel, etc., belonging to the same family, also furnish it food. NUMBERS REDUCED BY A PARASITE. Fig. 14 . — Trogus exessorius on the pupa case from which it has issued at the side. Twice natural size (orignal). Whenever these caterpillars are present, wasp-like parasites with yellowish red bodies and black wings, may be seen dart- ing through and around the plants in search of their host. The young of these parasites feed inside the caterpillars, and after the caterpillar has changed to a chrysalis, the parasite gnaws a hole in the case and comes forth instead of a butter- fly. The parasite ( Trogus exessorius) helps greatly to keep the number of cater- pillars lessened. REMEDIES. As a usual thing the caterpillars will not be plentiful enough to need special attention. When so large and conspicuous, hand picking would be a ready remedy. PARIS GREEN AS A REMEDY. Our usual remedy for all caterpillars is Paris green or some of the arsenites, when they can be used without endangering the plant for food. Celery is a plant that will permit the poison to settle around the edible ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 43 Plate II.— Transformations of the celery caterpillar. a, egg: b, full grown caterpillar; c, front view of the head, showing the scent organs; d , chrysalis attached to a stem; e, butterfly at rest ; f, butterfly with wings spread— (after Weed). 44 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. portion at the base and caution has been used in recommending the arsenites. To test the possibility of poison being concealed between the stems, a row of plants was sprayed with Paris green at the rate of one pound to 175 gallons of water. Two weeks later a part of the same row was again sprayed with the same. The plants then stood another week when both lots were taken up, the roots, leaves and green stems taken off, and the remainder washed under the hydrant without separating the stalks. The bunches were in this way prepared as they are for market. They were then sent to our chemist for analysis. His report is as follows: Agricultural College , Mich ., Oct. 12, 1893. Dear Sir — The specimens of celery sprayed with Paris green have been analyzed by Mr. Harrison, and the quantity of arsenic (As 2 0 3 ) determined in a pound of celery. He finds the following quantities of arsenic in grains in one pound: No. 1, sprayed once .0244 grains No. 2, sprayed twice .0368 “ Yours truly, R. C. KEDZIE. This amount, Dr. Kedzie tells me personally, would not poison anyone at once but the effect would be evident with frequent use. The poison was freely applied, much more thoroughly than it generally would be, that our information might be certain whether or no it might be recommended. From the above analysis we can hardly recommend the use of any of the arsenites to protect celery against insects and must resort to anti-poisonous remedies. THE ZEBRA CATERPILLAR ( Mamestra picta, Harris). Order LEPIDOPTERA. Family NOCTUIDjE. A common zebra-like caterpillar that feeds on the leaves of celery. It is found occasionally early in the season but becomes more plentiful and often harmful later. Fig. 15— Mamestra picta in its various stages. A, cluster of eggs as seen on a leaf; B, one of the eggs magnified; C, the young caterpillar; D, the mature caterpillar; E, the pupa ; F, moth. All natural size except the single egg— (original). Though not as large, this caterpillar is even prettier and more striking than the preceding species. For the seasons of 1894 and 1892, this was the most common celery pest reported to us. Last year it was very com- ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 45 mon on our own celery, but it was the late brood, and although it nearly stripped the leaves in some places, the work came so late that the celery was nearly ready for market and had completed its growth. Parasites so thinned the numbers of the caterpiller last fall and early this summer that this season only a few appeared. The caterpillars feed only on the leaves, remaining in a group while young, but soon separate and feed by themselves. LIFE HISTORY". The eggs (see A, Fig. 15) are placed by the moth in a little group on the under side of the outer leaves, often near one edge. She is very prolific, laying in a compact bunch usually from 125 to 150 eggs, but in one instance this season -a cluster of 452 eggs was counted. In from two to three weeks the eggs hatch into little hairy, speckled, white caterpillars with a black head and black crescent on the thorax. While in this condi- tion they feed in a group and will suspend themselves by a web when dis- turbed. Th^ir life in this attire lasts only two or three days when they don a bright new coat entirely different from the former one. The covering now is of much the same color that it is in the mature form. The head and legs are a reddish yellow and the rest of the body black except the two stripes, one bluish white and the other light yellow, connected by irregu- lar cross lines. The caterpillars pass through several more moults as they grow. At maturity they measure nearly two inches in length. They then go into the ground where they pupate and after they remain in this rest- ing stage for a short time, appear as a moth. There are two broods each year, the first one coming in June and July and the second appearing in September. This last brood is hardly half grown when it leaves the celery for winter quarters in some protected place and comes forth early in the spring to complete its growth. PARASITES. The second brood last fall were largely parasitized by a small four- winged fly ( Microplitis mamestrcv Weed), bred from the zebra caterpillar and described several years ago by Dr. Weed. We have no access to his papers on this parasite, but perhaps a few notes from what was observed by myself will show the method of its work to those not familiar with the ways of parasites. By the time the caterpillar is nearly half grown the parasite inside the caterpillar is full grown. It then issues from the side of the caterpillar only a short distance in front of the last pair of legs. When only part way out it begins spinning its silky threads and attaching them firmly to the caterpillar around it. From this foundation it weaves out by looping the web outward nearly an eighth of an inch and fastening each time as it is brought back. After a little basket is formed in this way on one side, the parasite issues entirely and enters the web sack it has made. The next thing is to stretch and shape the sack, strengthening it all the while in the weak places. Then begins the gradual closing of the embryo cocoon around the parasite, finishing last on one side next the caterpillar, but before entirely enclosed it fastens webs that draw it tight to the side or else under the caterpillar. The work so far has taken the caterpillar about three quarters of an hour. The rest of the work is a series of weav- ing, turning, pushing and shaping till it has made the web so thick in two or three hours that it can no longer be seen. The cocoon is about one- 46 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. fourth of an inch long. The caterpillar remains inactive after the parasite ( escapes and in a few days dies because of the internal injury done by the parasite. Safe in its tightly woven cocoon the parasite remains till the following spring when it comes forth as a winged fly to attack other caterpillars. This season none of the Microplitis have been seen, but another parasite has been even more destructive to the Mamestra. These parasites are so minute they can hardly be seen with the naked eye, being three-fourths of a millimeter, or one thirty-fifth of an inch long. They do not attack the caterpillar but mature inside the eggs of the Mamestra and destroy them . before they hatch. From two-thirds to three-fourths of most of the bunches were destroyed in this way. The parasitized eggs change to a dull lead color in a few days. Mr. Ashmead writes me that he has bred the same species from the cotton boll worm ( Heliolhus armigera) of the south and has given them the name Telenomus heliothidis. In addition to these two parasites on Mamestra picta , two predaceous species were seen doing their share in destroying the eggs. One of these is a lady bird beetle ( Megilla maculata ), and the other is the tarnished plant bug ( Lygus tercicus ) previously treated of as a celery pest. Our celery pest in this case becomes a destroyer of another pest by inserting the lance of its beak into the eggs and sucking the contents. The lady bird beetle eats shell and all, but the bug leaves the shell entire though usually it is split where the lance enters. Seeing every once in a while quite a number of the egg cases empty and split open in this peculiar man- ner, I was led to watch for the cause of it. I soon found a tarnished plant bug at work on a cluster of eggs and watched it for some time. The eggs seemed to be greatly relished by the bug as it would repeatedly return when driven away and begin feeding at once. With so many vigilant foes to overcome, the zebra caterpillar will have difficulty in reaching maturity. FOOD PLANTS. The caterpillars of this species are very general feeders and are especially fond of most garden crops. They sometimes become plentiful enough to be injurious. , Dr. Harris, in his “Insects Injurious to Vege- tation,” p. 451-2, gives us one of the earliest accounts of its destruct- ive work. He mentions it as injurious to cabbages, cauliflowers, spinach and beets. Dr. Riley in his 2d Mo. Report, p. 112 (111.), after giving habits and history, mentions, besides many weeds and flowers, asparagus in addition to those given by Harris. In the 6th 111. Report, p. 60, Thomas reports it being very partial to the leaves of the pea. In the 5th Ent. Report of N. Y., p. 206-10 (111.), Dr. Lintner gives a very complete article on the species and adds currants and buckwheat to the list of food plants. . \ Here at our college we found them common on two species of clover, alsike and alfalfa. REMEDIES. When a cluster of eggs is found on a celery leaf or the very young larvse are seen, they can be very easily crushed. With the older ones Dr. Lintner has found that pyrethrum powder mixed with five parts of flour and dusted ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 47 over the caterpillars was a very satisfactory and speedy remedy. The powder can be bought already prepared at the stores. Care should be used, though, to see that the dealer obtains it fresh from the factory, as the powder loses its strength upon standing any great length of time. The powder is made from the blossoms of a plant similar to the chrysanthemum and is perfectly harmless to man and all animals breathing with lungs. THE SPOTTED CUT- WORM ( Agrotis C-nigrum , Linn.). Order LEPIDOPTERA. Family NOCTUIDA]. A fat, light colored caterpillar with dusky spots taken on the stalks of blanching celery. It is usually known as the com cut-worm, because so often found injuring corn in hills. A single specimen of this cut-worm was taken July 28, feeding on the stalks of a celery plant after it was boarded for blanching. The cut- worm pupated August 9, about half an inch below the surface of the ground and appeared as a moth September 5. This was the only cut-worm found, although quite a number of the moths were seen early in Sep- tember, and also moths of Hadena sputatrix were quite plentiful in the various fields and probably this species feeds on celery also. The c-nigrum is usually known best as a corn \ 1 1 I i l 'I 'riri cut- worm. It is also known to destroy cabbages and other garden plants. In 1890 it was reared Fig. 16 — The spotted cut-worm B, and here on the currant by Prof. Cook from eggs moth A; both natural size- (original), found June 26. There are two broods each year, the last one remaining over winter in the grub state. There need be little fear of either of these cut worms becoming plentiful enough to injure the crop seriously as long as the soil is kept constantly stirred, as it is, from early spring to late fall. Should they become numerous, their work on the stalks may prove quite serious and in such a case bait traps of little bundles of clover poisoned with Paris green and distributed through the field, will be found helpful. THE CELERY PLUSIA ( Plusia simplex , Guen.). Order LEPIDOPTERA. Family NOCTUIDAk Feeding on celery, lettuce and a few other plants ; a naked, green, span worm, whose body is marked with eight white lines, and is provided with only twelve legs .—Coquillett. 9 A single specimen was taken in the pupa stage, wrapped in a white silken cocoon, and this rolled up in what was left of a leaf it had nearly eaten. The moth appeared on the 14th of July. In the 11th 111. Ent. Report (1882) p. 38, Mr. Coquillett reports this Plusia as destructive to celery in many gardens in the locality of German- town, 111. It is very closely related to the cabbage Plusia that becomes destructive at times and then apparently disappears for years before again attacking the cabbages in numbers. The habits of the celery Plusia are probably much the same. In the absence of a drawing, a few words from Mr. Coquillett’s description may enable growers to identify the caterpillar. The body is very robust posteriorly, from whence it tapers to the head. It is a pale green, with a dark line on the back, and on each side three white lines, the middle one longest. Below and above the white stigmal line the body is dark green. The white spiracles are ringed with 48 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. black. The head is green with black eyelets. Length one and one-fourth inches when full grown. The moth is slightly smaller than that of the spotted cut worm (Fig. 16) and is marked with light gray and dark brown with a silvered hook extending into the center of the front wings. Three broods each season are reported in Illinois by Mr. Coquillett. REMEDIES. The only remedy suggested is cold water. In his rearing experiments with the larvae, Mr. Coquillet found the leaves when wet produced a disease of violent scouring that soon killed the caterpillars. The speci- men reared by myself seems to be an exception to the rule as the weather was exceptionally wet up to nearly the time of the appearance of the moth. Perhaps it was owing to confinement that the water produced such an effect. Should this not prove sufficient, the pyrethrum powder spoken of under the zebra caterpillar no doubt will be effectual. THE CELERY BORER (Phlyctcenia ferrugalis, Hbn.). Order LEPIDOPTERA. Family PYRAUSTIDjE. Greenish translucent caterpillars, about one inch long, that were taken both boring in the stems and feeding on the leaves. The habits of this species seem quite variable. It both bores in the stems and feeds on the leaves. While at Kalamazoo the 26th of August one of these caterpillars was found burrowing on the inside of the celery stalks close to the base. The crown had been eaten out and the plant nearly eaten up. The outer leaf stalks were channeled at the base and nothing left except the shell on the outer side. An immense amount of frass was left for so small a feeder. No other plants near this one seemed to have been molested. On the same day in other fields larvse that appeared to be the same were taken quite plentifully either rolled up or sewed in between celery leaves. These caterpillars fed on the leaves around them and did not molest the stems. Both lots were placed in separate breeding jars, but from this on, all acted and fed alike. On the 28th the most of them webbed up between the leaves, or cut chunks of leaves out and pasted them to the jars. Others webbed up a day or two later. The first moths appeared the 14th of September. The borer appeared the next day and proved to be the same species as the others. Fig. 17.— The celery borer. A, moth with the wings spread; B, same with the wings folded and at rest; C, top view of the full ;rown c aterpillar ; D, the pupa. Twice natural size— (original). REFERENCES. For the identification of this and the following species of small moths and references to them, I am indebted to Prof. C. H. Fernald, our well known authority on the Micro-lepidoptera. He writes me that to his knowledge the species has never been bred in this country before. In an ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 49 English periodical (Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine, Vol. XIV, pp. 200- 204) we find ail the early stages fully described. This species was bred on the leaves of boneset ( Eupatorium ), and was also taken on hedge nettle ( Stachys ) and strawberry leaves. It is thought to be two or more brooded. DESCRIPTION. The full grown larva is nearly an inch in length. Head and thoracic shield drab, with black markings as shown in the drawing. Along the body is a dark green dorsal line on each side of which is a very faint almost obscure opaque white line merging off to a translucent greenish and bordered by another opaque white line. On the sides is a very obscure yellowish green line. There is a distinct caudal shield of white and dark green. The caterpillar is sparsely covered with hairs. The moth is reddish brown on the front wings and a grayish brown on the hind wings. Both have the faint black markings shown in the drawing. REMEDY. It is probable that the usual habit of this caterpillar is to draw the leaves together and feed on the leaves rather than bore in the stem. When feed- ing on the leaves alone it does much less harm. At present the species is not plentiful enough to cause any immediate alarm. Were the life history of the species better known, it is probable that some good means of control could be found. THE SULPHUR COLORED TORTRIX (. Dichelia sulfureana, Clem). Order, LEPIDOPTERA. Family, TORTRICID^C. Fig. 18.— The sulphur colored tortrix. A. full grown caterpillar; B, the earne as seen rolled in a leaf; C, the pupa; D, the moth with wings spread; E, same with wings closed and showing variation in color markings. The hair lines show natural size— (original). 7 50 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. This was the most common celery leaf roller found this season. It was found more or less common in every locality visited. There are at least two broods and probably three. Of the first brood noticed the larvae became full grown about the first of August and pupated early in the month, remaining from five to nine days in this state before issuing as moths. The next brood reached maturity the latter part of September and probably remain over winter as pupae. Previous to this the species has been bred on clover and common buttercup ( Ranunculus acris). The larvae are light green all except the tips of the mandibles (jaws), labrum (upper lip), and front feet which are black, and the head and thorax which are lighter — almost a flesh color. They live in leaves drawn together around them by a web which they spin, and feed on the adjoining leaves. They pupate in the same leaves in which they live. The little moths are a bright sulphur yellow with a network of small red lines and larger reddish brown bands on the primary wings. The hind wings are dusky. The band on the front wings varies considerably, the two extremes of the specimens reared being shown in the figure. Should the species become still more common, and perceptibly reduce the foliage of the celery, it is probable that a great deal can be done to prevent the attack by cleaning up all leaves and refuse material left in the field in the fall and burning it. From our present knowledge, it would seem that this would destroy many winter pupae. THE CELERY TORTRIX ( Sericoris bipartitana, Clem). Only occasional specimens of this species were found. The larvae feed on the leaves and live in a gallery made by drawing several leaves together. They are half a inch long, or a little more, quite slender and very active, throwing themselves with great vio- lence when taken from the case. They are a dark greasy brown (almost black) with black shield on thorax, legs and plate on terminal segment black, prolegs and under side lighter. Fig. 19— The celery tortrix three times the natural There are four shining dots above on size, a, moth, b, pupa- (original). each segment forming a square. On the sides are pits, one to each segment, and a dot above and below. The body is sparsely covered with hairs. They pupated early in August and appeared as a moth two weeks later. The moth is black and white with dark posterior wings and light abdomen. Prof. Fernald says the species has never been bred before to his knowledge. ENTOMOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT. 51 OTHER CATERPILLARS ON CELERY. One of onr common leaf rollers and one that we might expect to find on celery, as it is such a general feeder, is the oblique banded leaf roller ( Cacoecia rosaceanci Harr.). The pale green caterpillar is one of our largest, plumpest leaf rollers. Very similar in shape but of a uni- form buff color is another moth ( Tor- irix pall or ana Rob.) that was bred on the leaves of celery, August 17. It is a leaf roller with habits similar to the others, and is also quite a general feeder. ... . , , . . „ ^ . Only one specimen of each of the above i ig. 20— The oblique banded leaf roller, Cacoecia . L . ,, . rosaceana, a, moth; 6, caterpillar; c, pupa species was reared. Another caterpillar — (after c.f. Baker). that destroyed at least two rather small plants by eating stems and leaves was the large hairy red and black one ( Pyrrharctia isabella S. & A. ) that is so common everywhere in the autumn. It is probable that this one specimen was rather partial to celery as others of the same species were found around celery that did not seem to feed on it at all. In confinement they eat it readily. There were several other caterpillars (at least four species) that were taken feeding on celery but they did not reach maturity. One of these was a dark, dingy specimen, about half an inch long, that bored in the hearts of very young plants. It possibly was a cut-worm but looked more like the larva of a butterfly. Only the one was found and by an accident it escaped from confinement before reaching maturity. Another partly grown specimen was determined at Washington, D. C., as probably Leucardia acrea. “RED SPIDER” ( Tetranychus telarius , Linn). Order ACARINA. Family TROMBIDIDjE. Our common little greenhouse mite, commonly known as “ red spider,” has taken a liking to celery this season and enrolls itself along with the celery insects. The latter part of the season was extremely dry, and favor- able for its increase and, before the drought was broken, little blotches made by the mite began to appear in places quite thickly over'the under side of the leaves. By raising the leaf the yellowish mites about the size of a pin head, will be seen through a slight web in which they live, They thrive only in a dry, hot atmosphere, and plenty of water is equivalent to poison for them. Quite a number of other insects of various orders were collected on celery and although suspicion brands many of them as celery insects, they are not mentioned, as they were seen neither feeding nor breeding on the plant. Being in the fields only at intervals has interfered somewhat with extended observations that are so essential to the best work. Enough has probably been given to show the number of insects the celery grower must compete with in raising his crop. 52 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. CELERY LEAF BLIGHT. As the leaf blight is dwarfing and injuring celery so much in many localities and spreading to others, it was thought best to investigate this disease and give it a portion of our consideration along with the celery insects. In many places over the state the leaf blight is not known. In fields where celery has been grown on the same ground for a series of years, the blight through the hottest part of the season is severe. It is very generally known among celery growers in these places as “ sun blight” and is supposed to be produced by the hot sun. One season, several years ago, it took nearly the whole celery crop at Kalamazoo. The blight has troubled the fields in the northern peninsula for the past three years, as Mr. Wheeler, our station botanist, learns through correspondence. The same letter says, “White Plume’ and ‘Golden Self-Bleaching’ suffered more than other varieties. “ Henderson’s New Bose ” has been entirely free from blight.” The blight is caused by a fungous disease working inside the celery leaves. No experimental work has been done on it here. Dr. B. T. Gal- loway has experimented on the blight in eastern fields and he kindly sends his unpublished notes for our use. The following are his notes in full: CELERY LEAF BLIGHT, AS AFFECTED BY WATER SUPPLY TO THE PLANT. Celery leaf blight, caused by Cercospovci apii, is an exceedingly destructive disease, especially in the eastern part of the United States. For several years we have been making experiments in the hope that some means of cheaply preventing the trouble might be discovered. In 1890, 1891 and 1892 a number of trials made were with various fungicides, including both liquids and powders, but none of these gave very satisfactory results. In every case where the celery was planted on upland soil it blighted badly, despite the fact that the leaves were kept nearly covered with such well-known fungi- cides as Bordeaux mixture, ammoniacal solution of copper carbonate, etc. Where these preparations were used, however, the celery was not so badly attacked by leaf blight as the plants receiving no treatment at all. Noticing that celery on low, moist ground was seldom severely injured by blight, an experiment was made in 1892 on upland soil to test the effect on the disease of water applied to the roots. The plants selected for the experiment were fully exposed to the sun and were set in such a way that they could be flooded sufficiently often to keep the ground always soaked. Without any further treatment these plants made a vigorous growth and were almost wholly free from blight. The average height of the plants when bleached was thirty-two inches. Plants in the same bed which received only water fall- ing naturally, as rain, blighted very badly, in consequence of which there was not enough leaves to bleach when the time came for this operation. In height these plants aver- aged a little over eight inches, or about one-fourth that of the watered celery. The experiment shows the importance of an abundant water supply for this crop and explains in a measure why in certain localities celery is seldom affected with the disease. Of course it may not be practicable for all upland celery growers to water as extensively as seems necessary to keep the crop growing and free from disease, still there are no doubt many places where irrigation could be practiced at comparatively little expense, making the crop, even in regions where the soil and climate is naturally unfavorable, a certain and profitable one. G. C. DAVIS. BTTLUETINS 103-104-105-106. FEBRUARY. 1894. MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 103 Peach and Plum Culture in Michigan, - 3 104 A Year Among Frtfits, - 63 (Report of South Haven Sub-Station, i 105 Michigan Fruit Fist, 106 106 Strawberries and Raspberries, - - - 123 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, MICH. 1894. The Bulletins of this Station are sent free to all newspapers in the State , and to such individuals interested in farming as may request them. Address all applications to the Secretary, Agricultural College, Michigan. Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. Postoffice Address, Agricultural College, Mich. Railroad, Express and Telegraph Address, . Lansing, Mich. A DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, AND, WITH IT, CONTROLLED BY THE INCORPORATED STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. Hon. FRANKLIN WELLS, Constantine, President of the Board Hon. A. C. GLIDDEN, Paw Paw, Hon. HENRY CHAMBERLAIN, Three Oaks Hon. EDWIN PHELPS, Pontiac, Hon. CHAS. W. GARFIELD, Grand Rapids Hon. CHARLES F. MOORE, St. Clair Hon. JNO. T. RICH, Governor of the State, Hon. LEWIS G. GORTON, President of the College term expires 1895 “ “ 1896 “ “ 1897 “ “ 1897 “ “ 1899 “ 1899 > Ex officio. STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD. The President of the Board is ex officio member of each of the standing committees. Finance, Farm, Garden, Buildings, Employees, Weather, C. W. Garfield, A. C. Glidden. C. F. Moore, Edwin Phelps. C. W. Garfield, Edwin Phelps. A. C. Glidden, C. F. Moore. H. Chamberlain, A. C. Glidden, L. G. Gorton, C. W. Garfield. A. C. Glidden, C. W. Garfield. Experiment, Veterinary, Institutes, Mechanics, Military, I Land Grant, C. F. Moore, H. Chamberlain. Edwin Phelps, C. F Moore. A. C. Glidden, C. W. Garfield, L. G. Gorton. H. Chamberlain C. W. Garfield. C. W. Garfield, C. F. Moore. Edwin Phelps, H. Chamberlain. STATION COUNCIL. Lewis G. Gorton, Director. Clinton D. Smith, M. S„ . Agriculturist. i Robert C. Kedzie, M. A., M. D., . . Chemist. L. R. Taft, M. S Horticulturist. ! Ira H. Butterfield, . . Sec. and Treaa. ADVISORY AND ASSISTANT STAFF. F. B. Mumford, B. S., H. P. Gladden, B. S., R. J. Coryell, B. S. W. L. ROS8MAN, B. 8., H. E. Harrison, B. 8.. Assistant in Agriculture, “ “ Horticulture. “ “ Chemistry. E. A. A. Grange, V. 8., G. C. Davis, M. 8., Chas. F. Wheeler, B. H. M. Howe, . Mrs. L. E. Landon, Consulting Veterinarian. . “ Zoologist. S., “ Botanist. Assistant to Director. Librarian. SUB-STATIONS. Grayling, Crawford County, 80 acres deeded. South Haven, Van Buren County, 10 acres rented; 5 acres deeded; Hon. T. T. Lyon, Local Agent. BULLETIN 103. PEACH AND PLUM CULTURE IN MICHIGAN. BY L . R . TAFT. INTRODUCTION. The importance of peach and plum growing as productive industries is but slightly appreciated, except by those persons who have visited the large commercial orchards in the fruit-growing sections, during the shipping season. During the past two or three years the crops have been so remu- nerative that the acreage has largely increased, and many persons have engaged in growing these fruits who have had little or no experience. In order to handle their orchards successfully they have endeavored to inform themselves as to the best methods to pursue and, as one source of informa- tion, this station has received numerous letters asking about the best loca- tions and exposures for peach growing, the methods and time for pruning, the best soil and fertilizers, the varieties to plant, and the methods of com- batting the various insects and diseases. Appreciating the importance of these crops, and the necessity for accu- rate information as to the proper way to handle them, the following bul- letin has been prepared. In the few pages that we shall devote to the subject, it is our aim to take up such topics relating to the cultivation of these fruits as seem of most importance, and regarding which the most inquiries have been received. As is well known, it will be difficult to find two fruit growers who can agree upon all matters of planting, pruning, cultivation, etc., and it can- not be expected that every one will coincide with the methods of procedure here recommended. It must be understood that the character of the soil, of the season, the variety, or the surroundings, will exert such an influence that what may be a proper method of handling an orchard at one time or place, may be unwise at another. On the other hand, while, under average favorable conditions, some particular distance of planting, height of head and method and time of pruning will give best results, a slight deviation one way or the other will make but little difference, and the conditions may make it a rational one. The methods here recommended have been found valuable in our own 4 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. orchards and are used by the most successful fruit-growers of the state. Believing that no iron-clad rule will answer for all cases we have frequently outlined two or more methods of procedure and, as we have stated the con- ditions that would influence our selection, trust that the grower will have no difficulty in making a rational choice. THE PEACH AND ITS CULTIVATION. While it is probable that the peach was grown in Michigan at a much earlier date by the Indians and the early French settlers, the first well- authenticated planting of peach trees in the State was by a Mr. Burnett in Berrien county about 1809, some of which were alive in 1830.* As early as 1835 the peach crop of Berrien county began to be of commercial importance locally, and in 1839 the first peaches were sent to Chicago market from St. Joseph. From that time the planting gradually increased, not only in Berrien county, but it extended northward along the shore of Lake Michigan and in favorable locations in the interior counties. In 1874 there were more than 650,000 peach trees in Berrien county, but the scourge of the “ yellows ” destroyed most of the orchards and spread into the adjoining counties. As a method of holding the disease in check has been found, confidence in the crop as a commercial venture has returned, and in the county of Berrien alone it is estimated that 200,000 peach trees will be planted in the spring of 1894, while large areas will be set in other sections. In favorable locations the peach has shown itself a profitable crop, and in the words of C. D. Lawton of Lawton, “ It is an undoubted fact that the production of peaches in Western Michigan, when circumstances are favorable and the cultivator skilled in his work, is one of the most profit- able branches of agricultural industry pursued in the United States,” while another well known Michigan horticulturist has said in speaking of this fruit: “The peach is the most delicious, the most beautiful, and the most profitable of all our fruits, and nowhere on this continent is it grown to greater perfection than here in Michigan.” By the “ Michigan peach belt ” a tract from five to ten miles in width, extending from St. Joseph to Grand Haven, was originally meant, but the “belt ” has in recent years both lengthened and broadened, as some of the orchards that have been most profitable are located in Oceana, Mason and Grand Traverse counties, and even as far north as Charlevoix (Lat. 45° 30') they are grown with considerable certainty. Not only are there orchards which have produced profitable crops in favorable locations scat- tered all over the lake shore counties, but they can be found in nearly every county south of Montcalm (Lat. 43°), and during the past few years the climatic conditions have been such that, in many sections in the interior of the State, the crop has been nearly as sure as in the famed “ peach belt ” itself. It must be understood, however, that these orchards are in exceptionally favorable localities and that while they may succeed upon one acre, there will be a thousand where not only the crop, but the trees themselves will be destroyed in any except the more favorable sea- sons. With a proper selection of a location, especially if the ameliorating influence of Lake Michigan can be secured, with *a suitable elevation, a * Winslow's HUtory of St. Joseph. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. well drained and properly fertilized soil, and intelligent treatment of the orchards, a crop can on an average be expected in two out of three if not three out of four years. The crop is, therefore, not absolutely a certain one, and judging from the past we may occasionally expect a winter in which, even in the peach growing sections, the peach trees except in unu- sually favorable locations will be badly injured, if not killed outright. HARDINESS OF THE PEACH. While the peach is classed among the tender fruits, it is only relatively so, as, if in good condition, the fruit buds of our best commercial varieties can withstand for a considerable length of time, a temperature of twelve or fifteen degrees below zero, and instances have been known where peach trees have been subjected to eighteen or twenty degrees, for a short time and a fair crop secured the following summer. In a location adapted to peach culture and with hardy varieties, it is not the extremely low temperatures that are to be feared, so much as the entering on the winter with trees in an unripened condition, or the injury likely to follow the swelling of the buds, during a warm spell in winter, while in some localities the danger from late spring frosts is even more to be dreaded. Among the other conditions that will greatly affect the amount of injury done by cold, are the circumstances under which the trees are thawed out. If after a very cold snap, when the thermometer has gone as low as minus eighteen or twenty degrees, the sun comes out bright and an immediate and rapid rise in temperature ensues, the fruit buds will almost invariably be destroyed, and the trees themselves may be seri- ously injured; on the other hand, if the sun remains clouded and the trees are slowly thawed out, many of the buds may, if they were in perfect con- dition, escape. Little, if anything, can be done to secure a gradual thaw- ing out of the trees, but an earnest effort should be made to so handle the orchard that the trees will enter upon the winter in as perfect condition as possible. So much depends uj)on the effect of elevation and exposure, that the intelligent fruit grower will make a thorough investigation into the climatic condition possessed by a certain locality before selecting it as a site for a peach orchard. A section of a bud that is in a perfect condition compared under a microscope with one from a bud in which development has commenced, will show how it is that one may escape while the other is injured. The dormant bud has its scales folded closely together but, in the one that has started, they have a loose open appearance that causes them to feel the effect of the slightest change in temperature; on the one hand they are easily chilled and, on the other, the thawing out will be so rapid that injury will almost certainly ensue. While the structural condition of the bud itself has much to do with its ability to withstand cold, it is probable that the main reason why the dormant bud is less susceptible to cold is that the vital functions of the tree are at rest while, after the buds have commenced to swell, the cell contents are in an active condition and the amount of water they contain is much increased. INFLUENCE OF LAKE MICHIGAN. The fruit growers in the western part of the State, with orchards within one to ten miles of Lake Michigan, have a location that is particularly 6 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. favorable. During the month of February, when as a rule the tempera- ture is lowest, and there is the most danger from severe cold, the record for twenty years shows that the average temperature at Ludington is about the same as in Branch and Hillsdale counties, and “careful records kept for several years at Traverse City and Northport show that the mean temperature during the winter months is several degrees higher there than at Ann Arbor” (Sanford Howard, Report State Board of Agriculture for 1867). The lowest temperature to which the thermometer falls is, however, of more importance than is the average temperature and, in that respect, tbe lake, so long as the breezes are from. the west, has a marked effect in keeping the temperature above zero. Again, in April it is desirable to have the growth held back as long as possible in order that the buds and blossoms may not be injured by late spring frosts. The observations of the Weather Service show that for the month of April, the average temperature at Grand Haven is about the same as in Roscommon county, nearly one hundred and fifty miles farther north, while in May the isotherm of Grand Haven crosses the center of the State at Otsego county, or two hundred miles north of its initial point in the State. The lowest limit at Traverse City is about eight degrees F. higher than at St. Louis, Mo., which we think of as well to the south. The pre- vailing cold winds in winter are from the west and, before reaching the “ peach belt,” must pass over Lake Michigan, which is unfrozen in the coldest weather. It can be readily seen that the cold winds coming across the plains to the westward at a temperature of from 30 to 40 degrees, when they reach the lake with a temperature from 60 to 70 degrees warmer, will be considerably ameliorated in passing over the eighty or ninety miles of open water between the shores. In fact, the effect produced in extremely cold weather is often as much as twenty-five degrees, so that when it is twenty-five degrees below in Wisconsin, it is not likely to be zero at the same latitude in Michigan. A glance at the map will show that to escape its influence, a wind must come from some point to the east of north, from which direction extremely cold wnnds are almost unknown. The waters of Lake Huron and Lake Erie have a slight influence upon the temperature, as is shown by the isothermal charts. A third effect of the lake is to delay the occurrence of the frosts in the autumn, thus giving grapes, peaches and other crops an opportunity to ripen. Although the average temperature of the spring and early summer is somewhat lowered by the influence of the cold water of the lake, it has the reverse effect during August, September and October, so that the average temperature of those months is about the same at Traverse City as in Eaton and Clinton counties. ELEVATION AND EXPOSURE. Except in the southern part of the Lake Shore “peach belt” (and even there it should not be entirely overlooked), it is of the utmost importance that proper regard should be paid to the selection of a site for a peach orchard. While we generally speak of elevation as being desirable, it is in a relative sense, principally, that it is of value, as a location upon a hill- side where the land slopes off gradually to a valley one hundred feet below is far preferable to one on a level plateau, even though it be two or three hundred feet higher. Cold air is heavier than warm and, if the conditions HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 7 are favorable, it will sink to the lowest possible level. A slope of a few feet, down to a little pocket-like depression, will be of but little value as this will soon fill with cold air; what is needed is a depression of consider- able breadth or depth, or, if it is only a narrow valley, it should lead into another one into which the cold air can have uninterrupted flow. For this reason it is always desirable to have a stream, even though it be but a small one, flowing through the lower ground. Judge Bamsdell, of Trav- erse City, in “Michigan and its Kesources,” mentions a well authenticated case where a difference in temperature of eleven degrees was noticed in four- teen feet elevation, where the lower level was in the form of a pocket, but on his own farm he notes one instance of a difference of ten degrees in one hundred feet elevation, where there was a gradual slope towards Traverse Bay. As he well says, “A hundred feet elevation, with open air drainage to lower levels may determine the difference between a crop of fruit and a ruined orchard; and in enclosed valleys, or basins, twenty feet may do the same.” The truth of this can be seen when it is understood that peach buds will withstand a temperature twelve or fifteen degrees below zero, while the trees are often killed at twenty-five degrees below. As a rule a hillside is preferable to a hilltop, as a location for a peach orchard, espec- ially if the latter is of considerable extent, and level, both on account of the better air drainage, and because the trees will be less exposed in severe wind storms. Kegarding the best exposure for a peach orchard, it is not possible to offer any set rule, as the seasons and the locations vary to such an extent that it would not apply in all cases, and in all seasons. In one year a north slope will give better results than one with a westerly exposure, while the next year it may be reversed. The following general statement may, how- ever, aid the prospective planter of a peach orchard. While a westerly slope has its advantages, imar Lake Michigan, as the influence of the water is more marked on that side than on the other, it has the disadvantage of exposing the trees to the full force of the wind and sleet storms from that direction, which often cause great loss both of trees and fruit. The south slope is seldom advisable, as there the temperature often rises so high in bright days in winter, as to swell the buds, which are then likely to be injured by the first low temperature; moreover, and this is perhaps the more com- mon cause of injury, the buds start earlier in the spring, than on the north slope, and are more likely to be destroyed by spring frosts. Another objec- tion to the southern exposure, and one which also applies to an eastern slope, is that the early morning sun will more quickly thaw out the frozen buds, than it will when the trees are planted on the north or west side of the hill. We can only take the average of the seasons and say that in sections, within ten miles of the lake shore,' where there is no intervening elevated land, the first choice seems to be the westerly and the second the northerly expos- ure, followed in order by the slopes to the east and south. In the southern portion of the state, away from the immediate influence of Lake Michigan, there seems to be but little choice between the east and west slopes, but the concensus of opinion among fruit growers seems to place them in the above order, except that, for some of the late sorts that barely ripen, the westerly slope is generally chosen. As stated above, the climatic con- ditions of a certain season may make one of the exposures, for the reasons given, by far preferable to either of the others, while the following winter may be so different, that the slope which was least adapted to success the previous year will give best results, and the proper course to pursue 8 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. then is to select the exposure which, everything else being equal, has given best results for a term of years. THE SOIL AND ITS PREPARATION. The location and exposure have so much to do with the success or failure of a peach orchard that they are considered here, before the matter of soil is taken up. This seems to be eminently proper, as, while a variety of soils will give good results, peaches cannot be grown with success unless they have a suitable location. It is often said that any good corn or potato soil will do for peaches, but while this may be true it is well to be more explicit. The ideal soil for peaches is a well drained, rich sandy loam. Not only is it as well or better adapted to the growth of the tree than any other, but they are more sure to bear, will ripen earlier, and the fruit is larger, of bet- ter quality and superior in flavor to those grown on a clay, or clay loam. Peaches are very susceptible to the presence of water at their roots, and unless the land has thorough natural drainage, it should be freed of its surplus water by means of tile drains. The fact that heavy soils are likely to be somewhat wet, owing to their having an impervious hard pan, is another reason in addition to those above given, why peaches are prefera- bly grown on a light soil. If well drained and at a suitable elevation, good results can, however, be obtained on a clay soil. While a location where the land is in sod can be selected and the trees set the same season, it is better to give at least one year to preparation, using the land for some hoed crop. If it can be secured, a clover sod turned under in the Fall is excellent for an orchard, or for any fruit crop. On light soils where the sod is thin, it can be brought into fair condition for the trees if plowed the Fall previous to planting. Before the trees are set it will be well to replow, although a thorough dragging will answer. Except in very favorable locations, it is hardly safe to set peaches on new land where there is much vegetable matter in the soil, as it is likely to cause a rank and late growth, which is likely to be winter-killed. After one or two crops have been taken off from the land, the trees can be safely planted. Another reason for delay is that the soil is so light, owing to the presence of the partially decayed roots and leaves, that unless care is taken to obtain clear loam to pack around the roots, the trees are likely to dry out. The leaves and other litter, however, are excellent to place around the trees, upon the surface, as mulch. METHODS AND DISTANCES FOR PLANTING. When only a few trees are to be set, the holes can be dug with a spade, but for a large orchard, labor can be saved if two furrows are run so as to open up all of the rows in both directions. This will allow the trees to be set at the intersections of the rows, without the labor of digging the holes by hand. Tiie trees may be planted at various distances and be arranged in ' several w r ays. When planted in squares, some growers place the trees as close as sixteen feet each way; very few plant at less than eighteen feet, however, and a majority are now setting their orchard! with trees at least twenty feet apart, requiring about one hundred and nine trees per acre. In some localities it is a common practice to plant in rectangles with the trees from twenty by eighteen and twenty by sixteen feet to twenty by fifteen, or as near as eighteen by twelve feet. At the last distance, the HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 9 trees, while small, have plenty of room but, after a few years have passed, they begin to crowd. Such close planting is not advisable unless one has an abundance of trees, when it may be economy of space to plant as above, and, when the branches meet, take out every other one so that they will be eighteen by twenty-four feet. At this distance, almost exactly one hun- dred trees will go upon one acre. With the trees twenty by fifteen feet there will be the same chance to go between the rows one way as when they are twenty by twenty feet, and one hundred and forty-five trees can be set to the acre, or one-third more than when the square is used. After the trees are five or six years old, they will interlace and the crops will be but little larger than would be borne by the smaller number of trees. The same objection will hold against the trees planted twenty-two by sixteen feet, and at either distance it will be more difficult to cultivate than when they are in squares. A third method of planting, known as the quincunx, or triangular arrangement, consists in arranging the trees in diagonal lines across the orchard, and thus making room for about one-eighth more trees than can be planted by the square method, with the trees the same distance apart. METHODS OF ARRANGING TREES. * ' * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Squares. * * * ^ ^ * * * Rectangles. * * * Quincunx. This is an increase worth considering, but the distance between the rows will be decreased in the same proportion, and this is a serious objection. It does not hold, however, when the trees are placed twenty feet apart in the rows and the rows are at the same distance. In this way the same number of trees can be set and there will be an increase of about one- eighth in the distance measured diagonally between the trees, which will then be about twenty-two and one-half feet apart. While this distance will be desirable on rich soil, if the orchard is to be on light sand or sandy loam, the other may answer. In laying out the land, it is a good plan to first stake it off into squares not over four hundred feet on a side. If two opposite sides are marked with stakes, at intervals the same as the proposed distances between the trees, the location of the trees can be fixed by stretching a line or wire marked at the proposed distances, and setting stakes at those points. A No. 14 galvanized wire will be found best for the purpose, as it will not stretch, and the trees can be more accurately located. The points for the trees can be marked on the wire by twisting around it a short piece of small wire and fastening it in place by means of a drop of solder. If a garden line is used instead of a wire, one should be selected that will not stretch, and the distances can be marked by tying short pieces of twine about it. The holes for the trees should be about one foot deep and eighteen inches in diameter, varying with the size of the roots and the character of the soil. The trees should be set sufficiently deep that the 2 10 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. old stock will be covered, and the holes should be deep and wide enough to take in the roots without cramping them. Upon soil with a stiff hard- pan, it is well to dig the holes considerably wider than is needed by the roots, as it will give them a better opportunity to develop. In setting the trees, the soil should be carefully worked in among the roots and firmly packed around them, taking pains by first filling the hole half full of soil, that they are not bruised. The fine surface soil should be used for the lower half of the hole, and then, after the roots have been well covered, if they are partly rotted the sods can be put in, filling up the hole with the subsoil. The surface should be left level or slightly sloping toward the stems of the trees. The opposite plan of mounding the soil around the trees is not a good one except for fall-set trees, or in localities where mice are trouble- some, when they may be banked up in the Fall and the soil leveled off in the Spring. SELECTION OF TREES AND VARIETIES. One of the pivotal steps ih peach growing is the selection of the trees and the varieties, as, however well the location may be chosen, or with what care the orchard may have been handled, there will be no fruits to reward one’s toil unless a judicious selection has been made. If the grower has the necessary knowledge and can wait two years for his trees, it will be as well, perhaps, if many trees are wanted, for him to propagate them for himself, but the average person will do better to pur- chase his trees of a nurseryman, who knows how and has the time to grow and care for them in the best manner. Everything else being equal, it is better to obtain nursery stock of all kinds from a nurseryman in the same locality, or where the soil and climate will be similar to that of the orchard. If purchased near home it will enable one to select the trees in the nursery, and there will then be a better opportunity to get trees that are satisfac- tory. In case the local nurseries are not patronized, the next best thing is to write to some of the large nurseries of this or adjoining states, giving the number and age of the trees, the names of the varieties desired and auy other facts, and ask for prices. Before giving a large order it will be well to have samples sent on for examination, and if everything is satisfactory the trees could then be ordered from the man who furnishes the lowest estimate, with a fair degree of safety. With all nurserymen, however, this will not be a safe thing to do, as a low price may mean inferior or worthless trees, and (although there should be a distinct under- standing that there is to be no substitution) inferior varieties. If one is familiar with the standing of the different firms, and if the samples are satisfactory, it becomes a plain business transaction, and the trees ordered will be most likely true to name and up to the standard in size and general appearance. Many person advocate the purchasing of trees from local tree agents who are known to be honest and reliable, but if a large number of trees are wanted you can obtain them from the nurseryman, at as low a price as can the agent who must charge for handling the trees, and besides, since they must pass through the hands of a third party, there is the increased risk that the varieties are incorrect, or that the trees will become dry, or injured in some way. The fruit grower has little use for the average traveling tree agent; although many of the so called tree pedlers are honest, understand HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 11 their business and sell trees true to name and at fair prices, the proportion is very small. Too often they fill orders for new and high priced varieties, with seedlings, or with cull or surplus stock, made up of any and all varieties purchased from some grower. As a rule his prices for trees of standard varieties are from two to five times what they can be obtained for direct from the nurseryman, and the novelties, many of which are frauds on their very face, have not been sufficiently tested to determine their value, and are seldom worth the price charged for them. While the large grower cannot, as a rule, afford to get his trees from a tree agent, there may be instances, when only a few trees of common sorts are wanted that the order can be given with safety, if the agent is known to represent a reliable firm, and the trees can be obtained as cheaply as when obtained direct and the carriage paid. The general rule can be given, that it is unwise from a commercial standpoint, to order from an agent a novelty of which nothing is known, except what can be learned from the gorgeous plates he shows, and his lauding words. It has been stated, that it is well to purchase trees grown in a similar climate and soil; this is not because other trees may not be as good of themselves, but because trees placed under conditions unlike those under which they have been grown, are obliged to accustom themselves to the changed conditions. This is especially true of trees grown in a warm climate, where the soil is rich and moist, and carried to a cooler climate with a short season and a dry sandy soil. The original growth will be soft and watery, and with the usual amount of roots found on nursery trees it will be found necessary to cut the top back severely, thus giving an added check to the trees. It is not uncommon, when the large, bare stem is exposed in this way, for the bark to be burned, and if the tree recovers at all, it will not be for several years. These conditions and results are more common with the cherry and pear than with the peach. AGE AND SIZE OF TREES. A tree one year from the bud is of the proper age for planting, and any- thing older should be rejected at any price. In digging a two year old tree all of the branching roots are cut off, and when set out it does not recover itself until the second year, by which time a vigorous one-year tree will have caught up with it, and will soon outstrip it. A medium-sized tree is best to plant, a large tree with its soft, watery stem and branches being rejected for the reasons given above. Trees whose small size is owing to a poor soil, or unfavorable season, may, if placed in good soil, make a satisfactory growth, but it is often the case that the small size of cull trees is owing to some inherent weakness in the stock or cion, and although they may in time outgrow it, the slight saving in price is not enough to insure the risk. Of fully as much and probably of more importance than the size and shape of the top is the condition of the roots. They should be well branched and the divisions should not be less than six inches in length. While this will not be the entire length of the roots in trees one year from bud, the tissues of the roots will be so soft that rootlets will readily be sent out. CARE OF THE TREES BEFORE PLANTING. If a grower raises his own trees they should be dug in the Fall and care- fully heeled-in, in some well drained place, convenient to the orchard site 12 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. The trench should be dug one foot deep and two feet wide, in which the trees should be placed, slanting toward the south at an angle of 45°. If placed in single layers so that the soil can be thoroughly worked in between the roots, they will come out in the Spring in good condition. Care should be taken to select a spot free from stubble or other litter, and no straw or hay should be used to cover the trees, as it would invite the field mice which might work havoc with them. If in a wind-swept spot it would be well to cover the trees with evergreen boughs, or to provide some similar windbreak, but it is hardly advisable to bury the trees in the soil. If the trees are purchased, it is best to obtain them in the Fall and heel them in, as above described. By thus doing, you are more likely to get the first pick of the trees, while if left until Spring the desirable vari- eties are likely to be sold out, and only culls left. Besides in the rush of the Spring packing there are more chances of errors occurring and the pack- ing may be put off until the buds have started, and a delay in transit is more likely to cause the trees to dry out, or heat, than in the cool weather of late Fall. Whether purchased, or grown, precautions should be taken not to expose the roots to the sun, or drying winds. Blankets, tarpaulins, or straw should be at hand to cover them, and if to be left any length of time when there is danger from either sun, wind, or frost they should be heeled-in. It fre- quently happens that trees become dry or shriveled in transit, so that if planted in that condition a large part of them will be lost. If not too far gone, the bark and buds can be induced to fill out so that the tree will be far more likely to grow, if it is buried tops and all for a week or ten days in moist soil. When trees are shipped any distance, a considerable saving in the cost of boxing and freight would result if they are trimmed before they are packed. The nurseryman can do it as cheaply as the planter, and a saving of from two to five dollars can be made on each thousand trees, if they are pruned as described later on. SELECTION OF THE VARIETIES. In making out a list of varieties of peaches for planting, the first consid- eration should be the hardiness of the trees and of the buds. Many of the kinds that are spoken of as shy bearers are so only because the fruit buds are so tender that in an average year they are destroyed; of course such kinds are of little value and should not be considered in selecting varieties, especially for a commercial orchard. Many of the kinds that are valuable in the States to the south of us do not mature in Michigan and all such should be ruled out. Whether for home use or market a list should be chosen that will furnish fruit in succession throughout the season. The varieties should be regular and abundant bearers, and the fruit pro- duced, of good size and showy in appearance. The flesh should be firm enough to ship well, yet fine, juicy and melting, and of a rich, luscious flavor. For most markets a free-stone peach is desired. While a variety with yellow skin and crimson cheek is very attractive those with white and red are perhaps equally valuable. A moderately thick skin is desirable in a peach for distant shipment, but its quality is to the same extent lessened, while a thick fuzzy covering is in no way of value and detracts much from the value as a dessert fruit and for market purposes. As is the case with most fruits, it is impossible to combine all of these qualities in a high * HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 13 degree in a single variety, as, if they are of high flavor, rich and melting, they art? generally deficient in hardiness. One of the difficulties in offering a list of fruits, is, that sorts which succeed well in one locality do not seem to thrive \n another. If the most successful fruit growers in the State were asked to furnish a list of their most profitable varieties, the ten sorts having the most votes would be: Hale, Lewis, St. John, Richmond, Barnard (or Snow’s Orange), Jacques, Gold Drop, Late Barnard, Hill Chili, and Smock. Although the above varieties have been found to succeed quite generally, attention should be paid to the character of the soil, in making out a list for planting. Hill Chili needs rich, well-drained soil, as, if planted upon light sand, the fruit will be undersized, and upon cold, wet land they are very fuzzy, and late in ripening. The Barnard is another peach that needs a fairly rich soil, but it does better upon one that is of a sandy rather than of a clay nature. Conkling and Wager seem to thrive upon a rather heavy soil, while Hale, Lewis, Jacques, Gold Drop, and Smock are generally fruitful upon either sand or clay. As varieties for homeus6 that are of rather better quality, but less hardy in fruit-bud, Honest John, Mountain Rose and Oldmixon may be used, and in favorable locations they will be found good market sorts. Salway is an excellent late variety but should not be planted except in favorable localities, as it requires a long season. These kinds with, if desired, a few Alexander (or Waterloo) and Early Rivers for early sorts can be generally relied on in all parts of the State, where any of the varieties will grow. The following lists for orchards of one thousand trees have been submitted by the well-known, successful peach growers, whose names are prefixed: J. N. Stearns, Kalamazoo: Hale Early 50, Lewis 50, Richmond 100, Barnard (or Snow’s Orange) 100, Jacques Rareripe 100, Kalamazoo 300, Gold Drop 200, and Smock 100. J. F. Taylor, Douglas: Wilder 25. Rivers 25. Hale 25, St. John (Lewis or Mountain Rose) 100, Early Barn- ard 100, Jacques 100, Late Barnard 100, Hill Chili 100, Bronson 100, Engle Mammoth 100, Gold Drop 100, Smock 100. Allen 25. A. Hamil- ton, Ganges, recommends the following: .Waterloo. Rivers, Hale, St. John, Barnard, Early Crawford, Engle Mammoth, Bronson, Hill Chili, and Smock. “ I would omit Late Crawford, because it is a shy bearer, and let Engle Mammoth and Hill Chili take its place.” It will be noticed that none of the large yellow peaches of the Crawford class, such as Early and Late Crawford, Foster, Red Cheek Melocoton and Susquehanna are included, and the fruitgrower will say that they are such shy bearers that he can get five bushels of almost any of the kinds recommended to one from the Crawfords. While they are excellent in fruit, there are few if any sec- tions of the State where they are sufficiently reliable to merit their being planted upon a large scale as market sorts. There are a large number of new sorts that have been sufficiently tested for us to say that they are worthy of planting, but from our present knowl- edge they can hardly be placed in a short list. The most promising are: Kalamazoo, Elberta, Engle Mammoth, Beer Smock, and Crosby. Other varieties that have a local reputation are Brigdon, Corner and Gudgeon. While several of these are undoubtedly seedlings it is quite likely that others are old varieties whose names have been lost. Several growers 14 AGRICULTURAL, COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. who have watched them carefully are propagating and planting them exclusively. C. Engle, of Paw Paw, also has a large number of new sorts mostly seedlings of Hale, Crawford and Chili that in some respects are better than the parents, and are being watched with much interest. From its behavior with its originator ( J. N. Stearns), the Kalamazoo promises to be one of the most profitable peaches, and is certainly worthy of a trial on a somewhat extensive scale. WATERING THE TREES. As generally applied, the water given to trees at the time of, or after transplanting, does more harm than good. If the roots of the trees are not exposed to drying winds and if the soil is not unusually dry from a prolonged drought, no water will be necessary. If, however, the soil is dry, it will be well to give a thorough watering at the time of transplanting. This can best be done by filling the hole half full of soil and working it around the roots as recommended above, except that less care is required than when no water is to be applied. Then fill up the hole with water and after it has soaked in, the planting can be completed. The water will not onjy moisten the soil, but will puddle it in around the roots much better than could be . done in any other way. As a rule no other watering will be necessary, but if it becomes desirable it should be done in much the same way, the soil being drawn back from around the trees so as to form a basin for the water, and after it has soaked in the soil can be replaced. The stirring of the soil of itself will be a benefit to the tree and if applied in this way it will soak down to the roots where it will be of use. As gen- erally applied none of the water reaches the roots, and although it may benefit the tree for a few days by checking evaporation from the soil, it soon dries out and, a crust forming, the evaporation is increased and more harm than good is done to the tree. The one thing that is most necessary, to secure growth in a tree, is to so conserve the moisture in the soil that at all times it is present about the roots. As all the food taken from the soil by the root must be in a solution, the importance of this can be seen. If a crust can be prevented from forming, the evaporation will be decreased and any light, open material spread over the surface will add in the retention of the soil moisture. A mulch of almost any vegetable matter is excellent for the purpose, and. waste hay, straw, or corn stalks are often used. They have one serious fault, as they induce the roots to grow in the moist, surface soil, and for this reason are not desirable with the peach and other trees that are liable to injury during the Winter. The orchardist has, however, a inulgh at his disposal that is easier to apply than those mentioned above and it in every way is preferable. It is secured by stirring the surface soil to the depth of perhaps two inches, once in a week or ten days during the dry weather. In the early Spring, when the ground is full of moisture it is well to aid in drying out the sur- face b} 7 working to the depth of three or four inches, but later on when the opposite condition is necessary the depth should not be over one and one- half to two inches. If some shallow-working tool is used during a dry Summer, it will be found that, although the surface soil which has been loosened has lost its moisture, the underlying soil in which the roots feed has been able to retain its moisture by the mulch-like action of the surface soil. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 15 If for any reason it is not possible to give the care outlined above, a mulch should be put on covering a space at least three feet more in diame- ter than the hole dug for the tree. This should be left on until the middle of August when it should be removed to allow the trees to ripen off for Winter. In localities where held mice are not troublesome the mulch may be replaced around the trees as soon as the ground freezes, but otherwise it is not safe. While some hoed crop can be grown in a young orchard for two or three years with little injury to the trees, it is not advisable to use those that will require much stirring of the soil to harvest them, during August or September. For this reason the potato is not a good crop, except in case of late varieties that are not harvested until after the middle of October. Corn, late cabbages, squashes, tomatoes, melons and similar crops that need cultivation up to the first of August, or that will allow the trees to be worked up to that time, should always be chosen, and in no case should anything be grown within three feet six inches of the trees and if given four or five feet it would be better for them. For the reason that the trees cannot be cultivated, a grain crop is not advisable. It is a mis- taken idea that cultivation will cause a late growth and consequent winter- killing. Improper cultivation may do it, but, as recommended above, there need be no fear. If a strip four feet wide on each side of the rows is kept cultivated, the remaining ground may be seeded down, the first year or so. Fruit trees, like most other plants, make their growth during the early part of the season, the period during which the branches of any one kind of tree elongates, varying with the character of the season, as influ- encing the food supply. When very dry, during the month of July, the trees stop growing prematurely and at once begin to ripen their wood for the writer, storing up in the meantime materials for the next year’s growth. If, after this period of partial rest, the climatic and soil conditions are favorable to a renewal of growth, i. e., warmth and moisture present — the buds that should remain dormant until the following Spring will expand and a second growth will ensue. In this way we can account for the blos- soming of peach, plum, and other trees in September and October. The wood thus formed will not ripen properly and the buds will be so imper- fectly developed that the growth the next Spring will be very weak. The regular and uninterrupted stirring of the soil during the months of May, June and July will conserve the moisture and tend to prevent a premature cessation of growth. If not continued later than the tenth to the fifteenth of August, the wood will have an abundant time to ripen and there will be no danger either of unripened wocd, or of a second growth. As oftener practiced, however, cultivation may do harm. The orchards are worked during May and June, but, as the other work is pressing, no cultivation is given during July and August, until, as the ground is getting weedy, it is dragged in September; a drouth in July will stop the growth before it is completed and the late cultivation joined with warm rains will almost surely promote a second growth to be injured by the Winter. In a general way, the culti- vation should be about the same, during the next one or two years, as for the first year after planting, but after the fourth year, at latest, it is hardly advisable to crop the land unless the trees are at least twenty feet apart. In some localities, it is a favorite practice to sow rye broadcast, the last time the ground is worked in August and turn it under the following spring. It is claimed that the growth of the rye aids the trees in ripening off by 16 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. taking from them some of their food supply and thus lessening the danger of a second growth. It also admits of later cultivation. The decompos- ing rye will add nothing to the supply of plant food, but it will place in the soil a considerable amount of humus in an available form for the use of the plant, and will be of value in lightening up a heavy soil. Espec- ially in the dry seasons and for bearing trees of late varieties, it is well to keep up cultivation until the end of August as the moisture thus conserved will increase the size and hasten the ripening of the fruit. With kinds that tend to overbear, such as Hill Chili and Gold Drop, moderately late cultivation will enable them to carry a much larger crop and develop them to a good size, than if there is no cultivation after the first of August. PRUNING AT TIME OF TRANSPLANTING. As a rule if the trees have been properly dug, the roots of one-year old peach trees will need but little pruning. At best, the roots that have been bruised or broken, should be smoothly cut off, and it is generally well to smooth off the ends of all roots over one-fourth of an inch in diameter that have ragged ends. While by no means necessary, it will hasten the callousing and thus enable the trees to throw out roots earlier inthe season. It will be best to have this done in the Fall as it will enable the trees to form the callous during the Winter. In fact, if trees are dug in the Fall any cutting of the roots in the Spring may do more harm than good. The pruning required for the top of the peach is unlike that required for any of the other fruit trees, except such as are also planted when one-year old, when it would be the same. Nearly all growers now cut back their peach trees to a single stem, removing all branches close to the stem and cutting this off about one foot above the point from which the lowest branches are to start. The strong axillary buds will then develop into vigorous shoots. A modified form of this pruning is to leave four or five of the branches arranged at intervals along and around the stem, cutting them off so that one strong bud will be left on each, while others go still further and cut the branches so as to leave five or six with a length of about six inches. Although good trees can be grown from either method of pruning, the first is preferable, as the growths made will be stronger than they would be by either of the other methods. For nearly every situation it will be best to start the trees so as to form a moderately low head, and if the first branches are two to two and one- half feet from the ground it will be in accordance with the methods of the best orchardists. If started with low heads, the trunks will not only be short but they will be shaded from the hot sun and less likely to be injured by the freezing and Fia. 1 .— Nursery Trees. a anpraned. b pruned. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 17 thawing of Winter. Short trunks will bring the branches nearer the ground and will facilitate the pruning, thinning and gathering of the fruit. The low heads should not be carried to the extreme of starting at the ground, as this would hinder proper cultivation and favor the workings of the borer. FORMING THE HEAD. Some growers after heading the trees in, do not attempt to* do anything towards form- ing the heads until the following spring, allowing them to grow as they please during the summer unless they become quite notice- ably misshapen, while others go around occa- sionally and rub out the surplus shoots. In the spring the head is formed by selecting four or five strong branches so located as to be well distributed along the stem for a dis- tance of one foot down from the top and pointing in different directions, thus form- ing a well balanced head. A strong branch with an upright tendency should be selected as a leading shoot. It will be found prefer- able to have the branches somewhat distrib- uted, as they will be less likely to break down later on than if they were all crowded together at one point. The side shoots that are left should be cut back about one-half their length. The leader should be kept somewhat longer and trained so that other branches will be given off from it. If this is done it will be found much better than to have all the branches needed to form the head developed as side shoots from those left upon the tree when the head was first formed. PRUNING THE TREES. After the first year, as a rule, only one annual pruning is given although if any shoots are noticed that are out of place, it is well to remove them at any time. The spring is considered to be the best time for the pruning of .the peach, and for that matter of all trees, the work being performed after the severe weather of winter is over. For the best results a peach tree can carry about so many branches and so much fruit and to secure this, one of the following two methods of pruning is commonly [employed, the first being to head back, the other to thin out the small branches. By heading back the branches a low, rounded and symmetrical tree is secured, upon which the fruit can be readily thinned and picked; the buds remaining will develop a few, strong shoots, well back towards the base of the branches, the tree will be less likely to break down and the stem and main shoots being sheltered from the sun, will be more vigorous and healthy, 3 18 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OE MICHIGAN. and consequently the trees will be long-lived. When pruned by the other method, the small branches along the shoots being removed, there is only a brush-like tuft of twigs at the ends of long slender branches. As a rule growth takes place from a number of weak buds near the end of the branches, and the shoots thus formed transmit their own weakness to those to which they give rise. The fruit being formed at the extremi- ties of the pole-like and comparatively weak branches, the weight, with the increased leverage, often breaks them down. The sap must pass the entire length of the branches before it reaches the fruit, and the amount of plant food provided will consequently be less than when upon short-branched trees, with a comparatively large amount of sap wood, since the fruit buds are formed on the last year’s growth. When the heading-back method is used much can be done toward the thinning of the fruit, and, for that rea- son, it should be delayed as long as possible in order to obtain a correct idea of the condition of the buds, and thus prune judiciously. If all of the buds have been destroyed, the last year’s growth should be headed back severely, leaving only one or two strong buds, in this way keeping the trees in as compact a form as possible. If only a few scattering fruit buds are alive, only the ends of the shoots should be cut back, thus leaving HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 19 practically all of the buds to develop, but, on the other hand, if most of the buds are alive, the shoots can be cut back one-half or two-thirds and thus about one-half of the work of thinning the fruit will be saved. While Fig. 4.— Pruning by thinning out. it is best to prune before the trees blossom, the pruning cannot be used to thin as judiciously as when delayed until it can be determined how much fruit has set. CROTCHES. If there is any rule that should be uppermost in one’s mind when prun- ing, it is “ avoid crotches,” as whenever two branches of about equal size form a fork it can be put down as absolutely certain that in time one, or I both perhaps, will break down. If possible, one of the shoots should be cut out while small, but if they occur in large trees it will be safer to cut j one of them out and head the other back, so as to cause it to send out side branches than to leave it to break down the tree. In case the pruning has I been improperly done and a tree divides above its trunk into two branches of equal size forming a distinct crotch, so that the symmetry would be greatly injured by cutting out one of them, both can sometimes be saved by clamp- ing them together by means of a bolt, thus relieving the crotch from any strain. 20 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. CROSSED LIMBS. A second thing to have in mind is to remove all branches that seem likely to interfere with each other. Although it is less common than in the cherry and pear, the branches of peaches cross each other and become par- tiallygirdled by the chafing that ensues. As soon as they show any tend- ency to cross each other, the one that can best be spared should be cut out While it is desirable to have the head thick enough to keep the sun from burning the bark of the limbs, and to have the mam branches clothed with fruiting shoots back to within four or five feet of the mam stem, the mis- take must not be made of keeping the heads so thick that the sun cannot get in to color the fruit. When well laden, although some of the centre shoots may maintain their upright position, the side branches will be sometimes drawn down by their load of fruit and the sun can thus get down among the branches If, however, the branches are so thick as to prevent this, some of the weaker ones should be cut out, in addition to the heading back that is given the others. A pair of pruning shears will be all that is needed for the removal of the surplus braDches if the work is not neglected. Ho - ever although its excessive use will shorten the life of the tree, a sawmus sometimes be resorted to. Whatever method of pruning is employed, the cuts should be as smooth as possible, care being taken not to bruise the bark or tear it down the stub. While no general rule can be given for the nlace of making a cut, it can be said that, when cutting back a branch to fbe main shoot, care should be taken not to leave any projecting spur and the wound should be as small as possible. „ ,1 ^ • l As a rule the cut should start from an eighth to a fourth of an inch from the main branch and come out in about the middle of the thickening which is generally present on the under side. When ma.de parallel with the main'branch the wound is unnecessarily large, and it is better to have it mX 10 to 15 degrees from a parallel. In heading back a branch the ^should be made at an angle of 45' just beyond a strong bud or branch. THINNING THE FRUIT. One of the most difficult things about peach growing is to hav ® the ‘ r ^® nronerlv thinned, as few men without previous experience will remove fnough of the fruits even if those left upon the trees are properly distribu- ted Not only will there be as many bushels of fruit upon a properly Druned tree as on one that has twice or three times as many fruits, but the peaches being 8 larger and handsomer will ' sell readily at a highly remuner- ffie price while others of the same variety, that have been given exactly the same' care except that they were not thinned will be a drug m be market at any price and may not bring enough to pay chaiges. it is short-sigh ted policy ^as grtally weakened ^ th^strX of IZrS moStfy water. aS The Serai eKa£mort i^ce« SSsSSXftS growth Willi HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 21 be checked and future productiveness lessened. If a tree is left unthinned and, particularly, if the summer is a dry one, it often attempts to relieve itself by dropping part of the fruit, and as they are somewhat loosely attached a heavy wind-storm may strew the ground with the half-grown peaches, oftentimes taking nearly the entire crop. While the trees would have been more likely to retain the fruit had they been thinned, there would also have been a much less serious strain to the tree, as the small number of pits formed would take less mineral food. In some seasons the fruit drops badly soon after it has set, from the effects of curculio, curl, extremes of moisture or other causes, and for this reason the thinning should be delayed as long as possible without drawing on the trees too much. If done just before the pits begin to harden, as a rule there will be little loss from dropping after that time. The fruit will be about the size of a natural peach pit, and it will be early enough to avoid a strain to the trees. The time will vary with the season | but, as a rule, the 12th to 18th of June will answer in southern Michigan land the 15th to 25th in the northern half of the State. In localities where I the rose chafer is troublesome, it will be well to at least delay the final thinning until danger from them is over. In thinning the fruit, no set rule jean be. given, as it varies with the size and vigor of: the tree, the variety, and with the amount (if any) the tree has been headed back. The old rule, when trees were not headed back, was to leave a peach every six inches upon the branches, and it is a safe rule to follow under those conditions, but when the fruit has been partly thinned by heading back it will not answer. I If evenly distributed over the tree, and when the branches are clothed | with soft spur-like branches, it will be well, as a rule, never to leave more than two peaches upon any branch unless it is long and unusu- ally strong, and not to have them under any conditions nearer than four I inches from each other. On the other hand, if the side branches are not j numerous, and if the shoots are cut back very severely the distance may be I somewhat lessened and the number increased. In thinning, an effort should be made to leave the peaches as evenly distributed as possible, j making due allowance for the size and strength of the branches. The arger fruits and particularly those near the base of the shoots should be eft and the others removed. With a little experience, a tree can be very readily thinned, particularly if it has been well headed back, which as noted before will greatly reduce the number of peaches that need to be removed with the hand, and by lessening the height, render the operation much easier, as most of the work can be done from the ground. The ength of time required to prune a tree varies to such an extent with the bize and height of the tree and with the number of fruits to be removed hat no estimate of the expense can be given. It can be safely said, how- ever, that the cost will be several times repaid, to say nothing of the bene- fit to the trees. If when thinning the trees the peaches are thrown into a basket and burned, a great number of curculio will be destroyed and future attacks lessened. When peaches are properly thinned the danger from ot will be decreased, as it is a common occurrence to have one diseased fieach transmit the rot to all others in contact with it, and when crowded ogether the rot will be much more likely to appear, than when the fruits ire arranged singly. MANURES AND FERTILIZERS. So much depends upon the condition and natural fertility of the soil hat only general rules for the application of manures and fertilizers can 22 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. be given. If the soil is in condition to furnish a good clover sod to be turned under no better preparation can be furnished, and frequently it will supply plant food until the trees come into bearing. If the clover sod cannot be secured, and if the soil is not rich enough to grow a good crop of corn, some manure or fertilizer should be applied. The application of ten tons of decomposed stable manure broadcast, before the land is dragged in the spring, will supply food for the growth of the trees and for the crops that may be grown between them; a method of supplying food to the trees, without feeding the other crop and by the use of a comparatively small amount of manure, is to spread three or four forkfuls, evenly over spots four or five feet in diameter, where the trees are to be planted. In any case, it should be incorporated with the soil and not allowed in con- tact with the roots. While the application of stable manure is advisable for the young trees upon poor soil, rather better results in some respects can be obtained when they are of bearing age, particularly upon soil that contains a fair amount of organic matter, by the use of the so-called mineral fertilizers. It is known that if we supply plants with potash, phosphoric acid and nitrogen they can, as a rule, obtain the remaining elements needed for their growth from the soil and atmosphere. The nitrogen is necessary for all growth of plants, but if present in excess it is likely to cause a soft, watery growth. It is generally present in sufficient quantities in soils of fair fertility to carry the trees up to the bearing age, provided the soil is not robbed of its fertility by other crops. Phosphoric acid is also found in all parts of plants, but is particularly abundant in the seeds, and as soluble phosphoric acid is gradually removed from the soil by successive crops there are few bearing orchards that will not be benefited by its use as a fertilizer. We have at hand materials that supply these elements in a con- centrated form, at prices no higher than would be the cost of the more bulky stable manure, when it has to be hauled any distance. One of the best fertilizers for orchards will be found in unleached wood ashes. They contain all the elements needed for plant growth, except nitrogen, and these are present not only in about the proportions needed by the trees, but they are in combinations that can be readily taken up by them. A good sample of wood ashes should contain about three to five per cent of potash, and one and one-half per cent of phosphoric acid; if they have been leached or washed by rains the amount will be considerably reduced, while in some cases the amount of both potash and phosphoric acid is fifty per cent larger than is given. From a half peck to a bushel of wood ashes per tree, according to the size, can always be used to advantage, and if the trees are large, so as to cover the ground, it will be best to use from 100 to 150 bushels per acre scattered broadcast, coveriugthe entire ground, Since ashes tend to render a clay soil still more tenacious, care should be taken that they are not applied in large quantities upon stiff soils. Among other sources of potash are the German potash salts, which are imported as muriates and sulphates, and contain varying proportions of chloride of sodium (common salt), and chloride of magnesium. The best grades contain about 50 per cent of potash, and are preferable to the cheaper ones, as the expense of transporting the worthless materials in the lower grades makes the potash cost more per pound than in the higher grades. From one-half pound to three pounds per tree, or from fifty to three hun- dred pounds per acre, should be applied, taking care it is not brought in too close contact with the roots. In soils deficient in potash it must be applied HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. to secure a proper development of the trees and it will also increase the amount of sugar and heighten the color of the fruit. The best source of phosphoric acid is from bones, either ground, or as bone charcoal. The value of ground bone depends to a considerable extent upon its fineness, and the action will be hastened if it has been treated with acid and rendered soluble, in which case it forms what is known as a superphos- phate. Fresh bones contain a small amount of nitrogen which adds to their value. A fair sample of ground bone should contain rather more than 20 per cent of phosphoric acid, of which about one-third can be utilized by plants; while the remaining 15 per cent is in an insoluble form it will grad- ually become available. The amount of nitrogen in ground bones is quite variable but is seldom less than 2, or more than 5 per cent. In addition to the fresh bones, bone charcoal in the form of dissolved bone-black is also used as a source of phosphoric acid, it containing some 16 to 20 per cent, nearly all of which is immediately soluble. Nitrogen is not present in bone-black, having been removed by the burning. Phosphoric acid is also obtained from various waste products of slaughter houses, from guano and fish scraps and, in less valuable forms, is mined at Charleston, South Carolina, and in Florida, and is found in iron slag. The Charleston phos- phate rock is largely used in fertilizers, but its phosphoric acid is less val- uable than that from bones. The iron slag phosphate, sometimes known as “Odorless” is highly commended by many who have tried it, although it has some value, the extravagant claims made for it can hardly be sustained. Analysis shows that it contains about 20 per cent of phosphoric acid, of which some 3 to 4 per cent is soluble. The nitrogen supply, except as furnished incidentally in the bones and waste animal products, is obtained from nitrate of sodium, and sulphate of ammonium. In both of these salts it is readily soluble and is considered more valuable than when from other sources. The quantity of the salts required varies with the character of the soil as well as with the age of the trees. Stable manure is preferable as the source of nitro- gen, .but if it cannot be obtained and the condition of the soil is such that some form of nitrogen is needed to give a fair growth to the trees, 100 to 150 pounds of either of these chemicals per acre would generally be ample, while a considerably smaller quantity would suffice for young trees. There is much danger if it is used in large quantities, particularly if it comes in close contact with the roots. One can determine the relative value of the various fertilizers as their guaranteed analysis must be furnished, and with this and the value per pound of potash, phosphoric acid and nitrogen it can readily be computed. Potash is reckoned as worth about 6 cents per pound when in the form of sulphate and five cents as a muriate. Phosphoric acid when soluble is valued at eight cents, reverted at seven, and when insolu- ble in bones it is valued at from three to seven cents, while in rock and similar materials it is only worth from one to two cents at the most, while from some materials it has little if any value. The variation in the value of nitrogen is still greater, as in nitrate of soda it is worth sixteen cents per pound; as sulphate of ammonia eighteen cents; in blood, meat and fish scraps fifteen cents; in bones from ten to fifteen cents according to the fine- ness of grinding. In stable manure nitrogen would be worth about eight cents per pound. As they are for the most part readily soluble it is best to apply the fertilizers in the spring; if this is done just before the land is to be harrowed it will be better than to plow it in. In seasons when droughts prevail there is less effect from fertilizers than from stable manure, 24 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. but, although there may be some loss of the nitrogen and potash, the phos- phates will be retained in the soil with little or no loss. THE ‘RATIONAL USE OF FERTILIZERS. As nearly all, if not quite all soils contain a considerable amount of lime there will be little use in applying lime in any form for the sake of supply- ing that element to plants, and the same can be said of sodium and chlo- rine* and as these elements make up our common salt, it will be seen that salt is of no value to any crop as a fertilizer. Of the three elements mentioned above that are often deficient in the soil, potash, phosphorus, and nitrogen, it can be said that a rich virgin soil will generally contain all that is needed for an orchard, but after the trees have matured several crops of fruit, the available potash and phosphorus is likely to become so reduced that a satisfactory growth cannot be obtained, and if the soil is in any way deficient in organic matter, the amount of nitrogen will probably be rather small. In order to determine what one of these elements and the amount that should be used, it is well to make use of them experi- mentally, applying, for example, ground bone upon one row of trees, muriate of potash, or wood ashes upon an other, nitrate of soda, if the land is poor, upon a third, and combinations of two and of all of these materials upon still other rows, with a proper number of untreated rows. If the plots have been properly selected, one should be able to tell at the end of the second or third year which of the elements are needed, and if the experi- ment has been carried on so as to have plots with different quantities of the fertilizers upon them the amount that can be properly applied to each can be learned, and in this way one can be saved the useless application of fertilizing materials that are, perhaps, already in excess in the soil. As a rule, where no experiments of the kind have been conducted, a bear- ing orchard should have, once in two years, from 300 to 500 pounds of ground bone, 200 to 300 pounds of muriate of potash (instead of the muriate of potash, 100 bushels of -wood ashes if unleached, or 300 bush- els of leached may be used); 150 pounds of nitrate of soda, or 25 tons of decomposed stable manure, will be beneficial if the soil is light. In addi- tion to their value for supplying plant food, the chemical fertilizers have an additional value, that is perhaps equally important, as, by supplying soluble plant food early in the season, they enable trees to make their growth during the first of the season and ripen their wood thoroughly before winter. The growth is, as a rule, much more firm than that obtained by the use of stable manure, or from the natural fertility of the soil. In fact the chemical manures can be used as correctives since if those containing potash and phosphoric acid are added to soils that have been highly enriched with stable manure, or that are naturally quite rich in organic matter, they will have a tendency to make the new wood more firm and compact. It can then be claimed that the proper use of chemical manures will increase the hardiness of the trees, and will both render the fruit buds less susceptible to sudden changes in the weather, afid lessen the danger of their winter-killing. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 25 THE NURSERY CULTURE OF THE PEACH. While the farmer or village resident will prefer to purchase his peach trees of a nurseryman, it often happens that an extensive grower can at a slight cost in labor, propagate his own trees and thus be more likely to secure the varieties he desires to plant, and to have 'them free from all taint of disease. There are no secrets in the nursery growing of peach trees that cannot be readily acquired by any one, and, although practice in the various operations will necessarily make one more expert, if the instructions here given are carefully followed any intelligent person can grow peach trees. SOIL FOR A PEACH NURSERY. Peaches need about the same kind of soil, whether in the nursery, or in the orchard, although the nursery soil should be rather more fertile, and for propagating peach trees a well-drained, sandy loam should be chosen. A clover sod plowed under is an excellent preparation of the soil, and if the soil is naturally fairly fertile it will need no other dressing. If stable manure is used, care should be taken that it is not applied in excessive quan- tities, or in an undecomposed condition, as it would probably cause a watery growth that would not ripen, and winter-killing would ensue. If any fertilizer is needed, unleached wood ashes at the rate of 150 bushels per acre, and about 500 pounds of ground bone, will supply the necessary plant food, in anything but an exhausted soil, and a strong, well ripened growth can be obtained. If these are not used and if the soil is deficient in organic matter ten or fifteen loads of decomposed stable manure, spread broadcast and plowed in will greatly aid in growing good stock. As stated above a good clover sod plowed under will be preferable, as it will not only supply the necessary plant food to the soil but it will improve its physical condition. The land should be carefully fitted, as time expended in this will be doubly repaid by the amount saved in the after cultivation. THE SEED AND ITS PREPARATION As in the growing of all kinds of nursery trees, the first thing is to obtain suitable stocks upon which to work the improved varieties. As stock for this fruit, peach seedlings are almost universally used. The plum is preferred as a stock for the peach by the English, when they have a cold, wet soil, and is recommended by some for use under similar condi- tions in this country, but it is doubtful if there are any soils, or localities, in which peaches can be relied on to fruit, where the plum stock is necessary. Nearly all writers advocate the use of natural pits, or those from seedling peaches, and this is the almost universal custom. The claim is made that seedlings grown from natural seed are more vigorous than from seed of improved varieties. The natural seed owes its value to the fact that all the efforts of plants in a wild state are used in perpetuat- ing themselves, while our cultivated varieties have been so modified by man in his endeavor to increase the amount, or the quality of the flesh surrounding the stone, that the reproductive properties in the seed itself are weakened, the seeds will be less certain to grow, and the trees will be 4 26 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. less vigorous, less hardy, and consequently shorter lived. At any rate as nearly all of the natural seed conies from Virginia and Tennessee where the “ yellows” are not known to be, there will be less danger of obtaining the germs of this disease in them, than when pits of improved varieties are used, unless one is familiar with the source from which the seed comes. The pits from canning factories that obtain their fruit from infected dis- tricts should be looked on with suspicion. The natural seed can readily be distinguished from that of the improved varieties, as it is smaller, more nearly spherical and lacking the wing that is so noticeable around the edge of the latter; the canals upon the surface of the pits also, are not as large, or deep as in the latter; the halves of the shell are more firmly united and the kernels are firmer and thicker. The pits should, if possible, be obtained in the autumn and although they may at once be planted in nursery rows, it is not the best plan as the pits thns treated are not all of them sure to germinate the first year, if at all, and an uneven stand will result. It frequently happens that when thus treated, part only of the pits sprout in the spring, others appear the following year, and still others may show themselves the third year from planting. STRATIFYING THE SEED. In order to secure the prompt germination of the pits, they should be so treated that they are exposed to the action of frost. If only a few are to be planted, they should be placed in thin layers, alternately with an inch or so of soil, in boxes, and after that closed up so that the moisture cannot escape, and placed on the north side of a building where they will be out of the way of the drying influence of the sun. To secure the full action of the frost the seed should be soaked for twenty-four hours before being placed in the box, and it will be well to thus treat the seeds, however they may be stratified. When nurserymen stratify large quantities of seed much the same course is pursued, except that they excavate a trench, ten inches deep and large enough to hold the seed, in some moist but well- drained soil. In this the seeds are placed in alternate layers of soil to a depth of eight inches and covered with two inches of sand. Unless the soil is moist it will be found well to wet the bed down thoroughly before covering it up. Another method is to spread out the seeds upon the sur- face to the depth of three inches, and then spade them in, taking paius to have them all covered. Treated in either way they will be exposed to the freezing and thawing of Winter and the shells will be so loosened that as the seeds swell in the Spring most of them will fall apart. When the time for planting comes they can be taken out, separated from the soil by means of a screen, and all that have not opened carefully cracked with the ham- mer. When an even stand is desired and especially in localities where moles are troublesome, another method of stratifying will be found still more reliable. The pits are scattered on the surface in a single layer, forming a bed four feet wide and of the necessary length, and cov- ered with two inches of soil. In the Spring they will be so well cracked that most of them will sprout and send up shoots; as soon as they are three or four inches high they should be carefully taken out and trans- planted with a dibble to the nursery rows at intervals of eight inches, placing them so that they will be about two inches deeper than they were in the seed bed. By keeping the plants in pails of water, so that they will not wilt, very few will be lost if the soil is moderately moist. If the HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 27 season is very dry it may become necessary to water the plants once or twice. PLANTING THE SEED. In case the seed is planted in the fall, or in the spring before it has sprouted, the operation is not unlike the sowing of peas. Drills are made with a marker, or with a hoe if only a few are to be planted, two inches in depth and at intervals of about three feet eight inches, being rather more in rich soil and less in sand; in this the seeds, which have been previously cracked, are dropped about four inches apart. They should then be cov- ered with a hoe or rake and the soil firmly pressed down, using a roller in light soil. From eight to ten bushels of natural seed will be required per acre and with good success this should give twenty thousand trees; as a rule, however, not over ten thousand first- class trees will be obtained from an acre even under the best of conditions. In laying out the nursery, it is preferable to have the rows run north and south and space should be left at each end to give room for turning in cultivating. During the first part of the season, the young seedlings should be cultivated once in ten days and the soil between the plants occasionally stirred with a hoe to keep the weeds down and a crust from forming. The cultivation should be shallow and with an implement with small teeth or shovels. About the first of August it will be well to go over them and rub off the leaves to a height of four or five inches on the stem. In case the season is dry, the cultivation should be more frequent, and if it looks, by the middle of July or the first of August as though the stocks would not reach a suitable size for working, they can be aided by scattering broadcast along the rows, ground bone at the rate of three hundred pounds per acre and a bushel of wood ashes to eight or ten rods of row. Instead of the above, guano or superphosphate could be used. Nitrate of soda is also excellent to promote growth but it should be used very carefully at the rate of not over 100 pounds per acre. They should be thoroughly worked into the soil. If conveniences for watering are handy it will pay, if the drought continues, to give the plants a thorough watering, which will help to render the fertilizer available. By the last of August the smallest of the seedlings should be as large as a lead pencil and the others will range from that size to a half or five- eighths of an inch in diamater. BUDDING. As the object of this operation is to obtain trees of certain desirable varieties, every precaution should be taken that the buds used are true to name. As a rule, they are more reliable if taken from bearing trees, but they are not as vigorous, or as easy to obtain as from nursery trees. If buds from small trees are used, especial pains should be taken, as a mis- take with a single bud may make a difference with a hundred or more trees when buds are taken the following year. The buds, above all, should be healthy, plump, and well ripened; as a rule those at both the upper and the lower ends should be rejected. After cutting the bud sticks, the leaves should at once be cut off, leaving the leaf stems about three-eighths of an inch long, as handles to use in inserting the buds; to keep them from drying they should be wrapped in oiled cloth. As a rule, the budding can be done as soon as the stocks are of a suit- 28 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. able size, and when the buds have become firm, but if the growth of the stocks is still very rapid it will be well to delay the operation, as a too vigorous growth may throw out, or cover up and smother the buds. The budding should be completed ten days or two weeks before growth stops, and while it can be performed with good success as late as the first week in October, it is better to have it finished by the middle of September. If the budding is performed early in the season and the period of growth is long, the buds may start into growth and be injured by the winter. In addition to the seedling stocks and cions of the desired variety, the only materials required in budding are a budding knife, and something for bind- ing' the buds. The budding knife (Fig. 5, a), has a thin, sharp blade with its end rounded so that the point is even with the back. To assist in open- ing the bark there is either a thin piece of ivory in the other end of the han- dle, or the tip of the blade may be rounded so as to make it blunt. As a wrap- ping material raffia, which is obtained in narrow strips from the epidermis of the leaves of a certain kind of palm, is most commonly used, although Fig. 5.— Budding. a, Budding knife. 6, Bud-stick and buds. c, Bud inserted and wrapped. the bast layer of bark of the basswood and yarn are preferred by some. The operation of budding consists in making a T shaped cut in the bark of the stock and, after lifting the bark, placing under it a bud from the cion with a little bark attached and binding the bark firmly down upon it. The cut is made within three or four inches of the ground drawing the knife either vertically or horizontally first, as is most convenient. In case the horizontal cut is first made, the knife should be drawn upward to the cross cut when making the vertical incision, and when the two meet a slight twist of the wrist will cause the knife to turn up the edges of the bark so that the bud can be easily inserted. If the horizontal cut is made last, it should be at a slight angle (Fig. 5, a) so that the corners of the bark will be somewhat raised from the stock. If the stocks are in proper condition for budding, the bark will be sufficiently raised, to readily admit of the insertion of the bud. If for any reason the bark does not lift, the ivory at the end of the handle, or the rounded end of the blade of the budding knife, can be used to open it. Having made the HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 29 stock ready for a bud, one of the bud sticks (Fig. 5, b) should be drawn out from its wrapping and a bud (Fig. 5, b) removed. In cutting the bud the cion is held in the left hand, resting on the forefinger, with the small end toward the body. The knife is inserted about half an inch below the bud and a cut is then made deep enough to take off a thin shaving of the wood and extending one-half inch above the bud. The cut may be brought out through the bark at this point, entirely severing the bud, but this is likely to cause the bud to fall to the ground. The usual custom is to remove the knife and complete the severing of the bark, by a cut at right angles to the one first made. The shaving of wood taken off with the bark is removed by some budders, but it is not necessary and is sometimes harmful, unless carefully done, as the base of the bud may be torn out with the wood. Then take the stub of the leaf stalk, left for the purpose attached to the bud, between the thumb and forefinger of the right hand and insert it in the slit in the bark of the stock, crowding it down until the top of the bark attached to the bud is below the horizontal cut on the stock. If still loose, it is well to push it down until the bark of the stock presses firmly against the piece of bark attached to the bud. The bud is now ready for tying, which consists in wrapping a strip o£ raffia or other material that is to be used for the purpose, from twelve to fifteen inches in length, according to the size of the stocks, and from one-fourth to one-half inch in width, from two to four times around the stock beneath the bud, and about twice above it (Fig. 5, c), giving it tension enough to press the bark firmly down upon the bud. This pressure of the bark is beneficial in two ways, as by shutting out the air it prevents the bud from drying out, and by bringing the bud and stock in close con- tact the union is more rapid. The operation of budding is now completed but the tree is by no means ready for the orchard. In about ten days or two weeks the trees should be looked over and if any of the buds have failed to take, new ones can be inserted. In all cases where the buds have taken, the bands should be cut, by drawing a knife across them on the opposite side of the stock from the bud. If one of the folds is cut it will be sufficient, as the wrapping will open of itself. Sometimes the growth of the stock before the bud has taken is so rapid that the pressure of the band will ao check the flow of the sap that, if left to itself, the stock would be girdled. Upon all such stocks the bands should be loosened and retied. In case the budding is done towards the close of the season of growth, it is not always necessary that the bands be cut, as there is no danger of con- striction and they will decay before spring, but under other conditions it is safer to be sure that the bands are cut. Nothing further is necessary the first year, unless the trees are on rather moist soil, where there is a good deal of freezing and thawing, in which case it is well to throw up a light furrow, on each side of the rows, covering the buds. In the spring this should be thrown away from the rows and the narrow strip between the trees drawn away with hoes. The stocks should then be cut back, the cut being made somewhat slanting, beginning on the side opposite the bud, about half an inch above the bud itself, and giving the top of the stub a slope of about 45 degrees. Sometimes the cut is made several inches above the bud and, later on, after the bud has sent up a stem twelve or fifteen inches high, the stub is cut back near enough the bud to admit its being readily grown over. Cultivation should begin as soon as the soil is in a suitable condition and should be kept up through the Summer until the trees get large enough to shade the ground. In case the season is a 30 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. dry one, or if the trees make a slow growth, it should be kept up until the middle of August, using a fine toothed, shallow-working implement. When growth starts, a number of suckers will start up from the stub of the stock. When they get to be two inches long they should be rubbed off, taking pains to remove every portion. As a rule no others will come out but if they make their appearance, they should be promptly removed. The hoe should be used this season sufficiently often to keep the crust between the trees broken. The trees will be of a suitable size for orchard planting in the fall or following spring. By the first of November, or earlier if most of the leaves have fallen, the trees can be dug. In doing this pains should be taken not to cut the roots too short, as this would lessen the chances of living, and at best will shorten the growth the first year. JUNE-BUDDED TREES. In some sections what are known as June-budded trees are grown, but they are of little value except as a means of rapidly propagating new sorts of which buds were not set in the fall. The cions must be cut in the fall, or winter, and kept dormant until the stocks have begun to grow so that the bark will lift. When the buds are set, most of the top is cut off and in two or three weeks the stock is cut back to the bud, which soon breaks and forms a weak growth. In the south the method is used with fair success, but in this State it has few advantages and several disadvantages, the princi- pal one in addition to the weakness of the growth, being that it is likely to make a late growth and be injured by the winter. THE CULTIVATION OF THE PLUM. During the past ten years the plum has come rapidly to' the front as a desirable fruit for the commercial grower. The success met^with by the people of Oceana county in the cultivation of this fruit, and the highly remunerative prices obtained have led to its being largely planted in various sections of the State, and the returns thus far obtained from the earlier plantings, have been very generally satisfactory. There are many sections of the State in which this fruit can be grown, where the peach will not thrive, and it will undoubtedly greatly increase in value as a commercial fruit. While the care required by a plum orchard differs in some of its details from that needed by the peach, the general principles upon which we work are the same; we shall therefore treat the subject of plum growing largely by referring the reader to the preceding pages upon peach culture, and merely pointing out the particular points in which the treatment given to the plum should differ. SOIL AND CLIMATE FOR THE PLUM. The climate of Michigan seems well suited to the plum, and it is a sure crop in all parts of the State except in some of the interior counties in the HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 31 extreme northern part of the lower peninsula and in portions of the upper peninsula, but even there the failure is due more to soil than climatic con- ditions. While the same general rules regarding elevation and exposure apply to this fruit as have been given for the peach, they vary in degree, and plums can, owing to the greater hardiness of the fruit-buds as well as of the trees, be grown in locations where the peach will fail. In fact it is a common practice, when large areas are planted to these fruits upon rolling land, to use the higher portions for peach trees and to set the plums in the depressions, although if the soil is suitable the plums would do better upon the elevated land. As a rule it may be said that plums need a strong and rather heavy soil, but on the contrary the most successful plum orchards in the State are in Oceana county, where the soil is light. The soil there, however, is rich in lime and seems well adapted to the growth of the trees and to the production of large crops of fine fruit. For the best results the land should be fairly moist, but success cannot be obtained if it is not well drained. If moisture is present with a proper supply of plant food, fair success can be obtained upon almost any soil, although a light sand, muck or heavy clay should be avoided, with a moderately heavy loam either sand or clay as a choice. AGE, SIZE AND CARE OF TREES. In a general way, the same rules apply here as were given for the peach. The ordinary planter will, however, find trees that have been grown in the nursery two years from the bud, preferable to one-year trees. It may be well to state that plum trees are generally budded upon Myrobalan stocks, (another name for Primus cerasifera, a dwarf Euro- pean plum). The peach is sometimes used as a stock for American varie- ties, and is recommended by some nurserymen as a stock for European sorts on sandy soils. Sometimes St Julien stocks are used, and others grown from cuttings of the Marianna (a Texas variety with close affini- ties to Prunus cerasifera ) , are meeting with favor. The first two kinds may be grown from imported seeds, but it is a more comman plan to plant Euro- pean grown stocks. They are placed about three feet eight inches by six inches, and if strong may, under favorable conditions, be budded the same season. If not large enough, budding may be delayed until the fol- lowing year. The season for budding the plum is earlier than for the peach, the operation being performed as a rule either the latter half of July or the first half of August. Other than noted the care of plums in the nursery is the same as for the peach. In heading back the top of the trees at the time of planting, the common practice differs somewhat from the method pursued with the peach. According to the amount of growth and the amount of root area the branches are cut back from one-half to two-thirds, and the weaker ones are thinned out so as to leave not over five side shoots in addition to the leader, which should be shortened only about one-third. The branches should be distributed upon the different sides of the stem as evenly as pos- sible, taking pains also to secure a vertical distribution. Both extremes should be avoided in fixing the height for the head; three feet from the ground to the lower branches may be taken as an average, although many would have that as the maximum, and under some conditions it would be preferable to a greater height. 32 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. The after pruning is confined tp the thinning out of unnecessary branches, particularly those showing a tendency to rub against others, and the heading in of rampant shoots. The extremes of either heading in or thinning out as practiced upon the peach do not apply to the plum. A plum tree properly pruned at the time of transplanting will need but little training thereafter and that given should be the least that will suffice to guide it into a symmetrical form. As is the case with all other fruits, the plum needs thorough cultiva- tion if we would obtain the best results. There is even greater need of fertilizers than with the peach, as the plum does not seem to be as good a scavenger as does that fruit, but if possible it should be in some mineral form. Stable manure can, however, be used under some circumstances to improve the physical condititions of the soil, its effect either upon a light or heavy soil being beneficial. VARIETIES OF THE PLUM. Nearly all of the varieties commonly in cultivation belong to the so-called European species, Primus domestica. The better kinds are as follows, arranged in the order of their ripening: Duane's Purple. — Tree vigorous, shoots very downy, leaves large and downy. Fruit very large, oblong-oval, one side larger, than the other. Stem slender, three-fourths of an inch long, set in a narrow cavity; color red-purplish, red in the sun, dotted with yellow and with a lilac bloom; flesh light yellow, juicy, rather sweet; adheres slightly to the stone even when ripe. Ripens the middle of August. A profitable market sort. Washington (Fig. 6). — Tree strong growing, forming a round head, leaves large and glossy, branches light brown, downy. Fruit quite large, roundish- oval, suture slight. Stalk five-eighths of an inch long, stout, downy, set in a shallow but wide cavity. Deep yellow with crimson blush and dots, marbled with green before ripe. Flesh yellow, firm, sweet and rich, free. Last of August. One of the best yellow plums. Bradshaw (Fig. 6 ) (Niagara). — Tree very vigorous, with large, purplish and smooth shoots. Fruit large, ovate, with a stout stem three-fourths of an inch long, slightly inserted in the narrow cavity, sometimes with a slight neck; purplish red with a blue bloom. Flesh yellowish, becoming brown- ish yellow, rather coarse, but juicy and pleasant. Clings slightly to the stone until fully ripe. Last of August. One of the best of the standard varieties, although the new variety, Field , which in many respects resem- bles it, is preferred by many as it is one or two weeks earlier. Green Gage ( Peine Claude). — Trees small, slow growing, smooth shoots, buds with well marked shoulders. Fruit small, with slight suture, round, green or yellowish green, mottled with red in the sun when fully ripe. Stem slender, one-half inch long, slightly inserted. Flesh light green, rich, melting, juicy, luscious, free. The best in quality of all plums. Last of August and first of September. Lombard (Fig. 6). — Tree vigorous with glossy, purple shoots, leaves crumpled. Fruit of medium size, oval, slightly flattened at the ends, suture indistinct, violet red, with thin, white bloom. Stalk slender, five- eighths of an inch long. Flesh, deep yellow, juicy, pleasant, adhering to the stone. Early September. One of the most productive varieties. While it should be every collection, the immense number of trees of this variety that have been planted within the past five years will tend, by lowering the price, to make it less desirable for planting upon a large scale as a shipping variety. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 33 Eng/eherf. Shippers Pride. Lombard. Fig. 6.— Varieties of Plums.— (One-third, natural size). Jefferson. Fruit large, oval or slightly obovate with faint suture, golden yellow with reddish blush, and thin white bloom. Stalk stout, one inch 34 AGRICULTURAL, COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. long, but slightly inserted. Flesh, deep yellow, juicy, melting and of high flavor, free from long-pointed stone. One of the best dessert plums. First part of September. Prince Englebert (Fig. 6). — Tree vigorous; branches smooth, downy. Fruit large, oblong-oval, deep purple with brown dots and blue bloom. Stalk medium with a swelling at the base, set in a deep, narrow cavity. Flesh greenish yellow, juicy, sweet, and of good flavor, free, Early September. Genii (Fig. 6). — Tree strong, vigorous, spreading, an early and abundant bearer. Branches stout, smooth, grayish brown. Fruit large, oval, slightly pointed at both ends, suture slight if any; dark purple with thick bloom. Stem long and slender inserted in a deep broad cavity. Flesh light yel- low, rather coarse, firm, sweet when fully ripe, free. Middle of September. Excellent for shipping. Imperial Gage. — Trees upright and fairly vigorous, shoots long and dark, downy. Fruit of medium size, oval with distinct suture. Stalk one inch long, moderately stout, set in a slight depression. Skin pale green becoming yellowish with a distinct marbling of green stripes. Flesh green- ish yellow, juicy, rich and melting, generally free from oval-pointed stone. Quite productive. September. Excellent for both table and market. Pond (Fig. 6) (English). — Tree very vigorous; branches grayish and smooth. Fruit large, oval with distinct neck, reddish violet with a thin wdiite bloom, and dotted with brown spots. Flesh yellow, rather coarse, but juicy and sweet. A very showy fruit, quite desirable for market. Middle of September. Quackenboss (Fig. 6). — Tree, a strong, upright grower, shoots smooth. Fruit of large size, oblong-oval, deep purple in sun, with reddish spots, dark amber in the shade, stalk short, suture indistinct. Flesh yellow, rather coarse, sweet and juicy. Quite productive and a valuable market sort. Middle of September. German Prune. — Shoots smooth, slender. Fruit large, oval, swollen on one side, tapering particularly toward stem, suture well marked. Skin purple, with dense bloom. Stem slender, three-fourths of an inch long, cavity shallow. Flesh greenish yellow, firm, sweet, free; stone flat, slightly curved. Used for preserving and drying. Middle to last of September. Damson (Fig. G). — Tree small, branches slender and thorny, subject to the black knot. Fruit small, oval, depressed, purple with a dense blue bloom, stem slender. Flesh melting and juicy, a partial cling, quite acid. September. Shropshire Damson. — An English variety. Blue with a thin bloom, oblong or obovate, of rather better quality than the common Damson. Useful for preserves. Last of September, and October. Coe Golden Drop. — Tree moderately vigorous and quiie productive, i smooth. Fruit large, oval or obovate, with a slight neck, unequally divided J by a well marked suture. Light yellow or greenish yellow with red dots on j cheek. Stem seven-eighths of an inch long, quite stiff. Flesh firm, yellow- ish, adheres to stone, juicy, sweet, excellent. Last of September, and October. Where it ripens it is one of the best late plums. Fellemburg ( Italian Prune). — Tree slender. Fruit of medium size, j oval, tapering to both ends. Dark purple with a dark bloom; stem in a shallow and narrow cavity, slender, one inch long. Flesh greenish yellow, sweet and juicy, and of good quality, free. First of October. j Bava.y ( Reine Claude de Bavay). — Tree vigorous and productive, smooth; .1 HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 35 fruit large, round-oval, depressed, greenish yellow with red dots and pink- ish green stripes; flesh juicy, yellow, sugary, of fine quality, nearly free. October. Desirable both for home use and market. Of the comparatively new sorts that are meeting with favor where they have fruited are Moore Arctic , naturally quite hardy, but the foliage drops badly and hence it often winter-kills. Tree vigorous, smooth, grayish- brown, and an early and abundant bearer. Fruit small to medium, round- oval, purplish-black with blue bloom. Stalk medium, slender, in a narrow cavity. Flesh greenish-yellow, rather coarse, juicy, sweet, pleasant, adheres slightly to stone. Seems to have little to recommend it, although it has been largely planted on account of its supposed hardiness and earliness. Shipper's Pride (Fig. 6). — Tree vigorous, quite hardy and productive. Fruit above medium in size, oblong-oval, deep purple with thick, blue bloom. Middle of September. French Damson . — Tree more vigorous and a better grower than the other Damsons, hardy and very productive. Fruit of medium size, deep copper color with a rich bloom. . Middle of October. Considered the best of the Damsons by Mr. Willard of New York. Peters Yellow Gage . — An old but little known plum. Trees fairly vigorous, with short, downy branches. Fruit medium to large, roundish- oval, light yellow, marbled with red in the sun, and with a thin bloom. Stalk large and stout, set in a wide cavity. Flesh yellowish, sweet and juicy. One of the best of the yellow plums. Last of August. Stanton . — Tree a good grower, fruit medium to large, round-oval; deep purple with a thick bluish bloom. Quite productive. Last of Septem- ber and early October. An excellent keeper and a promising late sort for canning purposes. Purple Egg ( Hudson River ). — Tree vigorous and quite productive. Fruit large, purplish-red with thin bloom. Flesh deep yellow, rather coarse. Last of September. A promising market sort. Of the other new and promising sorts are Czar, Grand Duke, Murdy, Prince of Wales, Black Diamond, and Early Rivers (Rivers Early Prolific). Simon (Prunus Sirnoni ). — Tree small, upright, branches rough. Leaves are small, narrow, and glossy. Blossoms small, very early and hence very likely to be injured by frost. Seems to be a productive sort in this State. Fruit of medium size, round, flattened, with a well marked basin at apex, firm. Color, reddish-purple with brown dots; flesh dull yellow, sweet, rather dry, slightly acrid. Last of August. It seems to have no qualities that make it especially desirable. AMERICAN PLUMS. In the common works upon pomology little attention has been paid ; to any except the varieties of European origin (Prunus domestica). There are, however, a large number of varieties in cultivation that are derived from native species. While many of them are largely grown in sections of the South and West where the Furopean varieties do not thrive, they are of but little value in most parts of Michigan. Even when pro- ductive, they are generally small in size, with a tough skin and firm flesh, and many of them are of an acrid nature. Until recently our cultivated native plums have been grouped into two | species, the American or Canadian wild plum (Prunus Americana , 36 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. Marshall) and the Chickasaw plum (P. Chick asa, Mich.) A few years since they were carefully studied by Prof. Bailey of Cornell Univer- sity, and a new classification made as follows: Group A The Americana Group ( Primus Americana, Marshall).— lhis species is found from New England to the Rocky mountains and extends from Manitoba to Texas. In the group are placed a number of hardy, strong-growing varieties “characterized by a firm, meaty, usually corn- messed dull-colored, late fruit, with thick and usually very tough, glau- cous skin, and large more or less flattened stone which is ofte^ uea^or auite free, and by large obovate, thick, veiny, jagged, dull eaves. lhe fruits are somewhat flattened at the ends, and are commonly marked by a distinct suture. All of the varieties have a light purple bloom Among the best varieties of this group are Cheney, De Soto, b orest Garden Hawkeye, Louisa, Maquoketa, Purple and Yellow Yosemite, Rollingstone and" Weaver. Wolf and Van Buren are classed as P™nns Americana var. Mollis, from the fact that they have pubescent shoots and fohage^d Q oose Group ( Prunus hortulanci, Bailey).— This embraces all varieties with a “ wide-spreading growth and mostly smooth twigs, a firm juicy, bright colored, thin skinned fruit which is never flattened, a clinging, turgid, comparatively small, rough stone, which is sometimes pro longed at the ends, but is never conspicuously wingea-margmed, and by comparatively thin and firm, shining, smooth, flat, more or less peach-like, ovate-lanceolate or ovate, long pointed leaves which are mostly closely and obtusely glandular serrate, and the stalks of which are usually glandular. This species is found in the Mississippi valley from Illinois southward. The species seems to be more closely allied to the Chickasaw than to Americana group. “ The fruits are usually covered with a thin bloom and are more or" less marked by small spots. In color they range from a vivid crinSon to^ pure golden yellow.” On the other hand the varieties of P Americana, seldom, or never, bear fruits of a pure yellow color, being mo or less clouded and splashed with red. They are also generally thin skinned and of a dull color. Prof. Bailey recognizes two types in this group, one of which is characterized “ by thin and wry smooth peacWikp leaves which are very finely and evenly serrate (Wild Goose), while the other 8 ' fa distinguished by "“thicker, duller and more veiny leaves which are more coarsely and more or less irregularly serrate. (Moreman, Way land and Golden" Beauty. ) The latter type seems to connect the plums of the Miner type quite closely with those of the Wild Goose group. C Mhier Group (P hortulana, var. Mineri.)-1 \ ; differs from the species “by the dull and comparatively thick leaves, which are couspicu ously veiny below and irregularly coarsely toothed and more or less obovate in outline by a late very firm fruit and by a more or less smooth and Amer- icana-like stone.” Most of the varieties are quite hardy and are among the best of the native plums for southern Michigan. The best varieties arel Clinton, Forest Rose, Miner and Prairie Flower. rhiensa II Ghickasaw Group (P. angustifolia , Marshall), (P- y liicasa Micii).- The trees of this group have a sleuder, spreading and irregulai o-rowth the trees are smaller and the leaves are small, lanceolate or oblong fanceol’ate, closely serrate, shining and generally folded toget her or trough- like in armearance. The twigs are red and bear, on spuis upon iood?deTe dusters of small flowers, quite early in the seasom The M is small, generally red, and more or less spotted ; the flesh is soft, juicy, a HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 37 more or less stringy and very tightly adherent to the small, broad, rough - ish stone.” The small-leaved type of the Wild Goose group greatly resem- ble some of the varieties of the Chickasaw. Even in a cultivated state some of the varieties are quite thorny. Several of the Texas varieties are lacking in hardiness. Among the best of the Chickasaws are Newman, Pottawatamie and Robinson. E. Marianna Group. — In this class were placed the Marianna and De Caradeuc, both of which have originated from the Myrobalan plums, the former as a hybrid with some native sort and the disseminator of the De Caradeuc whose name it bore believed it also to be of hybrid origin. The DeCaradeuc is a valuable plum in some localities. The Marianna was highly recommended as an early market plum when •it was sent out, but its principal value is as a stock for other plums. It grows readily from cuttings and it has all of the good features of the Myrobalan and none of its bad ones when used for that purpose. Many of the American varieties are incapable of fertilizing them- selves. It has been particularly noticed with such well known sorts as the Wild Goose and Miner and from their failure to bear fruit the whole class has been condemned. When planted in alternate rows with some good pollenizers they will be found almost sure bearers. However, it must be stated that for nearly all sections of Michigan, the much more desirable European sorts can be grown to such perfection that there is but little occasion for the planting of American varieties. JAPANESE PLUMS. Within the last ten years quite a number of varieties have been brought into notice that have come from Japanese species. Most of them have been traced to Prunus Mume, either directly or as hybrids between that and some other species. One of the first of this class was the Kelsey, which is a large fine plum in the south, but it is not sufficiently hardy for successful planting in Michigan, Under the name of Botan an extremely hardy race of plums has been introduced. It includes both red and yellow varieties and the much lauded Abundance plum is sometimes, and properly, called Sweet Botan. It is quite hardy, very productive and although the fruits are not large it is a quite desirable early plum. The Burbank and other seedlings originated and sent out by Luther Burbank of California have been planted in portions of the state where the climate is tempered by Lake Michigan, and they seem hardy there, but it is too soon to judge of their value, although they are very promising varieties. The Satsuma is another variety of Japanese origin. It starts into growth very early and it is probable that it will be tender except in protected locations. 38 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. INSECTS AND DISEASES OF THE PEACH AND PLUM. The intelligent and skillful commercial grower of these fruits, is blessed by a large number of insect friends — blessed and friends because if not for them so many persons would engage in the business, and the crops would be so large that the price at which they would sell would not pay for their cultivation. Under the present conditions, the number of growers is kept within bounds, and fair prices can be obtained, but even now the man who makes use of the remedies at his disposal in a rational manner will have large and perfect fruit, in years when his less intelligent or less industrious neighbor may have lost his entire crop, or will have inferior specimens that will be a drug in the market, even in a year of scarcity and of high prices. The fact that many of our insecticides and fungicides can be used in combination greatly simplifies and reduces the expense of preparation and application. Every grower who expects to secure a crop of plums takes some means to destroy the curculio, and the day is not far distant when every successful peach and plum grower, to say nothing of the growers of other kinds of fruit, will make as free use of his spray pump for the application of insecticides and fungicides, as he now does of his curculio sheet. Their use is rapidly increasing and last year the amount of copper sulphate sold in the State of Michigan for use in fungicides was not less than five tons. In addition to the remedies given, too much stress cannot be placed upon the importance of securing vigorous trees, by use of proper soil and a suitable location, an abundance of mineral fertilizers and, above all, thorough cultivation. Clean cultivation not only aids the trees in their growth, but it breaks up the hiding places of insects. Untidy fence-rows are favorite breeding places for insects, and should not be tolerated. In the following pages will be found formulae for some of the standard insecticides and fungicides, and descriptions and life histories of some of the more injurious friends. FUNGICIDES. In Bulletins 59, 83 and 92 formulae have been given for many of the more useful fungicides, but as they may not be at hand we repeat several that will be found valuable. Bordeaux Mixture .— Slake two pounds of stone lime, and dissolve two pounds of copper sulphate in a wooden or earthen vessel, pour together and dilute so as to make from twenty to forty gallons as desired. Care should be taken to properly slake the lime, as injury to the foliage may otherwise result. A small amount of hot water may be used, or if cold water is employed it should be added only as fast as the lime will take it up. Air-slaked lime may be used, but the amount should be increased one-lialf. To make sure that all of the free acid of the copper sulphate has been neutralized by the lime, after they have been poured together, and been thoroughly stirred, add a few drops of ferro-cyanide of potassium, and if it gives a brown color it indicates that more lime is needed, and it should be added until no effect can be produced by the ferro-cyanide. When that condition can be secured it shows that the free acid has been taken up, and that there will be no danger from using the mixture properly diluted upon any foliage. Of the various strengths for this mix- HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 39 ture there seems to be little difference in the effect, whether one pound of copper sulphate is used to ten gallons of water or for fifteen gallons, but if much more water is used the efficiency is reduced. For all applications before the leaves appear we prefer to use at the rate of two pounds of copper sulphate to twenty gallons of the mixture, and increase the amount of water by about five gallons for each subsequent application. If the first and second sprayings are made in a thorough manner at the proper times, i. e., before the buds start, and just after the petals have fallen from the blossoms — a third application at from three to four weeks after the sec- ond will suffice unless it is desired to control the curculio by means of Paris green, in which case an intermediate spraying with that material alone, about two weeks after the second application of Bordeaux mixture, will be desirable although, as the cost of the material is so small, it will be well to add the copper sulphate, the lime being necessary to prevent the burning of the foliage by the Paris green. Ammoniacal Carbonate of Copper . — Dissolve three ounces of copper carbonate in 3 pints of ammonia water (26°) and dilute before using with 32 gallons of water. The original solution if kept in a glass stoppered bottle will retain its strength for a long time. This mixture seems rather less effective than the Bordeaux mixture in the destruction of fungi and is more likely to injure the foliage; in fact it is hardly safe to use it upon the peach, particularly as it is only applied in midsummer, when it is not desirable to use lime upon the ripening fruits. So far as the spotting and poisoning of the fruit with the preparation are concerned there is but little danger, although it is not advised to spray fruits with it that are to be gathered within three weeks. As sold upon the market copper carbonate costs from 30 to 50 cents per pound, but it can be made for less than half those prices. To make it dissolve one pound of copper sulphate and one pound of carbonate of soda. Pour together and, in the precipitate that forms, there will be the equiva- lent of eight ounces of copper carbonate. Turn the water off and either allow the precipitate to dry, or use at once as desired. The modified eau celeste is practically the same as the ammoniacal carbonate of copper, made as above, except that it contains more copper carbonate and it is rather more effective. INSECTICIDES. In order to make an efficient use of insecticides one must not only under- stand the methods in which they act, but he should have at least so me general information regarding the habits of the insects to be treated. Many of the failures reported are due to lack of this knowledge, since a remedy may be used that is unsuited to the purpose, as a little knowledge would have shown. Not only are remedies for sucking insects used upon leaf-eating forms and vice versa , but many persons seem to have an idea that spraying will prevent all injuries to their fruit, and without giving thought to the proper remedy expect to destroy insects by the use of fungicides, or the reverse. Arsenites . — For all leaf-eating insects some form of poison should be used, when it can be placed so that they will obtain it. The more com- mon remedies are Paris green (arsenite of copper) and London purple (arsenite of lime). White arsenic and corrosive sublimate are used by 40 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. some persons, but while less expensive are rather more dangerous to have around. Paris green is rather more efficient than London purple and being less soluble is not so likely to injure the foliage. When purchased in "large quan- tities the cost is little if any more and if to be used in combination with Bordeaux mixture, as is generally desirable, it is preferable to London purple, as the Paris green itself is quite a valuable fungicide. When used alone, however, the water must be kept continually in agitation to pre- vent it from settling and as there is less danger of this with London purple it has the preference under those conditions. Neither of these arsenites can be used alone in a proper strength upon the peach, except very early in the spring, without danger of burning the foliage. They can, however be added to Bordeaux mixture at the rate of one pound of arsenite to 250 gallons of the mixture, and the lime will serve to neutralize any free acid. If it becomes necessary to use them independent of the Bordeaux, they can be rendered innocuous if one pound of lime is added for each pound of the arsenite. Combined in this way, it can be used even upon the peach, as strong as one pound of London purple, or Paris green to 200 gallons of water. Kerosene Emulsion . — This is the best known specific for such insects as obtain their food by sucking it through a tube-like proboscis, although it is fatal to nearly all insects with whose bodies it is brought in contact. It can be readily prepared by heating one quart of soft soap until it becomes liquid, then remove from near the fire and add one pint of kerosene. With a force pump violently agitate the mixture for from three to five minutes until it becomes homogeneous and cream-like throughout. Stirring should not be relied upon, and even when the pump is employed there will be danger from its use if, on standing, the oil collects upon the surface. Every pre- caution should be taken to secure a perfect and stable emulsion for which rapid work is necessary, which should be kept up until a foamy mass is secured. Before using add six quarts of water so that the kerosene will be about one-sixteenth part of the mass. If soft soap is not at hand from two to four ounces of hard soap may be used instead. Dissolve it in a quart of hot, soft water and after bringing it the boiling point, remove from the fire, add the kerosene and proceed as before. Even more care will be nec- essary in securing a stable emulsion than when soft soap without water was used. It should be remembered that, to be effectual, this remedy must be bought in contact with the body of the insects, and as the leaves often- times act as a shield, it will need to be applied with considerable force through a fine nozzle in order to produce a mist-like spray. Carbolic Acid. — The use of this substance about plum and peach trees seems to prevent the curculioand other insects from depositing eggs. The usual way of applying it is as carbolate of lime, or as “carbolized plaster.” A half pint of crude carbolic acid is mixed with about fifty pounds, either of air-slaked lime, or with land plaster (gypsum), and thrown over the trees while the dew is on, about the time the blossom have fallen. It should be repeated twice at intervals of ten days, or oftener if washed off by rains. Carbolic acid can also be used to advantage, combined with kerosene emulsion, for washing the trunks of peach, plum, and other fruit trees, for the destruction of insects; one pint will answer for ten gallons. Other Remedies . — For the destruction of aphides, scale, and simi- HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 41 lar insects, there are several effective remedies, although none of them equal kerosene emulsion. Strong soap-suds will be found a simple and quite effective remedy, and tobacco tea is even more reliable. This can be made by soaking tobacco stems in hot water. For some purposes pyreth- rum, or buhack, will be of value. This can be applied as a powder with a bellows, or in water at the rate of a teaspoonful to the gallon. LEAF-EATING INSECTS. Under this heading we may include any forms that injure the foliage by biting and chewing the foliage. The plum has something like forty insects that have been known to feed upon it, and there are at least ten that have been found injuring the foliage of the peach. None of them, however, are particularly troublesome, as it is only in rare instances that they become sufficiently numerous to be injurious. When their presence is discovered, it will be a very simple thing to destroy them by the use of Paris green, and as a safeguard we would always recommend the addition of a small quantity, say two oz. to forty gallons, whenever Bordeaux mixture is applied during the growing season, and at the present time the extent of the injury caused by fungous diseases is such that the application of this fungicide should not be neglected. The cherry slug ( Erioccimpa cerasi ) sometimes appears upon the plum, but can be controlled by the arsenites. SNOWY TREE CRICKET .- {Oecantlius niveus , Serv.) The branches of the plum and peach are often punctured by this insect and eggs are deposited in the punctures. They select the young growth of the trees and make their punctures in long lines one above the other, until from thirty to fifty eggs have been deposited; sometimes a half dozen or more groups of punctures are made upon a single branch. The injured tissues become dry and the branch is much weakened, although if in a vig- orous, growing condition the injury soon becomes covered up. Some of the punctured branches can be cut away but in recently set trees it is gen- erally impossible to cut all of them out without removing too many of the shoots. The eggs hatch in the early Summer and the mature insects are rather beneficial than otherwise, as they feed upon plant lice. In the Fall they deposit eggs and if they are so numerous as to need a remedy, this is the best time. As soon as they are found to be at work, the trees should be sprayed with kerosene emulsion to which one pint of crude carbolic acid has been added for fifteen gallons of the emulsion. It must be confessed that this is not an ideal remedy, as, while the kerosene will kill all the insects it touches, its effects are not lasting, the carbolic acid merely tend- ing to keep the insects from depositing eggs in the trees sprayed, and driving them to other plants. The raspberry, currant and grape are also injured by the snowy cricket. PLUM CURCULIO.— (Conotrachelus nenuphar , Herbst.) The fruit of the plum, peach and cherry, as well as the apple and pear, are often much injured by the larvae of this pest, so much so that unless precautions are taken it is almost impossible to secure a crop. The plum 6 42 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. and peach are so injured that they drop from the trees, while the presence of the worms in ripe cherries not only ruins those containing them, but renders the others objects of suspicion. The perfect insect is a grayish-black beetle about one-sixth of an inch long, with a hump upon each wing cover and a short curved snout, which is turned back beneath the thorax when not in use. The insects appear about the time the trees blossom (sometimes a few days before), and, as soon as the fruits form, deposit one or more eggs in each. With the snout a small hole is made, upon the side of the fruit, and a cavity is excavated just under the edge of the skin, in which an egg is deposited. To cause the growth of this part of the fruit to stop and thus to prevent the egg from being crushed, the beetle makes a crescent-shaped cut (thus c) around the egg. In this mark we have an infallible sign of the work of this insect. Ovipositing continues for about ten days, from five to ten being deposited daily. The eggs generally hatch in from four to seven days, the larvm being small, white grubs. They feed upon the flesh and quickly eat in to the stone, around which they feed. They reach full size in from three to five weeks, and the fruits are often so injured that they fall to the ground before this time. When full grown the larvte emerge from the fruit and enter the ground to the depth of five inches where they change to pupae and at the end of from four to six weeks become fully developed beetles. In this form they pass the winter hidden under the rough bark, or other similar protection, and come out in the spring ready for work. The mature beetles contrary to former belief, feed upon the foliage and bark, and even eat holes in the young fruits merely for the purpose of obtaining food. From the life history as given above, various preventive remedies are self evident. It will always be well to have all fruit as it falls eaten by hogs or sheep, while poultry are quite useful in a plum orchard. In thinning the fruit those removed can readily be dropped into baskets and then burned. Frequent cultivation at the time the insects are entering the ground will destroy many of them, and fall plowing will also be beneficial. If the trunks of the trees are washed in the early spring with kerosene emulsion we shall both kill many curculio, as well as other insects, and deprive them of a hiding place under the bark as the growth will be less likely to crack. As a rule, however, this will not suffice and other remedies must be resorted to. The most effectual is the shaking or jarring of the trees at the time the insects are depositing their eggs. While the curculio may fly from tree to tree during the day, in the early morning they are not active and if disturbed they generally fall upon their backs and play possum. By jarring the trees at this time they are thrown down and can be caught upon sheets. A screen is made from eight to twelve feet square by tack- ing cotton cloth upon a light frame-work, with an opening in one side large enough to admit the body of the trees, or two narrow frames may be used, one upon each side of the trees. Another form of screen is often made by tacking strips of wood to two opposite sides of a square of cloth of suitable size, which is open to the center from one end to admit the Fig. 7.— Plum Curculio, a larva, b pupa, c adult, d plum stung. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 43 tree. Sometimes a screen is mounted upon a wheel -barrow. The trees are jarred by bumping them with a maul padded with rubber to prevent injury to the bark. To admit of giving heavy blows to large trees, some of the branches are cut off leaving stubs to pound against, or pieces of half-inch gas pipe or large nails may be set in the trees for this purpose. The frequency and number of jarrings will depend upon the abundance of the curculio, varying from daily to three or four days apart and con- tinuing for from one to three weeks. The insects should be collected upon the screen and placed in a pan with a little kerosene in the bottom. While the jarring is the surest way of fighting this insect, the use of arsenites will generally be effectual in saving enough for a crop if they have been kept in check in previous years. With a good setting of fruit and a comparatively small number of insects, a good crop will be insured by spraying, and where the treatment is kept up from year to year little or no harm is done by the curculio, even when no jarring has been done. While spraying is sure enough to be recommended as above, especially if Bordeaux mixture is also used, we advise all to watch their trees, and if the curculio are present in numbers to jar and thus make sure of them. The first spraying should be made as soon as the blossoms fall, and will need to be repeated about twice, at intervals of ten days. If rains inter- vene three or four applications at shorter intervals should be made. By combining arsenites with Bordeaux mixture we shall also have a remedy for the various fungous diseases of these fruits, and will both render impossible the burning of the foliage and make it more efficacious as an insecticide, as the lime will tend to hold it for a longer time upon the foliage, and will also in part prevent the deposition of the eggs. The use of carbolized lime also will be found of value, when the arsen- ites are not employed, or a similar result, i. e., the driving of the insects away from the trees can be secured by the addition of about one pint of crude carbolic acid to twenty gallons of Bordeaux mixture. THE PLUM GOUGER. ( Coccotorus prunicida .) The gouger in some respects resembles the curculio, but it differs in being of a grayish-brown color with frequent white and black spots upon its back; its legs and thorax are of a dull yellow color. In size it is some- thing over one-fourth of an inch long, and its snout is stout, projecting to the front, so that it cannot be doubled back under the body. The eggs are placed in pits that the insect bores in the fruit of the plum nearly as deep as its snout is long. The pits are enlarged at the bottom and the snout is used in pushing the eggs to the lower end. The larva upon hatching eats its way into the seed and feeds upon its kernel. It pupates within the stone, and then emerges as a perfect beetle in September. The gouger is seldom very injurious but the same remedies answer for it as for the curculio, whenever it does appear. THE ROSE CHAFER— ( Macrodactylus subspinosus) . The rose chafer, rose beetle or rose bug, as it is variously called, is fre- quently quite injurious from its eating the flowers, young fruits, and leaves of the peach and plum, as well as the grape, apple and other fruits, and various flowers. It proves ironclad against the arsenites and kerosene emulsion, and the 44 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. only effectual remedy is hand picking in the cool of the day. The use of carbolic acid as recommended for the plum curculio seems to be distasteful to the beetles and tends to drive them away. Clean cultivation undoubt- edly tends to destroy them to some extent, as they pupate in the soil. THE APHIDES OF PEACHES AND PLUMS. Both fruits are often injured by plant-lice. The foliage of the plum is attacked by the so-called plum-tree aphis (Aphis prunifolia , Fitch), while the peach tree aphis ( Myzus percicae , Sulzer), attacks the leaves and twigs of the peach, and the black peach aphis ( Aphis persicae-niqer. Smith), attacks roots, leaves and tender shoots. The plum tree aphis, when first hatched, is of a greenish- white color, but it soon grows darker, and later in the season becomes nearly black. Like other plant lice, these insects obtain their food by sucking the juice from the leaves and young shoots. This tends to weaken the plants and the leaves become more or less blistered, and finally roT up. If the attack is severe they may drop from the trees. The eggs are deposited upon the branches, at the base of the buds or in cracks in the bark, in the Fall. The insects are hatched about the time the buds open in the Spring. The first brood consists entirely of females, which develop in ten or twelve days, after which, for some three weeks, they give birth to about two young aphides daily, and then they die. This is repeated by the successive broods until # cold weather approaches, when both males and females are produced. After pairing, the females- deposit eggs as noted above. These insects obtain their food by sucking the juice of plants through their long, slender beaks. It will be seen that they cannot be destroyed by the use of arsenites, and some remedy must be employed that will kill by contact. For the aphides upon our fruit trees we have no better remedy than kerosene emulsion, although tobacco water, soap suds, and pyrethrum in water are valuable. The peach-tree aphis works in about the same way as does the plum aphis and the same remedies should be employed. Like the plum aphis, some of the females and also the males are winged, to permit them to seek fresh pastures after one has been fully occupied. The winged females are nearly black in color and about an eighth of an inch in length, while the wingless individuals are of a yellowish red color. The males are yellow with brown markings. The black peach aphis has been very destructive in the eastern States, where it is found in large numbers upon the branches in the Spring, often killing outright small trees and the younger branches of the older ones; they have destroyed entire orchards in some localities and are particularly troublesome to the young tress in nursery rows. They are dark brown or black in color, and have unusually large beaks. As noted above, this aphis also feeds upon the roots of the trees and upon sandy soil it is particularly destructive. Dr. E. F. Smith who first dis- covered its workings attributes to it many so-called cases of yellows. The trees made a weak growth, the leaves were yellow and shrivelled, but none of the distinctive features of yellows were present. The fact that this insect has an underground existence favors its development, as it is out of the reach of ordinary remedies. They are most likely to appear upon trees growing in exhausted soil, hence we should ward off their attack by sup- HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 45 plying proper food. If they appear, the use of several pounds of com- mon salt, kainit or muriate of potash to the tree will destroy the subterra- nean form. All of the above species are destroyed by the common “ lady- birds.” These, as mature insects, are about three-eighths of an inch in length and nearly as wide. They are beetles and somewhat resemble a small Colo- rado potato beetle except in color, which in this insect is generally yellow or red, or some intermediate shade, with from one to fifteen, generally round, spots upon the wing covers. The larvae of this insect and of the lace wing and syrphus flies are also quite destructive. They should be recognized as friends, and not treated as enemies. THE PLUM-TREE BORER. ( Aeqeria pictipes.) The trunk and branches of plum trees are often considerably injured by the larvae of this insect, which gnaw the inner bark and new wood of the trees. The flat-headed apple-tree borer and the peach-tree borer are also sometimes found in the plum tree. An idea of the life history of these insects and the remedies for them can be obtained from the following lines regarding the peach-tree borer. THE PEACH-TREE BORER. —(Sannina, exitiosa.) This is one of the most destructive insects that the peach grower has to contend with, as, unless its attacks are guarded against, the very life of the trees is menaced. The borers are hatched from eggs that are deposited upon the trunk by moths that have a general resemblance to wasps, and at first sight are often mistaken for them. The male has transparent wings with a spread of about seven-eighths of an inch. It has a slender bluish-colored body with yellowish markings. The female has a wing spread of fully one and one-fourth inches, the front pair being opaque and of a glossj 7 , blue color, the same as the body, while the hind pair are transparent with dark margins. The body of the female is cylindrical and considerably larger than that of the male. As a rule, the eggs are deposited close to the ground, but are sometimes placed higher up on the trunk. They soon hatch and the larva* eat their way through the bark and generally work their way towards the roots. The sap together with the castings extrudes and form a gummy mass at the surface of the ground. The full grown larvae measure about three-fourths of an inch in length, and are of a yellowish-white color with black jaws and a yellow head. The larvae remain at rest dur- ing the winter, but in the spring after completing their growth they form cocoons at, or just beneath, the surface of the soil and close to the root of the tree. After three or four weeks, the perfect moths appear, generally during July or August, and soon deposit eggs of other broods. The pres- ence of the bbrers can readily be detected by the gummy exudation and steps should at once be taken to remove them. The tree should be exam- ined in the autumn and again in the Spring, and all borers dug out with a sharp-pointed knife. In order to find them readily, the soil should be drawn away from around the trees, but it must be replaced lest the trees be injured during the winter. Under all conditions, the destruction of the larvae should not be neglected and as a rule it will be sufficient, but, in localities where they are very troublesome it is well to apply some kind of a wash to the trunks of the trees about the first of July, to prevent the deposition of the eggs. One of the best washes is made by thinning down soft soap until it is of the consistency of thick paint and adding a table- 46 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. spoonful of crude carbolic acid to each gallon of wash. Paris green and lime are also added by some people. The wrapping of thick paper, or of fine, wire netting, about the tree trunks will also keep the insects from depositing their eggs. MICE AND RABBITS. In orchards where the trees are growing in sod, or where there is litter of any kind about the trees, mice sometimes girdle them, and rabbits are frequently quite troublesome. In the first case, a remedy will be found by removing the conditions that favor the mice, which are also of themselves injurious to the trees. If this cannot be done, a mound of soil free from litter placed around the trees to a height of one foot will save them from the mice. Mice, and to some extent rabbits, can be fenced out by wrapping the trees in the fall with paper or netting. Another remedy is to paint the tree trunks in the fall with a lime, or cement wash, to every ten quarts of which a heaping tablespoonful of Paris green has been added. The smearing of the tree trunks with blood is claimed by some to keep away rabbits. PEACH YELLOWS. Of all plant diseases none is to be more dreaded than the one that for the want of a better name is known as the “yellows ” of the peach. The character of the soil, its location and the variety of the peach seem to have no effect upon its appearance, and whenever it manifests itself the best thing to do is to immediately dig out and burn the trees. Nothing is pos- itively known of the nature of the disease, but as it is undoubtedly conta- gious it is probably caused by some low form of vegetable parasite allied to the bacteria. The disease has been studied by many persons both chem- ically and microscopically and for six years the Department of Agriculture has had an expert who has given his entire attention to studying and exper- imenting with diseased trees; every means has been afforded him, but, although much valuable knowledge has been acquired regarding the disease, nothing has been learned of its real nature. The disease has been at various times ascribed to the effect of soil exhaustion, of borers, of cold, of root aphides, of eel worms ( Anguillulce ), of wet subsoil, neglect of cultivation or of pruning, the excessive use of nitrogenous manures, or the use of pits or buds from diseased trees. If trees are pro- pagated from either pits or buds of diseased trees the yellows will undoubt- edly appear, but experiments by Dr. Erwin F. Smith, the expert mentioned above, and others, seem to show conclusively that the other conditions will not of themselves cause yellows to appear in the peach .although they may induce an appearance that to the inexperienced eye may resemble that disease. It is also very probable that trees weakened by any of the • above adverse conditions may be particularly susceptible to it. HISTORY OF YELLOWS. Although we have no definite information regarding the time and place of the appearance of yellows, it is quite certain that the disease has been known for at least one hundred years in the neighborhood of Philadelphia, and from that point it gradually spread in all directions appearing in New York in 1801 and in Massachusetts in 1818. Within recent years it HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 47 has exterminated the peach orchards of Maryland and Northern Delaware and is gradually spreading southward. It appeared in Berrien Co., Mich- igan in 1866, the germs being presumably brought in nursery stock from New Jersey. For a few years it spread very slowly but after 1875 it became very destructive and showed itself in nearly every orchard in the county. In 1874 there were fully 650,000 peach trees in Berrien county and in 1877 the shipments were more than a half million baskets, but such was the vir- ulence of the disease that after 1875 few orchards were planted, as young trees were carried off within two or three years. The attack was so severe and so widespread that the number of the trees in the county fell to 50,000 in 1884 and in the townships of Benton and St. Joseph, where it first appeared hardly a tree remained. It worked northward and appeared at South Haven in 1869 and at Paw Paw about 1877. The disease was not particu- larly destructive at South Haven until 1875, but from that year until 1880 it increased in virulence. The fruitgrowers of South Haven, profiting by the experience of their neighbors at the south, waged a war of extermina- tion and, where it was followed up, the loss was quite small. In some cases the proper precautions were not taken and entire orchards were destroyed. The history of the disease is about the same in Allegan, Kent and Ottawa counties, where it appeared later. While it has undoubtedly appeared in other counties it has done little harm. It behooves the peach growers in all parts of the state to be on the watch and on its first appearance to stamp it out. With our present lack of knowledge of the real cause of yel- lows, we can do no more than to subject the trees to such conditions as will be most likely to keep them healthy. We should then, use trees free from taint of disease, plant upon high, well-drained soil, avoid the use of excessive quantities of nitrogenous manures, supplying necessary plant food for the most part in the form of chemical fertilizers; give frequent, regular cultiva- tion; cut back and thin out the trees to secure a strong growth; remove all surplus fruit while still small and thus prevent it from drawing needlessly upon the trees ; fight early and late against the borers and other in sects, the curl leaf, rot and other fungous diseases. This treatment should give us strong, vigorous trees that will be more likely to escape the attack of the yellows than those grown under opposite conditions would be. While it is believed that favorable conditions for the growth of the trees will render them less susceptible to this and all other diseases, it is not claimed that the trees will have entire immunity and it is not likely that a case of yellows can be cured if it once appears in a tree, but if yellows make their appearance in an orchard where some of the conditions are unfavorable, it is probable that, if the diseased trees are at once removed and the remaining trees are given proper care, they will be less liable to attack than if nothing had been done except to remove the diseased trees. From the fact that we have no definite information, as has been previously stated, regarding the exact nature of the disease, the above cannot positively be stated to be correct, but from our general knowledge of plant physiology, and the fact that plants as well as animals that are in a healthy condition and with con- genial surroundings are less subject to disease, than those that are weak and exposed to unfavorable conditions, it will be well for the prac- tical fruit grower at least to hold to this belief until it has positively been demonstrated to be false. The course recommended is the one that will be most likely to give profitable returns and if in any way it aids in warding off the disease it will be so much gained, while if it fails to do this there will be no loss. 48 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. TREATMENT FOR YELLOWS. If the disease makes its appearance, there is but one thing to be done, and everyone now advises that the tree be at once dug out and burned. It will probably be best to dig around the tree and take out the trunk and the larger roots to a distance of perhaps two feet from the stem, although some growers top off the branches and later on cut out the stump. The removal should take place immediately after a tree is found to be dis- eased, and all growers should familiarize themselves with the appearance of the disease in its first stage, that it may be taken in hand in time. APPEARANCE OF YELLOWS. While by some persons the term “yellows” is applied to almost any unhealthy condition of the trees that gives them a yellowish appearance, the true “ yellows” as known to peach growers is a specific disease with certain well-defined symptoms by which it can be recognized. While it may be somewhat modified by local conditions, it almost inva- riably passes through certain changes and runs a definite fixed course. The yellows first manifest themselves in a tree, in the premature ripening of the fruit. In a healthy tree each variety has a somewhat definite time of maturity, but, if the tree is attacked by this disease, the fruit may color up two or three weeks before those on the neighboring trees of the same variety are ripe. The time of ripening, however, is variable, as sometimes the difference is only a few days but in other cases it may be four or five weeks. Not only do they ripen prematurely, but the fruit upon diseased trees is quite different in appearance from that on healthy ones. Besides being much higher colored than healthy peaches, the surface is more or less blotched with dark red dots, giving the fruit a speckled appearance (Fig. 8, 1). As a rule, the blotches are small and show quite distinctly against a lighter background, but sometimes they are so numerous as to run together and give the face, or perhaps the entire surface of the peach, a purplish appearance. A still more distinctive feature is that the discoloration is not confined to the epidermis, but extends into the center of the fruit so that upon being cut open the flesh has a mottled appearance, the coloring being in the form of streaks, dots and splashes; around the pit the coloring is unusually dark, and sometimes in light colored varieties the entire flesh is of a uniform red color. As a rule, the flesh of premature peaches has but little flavor, although in some cases it is slightly bitter. The fitness for food of pre- mature peaches depends upon the extent to which they are affected, as if the attack is but slight they are palatable, but in the advanced condition they are not fit for food. The safest plan is to destroy all affected fruit. The disease may not appear upon all parts of the trees the first season, but if a single peach ripens prematurely and has a spotted flesh, it is an infal- lible indication that the tree has the yellows in its incipient stage, and there should be no delay in destroying it and its fruit. We give here a description of the illustrations on the next page; in Fig. 8, 1 represents a peach attacked by yellows. 2. A healthy peach for compari- son. 3. Specimen taken in the Autumn, showing how the tree has put out leaves and blossoms from the Winter buds. The Spring foliage has already fallen. 6. Represents a similar specimen. 4. Shows the tufted Spring growth due to yellows. 5. A branch taken in the Autumn; the Spring foliage has nearly all fallen, and autumn leaves have developed from Winter buds. 7. A healthy peach branch for comparison. ( The illustration was kindly loaned by the publisher of the American Cultivator, Boston, Mass.) 50 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. SECOND STAGE OF YELLOWS. Following the appearance of the disease in the fruit, it shows itself by the development of small wiry twigs (Fig. 8,4), commonly spoken of as a fun- gous growth. While these frequently do not appear until after the tree has given a crop of premature fruit, a tree showing the twigs will always bear diseased fruit. As a rule, if only a small portion of the fruits are prema- ture, the wiry starved growth will not show until the following season, although they may appear in the autumn on the trees that were healthy the previous year. These shoots grow in clusters (Fig. 8. 4) upon any part of the tree, but generally are most numerous upon the main branches and near the forks. Sometimes they are straight and unbranched, but, as a rule, especially late in the season, they are branched, the buds in the axils of the leaves making a premature growth the same season they are formed. * The shoots are often short-jointed and form thick tufts. The leaves are small, being about half as long and wide as healthy ones and have a yellowish tinge. The buds are small and generally winter-kill, as the shoots do not mature their growth. Another way that it appears, is when apparently healthy trees send out in the autumn the small shoots distinctive of yellows, with the pale yellowish- green foliage. The trees show the same symptoms the second year, as were noticed the first, and in addition the fruit, if any is borne, is small, both in size and quantity, bitter in taste, or at least of inferior flavor. All of the tree is now generally involved, and the foliage is quite yellowish and even red in color and considerably curled, particularly on the shoots sent out in the spring. Sometimes the tree dies the second year, but it is usually the third, or perhaps the fourth year that it finally succumbs. The diseased shoots are quite brittle and seem to have little life. There are no well authenticated cases of recovery from this disease. After a tree affected with the yellows has been removed, it is a common practice to set a young tree in its place, and no harm has been noticed from replanting the spring following the removal of the diseased tree. In case the affected tree was left long enough to transmit its contagion to the neighboring trees there would undoubtedly be danger of the newly planted tree becoming in time infected by its diseased neighbors, but at any rate the young tree would be less likely to be attacked than other trees in the orchard. In practice, with prompt removal of diseased trees, there seems to be no danger in replants ing the next year, and peach orchards of recent years have suffered but little from the yellows, when steps were taken to promptly eradicate the disease as soon as it appeared. This indicates that up to the time of its outward manifestation, the disease is not readily transmitted. YELLOWS FROM DISEASED PITS AND BUDS. While there can be no question that the disease can be communicated to the nursery stock by the use of pits or the buds from diseased trees, we believe there is less danger of introducing yellows into a locality in this way than by means of nursery trees grown in the vicinity of diseased orchards, or where the trees themselves were from healthy stocks but were infected by neighboring nursery trees which may have acquired the dis- ease either through the pit or bud. In the experiments of Dr. Smith less than one pit in a thousand from premature peaches grew, but there may HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 51 be some danger of the disease manifesting itself in trees grown from pits produced by portions of trees that as yet show no signs of yellows, but that will exhibit signs of yellows the following year. In most cases, however, the nursery trees from such pits will show signs of the yellows the first year and will hardly fail to escape the second, so that on purchasing them the fruit grower will be able to detect the disease before the trees are planted. It is nearly seventy years since it was claimed that yellows could be spread by the buds, and it is quite certain that if buds are taken from a tree in the second stage of the disease few T of them will start at all, and those that do, will make but a feeble, unhealthy growth. When from trees that are just coming down with the disease, i. e., when if in bearing a few of the fruits will be premature, — the disease may not appear to any extent in the nursery and an unscrupulous nurseryman will sell the trees that do not show it, in this way scattering the disease. The only safe way is to purchase trees in localities where the yellows either has not appeared or is in check and where one has good evidence that the pits have come from uninfected regions, and the buds are from healthy trees. If any of these precautions are neglected there is great danger of obtaining the germs of the disease. Many growers claim that if, in carrying a diseased tree from the orchard, a branch rubs against a healthy tree, it will convey the dis- ease, and while this may not be true, it is very probable, and prudence would seem to dictate that the tree be cut up and burned upon the spot, or if carried to a brush pile outside, it should be removed -with great care not to bring any part of the tree in contact with a healthy one. As soon as possible the trees should be burned. In localities where the disease pre- vails, if the affected trees are promptly destroyed the loss seldom exceeds three percent, while if this is neglected it spreads with increasing virulence until every tree may be destroyed. From the contagious nature of the dis- ease, it can be seen that it cannot be guarded against unless there is con- certed action in the infected districts and to secure this the State of Mich- igan has enacted what is known as the “ Yellows Law,” which reads as follows: THE YELLOWS AND BLACK KNOT LAW. AN ACT to prevent the spread of the contagious diseases known as yellows and black knot among peach, plum, cherry, prune, almond, apricot and nectarine trees, or the fruit thereof, by providing measures for the eradication of the same, and to repeal act number one hundred and fifty-eight of the public acts of eighteen hundred and ninety-one, entitled “An act to prevent the spread of yellows, a contagious disease among peach, almond, apricot, and nectarine trees, and to provide measures for the eradication of the same, and to repeal act thirty-two of the session laws of eighteen hundred and seventy-nine,” approved April four, eighteen hundred Beventy-nine. Section 1 . The People of the State of Michigan enact , That it shall be unlawful for any person to keep any peach, almond, apricot, plum, prune, cherry or nectarine tree, infected with the contagious diseases known as yellows or black knot, or to offer for sale or shipment, or to sell, or to ship any of the fruit thereof, except the fruit of the plum and cherry tree; that both tree and fruit so infected shall be subject to des- truction as public nuisances as hereinafter provided. No damages shall be awarded in any court in the state for entering upon the premises and destroying such diseased trees, or parts of trees, or fruit, if done in accordance with the provisions of this act. It shall be the duty of every person as soon as he becomes aware of the existence of such disease in any tree, parts of trees, or fruit owned by him to forthwith destroy, or cause said trees or fruit to be destroyed. 52 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. Sec. 2. In any township, city or village in this State in which such contagious diseases exist, or in which there is good reason to believe they exist, or danger may be justly apprehended of thbir introduction, it shall be the duty of the township or village board, or city council, as soon as such information becomes known to either such board or council or any member thereof, to appoint forthwith three competent freeholders of said township, village, or city as commissioners, who shall hold office during the pleas- ure of said board, village or city council, and such order of appointment and of revoca- tion shall be entered at large upon the township, village or pity records: Provided , That the commissioners now appointed and in office shall continue in said office until their successors are appointed and qualified. Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of said commissioners, within ten days after appointment as aforesaid, to file their acceptances of the same with the clerk of said township, village or city, and said clerk shall be ex officio clerk of said board of commissioners, and he shall keep a correct record of the proceedings of said board in a book to be pro- vided for the purpose, and shall file and preserve all papers pertaining to the duties and actions of said commissioners, or either of them, which shall be a part of the records of said township, village or city. Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the commissioners or any one of them upon or without complaint, whenever it comes to their notice that either of the diseases known as yellows, black knot, or other contagious diseases exist, or are supposed to exist wfithin the limits of their township, village, or city, to proceed without delay to examine the tree or fruit supposed to be infected, and if the disease is found to exist, a distinguishing mark shall be placed upon the diseased trees and the owners notified personally, or by a written notice left at his usual place of residence, or if the owner be a non-resident, by leaving the notice with the person in charge of the trees or fruit, or the person in whose possession said trees or fruit may be. The notice shall contain a simple state- ment of the facts as found to exist, with an order to effectually uproot and destroy, by fire, or as the commissioner shall order, the tree so marked or designated, or such parts thereof within ten days, Sundays excepted, from the date of the service of the notice; and in case of trees known as nursery stock, or fruit so infected, such notice shall require the person in whose possession or control it is found to immediately destroy the same, or cause it to be done, said notice and order to be signed by the full board of commissioners. Sec. 5. Whenever any person shall refuse or neglect to comply with the order to remove and destroy the trees or parts of trees so designated and marked by the com- missioner as aforesaid, it shall become the duty of the commissioner to cause said trees or parts of trees to be removed and destroyed forthwith, employing all necessary aid for that purpose. The expenses for such removal and destruction of trees or parts of trees to be a charge against the township, village or city; and for the purpose of such removal and destruction, the said commissioners, their agents and workmen, shall have the right and power to enter upon any and all premises within their township, village or city. Sec. 6. If any owner neglects to uproot and destroy or cause to be removed and destroyed as aforesaid, such diseased trees or parts of trees or fruit, after such examina- tion and notification, and within the time hereinbefore specified, such person shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and punished by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars, or by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding three months, or both, in the discretion of the court; and any justice of the peace of the township or city where such trees may be, or where such nursery stock or fruit is sold, shipped, disposed of, or delivered as aforesaid, shall have jurisdiction thereof. The words “parts of trees,” wherever used in this act, shall refer to black knot only, and not to trees affected with yellows. Sec. 7. The commissioners shall be allowed for services under this act two dollars for each full day, and one dollar for each half day, and their other charges and dis- bursements hereunder, to be audited, as well as any other charges and disbursements under this act, by the township board, village or city council, all of which costs, charges, expenses and disbursements may be recovered by the township, village or city from the owner of said diseased fruit or nursery stock or from the owner of the premises on which said diseased trees stood, in action of assumpsit. Sec. 8. All of act number one hundred and fifty-eight of the public acts of eighteen hundred and ninety-one be and the same is hereby repealed. This act is ordered to take immediate effect. Approved May 25, 1893. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 53 It will be seen that the fruit growers of any section have it in their power to secure the prompt destruction of all fruit and trees in which the disease appears. In Berrien, Van Buren and Allegan counties there are numberless cases where the disease has been kept in check, even after it has appeared in an orchard, and one can also find in those same counties other instances in which the law has not been enforced where the yellows appeared in fully 30 per cent of the trees in 1893, and even then nothing was done beyond cutting off the branches and leaving them on the ground to scatter their contagion, while the trunks of the trees left standing sprouted and sent up wiry shoots that show unmistakably signs of the yel- lows. If the owners alone are to be the sufferers, after all that has been said and written on the subject, one would hardly waste a thought upon it, but one cannot help feeling sorry for the neighbors whose orchards seem doomed to destruction even though they have not shown public spirit enough (to say nothing of their private interests) to secure the enforce- ment of the law. As will be noticed, the law also provided for the destruc- tion of the “black knots,” upon plum trees, which is a disease fully as fatal as peach yellows, where its appearance is not guarded against. With a little concerted effort, however, this disease also can be readily controlled. BLACK KNOT. ( Plowrightia morbosa. Sacc.) In some parts of the State entire plum orchards have been destroyed by this disease, and there is great danger of its obtaining a strong foothold in the plum-growing districts and crippling that thriving industry. The only hope of safety is in the thorough awakening of every plum grower to the danger that menaces him. If they could see the thousands of acres of plum orchards that have been blotted out by this disease in the State of New York, during the last five years, they might be upon their guard. In order to successfully combat this disease, all the plum growers in a given locality must be leagued in an intelligent warfare against it. If one man allows the knots to form upon his trees he will spread the disease to his neighbor’s orchards. As much of the danger comes from the disper- sion of the spores, formed by the knots before they have taken on the black pimply appearance (Fig. 9, 1) that is usually regarded as distinctive, every one should be familiar with the changes through which the knots pass. The spores (seeds) are borne through the air and, falling upon the branch of a plum tree, soon germinate and penetrate the tissues. They grow there until the following Spring without manifesting their presence. A swell- ing will then be seen at the point infected, generally two or three inches long; the bark cracks and the branch seems to puff out to twice its normal size. If these incipient knots are cut off and burned at this time, the injury to the tree will be stopped and, what is of most importance, it will be destroyed before it has had time to ripen and scatter its spores. In one or two months if left upon the tree, the knot becomes covered with an olive-green mold, made up of an immense number of spores upon their supporting stalks; these are soon scattered by the wind and disseminate the disease. In the Autumn, a hard black crust forms over the knot; this is covered with minute pimples in which a second form of spores is pro- duced. They ripen late in the Winter and are the source of other knots. Hundreds of knots often appear upon a single tree, and as they not only rob the tree of food, but practically strangle and starve the branches upon which they are located by girdling them arid thus shutting off the supply of food, the tree is soon destroyed. 54 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. One source of contagion is through nursery stock and young orchards should be carefully watched, when trees are obtained from infected dis- tricts. Not only is there danger from knots upon other plum trees, but it seems probable that the knots upon the cultivated cherries, choke and other wild cherries and wild Ameri- can and other wild plums may be of the same species and be able to com- municate the disease to plum trees in our orchards. Experiments by inocculation would seem to indicate that the knots upon choke cherries will communicate th53 54 55 56 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. STRAWBERRIES — (Frogaria.) . a « a .£ . ft D ; Origin. FirBt planted. First bloom. li a M 0 ‘ 3 . 43 co Pi !X4 as a "S +3 3 J Vigor— Scale, 1 to 10. Product with hill j 0 culture. 1 2 Product in matted ; g row. 1 ? Del 1892 May 22 June 21 July 7 3 29 20 N. Y. ... 1892 “ 25 44 21 44 3 5 14 16 Ala. 1890 22 21 44 7 5 22 20 Ont 1881 ** 22 41 21 44 7 6 30 18 N. J 1878 “ 20 44 17 17 6 54 192 N. J 1890 * 22 21 14 8 86 197 N. Y 1892 26 44 21 12 9 29 74 1892 44 22 44 21 44 14 9 44 181 N. Y. ... 1892 44 10 44 8 ti 14 8 50 160 Div. Pom. 1891 44 22 44 23 44 14 8 63 130 in. 1890 12 22 14 8 100 485 iN. J 1892 44 22 23 44 5 Mass.,.. 1885 44 22 “ 23 44 10 '7 "40 "79 Ala 1890 44 15 44 16 44 3 10 88 79 1892 12 44 17 44 14 10 70 32 Ind. 1892 M 17 21 4« 5 6 29 65 Mass 1892 3 Mich 1876 May 22 June 21 July 10 6 ”45 "42 Ohio 1891 fc4 22 5 Ind 1892 44 19 June 16 July 5 7 24 29 111. 1888 44 22 44 21 M 12 8 73 159 j 111 1890 44 19 44 19 44 a 5 21 75 111. 1890 44 17 44 19 7 7 85 90 III. 1890 44 12 44 17 44 7 5 85 66 N. Y. ... 1889 44 19 44 19 7 8 64 174 Del 1891 Ohio 1892 May 22 June 23 July 12 9 46 91 Ohio 1892 44 24 44 23 44 17 5 74 191 Ohio... 1890 II 22 <4 23 44 12 4 13 12 Md 1892 10 17 June 30 8 41 38 j Ohio 1888 17 44 19 July 10 6 56 83 Ohio 1890 12 23 44 10 4 18 33 La. 1888 28 44 23 44 10 7 62 135 N. J 1888 10 44 16 June 30 6 63! 93 Ohio 1889 12 “ 21 July 7 7 32 Conn. .. 1880 17 44 21 7 7 43 227 I Penn. .. 1880 24 44 21 14 9 56 136 Ill 1892 15 “ 21 1 4 5 5 41 31 111 1892 20 44 21 it 12 8 35 126 Ohio 1890 24 21 tl 7 6 65 71 Ohio 1892 22 44 21 June 30 8 10 L. Mich 1889 it 29 “ 26 July 12 10 30 43 Ind 1889 44 24 44 26 12 6 27 38 111 1890 1 1 20 44 23 17 7 101 168 Mich... . 1890 8 44 21 17 8 8 120 Ohio 11890 12 4* 19 10 6 88 50 Mich ; 1891 44 20 44 26 17 6 36 87 Ohio 1888 41 22 44 26 14 7 78 131 N. J 1891 ti 20 44 21 10 7 76 163 Ohio 1891 22 21 14 5 27 104 Ohio ; 1890 17 7 56 84 Ohio 11888 22 “ 21 14 6 38 38 N. J il887 24 26 14 7 13 112 111 |1890 17 19 12 10 48 | 79 Ohio 11882 22 23 " 12 8 48 135 Ohio ... 1891 12 21 7 5 38 28 Not, folly tested. New. Needs farther trial. Planted too late. Needs farther trial. Try farther. Needs a longer trial Imperfectly tested. Much like Wilson. Untested. Needs farther trial. Promising. Try farther. Not productive enough. Southern. Plants lacking. Large; lacks color. Bat imperfectly tested. Large; late. Uncertain value. New; promising. Of Paw Paw, Michigan. Usually very productive. From Paw Paw, Michigan. Promising Popular; late. Usually productive. Old; late. Needs farther trial. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT 67 STRAW BERRIES — Conti nttki>. u J Z Names. b, bi-sexual; n p, nearly pistillate; p, pistillate. c 3 o | First planted. 0 D U J* be a Ht I X Last picking. | Vigor— Scale, 1 to 10 . Product with hill j Q j i culture. g | Product in matted g i row. 1 ® 57 Greenville p Ohio 1891 May 19 June 23 July 12 7 42 147 Promising. 58 Hampden .. p Mass 1889 20 * 4 26 44 7 5 52 59 Hatfield b N. J 1890 t k 20 4k 21 7 7 11 57 60 Hattie (Jones) p Ind. .... 1892 20 23 44 12 7 1 121 1 93 Promises well . 61 N. J 1887 19 21 12 7 81 | 179 Valuable. 62 Henderson b N. J..... 1888 26 23 7 5 j 18 17 Snperior quality 63 Hermit b Ohio 1892 19 28 U 12 9 54 ; 120 Promising. 64 Hinman __ b 1890 22 21 ** 14 8 64 69 65 b Wie. 1888 19 23 10 8 51 135 Worthy of trial. 66 Hoffman b N. J. ... 1889 22 21 “ 5 rj 9 29 Soathern. 67 Holyoke b Mass 1891 15 21 - 12 6 86 194 Try further. 68 Howard p Mass 1892 26 21 44 5 6 16 92 69 b N. J. 1891 12 16 7 7 118 147 Named for Victor Hugo. 70 Huntsman b Mo 1892 15 17 44 8 8 15 31 New. 71 Hyslop.. ... . .. Del. .... 1892 4 Not fruited. 72 Iowa (Beauty) Iowa ... 1892 5 Not fruited. 73 Ivanhoe b Ohio 1889 May 22 June 21 July "7 6 53 101 74 Jessie . b Wis 1889 44 15 21 44 10 5 63 89 75 Jones b Ind 1892 4k 19 21 44 5 7 20 41 Nepd longer trial. 76 Jucunda Improved b N. J 1890 i 4 30 23 44 12 7 61 56 Scarcely improved. 77 Katie b i Ind. 1892 (4 22 j ;; 21 - 12 7 1 30 50 Try further. 78 Kentucky . b 1 Ken. 1876 <» 24 26 17 10 | 70 95 Old ; late. 79 Leader b 1 Ohio 1892 12 ;; 16 10 7 39 41 Needs further trial. 80 Lehigh . p Pa 1891 12 16 - ** 7 7 ! 65 123 Promises well. HI Leroy . Ind. 1892 17 23 12 6 1 43 I 78 82 ! Leviathan b Ohio 1892 19 16 44 5 8 16 11 Imperfectly tested 83 : Lida P N. J 1886 10 16 “ 10 4 38 41 84 j Lillie (Monroe)... b Cal 1891 19 23 44 7 5 27 43 From California. 85 Lincoln P Del. .... 1892 19 21 * 4 7 7 70 216 May be a re-in (reduction. 86 | Logan . . | b Ind. ... 1888 22 21 44 12 6 48 76 87 Louise b N. y. ... 1889 31 26 12 6 51 48 Huh desirable qualities. 88 Lovett b N.J. ,. 1891 24 21 44 12 7 57 ! 188 Of medium season. 89 Mammoth b N.J. .. 24 23 44 17 8 53 I 87 90 Manchester p N. J. 1880 17 28 * * 17 6 137 : 280 ! Old; valoable. »L Mark i b Ohio... 1890 22 23 “ 17 5 37 ; 64 92 Martha n p Minn. . 1887 17 21 ** 12 7 139 108 93 Miami ... n p Ohio 1889 22 21 44 14 6 67 86 94 Miller . b N. J. 1890 20 23 ** 12 7 49 63 95 Michel . . . b Ark. . 1890 15 16 5 8 65 105 j Of little value here. 96 Miner . b N.J. . 1878 22 4 4 23 4 ‘ 10 7 65 164 97 Monarch < Ohio) . . b Ohio ... 1891 20 23 - 7 H 1 25 102 98 Monmouth b N.J 1888 26 23 44 14 6 ! 44 79 99 Moore b Mich. . . 18X9 27 23 10 6 1 35 1 99 100 Muskingum b Ohio 1892 24 it 21 44 12 6 28 92 Needs further trial. 101 Mystic b Ind 1892 20 “ 26 44 10 6 28 36 | Try fnrther. 102 Neptune P Ohio ... 1890 26 “ 26 ** 17 6 47 122 103 Novelty (White) . . b N.J 1892 22 “ 16 June 21 2 8 A fancy variety, F. ucwv*. 104 Oliver ... b 111 . 1890 22 26 Jnlv 17 9 65 118 105 Omega p N. J. 1891 22 “ 21 44 10 9 86 116 106 Oregon (Everbearing) P Ohio 1891 15 " 21 44 17 7 66 173 Try further. 107 Osceola (Michel).. b Mo. 1S90 9 21 J une 26 8 19 58 Identical with Michel. 108 Pacific (Great) p 111 . ..... 1890 22 22 July 14 8 109 137 A market variety. 109 Parker Earle b Texas . 18X9 24 23 44 17 8 82 127 One of the best. 110 Parry - - b N.J. 1886 22 23 14 1 6 38 89 Large; high quality. 111 Pearl b N. J. 1888 19 23 14! 8 130 115 112 Pineapple . . b Ohio 1889 22 “ 23 7 1 7 82 66 68 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. STRAWBERRIES— Continued. Numbers. Names. b, bi-sexual; n p, nearly pistillate; p, pistillate. a u. g First planted. First bloom. First picking. Last picking. | Vigor— Scale, 1 to 10. | Ounces. Product with hill culture. Product in matted row. 118 Porter b N. J 1890 May 27 Jnne21 July 10 6 64 75 114 Price. b N.Y. . 1892 20 “ 21 5 9 48 58 Try further. 115 Princess P Minn. .. 1892 tl 27 “ 23 fct 10 6 ; 35 97 1 Give further trial. 116 Prince (of Berries) b N. J 1888 64 22 “ 17 ** 7 4 19 501 Excellent; unprofitable. 117 Puritan P Ohio 1887 12 “ 17 “ 7 6 33 19 118 Pntnam (Gen’l) . b Ct 1-890 19 “ 21 12 10 62 105 Promising. 119 Regina P Ala. 1890 29 “ 26 “ 14 9 25 63 120 Rnsk n p 111. 1889 12 “ 21 12 7 89 160 Market variety. 121 Sadie p Ohio 1890 9 “ 16 7 8 54 187; 122 Sandoval . b I Li 1890 12 “ 21 14 j 4 51 126 Warfield, No. 1. 123 b Out 1889 26 “ 21 10 1 9 83 ns! Valuable. 124 Scarlet Ball. 1892 44 29 “ 26 14 9 33 35 Needs longer trial. 125 Sharpless b Pa 1878 44 24 “ 23 12 8 30 80 126 Shaw. b Ont 1890 » • 24 “ 23 14 55 86 127 Shuster b N. J 1891 23 “ 21 10 6 74 157 Valued east. 128 Southard b iCt 1892 15 “ 19! 3 5 37 67 129 b Mo.. 1890 4k 20 “ 19 10 7 102 122 Promising. 130 Standard b Ct 1892 44 12 “ 17 3 6 41 Try more fully. 131 Stayman (1) n p Kas 1890 26 “ 21 10 9 i 104 156 Good. 132 Stayman (2) n pi Kas 1890 “ 17 21 10 *! w 88 133 Stevens ... b Aia 1890 12 “ 17 .. 3 7 88 86 134 Sucker (State) b ill 1890 29 “ 23 i “ 12 7 26 49 135 Surprise b Del 1892 “ 30 “ 26 ; June30 7 17 May be the old Surprise. 186 Swindle.. p Vt. .... 1392 ! “ 22 “ 23 ! July 12 6 124 124 An unfortunate name. 137 Thompson (1) ! b Ohio 1890 i “ 22 “ 23 5 3 12 6 - 188 Thompson (4) 1 b Ohio 1890 1 “ 12 “ 19 ** 10 8 50 61 139 Thompson (5) i i b Ohio.. . ! 1890 I “ 15 “ 21 7 - ! 140 Thompson (7) i P Ohio... i 1890 19 “ 21 1 July 12 «! ;""85 ! 185, Promising. 141 Thompson (8) P Ohio 1*90 12 “ 21 “ 12 8! ! 70 i ii' ; 142 Thompson (9) b Ohio '1890 19 “ 21 3 7 1 52 i 60 143 Thompson (17) P Ohio 1890 20 26 1 - 12 6 39 83 144 Thompson (25) b Ohio.... 1890 26 “ 23 12 7 57 83 145 Thompson (26) P Ohio 1890 22 “ 23 12 8 46 1871 Promising. 146 Thompson (31) P Ohio 1890 20 “ 21 u 10 9 98 213! 147 Thompson (34) P Ohio 1890 19 “ 21 “ 10 5 95 78) l 148 Thirty-one b Ind 1892 12 8! 34 72| I 149 Tippecanoe b Ind 1890 “ 17 “ 19 •• 5 ? 35 78! 150 Townsend (2) b Ohio.... 1888 4k 24 “ 26 1 “ 10 13 i 89! 151 Townsend (3) p Ohio.... 1888 44 24 “ 23 “ 10 6 j 47 ! 76! 152 Townsend (19) ... P Ohio 1888 19 “ 21 “ 12 8 ! 118 183 1 Promises well. 153 Townsend (20) _ ; P Ohio 1883 29 “ 23 12 6 73 142 154 Triomphe (he Gand); b Belg. ... 1876 27 “ 26 “ 17 j 7 41 1 57 1E£ Vernon (Mt.) 1 ! b Kas. 1877 19 “ 21 “ 14 ! 53 122 15B Vick .. b Mo 1878 22 ! “ 23 “ 10 |*6! ! 97 ; 206 Fruit lacks size. 157 Viola b Ohio 1890 1 ...... — ... ! 7 i .... — | Not fruited. 158 Waldron ! p Ohio .. 1891 May 20 Jane 17 July 7 5 ! 27 1 43 ! ! Try further. 159 Walton p N. J,... 1890 u 20 i “ 23 14 6 51 ! 130 ! Promises well 160 Warfield (2) p Ill 1890 11 201 | “ 21 “ 10 9 ! 94 349 ! Well known. 161 Westbrook . p N. Y. ... 1891 15 “ 17 June30 1 7 i 25 ! 75 ! 162 Weston i p Wis 1891 1 It 1 29 ! « 23 July 12 1 5 ! 37 i 62 j Or Blue Vine. 163 I Williams 1 b Ohio.... 1892 1 » 39 “ 21 14 1 8 56 152 j Very promising 164 Wilson i | b N. Y. ... 1876 I “ 151 1 *• 21 12 8 124 168 J Old; well known. 165; Windsor P Mich.... 1880 11 17 | “ 17 14 6 96 125 Old; well known. 166! Woolverton b Ont 1891 17 i “ 16 7 9 88 41 Give it a better trial . 167! Yale . ! b Ct 1890 24 ! ‘i 23 14 8 44 49 I Valued at the east. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT 69 Brief notices are appended of such varieties only as have yielded not less than one hundred and fifty ounces of fruit from a row of thirteen plants, either in hills or in a matted row. American (Great American), bisexual; originated in New Jersey. It was exhibited, by the originator, at the Centennial Exposition, where it received the highest commendation. It originated under high cultivation and has only proved satisfactory when grown under similar conditions. Atlantic, bisexual, is a comparatively old variety which, though fairly productive and generally acceptable, has not gained a high standing, so far as profitableness is concerned. Augwick, pistillate, is but recently introduced. The plant is vigorous and productive, and the berry large, firm, and of medium quality. It has only fruited here this season. Banquet, pistillate, is new, having only fruited here this season. The plant is vigorous and fairly productive, and the fruit of medium size and quality. Beder Wood, bisexual, has now fruited here three years, and, both here and elsewhere has won high reputation for vigor and productiveness. In form, color, firmness and quality, it promises well as a market berry. Origin, Illinois. Centennial (Ohio Centennial), bisexual, is a seedling from southwestern Ohio, and was so named from having first fruited during Ohio’s centen- nial year. It is vigorous and fairly productive, and the fruit quite large, and of much more than average quality. It promises value for market purposes. Crescent, pistillate, has been too long and favorably known to require a lengthy notice. Too soft for distant marketing, its hardiness, vigor and great productiveness render it desirable for near markets, though it is, to a considerable extent, confined to a low grade of cultivation. Edgar (Edgar Queen), pistillate, is a fairly vigorous and productive plant; named for Edgar county, 111., its place of origin. It is compara- tively new, and has not yet a well established reputation. The fruit is large, of good form, attractive color; of high quality for so large a fruit. Fairmount, bisexual, originated in New Jersey; was received for trial from the National Division of Pomology, during the hot, dry summer of 1890. We have been unable to fruit it satisfactorily till this season. The plant is of fully average vigor, and, so far, is fairly productive. Size, above medium; quality, medium. Haverland, pistillate, introduced several years since, as larger and of higher quality than Crescent, as well as its rival in productiveness, has scarcely verified this latter claim and, either for that reason or for the less satisfactory character of the plant, the variety has not acquired the antici- pated popularity with commercial planters. Holyoke (Mount Holyoke), bisexual, although received as early as 1891, has not been in condition to satisfactorily manifest its qualities till the present season. So far, the plant seems to possess more than aver- age vigor and productiveness. The fruit also ranks high, so far as both size and quality are concerned. Hugo (Victor Hugo), bisexual, originated in New Jersey, but was received for trial from the Division of Pomology. The plant is very vig- orous, and of more than medium productiveness. The fruit is large to very large, and of satisfactory form, color and quality. So far it seems to be well worthy of trial as a market variety. 70 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. Lincoln, pistillate, is of more than average vigor, and very productive; fruit large, color attractive, but of scarcely medium quality. In the absence of a history of its origin, its tendency to grow misshapen or cockscombed fruits would seem to warrant the suspicion that it may be merely a re-introduction of the President Lincoln of the previous decade. Manchester, pistillate, is too well known to require extended notice. Inclined, as it is, to overbear, if in good soil, with high culture and a renewal of the plantation after each full crop, it proves eminently profitable. Miner, bisexuai. though an old and productive variety, under favorable conditions, may now be properly laid aside in favor of newer and more desirable varieties. Oregon (Oregon Everbearing), pistillate, hails from Ohio. Whatever its habit may be in its original locality, it is not a continuous bearer here, although the plant is vigorous and fairly productive in the usual season of this fruit. In size and quality, it is fully medium. This is its first fruit- ing here, and improved conditions in the future may develop more favor- able results. Rusk (Lady Rusk), nearly pistillate, was received from Illinois in 1889. In vigor of plant it is above medium. In productiveness it scarcely real- izes the commercial requirement of the day. Fruit of more than medium size, firm, of good form and color, and of medium quality. Sadie, pistillate, is vigorous, and has, this season, proved more than usually productive. The fruit is of less than medium size, and of medium quality and texture. Saunders, bisexual, is a very vigorous and productive plant; originated by John Little of Ontario and named for one of the most noted horticult- urists of the Dominion. In size, quality and firmness, it is quite above medium. It is worthy of extensive trial as a market berry. Shuster (Shuster’s Gem), nearly pistillate, is a popular variety in some parts of the east, though apparently less in favor at the west. Here the plant is above medium in vigor and productiveness, and slightly so also in size of fruit, though of only medium firmness and quality. Stayman (No. 1), nearly pistillate, is very vigorous and productive; of only medium size and scarcely of medium quality. It is probably more at home in its native Kansas. Thompson (No. 7), pistillate, comes to us from Ohio. It has not been favorably conditioned heretofore. This season it has proved quite pro- ductive; above medium in vigor, quality and firmness, though of only medium size. Thompson (No. 26), pistillate, from the same source with the foregoing, has more vigor of plant and rather larger fruit, of only medium firmness, and quite low in quality. Thompson (No. 31), pistillate, is vigorous in plant and large in fruit, but only medium in texture and quality. Its more. than usual productive- ness and size render it desirable for a near market. Townsend (No. 19), pistillate, has, this season, shown more than medium vigor and productiveness. The fruit is large, though only medium in texture and quality. Vick (James Vick), bisexual, is a low growing, very hardy plant, of scarcely more than medium vigor, which, this season, has fairly exceeded itself in productiveness. The fruit, though rich and bright in color, is of less than medium size, though of firm texture and high flavor. • HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 71 Warfield (No. 2), pistillate, is too well and favorably known to require description. It is generally prized as a market fruit. Williams, bisexual, is vigorous, and of more than average productive- ness. The fruit is large, firm, and of more than medium quality. It may be regarded as a promising variety for both home use and market. Wilson, bisexual. This old and once universally popular variety is noticed here, mainly as a medium for comparison. When well grown, and free from fungous diseases, it is yet fairly productive, and, when allowed to thoroughly ripen upon the plant, it has even yet few. if any, superiors, all things considered. RASPBERRIES (Bubus). bo many plants, in the trial plat of raspberries, were either killed or seriously injured by the persistent rainy weather of the spring of 1892, that although those remaining have generally recovered quite rapidly, and are now generally in thrifty condition, there are so many vacancies and such unevenness in the size and fruiting condition of the remaining plants that a comparison of actual products would afford but an imperfect and even erroneous idea of the relative productiveness of the varieties when under equivalent conditions. For this reason the productiveness of the several varieties is estimated upon a scale of 1 to 10. The plat of raspberries was included in the general spraying with Bor- deaux mixture of the usual strength (4 pounds copper sulphate, 3 pounds of lime and 32 gallons of water) applied to the plantation late last fall, with the purpose to destroy, as far as possible, the winter spores of fungi. A spray was again given on the 3d of April last, prior to the commence- ment of the season’s growth, with the same material and strength. This was repeated on April 24th, with the same mixture, and with the addition of two ounces of Paris green for each 32 gallons of water. On the 9th of May the plat received a final spray, with a still weaker solution, consisting of 2 pounds of copper sulphate, 1^ pounds of lime, and 2 ounces of Paris green, in 22 gallons of water. Early last spring all canes, whether new or old, seriously affected with anthracnose were cut away and burned. Whether as the result of these sprayings and pruning, or otherwise, scarcely a trace of anthracnose has been visible upon the growths of this season, while the foliage has remained perfect throughout the entire period, and neither the attacks of fungi nor the depredations of insects have at any time proved troublesome. Dry weather and extreme heat during the ripening season occasioned the blasting or withering of more or less of the immature fruit of several varieties. 1. Bubw s Idceux. Varieties of European origin. I i . is . E 22 s **- ® c i Name. a *8 ! 1 3 £ u Li;* 5 ♦3 — O . a * Remark*. s a | 8 1 <5 11 s z o £ 1 £ l Heretine Penn. 1888 June 12 July 6. 44 19.., "e Excellent; requires protection. Hardy; frnit large, dark porple. 2 Superb N.J. . 1888 | 11 18 ; 4 72 AGRICULTURAL. COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. 2. Rubus ncglectus. Botanists include, in this species, several varieties, by many assumed to be hybrids between Occidental is and other species. Number. Name. 1 Origin. Planted. First bloom. First ripe fruit. Productiveness, | Scale, 1 to 10. Remarks. 1 Caroline N. Y. ... 1888 June 12. July 10.. 10 Yellow; hardy; very productive- 2 Griesa Kan..... 1890 “ 12. “ 10.. 8 Roots by both tips and suckers. 3 Muskingum Ohio 1890 “ 15. “ 14.. 10 Very vigorous; new; valuable. 4 Reliance N. J 1888 “ 12. “ 12.. 8 Very hardy ; dark; purple. 5 Shaffer N. Y. ... 1888 “ 15. “ 14.. 9 Tip rooting; large; dark purple. 3. Ritbus occidentals. Black and yellow tip-rooting. Number. Name. Origin. Planted. First bloom. First ripe fruit. i Productiveness, i Scale, 1 to 10. Remarks. 1 Ada Ohio 1888 June 15. July 17.. 6 So far is not valuable. 2 American Everbearing Ohio 1893 Has not yet fruited. 3 Beebe N. Y. ... 1888 June 10. July 10. . 9 Yellow; unsightly if overripe. 4 Canada Ont 1891 “ 13. “ 12.. 6 Of doubtful value. 5 Carman Conn. .. 1888 “ 10. “ 8.. 8 Good ; but not relatively profitable. 6 Centennial 1888 “ 12. “ 12.. 8 Not relatively profitable. 7 Conrath (Early) Mich,... 1891 “ 15. “ 15.. 9 Highly promising. 8 Cromwell... Conn. .. 1888 “ 10. “ 10.. 5 Injured by last year’s wet- 9 Doolittle N. Y. ... 1888 “ 10. “ 8.. 5 Generally profitable. 10 Doomore Ohio 1888 “ 12. “ 10.. 4 Is unprofitable. 11 Earhart... 111 1888 “ 10. 8.. 8 Yields a second crop in autumn. 12 Farnsworth . Ohio 1891 “ 12.. 3 Promising ; needs further trial. 13 Gregg Ind. 1888 June 14. “ 29.. Badly injured last year. 14 Hathaway (1) .. Mich.. . 1891 Not yet fruited. 15 Hathaway (2) Mich,... 1891 Not yet fruited. 16 Hilborn Ont. 1888 June 14. July 21.. Badly injured by last year’s wet. 17 Hopkins Mo 1888 “ 12. “ 10.. "T Suffered from wet last year. 18 Idaho.. Ohio? .. 1889 13. “ 17.. 4 Badly killed last year. 19 Indiana... Ind. 1888 “ 10. “ 8.. 4 Badly injured last year. 20 Johnston (Sweet) N. Y. ... 1888 “ 13. “ 14.. Nearly ruined last year. 21 Kansas Kan. . 1889 “ 13. “ 19.. 2 Nearly ruined last year. 22 Lovett (Early) N.J. __ 1892 Not yet fruited. 23 Mammoth Cluster N. Y. ... 18*8 June 10. July 14.. 6 Plants considerably injured. 24 Mohler Ohio 1892' A few fruits on current year’s canes. 25 Nemaha Neb 1888 Nearly ruined by wet last year. 26 Ohio N. Y. ... 1888 June 10. July 10.. 10 Very productive, too seedy. 27 Older N.J. 1891 “ 12.. Fruited but slightly. 28 Palmer Ohio ... 1890 June 10. “ 8.. io~ The best early blackcap. 29 Progress N.J. 1890 No fruit this year. 30 Rundell Mich,... 1890 June 10. July 12.. 10 A reproduction of Beebe. 31 Smith (Giant) Ont 1889 “ 13. “ 17.. 10 Very vigorous and productive. 32 Souhegan N. E. ... 1888 “ 10 “ 7 6 i Usually an excellent early variety. 33 Surrey Ohio .. . 1889 I “ 13 “ 20 ~ 1 But imperfectly tested. 34 Sweet Home Ohio . . . 1890 ! “ 14. “ 15.. 2 So far, not promising. 35 Tyler 1888 ! “ 10. “ 8.. 7 Practically identical with Souhegan. 36 Virginia Ohio ... 1889 “ 10 “ 10. 6 Not promising, so far. 37 Winona Ohio_ . 1891 “ 14 “ 17.. Was nearly ruined last season by wet. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT 73 4. Rubus phcenicolasius. 5. Rubus strigosus. Number. Name ’5 •e o Planted. 1 First bloom. 1 First ripe fruit, j Productiveness. Scale, I to 10. Remarks. 1 Brandywine Penn 1888 June 15. July 10 _ 9 Hardy. A good market variety. 2 Church (Royal Church) Ohio 1892 “ 14. 17.. 1 Has not yet shown its true quality. 3 4 Cuthbert Early King N. Y. ... Va.? 1888 1893 “ 17. “ 11.. 8 Has no superior in its class. Not yet fruited. A good family berry . 5 Eastern King N. E. ... 1888 June 12. July 10.. 7 6 Gladstone N. Y. ... 1892 “ 14. “ 14.. 5 Needs further trial. 7 Golden Queen N. J 1888 “ 15. “ 14.. 8 Excellent for home use. 8 Hansell . N. J 1888 “ 12. “ 8.. 6 One of the earliest. 9 Marlboro N. Y. ... 1888 “ 12. “ 10. 4 Next to Cuthbert for market. 10 Reder Mich.... 1888 “ 12. “ 10.. 4 Large, bright colored, high quality. 11 i Scarlet Gem | 1888 “ 12. “ 10.. 6 Beautiful; but not relatively profit- able. 12 Thompson Ohio 1888 “ 12. “ 8 .. 9 A good early variety. 13 ! Thwack _ . 1892 “ 18. “ 15 . 1 Vigorous, productive, poor in quality. Very hardy; canes without spines. 14 Turner _ 111 1888 “ 12. “ 10.. 4 Notices are appended of the more desirable varieties, also of other more recent ones not yet fully tested. BLACK OK YELLOW CAPS. -TIP-ROOTING. Beebe — A yellow variety, very productive; of fair quality if used promptly, but if allowed to become overripe, the color becomes dark and forbidding, with loss of flavor. Rundeli (the name of the originator), a more recent seedling from south- western Michigan, is merely a reproduction of the Beebe, with the same general characteristics. Cromwell has now been several years before the public, and seems to be winning a good reputation as an early blackcap, ripening nearly with Tyler, and surely quite as early as Doolittle. Doolittle was the forerunner, introducing the blackcaps to cultivation. It even yet maintains a creditable standing among the various rivals which have since arisen to contest with it for popular favor. Earhart produces a light crop at the usual blackberry season, and also a second crop in autumn, upon the canes of the current season’s growth. It may be desirable in the home plat, as a means of supplying this fruit out of the usual season. Farnsworth, a recent variety from Ohio, has only fruited here this sea- 10 74 AGRICULTURAL. COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. son It gives indications of value, as a fruit of medium season, for both the home and market. Gregg is too well known as a profitable, strictly market variety to require special notice. Aside from its dense pubescence and rather low quality, its chief fault is lack of hardiness. Hilborn has not, so far, acquired a wide reputation as either a family or market variety, although, to the writer’s apprehension, it deserves a posi- tion nearly or quite at the head of the list, so far as quality is concerned. Nemaha is a reproduction of the Gregg, with improved hardiness, as alleged by those who claim to have thoroughly tested it. Ohio is popular as a hardy, vigorous and very productive variety. It is specially commended for its large, proportionate yield of the dried pro- duct; but it is doubtless true that the increased yield consists not of dried pulp, but of seeds instead. Palmer, origin Ohio, proves to be early for a blackcap, and one of the finest and most vigorous and productive of its season. Smith (Smith’s Giant), so far, has proved to be exceedingly vigorous and very productive. It hails from Ontario, which may be taken as assurance of its hardiness. Souhegan and Tyler, although doubtless of separate origin, are, for all practical purposes, identical. They are valued especially for earliness, although somewhat lacking in both size and productiveness, as compared with several later varieties. Sweet Home is an old variety which seems not to have taken a hold upon popular favor, or to have developed specially valuable qualities. A limited experience with it here gives little promise of better results. BED, YELLOW AND PURPLE VARIETIES. Increasing by root-snckere; a few of which are also tip-rooting. Brandywine, though by no means new, is still valued as one of the best red raspberries for marketing. Even when so overripe as to drop from the plant, it may yet be marketed in fair condition. Caroline is an alleged hybrid between R. Idceus and R. occidentalis . It is very hardy, and roots from either suckers or tips, though somewhat reluctantly from either. The fruit is of scarcely medium size, pale yel- low, of delicate texture, and produced very abundantly. The quality is only medium. Origin, New York. Cuthbert still holds an unquestioned position, as one of the most desir- able of the red varieties, whether for the home plat or for market. The plant is very vigorous, and resists mildew of the foliage unusually well. Golden (Golden Queen) is clear bright yellow in color. Otherwise it is very much like Cuthbert, in both plant and fruit. For the home plat it is excellent. Griesa (the name of the introducer, temporarily applied) is a red vari- ety. The habit of the plant is intermediate between R. strigosus and R. occidentalis. Like Caroline, it roots, rather reluctantly, from both suckers and tips. The fruit possesses the general characteristics of R. strigosus. It requires further trial to determine the question of productiveness. It hails from Kansas. Hansell is early, and the plant hardy. It is valued for planting, to a limited extent, for both home use and market, on account of its earliuess. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 75 Marlboro, though rather low in quality, is large and bright colored. It is popular as a rather early market variety. Muskingum is of comparatively recent introduction, coming, as we understand, from Ohio. The plant is exceedingly vigorous and very pro- ductive, with characteristics referable mainly to the species stngosus , while the fruit has the large size, dark color and general appearance of Shaffer. It equals Shaffer in productiveness and, like it, is excellent for canning. Reder (although the plant may not be satisfactory for commercial uses) has few if any superiors in size; rich, bright color, fine texture and flavor, for the table. It is fairly productive. A native of Berrien county, Michigan. Reliance, like its parent, the old and now abandoned Philadelphia, is very hardy and productive. The fruit is high flavored, but dark colored, and rather small. It is well adapted to localities in which great hardiness is requisite. Shaffer is too widely known to require extended notice. The vigor and productiveness of the plant, with the high, rich flavor and large size of the fruit, especially adapt it for canning, for which purpose it has long been popular. Thompson has, this season, proved highly productive. Should it con- tinue thus, it may prove desirable as an early market variety. Thwack, though only planted last year, was well tested here several years since. It is hardy, vigorous, of good size, and productive, although very low in quality. Although old, it has never become popular for either amateur or market purposes. Turner is small and very mild in flavor. The plant is vigorous, and the canes destitute of spines. It is the hardiest of the red raspberries and (doubtless for that reason) is somewhat popular at the west and north. Herstine, like all varieties of its species ( Idaeus ), tested in this country, lacks hardiness, requiring winter protection, even in the comparatively mild winter climate of southwestern Michigan. On account of its large size, bright color, and superior flavor, it is deemed worthy of the needful winter protection. Origin, Pennsylvania, from seed of a foreign variety. BLACKBERRIES ( Rubu* villosus ). The entire loss of many plants, and the serious injury of others, result- ing from the almost continuous drenching rains, during the late spring and early summer of 1892, were but partially remedied by the subsequent growth of that year, leaving the stand of plants decimated or uneven to such extent that comparisons of actual fruitage during this season will afford no just indication of the comparative productiveness of the varieties under ordinary conditions. Under such circumstances, therefore, resort is had to estimates, based upon the actual performance of such plants as appear to be most nearly in a normal condition, results being indicated upon a scale of one to ten. Anthracnose having been very prevalent during the year 1892, attacking nearly or quite all the varieties of blackberries as well as of raspberries, the plat was included in the spraying which the plantation received, after the dropping of the foliage in late autumn, 1892. Early last spring 76 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. examination was made, and all canes showing indications of anthracnose were cut out and burned. On April 1 to 3 last, the plants received a spray of Bordeaux. Again on April 2d and 25, they were sprayed with reduced Bordeaux, using 32 gallons of water and adding two ounces of Paris green. A final spray was given on May 8 and 9, using two pounds, of copper sulphate, with one and one-half pounds of lime in 22 gallons of water, and adding two ounces of Paris green. As the apparent result of these several sprayings, with the removal of the previously diseased canes, scarcely a trace of fungus has at any time during the season appeared upon blackberries, while, in all cases, satis- factory growths have been made. The leaf miner is apparently not amenable to spraying, having proved increasingly troublesome this season, confining its attacks almost wholly to the blackberry. BLACKBERRIES — (Rubus villosus) . Number. Name. . Origin. Planted. First bloom. First ripe fruit. t Productiveness. Scale, 1 to 10. Remarks. 1 Agawam .. N. E 1888 June 12. July 27.. 4 Usually large and fine. 2 Bonanza . 1888 “ 14. “ 27.. 4 Name a misnomer. 3 Briton (Ancient Briton) Eng 1888 “ 12. “ 28.. 3 Usually over-productive. 4 Childs (Tree) ... __ 1892 Not yet tested. 5 Cluster (Early (’luster). N.J. 1888 June 13. July 25. _ 10 Of little value. 6 Eldorado. . Ohio . . 1892 Not yet tested. 7 Erie .. Pa. . . 1888 June 12. Aug. 2.. 5 Generally productive. 8 Fruitland .. Ohio . .. 1892 Good grower. Not fruited. 9 Harvest (Early Harvest) N. J 1888 June 13. July 17.. 5 Small. Very early. 10 j Hoosac Mass.. 1891 Old. Thornless. 11 King (Early King) . N.J. .. 1890 June 14 July 21. . 10 Very desirable so far. 12 Kittatinny j N.J 1888 “ 14. “ 29.. 6 One of the best; rather tender. 13 Knox I 1888 “ 15. “ 27.. 5 Large. Bears thinly. 14 Lawton ... N. Y.. .. 1888 “ 13 “ 27.. 4 Old. Often winter-killed. 15 Lincoln 1891 “ 12. New. Not yet fruited here. 16 ' Mammoth (Early Mammoth). Ohio . . . 1891 “ 14. July 31.. 4 Needs farther trial. 17 1 Minnewaska N. Y... 1888 “ 15. Aug. 2 . 4 Is generally more productive 18 1 Nevada .. 1888 “ 15. July 27.. 3 Not valuable here. 19 j Ohmer . Ohio 1892 “ 29.. 2 But partially tested. 20 ; Oregon (Everbearing) Oregon . 1892 Not yet fruited here. 21 ; Snyder . ... 1888 Juno 10. July 25 10 Rather small. Very hardy. 22 1 Stone. . Wis. 1890 “ 10 Aug. 5.. 3 Small. Very hardy. 23 Taylor 1888 “ 12. July 29.. 6 Hardy. Excellent. 24 Thompson (Early) ._ Ohio . . 1890 “ 13. “ 28.. 9 New. Promising. 25 Triumph (Western Triumph). 1888 “ 14. Aug. 1.. 2 Small- Hardy. Vigorous. 26 Wachusett Mass 1890 “ 10. July 27.. 1 5 Old. Thornless. 27 Wallace I 1888 “ 13. “ 29:. 5 Large. Very good. 28 Wilson. N.J. 1888 “ 13 “ 28 6 Canes tender. Large. Early. 29 Wilson, Jr. N.J 1888 “ 13. “ 25.. 6 Is Wilson reproduced. Notices are appended of some of the older varieties, with their per- formance during the current year, together with a few of the more recent introductions. Agawam has been fruited here for several years. It has rarely, if ever, suffered injury from the lake shore winters. It is productive, and the fruit is large and excellent. It is eminently worthy of a place in the home plat. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 77 Briton (Ancient Briton) has been a long time in cultivation in this country, and is popular at the west, where the larger varieties fail from lack of hardiness. It has been assumed to be a native, but recent investi- gation determines that it was originally imported from England. Its com- paratively small size renders it unpopular where larger though less hardy varieties can be profitably grown. Erie is very vigorous, with many large, strong, prehensile spines, and is hardy in this climate, though it suffered seriously from the long wet spell of last year. The fruit is very large, and of fair quality, if allowed to fully ripen upon the plant. The habit is spreading, and the canes should be tied to a trellis or stakes, to prevent injury from high winds. Harvest (Early Harvest) is a moderately vigorous, very upright grower and very productive. The fruit is rather small, of firm texture, ripening quite in advance of the usual blackberry season, and, for that reason, profitable. A spurious variety, of similar habit, has been disseminated under this name. King (Early King), received from New Jersey, has fruited here this season only. The plant is vigorous and productive, and the fruit quite large and of good quality, ripening rather early. Kittatinny has long been recognized as the best of the large varieties, though deficient in hardiness. For some years it has been more or less subject to attacks of the fungus known as red rust, which has, in many cases, proved a serious drawback upon the value of the variety, though it may be held in check, and even exterminated, by promptly digging and burning the diseased plants when discovered. Lawton, though not the first blackberry subjected to cultivation, was the first one extensively disseminated for such purpose. It lacks hardiness and, as usually marketed, is objectionably acid, though, when thoroughly ripened upon the plant, it is large, sweet and delicious. Mammoth (Early Mammoth), was received from a nursery formerly in Ohio (now in Virginia), and has only fruited here this season. It prom- ises well. Fruit large, of good quality, and the plant is vigorous. Mfnnewaski was received some years since from its originator, the late A. J. Cay wood, of New York. The plant is a strong, rather erect grower; productive, and of fully medium hardiness The fruit is large and of good quality. Oregon (Everbearing) comes to us as an estray from the Pacific coast, as its name indicates. It has not yet fruited here, though it seems desir- able, if only as a curiosity. The plant has the trailing habit of a dewberry with the usual reflexed spines of the blackberry. The foliage has the usual five leaflet arrangement of the blackberry, with each leaflet some- what irregularly divided, lobed and serrated, somewhat after the manner of the cutleaved birch or maple. Snyder is well known as a hardy and productive market variety; exten- sively planted in localities in which special hardiness is requisite. Stone (Stone’s Hardy) hails from Wisconsin. It is a spreading, vigorous grower and very hardy. Fruit too Small to be acceptable where larger varieties are successful. Taylor is nearly as hardy as Snyder, with more branching, light colored shoots. It is very productive, ripening its rather large, superior flavored fruit, somewhat after the average season. Thompson (Early) comes to us from Ohio. It proves hardy here, and 78 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN has this year excelled most other varieties in productiveness. The fruit is of fair size and good quality. (Probably Mammoth, L. R. T.) Triumph (Western Triumph) is one of the varieties approved at the west on account of hardiness. The plant is tall, rather upright, branch- ing; although the fruit is of less than medium size, the deficiency is more than compensated in productiveness. It must have good soil and culture to produce marketable fruit. Wallace came to us from the west. The plant is vigorous and moder- ately productive. Fruit of large size and good quality. It is worthy of more attention than it has heretofore received. Wilson, and Wilson, Jr., (the latter a seedling of the former) are for all practical purposes identical. Both have, to a slight extent, the spreading habit of the dewberry and, like it, will sometimes root, though reluctantly, from the tips. Both are deficient in hardiness. Fruit large to very smalh and not of high quality. SE RVIC E B E RRY . ( Amelanchier . ) An indigenous form of this plant, forming a large bush or small tree, occasionally from twelve to fifteen feet in height, is more or less dissemi- nated in Michigan forests. It varies greatly in productiveness, as well as in size and quality of fruit. As far as known, no attempts have been made to subject this to cultivation. The dwarf variety, which was planted here as early as 1876, under the name Service Berry, only tends, if left undisturbed, to form dense clumps, by means of underground branches or stolons, under which conditions it becomes comparatively unproductive. When such tendency is prevented by occasional transplanting, or otherwise, the result is a very considerable improvement in size, as well as in quantity of fruit. Birds have a special liking for the fruit, which ripens in succession, and invariably falls a prey to their rapacity, before full maturity. The bushes rarely exceed three feet in height, and the fruit, which resembles the huckleberry, is by no means its equal in quality. Three varieties are on trial here. The first, lacking a varietal name, is designated as common. On a scale of one to ten, it ranks, this year, about eight in productiveness. The second, received from Indiana as Mammoth, is slightly larger in plant, and in productiveness ranks nine. The third is named “ Success ” by the recent chief of the Division of Pomology at Washington. In productiveness it will rank ten. A few plants received a covering of netting, to protect the fruit from the birds. This was applied on July 7, when the fruit began to color. The fruit was gathered about July 18, fully ripe, and beautiful in appear- ance, though, from lack of rich flavor, it can scarcely supersede the better varieties of huckleberries, where such are obtainable. C URR A NTS. — ( Ribes. ) The plantation of currants suffered more or less from the. long contin- ued drenching rains of the spring of 1892; although the most serious injury arose from the cutting away of a large portion of the bearing wood, in the effort to eradicate the twig borer ( Aegeria tipuliformis , Linn. ) which has long been extremely prevalent in this region. HORTICULTURAL, DEPARTMENT, 79 The currants were included in the spraying given the entire plantation, after the fall of the leaves in the autumn of 1892. A spray with Bordeaux mixture was given them on April 1-3, 1893. They received a second spray on April 18, using 4 lbs. copper sulphate, 3 lbs. lime and 2 oz. Paris green, in 32 gals, water. Rain having intervened, a reapplication of the same was given on April 24 to 25 . On May 8-9 another spray was given, using 3 lbs. copper sulphate, 1^ lbs. lime, and 2 oz. Paris green, in 32 gals, water. The currant worm having put in an appearance, a spray of 2 oz. potas- sium sulphide (liver of sulphur), and one oz. Paris green, in ten gals, water, was applied on June 2. This was repeated on June 21, using 3 oz. potassium sulphide instead of two. Rain having intervened, the same was reapplied J une 24. This preparation was again applied on July 6, omitting the Paris green; and yet again for the last time, on July 22. These sprayings have, apparently, had the effect, not only to hold the currant worm in subjection, but also to prevent the attacks of the fungus, which has so generally ruined the foliage early in August, since, under this treatment (which was also applied to the gooseberry), there has been no loss of the foliage of either, down to the time of this writing (Oct. 1), while the plants generally have made satisfactory growth. It may also be stated, as a possible result of these repeated sprayings, that few indications are visible of the attacks of the twig borer; the infer ence being, either that the liver of sulphur is repulsive to the moth or, otherwise that the Paris green may have proved fatal to the larvae when making their first meal upon the recently sprayed twigs. 1. MISSOURI OR YELLOW FLOWERING CURRANT —(liibes aureum). Name. Origin. a ; 3 *3 00 u £ First ripe fruit. Productiveness. | Scale 1 to 10. I Remarks. j Crandall Kan. .. 1889 1 May 12.. July 8... 5 Of doubtful value. * 2. BLACK. FETID CURRANTS- -(Rihe* nigrum) Nwiw. a 1 5 3 o £ First bloom. . i I Li i c J ta Productiveness. Scale 1 to 10. j Remarks Champion (Black Champion) . Europe . 1889 May 12.. July 11 7 Try further. Needs further trial. English (Black English) “ 1892 “ 13.. “ 14.. 2 Lee “ 1888 ** 12.. “ 8.. 4 One of the best blacks. Naplee (Black Naples) ** ' 1888 “ JR.. “ 10.. 4 Old ; well known. Saunders . Ont. . 1890 “ 15.. “ 10 4 Yet too recent. Wales (Prince of Wales) “ 1890 M 12.. “ 14. 3 Yet too recent. 80 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. 3. RED AND WHITE CURRANTS — Ribes rubrum). | Number. I Name. Origin. J Planted. First bloom. First ripe fruit. X 30 ax © i . 11 eu* 1 Cherry . Enr. 1888 May 12 .. “ 10.. July 14— “ 11- 0 21 Fay _ N. Y..._ 188b 1 ! 3 : Holland (Long bunch’d Holland). Enr. 1889 •• n ! 6 I 4 Lakewood. Ohio _.. 1890 ■' 10.. •• i*:: 1 5 London (Red) . . Enr. 1890 “ 12.. “ 8 1 10 1 6 Moore Ruby.. Am. 1890 “ 10.. “ 8'.. 1 o ; Moore Select... Mass 1S90 “ 10.. o 8 North Star... Minn : 1892 “ 14.. July 14. “ 8.. i 9 Red Datcn. Enr. 1888 “ 10.. 5 j 10 Rabv Castle.. 1892 1 11 Versaillaise... 1888 May 12.. “ 10..' July 10— 0 12 Victoria . 44 1688 “ 10.. 7 13 White Dutch 44 1888 “ 10-1 “ 10— ; 7 14 White Gondoin 41 ! 1890 “ 10. J “ 8-1 8 If White Grape... 44 | 1888 “ 10.. I 51 8-| 7 J 16 Wilder Am ; 1890 “ 10 i “ 10 "! 1 ; Remarks. Need a fuller trial. 6 | Best red variety. Requires further trial. Very vigorous. Hardy. May prove to be Victoria, but said to be distinct. Much like Cherry. Seldom attacked by borers Finest flavored currant. Needs further trial. Most profitable white variety. Owing to the operations of the twig borers during the year 1892, and the amount of bearing wood unavoidably destroyed during the past spring, in the effort to exterminate them, the product of the season now past has been greatly diminished. For this reason the estimates of productiveness given in the foregoing tabulation indicate but imperfectly what would be the relative yield of the varieties named under more favorable conditions. For this reason short notices of some of the varieties are given, for the purpose of, at least in part, remedying such defect. Crandall (when the heaviest fruiting plants only are considered) proves highly productive. The quality of the fruit, when well cooked, is good, but for the extreme thickness and toughness of the skin, even wheu thor- oughly cooked — a difficulty which, apparently, could only be obviated by straining the cooked product. Naples (Black Naples) and Lee are the only fetid black currants suffi- ciently tested here. How the remaining varieties upon the list will rank as to- quality, size, productiveness, etc., can only be surely determined after a somewhat lengthened trial. From present indications, they differ but slightly in these respects. White Dutch, White Gondoin and White Grape rank in about the order named, so far as rich, mild flavor and consequent adaptation as dessert varieties is concerned. In these particulars they are quite superior to any of the red varieties, with the possible exception of the Moore Ruby, which is yet but imperfectly tested. Cherry, or its close rival Versaillaise, must be allowed to stand in advance of Fay so far as profitableness and adaptation for market are con- cerned. All are acid and large and, for that reason, popular in the market. Red Dutch, although one of the oldest varieties, yet stands first among the red currants, so far as quality as well as productiveness is concerned. But for a slight lack of size, it would doubtless lead also in the market. Victoria is scarcely as large, and a little later than Red Dutch. On HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 81 account of its comparative exemption from the attacks of the twig borer, and the greater persistence of its foliage, it is popular for market planting in many localities. Holland (Long Bunched Holland) is doubtless the most vigorous of red currants, and holds its very large foliage more persistently than any other of our acquaintance. It is productive and late, the cluster long, but the berry small. London (London Red) is exceedingly productive; the berry medium; said to be superior for jams and jellies. Lakewood, Moore Select and Wilder, though some time on trial, cannot yet be definitely characterized. North Star was planted only last year. It shows unusual vigor, but its other qualities remain undetermined. Raby Castle, planted in 1892, may prove to be Victoria, although Mr. J. H. Haynes of Delphi, Ind., from whom the plants were obtained, claims that it is a new variety, quite distinct from the old Raby Castle. GOOSEBERRY (Ribes). The plantation of gooseberries, being adjacent to that of currants, the two have been subjected to the same treatment, so far as spraying is con- cerned, for an account of which the reader is referred to the section on currants. The result of such repeated spraying has been an entire absence of mil- dew, whether of foliage or fruit, save in the single case of the Smith, which, apparently from previous enfeeblement, has failed to fruit this year, and has also prematurely lost more or less of its foliage. The use of a few ounces of Paris green in the potassium sulphide spray has kept the currant worm in subjection. The crumpling of the young leaves at the tips of the branches (mainly of the Houghton), attributable, doubtless, to minute aphides, has been but slightly troublesome this year, it having been cut away and burned upon its appearance. Nearly all varieties, whether of native or foreign parentage, have fruited very thinly, a result probably due to the enfeeblement consequent upon the excessive and long continued wet weather of early 1892, together with the mildew consequent thereupon, preventing, as it doubtless did, the development of the fruit buds necesssry for the next season’s crop. 1. WILD GOOSEBERRY— ( Ribes cynosbati). i Number. Name. Origin. Planted. First bloom. First ripe fruit. Productiveness. Scale, 1 to 10. Remarks. I Downing _ N. Y. . 1888 May 9 . July 14 3 Valued for market. 2 Mountain N. Y.. 1888 i “ 17.. “ 17.. 0 Not desirable. 3 Smith N. E. ... 1XXH “ 10.. 0 Poor grower. Fruit superior. 4 Strubler* 111. . 1892 ! Strong grower. 5 Tree* ._ Ohio . . . 1892 | Strong grower. * Nos. 4 and 5 have not yet fruited. Their correct classification is donbtfnl. 82 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. 1. EUROPEAN GOOSEBERRY— (Ribes grossularia) . I Number. Name. Origin. Planted. First bloom. First ripe fruit. Prod ucti veness. Scale, 1 to 10. Remarks. 1 ' I Auburn N. Y 1890 May 24.. 1 July 15.. 1 The correct name unknown. 2 Golden (Golden Prolific) . . Industry... N. Y 1890 “ 15 o 1 Quite liable to mildew. Mildews, unless sprayed. 3 Eur 1889 “ 12.. July 14.. : - is.. 4 Orange (Early Orange) N. Y 1890 “ «L- 0 Mildews, unless sprayed. 5 Pearl Ont 1890 “ 9.. . ; “ 17 .. 8 Very promising. Not yet fruited. Objectionable name. 6 7 Oregon (now named Apex) Triumph j Oregon.. N - J | 1892 1891 May 16.. July 19.. 0 3. SMOOTH GOOSEBERRY— (Ribes hirtellum ). 1 1 Name. Origin. Planted. First bloom. First ripe fruit. Productiveness. Scale, 1 to 10. Remarks. 1 Champion Ohio . . . 1888 May 10. . July 15.. j “ 17..! 0 Strong; healthy; unproductive. 2 Houghton ! N. E. ... 1888 “ 12.. 5 Hardy ; very productive. 3 Pale Red Am 1890 “ 10.. “ 17.. 6 Nearly identical with Houghton. Downing is a strong grower, with stout, very thorny shoots. Fruit large, round* green when mature. Popular in the market. Smith is not a vigorous plant; very thorny. Fruit large, greenish- yellow, oval; of superior quality. Mountain is a strong grower and free from mildew. Fruit large, but variable in size; poor in quality. Worthless. Auburn is of European type, a moderate grower; has not mildewed here. Fruit large, light red when mature. The true name is unknown. Golden (Golden Prolific), Orange (Early Orange) and Pearl are Ameri- can seedlings of the European type. Industry is an importation from England. They are all more or less liable to mildew here, requiring occasional spraying to maintain their health in this climate. Triumph, received from New Jersey, and Oregon (now named Apex) from the Pacific coast, received but recently, are understood to be Ameri- can seedlings, the former of the European and the latter of the Pacific coast type. Champion, although vigorous and apparently mildew proof, is so unpro- ductive and the fruit so small and poor as to render it practically worthless. Houghton and Pale Bed are much alike. Both are hardy, productive and mostly free from mildew. They will bear neglect better than most varieties. Fruit small. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 83 CHERRIES ( Prunus ). Probably few, if any, species of fruit trees are as impatient of excessive moisture in the soil as are the cherries. In their case the injury from the copious and long continued rains of the spring and early summer of last year has proved more serious than was apparent during that season, since quite a number of trees have this season shown indications of injury obviously attributable to that cause. A large number of varieties have bloomed and fruited this season, but most of them so sparsely that, on account of the depredations of birds in many cases it has been difficult to accurately determine the date of ripening. The cherry plantations were included in the spraying given the entire plantation in November, 1892. April 10 and 11 cherries were sprayed with diluted Bordeaux, using 4 pounds copper sulphate, 3 pounds lime and 2J ounces Paris green, in 32 gallons of water. On June 8 they received the second spray this season, using 4 pounds copper sulphate, 3 pounds lime and 2J ounces of Paris green, in 32 gallons of water. On June 27 they were treated with kerosene emulsion to extirpate the slug ( Eriocampa cerasi). On July 7 the pest having reappeared the trees were treated with the extract of tobacco stems, after which further treatment for this insect was not found necessary. On July 14 and 15 cherries received a final treatment, consisting of 2 pounds copper sulphate, 1^ pounds lime and 2^ ounces Paris green, in 32 gallons water. The slug ( Eriocampa cerasi ) has been much less troublesome this year than formerly, yielding readily to the sprays given as stated. No other insects have proved troublesome upon the cherry, the curculio apparently confining operations to adjacent rows of plums and peaches. No attacks of fungi have been noticed, except as the cause of premature loss of foliage by a few of the injured trees already mentioned. Experience has shown that the Mazzard or sweet cherries (and to a slight extent the Dukes also) when grown rapidly, as under thorough cultivation they usually do in our Michigan soil and climate, are often seriously if not even fatally injured during subsequent severe winters, and when branched as high as is generally done they are liable to what is known as “ bark- burst” during severe cold in winter, followed by death after a very few years of decrepitude and disease. No remedy has yet been discovered for such conditions. Prevention is, so far as known, the sole alternative. This may be accomplished by giving only so much manure and cultivation while the tree is still young as shall produce only moderate, healthy growth and partially or wholly omitting cultivation thereafter; also branching them so low that the trunk and larger branches, in which, if at all, bursting is likely to occur, shall be well shaded from the influence of the mid-day sun, by the foliage. Under such conditions trees of these species may be reasonably expected to reach mature age in sound condition, while under opposite conditions 84 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. they would be in danger of perishing even when scarcely yet in full bearing. In the following tabulation the arrangement of last year placing Heart and Bigarreau cherries together in one class and Dukes and Morellos in another is continued. 1. HEART AND BIGARREAU CHERRIES — (Prunus avium). * -Q a 0 'Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Name. Class. Origin. Planted. First bloom. First ripe fruit. Remarks. Bigarreau (Yellow Spanish). Big Eur 1890 May 20.. July 10.. Type of the Bigarreau class. Cleveland.. Big. .. . Ohio 1890 “ 18.. Originated by the late Dr. Kirtland. Downer... . . Heart.. . Mass—. 1888 “ 15.. July 4.. Profitable for market. Eagle (Black Eagle) Heart Eng 1888 “ 18.. “ 7... Old. Excellent. Elton Big. Eur. _. 1890 “ 18.. Yellow, with a red cheek. Florence. . . Big. Italy 1891 Has not yet fruited. Knight (Knight’s Early) Heart... Eng 1890 May 19.. An excellent early cherry. La Maurie (Early Lamaurie) Heart Eur. 1892 Not yet tested. Mary fKirtland’s Maryl Big. Ohio 1890 May 19 A seedling of Dr. Kirtland • Mezel . Big. Eur 1890 “ 20. . Large. Popular in Eu- Napoleon Big Eur. 1892 “ 19 . rope. Very firm. Fine market cherry. Ohio (Ohio Beauty) Heart .. Ohio 1890 “ 19.. A fine variety from Ohio. Purity 1891 Yet untested. Purple (Early Purple) Heart... Eur. ? 1891 May 22.. The earliest of the older cherries. Rockport Big Ohio 1890 “ 18. . Popular. Tartarian (Blk. Tartarian).. Heart... Eur. 1888 “ 17 . Large. Tree upright, vig- orous. Transparent (Coe’s Trans- parent) . Heart. Conn. 1888 “ 17.. One of the most beautiful. Windsor . Big Ont. 1890 “ 18.. New, late, promising. Wood (Gov. Wood).. Heart... Ohio 1890 “ 18.. A popular market variety. S 35 o So oo~j q> 5» 5^ to cS £ o tp op ~a o< *- co >-> I Number. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 85 2. DUKES AND M0RELL0S— (Prumis cerasus ). 41 Name. Class. Origin. Planted. First bloom. First ripe fruit. Abbess (Oignies) Morello. Europe _ 1888 May 18.. July 12.. Duke? .. 1888 “ 21.. Morello. 44 1892 “ 20.. Bessarabian 44 1888 “ 17.. July 8 ... Brusseler (Braune) 44 1888 “ 20.. Duke . . . 1890 “ 18 Choisy “ 1888 “ 20.. July5_._ Du Nord (Griotte du Nord) Morello. » 1888 “ 22.. Am. 1890 “ 19 . Eugenie Duke France . 1888 “ 6 .. July 6... Morello. Am. 1892 “ 22.. Frauendorfor (Weichsel) Europe^. 1888 “ 18.. July 8 ... Galopin 44 1892 Glass (George Glasskirche). Duke?.. Europe . 1888 May 22.. Julyl... Hortense ... “ .. France . 1888 “ 16.. “ 6... King (Amarelle) Morello. Europe . 1892 Late Duke Duke ... 1890 May 20 . Lithauer (Weichsel) Morello. Europe . 1892 Louis (Phillippe) 44 1888 May 15 . . July5... Lutovka 44 u 1888 “ 17.. Magnifique Duke . . . 41 1888 “ 20.. July 31.. Mahaleb Mahaleb 44 1892 May Duke Duke _ . . “ 1888 May 18.. July 6 .. Minnesota(Ostheim) Morello. Am. 1892 “ 19.. “ 10.. Montmorency (4 Europe-. 1888 “ 20.. 5.. Montmorency (Large) u 1890 “ 19 _ Montmorency (Ordinaire) .. 44 “ 1890 “ 22.. Montreuil Duke •4 1890 “ 20.. Olivet 1892 “ 20.. Ostheim Morello- Europe. 1888 “ 18.. Oatheimer “ 1892 “ 24.. Richmond (Ey. Richmond). “ 1888 “ 22.. July 1.. Royal Duke Duke . . 1890 “ 20.. Sklanka . Morello. “ 1888 “ 20 . July 4.. Spate (Amarelle) 44 44 1888 “ 22. Strauss (Weichsel) ki t4 1888 “ 18 ! Suda . 1892 “ 22 Twenty-five (Orel) Earope . 1892 “ ')■) 1 Twenty-seven (Orel) 1892 Weir 1 ... 4 * Ill 1892 May 22 . 1 Wragg .. 44 Iowa . . . 1891 “ 27.. Remarks. A slender grower. Late. Vigorous. Promising. Not yet fruited. Imported by Prof. Budd. of Iowa. Imported by Prof. Budd, of Iowa. Needs further trial. Beautiful. Excellent. Amateur. Imported by Prof. Budd, of Iowa. Very early. Slender, drooping. Comparatively new. Promising. Yet untested. Late, very acid. Not bloomed or fruited. As importation by Prof. Budd. One of the largest of the Dukes. Only tested as to growth. Old, but little known. Has not shown bloom or fruit. Late. Good. Lacks productiveness. Promising. A fine late variety. Used only as a stock. The type of the class. Requires further trial. Probably Mont. Ordinaire. Fruit destroyed by birds. Fruit destroyed by birds. Very promisiing. But partially tested. Requires longer trial. Not yet fruited. Most popular for market. Old, but little known. Imported by Prof. Budd. Imported by Prof. Budd. Imported by Prof. Budd. Not yet well tested. Not yet well tested. Not yet well tested. Not yet well tested. A slender grower. Late. Acid. SWEET CHERRIES. Purple (Early Purple), nearly black when fully ripe, is the earliest well tested cherry, of fair size and good quality, with the possible exception of La Maurie (Early Lamaurie), which has not yet fruited here. Knight (Knight’s Early), Eagle ( Black Eagle), superior in quality, and Tartarian (Black Tartarian), valued for market, are among the most pop- ular dark colored cherries. 86 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. Of light colored varieties, Transparent (Coe) is excellent and very beau- tiful, while Cleveland, Elton, Wood (Gov. Wood), Napoleon and Rockport are firm, good handlers and, for that reason, adapted to marketing. Bigarreau (Yellow Spanish) is the best of the light colored, firm fleshed varieties, but, unfortunately, it is liable to crack and decay before ripening, during warm, wet weather. Downer, though less firm, is hardy, rather late, very productive, large, of rich color, profitable. Windsor is newly introduced; said to ripen quite late. It is highly commended by those who have fruited it. THE DUKES. Intermediate between the sweet cherries and the Morellos, so far as vigor of growth and acidity of fruit are concerned. Choisy ( Belle de Choisy ) is exceedingly beautiful and of mild flavor, and, in the opinion of many, unexcelled in any class. Unfortunately it lacks productiveness. Eugenie, Hortense (one of the largest Dukes), Magnifique (very late), May Duke (the type of the class), Olivet and Montreuil (comparatively new varieties), are all worthy of greater attention than they generally receive. Royal Duke and Late Duke are old varieties though, so far as known, not yet thoroughly tested in this State. MORELLOS. There appear to be several more or less distinct races which, among Europeans, appear to have been sub-classified accordingly. In this coun- try, so far, such sub-classification has not received attention. Dyehouse is a very spreading and even drooping grower and, so far, has been the first to ripen. Richmond (Early Richmond) is so well known as a popular market variety that extended notice seems unnecessary. In season, it closely fol- lows the foregoing. Louis (Phillippe) is large, late and excellent for culinary purposes, but is slightly lacking in productiveness. Wragg is valued at the west for its hardiness. It is late, nearly black, and quite acid. The tree is a slender, spreading grower. Montmorency (see table) is probably identical with Montmorency Ordinaire. Of the remaining varieties of Morello, a considerable number have now fruited; several of them, apparently, are quite late. Further trial is need- ful to determine their comparative values. MULBERRIES ( Morus ). This, in one or more species, occurs, though rarely, in the forests of this State, occasionally as a tree of considerable size. The varieties grown at this station, however, are imported, being of such as have become improved, and taken on the habit of maturing their fruits in succession, through a considerable period. Downing is an American seedling of this character from Multicaulis HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 87 ( M. alba). In severe winters it is occasionally injured, even in southern Michigan. New American and Hicks also have this habit, with apparently superior hardiness. Russian ( M . Siberica of nursery catalogues) is abundantly hardy here, though of no value so far as fruit is concerned. Teas Weeping, when grafted high on upright growing stocks, makes a beautiful lawn tree. The foliage is glossy and beautiful, much superior to that of Kilmarnock willow; long popular as a weeping lawn tree. PEACHES ( Prunus Persica , Amygdalus Persica , or Persica Vulgaris of various botanists). The trees of this species upon the station grounds received a spray of Bordeaux of the usual strength after the leaves had fallen last autumn. April 10 and 11, 1893, they were again sprayed, using 4 lbs. of copper sulphate, 3 lbs of lime and 2^ oz. of Paris green in 32 gallons of water. June 8-12, the spray was repeated, using the same mixture. June 29 they were again sprayed, using modified Eau Celeste. (Two lbs. of copper sulphate, P| lbs. of carbonate of soda and 1 qt. of ammonia water in 32 gallons of water. ) July 14 to 15 a final spray was given, using 2 lbs. copper sulphate, 1^ lbs. lime and 2J oz. Paris green in 32 gallons water. This last spray caused considerable loss of the older foliage, leaving that near the extremities of the young shoots in all cases apparently unaffected. As the apparent result of the first two sprayings mentioned there has been an almost total absence of “leaf curl” (Taphrina deformans) which is usually quite prevalent here in early spring and which was present this year in neighboring orchards, causing many of the leaves and fruits to drop. Apparently also the fungus which usually, in this climate, attacks the foliage and growing twigs of the serrate varieties of the peach has been subdued by these applications, since a single serrate variety growing here which has been annually very severely attacked by this fungus has this season almost wholly escaped, making sound healthy growth as in the case of other varieties. The only insects which have proved troublesome are the curculio, for whose attacks jarring has been the remedy employed, and the borer ( Sannina exitiosa) to remove which the trees were “wormed” in September -a process intended to be repeated in April or May next. For more convenient reference all abbreviations are inserted at the head of the columns in which they are used. In very many cases the origin of a variety is unknown or uncertain, for which reason in most cases the source from which the variety was received is inserted instead of the place ‘■of origin. The word “cling” is appended to the names of varieties of that class, and in a few cases only the word “free” is appended to the name to avoid uncertainty. In all other cases the word “free” is to be understood, the column usually devoted to this particular being omitted as unnecessary. In many cases names are simplified or objectionable portions enclosed in parentheses to indicate probable future elisions in compliance with the rules of modern nomenclature. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. 68 PEACHES. z Name. jS aT an u x_ ; £ H -9 5 j 5 £ X » , k x X 4% Jz'u to mm i £ ^ : >• ; . tZ - C "T “i t • > fj af ^ X C 9 > £ £ > Remarks. 1 Adrian Mo — 1892 g 2 Alexander 111..... 1892 g w r p V A partial cling. 3 Alien Mo.... 1891 s T May 22 4 Alpha. Mo.... 1691 '■ T 5 Amelia Mo.. . 1590 1 I r “ 22 Of Carolina. 6 Amsden Mich.. 1891 1 g “ 9* w r p v A partial cling. 7 Andrews (Mammoth * Mo.... 1892 r 8 Barber Mich.. 1892 r 9 Barnard Mich. . 1888 s ; r “ 22 Sept. 11 yr y ! s For market only. 10 Be«ers (Smock 1 * Mo.... 1890 s r “ 22 11 Belle. Mich.. 1891 g 12 Bell (Favorite) Del.... 1890 s r “ 24 Distinct from Belle. 13 Bequette Cling.. Tex. 1890 s ; r “ 22 14 Bequette Free. Tex._. 1890 s r “ 22 15 Bickell (Late) Del.... 1890 s r 22 Oct. 30 wr p a May not ripen here. 16 Bishop (Early)... Mo... 1891 s g “ 22 17 Bonanza Mo.... 1891 s r ‘ “ 22 lb Boyles Mo.... 1891 s g 22 Sept. 20 L-i 1 Only a specimen or 19 Brandywine . N. J— 1890 s g *■ 2 ' J \ two. 20 Brett (Mrs. Brett) Mo.... 1890 s r “ 22 ! 21 | Brigdon. N. Y.. 1890 1 j g »* 22 ! Sept. 20 y r y V Valued for market. 22 ! Briggs (Gov. Briggs) Tex._. 1890 s g “ 24 23 : Bronson Mich.. 1891 s r ' 1 .i 22 I 24 | Brown (Early Mich.. 1592 1 j r 1 •• 22 25 ! Burke ... Mich.. 1892 — j r 26 Canada (Early Canada) . . . Mich.. IS92 1 g 1 “ 22 27 Carolina (Beauty) Mich. 1*92 28 Chair (Choice) Ohio . 1890 s r j •* 22 29 Champion (Mich.) Mich.. 1890 1 8 “ 26 30 Champion (Ohio) Ohio . 1892 s g “ 24 31 Chili (Hill’s Chili) Mich. 1888 1 T , “ 22 1 Oct. 5 JT y s , Comes true from the nif 32 j Chili (Seedling 2) Mich.. 1888 1 r “ 22, 44 7! yr y 8 V PIXa Seedling by C. Engle. 33 Chili (Seedling 3).._ Mich.. 15*8 r > 44 7; yr y 6 V Seedling by C. Engle. 34 Cleffey (Allen) Mich.. 1*92 s r 35 ! Collister ( McCollister) . . . Mo... 1891 s r May 24 36 Colombia Mo.... 1891 r r j “ 22 37 Conkiing Mo... 1890 1 r “ 92 38 : Coolidge . Mich.. 1892 s g “ 26 w r p V 1 Old and valued. 39 [ Comer . Mich.. 1S91 s r “ 22j Oct. 5 An Allegan Co. seed- ling. 40 ; Crawford (Early) Mich.. 1888 s g “ 22; Sept. 7 yr y v ! Fruit buds not hardy. 41 Crawford (8eedling 1 i Mich.. IS8S s g “ 22' “ 10 yr y v ! Seedling by C. Engle. 42 Crawford (Seedling 2) Mich.. 1888 s g “ 2 9 “ 14 yr y V j Seedling by C. Engle. 43 Crosby .. Ma'-s. . 1892 s r [ “ 29 44 Crotbers . ..... Tex. 1891 s g “ 22 Oct. 9 Quality good here. 45 Cuba (Dwarf Cuba) Mich. 1592 — T 46 Dennis Mich.. 1891 1 g “ 22 47 Diamond Ohio . 1892 s g 4ft 2^ 48 Druid Hill j N. Y- 1891 s g “ 22, 49 Dunlap Mich.. 1592 s r •• 29 50 , Early York (Large! Mich.. 1892 6 g w r p 8 V j Old, popular, market. 51 ; Ede (Capt. Ede) Mich. 1890. 8 r May 22 52 Elberta Tex.„. 1890 s r .. 22 53 Eldred Cling. Mo... 1*91 i : g “ 20 Ang. 30 54 : Ellison Ohio . 1589 8 r “ 23 Oct. 9 yr y 8 V A promising market variety. 55 Engle (Mammoth). Mich.. 1891 s g “ 22! Sept. 20 yr y V i Promisin g f or m arket . 56 Foster Mich.. 18881 8 g “ 22 *• 9 y r j V Large and showy. 57 ! Fox Mo.... 1891 8 g ‘‘ 22 Oct. 9 HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 89 PEACHES— Continued. Number. Name. Origin. | Planted. 1 Flowers. 1, large; s, small. Glands, s, serrate; g, 1 globose; r, reniform. First bloom. First ripe fruit. Color, w, white; y, yellow; r, red. I Flesh, p, pale: y, yellow. Flavor, s, sweet; v, vinous; a, acid. Remarks. 58 Future Great Mo... 1891 g 59 Garfield Mich. 1892 g 60 Gem Cling Tex.... 1890 8 r May 22 61 George IV. (George the Fourth) .. .. N. Y... 1888 8 g 22 Sept. 6 W I P 8 V An amateur variety. 62 Globe N. J... 1888 S g 22 “ 29 wr P V Unproductive so far. 63 Gold Drop (Golden Drop) Mich.. 1890 1 r 22 y y 8 Probably an old vari- 64 Good N J... 1890 8 g it 22 ety. 65 Grant (Gen. Grant)-.. . . Mo 1892 T tt 26 66 Great Western. Mo 1892 r 67 Gudgeon (Late) Mo 1891 S r ti 22 Oct. 17 w r p V Late, promising. 68 Hale _ Mich.. 1888 1 g tt 22 Aug. 14 w r p V Best and latest of the half clings. 69 Hale Oblong Mich.. 1888 1 g tt 22 “ 18 w r p V Seedling of C. Engle. 70 Hale Round Mich.. 1888 1 g tt 22 “ 18 wr p V Seedling of C. Engle. 71 Hance Golden N. J.__ 1890 8 g tt 22 72 Hance Smock Del.... 1890 8 r tt 22 Oct. 16 w r p V Only one or two speci- mens. 73 Haas (John Haas) .. Del-.. 1890 1 r t ( 22 Aug. 30 w r p V Promising. 74 Heath Cling Del-.. 1890 S g tt 22 75 Hinman Mo,... 1891 1 r tt 22 76 H. No. 34 N. Y— 1890 77 Hold On (Geary’s).. Mo... 1890 s r tt 22 Oct. 12 78 Hughes (IXL) Mo—. 1892 .... r 79 Husted Mich.. 1891 r tt 22 Sept. 4 w r p V 80 | Hyatt N. J... 1888 1 g tt 22 Aug. 23 wr p V Finer than Hale. 81 Infant (Wonder) Mo 1892 s g tt 24 82 Ingold (Lady Ingold) Mo 1892 g 1 1 22 83 Jacques Mo-.. 1892 8 r tt 24 84 Jacques Late Mo-.. 1892 S g tt 22 85 Jones Mo 1882 8 g tt 24 86 June Rose . . Tex... 1890 1 g tt 22 Sept. 16 w r p 8 V Promising. 87 Kalamazoo Mich- 1890 8 r t k 22 Oct. 2 y y 8 V Profitable for market. 88 Kaloola N.J— 1892 g «t 22 89 Kevitt Cling (McKevitt Cling Mo-.. 1892 g t t 22 90 Late Barnard Mich— 1892 S r tt 22 91 Late Snow" (Snow’s Late). Ohio . 1890 8 r tt 22 Sept. 20 yr y s Promising. 92 Late White Mich- 1888 S r tk 22 Oct. 7 w r p V Seedling of C. Engle. 93 Lemon Cling ... ... N. J— . 1888 S g t t 22 Sept. 25 yr y 8 V An excellent cling. 94 Lewis Mich. . 1891 1 r tt 22 “ 8 95 Lock Cling ... . .. Mo-.. 1892 s r »t 22 96 Louise (Early Louise) Mich- 1891 1 r tt 22 97 Love All Mo— . 1892 s g t t 24 98 Lovett (White) N. J— 1890 s r 22 99 Magdala N. Y... 1890 8 r t k 22 100 1 Mammoth Heath Mo-.. 1892 1 r tt 22 101 Marshall (Marshall’s Late) Ohio . 1890 8 r tt 24 102 1 Marshal Neil Mo-.. 1892 1 r t t 22 103 Milhizer Mo-.. 1892 8 g tt 24 104 | Minnie.. Tex.... 1890 8 r tt 22 105 ; Missouri (Blood Leaf) ..... Mo— 1892 r 106 1 Moore (Moore’s Fav.). . N. J— 1890 S g tt 22 “ 18 w r p V Promising. 107 1 Morris County (Rareripe) Del-.. 1890 8 r tt 22 Oct. 20 108 Morris White Mich- 1888 8 r ft 22 Sept. 29 w p V Valued for canning. 109 Mountain Rose . . Mich- 1888 8 g ti 22 “ 4 w r p 8 V Profitable. 110 Muir N. J— 1890 8 r t t 24 m Murat Mich- 1889 112 | Mystery (Yellow Mystery) N.J— 1888 8 r 22 “ 14 yr y V Beautiful and good. 1,8 1 N. Amer. Apricot Mo-.. 1892 .... r 12 90 <5 J2 S 0 S5 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. PEACHES— Continued. Name. Origin. Planted. Flowers. 1. large; s. small. Glands, s, serrate; g, globose; r, reniform. 1 ! £ First ripe fruit. K 3 - S’SI £§ o M Flesh, p, pale ; y, yellow. Flavor. 8, sweet; v, vinous; a, acid. Remarks. Nectarine N. Y... 1889 1 r May 22 Oct. 7 w r P V Beautiful, English. Need ("Need’s Barnard) ... Mo.... 1892 8 r “ 22 1 No. 34 H N. Y... 1890 1 r 22 j Sept. 18 y ; y s A yellow market Normand (Choice) Mich.. 1892 r peach. Oldmixon Cling Mich.. 1888 S g 44 22 Oct. 14 w r p ▼ Popular for a cling. Ostrander (Early)... Mich.. 1892 g 1 Palmerston (Liord Palm- erston) N. Y... 1890 1 g »( 22 Pansy Tex.... 1890 s r- u 22 Pearl. ... Mich.. 1889 g 22 Sept. 25 w r P V Seedling by C. Engle. Picket (Late) Mo.... 1890 s r it 22 Oct. 18 Pratt N. Y.- 1890 s r it 221 Sept. IS yr y V Promising. Prince (Prince’s Rareripe) Del.... 1890 s g tt 22 Princess (of Wales) N. Y... 1889 1 g I c 22 Prize Mo,... 1892 g Prize 1 Del,... 1890 s g it 22 Reed (Golden) N. J._. 1890 8 g fti 24 Reeves (Favorite) Mo,... 1890 s g ii 22 Ringold. Tex. 1890 r River Bank Mo,... 1892 1 g it 22 Rivers (Early Rivers) N. Y- 1888 1 r ii 22 lAug. 14 w r p V Excellent for home use. Rivers York (Riv. Ey. Yk.) N. Y... 1890 1 g Roser Mo — 1892 1 r ii 22 Roseville Cling Mo — 1892 1 g ii 22 R. S. Stevens N. Y._. 1891 8 r 23 Saint John Del— 1890 1 S r 4 ( 22 isept. 11 j yr y s Has many names. Sal way Mo.... 1890 1 6 r ii 22 Oct. 30 ! tv r p V Best very late. Scott (Nonpareil) Ohio . 1890 S g ii 20 Sener N. J.__ 1888 s r ii 22 Shipley Mo. .. 1892 s g i i 22 Shipley Late N.J.__ 1890 1 r 22 Silver (Early Silver) N. Y-_ 1888 1 r ii 22 Sept. 10 Pure white to the pit. Smock Free Mich.. 1888 1 8 i r ii 20 Oct. 27 I yr y V A standard late peach. Smock X. Mo.... 1892 r Southern Early N. J.- 1890 8 r ii 22 Stark Heath.. Mo.._. 1892 8 r ii 22 Steadly Mo,... 1888 8 ! r ii 22 “ 10 So far unproductive. Stevens’ Late Del— 1890 S r • t 22 “ 17 Of doubtful value Stevens’ Rareripe. Del.. . 1890 8 r 22 here. Strong (Mammoth) Mo.... 1892 8 1 s 22 Stump (the World) Mo,... 1890 8 g ii 23 Superb Cling Mo,... 1892 r Surpasse (Melocoton) N. Y- 1890 8 r ii 23 Surprise (Hynes). Tex,... 1890 1 g ii 22 iAug. 28 w r p V Promising. Switzerland Mich.. 1891 S ! g 22 Toquin... Mich.. 1892 1 r 22 jSept. 19 y y 8 V A market variety. Townsend Mo,... 1892 8 g ii 22 Troth (Early) Mich.. 1888 8 g ii £2 A market variety. Tuscany (Hardy Tuscany) Mo.... 1892 1 r Wager Del-.. 1890 T' r 22 Oct. 7 Variety incorrect. Walker Mo..__ 1892 s g 1 22 Walker Variegated Mo.... 1890 s g 22 Waterloo N. Y— 18*' 1 r ii 22 'Aug. 4 w r p V Very early, promising. Wheatland N. Y... 18" g g »i 22 Sept. 18 w r p V Desirable if produc- Williamson (Choice) Mich.. 1892 8 g ii 22 tive. Worthen (Jennie Worthen) Tex... . 1890 8 r 22 “ 20 yr y 8 Promising. Wonderful Mich.. 1890 S r 23 !Oct. 24 yr y V Of uncertain value. Yellow Rareripe Mich.. 1888 8 g 22 Sept. 13 yr y V Several varieties so named. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 91 NECTARINES. Botanists class these with peaches, the chief difference being in their smooth skins. Very many of these tabulated varieties are but imperfectly tested here and are included to afford at least a partial means of identification through the flowers and leaf glauds. Short notices are given of the more desirable varieties whether for mar- ket or domestic purposes. Barnard, Chili (Hill’s Chili), Gold Drop, Gudgeon (Late), Hale, Kala- mazoo, Mountain Rose, Stump (the World), and Sal way (very late) are each and all more or less popular as market varieties. In addition to these, Crawford (Early and Late), Foster, Oldmixon Free, and Smock Free are only less valued for such purpose on account of greater liability to the winter-killing of the fruit buds. The delicate texture of many varieties to some extent unfits them to endure the rough treatment to which commercial varieties are usually sub- jected, while for this peculiarity they become the more desirable for home uses. Among such are the Crawfords ( Early and Late), Foster, George IV, Hale, Rivers (Early), Surprise (Hynes), and Waterloo. The very early varieties, Alexander, Amsden, Waterloo, and others, which with their typical parent, the Hale, are known as semi-clings, are quite inclined to rot before ripening. Still, if planted in an airy location, a few may prove desirable, at least in the home plantation. Surprise (Hynes) obviously is one of this class, coming from Texas. A longer trial is needful to determine its value here. Brigdon comes from central New York where it is deemed valuable for the market. It first fruited here this season. Two seedlings of Chili (Hill’s Chili), by C. Engle of Paw Paw, which have produced fine crops here this season are slightly later than the par- ent, more highly colored and of finer flavor. The same is true of two Crawford (Early) seedlings from the same source, at least one of which promises well as a market variety. Engle (Mammoth), also from the same, has already acquired some repu- tation as a market variety. Hyatt and two Hale seedlings by Engle have produced fine, large crops of fruit; a little earlier, larger, more highly colored and less “clingy” than Hale. They give indications of value for both amateur and market purposes. Morris White and Silver (Early Silver) are heavy bearers with clear 92 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. white flesh, not colored at the pit, and for that reason especially desirable for canning or preserving. Ellison has borne a fine crop; fruit yellow, a good handler, and promis- ing for the market. Toquin, originating in the town of that name, and also a variety received for trial from New York with the cabalistic cognomen, “No. 34. H.” have borne a few specimens each giving indications of adaptation to the market. Wonderful, with a name apparently devised to promote sales, has borne a few specimens which prove wonderful, if at all, from their failure to justify the name. A very considerable number of others have shown more or less fruit, but in most cases not sufficient to warrant an opinion as to their probable value. GRAPES ( Vitis ). With the exception of the very severe drouth of the past summer and early autumn, the season has been favorable for the grape. The Bose chafer (Macrodactylus subspinosus ), although very numerous on a number of plum trees on light soil, has, this season, been very rare upon the grape. A few grape vine flea beetles, ( Graptodera chalybea), have been found, but not in considerable numbers. Of fungi, powdery mildew and anthracnose, ( Spaceloma ampelinum ), have been somewhat troublesome, although almost wholly confined to var- ieties hybridized with V. vinifera . The grapes, in common with the entire plantation, received a spray of Bordeaux mixture, of the usual strength, after pruning in the autumn of 1892, for the destruction of the resting spores of fungi. Prior to the commencement of operations for the current year, plants were reserved as the basis of a set of experiments in the use of a variety of mixtures as preventives or remedies for fungi, as follows: Of Moore Early, Salem, Ulster and Wyoming, five sets, of two plants each. Of Brighton, six sets, of three plants each. Of Concord and Niagara, six sets, of two plants each. Of each variety, the first set was left unsprayed, as a means of comparison. The second set of each of the four first named varieties was sprayed four times, on April 15, May 25, June 20 and July 10, with ^ lb. copper sul- phate, 1 lb. carbonate of ammonia in 32 gallons water. The third set of the same received four sprayings on or near the same dates, with ammoniated copper carbonate in 32 gallons water. The fourth set was sprayed at above dates, with modified Eau Celeste. The fifth received a spray at same four dates with 1 lb. copper sulphate, § lb. stone lime in 50 gallons water. Upon examination made at the close of the growing season, upon the scale of 1 to 10: HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 98 Moore ( Early )_ . No. 1 ranked 1 a U 2 “ 3 n a 3 “ 4 a a 4 “ 4 ii a 5 “ 2 Ulster . . n 1 “ 3 n 2 “ 5 a, a 3 “ 3 a a 4 “ 3 a ii 5 “ 3 Wyoming No. 1 ranked 2 a ii 2 “ 1 a a 3 “ 3 a ti 4 “ 1 a a 5 “ 1 Salem.. it 1 “ 1 a a 2 “ 2 a a 3 “ 2 ii a 4 “ 1 ii a 5 “ 2 Of Brighton, Concord and Niagara, also, the first sets were not sprayed. The second sets were sprayed but once, and that before growth commenced. The third sets were sprayed once only, and that soon after blooming. The fourth sets were sprayed on April 14, and again on June 15, using 4 lbs. copper sulphate, 3 lbs. stone lime, in 22 gallons water. The fifth sets received three sprayings of the same on April 14, June 1 and July 1. The sixth sets were sprayed four times with the same on April 14, May 27, June 20 and July 10. Brighton “ a << a a a it Concord “ a a a u »< (< u it tl u In all these cases the defects were mainly in foliage rather than fruit. The annual pruning of grapes having been completed, and the cuttings and fallen foliage removed and burned, on November 9 and 10, a thor- ough spray was given them for the purpose of destroying the spores of fungi. It is clearly true that, in the interest of pomological accuracy as well as brevity, the use of numbers, whether in connection with names of fruits or otherwise, should never have been tolerated, and should be discouraged and abandoned, notwithstanding the fact that very many otherwise critical and careful pomologists still indulge in their use. In the interest of reform therefore, in this report, numbers attached to names are omitted, save in the case of trial varieties not yet offered to the public, and which have not yet established their right to receive a name. Short notices are appended of several desirable, well known varieties, also of others, less generally known, and of yet others, comparatively new or yet unintrpduced. Niagara 2 1 1 1 i ii 94 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. GRAPES. Number. Name. I Origin. | Planted. 1, large; m, medi- um ; s, small. 1, long; m, medi- um; s, short; sh, shouldered. 1, large; m, medi- um; s, small. r, round; o, oval. First bloom. Ripe. Quality, 1 to 10. Product, 1 to 10. Remarks. Bunch. Berry. Size. Form. Size, Form. 1 Adirondac N. Y... 1890 1 1 sh 1 r June 24 Sep. 10-17 8 8 Plant of uncertain iden- tity. 2 Agawam Mass... 1888 1 1 sh 1 r 44 24 “ 17-24 7 8 A long keeper. 3 Aminia Mass. . 1888 m sh m r 44 26 “ 17-24 8 9 A Rogers’ hybrid. 4 August Giant N. Y.._ 1889 1 sh 1 o 44 26 “ 24- Oct. 1 5 4 Identity doubtful. 5 Barry Mass. . 1888 1 sh 1 r (1 24 Sep. 17-24 8 7 Inclined to mildew. 6 Beagle. Texas . 1889 m sh m r 14 24 Oct. 5-10 6 7 Of medium quality. 7 Bell Texas. 1889 s s m r 44 26 Sep. 17-24 4 | Trial imperfect. 8 Belvidere .. 111. ... 1890 1 sh m r 3 '9 Very early. 9 Berckmans... _ _ S. C._. 1891 Not yet fruited here. 10 Black Eagle N. Y... 1890 1 m sh 1 r June 27 Sep. 10-17 3 9 A wine grape here. 11 Black Pearl Ohio.. 1890 s r * 4 29lOct. 3-10 Only a wine grape. 12 Texas . 1889 s s r 44 24 Needs further trial. 13 Brighton N. Y... 1888 1 1 sh 1 r 44 27 Sep. 17-24 10 7 Requires cross fertiliza- » tion. 14 Brilliant Texas. 1889 s 8 1 r 44 28 “ 17-24 3 Mildews badly. 15 Burnett Ont. . 1891 1 m sh 1 o Try further. 16 Cambridge Mass. . 1890 1 sh 1 o June 24 Sep. 10-17 6 8 17 Campbell . _ Texas . 1889 m r 44 22 “ 10-17 5 Imperfectly tested. 18 Catawba S. C.?- 1888 1 sh m r 44 27 Oct. 1-8 7 "8 Scarcely ripens here. 19 Cayuga. N. Y... 1889 s s r 8 Needs a longer trial. 20 Caywood 50 N. Y... 1888 m 1 r June 21 Sep. 10-17 6 9 Promising for market. 21 Centennial N. Y.__ 1890 m m sh m r 44 22 17-24 9 10 Foliage not healthy. 22 Challenge N. J... 1890 s sh m r 21 “ 17-24 6 8 Very early. 28 Champion N. Y... 1889 1 sh m r 44 24 Aug. 27- Sep. 2 3 8 Almost worthless. 24 Chidester 1. Mich.. 1888 m sh m r 44 26 Sep. 10-17 9 3 Good, but unprofitable. 25 Chidester 2 Mich.. 1888 m sh m r 44 27 “ 17- 24 6 8 Promising for market. 23 ( Ihidester 3 Mich.. 1892 14 26 “ 10-17 First fruited. 27 Chidester 4 Mich.. 1892 1 o 26 “ 27- Oct. 2 8 Imperfectly tested. 28 Clark. Div Pom 1892 Cuttings from Div. of 29 Clevener N. Y._. 1890 m 1 s r Oct. 3-10 6 7l Pomology. Imperfectly tested. 30 Clinton N.Y ... 1891 6 s sh s r June 21 “ 3-10 3 10 Very acid till late. 31 Colerain . Ohio.. 1892 Awaits further trial. 32 Columbia D.C— 1891 - J Vine a poor grower. 33 Concord Mass... 1888 m 1 1 sh m r June 21 Sep. 24-30 '5 9 Standard market grape. 34 Cortland N. Y._. 1890 m 1 m 1 44 21 Aug. 27- Sep.2 4 8 Very early. 35 Cottage Mass. . 1890 m 1 m m r ik 22 Sep. 10-17 4 5 Not valuable. 86 Crevelling PeDn.. 1890 1 1 m r 44 26 “ 3-10 8 5 Early. Thin bearer. 37 Delaware N. J... 1888 8 sh s r i( 22 “ 17-24 10 10 Has few superiors. 38 Diamond N. Y... 1889 1 sh 1 r 44 27 “ 13-17 8 10 Amateur and market. 39 Diana .... Mass.. 1888 m m m r 44 26 Oct. 8-15 7 7 A long keeper. Foxy. 40 Downing N.Y.._ 1889 1 sh 1 o 44 24 Sep. 24- Oct. 1 8 7 Hybrid. Keeps late. 41 Dracut (Amber) . Mass. . 1890 1 1 sh 1 r 44 24 Sep. 10-17 3 7 i Utterly unworthy. 42 Duchess . N. Y... 1888 1 1 sh m r o 44 29 “ 17-24 10 51 Mildews badly. 43 Early M arket Texas. 1889 '8 s s r 44 23 “ 10-17 2 21 Not desirable here. 44 Early Victor Kan. .. 1888 m sh m r 41 26 “ 3-10 8 7 Promising. 45 Eaton Mass. . 1888 1 sh 1 j r 44 26 “ 17-24 5 8 Showy. Market. 46 Elaine.. Mich.. 1889 44 26 “ 14-24 C. Engle. Try further. 47 El Dorado N. Y... 1889 1 sh 1 r 44 29 “ 17-24 *8 .. One of Rickett’s seed- lings. 48 Elvira. Mo.... 1890 s s sh m r 44 28 “ 10-17 2 10 Not valuable here. 49 Empire State. N. Y... 1888 1 sh m r o 44 29 “ 17-24 8 7 I Excellent. White. 50 Essex Mass. 1889 m s sh 1 r 44 27 “ 24-30 5 6 Not valuable. 51 Esther .. Not yet fruited. 52 Etta Mo.... 1890 s sh m r June 28 Sep. 24-30 2 8 A wine grape. 53 Eugenie N. Y.-_ 1891 Not vet fruited. 54 Eumelan N. Y... 1888 m j sh s m r June 24 Sep. i7-24 7 ‘8 Has many good quali- ties. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT, 95 GRAPES— Continued. Number. Name. 1 Origin. | Planted. l, large; m, medi- um; s, small. 1, long; m, medi- um; s, short; sh, shouldered. 1, large; m, medi- um; s, small. r, round; o, oval. First bloom. Ripe. [ Quality, 1 to 10. 1 Product, 1 to 10. Bunch. Berry. Size Form. Size. Form. 55 Eva Penn.. 1889 s s m r Jnno 24 3 56 Excelsior N. Y.._ 1889 1 sh 1 r Sep. 6 8 57 Faith Mo ... 1891 58 Gaertner.. Mass. 1889 m m 1 June 30 59 Geneva N.Y... 1891 44 26 60 Goethe Mass. . 1889 ml sh 1 o 44 26 Oct. 1-8 5 61 Golden Drop N.Y.P, 1889 8 8 8 r 44 27 Sep. 10-17 9 62 Golden Gem N. Y... 1890 S sh S r “ 24 10 63 Guinevra Mich,. 1891 64 Hall Mich,. 1893 65 Hartford Conn.. 1889 1 1 sh m r June 24 Sep. 10-17 2 10 66 Hayes Mass.. 1888 m sh m r 44 24 “ 10-17 8 9 67 Herbert Mass. . 1889 1 m sh 1 r 44 26 “ 10-17 7 8 68 Highland N. Y... 1889 1 1 sh 1 r 30 5 9 69 Honey Mich.. 1891 70 Iona N. Y.-_ 1888 1 1 sh m o June 22 Sep. 17-24 10 5 71 Iris Mich.. 1891 sh 1 r 44 22 “ 17-24 8 72 Isabella 8. C.?. 1888 1 1 sh 1 o 44 24 Oct. 8-15 9 "9 73 Ives Ohio.. 1890 m 1 sh m o 14 24 Sep. 10-16 4 9 74 Janesville Wis.P . 1889 s s sh m r U 21 “ 27-30 4 10 75 Jefferson N.Y— 1888 1 sh m r “ 29 Oct. 8-15 9 10 76 Jessica Ont. .. 1888 8 s s r “ 23 Aug. 27- Sep. 2 10 8 77 Jewell Kan. .. 1889 m s s m s r 44 27 Sep. 3-10 8 8 78 Josselyn 5-2-1 N.Y... 1890 m m sh 1 r 44 26 “ 17-24 6 79 Josselyn 7-2-1 N.Y... 1890 80 Josselyn 9-2-1 N. Y... 1890 sh m r June 29 Sep. 24-30 5 81 Josselyn 10-2-1... N. Y... 1890 •82 Lady . . Ohio.. 1888 m s 8 m 1 r June 27 Sep. 10-17 9 7 83 Lady Washington N.Y... 1888 1 sh m r 44 27 Oct. 8-15 8 10 84 Leader Ohio.. 1890 m r 44 21 6 85 Leavenworth Kan. .. 1890 86 Lindley Mass. . 1889 m 1 sh 1 r June 27 Sep. 10-17 7 -- 87 Lutie ... Tenn., 1890 m s sh m r *4 22 “ 24-30 2 9 88 Martha Penn.. 1890 26 89 Mason Mich., 1891 90 Massasoit Mass. . 1888 m 8 m 1 r June 22 Sep. 17-24 8 8 91 Merrimac.. Mass. . 1888 s 8 1 r 44 24 “ 17-24 7 7 92 Michigan Mich.. 1889 s S m 1 r 27 “ 10-17 7 93 Mills Ont. .. 1888 1 sh 1 r 44 27 “ 17-27 8 "9 94 Minnesota Minn.. 1890 m 1 m r 44 24 “ 24-30 4 8 95 Monroe N. Y... 1889 m sh m r “ 27 “ 17-24 7 9 96 Moore Early Mass. . 1880 m m I r 44 26 Aug. 27-81 4 6 97 Moyer Ont. .. 1888 s s sh m r 44 27 Sep. 3-10 7 7 98 Naomi N. Y... 1889 1 1 sh m r o 44 29 Oct. 1-8 6 8 99 Nectar N. Y.._ 1888 1 sh 8 r July 5 Sep. 10-17 8 2 100 Niagara N. Y.. 1888 1 sh 1 r o June 24 “ 24-30 5 10 101 Northern Light _ . Ont. .. 1890 m 1 m r 44 28 “ 17-24 8 102 Olita Texas. 1889 •4 29 103 Oneida N.Y. 1890 m sh 1 r 4ft 26 Sep. 17-24 104 Osage Kan.P. 1890 1 r “ 27 “ 10-17 *7 105 Owosso Mich. 1890 1 8 1 r 44 28 “ 17-24 5 10 106 Ozark Kan.P 1890 m s sh m r 4. 28 • 3 6 •107 ; Palmer . N.Y... 1890 m m 1 r 26 Sep. 10-17 6 5 108 Peabody N.Y.. 1890 m | m sh m o “ 26 “ 3-10 5 10 Remarks. Unworthy. Of doubtful value. Not properly tested. Needs longer trial. Not yet fruited. Too late for the north. Vine unsatisfactory. Vine a slow grower. C. Engle. Not yet fruit- ed. Not yet fruited. Too poor. Fruit drops. Excellent. White. Of fair quality. Does not ripen here. C. Engle. Further trial. Best, often fails. The first fruit. Needs a long season. A market grape. Hardiness its chief merit. A long keeper. Excel- lent. Rich. Early. Seedy. New. Try further. Its first fruiting. Not fruited. First bearing. Not fruited. Early. Sweet. Rich. Ripens late. White. But partially tested. Not yet fruited. One of the Rogers’ hy- brids. Foxy. Sweet, worthless. Plant not true to name. A Michigan seedling. Anthracnose on fruit. A vigorous grower. Need further trial. A long keeper. Fine. Showy. Not valuable. Seedling of western N. Y. For early market. Very early. Amateur. Value doubtful. Unproductive. Poor foliage. Vine vigorous, healthy. Needs further trial. Needs further trial. Give further trial. Needs further trial. Like Catawba, but earlier. Not a table grape. Probably an old variety. Flavor not pleasant. 96 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. G RAPES— Continued. i . % 33 13 > Bt • B~ o C3 a s *“• 00 - O"0 SJ £ ^ 03 g a 1 6 P 00 tUD , ... .,2 a - 3 a a o Name. o a s sa g o d Remarks. „ p . a ® - c s O £ J- (D a a> Bunch. Berry. 0 2 o U p 00 CL) eg r 3 £4 0 & O sr Size. Form. Size. Form. E 5 3 32 Origin. Southern Lake Shore. Northern Lake Shore. Southern Michigan. Central Michigan. Northern Michigan. Sub-section l.—R. Idaeus — Clarke m r r g FM E Am. * *? *? Herstine 1 ob c r v g FM M Am. * *? *? Hudson River Antwerp 1 c r b FM M Am. *? *? Orange, Brinckles 1 c y b F M Am. * *? *i> Sub-section 2.—R. neglectus— Caroline m ro y g F M Am. * * * Philadelphia ___ m r p g M M Am. * * Purple Cane. . m r p g M M Am. *? * * Shaffer v 1 r P g FM M Am. ** ** ** * Sub-section 3. -R. occidental is— Conrath m r b g FM E Am. * * ** ** Doolittle s r b g M M Am. * * * * Gregg V 1 r b g FM M Am. ** ** ** ** * Hilbom V 1 r b g FM M Am. * *? * Johnston Sweet m r b v g FM M Am. * * *? * MacCormick, Mam. Cluster. m ob c b v g FM L Am. * * * * Nemaha 1 r b g FM M Am. * * * * * Ohio m r b g FM M Am. * * ** ** * Palmer m r b g FM E Am. ** ** ** ** * Souhegan, Tyler m r b g F E Am. * * * * * Sub-section 4.—R. strigosus— Brandywine m r c r g FM M Am. * * Cuthbert 1 r o r g FM M Am. ** ** ** ** ** Golden Queen 1 r c y V g FM M Am. * * * * Hansell m r c r v g FM V E Am. * * » Marlboro 1 r c r g FM M Am. * * *? * ♦ Turner m r r g FM E Am. * * ** * STRAWBERRIES. The new strawberries do not seem to have met with much favor, as there were very few votes for kinds that have been introduced less than ten years. In addition to those mentioned in the list there were a few votes for Enhance, Greenville, Beverly, Marshall, Shuckless and Timbrell, but 16 122 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. it is not likely that the last three had been thoroughly tested. All of them are probably valuable sorts, if we can judge from their behavior elsewhere. For notes upon other new sorts of raspberries and strawberries, the reader is referred to Bulletins 104 and 106. STRAWBERRIES. Abbreviations.— Size— 1, large; s, small; m, medium. Sex— B, bisexual; P, pistillate; P B, nearly pestil? late. Color— d c, deep crimson; d s, deep scarlet; b, s, bright scarlet ; w t, whitish tinted with red; 1 c light crimson. Form— re, roundish conicaL; o c, obtuse conical or coxcomb form; c, conical; r, round- ish; r o c, roundish obtuse conical. Flesh— s, soft; f, firm; m, medium. Season— Early ; M, medium- L, late; E L, early to late. Origin— Am, American; F, foreign. Description. i Value. Names. Size. Sex. Color. Form. Flesh. Season. Origin. Southern Lake Shore. Northern Lake Shore. Southern Michigan. Central Michigan. Northern Michigan. Bidwell v 1 B b s c f M Am, * *? *? Bubach No. 5 1 P d r r c m M Am. ** * ** ** ** Captain Jack . 1 B dr r c f L Am. * * Charles Downing 1 B d s c f M Am. *? *? *? Crawford B b c o c m M 0 . ** * Crescent 1 P b s r c m M Am. ** * ** ** ** Cumberland 1 B b 8 r c s M Am. * ** * ** * Eureka 1 P b r r m M O. * *? * * * Gandy m B b r c f L Am. *? * * ** ** Haverland 1 P r'sc o c m M Am. ** * * ** ** Jersey Queen v 1 P b s r c f L Am. *? *? *? Jessie V 1 B b s r c m M Am. *" *? *? *? * Kentucky 1 B b s r c f L Am. * *? *? * Manchester 1 P 8 o c f M Am. *? *? * * Miner vl B C r c m M Am. * * * ** * Mount Vernon 1 B Is roc m L Am. * * * * * Mrs. Cleveland 1 P b c r c m M 0. * * * * * Parker Earle 1 B b r 1 c f M Tex. ** ** * ** * Pearl m B b r o c f M Am. * * * * Sharpless v 1 B b r o c f M Am. * * * ! ** * Warfield m P dr c f M 111. ** * ** ** * Wilson 1 B dc rc f E M Am. ** ** ** ** * In the above lists, the data regarding the size, shape, color, season and quality of the different varieties, etc., have been taken from the last report of the American Pomological Society, and the starring will be used in making up the Michigan Fruit List for the next volume, soon to be issued. In the preparation of this catalogue, great assistance has been afforded me by the many persons who filled out and returned the circulars that were sent out. In most cases it was done so thoroughly and in such an intelligent manner that the returns were incorporated into this bulletin with a very few slight changes. To all persons who aided in the preparation of this fruit list, the thanks of the collator are extended, for the help that was rendered and the many useful suggestions that were made. While it is undoubtedly faulty in many particulars, it is sent out with the hope that it will be of value to prospective planters of fruit trees and plants. Agricultural College, ) February 1 , 1894. j BULLETIN 106. FEBRUARY, 1894 STRAWBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES. BY L. R. TAFT AND H. P. GLADDEN. The variety tests of the above fruits have been quite successful the past season, and we trust the results will be found useful. The soil upon which they have been grown is of a sandy nature, but it contains a considerable amount of clay; before the plants were set, it was well enriched with stable manure and the raspberries were mulched with that material the winter after setting. A mulch of straw and marsh hay was given the strawberries late in the fall of 1892 and, just as growth was starting in the spring, it was removed, to admit of the cultivating and loosening of the soil between the rows, and was then replaced to act as a mulch and keep the berries clean. The strawberries from which the notes were taken were set in the spring of 1892, although we had another plantation, of most of the older sorts made in 1891, which we used for comparison. The raspberries were for the most part set in 1890 and 1891; a few, however, of the newer sorts were not obtained until 1892. The season was very favorable for the strawberry crop, although it was somewhat cut short by leaf blight and hot weather; the raspberries .were considerably injured by the winter and the crop of berries was lessened by the hot, dry weather of July. The data for the tables were obtained by, or under the direction of Mr. Gladden, and many of the notes were prepared by him. STRAWBERRIES. In August a bulletin was issued containing the notes on eighty new varieties, that fruited for the first time thn past season. In the table below, the varieties marked with an asterisk < *), are those described in that bulletin, and any one wishing for a further description of those sorts, except the few that are here given, is referred to Bulletin No. 100. 124 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. Table No. 1.— STRAWBERRIES. Form. ABBREVIATIONS. Size. Color. b, broad. 1, long. s, small. b, bright. 1, light. c, conical. o, oval. m, medium. 1, large. c, crimson. r, red. d. depressed. r, round. d, dark. s, scarlet. i, irregular. Variety. Sex. Vigor (1-10). Date of bloom. First ripe fruits. Last fruits. Productiveness (1-10). Size. Form. Color. Quality. Firmness. * Accomack .. b 6 May 24 June 21 June 30 6 m 1 c d c 9 7 ♦Af ton P 8 “ 25 4 4 19 July 10 9.5 m to 1 r c d c 9 8.5 * Alabama ... b 7 “ 30 U 19 June 30 5 m r c d c 9 9.5 Alpha b 6 “ 25 4 1 21 July 5 8.5 m c lc 8 6 Arlington P 8.5 “ 24 4 4 16 “ 10 9 m r c 8 8 8 Auburn P 9.8 “ 29 (4 21 “ 10 8 m o c lc 9 8 Banquet... P 8 “ 24 4 4 19 “ 5 7 m c d c 9.5 0 *Beauty b 8.5 “ 24 a 21 “ 10 9.5 1 r b c bd s 8.5 6 Beder Wood b 9 “ 24 44 17 June 30 9 s to m r lc 7 8 Belle b 8.5 “ 25 44 23 July 9 9 m to 1 1 c b s 8 9 ♦Belle of Lacrosse P 8.5 “ 25 4 ( 21 “ 9 9.5 1 r b c bds 8 8 ♦Beverly b 9 “ 25 it 21 “ 10 8.5 1 r c d c 9.5 9.5 *Bickle p 8.5 “ 24 4 1 19 8.5 s to m r c Is 7 7 Boynton P 9.5 “ 24 44 19 July 5 9 s to m o 1 c 8 8 ♦Brunette b 9 “ 29 ii 22 “ 10 8 1 r c v d c 9.5 9 Bubach . p 9.5 “ 30 44 19 “ 10 8.5 1 d c 1 c 9 8 California b 7 “ 29 44 26 “ 10- 4 s to m 1 c bds 9.5 9 ♦Cameronian b 9; 5 “ 29 44 25 “ 8 8 m r c 1 8 7 7 Cheyenne P 8 “ 25 44 21 “ 10 7 m 1 c b 8 9.8 9 Clark Early b 9.2 “ 29 44 19 “ 10 8.5 m to 1 r o d c 9.8 9 Clark Seedling b 8.5 “ 25 44 22 June 30 3 m to 1 r c dc 9.5 9 Clyde b 9.8 “ 24 44 21 July 8 9.8 1 to 111 r c bds 8.5 9.2 Crawford b 9 “ 30 (4 22 “ 9 9 m r c s 9 9 Crescent p 9.4 “ 23 if 18 “ 5 9.5 m r c s 7 8 Daisy b 8.5 “ 26 44 20 “ 5 8.5 m r c 1 8 8 7 ♦Dayton .. ... b 9 “ 24 21 June 30 3 s lc 9 8 Dew b 9.4 “ 31 44 26 July 6 7 1 i d c 8 9 *D utter b 9 “ 25 44 21 “ 5 7.5 1 1 c b s 9 8.5 Eclipse .. p 9.5 “ 25. 44 20 “ 10 8.5 s to m o lc 8 8 Edgar Queen b 9.2 “ 25 44 21 “ 10 9 m to 1 ire lc 7 8 Enhance b 9.5 “ 24 44 21 “ 9 9 m to 1 ire d c 8 9.5 ♦E. P. Roe b 6 “ 24 44 26 “ 7 5 1 b c 8 8.5 8 Eureka p 9.3 “ 27 44 23 “ 5 8 m r c dc 7 8 ♦Fairmount b 9 “ 25 44 19 “ 9 9.5 1 dc d c 9 7.5 Gandy... b 9.5 “ 31 26 “ 10 8 m to 1 rbc lc 9 8 Gen. Putnam p 9.5 “ 24 44 17 “ 6 9 m to 1 r 1 8 8 8 Clenfield.. b 9.2 “ 24 44 21 “ 10 5 m 1 c d c 9 7 Great Pacific p 9.5 “ 25 44 21 “ 5 9.5 m d c r 9 8 ♦Greenville p 9.2 “ 29 44 22 “ 10 9.5 1 r d c b c 8 7 ♦Gypsy P 9.3 “ 24 44 21 “ 10 9 m r c d c 9 9 "’'Harmon b 9 “ 24 44 19 June 30 4 1 r c v d c 9 9 ♦Hattie Jones P 9.4 “ 26 44 21 July 8 9.5 m to 1 r d c 1 sc 6 7 Haverland p 9 “ 24 44 21 “ 5 9 m lc 8 8 8 ♦Hermit b 9 “ 24 44 21 “ 10 8 1 r c b c 8 8 Hoard b 8.5 “ 25 44 22 “ 9 9 m to 1 r c lc 8 8 ♦Huntsman p b 9.8 “ 29 44 21 “ 10 8.5 1 re d c 9 8 ♦Hyslop .. b 8 “ 25 44 21 June 29 s i *Iowa Beauty b 8 *• 25 44 21 July 5 7 1 r c be 10 8.5 Jessie b 8.5 “ 24 44 19 “ 6 8 m to 1 r c d c 7 9 *Jones Seedling b 8.8 “ 25 44 21 “ 7 8.5 1 dc d c 9 8.5 ♦Katie b 9.4 “ 29 44 21 “ 10 7 1 r d c c 8.5 7.5 King No. 2 b 9 “ 26 44 20 “ 5 7 m r c lc 8 8 ♦Leader b 8.6 “ 24 44 21 “ 9 8.5 1 1 c bde 9.5 9 ♦Leroy P 9.4 “ 24 44 18 “ 5 9 1 d c d c 8.5 8 ♦Leviathan b 7.5 “ 28 44 21 “ 10 8.5 1 bd 1 8 6 5 HORTICULTURAL, DEPARTMENT. 125 Table No. 1.— STRAWBERRIES.— Continued. Variety. Lida ♦Lillie Monroe ♦Lincoln Little No. 15 Lovett Lower ♦Magnate Michel Middlefield Miner Moore Early Mrs. Cleveland Muskingum ♦Mystic ♦Neptune * ♦No. 1 (Allen) ♦No. 8 (Allen) ♦No. 3 (Belt) ♦No. 2 (Cameron) ♦No. 6 (Cameron) ♦No. 13 (Cameron) ♦No. 1 (Engle) ♦No. 2 (Feicht) ♦No. 3 (Feicht) ♦No. 31 (Haynes) ♦No. 2 (J. S.) ♦No. 4 (J. S.).._ ♦No. 6 (J. S.) ♦No. 18 (Little) ♦No. 26 (Little) ♦No. 42 (Little) ♦No. 1 (Stayman) , ♦No. 3 (Stayman) ♦No. 34 (Thompson) ... ♦No. 77 (Thompson) ... ♦Odessa Ohio Centennial ♦Ohio Monarch Ontario Parker Earle ♦Pawnee ♦Primate... Princess Sadie Saunders.. Sharpless ♦Smeltzer Early ♦Southard ♦Standard.. ♦Stevens Stimmel No. 15 Stimrnel No. 20 ♦Sunrise ♦Swindle ♦Tom Walker Van Deman Westbrook ♦West Lawn ♦Weston ♦Williams Wilson.. Woolverton ♦Yankee Doodle. Sex. o h O M > Date of bloom. First ripe fruits. Last fruits. Productiveness (1-10). Size. Form. Color. Quality. Firmness. P 7.5 May 25 June 21 J uly 10 9 m r c be 7 8 b 8.5 “ 25 “ 19 “ 10 5 1 d c d s 8 7 P 9 “ 25 “ 21 “ 10 9 m r d c b s 7 8 b 9 “ 24 “ 19 June 30 8.5 m b c c 9 8 b 9 “ 24 “ 19 July 5 9 m r c b c 8 8 b 9.2 “ 26 “ 19 “ 5 8 1 r c d s 8 8 P 8.5 “ 24 “ 21 “ 10 6 m 1 c b s 8 8.5 b 9.8 “ 24 “ 16 June 30 6 s c b s 7 7 b 8.5 “ 20 “ 21 July 8 7.5 m c c 9.5 9 b 9 “ 26 “ 19 “ 6 8.5 m to 1 c d s 8 7 b 9 “ 25 “ 21 “ 10 8 m to 1 b c b s 8 8 p 9.8 “ 25 “ 19 “ 10 9 m r b c b s 8 8 b 9.8 “ 29 “ 22 “ 7 9 m to 1 d c d r 8.5 8 b 9.8 “ 29 “ 26 “ 10 6 m to 1 r c bde 9.5 9 P 9.8 “ 29 “ 21 “ 9 6 m to 1 r c d c 7 5 p 8.5 “ 29 “ 22 “ 5 9 m r c b c 9 9 b 9.5 “ 31 “ 26 “ 8 7.5 1 r c b c 8.5 7 b 9.2 “ 25 “ 26 “ 10 9 1 c bis 8 8 b 9.2 “ 24 “ 20 “ 9 8.5 m 1 c b c 9 8 P b 8.5 “ 29 “ 22 “ 10 4 m r b c bs 8.5 8.5 P 7.5 “ 29 “ 22 “ 10 8 m r c b c 8 7.5 b 7 “ 29 “ 24 “ 8 5 1 i r 1 c 8 8 b 9 “ 25 “ 18 “ 10 9.5 m to 1 r c c 8 8,5 P 7 “ 25 . “ 20 “ 10 8 1 i c lc 7 9 P 9.8 “ 29 “ 21 “ 10 5 m ire bs 6 6 b 9 “ 26 “ 21 “ 10 6 s to m r c c 8 8.5 P 9 “ 24 “ 21 “ 9 5 m r c v d c 9 7.5 P 9 “ 25 “ 21 “ 10 9.5 l r c bd s 7 6 b 8 “ 24 “ 18 “ 9 8.5 m r c bde 8 8.5 b 8.8 “ 25 “ 21 “ 5 9 1 i b d s 9 8 b 8.5 “ 24 “ 21 “ 10 9 1 r c c 9 8 P 9.5 “ 29 “ 22 “ 6 9.5 m r o Is 8 8 b 9.8 “ 25 “ 21 “ 10 9.5 m 1 c d c 7 8.5 P 8.8 “ 25 “ 22 “ 8 5 m r c b c 8 8 b 7.5 “ 24 “ 19 “ 7 9.5 8 lc b c 7 5 P 9 “ 29 “ 23 “ 7 5 1 i bs 7 7 p 9.4 “ 29 “ 25 “ 9 9 1 b c d s 9 8.5 b 9.8 “ 29 “ 23 “ 10 5 1 1 c b 8 9 8 b 8.4 “ 29 “ 26 “ 8 9.4 m to 1 c 1 c 9 8.5 b 9.6 “ 29 “ 25 “ 10 9.8 m c d 8 8.5 9.5 b 9 “ 24 “ 19 “ 9 7.5 1 r c d c 9.8 7 b 9.2 “ 26 “ 21 “ 10 6 m lc d c 6 7 P 8.8 “ 26 “ 21 “ 10 8 m to 1 r 8 9 8 P 9 “ 24 “ 19 June 30 9 m r c d c 9 8 b 9 “ 25 “ 21 July 9 8 m to 1 1 c b s 7 8 b 9.5 “ 25 “ 21 “ 10 8 m b c b c 8 ' 8 b 9. “ 25 “ 21 “ 8 8.5 m r c d c 9 8.5 b 8.8 “ 22 “ 16 “ 4 8 1 r c b s 7 8 b 9.5 “ 25 “ 24 “ 7 9 1 r c bde 9.5 7 b 9.2 “ 25 il 21 June 30 9 m r c d c 9 8 P 8 “ 24 “ 19 “ 30 8.5 m b c Is 9 8 P 8 “ 24 “ 21 “ 30 6 s to m 1 c d c 9 8 b 9.2 “ 28 “ 21 July 7 6 m 1 c b s 8 8 P 9 “ 26 “ 23 “ 5 8 m r c c 7 9 P 9.8 “ 26 “ 19 “ 9 9 1 r c d c 8 8 b 7 “ 25 “ 19 “ 9 5 m r c 1 c 8 8 P 8 “ 25 “ 21 “ 8 8 m c d c 8 9 p 8.5 “ 25 “ 21 J une 30 6 s to m i d s 7 7.5 p 9.5 " 29 “ 21 July 9 9.8 1 b c b s 8 8.5 b 8.8 “ 29 “ 21 “ 10 8.5 1 r c d c 8.5 9 b 8.5 “ 28 “ 21 “ 10 8 m c d c 8 9 b 8.5 “ 29 “ 21 •“ 10 8.5 m 1 c d c 8 9 P 9.8 “ 25 “ 19 “ 5 9 1 to m r d c b s 8 9 126 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. To test tlie comparative productiveness of a few of the leading varieties, the berries, upon rows eighteen rods in length, were picked and measured, and in the following table the crop obtained is given in quarts: Table No. 2.-YIELD F^OM ONE FORTY-FIFTH OF AN ACRE. Dates of picking. Variety. June 20. June 23. June 24. June 27. June 29. July 3. July 5. July 7. Total quarts. Bubach.. 5 10 7 13 8 14V* 2*4 X 60% Haverland 3*4 10 6 16 8 13 3 1 60*4 Gandy 3 11 15 12 3 1*4 40*4 Lower *4 3 "m 12 11 9 2 1 43 Lida... i 2 4 4 14 5 *4 1 2 33*4 Sucker State i 4 3 10 4 7 *4 29*4 Moore 1*4 3 *4 6 8 5 % 24% Most of the varieties were grown in narrow matted rows, with twenty- five plants in a space of forty feet. At the time of blossoming, the plot containing the new varieties was carefully gone over, and the more promising sorts were marked, that their productiveness might be accurately determined. Some varieties that were very promising early in the season were disappointing at the close, hence the variableness of the yield. The same amount of space and equal care were given to each sort. By dividing the season into three periods and giving the yield for each division of time, an attempt has been made to show which are valuable as early varieties. Table No. 3.-YIELD OF TWENTY-FIVE PLANTS IN QUARTS. Variety. June 21. June 24. June 26. June 27. Total yield, June 21-27. June 28. June 29. June 30. Total yield, June 28-30. July 1. July 3. July 7-10. Total yield, quarts. Afton.. 1 4 1 6 2 2 4 2 *4 Vi 13 Banquet 1% 2 lVi 1 6% 1*4 X 2*4 X X 9*4 Beauty 1 2 2 5 1% 1 2% 1 *4 X 9*4 Beverly . 2 1 3 1 4 5 1*4 3 12*4 Brunette % lVi 1 1 3% IX IX 1 *4 6 % Greenville 4 4 8 2 3 5 3 X 16X Gypsy *4 2*4 2 5 0 .. X 7X Hattie Jones 1 2*4 4 1 8*4 4 4 2*4 1 16 Huntsman *4 3 3*4 Vi 7 *4 Vi Vi *4 8% Jones Seedling.. 4 2 1 7 2 2 2 *4 11*4 Katie V 2 3 2 5*4 Vi *4 1 X Vi 7X Leader .„ 1 2*4 2 5 Vi 2Vt 2*4 1*4 X Vi 10% Leroy 4 4*4 134 9% 2 2 3X Vi 15*4 Leviathan Vi % 2 3% 1% 1 2% 1*4 X 7% Lida 2% 3% 5% 1 5 1*4 14% Lincoln Vi lVi 2 4 IX 1 2X 1*4 X 8*4 Lovett Early 1 3 6 10 1*4 1*4 IX 1*4 14X Mrs . Cleveland . 1 4 4 9 lVi 1*4 2 1 1 14*4 Muskingum 3 3 6 3*4 *4 *4 10% Parker Earle Vi l l A 2 4*4 6% 10X 2X 4*4 20 Southard... 1 2 2 1 6 *4 *4 X 6% Standard Vi 1 2 Vi Vi 4*4 3 3 IX X 9X Swindle Vi *4 2 1 4 IX IX 2 X 8 Tippecanoe . 1 2 2 134 6% IX IX 2 Vi 10 Weston Vi 2 3 5*4 1 3% 4X 4 Vi 14X Williams . 2 2 2 6 3 3 lVi X 10X Woolverton 4 3*4 7*4 2 3 2 lVi 2 16 HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 127 In the following diagram, we have endeavored to show at a glance the relative productiveness of the varieties in the above table, selecting only those with a yield in excess of ten quarts from the forty feet of row. Table No. 4.-YIELD OF FIFTEEN SELECTED SORTS. i l <3 1 ik i VCW CjU, ? !0 Jj r /3 it> u> n tl t "W "W’OiXa.'ca* _ to lb% lb lb ll'A i^t li’hb Wt n iV'x U'% iOh UL^ 1 nil | NOTES UPON VARIETIES. We append brief notes upon the vigor, productiveness, quality and firm- ness of some of the more promising of the varieties of comparatively recent introduction, and refer the reader to the preceding tables for further information regarding the size, shape and color of their fruit and their date of ripening, etc. Banquet still deserves a place as a home berry. It is handsome in appearance and of high quality, but is not productive enough for market purposes. Beder Wood — In last year’s report this variety, although quite vigorous and productive, was placed in the doubtful class from its low quality aud lack of firmness. It is, however, the equal of Crescent in these respects and except that it is likely to be injured by the leaf blight it would probably surpass that sort in vigor of plant and productiveness. Since it can be kept free from this disease, at a slight cost, by the use of fungicides, there is a promising future before it. 128 AGRICULTURAL, COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. Belle should take a high place as a variety for market purposes, as it adds firmness to the other qualities desired in a profitable variety. The fruits are of good size, and are even in size, form and color. Boynton is a promising sort, so far as the vigor and productiveness of the plants are concerned, but the berries are so small that it is not likely to become a profitable variety. Edgar Queen is quite vigorous in plant and above the average in pro- ductiveness; the fruits often reach a large size and, although somewhat deficient in firmness and quality, it is likely to be desirable for local marketing. Enhance has again shown itself one of the best varieties for either local market or shipping purposes. In vigor of plant and in firmness it stands near the head, while it is surpassed in fruit production by very few varieties. Gandy is very vigorous in plant and is valued for its large, handsome fruit, its high quality and lateness in ripening, but it is rather below the standard of productiveness. General Putnam has for four years been one of the most vigorous kinds grown and, although it does not stand particularly high in quality and firmness of fruit, it is surpassed by very few sorts in productiveness. The berries are from medium to large in size and quite regular in form. Worthy of trial. Great Pacific , although in fruit of only medium size and moderate firm- ness, is so vigorous and productive that it is likely to be well worth planting as a variety for local market purposes. Jessie and Lida require extra care to do well, and neither has been generally profitable, but the latter in particular has given us excellent results. Little No. 15, now named Hoard, is a promising market sort. The plants are strong and productive, and the berries are above the average in size and firmness, and of very good quality. Lovett is not as early as was claimed by its introducer, but it is vigorous, fairly healthy and quite productive, besides equaling, if not surpassing, the best of the old sorts in the quality and firmness of its fruit. Michel ( Osceola ) is very vigorous in plant and is highly esteemed as a pollenizer and for early fruiting, since it furnishes a large amount of pollen and one or two pickings can be obtained from it before other varieties are ripe. While of little value as a market sort it can well have a small place in a family collection. Mrs. Cleveland is one of the healthiest and most vigorous varieties grown. The plants are quite productive and the fruits make a fair showing in quality and firmness. Muskingum has been grown by us for several years under the name of Kearns and, although somewhat troubled by rust, it is one of our best late varieties for sale in a local market. It is one of our most vigorous kinds, besides being quite productive, of good quality and fair firmness. Ohio Centennial has for several years held a high rank for its vigor of growth, productiveness and excellent quality, as a variety for family or local market purposes, but it is rather deficient in firmness for a shipping variety. Parker Earle is by many regarded as the most valuable of the compar- atively new strawberries. It makes very few plants, but sets an immense HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 129 number of fruits, and with high culture and a favorable season will ripen most of them. Princess is hardly productive enough for a market berry, but its vigor and the high quality of its fruit give it a high rank among the varieties for a family collection. Sadie is quite vigorous and productive ; although of only medium size, its quality combined with its other good features makes it well worthy of trial, especially for home use. Siayman No. 1 needs only a greater degree of firmness to be near the head of the list, as in vigor and productiveness it compares well with any sort grown the past year. Stayman No. 3 has the vigor and productiveness of No. 1 and the fruit is fairly firm, but it lacks in flavor. Swindle has qualities that would make it an excellent market sort were it not for the fact that it rusts so badly that it cannot be grown to advan- tage, unless it is sprayed. It is a seedling of Orescent and resembles that variety in the shape of its fruit. The berries, however, are firmer and of larger size. Van Deman made a promising showing in 1890 but since that time it has been lacking in productiveness. As this is due to a large extent to the leaf blight, the variety should not be condemned. Westbrook has thus far seemed rather deficient in productiveness, but its firmness and fair quality render it worthy of further trial as a shipping variety. Woolverton which has somewhat disappointed us in past years, in vigor and productiveness made an excellent showing this season and if it retains these characteristics will be a valuable shipping sort, owing to its more than usual firmness. Although a full description of the varieties that have fruited but once upon our grounds, was given in Bulletin 100, it seems desirable to repeat here the description given of the half dozen most promising sorts, viz.: Clyde, Greenville, Leroy, No. 2 (Feicht), Weston and Yankee Doodle. Clyde. B. — Plants from Stayman & Black, Leavenworth, Kan. First received as Cycloma. The plants are of very strong growth; leaf-stalk long, slender; leaflets usually small, ovate; color, medium green; texture, papery; teeth large, rounded. First ripe fruits June 21. Crop at best June 24-26. Fruit large to medium in size, round conical, or broad coni- cal, dark scarlet color, flesh dark; productiveness 9.8, quality 8.5, firmness 9.2. The plants remained healthy and crop held out well to close of season; they are productive and the berries are firm. One of the most promising of the new varieties for market purposes. Greenville. P. Plants from E. M. Buechly, Greenville, Ohio. Plants of strong growth; leaf-stalk usually long, quite stout, but reclining; leaf- lets usually large, round-ovate, turned up at edge, dark green, texture papery; teeth large, rounded. First ripe fruits June 21. Crop at best June 26-28. Fruit large, round-conical or depressed conical, sometimes ridged; color, bright crimson; flesh dark; productiveness 9.5, quality 8, firmness 7. The plants are strong growing, healthy and productive. The crop held out well to close of season. The fruit is lacking in firmness, otherwise excellent. A promising variety for use in a local market. 17 130 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. Leroy. P. — Plants from J. H. Haynes, Delphi, Ind. Plants of strong growth; leaf -stalk of medium length, stout; leaflets medium size, narrow ovate, color dark green; texture papery; teeth large, pointed. First ripe fruits June 19. Crop at best June 24. Fruit large, depressed conical, sometimes ridged; color dark crimson; seeds prominent; flesh dark; productiveness 9, quality 8.5, firmness 8. Plants are of vigorous growth and rust but little. The crop holds out well in size and productiveness. The fruit is not very firm but the seeds are prominent, making it a fairly good shipper. Early. Promising. No. 2. ( Feicht .) B. — Plants from David Feicht, Little York, Ohio. Plants of strong growth; leaf-stalk usually long; leaflets of medium size, ovate; teeth sharp. First ripe fruits June 18. Crop at best June 24. Fruit medium to large in size; round conical; crimson color; flesh dark; productiveness 9.5, quality 8, firmness 8.5. Plants strong and healthy. Crop ripened early and held out well. Its productiveness makes it promising for home use or local market. Weston. P. — Plant of strong growth; leaf-stalk long; leaflets medium to large in size, broad ovate; color, dark green; texture, thin but tough. First ripe fruits June 21. Crop at best June 24-27. Fruit large, broad conical, somewhat ridged, bright scarlet color; flesh, medium dark; productiveness 9.8, quality 8, firmness 8.5. Plants very strong and healthy. Crop held out best of any variety. Berry of attractive appearance and fair quality, seeds prominent, making it a good shipper. One of the best varieties grown here this season. Yankee Doodle. P. — Plants from Geo. Q. Dow, North Epping, N. H. Plants of very strong growth; leaf-stalk varies in length; leaflets large, broad ovate; color, dark green; texture, tough. First ripe fruits June 21. Crop at best June 24. Fruit large to medium in size, round conical or depressed conical, bright scarlet color, flesh light; productiveness 9, quality 8, firmness 9. Now known as Epping. Plants strong, healthy and productive. Crop held out fairly well. Promising as a market sort. Closely following the above were the following varieties, some of which seem to have considerable value: Afton. Beauty. Belle of La Crosse. Beverly. Brunette. Clark (Early). Fairmount. Gypsy. Huntsman. Leader. No. 1 (Allen). No. 2 (Cameron). No. 26 (Little). No. 6 (J. S.). No. 3 (Stayman). Pawnee. Smeltzer. Standard. Stevens. Tom Walker. Williams. About forty varieties marked with asterisk (*) in Table No. 1 seemed to have some good points, but were so deficient in others that further trial will be needed to determine their value. The list includes: Accomack. Alabama. Bickle. Cameronian. Cheyenne. Clark (Seedling). Leviathan. Lillie Monroe. Lincoln. Jones. Katie. Magnate. No. 4 (J. S.). No. 34 (Thompson). No. 77 (Thompson). No. 18 (Little). No. 42 (Little). No. 2 (J. S.). HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 131 Dutter. Glenfield. Harmon. Hattie Jones. Hermit. Iowa Beauty, Mystic. Neptune. No. 3 (Allen). No. 3 (Feicht). No. 6 (Cameron). No. 13 (Cameron). Odessa. Ohio Monarch. Primate. Southard. Surprise. Westlawn. Several varieties were so lacking in one or more of the characteristics of a good strawberry that they are placed in the following rejected list: California. E. P. Hoe. Nigger. Dayton. Estelle. No. 1 (Engle). Dr. Moraire. Hyslop. No. 31 (Haynes). SUMMARY. The old varieties Bubach, Crescent, Haverland, Warfield and Wilson are still most commonly grown as market varieties, but the Crescent and Wilson, from their liability to injury from, leaf-blight, have in some sec- tions been superseded, respectively, by Warfield and Bubach. They are all (with the exception of Wilson) pistillate varieties, and must have per- fect-flowering sorts planted with them to supply pollen. Miner, Cumber- land and Sharpless succeed in most localities and are excellent for the purpose. Wilson and Michel are also used. For home use, or for local markets, the Cumberland, Great Pacific and Sharpless have much to recommend them. To precede these sorts by a few days, Alpha and Michel can be used, but they will be found considerably less productive than Warfield and Crescent, which follow soon. Lovett, Mrs. Cleveland and Townsend No. 19 are also worthy of a place among early market kinds. It is too soon to pass upon the varieties marked with an asterisk (*) in Table 1, but of the older and yet comparatively new sorts, the most prom- ising for market are Belle, Crawford, Enhance, Florence, Muskingum, Ohio Centennial, Parker Earle and Stayman No. 1. As will be seen from the table, Parker Earle leads the others in the list by several points, but it will not succeed without the best of care. For local markets the Beder Wood, Edgar Queen, General Putnam and Hoard seem worthy of trial. VARIETIES OF DOUBTFUL VALUE. Of the older sorts, the following seem to have little to commend them, and as our lists are much too long, and as many of them although sent out several years ago are not generally catalogued, they will receive no further consideration: Acme, Arlington, Auburn, Bubach No. 34, Cling- to, Clin- ton, Cloud, D. and D., Daisy, Dubois, Howard, Lady Rusk, Little No. 5, Logan, London No. 34, Martha, Ohio, Prince (of Berries), Shaw, Tippe- canoe, Townsend No. 3, Waldron, Welch, Woodruff No. 1, Yale and Zanesfield. STRAWBERRY LEAF-BLIGHT OR RUST. Although some of the varieties are so nearly exempt from this disease that the crop is not noticeably lessened by it, others are so badly injured 132 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. that what would otherwise be profitable varieties have been quite generally- discarded. The disease first shows itself upon the leaves as purplish spots, these enlarge and, the center tissues being destroyed, they change to a yellowish white color. The spots are often so numerous as to destroy the leaves. The fungus also works upon, and does most injury to, the flower or fruit-stalks, as very small spots, especially upon the pedicels will serve to girdle them and thus cut off the supply of food. As a result, the berries wither and dry up. The disease is generally most troublesome upon old varieties and in plantations from which one or more crops of fruit have been taken; a dry soil and a dry season also seem to increase its effect. While much can be done by selecting varieties as little as possible sub- ject to scab, using plants from young plantations only, planting upon rich and fairly moist soil and conserviug the moisture so far as possible by heavy mulching, or frequent shallow cultivation, it will generally pay the commercial grower, in localities where the rust is troublesome, to make use of fungicides, for the destruction of the spores of the disease, as it is now known that they are entirely efficient. The best preparation is Bordeaux mixture prepared in the usual way, using 3 pounds of copper sulphate, 3 pounds of fresh lime and 32 gallons of water. (If leaf eating insects are present it will be of advantage to add 2 ounces of Paris green for their destruction.) A bearing plantation should be sprayed after the flower-stalks have developed and just before the blossoms open. This will serve to protect the fruit-stalks and will hold in check the rust upon the leaves. The young plantations should be sprayed at the same time. This will suffice for them until July when they should receive a second and final application, but the bearing plants, if the disease is particularly destructive, will be benefited by an intermediate application soon after the fruit has set. Care should be taken not to apply Bordeaux mixture to strawberries, or other fruits, within three weeks of the time they are to be gathered, as the lime will spot the fruit and, although there may not be enough of the copper to furnish a fatal dose, it is not a desirable thing to take into the stomach. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 138 RASPBERRIES. The plants were set eight by three and one-half feet, and from four to six stems were left in a hill. In June, as the young canes developed, the tips were pinched off to induce them to send out side branches. After the danger of freezing weather was over in the spring, the side shoots were cut back to lengths of from six to ten inches. Table No. 5.— BLACK AND HYBRID RASPBERRIES. Size, s, small, m, medium. 1, large. Abbreviations. Form, r, round, c, conical, o, ovate. Color. b, black, g, glossy, p, purple, 1, light, o, orange, pu, pubescent. Variety. Vigor (1-10). Date bloom. First ripe fruits. Last fruits. •B CO © a © > 'O l £ Size. | Form. Color. Quality. Ada 7 J une 14 July 14 July 24 7 m r g b 8. Caroline 6 “ 14 “ 11 “ 22 8.5 m r 1 o 8 Columbian Red 9.5 “ 12 “ 16 Aug. 5 9 1 r c P r 8.5 Conrath 9 “ 7 “ 7 July 24 9 1 r b 8. Cromwell 8.5 “ 9 “ 5 “ 22 8.5 m r b 8 Farnsworth 8 “ 12 “ 11 “ 22 8.5 m r b 8.5 Gregg 8.5 “ 12 “ 15 Aug. 5 8.5 1 r b pu 7 Kansas 7 “ 12 “ 7 July 24 6 1 r g b 8 Lovett 9 “ 12 “ 6 “ 24 7 m r b 9 Nemaha 8.5 “ 12 “ 15 Aug. 4 9 1 r b pu 7 Ohio 9 “ 12 “ 11 “ 1 9.2 1 r b 6 Older 7 “ 12 “ 9 July 24 8 1 r b 9 Palmer 8.5 “ 9 “ 8 “ 22 8.5 m r b 8.5 Progress 5 “ 9 “ 10 “ 24 5 m r c b 8.5 Shaffer... 9 “ 14 “ 16 Aug. 8 8 1 r o P 8 Souhegan “ 11 “ 5 July 25 9 m r b 8 Smith (Prolific) 7 “ 12 “ 11 “ 24 9 1 r b 9 Surrey 8 “ 12 “ 14 Aug. 5 5 m r b pu 7 Tyler 8 “ 8 “ 5 July 24 9 m r b 8 Virginia ' 9 “ 9 1 “ 11 1 “ 24 9 1 1 r c 1 b 8.5 BULLETINS 107- 108- 109- 1 IO. FEBRUARY, 1894. MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS. 107 Fattening Eambs, 3 Farm Department. 108 Potatoes and Potato Scab, - - - 39 Horticultural Department. 109 Variety Tests of Vegetables, - 49 Horticultural Department. no The External Conformation of the Horse, - 67 Veterinary Department. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, MICH. 1894. The Bulletins of this Station are sent free to all newspapers in the State , and to such individuals interested in farming as may request them. Address all applications to the Secretary , Agricultural College , Michigan. Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, Postoffice Address Agricultural College. Mich. Railroad, Express and Telegraph Address, . Lansing. Mich. A DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. AND. WITH IT, CONTROLLED BY THE INCORPORATED STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. Hon. FRANKLIN WELLS, Constantine, President of the Board term expires 1396 Hon. A. C. GLIDDEN, Paw Paw, “ “1896 Hon. HENRY CHAMBERLAIN, Three Oaks “ “1897 Hon. EDWIN PHELPS, Pontiac “ “1897 Hon. CHAS. W. GARFIELD, Grand Rapids “ “ 1899 Hon. CHARLES F. MOORE, St. Clair “ “ 1899 Hon. JNO. T. RICH, Governor of the State, ) . Hon. LEWIS G. GORTON, President of the College >icx officio. STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD. The President of the Board is ex officio member of each of the standing committees. Finance, Farm, Garden, Buildings, Employees, Weather, C. W. Garfield, A. C. Glidden. j Experiment. C. F. Moore, Edwin Phelps, i Veterinary. C. W. Garfield, Edwin Phelps. j Institutes. A. C. Glidden, C. F. Moore, j H. Chamberlain, A. C. Glidden, Mechanics. L. G. Gorton, C. W. Garfield, j Military, A. C. Glidden, C. W. Garfield, i Land Grant. C. F. Moore, H. Chamberlain Edwin Phelps, C. F. Moore. A. C. Glidden, C. W. Garfield. L. G. Gorton. H. Chamberlain C. W. Garfield. C. W. Garfield, C. F. Moore. Edwin Phelps, H. Chamberlain STATION COUNCIL. Lewis G. Gorton, Director. Clinton D. Smith, M. S„ . Agriculturist. Robert C. Kkdzie, M. A., M. D.. . . Chemist. L. R. Taft, M. S., ... Horticulturist. Ira H. Butterfield. . . Sec. and Tress ADVISORY AND ASSISTANT STAFF. F. B. Mumford, B. 8., Assistant in Agriculture, j E. A. A. Grange, V. S., Consulting Veterinarian H. P. Gladden, B. 8., “ “ Horticulture. G. C. Davis, M. 8., “ Entomologist. R. J. Coryell, B. S. “ “ “ j Chas. F. Wheeler. B. S., “ Botanist. W. L. R 08 SMAN, B. S., “ “ Chemistry. H. M. Howe, Assistant to Director. H. E. Harrison, B. 8.. “ “ “ ' Mrs. L. E. Landon Librarian SUB-STATIONS. Grayling, Crawford County, 80 acres deeded. South Haven, Van Buren County, 10 acres rented; 5 acres deeded; Hon. T. T. Lyon, Local Agen*:. BULLETIN 107. FEBRUARY, 1804. FATTENING LAMBS. F. H. MUMFORD. v Michigan has long held a prominent place as a sheep producing State. In recent years especially, her farmers have attained no small degree of success in the business of fattening sheep and lambs for the eastern markets. So extensive has the industry become, and so successful have been the feeders engaged in the business, that Michigan lambs have obtained a desirable reputation among eastern buyers. There are, in general, two classes of farmers engaged in the production of mutton. One class feed enough sheep to consume the coarse fodder and grain produced on the farm, the other depends upon purchasing all or nearly all of the food con- sumed. To either of these classes any experiment tending to determine the relative values of some of our common food stuffs for fattening pur- poses, is a matter of interest and importance. On investigation we were led to believe that corn, oats, and bran, either alone or in combination, were the grains most commonly used in Michigan for fattening sheep. Corn and oats are produced here in great abundance, and close proximity to the great corn producing districts of the west has induced our feeders to purchase annually, thousands of car loads of western corn. Wheat bran can be obtained in nearly every county of the State and is largely purchased for mixing with other grains. The following experiment is the first of a series intended to investigate the comparative values of these common grains for fattening purposes, and incidentally the consideration of some points of interest growing out of our experience in fattening lambs. Exact experiments tending to fix a stand- ard of meat production for our different grains, are lacking. How many pounds of com with a definite amount of clover hay will produce a pound 4 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. of mutton or beef? How many pounds of corn and bran, or corn and oats with a like amount of hay will produce a pound of mutton or beef? The question is an exceedingly complicated one, and its solution dependent on so many conditions that the results at best could be only approximate. How- ever even such a standard would be of great service to the practical feeder, and the answers to the above questions would go a long way toward deciding on the selection of feeding rations. All the conditions were made as nearly identical as possible, except the grain rations. The comparison was between corn, oats, and bran, either each fed alone as a grain ration, or in combination. PLAN OF THE EXPERIMENT. The plan was to secure as nearly an average lot of lambs as possible, representing the class of animals usually purchased by feeders for fatten- ing. Our aim was to obtain lambs from one flock in order that the animals used in the experiment might have the advantage of having been under the same conditions for some time previous. We were fortunate in secur- ing a lot numbering 125 lambs of similar breeding and in all respects a desirable flock for experimental purposes. They were divided into 10 lots numbered consecutively from 1-10. They were confined in a light airy barn, well ventilated and supplying the best of conditions for the health and comfort of the animals. The feeding pens were roomy and so con- structed that lambs could be confined at one end while the feeding was in progress. The lambs were at no time permitted to exercise in the open air and were not taken out except for the purpose of weighing once each week. Pure water, frequently renewed, was kept constantly before the animals, but was not weighed. In all lots except 8 and 9, the influence of the individual differences of the animals was guarded against as much as possible by carefully grading into lots of the same weight and apparent thrift. The large number of animals used in each division of the experi- ment also contributed toward making the averages more reliable. Care was taken to feed at regular intervals. They were fed grain and hay at 6:30 each morning, roots and silage at 12, and grain and hay again at 3:30. In all the lots except 8 and 9, the amounts of hay and grain were sup- plied with reference to the appetites of the animals, while the roots were supplied at the rate of one pound per day and head. Lots 8 and 9 were fed for the purpose of determining the relative value of roots and silage for fattening lambs, and was a continuation of a former experiment along the same line. The animals however, were apparently in no way less thrifty than the others and the results are included in the general summaries and tabulated comparisons. Lots 8 and 9 each received clover hay ad libitum and a grain ration consisting of one pound per day and head of bran and oats, mixed equal parts byweight. In addition lot 8 was fed ruta bagas ad libitum and lot 9 com silage ad libitum. December 3, 1892, the lambs were all dipped in kerosene emulsion. The excitement of dipping and discomfort following the operation probably slightly affected the gains, especially as the time of dipping was followed immediately by a fall in temperature. All the feed except hay was weighed daily and recorded. * The weights of hay were recorded for the weekly periods only. The lambs were weighed each week on the dates given in the tables. The weighing was done each FARM DEPARTMENT. 5 time in the morning after a feed of grain and before feeding hay or supply- ing with water. The lambs were all shorn during the week ending March 8. We were desirous of ascertaining the influence of shearing lambs during the fattening period, and a discussion of the results will be found in another portion of this bulletin. HISTORY OF THE ANIMALS. The 125 lambs used in this experiment were purchased on September 25, 1892. They were sired by a well bred Shropshire ram from the common grade ewes of the state. Merino blood largely predominates in the common flocks of Michigan, and these we believe fairly represented the majority of lambs fed in the state. On their arrival at the college farm they were given a liberal feed of oats and hay and turned immediately on a Held of rape,* where they remained 35 days. They gained 15 &3 per head while pasturing on rape and were in excellent con- dition when placed in winter quarters. They were fed on a light ration of grain, consisting of oats and bran, and clover hay, until Nov. 30, 1892, when the experiment proper began. From this time until March 29, 1893, at which time the experiment terminated, all food consumed was carefully weighed and a daily record kept. KIND AND COST OF FOOD STUFFS. The corn used in this experiment was fed whole and was either grown on the college farm or in the immediate neighborhood, except a small quan- tity of western corn purchased to? complete the experiment. The oats were of the American Banner variety, grown on the college farm and of prime quality. They were also fed whole. The wheat bran was purchased of our local millers and was the residue from the manufacture of roller process flour. The clover hay was an excellent sample of bright, well cured clover and was readily eaten by the lambs in all lots. The silage was produced from a medium maturing yellow dent corn. The corn was well glazed at the time of the siloing and the silage resulting was probably above the average in quality. It was cut in one-half inch lengths and the filling alternated between two silos, filling the first one day and the other the next. Silage is a very indefinite substance; its value depends so much on the time of harvesting, kind of corn used and manner of filling that the use of' tables already established is attended with some uncertainty. The silage in this experiment was analyzed and its composition found to agree very closely with the figures given in the tables. The ruta bagas were of the variety known as Skirving’s Purple Top. They were sliced before feeding and were greedily eaten by the lambs in all lots. * The field of rape comprised 12 acres and was of the variety known ns Hybrid Hird rape. 6 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. The following table gives the prices of food stuffs as quoted to us by a local dealer: Corn Oats ... Bran Hay Silage Ruta Bagas $0 56 per bushel. 32 “ 13 75 per ton. 7 00 “ 2 50 “ 2 50 “ When in any case a mixture of grain was used the mixture was invari- ably composed of equal parts by weight as follows: Corn and bran equal parts by weight. Corn and oats equal parts by weight. Oats and bran equal parts by weight. Corn, oats and bran equal parts by weight. Below are arranged the average daily fodder rations consumed by e-ach lamb: AVERAGE DAILY RATIONS FOR ONE LAMB. Lot 1. Corn 1.47 lbs. Roots 1. Hay 1.4 •* Nutritive Ratio 1:7.8 Total cost 2.09 cts. Lot 2. Oats 1.64 lbs. Hay 1.4 “ Roots 1. w Nutritive ratio 1:6.4 Total cost 2.27 cts. Lot 3. Bran 1.49 lbs. Roots 1. Hay 1.45 “ Nutritive ratio 1:5.13 u Total cost 1.66 cts. Lot 4. Corn .81 lbs. Oats .81 “ Hay... , 1.43 “ Roots 1. Nutritive ratio 1:7 Total cost 2.25 cts. Lot 5. Corn .83 lb6. Bran .83 " Hay 1.42 “ Roots .... 1. “ Nutritive ratio 1:6.59 “ Total cost 2.02 cts. FARM DEPARTMENT. 7 Lot 6. Oate Bran Hay Roots Nutritive ratio Total cost .82 lbs. .82 “ 1.44 “ 1 . 1:5.6 “ 2.01 cts. Lot 7. Corn Oats Bran Hay Roots Nutritive ratio Total cost Lot 8. .55 lbs. .55 “ .55 “ 1.4 “ 1 . 1:6. “ 2.09 cts. Oats Bran Hay Roots Nutritive ratio Total cost .5 lbs. .5 “ 1.20 “ 5.6 “ 1:6.25 “ 1.89 cts. Lot 9. Oats .5 lbs. Bran .5 “ Hay _ .82 “ Silage 3.40 “ Nutritive ratio 1:7.6 “ Total cost 1.54 cts. Lot 10. Corn .84 lbs. Oats .84 “ Bran .84 “ Hay .62 “ Roots. 1.61 “ Nutritive ratio 1:6.8 “ Total cost 2.67 cts. DETAILED RECORD OF EXPERIMENT. The following tables contain the weekly records of food consumed and gains resulting from each lot For convenience of reference the financial statement is placed immediately following the records of feed and gain: 8 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. LOT 1. (10 Lambs.) Weekly record of feed, weight and gain. ( Grain ration — Corn.) Dates. Corn. Hay. Roots. Total weight, j i Total gain. Avg. weight. Avg. weekly gain. November 30 _ 830 83 December 7 ... 52 ios 70 866 36 86 3.6 14 70 105 70 875 9 87 .9 “ 21 70 105 i 70 884 9 88 .9 “ 28 70 105 70 904 20 90 ! 9 January 4.. . 70 100 70 910 6 91 .6 “ 11 70 100 70 952 42 95 4.2 “ 18 105 100 70 1,006 54 100 5.4 “ 25 105 100 70 1,020 14 102 1.4 February 1. 140 105 70 1,045 25 104 2.5 “ 8 140 105 70 1,069 24 107 2.4 “ 15 123 105 70 1,092 23 109 2.3 “ 22 108 90 70 1,130 38 113 3.8 March 1 __ 106 90 70 1,124 -6 112 -.6 “ 8 120 90 70 1,135 11 113 1.1 “ 15 138 90 70 1,175 40 117 4 “ 22 140 90 ' 70 1,229 54 123 5.4 “ 29 130 90 70 1,273 44 127 4.4 Totals 1,757 1,675 1,190 443 1 FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Lot 1. (10 lambs.) DEBIT. To 10 lambs, 830 lbs. @ 5 cts $41 50 shearing 10 lambs 70 To feed as follows: 1,757 lbs. corn @ 56 cts. per bu. 17 57 1,L90 lbs. roots @ $2.50 per ton 1 49 1,670 lbs. hay @ $7.00 per ton 5 85 Total expenditures $67 11 CREDIT. By 10 lambs, 1,205.5 lbs. @ 5 cts. $60 27 wool, 67.5 lbs. @ 21 cts. 14 18 Total receipts $74 45 Profit on one lamb 73 FARM DEPARTMENT. 9 LOT 2. (10 Lambs). Weekly record of feed, weight and gain. ( Grain ration — Oats). Dates. Oats. Hay. Roots. Total Total weight. gain. Avg. weight. Avg. weekly gain. November 30 December 7 “ 14 “ 21 “ 28 52 70 70 70 103 103 103 103 70 70 70 70 834 856 866 877 870 22 10 11 -7 83 85 2.2 86 1 88 1.1 87 -.7 January 4 “ 11 “ 18 v 25 70 70 105 105 118 118 118 118 70 70 70 70 850 -20 85 916 66 91 950 34 95 958 8 96 February 1 _ “ 8 . “ 15. “ 22 140 148 148 154 100 100 100 100 70 70 70 70 1,000 1,019 1,038 1,064 42 19 19 26 100 102 104 106 .4.2 1.9 1.9 2.6 March 1 “ 8 “ 15 “ 22 “ 29. 154 154 154 154 145 82 82 82 82 82 70 70 70 70 70 1,094 1,085 1,123 1,173 1.213 30 -9 38 50 40 109 108 112 117 12 L 3 -.9 3.8 5 4 Totals 1,963 1,694 1,190 379 FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Lot 2. (10 Lambs.) DEBIT. To 10 lambs, 834 lbs. @ 5 cts $41 70 shearing 10 lambs 70 To feed as follows: 1,963 lbs. oats @ 32 cts. per bu 19 63 1,160 lbs. roots @ $2.50 per ton 1 49 1,687 lbs. hay @ $7.00 per ton 5 90 Total expenditures $69 42 CREDIT. By 10 lambs, 1,145.5 lbs. @ 5 cts $57 27 wool, 67.5 lbs, @ 21 cts. 14 18 Total receipts $71 45 Profit on one lamb 20 2 10 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. LOT 3. (10 Lambs.) Weekly record of feed, weight and gain. ( Gh'ain ration — Bran.) Dates. Bran. Hay. Boots. Total weight. I Total gain. A\g. weight. Avg. weekly gain. November 30. _ __ _ 824 j 82 December 7... 52 I04 70 842 ; 18 84 1.8 “ 14 70 104 70 852 | 10 85 1 “ 21 70 104 70 864 12 i 86 1.2 “ 28 70 104 70 882 18 88 1.8 January 4. 70 118 70 862 -20 86 -2 M 11 70 118 70 896 34 89 3.4 “ 18 105 118 70 932 36 93 3.6 “ 25 105 118 70 944 12 94 1.2 February 1___ __ . 125 105 70 944 0 94 0 “ 8 119 105 70 954 10 95 1 “ 15 119 105 70 960 6 96 .6 “ 22 122 105 70 994 34 99 3.4 March 1 137 84 70 1,025 31 102 3.1 “ 8 140 84 70 1.020 -5 i 102 -.5 “ 15 146 84 70 1,022 2 ! 102 .2 “ 22 138 84 70 1,054 32 ! 105 3.2 “ 29 121 84 70 1,066 12 1 106 1.2 Totals 1,779 1,728 1,190 242 FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Lot 3. (10 Lambs). DEBIT. To 10 lambs 824 lbs. @ 5 cts £41 20 shearing 10 lambs 70 To feed as follows: 1,779 lbs. bran @ $13.75 per ton 12 22 1,190 lbs. roots @ $2.50 “ “ 149 1,737 lbs. hay @ $7.00 “ . “ 6 08 Total expenditures $61 69 CREDIT. By 10 lambs, 998.5 lbs. % 5 cts $49 92 wool 67.5 lbs. @ 21 cts 14 18 Total receipts $64 10 Profit on one lamb 24 FARM DEPARTMENT. 11 LOT 4. (10 Lambe.) Weekly record of feed, weight and gain. (Grain ration — Corn and oats.) Dates . Corn and oats. Hay. Root6. I Total weight. Total gain. Avg. weight. Avg. weekly gain. November 30 December 7 14 21 28 52 70 70 70 116 116 116 116 70 70 70 70 842 864 872 882 898 22 8 10 16 84 86 2.2 87 .8 88 90 1 1.6 January 4 “ 11 18 25 70 70 105 105 102 102 102 102 70 70 70 70 900 936 988 1,000 2 36 52 12 90 93 99 100 2 &6 5.2 1.2 February 1 8 “ 15 “ 22 140 148 148 134 96 96 96 70 70 70 70 *1.039 1,056 1,078 1,110 39 17 22 32 104 105 108 111 3.9 1.7 2.2 3.2 March 1_. “ 8 _. “ 15;. “ 22 .. “ 29-. 140 150 154 154 155 91 91 91 91 91 70 70 70 70 70 1.138 28 114 1.160 22 116 1,177 17 118 1,224 47 122 1,278 54 128 2.8 2.2 1.7 4.7 5.4 Totals 1,935 1,711 1,190 430 FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Lot 4. (10 Lambs.) DEBIT. To 10 lambs 842 lbs. @ 5 cts $42 10 shearing 10 lambs 70 To feed as follows: 1,935 lbs. corn and oats 19 35 1.190 lbs. roots @ $2.50 per ton 1 49 1,711 lbs. hay at $7.00 “ “ 5 98 Total expenditures $69 62 CREDIT. By 10 lambs 1.210.5 lbs. % 5 cts - $60 52 wool 67.5 lbs. <(X y 21 cts - 14.18 Total receipts... $74 70 Profit on one lamb 51 12 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. LOT 5. (10 Lambs.) Weekly record of feed, weight and gain. ( Grain ration — Com and bran.) Dates. Corn and bran. Hay. Roots. Total weight. Total gain. Avg. i weight. : Avg. weekly gain. November 30 866 86 December 7 52 120 70 880 Ii 88 1.4 “ 14 70 120 70 890 10 89 1 “ 21 70 120 70 902 12 90 1.2 “ 28 70 120 70 916 14 91 1.4 January 4 . 70 104 70 910 -6 91 -.6 “ 11 70 104 70 946 36 94 i 3.6 “ 18 105 104 70 990 44 99 4.4 “ 25 105 104 70 1,010 20 101 2 February 1 __ 140 98 70 1,020 10 102 1 “ 8 148 98 70 1,045 25 104 2.5 “ 15. 148 98 70 1,072 27 107 2.7 “ 22 154 98 70 1,122 50 112 5 March l._ 154 82 70 1.148 26 115 2.6 “ 8 154 82 70 1,144 -4 114 -.4 “ 15 154 82 70 1,126 -11 112 -1.8 “ 22 154 82 70 1,198 72 120 7.2 • “ 29 155 82 70 1,224 '26 122 2.6 Totals. . 1,973 1,698 1,190 358 FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Lot 5. (10 Lambs.) DEBIT. To 10 lambs 866 lbs. @ 5 cts $43 30 shearing 10 lambs 70 To feed as follows: 1,973 lbs. corn and bran 16 64 1,190 lbs. roots @ $2.50 per ton 1 49 1,698 lbs. hay at $7.00 “ “ 5 94 Total expenditures $68 07 CREDIT. By 10 lambs 1,156.5 lbs.@ 5 et-s $57 82 wool 67.5 @ 21 cts 14 18 Total receipts $72 00 Profit on one lamb 39 FARM DEPARTMENT. 13 LOT 6. (15 Lambs.) Weekly record of feed , weight and gain . ( Grain ration — Oats and bran). Dates. Oats and bran. Hay. Roots. Total weight. Total gain. t Avg. weight. Avg. weekly gain. November 30 1.258 84 December 7 72 157 105 1,286 28 86 1.8 “ 14 105 157 105 1,293 7 86 .4 “ 21 105 157 105 1,302 9 87 .4 “ 28 105 157 105 1,324 22 88 1.4 January 4. _ 105 156 105 1,302 -22 87 -1.4 “ ' 11 105 156 105 1,368 66 91 4 “ 18 157 156 105 1,408 40 94 2.8 “ 25 157 156 105 1,460 52 97 3.5 February 1 210 150 105 1,482 22 99 1.4 “ 8 222 150 105 1,521 39 101 2.5 “ 15 222 150 105 1,560 39 104 2.6 “ 22 231 150 105 1,596 36 106 2.4 March 1___ 231 146 105 1,624 28 108 1.8 “ 8 231 146 105 1.642 18 109 1.3 “ 15 213 >46 105 1,659 17 111 1.3 “ 22 231 146 105 1,771 112 118 7.4 “ 29 233 146 105 1,799 28 120 1.8 Totals 2,935 2,582 1,785 541 FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Lot 6. (15 Lambs.) DEBIT. To 15 lambs, 1,258 lbs. % 5 cts $62 90 shearing 15 lambs 1 05 To feed as follows: 2.935 lbs. oats and bran 24 76 1,785 lbs. roots @ $2.50 per ton 2 23 2,580 lbs. hay % $7.00 per ton 9 03 Total expenditures $99 97 CREDIT. By 15 lambs, 1,697.75 lbs. @ 5 cts. ... $84 88 wool 101.25 lbs. @ 21 cts 21 26 Total receipts $106 14 Profit on one lamb 41 14 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. LOT 7. (15 Lambs.) Weekly record of feed , weight and gain. ( Gh'ain ration — Corn, oats and bran.) Dates. Corn, oats and bran. Hay. Roots. T 9 tal weight. j Total 1 gain. Avg. i weight. ! Avg. weekly gain. November 30 __ 1,250 83 December 7. 72 150 105 1,294 44 86 3 “ 14 105 150 105 1.304 10 | 87 .7 21 105 150 105 1,316 12 88 .8 “ 28 105 150 105 1,344 28 90 9 1 January 4. 105 154 105 1,320 -24 88 -1.6 “ 11 105 154 105 1.380 60 92 4 18 157 154 105 1.430 50 95 3.3 “ 25 u.___ 157 154 105 1.486 56 99 37 February 1_ . 210 135 105 1,492 6 100 .4 8 222 135 105 1,530 38 102 3 “ 15 222 135 105 1.568 38 105 3 « 22 231 135 105 1.625 57 108 4 March 1__ 231 145 105 1,666 41 111 3 “ 8 231 145 105 1.690 24 113 1.6 “ 15_ __ 231 145 105 1,703 13 114 I “ 29. J 231 145 105 1,787 84 119 6 “ 29 | 233 ua 105 1.831 44 122 3 Totals 2,958 2,481 1,785 581 _ __ 1 FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Lot 7. (15 Lambs.) DEBIT. To 15 lambs. 1,250 lbs. @ 5 cts $02 50 shearing 15 lambs 1 05 To feed as follows: 2,953 lbs. corn, oats and bran 26 75, 1,785 lbs. roots @ $2.50 per ton _j__ 2 23 2.481 lbs. hay @ $7.00 per ton 8 68 Total expenditures $101 21 CREDIT. By 15 lambs. 1,729.75 lbs. @ 5 cts. $86 49 wool 101.25 lbs. @ 21 cts 21 26 Total receipts $107 75 Profit on one lamb 44 FARM DEPARTMENT. 15 LOT 8. (20 Lambs.) Weekly record of feed , weight and gain. ( Grain ration — Oats and bran.) Dates. Oats and bran. Hay. Roots. Total weight. ! Total gain. Avg. weight. Avg. weekly gain. November 30 1 | 1,462 73 December 7 105 143 100 | 1,486 24 74 1.2 “ 14 140 143 318 1,520 34 76 1.7 21 140 143 485 1,556 36 78 1.8 “ 28 140 143 560 1.632 76 81 3.8 January 4 _ _ . 140 145 560 1,605 -27 80 -1.3 11 140 145 560 1.650 45 82 2.2 “ 18 140 145 620 ! 1,706 56 85 2.8 “ 25 140 145 800 1,750 44 87 2.2 February 1 140 148 900 1,750 0 87 0 “ 8 140 148 1.010 1.783 33 89 1.6 “ 15 __ 140 148 1,020 1,816 33 90 1.6 “ 22 140 148 1,040 1.866 50 93 2.5 March 1_ 140 139 1,020 1,909 43 95 2.1 “ 8 . 140 139 1,020 1.936 27 96 1.3 “ 15__ 140 139 1,020 1,925 -11 96 -.5 “ 09 140 139 1,120 2,003 78 100 3.9 “ 29 140 139 960 2,051 48 102 2.4 Totals 2,345 2,439 13,413 589 FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Lot 8. {20 lambs.) DEBIT. To 20 lambs, 1,462 lbs. (a), 5 cts. $73 10 shearing 20 lambs 1 40 To feed as follows: 2,345 lbs. bran and oats 19 86 13,413 lbs. roots % $2.50 per ton 16 76 2,439 lbs. hay @ $7.00 per ton 8 51 Total expenditures $119 63 CREDIT. By 20 lambs, 1,916 lbs. % 5 cts $95 80 wool, 135 lbs. (a>, 21 cts 28 35 Total receipts $124 15 Profit on 1 lamb 22 16 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. LOT 9. (20 Lambs.) Weekly record of feed, weight and gain. { Grain ration — Oats and bran.) Dates. Oats and bran. Hay. Silage. Total weight. ! Total gain. Avg. weight. Avg. weekly gain. November 30 1,490 74 December 7 105 151 100 1,514 24 75 1.2 “ 14 140 151 318 1,558 44 78 2.2 “ 21 140 151 485 1,598 40 79 2 “ 28 140 151 560 1,636 38 81 1.9 January 4 140 93 375 1.616 -20 80 -1 “ 11 140 93 375 1.682 66 84 3.3 “ 18 ' 140 93 505 1.744 62 87 3.1 “ 25 | 140 93 550 1,752 8 87 .4 February 1 140 112 525 1,762 10 88 .5 “ 8 140 112 525 1,797 35 89 1.7 “ 15 140 112 525 1,832 35 91 1.7 “ 22 140 112 545 1,880 48 94 2.4 March 1 . 140 110 560 1,890 | 10 94 .5 “ 8 140 110 560 1.940 | 50 97 2.5 15 140 110 560 1,950 10 97 .5 “ 22 140 110 560 2,018 68 100 3.4 “ 29 140 ! 110 480 2,076 58 103 2.9 Totals j I 2,345 | 1,974 : 1 8,108 586 9 v v t FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Lot 9. {20 lambs.) DEBIT. To 20 lambs, 1,490 lbs. % 5 cts. $74 50 shearing 20 lambs 1 40 To feed as follows: 2345 lbs. oats and bran 19 86 8,108 lbs. silage @ 82.50 per ton 10 13 1,974 lbs. hay @ $7.00 per ton 6 91 Total expenditures $112 80 CREDIT. By 20 lambs, 1,941 lbs. at 5 cts. _ $97 05 wool, 133 lbs. @ 21 cts 28 35 Total receipts $125 40 «8 Profit on one lamb FARM DEPARTMENT. 17 LOT 10. (5 Lambs .)— Self feed. Weekly record of feed, weight and gain. ( Grain ration — Corn, oats and bran.) Dates. Corn, oats and bran. Hay. Roots. Total weight. Total gain. Avg. weight. Avg. weekly gain. December 7 lOO 84 “ 14 134 14 100 431 9 86 1.8 “ 21 78 17 110 440 9 88 1.8 “ 28 120 15 105 452 12 90 2.4 January 4 36 16 85 464 12 93 2.4 “ 11 105 19.5 35 478 14 95 2.8 “ 18 104 34.5 35 486 8 96 1.6 “ 25 60 18 35 498 12 99 2.4 February 1 131 30 35 509 11 101 2.2 “ 8 30 16 35 523 14 104 2.8 “ 15 95 33 35 538 15 106 3 “ 22 67 15 35 550 12 110 2.4 March 1 100 36 35 552 2 110 .4 Totals 1,060 264 680 130 t FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Lot 10. (5 lambs.) DEBIT. To 5 lambs, 422 lbs. @ 5 cts $21 10 shearing 5 lambs 35 To feed as follows: 1,060 lbs. corn, oats and bran 9 49 264 lbs. hay @ $7.00 per ton 92 680 lbs. roots @ $2.50 per ton 85 Total expenditures $32 71 CREDIT. By 5 lambs, 518.25 lbs. @ 5 cts $25 91 wool, 33.75 lbs. % 21 cts 7 09 Total receipts $33 00 Profit on one lamb 06 3 18 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. SUMMARY OF TOTALS. Totals of food, weights and gains. Lot. No. lambs. Grain. Hay. Roots. Cost of feed. Gain. Average weekly gain. 1 10 1,757 1,675 1,190 $24 92 443 2.6 2 10 1,963 1,694 1,190 27 05 379 2.2 3 10 1,779 1,728 1,190 19 77 242 1.4 4 10 1,735 1,711 1,190 26 83 436 2.6 5 10 1,973 1,698 1,190 24 07 358 2.1 6 15 2,935 2,582 1,785 36 02 541 2.1 7 15 2,953 2,481 1,785 37 36 581 2.3 8 20 2,345 2,439 13,413 45 08 589 1.7 9 20 2,345 1,974 * 8,108 36 82 586 1.7 10 5 1,060 264 680 11 26 130 2.16 * Silage. EXPLANATIONS. The tables for each lot contain a weekly record of kind and ‘amounts of food consumed, total weight at end of each period, total gain of entire lot, average weight and average weekly gain of one sheep. The summary of totals contains number of lambs in each lot, total weights of food consumed, cost of food, and gain of each lot, and average gain of one sheep for one week. Lot 10 which was fed with a “self feed” were under experiment for 12 weeks only, and in every case the totals and averages are based on the feeding period of 12 weeks. The lambs in all lots were shorn during the week ending March 8, 1893, and weights of wool recorded after the above date, to avoid confusion in the tables, the total weights are found by adding weight of wool to actual weight of shorn sheep. The lambs averaged 6.75 lbs. of wool per head, and this average amount is in each case calculated in the financial statement. The wool was con- signed to a Philadelphia firm and netted 21 cts. here. The minus ( — ) sign before numbers in column of gains indicates a loss. The lambs fed well, although the gains were not as satisfactory as in other experiments conducted at this station. During the week ending Jan. 4, the lambs were nearly all “ off their feed,” caused by overfeeding. With this exception, the lambs were at all times apparently thriving well. FARM DEPARTMENT. 19 Table I. — Showing weekly gain , cost of 1 lb. gain , pounds of grain to 1 lb. gain, pro- tein fed per day per 1,000 lbs. of sheep live weight, carbohydrates fed per day per 1,000 lbs. of sheep live weight, and nutritive ratio. Lot. Distinguishing rations. Weekly gain. Cost of 1 pound gain. Pounds of grain fed to 1 pound gain. Protein fed per day per 1,000 pounds. Carbohy- drates fed per day per 1,000 lbs. Nutritive ratio. 1 Corn 2.6 $.056 3.96 2.2 16.7 1:7.8 2 Oats 2.2 .073 5.17 2.4 15.39 1:6.4 3 Bran 1.4 .081 7.35 2.9 14.8 1:5.1 4 Corn and oats 2.6 .061 4.4 2.37 16.3 1:7 5 Corn and bran 2.1 .067 5.5 2.56 16.2 1:6.5 3 Oats and bran.. _ 2.1 .066 5.4 2.6 14.9 1:5.6 7 Corn, oats and bran. 2.3 .064 5.08 2.6 16 1:6 8 Roots - 1.7 .076 3.98 2.4 15.4 1:6.2 9 Silage 1.7 .062 4 2.2 14.5 1:7.6 10 “Self feed ” 2.16 .086 8.15 3 19.2 1:6.8 The pounds of grain required to produce a pound of gain in the various lots is an interesting point. From table 1 it will be observed that the least number of pounds required for 1 lb. gain is in Lot 1, fed with corn and clover hay. The largest quantity of grain eaten to produce 1 pound gain was in Lot 10 , fed with a “ self feed.” In all rations containing corn the amount of grain necessary to produce 1 pound of gain, is less than in the other rations with the exception of lambs fed with a “ self feed ” as mentioned above. POINTS OF INTEREST. » It has been argued by practical feeders that the results obtained from comparing lots of 1, 2 or 3 animals are unreliable. The individual differ- ences of the animals are often so great that conclusions based upon so few animals may be misleading. In the experiment under discussion the utmost care was taken not only to carefully divide the animals into lots of equal weight, and general thrift, but also to employ a sufficiently large number of animals in each lot, so that as much as possible, we might over- come the influence of the individual differences of the animals. The length of the experiment also, (119 days) will contribute toward making the results the more valuable. 20 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. Table 2. — Gains by weeks. Dates . Lot 1. Lot 2. Lot 8. Lot 4. Lot 5. Lot 6. Lot 7. Lot 8. Lot 9. Lot 10. Weekly average. Nov. 30 Dec. 7 3.6 .9 2.2 1.8 2.2 1.4 1.8 3.0 1.2 1.2 2.0 “ 14 1.0 1.0 .8 1.0 .4 .7 1.7 2.2 1.8 1.8 “ 21 .9 1.1 1.2 1.0 1.2 .4 .8 1.8 2.0 1.8 1.2 “ 28 1.0 -.7 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.4 2.0 3.8 1.9 2.4 1.6 Jan. 4 1.6 -2 -2 .2 -.6 -1.4 -1.6 -1.3 -1 2.4 -.5 “ 11 4.2 6.6 3.4 3^6 3.6 4.0 4.0 2.2 3.3 2.8 3.7 “ 18 5.4 3.4 3.6 5.2 4.4 2.8 3.3 2.8 3.1 1.6 3.5 “ 25 , 1.4 .8 1.2 1.2 2.0 3.5 3 2.2 .4 2.4 1.8 Feb. 1 2.5 4.2 0 3.9 1.0 1.4 .4 0 .5 2.2 1.6 “ 8 2.4 1.9 1.0 1.7 2.5 2.5 3.0 1.6 1.7 2.8 2.1 “ 15 2.3 1.9 .6 2.2 2.7 2.6 3.0 1.6 1.7 3 2.1 “ 22 3.8 2.6 3.4 3.2 5.0 2.4 4.0 2.5 2.4 2.4 3.1 Mar. 1 -.6 3.0 3.1 2.8 2.6 1.8 3.0 2.1 .5 .4 1.8 “ 8 1.1 -.9 -.5 2.2 -.4 1.3 1.6 1.3 2.5 .9 “ 15 4.0 3.8 .2 1.7 1.8 1.3 1.0 -.5 .5 1.1 “ 22. . 5.4 5.0 3.2 4.7 7.2 7.4 6.0 3.9 3.4 5.1 “ 29 4.4 4.0 1.2 5.4 2.6 1.8 3.0 2.4 2.9 3 Table 2 is added for convenience of reference. It contains the average weekly gain of one lamb in each lot for each week during the entire period of 17 weeks. The averages of the 10 lots for each week will be found in column headed “ weekly average.” The amount of hay eaten with the different grain rations is a matter of interest. Table 3 gives the proportion of grain to hay. The lambs receiv- ing a large daily ration of roots consumed a large quantity of hay as com- pared with grain, and those fed with “ self feed ” consumed relatively a very small amount of hay. Lot 1 fed corn, and Lot 3 fed oats, consumed , a relatively larger amount of hay than did the other lots in the distinctively grain test. Table 3. — Relation of hay to grain. Lot . Pounds hay . Pounds grain . 1 .96 1 2 .85 1 3 .97 1 4 .88 1 5 .86 1 6 .87 1 7 .84 1 8 1.40 1 9 .84 1 10 .24 1 FARM DEPARTMENT. 21 One thing seems to be quite clearly indicated by this experiment, viz.: that small gains are not necessarily unprofitable, nor large gains a sure index of profitable food consumption. (Compare Lots 9 and 10. ) Lot 9 made an average weekly gain of 1.7 lbs. per head, and yielded a profit of 63 cts. per head. Lot 10 made a weekly gain of 2.16 lbs. per head and yielded a profit of only 6 cts per head. SELF FEED. By “ self feed ” is understood any arrangement which admits of free access to grain at all times. It is a common practice among feeders in many parts of this state to use a “ self feed.” Many employ this method during the whole feeding period. Others believe that better results are obtained by using it during the latter period of fattening. So common is this practice that it was thought advisable to investigate the value of this method as compared with regular times of feeding. To determine its value five lambs were placed in Lot 10. They were fed clover hay ad libitum and 1 pound of ruta bagas per day and head. The grain ration consisted of corn, oats, and bran mixed equal parts by weight. This grain ration was placed in a conveniently constructed box arranged so that lambs could feed at will. Some care was necessary in accustoming the lambs to the heavy feed of grain before they were allowed constant access to the “ self feed” arrangement. The lambs were fed thus from December 7, 1892, to March 1, 1893, a period of twelve weeks. During .this time they consumed 1,060 lbs. of grain, 264 lbs. of hay, and 680 lbs. of roots. They gained during this time 130 lbs. or 2.16 lbs. per head and week. It will be observed that the lambs ate a large amount of grain, and a relatively small amount of hay. Although the gain was slightly above the average, and the lambs appar- ently well fattened, it will be noticed from table 1, that as compared with the other lots the gain was made at the highest cost per pound. It will also be observed that it required more pounds of grain to one pound of gain than in any of the other lots. It will be seen from the financial statement that of all the lots these were fed at the least profit; namely 6 cts. per lamb. Owing to the small number of lambs in this division of the experiment, we are not prepared to say that the “self feed” is unprofitable, without further investigation. The indications of this experiment, however, point to the fact that it may be an expensive method of fattening lambs. ROOTS VS. SILAGE FOR FATTENING LAMBS. In a former experiment (bulletin 84) conducted at this station some of the conclusions drawn were as follows: “1. This experiment indicates the superiority of roots (sugar beets) over silage for fattening lambs. 2. Either roots or silage may enter largely into the fattening ration and allowing a reasonable valuation on each, may be fed with profit. 3. Lambs may be successfully fattened without the use of a heavy grain ration.” 22 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. To further investigate this subject 40 lambs were divided into two lots and appear in the tables as lots 8 and 9. The silage used in this experi- ment was above the average in quality. The roots used were ruta bagas. The results appear in former pages of this bulletin. The gains produced by each ration were the same, namely: 1.7 lbs, per week and head. It will be observed, however, that although the quantity of grain fed was the same, that the lambs fed ruta bagas consumed a con- siderably larger quantity of hay than those fed silage. The amount of roots eaten by Lot 8, as compared with the silage eaten by Lot 9, was very large. The profit on Lot 8, fed roots, was 22 cts. on each lamb, that on Lot 9 fed silage was 63. We are led to conclude, therefore, that considering the ruta bagas and silage used in this experiment (see page 5) the silage produced the same gain at a less cost. The results of this experiment as compared with bulletin 84 would seem to indicate the superiority of sugar beets over ruta bagas for fattening lambs. The conclusions quoted above (bulletin 84, Michigan) are still further confirmed byjffiis experiment. SHEARING LAMBS DURING THE FATTENING PERIOD. Shearing lambs during some part of the feeding period has been prac- ticed with more or less success in this state. In many cases the animals are shorn in the fall. More often, however, the shearing is done sometime in March, 3 or 4 weeks before it is desired to dispose of the sheep. To observe the advantages, if any, resulting from this practice, all the animals in this experiment were shorn during the week ending March 8, 1893. They were continued on the rations as before until March 29, 1893, thus making a period of 3 weeks after shearing. Taking the average of all the lots the gain of 1 lamb in one week, for the 13 weeks before shearing was 1.9 lbs. The average gain after shearing was 2.8 lbs. During the week of shearing the lambs made very small gains. The most rapid gains of any in the experiment were made during the period following the shearing. The results of this trial are apparently favorable to shearing when lambs are confined in warm quarters. TEMPERATURE AS AFFECTING GAINS. A study of the tables will reveal the fact that some influence outside and in spite of the food, to some extent controlled the gains. It has often been remarked by feeders that sheep feed better in a cold, than in an open winter. How potent this influence may be, or whether it is of sufficient importance to merit our consideration can be determined only by more extended observation. It will appear from the tables that there is a general falling off in gain, produced by the same quantity of food, during certain weeks. By comparing the outside temperature for the weeks showing a decreased gain or vice versa , it was noticed that a falling off in gain was quite generally accompanied by a rise in temperature, and an increased gain seemed to be quite generally accompanied by a fall in temperature. Diagram I illustrates this apparent relation between temperature and gain. FARM DEPARTMENT. 23 <3\ \ ■^s ^S> It Co to Oo t*0 «\ , Lo -Q> TfieoxCtYeekVy f Ce.mp. \W1 \)ec.\4 'De<$U TJec*& ^ o.t\*f 3olYv-U ■ JolyvI 1 ^ 5oa\3.3 Feb. 1 Tebtf TeM5 Teb S3 ' *» flvqWeeVW n\\j>o ojl aanitowa-uo wmm i wmm 24 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. The average gain by weeks is found by adding the average weekly gain of each lot and dividing by the number of lots. The temperature was compiled from the meteorological report of this station and represents the mean weekly temperature obtained from three daily observations. It will be noticed that in most cases the temperature and gain seem to vary together. Exceptions to this general tendency apparently exist in the weeks ending Dec. 14, Jan. 11, Mar. 8 and Mar. 15. The exception in the week ending Dec. 14 may possibly be accounted for by the fact that the lambs were all dipped on the Bd day of December, and the gains were in all probability somewhat influenced thereby. In the week ending Jan. 4, the lambs were all “off their feed,” probably from over feeding, and hence the apparent influence of a rise in temperature is exaggerated. Whether under different conditions, cold temperatures would be favor- able to better gains or not remains to be further investigated. COMPARISON OF FOODS WITH RESPECT TO COMPOSITION. 1. RELATION OF PROTEIN TO GAIN. A great many experiments have been conducted with a view to determining the value of foods from their chemical composition. An exhaustive series of experiments by German chemists, seemed to point to the conclusion that the content of available protein in a food stuff largely determined its feed- ing value. Many experiments in this country have given credence to this conclusion. Hence it has been taught that the gain depends upon the available protein in the food. The statement is comprehensive, and if true could not fail to be of the utmost practical importance. The experiments recorded in this bulletin were not planned with any reference whatever to the amount of available protein present in the different foods. The com- parison was originally intended to be between different rations and their value for fattening lambs. The conditions were made as nearly identical for all the lots as possible with the exception of the kind and quantity of fodder articles. The results therefore should be an index of the comparative value of the rations fed, either because of the protein or other substances con- tained, or from the specific action of the rations themselves. To determine this point the available protein fed per day in each ration was calculated for each 1000 lbs. live weight. The calculations are made from the German tables and the average composition and digestibility assumed to be the same in the foods used, as those in the tables. To illustrate more clearly to the eye the relation of protein to gain we have prepared the following diagram . At the top opposite the vertical lines are arranged the lots, while on the left side will be found the number of pounds of protein fed per day to a 1000 lbs. of sheep, live weight; similarly on the right are the average number of pounds gained per head, per week, in each of the lots, for the -entire period. The lowest content of protein and the smallest gains are placed opposite at the bottom of the diagram and increase with regular increments toward the top of the diagram. The heavy black line represents the gain and the lighter line the pro- tein. If the gain depends upon the available protein in the food, the lines should be parallel, or at least tend in the same direction. It will be observed, however, that not only do the lines not run parallel but with few exceptions they tend in an exactly opposite direction. FARM DEPARTMENT. 25 Om&m&mRTiOiV OP PROTEIN TO GAIN J5 p- § ^ V cJ Ci- o fri ~^r ^ — 333S3-- 1 -1^^ « >- %& 3d 3,1$ 3.0 aid MS no \ m Its M3 %.o / / 1 3 P-* lU mo / rwP 1 2? 1^ J.7Q 1 1 /M /So m Lot 1 which contained the least protein made the greatest gain and in lots 2 and 3 an increase of protein is accompanied by a decreased gain. This is true of all lots except 9 and 10 in which the gain seems to vary with the supply of protein. In lots 6 and 8 an increase in protein does not increase the gain, accordingly. In lot 9 a marked decrease in protein has apparently no tendency to decrease the gain. It would seem there- 4 26 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. fore that we are justified in the inference that in this experiment some other and stronger influence than the supply of protein determined the gains. FARM DEPARTMENT. 27 2. RELATION OF CARBOHYDRATES TO GAIN. Let us study the results still further. The supply of carbohydrates in the fodder rations have often been regarded as of secondary importance. Diagram 2 is arranged precisely like diagram 1 except that the substances included under the term carbohydrates are inserted in place of protein. The diagram illustrates the relation of gain per week to pounds of car- bohydrates fed daily per 1,000 lbs. of sheep live weight. The heavy black line represents the gains and the lighter line the carbohydrates. If it is true that the gains bear no direct relation to the supply of carbohydrates then the line should follow no general rule and we should expect more or less irregularity in their relations. It is noticeable, however, that the lines are apparently closely related and vary together. Commencing on the left we notice that a decrease of carbohydrates in lot 2 as compared with lot 1 is followed by a decreased gain; the same is true of lot 3; in lot 4 the increase in carbohydrates is marked, and the gain rises from 1.4 lbs. to 2.6 lbs. per week, and so on through each lot the relation between the supply of carbohydrates and the gain is apparently well defined. In only two cases is there an apparent exception; in lots 6 and 9 a decrease in the carbohydrates is not followed by a decreased gain. We are led to believe that the results obtained cannot be explained by mere coincidence. That ten lots of lambs comprising 125 individuals, fed under precisely similar conditions, except kind and amounts of fodder rations used, should by mere coincidence show such an intimate relation between gain and amount of carbohydrates eaten is scarcely probable. It is interesting at this point to call attention to an experiment by Lawes and Gilbert some years ago in which they investigate the “ Comparative feeding value of different foods, according to their composition.” One of their conclusions at that time was, “ The comparative feeding value of our current stock foods depends more upon the proportion of the digestible non-nitrogenous substances (carbohydrates) they contain than upon their richness in nitrogenous compounds.” Many other experiments in this country would also seem to indicate that under certain conditions the gain does not depend solely upon the available protein in the feed. It is possible that experimenters have confined their attention too closely to the consideration of the protein in feed to the exclusion of the carbohydrates. It is a fruit- ful field for observation and is at least worthy of more careful considera- tion than it has received. 28 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 1. Lots receiving corn in the grain ration, either in whole or in part, produced the best gains, were apparently in better finish, and in general were fed at a greater profit than the lots receiving bran or oats. 2. A grain ration of bran proved to be an inferior material for fattening lambs. 3. A ration of corn and oats produced slightly better results than either a mixture of corn and bran, or of corn, oats and bran. 4. The results of this experiment indicate that the gains result- ing from fattening lambs by means of a “ self feed,” are produced by a larger consumption of grain for 1 pound of gain, than when fed at regular intervals in the usual manner, and other things being equal the gains are less profitable. 5. A mixture of fodder articles composed largely of a good quality of silage proved a cheap and successful ration for fatten- ing lambs. 6. The rate of gain was apparently increased by shearing dur- ing the fattening period. 7. In this experiment colder temperatures were quite generally accompanied by increased gains. 8. The amount of available protein in the various rations was apparently a less potent factor in producing gains than the amount of available corbohydrates. 9. Small gains are not necessarily unprofitable nor are large gains a sure index of profitable food consumption. BULLETIN 108. FEBRUARY, 1894, POTATOES AND THE POTATO SCAB. BY L. R. TAFT AND B. J. CORYELL. Potato raising is an industry in which the State of Michigan is largely interested, growing an annual crop of from ten to fifteen million bushels, with an average yield per acre, from 1880 to 1891, inclusive, of 91 bushels. For the same time the Detroit prices in car load lots averaged 45 cents per bushel. Because of its importance, this Station has given the potato crop a con- siderable amount of attention. The evident appreciation of our experi- ments by the potato raisers is a sufficient reason for some general suggestions that are here introduced. The potato crop matures in a comparative short time, and to produce an abundant yield a large amount of plant food must be readily available — more in proportion to the quantity utilized by the plant than is required by any other farm crop raised in Michigan. Coarse manure or stiff sod, though they may contain an abundance of plant food, are unsuitable for the potato, as they decompose slowly, and the crop suffers because it can- not obtain a ready supply of nourishment. A lack of fertility or of moisture, especially at the time the tubers are developing, must seriously affect the yield, as the tubers make their entire growth in a period of from four to six weeks. But little substance is stored up in the vines for the future use of the tubers, and most of the material must come directly from the soil. Hence the necessity for having the manure well rotted, or the fertilizers soluble; of having the soil mellow and pulverized to allow the free and easy penetration of the roots to absorb the fertility, and of having a sufficient amount of moisture to dissolve the plant food. During the summer a drought generally occurs, but thorough and repeated cultivation will do much to husband the moisture and carry the vines through this period. Should the drought be severe, or come when the tubers are developing rapidly, a shortened crop must be the result. 30 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. An examination of the rainfall record of the State shows that the drought comes regularly, although it varies in different parts of the State. With the view of determining the best date for planting, so that the tuber- forming period will not come at the time of the least rainfall, a table of rainfall and temperature is given. That portion of the State designated on the chart as Southern Michigan consists of the three southern tiers of counties. The part called Northern Michigan consists of those counties in the lower peninsula north of the southern line of Muskegon, Montcalm, Gratiot, Saginaw, Tuscola and Sanilac. The rainfall of the counties that border on the lakes is greater than in the interior. The counties on Lake Michigan have a greater rainfall than those on Lake Huron, while the Grand Traverse region is especially favored. In the southern part of the State it is the general practice to plant potatoes after getting in the corn, or about the 20tli of May. Potatoes planted at this time will form tubers in August, at the time of the least rainfall and the greatest heat, or under the most unfavorable conditions. If the planting is done either earlier or later it would be more favorable; if earlier, it should be done as early as possible, and it can be done early HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 31 in April on many soils. The copious June rains will furnish abundant moisture at the time when most needed, even though the July precipita- tion be less than the normal. A medium early variety should be used in this case. Generally, better results can be obtained by using the second alternative — planting later. By plowing early in May and keeping the ground well cultivated, the moisture from the spring rains can be retained, and an ideal seed bed secured. If we plant early in June, the ground being warm, the seed will vegetate quickly and the June rains will cause a rapid growth. The great need of moisture will not come until September, when there is an increase in precipitation and a lower temperature. That the late varie- ties of potatoes are better for this late planting, the results this year, in our variety tests, well illustrate. The planting was done from the 6th to the 8th of June, and while the drought killed the early varieties in from 58 to 65 days from planting and the crop was nearly a failure, the late varieties ripened in from 85 to 120 days, with a satisfactory yield. In northern Michigan the drought comes in July, at a time when it will do the least harm to the potato grower. The line representing the rainfall for August and September, while not indicating a large precipitation, shows by its evenness that it is quite reliable. This condition with 5° to 8° lower temperature may in part explain why the northern portion of the State is so successful in potato growing. The average yield per acre in that part of the State is a fraction over 100 bushels per acre, while in southern Michigan it is about 82 bushels. TESTS OF VARIETIES. There were 174 varieties tested this season. The soil was a clay loam and for the previous two years was in strawberries. It was plowed in the fall, and in the spring about twenty- five loads of compost per acre were added and the land again plowed. The planting was done on the 6th, 7th and 8th of June. The manner of planting was as in previous years. The growth was very vigorous until August 1, when began a period of two weeks of very dry weather, accompanied by strong hot winds. The early varieties were attacked by a leaf blight, which is treated briefly later on in this bulletin, and which, with the heat, killed many of them, so that the yield was unsatisfactory and consisted mostly of small potatoes. The drought affected the mid-season varieties to some extent, but the late varieties were only slightly, if at all, injured. The vines of many of the latter remained green until killed by frost on the 27th of September. In examining the table, one must bear in mind the unfavorable con- ditions under which the early varieties were grown. The date of ripening, yield and cooking qualities were all affected. Many of the later varieties that show a large per cent of small tubers, would be quite desirable kinds in a more favorable season. Several of the varieties that were tried for the first time in 1892 have a poor average, although they gave large yields the past season. More credence should be given to the yield of 1893 than that of the previous year, for then the conditions were particularly unfavorable. The “Manner of Growth” is indicated by the following abbreviations: “up” upright; “m” medium, “sp” spreading. In the columns indicating the cooking qualities, the varieties are marked from 1 to 10. Below 7 is very poor, 7 poor, 8 fair, 9 good, 10 best. Many varieties stand low because of premature ripening. POTATOES, TABLE OF VARIETIES. 32 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN, « & © S > c ® © ■3§ 6D'-*s a 2 os 2^ o 2 11 .c a © © © t>> 'C © St © © .'O tf © © ► 73 S :h Q e.s Cooking qualities. •jo^oq 005050005 05 C~ 0 S ,05 00 1 > 05 1 05 , OC ! 00 05 05 1 05 5 © OS 05 05 00 05 0 00 >05 0 05 •seeujJjQ c-aoooE-oo 00005 >oo t»oooo 1 c: a ! os oo c~ o !c-ooos ooasooooos oo loosos •aoAUx^; OOQOOGOi Ot>C 5 j 05 00 00 00 • © © j 00 GO CO 05 j C** 00 05 000005050 05 0005 •ueqBj ex eSu -JQAB eq; qoiqAS. | JOJ 8 JB 0 £ JO ‘ ‘O^ ■*< Ift Ift « »ft N«MKW CQ ^ NN««H OCSI^lrtlM WWlftCOlft Yield. •0SBJ0AV 05 CDldi-H-^ NCCNOlfl ?OI>HCVJO OlOC»P* CC ^ ^ Id C- *3 05 00 id OM>OW 2523*^3 ^ 2 00 ^ 5 S ao©»d©^ SS* 3 S 2 •TBJox 82.8 100.4 175.4 121.5 405.6 207.5 101.7 217.6 189.5 246.3 203.6 151.8 152.8 161 280.6 122.1 214.4 186.9 172.7 135.5 94.7 185.7 95.9 218.6 164.8 174.1 187.6 858.6 229.6 100 231.2 170.4 235.2 162.7 232.3 'lT Btn S O 5 * 3 CO-T* 0 q t-H *3 id CC -H* CC *-*©*id 00 ^* 0^00 HOOH CO id CO 00 *3 00 id ©* 3 ©* 3*3 05 © 05 id 00 05 © tDOOr^ift -* *3 CO — *1 *j-**ec-^ic C 5 *ao 5 ooc- fco***idid coo 5 iocooo cc* 3 Ph " 6 a|s oz.2^^ M tc g © a u-Sog© pn. ®’® . *. ®tf © S3 ° ©©s pi© £2©®S HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT, 33 * * a-d ® ► a =2 ±?3 « *2 ®.H ® 2 gsc 0«J -o SB 3 a J3 © ®£ -a a CQH 5 1 1 M\ -O "tC .5 ja -° • 2 *m ® fi S o.a a o S3 8& OCQ Ed1 OO '00 © 00 © © ©00 © 0O©©©0O ©©00©Q0 i © £— © ©C^OOGO© uOt-©t-© 00 1 00 05 00 © 00© © © 00 05 05 05 OOQO©OOC- C- lOOr-O O 00 00 00 05 '© © © » C- O* © 00 © OO 'OO©© 1 00 • 05 I © C*» l>» 05 00 00 t- © 00 © 00 © © I> lO rH CO CO CO C0O3^CCtf0 03 03' CO CO 03 03 03 03 03 03 03 CO CO 03 ©© 03 03 i-l OQ CO 00 03 ©1.0 ©©CO © < ^ ^ CO CO © CQ^H©©CO 0003000© ©C iHCvlHHM 03 03 03 tH rH HfMHHH i-H ©©OO 03 03 03 © © i-4© © CO 03 CO 00 © 03 CO OO OQ © CO 03 ©t^OO — ©OOCO©'** ^^©1-H© ^©©-^^M ©C-OOOOk/O HHH03H HHHHH 03HHHH HHHHH i— ( W ^-4 03 © 03 © o6c5»cc^© HOJHHOJ c— c- i/or- ^* © o ^ © -* 00 03 c- © t- •** © CO r- ©c-©i-h© 03 03 03 -pH i—4 (MhHpHH ^ 03 00 kftOQtfO C-©©© ©C00003UO — <5 4 > UO i/0 CO CO I 03 03 i-4 00 I 4/0*0^ tfO © 1 - 4 ©© CCHHH JCQH^OO 00 O ^ 00 03 -* 03 - -©© iHC^W^lO > 00©W0 fcf0©©00 © 1-H 03 00 *00©^© ©©i/ot^oc oOiho 3 ©o 6 * CO 03 © © -*QOt-kiO© © i/0 k/0 -** iO 00 i/0 00 © iO ^ CC ^ 03 8SS t^eo© ao SiggSS 03 03 © ' © -* © 03 > 03 f © © C— I/O CO © ' 00 CO 03 03 l/O © t"— - © ©©i/o oo ©O-^yjiH 4 CO 00 05 C— tfOQO 0000^-1 4 03 03 HHH Ang. Sept. Ang. Sept. Ang. Sept. Ang. Sept. Aug. Oct. Sept. Ang. Sept. Ang. Sept. Aug. Sept. Aug. Sept. Aug. Sept. Aug. Sept. Ang. Sept. U Aug. Sept. Oct. Sept. Aug. Sept. 6 fl aa. a b a ®- a a a a. ® a ® a- aaftga ® c a B ® m »P m np eg*: §*2 a g aa. a c a ®- np m np m m P* p Q« P* G H CD P CD a a a. . a a ® - - •H ^ «-f 03 03 03 03 03 03 24 26 28 20 18 03©-* tC-* 03 OJ 03 03 03 © © Ifl © © i-» 03 03 03 03 CO ■«*©-* © 1-4 03 03 03 i-l I/O liO ^ i-H 03 03 03 03 03 50 -* t- 4 -*00 03 03 03 03 i-4 CO C— -* © 03 03 03 03 i-4 03 4/0 © CO © tfO 03 03 03 1-103 sa III • to as •aS£.2S saaaz t» OP*35tt/0D a.tJ-9 -|§o~ liM H>£® I’m ' a a ® a > EH •atfl a, — aj ® a ® g.g ® 2 « k e5 a ® o z S® 2 WSc jjau 83*:£ HHHH US ij ® a o a ► l ® O t- (. >. iS a H & 'a ® a ® o- ■s|S»‘ a. -a ® o a-£-M, 73 a c3.2* sows -H 03 00 5 * Killed by heat and blight. POTATOES, TABLE OF VARIETIES -Continued. 34 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. 3 a C0 s ® T 3 K 2 4 I II 1 s 1 1 1 II Cooking qualities. •jopo 00 [00505 0500©C~00 00 0500 jo OOOO© j t'- © 05 00 05 050000010 O 00 00 00 00 •9HSU^Jd oo joi oo o ooooooo: t*or* joo aoioi> j ooooooooos ooooososos •JOAUU 00 [©00© OOOOt'O l>0 00 100 O 05 O c- j 00 05 C- 00 05 00 00 00 O 05 0500t-t'*l» •ueqe'i si 98b -J9AB 0qj qoiqM. ioj siuei jo ' o^ Yield. •0SBJ9AV ssass lias* «asas aaasa aaaaa ism •pjox illli iiiP 11813 mil Hill I2PI 11111 •ipxns oooo cqift <*> o 50 QOCRth co ca.e 05 cqooc-_ «t» §§§888 83588 SS883 SSSSS SSggg $8882 88888 •9SJU»X 122 155 111.3 139.8 100 66.5 256 82.8 112 38.7 25.2 83.2 89.4 90.9 57.8 162 124.8 178 132 65.2 72.2 218.8 132.6 68.5 233.9 124.5 43.8 153 47 139.2 125.5 83.5 90.2 65.9 59 •^jijnajHtu jo ejuQ Sept. 27 Aug. 9* Sept. 24 I! 3 } Aug. 23 Sept. 26 “ 19 Aug. 10* Sept. 11 Aug. 8* Sept. 14 “ 20 Aug. 20 “ 28 Sept.^7 “ 25 “ 4 Aug. 25 Sept. 25 Aug. 16* Sept. 12 “ 24 Aug. 12* Sept. 25 “ 1 “ 10 Oct. 1 Sept.^ •qjM.aiS jo jQmrepj oS: : s gg 5 = g SgBgg ggggg = 4 = Sg 5 = ggS g= : gg •eeuiA jo jqSxejj 82882 33232 28332 88882 88888 88828 88828 : !sr i 1 111 “ 2835 SS SS =T: Hill HUi . jiJjj jIiis r : 32 :: : ;3 >•= ^* 0 * 3 ^ * , :o- S 3 1 II 223 22ZZZ O HORTICULTURAL. DEPARTMENT. 35 05 00 05 joo 05 05 00 t- <35 0 05 05 0 30 O* £>*05 OOOitr- i05 300*000*05 05 05 051^05 00 00005 05 00 05 00000 05 * 00 jo t'OXOO t-ogosoo >00(0 00 00 0000 [GC t-OOC^OOOO 05 00 05 t- 00 aooc^asoo 0*30 00 I CP 05030 1X35 ooooooc- ooc^oac^oo 050005 |> 00 05 >■ 05 00 00050000 oo t^aoc-a: 050000 00 :o*rt tG kOUO 2 5 2 8 4 ^<5<1 COCO 5<1C0HHM OOlrtCCCOO© ©0 00 00 CO cc t-i <©3 C<1 tH 140 224 108 204 153 230 257 146 176 154 124 202 201 184 224 139 157 211 223 136 173 154 166 176 164 127 254 162 • 153 220 142 224 140 150 186 173 167 109 191 192 148 199 149 208 194 150 230.8 140.2 155.5 125.8 180.5 208.5 181.5 202.9 191.9 208.0 226.3 180.9 141 256.5 co 00 oo-^co -^us^uo c- -w eg t*-*cc iiiii isiSs siisi sft&s ssi§§ 148.5 199.2 281.3 284.2 194.2 81.2 78.3 41.4 118 73 slip £§§sf$ 83.6 124.5 56 99.7 1229 67.8 83.2 30.8 24.5 00 59.7 61.7 92.3 57.1 107.1 79.6 115.7 59.3 05.7 53.4 132.6 56.4 96.4 90.8 62.6 49 5 19.6 39.7 80 42.4 mm 110.9 127.2 100.8 01.7 148.1 128.8 169.6 105.2 114 127.5 185.7 55.3 154.8 112.7 63.7 195.6 101.3 136.1 152 134 67.7 189 77.1 74.9 111.1 137.5 188.4 163.0 108.6 112.6 31SSS 99 179.6 191.6 204.2 151.8 S8°°l8 8883- 22 13 1 1 10 -8-3” 88-8S 83883 -3 8S” 16 30 2 6 15* A si si S| <05 -C^CCt^ •ijunjetu jo aged Sept. 26 “ 20 “ 24 Aug. 14* “ 15* “ 25* Sept. 20 “ 18 Oct. 3 Sept. 20 “ 26 “ 20 “ 25 “ 26 “ 30 •qjMPJS jo aeuuepg j S< a S 1 c.- s« a- s*- - a s*- ® SCpx- £3®- 0- - w 0- ^ •sauiA jo gqSiejj O-^XOM 0®0^30 -t< oj ^ c-. uO CM i-i ^ CM CM CM CM 03 CM CM Variety. Wall Orange Watson Seedling . Way West No. 1 “ “ 2 “ “ 3 White Beauty of Hebron White Chief White Elephant White Flower White Star Wixom Seedling Wolverine Beauty Woodbury White World’s Fair HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 37 DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MORE PROMISING NEW VARIETIES. Many varieties in the preceding table, tried by this department for the first time, were turned over by the Farm Department. They were treated in Bulletin No. 95. Columbian Rose. — V. D. Stoneroad, Lewiston, Pa. This is a very promising variety. The vines are strong and vigorous, rather spreading. Tubers are medium size and uniform; form round andsome'what irregular; color rose. Early May. — R. C. Barless, Rose, N. Y. An early variety of some promise. It did not reach maturity because of the drought and heat. Stoneroad Main Crop Nos. 1 and 2 . — These are seedlings from the above-named person. The vines are fairly good growers. The tubers are of good appearance, light colored, oblong with few shallow eyes. They resemble each other closely. Early Norther. — V. D. Stoneroad. It was somewhat affected by leaf- blight, but it matured its crop. It is said to be a seedling of the Early Rose. In color it is darker than the parent, but about the same form. Season medium early. Vaughan White Prize and World’s Fair. — J. C. Vaughan, Chicago, 111. These varieties are just alike in appearance and in season. They are medium size; skin netted; color much like the Beauty of Hebron; form round, irregular. The Worlds Fair is very productive. Wolverine Beauty. — S. J. Youngman, Lake view, Mich. A white, oblong, flattened potato, recommended as scab proof. They have very thick, russet skin. Only 8 percent were scabby, which was a small number compared with many of the varieties. VARIETIES RECOMMENDED. The table shows very clearly the standing of the various varieties, but it may be desirable to give a short list here of the well tried sorts that are known to be reliable. VERY EARLY. Early Six Weeks’ Market , Gardner Early and June Eating. EARLY. The following varieties are a little later than the previous class, better yielders and not so easily injured by adverse weather: Early Oxford , Lee Favorite , McFadden Earliest , Queen , Paris Rose. MEDIUM. Chautauqua , Early Pearl , Fillbasket, Freeman, Nott Victor, Queen of Paris , Signal, Supplanter , Rural Blush and Thorburn. 38 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. LATE. Those marked with an asterisk (*) are especially reliable: American Wonder *, Bannock , Copper Mine , Dakoia Red , Halo of Dakota *, Hicks 81 and 101, Mulla, President Lincoln *, Rochester Favorite , Rural New Yorker No. 2 *, Summit *, Vick Champion, While Elephant and Woodbury White. POTATO SCAB. J? Quite extensive experiments were carried on in seeking methods of checking this disease. It had already been quite thoroughly established that corrosive sublimate and Bordeaux mixture in the order named were the best fungicides with which to combat the scab. Our investigations were carried on for the purpose of finding the best strength and the proper length of time for soaking the seed. In treating with corrosive sublimate, three strengths of the solution were used — 1 part corrosive sublimate to 750 parts of water, 1 part to 1,000 and 1 part to 2,000. This is equal to 1 oz. of corrosive sublimate to nearly 6 gal. of water, 1 oz. to 7| gals, and 1 oz. to 15§ gals. The potatoes that were used for seed were soaked in these solutions for lengths of time varying from a few minutes to eight hours. Two varieties of potatoes were used for each experiment — the O. K. Mam- moth and the early Ohio. The seed of the former was very scabby (Fig. 2), so much so that the potatoes would not be salable. The scab spots on the Early Ohio were neither numerous nor deep enough to hurt their sale in any market. After the seed was removed from the solution it was placed in new paper bags, which prevented any contamination from crates or baskets. The soil was a very uniform clay loam. It had been yearly cropped with garden vegetables for about twenty years, and received an annual dressing of compost for most of that time. No potatoes had been grown on it for at least six years, and probably longer. The plots were arranged in sections which were two rods long and wide enough for fourteen rows of potatoes. For each row two pounds of seed was used, making twenty-five hills. Two rows in each plot were untreated. Next to these rows came the row that was treated for the shortest length of time, the arrangement of the rows in the field being the same as in the tables. The sections were placed end to end, and the culti- vation was north and south, passing from one section to another. The planting was done on June 10. FIELD PLAN OF THE SCAB EXPERIMENTS. 1 2 a 4 5 6 7 JS O. K. Mammoth. O. K. Mammoth . Early Ohio. O. K. Mammoth. Early Ohio. Bore Rural New 1 eauz. Worker No. 2. A I o 1,000 lbs. 2,000 lbs. z 1-750 1-1,000 1-1,000 1-2,000 1-2,000 fertilizer per fertilizer per acre. acre. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 39 RESULTS WITH 1 TO 750 TREATMENT. Section 1. Variety. | Treatment. Length of time in solution. Yield per acre. Per cent scabby. untreated 137.5 54.3 Early Ohio - - 101.5 63 O. K. Mammoth 1-750 5 min. 108.3 9 “ *• ftft 10 “ 112 11 “ “ 4ft M hour 96.8 10.5 44 ftft K “ 100 9.6 14 4ft ftft X “ 116.1 7.8 A* 44 44 1 “ 122.2 5 “ “ ftft 1M “ 114.6 7 4. ftft m “ 112 7 J8 ftft IX “ 129.4 7.6 4ft 4t ft ft 2 94 4 4ft tft ftft 214 “ 134.8 10 Average of the treated plots. .. 112.7 8 No definite information was gained from this section except that the treatment was fairly successful, and that the seed treated the longer length of time was slower in sprouting. RESULTS WITH 1-1,000 TREATMENT. 8bction 2. Section 8. Variety. j Treat- ment. Length of treat- ment. Yield per acre. I Per ! cent | scabby. Variety. Treat- ment. Length of treat- ment. Yield per acre. Per cent scabby. 0. K. Mammoth untreated 145 63 O. K. Mam’oth. untreated 152.8 69 Early Ohio •* 97 68 Early Ohio ftft 139.7 69 0. K. Mammoth 1-1,000 14 hour 159.1 8 ftft ftft 1-1,000 14 hour 133.3 31 ift ftft ftft 14 “ 111.3 3 ftft ftft H “ 152.8 34 44 44 ftft X “ 135.6 5 ftft ftft 44 X “ 126 34 ftft ftft 1 103.3 4*4 ftft (ft 1 “ 131 25 44 ftft U4 “ 118 10 ftft ftft 44 114 “ 157.8 13 114 “ 134 2 ftft ftft 44 1H “ 124 7 t 4 IX “ 137 2 ftft ftft 44 IX “ 149.3 17 ftft 4ft 2 “ 102 3 ftft ft ft 4 ‘ 2 “ 143 17 ftft 214 “ 91.9 2 44 ftft 2*4 “ 138.4 8 1 ft 2*4 “ 98 5 ftft ftft 44 214 “ 131.5 5 ftft ftft ftft 3 102 5 44 44 44 3 108.2 3 ftft 4 107 5 ftft ftft 4 109.6 4 Average of the treated plots 116.6 4.5 Average of the treated plots 133.7 16.5 — ( 6 lbs. muriate potash ) Under seed Over seed 78.2 36.8 141.1 53.7 179.5 77 168 128 V Manure Under 6eed 150.6 153.6 163.6 155.9 173.2 219 188 Via Potato grower Over seed 112.3 196.5 173 160.6 VIb Nothing 54.6 47.9 72.3 136.7 58.3 113.5 73.1 170.6 101 VII VIII f 4 lbs. sulphate ammonia ) ■< 10 lbs. ground bone >• ( 6 lbs. sulphate potash ) Under seed Over seed . 74.9 68.8 128.8 57.2 156.5 93.8 216.2 171.9 162 125 197.2 107.7 IX 1 bu. wood ashes 79 255.1 84.7 169.3 111 80.5 163 118 Xa Potato grower Under seed 220.6 227 234.2 Xb Nothing. 77.2 124.3 113.5 105 54.8 172.2 111 XI ( 6 lbs. nitrate soda ) < 10 lbs. ground bone . > ( 6 lbs. sulphate potash ) Under seed 103.4 161.1 217.2 159.9 96 184.9 147 XII Over seed 107.8 132 139.4 126.4 96.5 143.1 122 XIII Manure Over seed 111.3 126 158.9 132.1 105.9 188.8 142 XIV Nothing 83.8 125.8 115.9 108.5 51.3 128.9 96 XV 5 10 lbs. ground bone ) Under seed 131.2 134.1 137.9 135.4 150 281 172 XVI ( 6 lbs. sulphate potash.. $ Over seed 102.7 197.7 185.9 182.1 156 199.3 179 XVII Nothing 70.3 92.4 95.6 86 45.5 115.4 82 XVIII 6 lbs. sulphate potash Under seed 58.8 100.5 108.9 109.4 64.7 194.4 128 XIX 0 “ “ “ Over seed 84.7 179.6 179.9 148.1 47.9 190.4 129 ( 6 lbs. nitrate soda ) XX ■< 10 lbs. ground bone > ( 6 lbs. muriate potash ) Under seed 120.4 237.9 221.1 193.1 114.1 186 164 46 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. In examining the yields, attention is called to the fact that each row contains a nothing plot. The yields of these nothing plots vary somewhat, but as the soil in each tree row is quite uniform the nothing plot of that row should be used as a base of comparison for the plots of that row. The following table shows the gains of the fertilized plots over the nothing plots, and it should be used in determining the relative value of the fertilizer in the different rows. GAIN PER ACRE FROM THE USE OF FERTILIZERS. It should be noted that in plots IV, VIII, XII and XIII, where the gain was comparatively small, the fertilizers were applied over the seed and the difference was without doubt due to the lack of moisture to dis- solve them. The results of this, the third year of the experiment, are very much like those of last year. The most noticeable change is that the plots with com- mercial fertilizers are decreasing in yield rapidly while the manure plots show but a small decrease. The use of commercial fertilizers for potatoes is advisable when the soil lacks fertility, and well composted manure is not available. Good prepar- ation of the soil is necessary to secure an increase of crop sufficient to pay the additional cost of the fertilizer. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 47 LEAF-BLIGHT OF THE POTATO. t A bacterial disease, has been quite injurious at the college for several years. It appears during the hot, dry weather and is especially severe oa those varieties that are at that time half grown. In 1892 the mid-season varieties and the early kinds escaped. This season, it was the opposite, but in both cases it was the most injurious upon those varieties that had reached a certain stage of growth, when the heat and drought became severe. Vines killed by the leaf -blight are readily distinguished from those killed by the drought. In the former case the leaf turns black at or near the tip. This blackened area increases until in about a week one-half to three-fourths of the leaf surface is affected. At this stage if the weather continues unfavorable the drought aids in killing the weakened vines. Vines killed by heat and dry weather lack the discolored leaflets, and the leaf stems and small branches hang pendant on the upright stalks. The only remedy is to fight the drought. Agricultural College, ) February 1, 1894. j BULLETIN 109 FEBRUARY, 1894. VARIETY TESTS OF VEGETABLES. B'V L. It. TAFT. Page. Cabbage (R. J. Coryell) 50 Cauliflower “ “ 51 Sweet corn “ 51 Peas “ “ 55 Beans ^H. P. Gladden) 60 ; Celery “ “ 61 ! Page. Cucumbers (H. P. Gladden) 61 Lettuce “ “ 62 Salsify “ “ 62 Squashes “ “ 62 Tomatoes “ “ 63 For several years it has been the custom of this department to make careful tests of the varieties of vegetables sent out by the different dealers as novelties, and to issue the results in bulletin form at the end of the season. Many of these so-called new sorts are sold at prices much above those of standard varieties, but although highly praised by the introducers, are not always worthy. On the other hand, they are often greatly improved strains of some of the old and valuable sorts or new and distinct varieties of marked merit, and would then be desirable acquisitions. The purchaser can only determine their value by actual trial, and for any one person to purchase and grow all the highly praised varieties sent out in a single season will require a large expense in money and time. The Experiment Station can do this work and the reports of the results of the trials will be of value to every one who purchases garden seeds. It must be admitted, however, that in many cases we are one year behind the time, but the grower will have the report for use the next year and by that time the cost will be reduced so that a start can be obtained with a smaller outlay. It is desirable, and the seedsmen are each year doing it more and 7 50 MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE- more, that promising novelties be submitted for trial, to some half dozeu experiment stations in different parts of the country, who make a specialty of testing varieties, the year before they are catalogued. Before a seeds- man takes up a novelty he generally tests it for at least one season upon his own trial grounds, and if, when he obtains a sample of a variety which he proposes to introduce should it upon trial prove desirable, he would send a sufficient amount to some of the experiment stations, or require the originator to do so, not only might it save the public from loss should it be inferior, but, if it has real merit, a report to that effect by the stations would both increase the sales of the dealer and assure the public that the variety has value. In the course of our variety tests we have had frequent occasion to ascertain the character of the seeds sold by different dealers, both as to vitality and the value of the strains, and we believe that most of them are doing what they can to keep their seeds up to a high standard. We find that as a rule far better results are obtained when the seeds are ordered direct from the dealers, rather than purchased as box or bulk seeds of a grocer; but, however reliable a seedsman may be, it will always be found safest to test the vitality of the seeds before putting in the crop. Seeds of low germinating power are occasionally sent out by all dealers, unwittingly often times, and a few minutes spent in testing the seeds may save one from serious pecuniary, as well as a vexatious loss. The tests of the cabbages, cauliflower, sweet corn and peas have been under the charge of my assistant, Mr. B. J. Coryell, and the report was prepared by him, while Mr. H. P. Gladden has looked after the beans, celery, cucumbers, lettuce, salsify, squashes and tomatoes, and has pre- pared the appended notes. Quite a variety of other vegetables were grown, but in very few of them were there any novelties that have been found better than the old sorts. The seeds used in the tests were obtained from the following firms: Robert Buist, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.; Atlee Burpee & Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; Currie Bros., Milwaukee, Wis. ; D. M. Ferry & Co., Detroit, Mich.; J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, Mass.; Peter Henderson & Co., New York; D. Landreth & Sons, Philadelphia, Pa.; A. W. Livingston’s Sons, Colum- bus, Ohio: W. H. Maule & Co., Philadelphia, Pa.; A. M. Nic-hol, Gran- ville, Ohio; W. W. Rawson. Boston, Mass.; John A. Salzer, La Crosse, Wis.; J. M. Thorburn & Co.. New York City, and J. C. Vaughan, Chicago, HI. CABBAGE. R. J. CORYELL. The forty-eight varieties tested this year included nearly all of the new sorts listed by the seedsmen, and some of the standard kinds for compari- son. The seeds were sown in the forcing house on March 20. The plants were transplanted into fiats on April 8 and set in the field May 16. The severity of the drought, which extended from July 16 to well into September, was so great that the test was a failure in that many kinds headed out of season. The test was of value since it showed clearly those kinds that would produce a good crop under adverse conditions. The . earliest varieties were not affected, the injury being most severe on those that mature at midseason or later. Of these the larger kinds, or those HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 51 that have many leaves, suffered most. The medium-sized varieties that had but few outside leaves were generally uniform in heading and pro- duced a fair crop. Of the early varieties the Etampes, Currie, and Lightning , Salzer, were the first to head. The latter, a strain of the Wakefield, produced very even, solid heads. The Charleston Wakefield , Henderson, was a day or so later and enough larger to make up the difference in time. Eclipse , Currie, advertised as a second early variety, matured with the Charleston Wakefield. The type did not appear to be fixed, but a good crop was produced. Following these kinds within a week are several larger varieties. Henderson' s Early Summer , Ferry, proved to be an excellent strain of that well-known sort. Ideal , Salzer, was much like it and as good. Bloomsdale Early Market , Landreth, and Early Flat Dutch, Ferry, were of the same season as the preceding kinds, but not so good. Of the mid-season sorts, All Seasons, Ferry, followed closely the second early kinds. Every plant produced a salable head. It is a strain of the Flat Dutch and will be found a reliable variety. Succession, Ferry, was four days later than All Seasons and much like it, maturing in eighty-six days from the time of setting in the field. It was the best variety of this class and in fact the best of any planted this year. The heads were of medium size, solid and uniform. The stump was short and leaves few. Reynolds , Maule, and Fottler's Early Drumhead , Ferry, were a few days later than Succession. They produced uniformly good heads. All the late cabbages did poorly. Autumn King, Henderson, and World Beater , Burpee, are similar in growth and appearance. Safe Crop , Burpee, did fairly well. Large Late Mountain , Landreth, resembles the preceding variety closely. Fewer plants headed, but those that did were much better. CAULIFLOWER. Eleven varieties were tried. They were treated nearly the same as the cabbages, being planted and cultivated on the same dates, but were given richer soil. The drought affected them as it did the cabbages, causing a failure of the later maturing varieties. Of the earlier varieties, the Snowball, Ferry, Dwarf Erfurt, Ferry, and Sea Foam , Rawson, were the best in the order named. Mont Blanc , Buist, made a good showing. The head is well protected by leaves, which is an advantage to it. Autumn Giant , Vaughan, was much like this variety but it did not do as well. SWEET CORN. Each variety of sweet corn occupied a row 100 feet long, except in a few cases where the amount of seed was too limited. The rows were four feet apart and the hills in the row were put at a greater or less distance accord- ing to its growth. The planting was done on May 25. Five kernels were placed in a hill and afterwards thinned to four stalks. Many kernels did not germinate and the varieties did not average more than three stalks per hill. All varieties grew well until the hot winds and drought came during the first part of August, which affected all except the earliest varieties. The frost Injured a few of the later kinds. Table No. 1.- VARIETY TEST OF SWEET CORN. 52 MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. I « § ~ o c ~ Z Z otxm 000*22 000*02 000*81 000*91 ooo'tx 000*21 000*01 000*8 000*9 000‘f 000*2 — I II •ejeaaejf jo saaoj 'ox oo x, cm CM CM 00 •saqoai ux aiBejo qjSaej ‘Ay •eeotrao m sjb 9 jo jqSieA*. - Ay OO co os J0a 1 o >2 O eS © p +3 a 0 £ © g © © A0 s a o 5 o © g | eo 1 2 J * & © .o W 3 g < c ’S 2 s B o 0 t> h a © 2 u X h SO W >» a a 2 13 1 6 w | n 9 3 £ -4-3 A ® CO a a3 cc H H u o - 0 u u 0 GC © £ X j*. s as * « o o a o — © A< TJ © o £ a £ £3 a z w a a z pui 0 HORTICULTURAL* DEPARTMENT. 53 54 MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. When tht- ears had reached the edible stage, all except those upon four or five hills were gathered, counted and weighed. Those that remained were allowed to mature and were then counted and their weight estimated to be the same as the others. This formed the data for determining the yield as shown in the table. In computing the yield per acre, four stalks were reckoned per hill, which was not the actual case, but it gave a fairer estimate of the value of that variety than had the actual number of stalks been used. The distance apart that each variety should be planted was carefully studied and the one recommended as well as the distance actually used this year is given in the table. This point may be of value to some in making the most economical use of their land when sweet corn is grown in large quantities. Many varieties would do better by being planted less than four feet apart in rows and at a greater distance between the hills than is recommended in the table. The following are new varieties: Eastman Early. — D. C. Hicks, North Clarendon, Yt. A variety similar in growth and in ear to the Cory The ears are not quite so regular nor as even in size as that variety and the kernels are more wrinkled than any of the early varieties, while the cob is variable in color from white to pink. Extra Early Vermont. — Hicks. This is the most prolific variety among the early kinds. While excelled by the Cory and White Cob Cory in earlines9, its productiveness makes it valuable. It set at least two ears per stalk and matured this year with us an average of one and one-half ears. The type is not yet fixed, the cobs varying from white to red; ears slim, of fair length and well filled. Early Champion. — Yaughan. This variety follows the first early kinds within ten days. The ears were of good diameter, but were very short this year, while the plants lacked productiveness. New Eclipse. — Hicks. An eight-rowed variety having the same char- acteristics as the Cory , but maturing later. While setting a sufficient number of ears, they were very small and poorly filled. Zigzag. — Northrup, Braslan & Goodwin Co. This is a late variety covering a long season. There is little or no difference between it and Country Gentleman. The following varieties are recommended: EARLY. White Cob Cory. Extra Early Vermont. Chicago Market and Stabler Early. MIDSEASON. Egyptian and Nonesuch. LATE. Gold Coin and Country Gentleman. HORTICU LT U li A L DEPA RTMENT. 55 PEAS. Fifty-six varieties were tested. These included most of the new varie- ties and many standard sorts. Considerable attention was paid to classifying the varieties. Those that were known to be of the same season and the same manner of growth were planted close together for conven- ience in comparison. On May 10 the seeds were sown, two hundred seeds of each variety be- ing planted in double rows ten feet long. After the vines were well up, all but one hundred were removed and the remaining vines were supported by a woven wire trellis. The season was favorable for a good test, although the hot weather hastened the maturity of the late varieties. When the pods were in an edible condition, they were picked and the data for the last three columns of the table wrere obtained from them. Among the smooth white, early varieties there is but little choice. The Bergen Fleetwing was the most prolific, but the pods were small. Maud S and Extra Early had the best filled pods. In earliness, there appeared to be no choice. Following these varieties very closely are several blue peas. Although edible in from forty-nine to fifty-one days, they were about four days behind the first early kinds in market maturity and in ripening. Between the Alaska , Clipper and Lightning there appeared to be no difference. Of these the table shows the Clipper to be the best, although, as they grew, no choice was noted. Of these second early peas the Blue Beauty easily stands at the head. It is a dwarf, stocky grower, productive of medium sized well-filled pods. Universal , a new variety of dwarf habit, is fairly promising. The pods are small and rather variable. Chelsea differs from the Premium Gem in the color of the peas and slightly in the appearance of the leaves. McLean's Little Gem belongs in this seasou. The pods are of good size and the peas are of good quality. It is well known and planted everywhere. Kentish Invicta is a very pro- lific variety, but its pods ran very small at the last. Wm. Hurst with- stood the hot weather well. The pods were crisp and the peas were very sweet, but the vine was unproductive. Exonian , a new kind imported into this country, is a day or so later than the above varieties. It is fairly promising, but did not withstand the heat as did the native sorts. Early May , a new variety, was said to be as early as the American Wonder , but it was much later. The pods are mostly borne profusely in pairs, and all reach maturity nearly al the same time. It fills the season very nicely between the second early and the mid-season kinds. Petit Pois is a new variety introduced from France as of the highest quality. The vines are slim, medium tall, and very pro- ductive of rather small but closely filled pods. The peas are very delicious until full grown, when they rapidly harden. Profusion is a good variety for this season ; its pods ran rather small at the last picking. Following these varieties come those that are known as the mid-season kinds, most of which have larger pods than those preceding. Among these varieties there are a large number that are so nearly alike in growth, pod and season, that if a grower had one of them he would not need any of the others. 56 MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. Belonging in one class are the Stratagem , Juno , Stanley , Shropshire Hero, Pride of the Market. Gladiator and Heroine. These have strong, stocky vines about two and one-half feet high, and bear medium large, thick, well-filled pods that are slightly recurved. The pods are borne near the extremity of the vines and reach maturity nearly at the same time. Also covering the same season are the Abundance , Bliss Everbearing , Blue Imperial and Yorkshire Hero. These varieties have smaller, broader, flatter and more pointed pods than the Stratagem class. These differ from each other in season slightly. The Yorkshire Hero is a little later and the Blue Imperial is slightly earlier than the Bliss Everbearing. The Telegraph , Long Island Mammoth and Evolution are varieties of medium tall, slim growth that cover a longer season than the preceding mid-season varieties. Their season begins with the Stratagem class and extends several days later. This is especially true of the Long Island Mammoth , from which edible peas conld be picked for a period of eighteen days. Fill Basket resembles these varieties in the shape of its pods, but the vines are shorter and more stocky. It covers a long season and was the most productive variety of the mid-season sorts. The Duke of Albany and American Champion are alike in every respect. Vines are tails and pods large. The pods of the former were not always well filled. They cover the same season as the Evolution class. Eugenie , a new dwarf variety that follows the Stratagem class in a few days, is very productive. Pods medium large, well filled. Dwarf Tele- phone is a short, stocky variety with large, long pods like those of the Telephone, but it is more productive. In season it is about two days later than that variety. Sutton Satisfaction is a new late variety, very branch- ing and very prolific if planted thinly. Melting Sugar and Tall Sugar are two varieties with edible pods. The former is in season Just before the Stratagem , while the latter follows the Champion of England. They are very tender and all parts cook nicely except the ventral suture, which remains stringy. Best varieties for planting: EARLY. Extra Early or Maud S. SECOND EARLY. Blue Beauty, Early May. MID -SEASON. Fill Basket, Heroine , Eugenie. LATE. Sutton Satisfaction , Champion of England. The following new varieties are promising: Dwarf No. 2 t Universal, Exonian , Early May, American Champion, Dwarf Telephone, Eugenie, Sutton Satisfaction. Table No. 2.— VARIETY TESTS OF PBAS. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 8 Table No. 2.— VARIETY TESTS OF PEAS .-Continued 58 MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. Abundance HORTICULTURAL D KPARTMENT. 59 60 MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. BUSH BEANS. H. P. GLADDEN. Beans do best in a rather light, well drained soil. Although, in ordi- nary soil, a fair crop may be grown without the use of manure, its applica- tion, in a well-rotted form, can be made with profit. If the garden is laid out in long rows, which is the preferable way, as it permits the use of the horse cultivator, the drills should be from two and one-half to three feet apart, but where the work is done by hand, the rows may be as near as fifteen or eighteen inches. The beans should be sown two or three inches apart in the drills, and, after covering two or three inches deep, the soil should be firmly pressed over the seed. Beans are easily injured by cold or excessive moisture. It is usually safe to plant the first crop at the time corn is planted. For a succession sow every two or three weeks until the first of August. Care should be taken to give the plants shallow cultivation, as disturb ance of the roots, especially during the blossoming period, will result in a decreased crop. There are many varieties of beans differing in earliness, productiveness and in the size, color and quality of pod and seed. Of the green-podded varieties, a well selected strain of Red Valentine will prove satisfactory. For a family garden preference is given to the wax-podded sorts. Cylin- der Black Wax is very productive, with long, round and light yellow pods. This variety planted in succession will give snap beans that are ten- der and of best quality throughout the season. Mammoth Wax and Butter Wax may also be mentioned in this class. As a shell bean, Dwarf Horticultural or Goddard Bush are excellent. Among the recent intro- ductions may be mentioned Speckled Wax, very promising as a snap bean and later as a shell bean. POLE BEANS. This class of beans is very tender and should be planted two or three weeks later than the bush beans. The rows should be from four to five feet apart, with four feet between the hills. The poles, which should be about eight feet long, can best be set in place before the beans are planted, as disturbing the young plants injures their growth. It is well to make the hill quite rich, by working into the soil a shovelfull of well composted manure. Golden Cluster is an excellent pole snap bean. The plants are strong growing and very productive, and the pods are large, tender and of the best quality. Golden Champion is also a good variety. The Pole Limas are late in maturing and are usually killed by frost before much of the crop has been gathered. A variety worthy of special mention is the Horticultural Lima. It is productive and ripens the crop before frost comes. It is unexcelled as a green shell bean and is a good cooking bean when mature. Warren, Gregory. A recent introduction. • Plants of strong, vigorous growth; pods three to four inches long, usually straight; flesh thick, tender and of best quality. The plants are productive and the pods mature successively for a long season. An excellent home variety. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 6L CELERY. Celery is seldom grown in the farm garden, as its cultivation is thought too difficult for the amateur. The growing of this excellent vegetable is not so hard as imagined and it should receive more attention than is now given it. The seed should be sown early in the spring. Select a level spot and make it rich with well rotted manure. Thoroughly pulverize the soil and sow the seed in rows about eight inches apart. The seeds are small and an ounce will produce over five thousand plants. When the plants are three or four inches high the tops should be clipped to make the plants stocky. To grow good celery it is quite necessary that the soil be heavily man- ured and one that will not dry out, and, if possible, loose and deep, though good celery may be grown on clayey ground. The rows may be four or five feet apart and the plants six inches distant in the rows. The plants should be set not deeper than they were in the bed and the soil firmly pressed about the roots. When the plants are about ten inches tall the celery wanted for fall use should be banked up to blanch it; this opera- tion should be repeated as the tops grow. The celery intended for winter storing should be earthed sufficiently to induce the stalks to grow upright. Celery will stand several degrees below freezing without serious injury. About the first of November the plants should be placed intrenches or in the cellar to blanch for winter use. If stored outside trenches should be dug eight or ten inches wide and as deep as the celery is tall. The earth should be loose at the bottom of the trench. The plants, with the roots on, are taken from the rows and packed closely in the trench with the tops even with the surface. As cold weather comes on the tops should be cov- ered gradually, with some loose material, until they are protected from serious freezing. Celery may be placed in the cellar by having boards eight or ten inches apart to prevent packing in a compact mass. Soil should be packed about the roots that they may start to grow, as this growth in the trench or cellar blanches the stalks. Earth is not necessary between the stalks. The dwarf varieties seem to give better satisfaction than the larger grow- ing kinds. Golden Self Blanching and White Plume are good varieties. If a pink sort is desired, Rose will give good satisfaction. CUCUMBERS. Cucumbers prefer a light sandy loam well enriched. The rows may be five to six feet apart, and the hills three or four feet distant in the rows. In this locality J une 1st to 10th is the time to plant. The striped beetle is very troublesome to the young plants. A good way to protect the plants is to grow them for a time under a cover of netting or wire screen fastened on a frame. When the plants are well started they will keep ahead of the insects. Seed should be planted every two or three weeks to provide a succession through the season. Plants will continue to produce fruits much longer if no cucumbers are allowed to ripen on the vines. One of the best varieties to grow for general use is White Spine. There are several strains of this variety differing somewhat in growth, productive- ness and in time of maturing. Fordhook Improved White Spine, Burpee, is one of the best of its class. The plants were very strong growing and productive and the cucumbers large and perfect in form. As a sort for 62 MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. growing pickles and for early table use Russian is good. The fruits are small but are produced in large numbers. As a later variety Long Green may be mentioned. The cucumbers are large and among the best for table use. LETTUCE. A common mistake made in growing lettuce is in having the plants too close together. To reach perfection the plants should be ten to fifteen inches apart in the rows. Lettuce is quite hardy and the seeds can be sown quite early. To pro- vide a succession sow every two or three weeks. As varieties for general growing Black Seeded Simpson, Hanson , Grand Rapids and Prize Head are among the best. The following are sorts of recent introduction: Onondaga, Burpee. It forms a large compact head. The outer leaves are curled, yellowish green with brownish red edges. The inner leaves are rich yellowish green in color and of excellent quality. It stands heat well and is a promising variety. Iceberg , Burpee. Ice, Pitcher and Manda. The heads are of medium size; leaves somewhat curled and wrinkled, edges brownish red. Every plant formed a good head during very dry weather. Its handsome appear- ance, high quality and ability to withstand drouth make it well worthy of general planting. SALSIFY. This vegetable is of such easy culture and so little known that a few words in its favor may not be oat of place. Sow the seed early in spring in drills. If hand cultivation is practiced the drills may be twelve or fif- teen inches apart. The plants should be thinned out if they are growing too close. Late in the fall the roots may be stored in the cellar or a trench outside for use during the winter and spring. They may be left in the ground until spring without injury to the roots. The roots make a most excellent dish and the vegetable would be largely grown were its good qualities more generally known. SQUASHES. Of late the squash vine borer has made the growing of this vegetable somewhat uncertain, though a large proportion of the damage supposed to be done by the borer is due to a fungus which attacks the vine. Corn cobs soaked in coal tar and placed about the hills when the plants are small repels the moth that lays the eggs which produce the borer. The tar should be renewed every four or five days. The striped beetle may be kept away by covering the plants as recommended with cucumbers. A tablespoonful of turpentine mixed with a pailful of ashes and sprinkled on the plants earl} 7 in the morning has been quite successfully used to keep away the beetles. Summer Crookneck and White Bush Scallop are usually planted for early squashes. Long Island White Bush , a recent introduction, seems to be an improvement upon the usual type. The plants are very productive and the squashes larger, smoother and more regular in form than the com- HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 63 mon Bush Scallop. Boston Marrow is a good fall and early winter squash. Hubbard and Marblehead are among the best for winter use. Essrx Hybrid is a productive sort and the squashes are of good quality; by some they are preferred to the Hubbard for fall and early winter use. Cocoanut and Fordhook are strong growing varieties which are almost sure to bear a large crop. The squashes are small, but of good quality. Delicata , recently introduced by Henderson, belongs to the above class. The plants are strong growing and healthy. The squash is about si«x inches long and three to four inches in diameter. It is of a rich, creamy yellow color and the flesh is dry and of excellent quality. Matures the last- of September. Somewhat similar to Fordhook, but is less ridged and more oval in form. TOMATOES. The seed was sown in the forcing house April 1. The plants were set out June 6 and 7. The rows were six feet apart and the plants set four feet apart in the rows. The trellis described in bulletin No. 57 was used Table 4.— TOMATOES, TESTS OF VARIETIES. Variety • Seedsman. Date first ripe fruits. Sr ? Yield of ripe 0 fruits in August. ! s* ! ¥ Yield from Sept. 0 1 to Sept. 12. N ft+S ® ft b «4-l 03 Sh lbs. oz. Total number of ripe fruits. ¥ Total weight ‘3 u © ft 0 oz. © Average weight F of ripe fruits, j 5 Weight of green ® fruit left on vines Advance Burpee Aug. 14 26 5 20 6 25 5 561 72 0 2.00 22% Acme . Gregory “ 30 8 14 12 8 21 5 200 42 11 3.41 12 Ignotum College Sept. 2 0 15 15 9 53 13 158 70 5 7.12 34 & Potato-leaf. “ 2 1 2 30 9 30 9 141 62 4 7.06 81 Mitchell Manle Aug. 29 30 4 21 10 174 51 14 4.78 77 *4 Optimus Berthoud “ 30 33 2 33 15 201 67 1 5.33 66 Lorillard Sept. 6 37 2 46 9 258 83 11 5.19 82*4 Ignotum •* “ 4 41 1 35 10 162 76 11 7.58 90 Potomac Harris Aug. 29 6 12 27 2 16 14 91 50 12 8.92 66 McCollum Hybrid Sept. 2 0 13 11 10 11 7 80 23 11 4.77 5J1 Potato-leaf Ignotnm College Aug. 10 15 1 32 9 11 1 138 58 11 6.08 51 Picture Rock.. Childs “ 16 16 5 21 15 18 9 224 56 13 4.05 60 Climbing “ 15 6 3 21 6 12 12 140 40 5 4.60 25 Majestic Buist “ 19 16 0 10 13 13 1 190 39 14 3.32 21 Prize Belle .. “ 22 7 11 12 11 22 9 168 46 2 4.39 36*4 Royal Red .. . Dreer “ 26 8 14 9 6 15 15 156 34 3 3.50 28*4 Buckeye State Livingston... “ 30 0 13 18 3 22 13 84 36 13 7.01 52*4 Belmont Gregory “ 22 6 7 21 0 15 12 168 43 3 4.11 42 Terra Cotta. Thorburn “ 30 8 29 14 31 10 206 67 0 5.20 51*/, Lemon Blush. ** “ 26 5 7 36 6 23 11 171 65 8 6.12 50% Early Michigan . . . Ferry . “ 30 4 14 40 14 29 3 196 74 15 6.11 97 Nicbol No. 5 Nichol.. “ 31 6 5 16 5 48 11 161 71 5 7.09 71 The Stone .. Dreer . .. Sept. 4 4 7 16 0 37 20 7 8.84 106*4 Trophy Vaughan “ 2 2 15 22 1 18 5 74 43 9.86 81 !4 Richmond Landreth Aug. 12 18 11 8 9 15 180 42 5 3.76 80 Comrade Gregory . “ 16 17 0 13 15 8 4 274 89 3 2.25 20 The Shah Henderson “ 22 8 4 10 12 9 12 96 28 12 4.79 25 Giant Tree Salzer “ 22 9 0 40 7 4 14 147 54 5 5.91 55 First Ripe. “ 18 7 6 18 12 11 10 130 87 12 4.41 35 Tracker Favorite Burpee .... “ 22 6 12 40 7 14 13 184 62 0 5.39 50 Matchless . “ 22 7 11 40 13 19 12 186 68 4 5.87 58 Red Ponderosa College Sept. 2 0 11 30 9 30 13 103 62 l 9.64 56 The Ever Fruitful Pitcher & Marula “ 2 1 15 23 1 36 7 132 61 7 7.44 64 64 MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. to support the vines. Ninety varieties or strains were grown. The table given below shows the time of ripening and the yield of a few of the older and better sorts, and of the new varieties grown. Six plants were set of each variety. All the ripe tomatoes borne on these six plants were picked and weighed. After the frost had killed the vines the green tomatoes were also gathered and weighed. The variety which has given best satisfaction, as an early tomato, for several season is Earliest , from Vaughan. The six plants supposed to be Earliest in the experimental plot were not true, so that a comparison for this year could not be made. Our field planted for general U6e contained a large setting of Earliest , and here it was the first, by several days, to ripen fruits. Advance , which is a little later than Earliest , but bears a smoother fruit, shows up well as an early sort. Ignotum , Lorillard and Optimus may be recommended as among the best for the general crop. The following notes on some of the new varieties may be of interest: Royal Red , Dreer. Careful comparison could note no differences in plants or fruit from Ignotum , though Royal Red ripened fruits a week earlier and the tomatoes averaged much smaller in size. Buckeye State. — Livingston. Plants are strong growing; fruit grows in clusters, is round and of good size, color a uniform pinkish red; flesh solid and walls thick. Free from rot and does not crack. Promising. Belmont. — Gregory. Plants are strong growing and spread but little. Fruit round or somewhat oblong, many celled and cell walls very thick, few seeds in cells; color bright, light red, does not ripen well around stem. Terra Cotta. — Thorburn. This is one of the Rural New Yorker's cross- bred tomatoes. The type is not fixed and the fruit varies greatly on the different plants. The typical fruit is of medium size, nearly round, with slight ridges or irregularities. It has very thin skin and the cells are close to the outside and have thin outer walls. The center of the tomato is solid and the flesh is bright red in color, juicy and fine flavored. A novelty in tomatoes and possessing many points of excellence. Lemon Blush. — Thorburn. Another of the Rural New Yorker toma- toes. Plants of very strong, upright growth. Fruit of medium size, round, regular form. It has very thick outer walls, few cells with many seeds and the flesh is juicy and more acid than is usual for yellow tomatoes. Color a rich light yellow. A promising yellow sort and a distinct type. Early Michigan. — Ferry. An improved type of the old Red Apple. Plants very vigorous, the branches growing in a close mass. It was not very early but the plants are very productive and the fruit is of good size, regular form, bright red color and free from rot or cracking. One of the best. Nichols No. 5. — Nichols. A tomato of the potato-leaf type, but the plant grows stronger and more upright. Fruit a lighter pink and of more solid flesh. The plants are productive and the tomato an excellent shipper. Richmond. — Landreth. Plants are not of strong growth. Fruit small to medium in size, rough and angular in shape and many celled. One of the first to mature fruits. Valuable for its earliness. Comrade. — Gregory. In plant and fruit closely resembles Advance. though fruit is a brighter red and has more green around stem. Also some fruits are much larger than Advance? First Ripe. — Salzer. Plants strong and of low spreading growth. Fruit HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 65 round, of medium size, smooth, bright red color; flesh solid, juicy and quite acid in flavor. Matures early and plants fairly productive. Trucker Favorite. — Burpee. Plants strong growing and productive. Closely resembles Acme in plant and fruit. A valuable market sort. Red Ponder osa. — College. Very similar to Ponder osa in plant and form of fruit but the color is red. Plants are productive and ripened a good amount of fruit before frost came. Ever Fruitful . — Pitcher & Manda. Plants are strong growing and set a large amount of fruit. Fruit large, regular form and light red color; flesh not very firm but of good quality. No rot appeared and fruit does not crack around stem. Resembles Ignotum but the tomato is more spherical in form. World's Fair. — Reed. This proved to be the old Red Pear , an early ripening sort of but little value. Agricultural College, ) February 10, 1894. J 9 BULLETIN I IO. APRIL, (894. BY E. CONFORMATION OF Y. Y. GRAN GrE, Y. THE HORSE. Some time ago the Veterinary Department issued an advance bulletin having reference to the external conformation of the horse, in which some scales of points were presented, and those interested were asked to make such changes as to them seemed proper and best. The hearty response which met the request has been most encouraging, while the replies furnish much valuable information, of which advantage will be taken when we come to that feature of this issue that bears upon scales of points. Numerous communications have also been received commending the work of research upon the different styles of conformation met with in commercial horses of the present day, and many correspondents express a keen desire to be informed on all points in connection with the subject of this bulletin. Before describing the points of the animal it may be well, first of all, to define the expression we so often hear, “ a good horse! ” and will do so by saying that associations have led us to regard a good horse as one which excels in many ways, fails in few, and is not remarkably deficient in any point. Of course that is treating the question somewhat broadly, for some horses are able to trot at a very high rate of speed, and are regarded as good horses by those who look upon speed as the chief feature in their ideal animal ; yet these same animals may be affected with forms of unsoundness that would cause them to be rejected in any show ring, and the same may be said of horses used for the performance of any special duty. I do not think it makes any particular difference where we begin with the description of a horse, for if we do the work thoroughly we eventually cover the whole animal; but as it has always been our custom, in work of this kind, to start with the conformation of the head we will continue in that line here; indeed, in some respects, the head may be regarded as the frontispiece of the animal, it being the feature above all others, which imparts the physiognomy or expression to the creature. AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. THE HEAD may be divided for the convenience of description into the following regions, viz. : The ear, poll, forehead, face, nostrils, muzzle, mouth, cheek* eye, lower jaw and jowl, inter-maxillary space. The Ears (Elate II, Fig. 1-1) are situated towards the sides of the top of the head, and, like many other parts of the horse, are subject to differ- ences of opinion in the minds of individual horsemen as to their proper size and shape, as well as their position upon the head. Some like what they call good large ears set well apart, while others prefer much smaller ones and made up in a more delicate manner throughout. As far as our own observation has gone, the ear which has most admirers is the one which is composed of a mere shell of gristle enveloped in a layer of thin skin, which should be clothed with a coat of fine hair, that may, however* be somewhat meagre on the inner surface, especially in the summer season. In shape the ear should taper from the base to a rather sharp point at the tip; its movements should be energetic, but not of the quick, jerky order; they should not be slow or sluggish, because that would indicate a defect in hearing or the animal is quite likely to be a dull, stupid brute* while those with quick, jerky ears are liable to be vicious or ultra nervous creatures. Experience in selecting horses has led us to observe the movements of the ear with much care, and regard them to some extent as the index to tho animal’s character, for they not only indicate a well-balanced disposition, a vicious or sluggish horse, as the case may be, but they point to defective eyesight, or even total blindness, in which case the ever restless ear will be thrown first in one direction and then in another. The position of the ears upon the head plays an important part in the artistic appearance of it; if they are too near the center they cause a dis- agreeable, puny expression, while if they are too close to the lateral borders they give the head a somewhat coarse expression. When erect the ears should stand boldly up inclining in an oblique direction from below upwards and forwards; when they project in an outward direction* approaching the horizontal, they are called lop-ears, a style of conforma- tion that is not admired. The Poll (Plate 1-3) is situated at the top of the head (being covered in part by the arch formed by the headstall of the bridle or halter), its shape is not often critieised, though we occasionally meet with saddle horses that are injured from the artistic standpoint owing to the poll being flat and expanded, giving the upper superficies of the neck and back of the head a plain, coarse look, and as this feature is practically always under the eye of the equestrian, it is very liable to diminish the value of the animal in the high-class saddle horse market. The Forehead (Plate II, Fig. 1-2) is that part of the head between the eyes, extending as high as the top of the cranium, the superior border affording a point of attachment for the forelock; the upper portion forme a large part of the wall of that cavity which contains the brain, while the lower portion forms the forehead proper, a space that is most admired when it is broad and flat. Connoisseurs in horse flesh prefer plenty of space between the eyes and some even go so far as to say that a broad forehead is indicative of intelli- gence, but as this part of the bone does not cover the brain (the seat of VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 69 PLATE NO. 1.— REGIONS OF THE HORSE. I Muzzle. lVt Cheek. t Crest of occiput. 3 Poll. 4 Crest of the neck. 5 Neck. 6 Withers. 7 Back. 8 Loins. 9 Point of hip. 10 Croup. II Dock and tail. 12 Point of quarter. 13 Haunch or upper thigh. 14 Stifle. , Al . . 115 Gaskin or lower thigh. 10 Hock. 17 Shank. 18 Fetlock joint. 19 Hind pastern. 20 Hind foot. 21 Abdomen and flank. 22 Chest. 28 Jugular gutter. 24 Jowel. 25 Throat. 26 Shoulder. 27 Point of shoulder. .. , 28 Arm (from point of shoulder to elbow) 29 Elbow. 30 Forearm. 81 Knee. 32 Front canon. 33 “ fetlock. 34 “ pastern. 85 “ foot. 36 “ coronet. '35 70 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. intelligence) it is hard to conceive how its shape can control snch an important feature in an animal. When the space between the eyes is well developed that portion of the interior of the head to which the nerve of special sense of smell is distributed would naturally be larger in proportion, on that account the smelling power of the animal with the broad forehead may be increased, and if it be true, that the horse’is capable of judging of the quality of things by their odour, we can then explain why the horse with the broad forehead and well developed organs of special sense of smell, may appear more intelligent than his less, fortunate neighbour with the narrow one. In some instances the forehead is convex in outline, a style of conforma- tion which is not regarded with favor from an artistic point of view, though it is not likely to interfere with the animal from the practical standpoint. The Face (Plate II, Fig. 1, 3-3) is the region situated below the fore- head, the bones of the nose forming the principal part of it. The outline of the anterior aspect of the face should be straight or nearly so, causing the nose to be rather of the Grecian order, the sides of the face may be very slightly dished. The bones of the nose are often arched a style of confirmation that is not only unpopular, but in the extreme it may inter- fere with respiration during severe exertion, owing to the peculiar attitude the soft tissues, which form the nostrils, assume when hanging loosely from such bones, and their position makes it difficult if not impossible for the muscles which control them to act in a proper manner. Again the bones of the nose are sometimes concave, giving the animal a dish faced appearance, which in extreme cases may also interfere with respiration, by decreasing certain diameters of the nasal chambers, but it is only in very rare cases that the merits of the animal are affected by the shape of the nose; notwithstanding this, however, the shape of the nose is a very important point, for it goes a long way in giving a pleasing or disagreeable expression to the head. The Nostrils (Plate II, Fig. 1, 4-J-4^) are the external openings of the nasal chambers; they are composed largely of a fine skin and cartilage or gristle, and lined by a delicate membrane which in health and during repose, should be of a rose pink color; exercise or disease alter the color of this membrane considerably. The openings should be large and easily dilated; if they are small and composed of thick tissues which do not dilate readily, the horse will most likely prove defective when it comes to severe exertion. The Muzzle (Plate I, 1) of the horse is a region somewhat indifinitely spoken of as the end of the nose, but to define its limits I regard it as that part of the head extending from an imaginary line drawn around the lower portion of it and in its course passing over the angle or commissures of the mouth, all below this line to be included in the muzzle. The outline of this region does not seem to make any difference to the animal as far as its merits are concerned, but from the artistic standpoint it must not be coarse and expanded, but fine and inclined to be pointed; to express this, some horsemen say, the animal “ should be able to drink out of a wine glass.” The Mouth splits the last region into two parts. It should be of mod- erate size, not deep enough to remind one of the mouth of an alligator, nor so shallow that it resembles the mouth of a sheep; it should be bounded, as it were, by moderately firm lips. We do not believe that its size or shape has anything to do with the general utility of the animal. VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 71 (/ t 1 PLATE NO. 2. -REGIONS OF THE HORSE, . 1:3 /4 — /5 -/e 1 Ears. 2 Forehead. 2 54.2*4 Oateide points of the forehead. 3.3 Face. 4.4 Points of hips from the front. 44.454 Nostrils. 5 Mnzzle. 6.6 Points of shoulders. 7.7 Mnscles forming breast or bosom. 8 Forearm. 9 Coronet. 10 Wall of the foot. 11 Crest of the occiput. 12 Crest of the neck. 13 Points of the hips from behind. 14.14 Croup from behind. 15.15 Haunch or upper thigh. 16.16 Gaskin or lower thigh. 72 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. The Cheek forms a large portion of the lateral aspect of the head. As we believe that this region of the head deserves more attention than it usually receives, a word or two concerning its anatomy may not be out of place here. It is composed of an outside covering of skin and hair, and an inside layer of a skin-like mucous substance called buccal membrane ; between the skin and the membrane we will find two muscles, which are especially worthy of our attention. The first one, called the Buccinator , occupies that portion of cheek nearest the mouth, which is loose or flabby. This muscle is of interest because it is largely concerned in keep- ing the food in its proper place during mastication, by pressing it, as it were, between the molar teeth, which, figuratively speaking, are the mill stones that grind the corn, etc. The next muscle may almost be looked upon as being of more importance than the first, for again, speaking figuratively, it supplies the power which drives the mill stones; this muscle is called the Masseter (one on each side of the head) and is situated upon the upper or posterior half of the cheek. It is firmly attached to the upper and lower jaw and is the principal muscle of mastication, and as this is one of the important processes of digestion it must be thoroughly performed, or the animal will not remain vigorous and in a state of perfect health. We believe that imperfect mastication, or grinding of the food, is often the starting point of indigestion and all its evil consequences, hence that this act be properly performed, the masseter should be well developed, and we like to see them standing boldly out upon the cheek. The Eye is a most important part of the head. It is regarded as being defective from an artistic point of view when it is small and concealed, reminding one of the eye of a pig, or when it is too large, round and prom- inent, like the eye of an ox. It should be well developed, round and preferably of a brown color. When there is an absence of the coloring matter of the eye, it will be very light colored, an appearance which usually goes under the name of (watch) wall eye. The eye is frequently regarded as the index of the animal’s character, but I have been deceived so often by both kinds, the mild as well as the sulky looking, that I am now disposed to think it is often over-estimated as a guide for future performances. The acuteness of vision may be determined by making passes with the hand in front of the animal, in proximity to the organ, examining one eye then the other, taking care that too much force is not exerted, as currents of air may be produced which will cause the animal to blink, and this blinking mistaken for actual vision. The Lower Jaw is composed principally of a large bone, the front part of which forms a solid foundation for the implantation of the lower incisor teeth. This part is called the body, and springing from it are two large rami or branches; the branches turn suddenly upward towards the base of the ear, near which they form the joint of the lower jaw. The angle of inflection is often designated the jowl (Plate I, 24). This point if coarsely constructed, through the bone being too broad, is some- times taken exception to, and the animal criticised for being too thick in the jowl, or is occasionally called heavy-jawed. The Inter-maxillary Space is the V shaped channel formed by the spread of the branches of the lower jaw. The channel should be deep enough to make its presence quite perceptible. When the groove forming the channel does not exist, owing to the space being filled with thick skin VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 73 •or other soft tissue, the head has a beefy look, as it is called, a style of conformation that is rather disagreeable. The inter-maxillary should be broad between the angles of the jaw in order that the top of windpipe (the larynx) may have plenty of room for its eccentricities in all attitudes of the head. The head should be attached to the neck in a manner that a line drawn through the center of it will form a right angle with a line drawn along the center of the neck, when the animal is standing in its natural position. When the angle is more obtuse than a right angle, causing the nose to pro- trude, the horse always appears as if suffering from a sore throat; or if the angle is still more obtuse, it will resemble the attitute assumed in chronic poll evil; on the other hand if the angle be considerably more acute than a right angle the act of respiration may be interfered with during extreme exertion. A head that is not nicely set upon the neck deteriorates the value of a high class horse considerably, although it may not interfere with the merits of the animal. It is somewhat difficult to say, in a general way, how the head of one class of horses should differ from that of another; all for instance are entitled to the fine ears, the broad forehead, the straight nose, etc., etc.; at the same time a course ear, which might be tolerated in a draft horse, would more than likely be taken exception to in the thoroughbred; then heads are course or fine in all breeds without apparently affecting the merits of the animal, but the same cannot be said of the neck which is the region of the horse next to be described. THE NECK (Plate I, 5) may be regarded as the part extending from the poll to the withers along its upper border, and from the throat to a point a little above the anterior extremity of the breast bone on the lower border. In all breeds of horses we meet with different kinds of necks that are named from their supposed resemblance to certain objects, but the kinds we oftenest meet with are the bull neck, the peacock neck, the ewe neck, the straight neck and the clean out neck. In selecting a horse the form of neck must be taken into consideration, and the kind of work the animal is to be engaged in, before we pronounce upon it as being good or bad in form. The Bull Neck is the one which is strikingly short and thick; it is usually credited with being indicative of strength and consequently is best adapted for draft horses, but even in them it is doubtful if it is advisable to encourage the breeding of horses with short necks, for innumberable draft horses have been brought under our notice with moderately long necks and we have yet to learn that they were deficient in strength when it came to the starting of a load. The bull necked horse would certainly not do for saddle purposes because he would not be graceful in his movements, and men who ride high class horses, like them with plenty of rein, in order that they may be handled in a more agreeable way; it is not a pleasant thing to have the horse’s head too near you when in the saddle. Those who drive generally prefer the rangy neck to the short variety for similar reasons. The Peacock Neck is one which usually has many admirers; the name is given to it from the supposed resemblance to the neck of that bird. The style of conformation is occasioned by the upper border of the neck ( the 10 74 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. crest ) becoming somewhat elevated or unusually prominent about six inches from the poll; they are found in all kinds of horses and, while they do not indicate anything of special value in the line of merit, they are coveted on account of their beauty. The Ewe Neck is one in which the upper border is concave instead of being convex and the lower border bulges more or less, giving rise to the expression, “ that neck is upside down.” Many good horses are formed in this way, though it is a form that is often objected to, more from its appearance than anything else we are aware of. The Straight Neck is one in which the upper and lower borders are practically straight, tapering gradually from the chest to the throat; we find this style both in good and bad horses. The Clean Cut Neck is the one our preference leans towards; in it the muscles and other parts stand boldly out, the crest is prominent and whip- cordy or wiry, the sides are marked by hard muscles, the lower border including the wind pipe, stands out perceptibly leaving a prominent groove, the jugular gutter, between it and the neck above, gracefully incurvated near the throat and attached to the head in a manner that leaves a line of demarkation between the leaving off of the head and the beginning of the neck, doing away with the appearance of a plastered on head. The posterior part usually terminates perceptibly just in front of the withers, so that one can tell where the neck leaves off and the withers begin, a point that is not always easy to determine. Necks of this nature are usually accompanied with a constitution that can stand a good hard day’s work either upon the road or at the plow. THE BODY is the next division of the horse to be considered, and in order that it may be discussed somewhat in detail it is conveniently divided into the withers, the back, the loins, the croup, the chest and breast, the abdomen; other parts which may be looked upon as part of the body are left to be considered with the limbs. The Withers (Plate I, 6) is that elevated portion at the top of the shoulder, the highest part of which is the point to be selected when meas- uring the height of an animal. They are usually described as being high or loiu ; the latter variety, however, is we believe, more apparent than real, as the length of the bones which form them does not vary as much as one would at first be led to suppose. I have in my possession at this writing a mare, which six months ago was so high? in the withers that a pad had to be arranged under the pommell of the saddle to prevent it from bruising those dainty parts; at this time she is ridden every day with the same sad- dle (which has not been repadded) and there is abundance of room between the top of the withers and the under surface of the pommell of the saddle; her withers look lower, but there cannot be any doubt but what this appearance is to be accounted for by the increase of fat in the animal’s condition. We think a good substitute for the expression high and low withers would be, well defined or obtuse withers, the former taking the place of the expression “ high ” the latter of the expression “ low ” we do not pretend to say that the comparative length of the bones do not vary, but that the variation is not so great or so common as is generally supposed. Horses with high withers, whether they be well defined or obtuse, are able to perform rapid movements with more grace and facility, other things _ , VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 75 being equal, than those in which the bones are short, making the withers really low. This is to be accounted for by the fact that the long arm of a lever (the trapezius muscle) is made longer, and hence its power to swing the shoulder blade backwards and forwards, like the pendulum of a clock, is made greater, but with short bones, not obtuse or rounded withers, this leverage is diminished to a greater or less extent. We are inclined to think that the view we have taken accounts for some horses which look as if they were low in the withers, and are still able to trot and perform other rapid movements with the greatest facility, and that in them the withers are really high but they do not look so, because they are obtuse, and not well defined. In the selection of an animal, the style of the withers should be well considered. When a saddle horse is to be judged the withers should be well defined in order that the saddle may sit comfortably upon the back. Horses with obtuse round or low withers do not carry the saddle nicely nor its occupant in a comfortable manner, as there is a good chance for the saddle to role or become otherwise misplaced. If the coach horse or roadster is under consideration, then those with round withers are not so objectionable, but the low variety, that is those with short bones, are not desirable, unless the action of the animal is such as to warrant them. In draft horses there is no objection to low withers, though in a general way horses with this part well defined are usually most admired. It is not an uncommon thing in stallions to find all appearance of the withers obliterated on account of the neck coming down into the middle of the back, as it were. Yet such animals are quite liable to produce offspring with well defined withers. The Back (Fig. I, 7) is that part of the animal extending from the withers to the highest part of the croup, a point formed by the approxima- tion of processes belonging to the haunch or edge bones, the posterior third (approximately) of the back forms the loins, or coupling, as it is sometimes called. Some writers describe the back and loins as separate parts, but it always appears to the writer that the latter is only a continua- tion or part of the former, for when we come to consider roach and hollow backs, we find the anterior and posterior part of them so intimately con- cerned in the peculiar conformation that it is somewhat difficult to tell where one begins and the other leaves off ; that is in the living creature, though in the skeleton the line of demarkation is well marked, so much so, that there is good reason for those who prefer to describe them as separate regions to do so. In selecting a horse the uses the animal is intended for must have due consideration before the back is pronounced upon as being desirable or otherwise ; for instance, a horse with a tolerably long back may look well in harness, while the same creature would look entirely out of place under the saddle. Our experience in saddle horses has led us to prefer those with short backs and strong loins with a gentle dip, not sufficient to come under the head of hollow back , but enough to do away with the straight edge appear- ance. The dip we wish to emphasize should be very slight and more apparent as we approach the withers. Roach-back horses are not desirable for saddle purposes, because in them the gait is usually rough, producing a degree of concussion upon the rider which is unpleasant, to say the least of it. 76 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. The horse with the hollow back is often graceful in its movements, and on that account is agreeable to ride, but the style of conformation is not admired and the deformity is liable to increase with age, and more rapidly if weight is applied to its surface. "When the back of the saddle horse is short and loins broad, it is well adapted to carrying weight, and its various evolutions can be performed with the greatest facility, the broad loins giving plenty of room for the attachment and development of one of the largest muscles in the body, which extends, one on each side of the spine, through the regions of loins, back and withers, and is concerned in nearly all movements of the body. We can scarcely conceive an animal doing a good day’s work in the saddle, at the plough, or on the road, if this muscle is not well developed. For harness purposes the back may be somewhat longer. The moder- ately long horse has a more or less rangy appearance in harness that is often admired. If an animal is intended for fast, or even moderately fast road work, the back should then be of about the same conformation as that of the saddle horse. For draft purposes the back which has most admirers is the one which is rather short but broad and straight. The Croup ( Plate I, 10 and Plate II, Fig. 2, 14-14 ) is that part of the upper surface of the body extending from the highest point of the hind quarters to the dock, and embraced between two imaginary lines drawn from the point of the quarter to the point of the hip, one on each side. When the croup is long it shows that the bones forming the foundation of it are long, thus giving plenty of room for the development of those power- ful muscles which are often spoken of as the propelling powers of the animal. We give the preference to the horse with the long croup. The slope of the croup is another point which should engage our attention when studying the external conformation of the animal ; many persons believe that the drooping quarters are indicative of speed, and while it must be admitted that many fast horses are so formed, yet so many record- breakers are built on the more horizontal plan, that we are forced to believe that the slope of the croup has little to do with the animal’s merits, but it certainly has with the beauty of the creature, for when it approaches the horizontal, that is just slopes a little, the £ail comes from the body in a manner that admits of its more graceful and elegant carriage, which gives a finish to the contour of the whole animal that is a striking contrast to the indifferently carried tail of the drooping croup, with its low set dock. In those horses with slanting or very drooping croups the tail usually 'Comes out low down. The Dock ( Plate I, 11) or root of the tail is a part which should always be observed when examining a horse, and the animal required to perform in its various paces, then the examiner can readily judge if there is any- thing radically wrong with its carriage or shape. Many persons regard the resistance offered by the muscles of the dock when, for instance, the crupper being applied, as an index of the animal’s strength and endurance, and it does seem that stiff docked horses are generally good ones, yet we have seen so many limber docked animals which were capable of performing in a most satisfactory manner, that we would hesitate in condemning the horse with the limber dock without some further evidence that it was an inferior animal. The Thorax ( Plate I, 22 ) or chest is a region which is of great import- ance from every standpoint that a horse is judged, and it usually bears a VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 77 somewhat close relation in shape to the kind of work nature has intended the animal to perform. For a familiar example of this we have only to look at the chest of the greyhound to see what a striking contrast it pre- sents with his more surly neighbour, the bulldog, or observe the difference between the shape of the thorax of the English thoroughbred and the Scotch draft horse. In the former we find it deeper from above downwards and comparatively narrow in the bosom ; his admirer tells us that he likes ’em deep through the girth ! While the connoisseur in the draft class must have them with a good broad breast, with a large full bosom and fore legs well apart. We must not forget, however, that this narrowness of chest and fullness of bosom is modified a good deal by condition, and probably does account to a considerable extent for the well trained and thin race horse being able to gallop with such ease and precision, when the same animal if fat would go awkwardly in comparison. Our observation has led us to believe that the narrow chest, that is comparatively narrow, is more essential to the fast, easy stride of the galloping horse than it is to the trotter ; but we do not admire any horse whose front legs, to use a horsey expression, look as if they “ came out of the same hole.” The shape of the entire chest, apart from the front legs and muscles connecting them to it, has been aptly compared to a truncated cone with its apex turned forwards and the truncated or cutaway part following the line of the lower extremities of the floating ribs. The ribs form a large portion of the bony frame work of the chest, and to them it largely owes its shape. There are usually 18 pairs of them, which vary considerably in size and shape in all animals, whether they be draft or saddle horses, and it is generally conceded that the merits, as well as some peculiarities of tho individual, depend upon the shape and length of them. The first few pairs, those that are underneath the shoulder blade are rather straight, and those behind it are somewhat bent. The ribs increase in curvature from the first pair, which are nearly straight, to the last pair, which are so much curved that they describe a considerable portion of the circumference of a circle ; they increase in length from the first to about the ninth pair, and from this pair to the last they get shorter ; it is this progressive shortening which gives the truncated appearance to the osseous walls of the chest. The ninth pair of ribs, being longer than the rest and being situated where they are, gives depth to the girth, the point that is so much admired, especially in horses used for any saddle purpose. Professor Williams, one of our eminent veterinary authorities, says that “ shallow chested horses are prone to heaves.” In all horses the ribs should be well sprung, or have a well defined angle; that is to say, from about the 7th or 8th pair backwards they should come out from the spine in a manner approaching the horizontal, then dip downwards and soon recurve inwards, towards the central plane of the body. The angle is the part where the rib dips downwards, and when it is well defined it is a good point for several reasons; in the first place it shows that there is plenty of room for the implantation of that large muscle (lonqissimus dorsi ) already referred to when speaking of the loins, then the angle does away with the flat sides so often found in washy, delicate creatures. The ribs are consid- ered well arranged when the distance between the last one and the point of the hip is little more than the breadth of a hand, such animals are said to be well ribbed up; but when this space is considerable, the horse is spoken of as being loosely coupled, which is frequently associated with narrow loins, the two together producing a style of conformation that is 78 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. seldom fit for a good hard day’s work in any capacity, while the horse that is well ribbed up, other things being equal, is usually able for anything that it may be called upon to do, probably the secret is, that in such horses the chest is well formed and spacious, giving the heart and lungs plenty of room to perform their various functions with ease and comfort. The Abdomen varies perhaps more than any other part according to the feed or natural condition of the animal. Some animals are always very full owing to the actual size of the organs contained therein. When the dimensions are very large they spoil an animal’s appearance to some extent and, on the other hand, we occasionally meet with horses that will not fill up always appearing tucked up in the flank; such animals are often poor feeders and consequently not able to do a hard day’s work. The Skin should be supple and loose, having an abundance of little glands whose presence and healthy condition are indicated by the glossy appearance of a well groomed coat. The Fore Leg is situated upon the front part of the side of the chest, or rather that part of the leg above the elbow joint, and in a general way it responds to the six anterior pairs of ribs. That part of the shoulder which extends from the point in an upward and backward direction to within a short space of the top of the withers, is the portion which deserves closest scrutiny when examining the conforma- tion of an animal, for by the incline in the anterior surface of this region we are able to tell, with more or less certainty, what kind of action the animal will have as well as judge it in some other particulars. We cannot call to mind ever having ridden a horse with straight .shoulders that was an agreeable animal as far as its gait was concerned. Horses so formed are invariably rough and stilty in the trot, and when it comes to the slow gallop they “ go short” and get too far away from the ground in the stride, which is so marked in some individuals that it approaches the bucking gait, and is very different from the elastic graceful movements of the horse with oblique shoulders. ^ *For heavy slow coach work the straight shoulder answers very well, but they are best adapted for draft purposes where the horse is seldom required to go off the walk; in this latter class the entire surface of the front of the shoulder will be flush against the posterior or draft surface of the collar, and when an animal so formed throws his weight into it (the collar), the creature will most likely feel comfortable and every effort to move the load will have, comparatively speaking, greater influence. It is not to be infer- red from what has just been said that horses with oblique shoulders cannot pull and pull well; or that horses with straight shoulders cannot perform fairly well upon the road in light vehicles, but other things being equal they are best adapted to the uses assigned to them. Though for sad- dle purposes the parts must be oblique to modify or dispose of concussion. The space between the point of the shoulder and the elbow joint is some- times called the arm. We do not know of any special style of conformation that needs description in this region as it is invariably formed in an acceptable manner, but below the elbow joint the leg should be thoroughly examined, and first of all we have the forearm (Plate I, 30) to take into consideration. This should be formed of well developed hard muscles standing boldly out. The circumference of the arm as measured with the tape line is not a good guide to the merits of the creature, for two reasons, in the first place when we come to measure horses by the scores, we will find in some of them, that the pectoral muscles which are concerned largely VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 79 in binding or attaching the fore leg to the body, are (some of them) attached to the inside of the fore leg, just about opposite the elbow joint, while in some individuals this attachment appears lower down; so much so, that it will be included in the tape line when measuring the part, and as this muscle is not regarded as one of the muscles of the fore arm, it seems unfair to include any of it in the measurement of that part. In the second place the skin of some animals is thicker than that of others, while a species of second skin, that binds down the group of muscles which enter into the formation of the fore arm and called fascia by anatomists, is considerably denser in some than in others; again fat is found filling up the parts, so as to make them appear larger, while the muscles themselves may be somewhat poorly developed; but where we find individual muscles standing clearly out by themselves, that is with slight depressions between them, amounting in some instance to grooves, and when they are firm, cordy as it were, to the touch, we may be tolerably certain that such muscles are composed of good tough fibers that can stand the strain and are consequently well developed. It may not be apparent to all why it is so essential for a good horse to have a well developed arm, but when we come to examine those instantane- ous photographs, so common in these times, we will at once see that much depends upon the perfect action of the arm in order that the pace may be continued in anything like a harmonious manner. It will be seen in Plate V, Fig. 2, that at certain stages of progression the entire weight of the body is upon one fore leg, and that the muscles of the fore arm have to carry it over a center as it were, something in the same manner as the athlete progresses with a leaping pole, — the horse must be landed on the other side of the center in a firm, steady manner in order that the next stride may be performed in anything like a proper way, for let anything interfere with the action of these muscles and the next step is so modified that it is far from perfect. We have this often well illustrated in the horse suffering from, we will say for convenience sake, a corn ; the animal steps upon something, a small stone for instance, that causes undue pressure at the moment the entire weight of the body is upon the foot, or just as it is about to pass over the center, this undue pressure causes pain which shoots through the whole leg, this causes the muscles of the fore arm to wince and the weight is not carried over the center and landed on the other side in a proper way, and the animal comes down upon its knees or stumbles along in a somewhat awkward manner, if it does not fall down all together. It is generally conceded that horses with long arms are best adapted for fast work, and it is so often referred to as a point of excellence in the trotter that we were led to measure a large number of horses to determine if possible whether any reliable information could be obtained from the length of the arm and its relation to speed, and our measurements go to show that the length of the arm (from the elbow to the trapezium) is greater in the roadster, proportionately speaking, than in the draft horse. This will be readily seen by referring to the measurements in the table which is to be found further on in this bulletin. Passing on down the leg we come to the knee (Plate I, 31), this should be nearly straight as far as the outline of its anterior surface is concerned, but the posterior surface is marked by a prominent eminence which does not receive any special name except the prominence at the back of the knee. This prominence is far more perceptible in some horses than it is in others, so much so that it stands out boldly behind, and below this point 80 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. the contour of the back of the leg dips suddenly forward, giving the part a cutaway appearance, and good horses are sometimes condemned for being^ too much cut away under the knee, when the part is really stronger and better formed than the average. It is true that many horses are cut away under the knee to that extent that the leg is weakened, and will not stand the constant “ hammer, hammer, hammer on the hard, hard way,” but we must distinguish between the horse with an unusually well developed (trapezium) bone which forms the prominence and the one which is illy formed by being too much cut away under the joint. In the former the condition is more apparent than real, for if we observe the substance of the leg from before backwards just beneath the knee we will find it broad and strong, presenting a striking contrast to the latter, which will be found shallow to that extent that it often becomes a weak link. The knee should not bend backwards or present a concave appearance upon its anterior aspect, as this produces a condition called calf kneed , a style of formation that is much objected to from the artistic standpoint. Neither should the knee bend forward, as such a condition is indicative of its having been exposed to harder work than the tissues forming it could withstand, though we occasionally meet with horses that are over in their knees, and yet able to do a hard day’s work without being materially affected, but such joints have a weak appearance and are consequently unpopular. Between the knee and the fetlock we have a part familiarly known as the canon (Plate I, 32), it is composed principally of the large canon bone in front, with tendons, called the back tendons, behind. In shape it should be flat from side to side, the back tendons should stand boldly out behind, leaving an evident line of demarkation between them and the front part of the region, they should be hard, almost bone like, to the touch, and free from all puffiness. The posterior part of this region may or may not be clothed with long hair, according to the breed or fashion of the times. The skin covering the tissues should lie close to the bone and tendon, pro- ducing the sensation when handled that all is skin and bone. Below the fetlock joint and above the hoof we have a region designated the pastern, which is a most important part of the leg, it being the seat of that very troublesome disease, ringbone. Besides examining this part for disease we should regard its shape and direction according to the uses the horse is intended for, and if it is to be used as a saddle horse the kind with long oblique pasterns are more elastic and graceful in their movements than the short upright sort, which are often unpleasant to the eqestrian on account of the concussion produced by the more or less upright columns of bone. Our experience has been that we usuallyffind straight shoulders in horses with upright pasterns. In horses used for heavy coach or draft purposes the pasterns may be comparatively shorter, stouter and more upright than those used for saddle or light road work, but very straight pasterns are not desirable, in our opinion, in any class on account of the concussion they are liable to produce, but even the long oblique kind may be, and often are, overdone ; in them the strain upon the parts is liable to produce an irritation that in its turn will cause ringbone. The pasterns of the fore leg are usually a little more upright than those of the hind leg. This being the case we think it one of the reasons why ringbone is more prevalent in the hind than the front pasterns. Continuing down the leg we eventually come to the foot, a region which has been given a great deal of consideration in all ages and by most writers VETERI NARY DEPARTMENT. 6 81 Fig. 1 Plate No. 3. onto? abovefig“e 6 me88Ured an<1 t0 ’ indieated V 31 82 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN" FIG . /. CONVENIENT FORM OF INSTRUMENTS FOR MEASURING HORSES. The height of a horse is usu- ally measured in hanes, a hand being four inches, 15 hands being just 5 feet, or 60 inches. Fig. 1 is convenient for measur- ing the height at the withers and croup; Fig. 2 for measuring the width of chest at shoulder points, width of hips, width of forehead and l^pgth of head. Other measurements are more conveniently made with an ordi- nary tape line. VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 83 Plate No. 5. From an instantaneous photograph. Horse in the act of rapid progres- sion, the entire weight of the body being on one fore foot. Pig. 1. From an instantaneous photograph. Horse in rapid progression, the entire weight of the body being on one hind foot. 84 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. upon equine topics ; indeed it is doubtful if there is any one space in the whole animal which receives so much attention. We hear the expression “ no foot no horse ” wherever we go, showing in some measure that a good foot is held in high esteem by all admirers of a well formed animal, and a horse with a badly formed one is often dubbed a plug or a screw in the stable lore of the present age. The expression is so common that we have endeavored to trace its origin, but have failed to discover the exact source from which it came, so we have concluded that from its being such an old saying it must have originated long before iron shoes were used, and in those days people did a large part of their traveling upon horseback ; under such circumstances, with an unshod horse, it does not seem unreasonable to suppose that the horse’s hoof would wear out on a long journey, and the creature soon become tender as well as lame and eventually unable to travel ; the rider would naturally look for the cause of the animal’s inability to progress in the usually way, and on examining the foot and finding it worn out, gone as it were , might he not very appropriately exclaim “ no foot no horse! ” because he would have to abandon that animal, for that journey at all events. When we come to consider what a number of diseases attack the foot, and what a large majority of the cases of lameness which we are daily brought in contact with, have their origin in the foot, we can begin to realize why this part shouid be regarded as being of so much importance, and the study of Pedology or science of the foot, so interesting to those who are engaged in any way in the equine industry. The Foot (Plate I, 35) may be regarded as that part embraced by and including the hoof, the upper border of which is called the coronet (Plate I, 36). We find on comparing the front feet with the hind ones that the former are usually if not always larger and flatter. This is no doubt owing to the fact that they have to bear more weight; in some horses consider- ably more, for instance the actual weight of a Shire stallion, as I took it, was 1580 lbs.; the front feet were then placed upon the scales and brought the beam up at 940 lbs. ; the animal was then reversed and the scales indi- cated 634 lbs., showing a difference of about 306 lbs. Several other ordinary farm horses were handled in a similar manner with the following results, to wit : No. 1, a gelding, entire weight, 1180 lbs.; front quarters, 690 lbs.; hind quarters, 510 lbs.; difference in favor of the front quarters, 180 lbs. No. 2, a mare, entire weight, 1280- lbs.; front quarters, 720 lbs.; hind quarters, 560 lbs.; difference in favor of front quarters, 160 lbs. No. 3, a gelding, entire weight, 1220 lbs. ; front quarters, 660 lbs. ; hind quarters, 552 lbs.; difference in favor of front quarters, 108 lbs. No. 4, a gelding, entire weight, 1150 lbs.: front quarters, 630 lbs.; hin(i quarters, 510 lbs.; difference in favor of front quarters, 120 lbs. The slight discrepancy, in those cases of the foregoing between the entire weight and the sum total of the front and hind quarters, is no doubt owing the displacement of the center of gravity in the different attitudes, which could scarcely be controlled. When the animal rests with its foot upon the ground the part we see is called the wall (Plate II, Fig. 1, 10); it is com- posed of innumerable horn fibres, which run parallel to each other, and are held firmly together by a tenacious substance peculiar to the part. The external surface of the wall should be smooth and free from grooves or fissures running in any direction; in outline it should be circular upon its lower border, having a somewhat smaller circumference at the upper or VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 85 coronal edge. The wall should be moderately deep and strong ; if shallow the foot will be flat, a variety which is sometimes a perpetual nuisance on account of often being affected with corns. The wall should not be con- tracted at the heels, as this form is usually associated with coffin joint lame- ness or some other chronic disease of the foot. The sole of the foot should be concave rather than flat, and that pyramidal shaped cushion, the frog, which appears as if let into the sole behind, should be well developed. The circumference of the well formed foot is to be found in the table of measurements further on. The hind feet are invariably smaller and their soles more convex than the front ones; lameness in the hind foot is of comparatively rare occur- rence. Many persons believe that feet with dark colored horn are stronger and able to stand the wear and tear of hard work better than the light colored ones, but our experience has failed to demonstrate the truth of this idea. The white foot will show the invasion of the part by inflammation more perceptibly, which we think is the cause of disease often being noticed in the white one when a similar complaint would, and often does, pass unnoticed in the dark colored foot. THE HIND LEG. The Haunch or Upper Thigh ( Plate I, 13, Plate II, 15-15) is a region that is somewhat difficult to define as far as its exact limits are concerned, for we find it running imperceptibly into the croup at one extremity, and into the gaskin or lower thigh at the other, so we will have to draw a little upon our imagination and say that it is situated between two lines, the one drawn from the upper part of the point of the hip to the upper part of the point of the quarter, the other drawn from the stifle joint in an oblique direction downwards and backwards following the lower border of the prominence formed by that large superficial muscle on the outside of the leg (Plate I, 13). In examining horses as to the excellence of the haunch we should first of all see that the muscles stand boldly out. In the horse where these muscles can be recognized independently of one another, we usually find an animal that possesses a good deal of strength and endur- ance. Then we should view the animal from behind to see that the hips and quarters are broad. Broad hips are not only indicative of strength but are an immense advantage to the brood mare in the act of foaling, because they indicate a large passage for the foal to pass through, conse- quently the act of labor can be accomplished with more ease and less risk. The Gaskin or Lower Thigh (Plate I, 15, Plate II, Fig. 2, 16-16) is the part below the haunch and above the hock ; it is important that the anterior and external part of it be well developed, because that part is composed of a group of muscles which are concerned in carrying the body past a center under certain circumstances. If we examine other instanta- neous photographs (Plate V, Fig. 1) we will find that in certain attitudes of progression the entire weight of the body is upon one hind foot, and these muscles are largely concerned in throwing it off or carrying it past the center, hence the necessity for a good horse to have a lower thigh com- posed of tough, hard muscles, and if they stand boldly out all the better, for then the region becomes more attractive. The Hock (Plate I, 16) is a very important joint situated between the lower extremity of the gaskin and the upper end of the shank bone. It has been said that a large majority of cases of lameness in the front legs 86 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. were due to some disease of the foot, but this order of things is generally altered when we come to the hind legs, in them the origin of most cases of lameness, in our experience has been in the hock joint, and unfortunately the lameness is very often of a most intractable nature as far as yielding to treatment is concerned, unless it is judiciously dealt with in the very ear- liest stages; hence the necessity of selecting animals with well formed hocks. The variety of hock which gains most favor is the one which is deep from before backwards and broad from side to side; the skin should be in close contact with the hard tissues underneath, doing away with that soft meaty appearance we sometimes meet with. The superficies of the joint should be free from large soft puffy tumours, especially after the colt- hood days. The hock joint being of so much importance (as it is so liable to become affected with disease), it may be an advantage to the student to make a few suggestions here as to methods of examining it, for which pur- pose it is very convenient to regard the joint as having four surfaces — front, back, inside and outside. To examine the part thoroughly, both hind feet should be placed together, and in line as we view them from side to side; the examiner should then stand, say three feet out from the point of the shoulder, and make an ocular examination of first one joint, then pass to the other side of the horse and examine the other; in doing this care must be taken to see that both joints are alike, especially at that point where the front and inside surfaces seem to meet. If we find a promi- nence in one that does not exist in the other we may be tolerably certain that a bone spavin exists in the one with the prominence. In some instances it is difficult to make up the mind by this method, in which case an examination made from between the fore legs looking backwards, and examining first the inner aspect of one nock then the other in quick suc- cession, this will sometimes help us to determine with tolerable certainty; if we are still in doubt, we may get an assistant to hold up one front foot, and manipulate the joint with the fingers, using the eyes at the same time. Should the part be thickly clad with long or furry hair, saturate the sur- face with water, which will cause the hair to lie close to the skin, and this will sometimes reveal enlargements which would otherwise pass unnoticed. It may be advisable to saturate the hair of both hocks. The saturation of the hair of the parts answers very nicely in examining the pasterns for ringbone or other superficial diseases dependent upon a certain amount of enlargement in any part of the body, if the hair is long. While the assistant is holding the fore foot from the ground, the front of the hock may be examined for that soft puffy tumor known as bog spavin , and the sides of the joint for tlioroughpin ; at the same time the outline of the back of the joint may be scrutinized to see if any remarkable deviation from a straight line exists in one hock that is not in the other; if it does, the probability is that a curb is the cause of it. It must be remembered that similar diseases do sometimes exist in both hocks at the same time, in which case it may be necessary for us to be familiar with the anatomy of the parts in a manner that can only be obtained by dissection or careful examination of the dissected parts, before we can distinguish between the natural formation and disease — for instance, we have curby-hocked horses, a style of conformation that may cause a doubt as to the existence of disease in the mind of those who have not given this subject a good deal of careful attention. This suggests the commendation of the growing tendency to have a veterinarian in the show ring to decide cases which properly come within the jurisdiction of such an expert The VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 87 question as to why the hock joint is so often the seat of lameness or disease often claims our attention, but if we examine it from the anatomist’s standpoint we will at once see that it is a very complicated joint, really made up of a number of little joints, and like other compli- cated things is quite liable to go wrong; but this is not all, for if we watch a horse in motion, fast or slow, backing or advancing, we will see that a more acute elbow is formed by this joint than at any other part of the leg, and in such a manner that it has to bear the strain of two levers, so much so that we might reasonably wonder why it is not oftener deranged; this perhaps may be explained by the fact that one of the levers at all events works upon the jack-screw plan (which may possibly have something to do with the origin of the term jack spavin), for evidence of this we have only to watch a horse drawing a load over a surface where the footing is a little slippery and we will observe that the hind foot turns around in a somewhat circular manner as if boring into the ground. As far as I am able to conceive from my knowledge of the anatomy of the hind leg this circular motion can only be produced, without increased expense to muscular force, by the peculiar shape of the bones entering into the formation of the true hock joint, the action of which, as pointed out by Prof. Williams, of Edinburgh, is like a screw, and in our opinion there is little doubt but that this screw-like motion is continued down to the foot under certain circumstances. This screw like motion is again important during rapid movements in trotting, especially in the horse with much hock action, as it prevents him from striking the lower surface of the body during extreme flexion of the joint, the foot being wound in an outward direction as it ascends from the ground. The circular motion of the foot is sometimes called dishing , possibly because it occasionally gives one the impression that the ground is being scooped out or dished by it. Some horses exhibit the dishing movement much more perceptibly than others do, which indicates that the screw like motion in the hock joint of some horses is greater than it is in others; then, if we are to regard the screw form of leverage as being the most perfect because it is the strongest, why other things being equal, the horse that dishes most will be the best per- former, it does not matter whether it be under saddle, in the road wagon or at the plow. Many years ago a gentleman once said to me that in the part of the old country where he came from they often used the expression, “ a good disher means a good jumper.” Our experience with horses rather verifies the truth of this expression, not only that they are good jumpers but good per- formers in a general way. The Shank (Plate I, 17) is the part below the hock and above the fet- lock; it corresponds to the canon of the front leg, proportionately speak- ing it is a little longer, flatter and measures more in circumference, as will be seen by comparing the measurements of different horses (see table). In shape it should be flat and deep from before backwards, the skin lying close to the bone and tendon — hard, flat legs being the ones which are best able to stand the trying work of the day. Those round, soft legs we so often meet with frequently prove a source of continual annoyance on account of being affected with Grease or some other similar disease. The parts below the shank are so much like the same parts in the front leg that they do not require any special description except to repeat that the foot is usually smaller and more contracted, with the sole more con- cave and the frog a little less developed. 88 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. Color. It has been said from time immemorial that “a good horse can- not be a bad color,” but we beg to take exception to this ancient adage, for we believe that a bad color often spoils a good horse from an artistic stand- point at all events, which at once becomes quite a point for consideration when we place an animal in the market for sale, though we do not intend to infer that we believe that the color affects the merits of the animal as far as performance is concerned, but rather that it is just as necessary to have a good color to complete the tout ensemble of a stylish carriage horse or a high class park saddle horse as it is to have a well formed head for instance. It is often said that color has some significance in judging of the tem- perament of an animal, but our investigations in this line have not led us to believe that there is any reliance whatever to be placed in opinions formed upon such a theory. It is true that many chestnuts are high spirited, but the same may be said of any other color. Temperament is controlled, in our opinion, by something deeper seated than the skin, most likely the chief organ of the nervous system, the brain. It is also contended that the color has much to do with the individual comfort of the animal when exposed to the influence of the sun’s rays, more particularly in the summer season, but our observation has not demonstrated the truth of this supposition, for as far as our knowledge goes dark horses are able to do just as much work without showing fatigue on the farm or the road as lighter colored ones. This may perhaps be accounted for by the non-conducting properties of the coat, for the hair being a non-conductor, it probably makes little difference to the parts beneath what color it is as far as transmitting the influence of the sun’s rays is concerned. The power to resist heat or cold is, we believe, invested in the constitu- tion of the animal. It was generally conceded by those Greek and Roman equestrians who wrote before the Christian era, that a good horse could not be judged by its color, although one of them goes so far as to say: “ That a mane which is of the same color throughout and of fine hair is generally the best, and besides it is most unlike that of the ass and the mule.” (See The Art of Horsemanship, by Xenophon, translated by Morgan, page 108.) I cannot help thinking that the writer regarded the mam in the same light that we do the coat or hair covering the whole body, in which case it is evident that like many persons of today, his taste ran to solid colors, but he does not give any preference to shade. The primitive colors of the hair of the horse appear to be white , red , black and yelloiu, all other shades or mixtures being simply modifications of one or more of them. If we infiltrate a few atoms of yellow into the white hair we get a cream, which is represented in the equine race t by quite a variety of shades, according to the propor- tions of white and yellow. If on the other hand we treat black and white in the same way, we get a dun color, which also has a variety of shades; while red and yellow, with some white, seem to produce the various shades of chestnut or sorrel, and bay as well as brown are no doubt produced by a delicate mixture of the four primitive colors. In some animals only one color is apparent, while in others it seems to take all four to produce the exact shade. The amount of coloring matter supplied to each individual hair is arranged by nature in many different ways so as to produce very different results. For instance, we find rings of certain shades surrounding spaces of other VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 89 shades, producing a dappled appearance, which is often admired, as the dappled grey, dappled bay or dappled brown, etc., etc., though we do occa- sionally meet with horses where the dapple does not improve the appear- ance. In other individuals we find the different colored hairs arranged so as to produce numerous shades of grey caused in a somewhat interesting manner by the predominance of one color or another; black and white producing iron grey; red and white, roan grey, or yellow and white, Isabella grey; the two latter with black hair produce roans of different shades, red roan or yellow roan, as the case may be. These, like all other shades, become light or dark according to circumstances. We also meet with horses which are of two distinct colors, having sharp lines of demarkation between the one and the other. Indeed we have the different colored hairs arranged in so many different ways, that it does not seem necessary to attempt to describe them all here; while we occasionally have animals brought under our notice where the coat is of that peculiar tint that it becomes a matter of some difficulty to draw a line between one color and some other; browns are sometimes so dark that it is hard to say whether they are black or brown, and similar instances come before us in other shades, the cream and the bay, the chestnut and the cream and so on. In selecting horses for the market color plays an important role in the make up of the animal, so the use the creature is intended for should be given due consideration. If we want an animal for park saddle work solid colors take well, while in most instances badly marked pie- balds would not be looked at, although for the circus ring they might be most coveted ; again the dictates of fashion influence the demand and in some localities red roans will bring a higher price, all things being equal, than any other color. For farm work the darker colors generally look better and are less disagreeable in the warmer months of summer than white or other light colors. Extensive correspondence on the subject of color has demonstrated very clearly that much stronger prejudices exist amongst the patrons of the equine industry than is generally supposed, but happily the color does not, in our opinion, make any difference except for special purposes, this being the case we are all put at liberty to gratify our own tastes in selecting a particular hue. Action and Gait embrace those movements performed by the extremi- ties during progression, and may be considered under three primary heads the walk, trot, and gallop — with their various modifications, the running walk, the amble or pace, and the canter. These we regard as natural gaits since horses possess them through some natural predisposition or instinct. The artifical gaits or ornamental movements are those which are taught in the high school of horsemanship, and perhaps may be regarded as belong- ing more to the circus ring or tan bark of the riding school, than the ordinary commercial horse- world. They consist principally of the passage, a species of trot in which the animal gathers itself into a rather showy attitude and progresses in a somewhat elastic manner, the Spanish walk, a most majestic movement in which the animal progresses in a remarkably precise manner especially as far as its front legs are concerned; the Spanish trot bears a very strong resemblance to the walk, the majestic precise movements being very perceptible. There are many other high school movements which it is not necessary to mention here. Although we have divided the gaits into two groups, it must be remem- bered that a natural gait in one horse may be entirely artifical in another; indeed we can hardly take up a live stock paper without reading of some 12 90 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. converted trotter or pacer, as the case may be, while I have seen horses that did the Spanish walk or trot without an hour’s training. Some horses cannot walk in the ordinary sense of the term, nor can others gallop, but so many are born possessing the first named gaits, that we feel justified in calling them natural, while the high school movements are obtained through training in nearly all instances. In pursuing our investigations with regard to the gaits of the horse our chief aim has been to notice those movements which attract the attention of the rider or driver, and the more we inquire into this branch of our subject the more we are struck with the absolute necessity of selecting animals with the correct way of going if we desire to obtain the paying prices for our products when we offer them for sale. A gentleman from New York who has had a great deal of experience in the horse line in various capacities not only as an owner, but as a judge at the National horse show and other prominent exhibitions in the east, writes in reply to my inquiries that: “ A paragon of conformation and all the requisite vir- tues will bring $175-$300 here without action ; one not half his equal in any particular, but with extra action icill bring $700-$5,000. I have seen very poor individuals bring the latter price more than once ” At the horse show of the Columbian Exposition I was much interested to observe the amount of stress exhibitors laid upon action in the draft classes as well as other breeds. In pronouncing upon the action of a horse as being good or bad due consideration must again be given to the use the animal is intended for , because what might be looked upon as good action for one class of work, would appear rather indifferent for some other ; take the saddle horse, and it is hard for the writer to conceive a more agreeable way of covering the ground than upon the back of a horse that has a nice long easy swing in the trot, going rather close to the ground, but with sufficient knee action to rarry the toe well clear of all irregularities in the road bed, this with energy and moderate speed, goes a long way towards the make up of a good saddle horse; but the same style in a coach horse would hardly pass muster if intended for fashionable city driving; in addition to this (for saddle work) we must have the horse to canter nicely, with a long easy stride, free from that short bucking motion so often noticed in badly trained or inferior animals; the walk should be energetic, fast and smooth with plenty of elasticity to modify concussion. In some localities and with some persons the running walk is indispensable in the makeup of a first class saddle horse. The harness horse should be a good walker, a free, bold trotter with plenty of knee as well as hock action: the former must not only be high, but it must be far reaching so as to carry the foot through a telling space at every stride and do away with that short choppy action sometimes described by an old saying “ that 'such and such a nag will trot all day in a bushel basket,” while the latter must bend the joint thoroughly bringing the foot and curved pastern up from the ground in a sharp decisive manner, carrying them well forward and lowering them with energy and precision that reminds one of the movements of a clock, all jerky movements that indicate string halt being carefully avoided. For slow draft work upon the farm, road, or in the city, the walking gait is even of more importance than any other, so much so that some agricult- ural societies award prizes for the best walker, an innovation to be highly commended. Having disposed of the external conformation of the horse in a some- VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 91 what summary manner, let ns turn for a moment to scales of points used in judging horses. In order to demonstrate the position we have taken with regard to them we reproduce our advance bulletin upon the subject, but wish to say in addition, that from information gained from numerous contributors we think the most satisfactory way to arrive at a scale of points which could eventually be looked upon in the light of authority would be through a National or International congress, made up of delegates from the different breeds and classes of horses, and let their decision as to what is required govern all association show rings. The replies to the advance bulletin are to be counted by the hundreds, and, after reading them all carefully, the conclusion reached was that if it were possible to put them into a bag and shake them up thoroughly, the scales of points as we have arranged them would come out with so little change that one would hardly recognize it, although many writers took exception to the intrinsic value of all points on the body of a sound horse being equal (in this case a value of 5), some saying that the hock is of more importance than the head and consequently should have more points; but (leaving unsounduess out of the question), does not the head as often spoil a good horse as the hocks? Another says it is hardly fair to allow as much for the croup and dock as it is for the chest, but are there not as many horses injured from illy formed croups and crooked docks as from badly formed chests? And similar questions may be asked throughout the entire list. It has also been suggested that one score card be arranged that will include all breeds and classes, the strong points cf the different kinds of animals being emphasised in such a manner that they are not liable to be overlooked. These and other questions are the ones which we think can only be set- tled by a congress of representative horsemen. We do not presume to offer anything more than the suggestion here. Some horsemen are strongly opposed to judging horses by scales of points, and while there may be many good reasons why men of extensive experience in such matters should be permitted to form their own opinions after the fashion of time-honored custom, yet there are cases where, even to the most experienced, a standard of excellence would prove itself a very great convenience. The writer can call to mind a case of judging horses at an agricultural fair in a rural district, and in the draft class the horses were finally brought in line for inspection, but much to our dismay there was not what we would regard a draft horse in the lot, they were all under size and too light, but the first prize was, with much reluctance, eventually awarded to a handsome little pair of stout cobs, just such a pair as would look well before an ordinary express wagon, where moderately fast work was required, but entirely out of place in the draft truck, where the speed is seldom beyond the walking gate; certainly they might have been thrown out altogether, but there was no authority for such a procedure, nor did previous custom in that locality warrant it. On another occasion a line of saddle horses was presented; amongst them was a grand colt, with proper action and all the necessary requisites for a saddle horse, in fact as far as conformation and style went he was the only true type of a saddle horse in the lot, but he had one wall eye, a rat tail, and was of a most objection- able color, being pie bald on the hind quarters, mostly bay on the barrel and sides of the chest, and an indefinite roan on the neck and shoulders. He did not get the first prize! although there werd those there who thought 92 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. lie should have had it, and perhaps not without good reasons, bat the var- iegated coat, the wall eye and the rat tail were so far from our ideas of a good saddle horse in the ordinary acceptation of the term that the prize went to another animal far inferior in point of merit. The propriety of these and similar decisions must remain open questions until the more salient features or essentia] factors in the makeup of a certain class of horse is defined by a recognized standard or scale of points. When this is produced the student can then form an intelligent opinion, within cer- tain limits, as to what may be accepted or rejected in any named class, while those of more extended experience will have authority for supporting their opinions in cases were lines have to be drawn between one class and another, and breeders will be encouraged to breed more to type than they are at the present time. We think that in judging horses by scales of points each and every point should be valued according to its merits as compared with the same point in other animals which are in the ring and before the committee for award, and not by its supposed importance or relative value as compared with other points in the same animal in a standard which allows say 100 or 1,000 as the maximum of the aggregate of all the points. By the former method the judgment at once evolves into the question of good, better, best, at each point, easier, however, to express by figures, and it insures thorough inspection of all the parts before they can be pronounced upon intelligently, a procedure in itself to be highly commended. ADVANCE BULLETIN. For some time past the Veterinary department has been making varied researches upon the different styles of conformation of the horse, with the hope of offering some practical suggestions to those who are engaged in, or about to engage in the equine industry, either as breeders, dealers or occasional ow-ners, as well as to those who are from time to time placed in the responsible position of judges of horses at fairs and horse shows. The further we go with the investigation, the more we are struck with the close atten- tion that is given to the external conformation of other animals ( dogs, cattle, sheep and swine ) by the compilers of herd books and others, while the conformation of the horse is largely left to the hap-hazard fancy of the observer; in view of this it has been thought advisable to incorporate a scale of points (in a future bulletin upon the subject) for the different classes of horses which are on the market for sale, or in the show-ring for exhibition. Any scales of points that have been brought under our notice have hardly covered as much ground as we think necessary, and while we feel that those we have drawn up are far from perfect, yet they furnish more food for thought than any we have seen. In order that the admirers of the individual classes may express their views upon certain points of excellence, this advance bulletin is projected with scales of points arranged in accordance with the ideas of the writer, at the same time with the request that those who are interested in the production of better horses, or in aiding beginners in the work of selection, will make such alterations or additions as to them may seem proper, and by so doing they will assist in the formation of a scale of points which, coming from many who are intimately concerned, may be looked upon in the future as authority. In preparing these scales the terms haunch or upper thigh, and gaskin or lower thigh have been introduced because authorities in anatomy differ so much as to the situation and limits of the haunch and thigh. It is to be hoped the plan we have adopted will make description less confusing. In drawing up the scale, more might be said with regard to size and shape of different joints, but as proper action demands properly formed joints, it was thought if they were not right, the discount for their ill-shape would be made when the individual’s style and action were up for discussion, and thus the scale card will be less encumbered with words. VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 93 It is the intention to have our next bulletin illustrated in a manner that the various points of excellence, as well as other features, may be the more easily understood and a more or less detailed description of individual parts, with measurements of some well known horses, showing the diameters, length and breadth of them. In these days of electricity and other motors for rapid transit, etc., the horse breed- ing industry is threatened with annihilation in some of its branches unless better animals can be produced. We must have stronger draft horses, more agile saddle horses, and faster roadsters to save our distance, in the struggle for existence. Breeders as well as equine educators must be up and doing, and with the exercise of proper intelligence it is to be hoped the horse can hold his own against all competitors ; therefore no stone should be left unturned,” that is likely to aid in the improvement of this animal. CONFORMATION SCALE OF POINTS FOR THE COACH HORSE— STALLION. Head — Ear fine, not too large, forehead broad and flat, hones of nose straight and dished on lateral surface, cheek muscle well developed, eye prominent, nostrils flexible, mouth not too deep 5 Neck — Crest well developed, neck itself being lengthy and properly muscled to carry head well 5 Withers— W ell developed, hack straight, loins broad 5 Croup — O nly moderately sloping, dock coming out high up, the tail w T ell carried-- 5 Chest — W ell ribbed up, deep from above downwards, full in the bosom, ribs well sprung 5 Shoulder- Moderately sloping, fully muscled 5 Forearm — Muscles well developed and standing boldly out 5 Knee— B road from side to side in front, deep from before backwards ; should be critically examined for malformations 5 Knee to Foot — Canon clean, broad from before backwards, with skin lying close to bone and tendon, pasterns moderately oblique and strong 5 Foot — Wall moderately deep and strong, heels full and round, frog well developed, sole concave 5 Haunch or Upper Thigh — M uscles standing boldly out and well defined, hind quarters broad * 5 Gaskin or Lower Thigh — W ell developed with muscles standing boldly out 5 Hock Broad from before backwards, thick and strong from side to side 5 Hock to Foot — Hind canons clean, broader from before backwards, and flatter than the front ones, skin lying close to bones , pasterns oblique, but strong 5 Foot — S maller, with sole more concave than in front ft Color -Bay, chestnut, black, brown, roan, with reasonable modifications (a good horse may be a bad color) 5 Skin — S oft, mellow, loose, not like parchment 5 Temperament — D ocile not sluggish, but energetic, free from nervousness 5 Style and Action -Free and elastic, knee well bent, front feet lifted well off the ground when in motion, general appearance attractive 5 Weight— P ounds 1,100 to 1,100 ft Height — H ands 16 to 17 5 CONFORMATION SCALE OF POINTS FOR THE COACH MARE OR GELDING. IIfad- Not so masculine looking as the stallion’s, but of the same general outline. 5 N eck Clean cut, having crest well developed and wiry, icind pipe standing in relief from the muscles, showing the jugular gutter well defined 5 Withers — More prominent than in the stallion, hack straight, loins broad ft Croup — Slightly sloping, dock coming out well up, the tail well carried 5 Chest— Well ribbed up, deep from above downwards, ribs well sprung 5 Shoulder Moderately eloping, thoroughly muscled over the blade bone ft Forearm - Muscles well developed and standing boldly out ft Knee — B road from side to side in front, deep from before backwards; should be critically examined for malformations ft Knee to Foot Canon clean, broad from before backwards, skin lying close to bone and tendon, pasterns moderately oblique and strong ft Foot — Moderately deep and strong, heels full aod round, frog well developed, sole concave ' 5 94 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. Haunch or Upper Thigh — M uscles standing boldly out and well defined, hind quarters broad Gaskin or Lower Thigh — W ell developed with muscles standing boldly out Hock — B road from before backwards, thick and strong from side to side Hock to Foot — Hind canons clean, broader from before backwards, and flatter than the front ones, skin lying close to bone and tendon, pasterns oblique, but strong Foot — S maller with sole more concave than the front ones Color — B ay, chestnut, black, brown, roan with reasonable modifications ( a good horse may be a bad color) Skin — S oft, mellow, not like parchment . Temperament— D ocile, not sluggish, but energetic, free from nervousness Style and Action — F ree and elastic, knees well bent, and feet lifted well off the ground when in motion, general appearance attractive Weight— P ounds 1,050 to 1,300 _ Height— H ands 15f to 17 CONFORMATION SCALE OF POINTS FOR THE DRAFT HORSE — STALLION. Head — ear somewhat short, but pointed, forehead broad, nasal hone straight, eye prominent, eye prominent, muzzle small, muscle of cheek well developed, lips firm, mouth of medium size Neck — I nclined to be short, deep where it joins the body, surmounted by a good full mane, well muscled Withers — I n line with posterior part of the upper border of the neck, back straight, not too long, loins broad Croup — L oaded with prominent muscles, tail well carried Chest — W ell ribbed up, breast broad and full Shoulder — M oderately straight, muscles covering the blade thoroughly devel- oped Forearm — L arge and well muscled Knee — O f good size and strong Knee to Foot — Canon may be well feathered on its posterior border, especially in the region of the fetlock, the tendon hard and not cut away under the knee, pasterns short and strong, some breeds should be free from feather Foot — N ot too flat, frog well developed, heels full and round Haunch or Upper Thigh— H eavily muscled, thick through the ham, hind quar- ters broad Gaskin or Lower Thigh — M uscle strong and bone substantial Hock— L arge and strong, free from puffy tumors Hock to Foot — H ind canon broad and flat, may be well feathered, some breeds excepted, especially in the lower part, skin lying close to bone and tendon, pasterns short and strong Foot — S maller than the front one and sole more concave Color— B ay, chestnut, black, brown, roan, gray, with reasonable modifications (a good horse may be a bad color) Skin — S oft, mellow, loose, not like parchment Temperamekt — E nergetic, docile, not nervous Style and Action — G eneral appearance attractive, good especially in the walking gait Weight — 1,600 lbs. and upwards Height — 16 hands and upwards CONFORMATION SCALE OF POINTS FOR THE DRAFT MARE OR GELDING. Head — N ot so masculine looking as the stallion, ear rather short but pointed, fore- head broad, nasal hones straight, eye prominent, cheek well developed, lips firm, mouth of medium size Neck — I nclined to be short, deep where it joins the body, well muscled, good mane Withers— I n line with the superior border of the neck, back short and straight, loins broad Croup — W ell covered with prominent muscles, tail well carried Chest -Well ribbed up, barrel round and body close to the ground, breast broad and full t . 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 95 Shoulder — M oderately straight, muscles covering the blade well developed Forearm— L arge and well muscled Knee — O f good size and strong Knee to Foot — N ot cut away too much under the knee; canon short, flat, may be well feathered, some breeds excepted, pasterns short and strong Foot — N ot flat, heels full and round, frog well developed and springy Haunch or Upper Thigh — T horoughly muscled, thick through the ham, hind quarters broad Gaskin or Lower Thigh — M uscles strong and bone substantial Hock — L arge and strong, deep from before backwards, and broad from side to side, free from disease Hock to Foot — H ind cannon broad and flat, well feathered, except in some breeds, skin lying close to bone and tendons, pasterns short and strong Foot — S maller than the front one, sole more concave Color — B ay, chestnut, black, roan, brown, gray, with limited modifications (a good horse may be a bad color) Skin — S oft, mellow, loose, not like parchment Temperament — D ocile, energetic but not nervous Action and Style — G ood, especially in the walking gait, general appearance attractive Weight — Pounds 1,500 and upwards Height— H ands 15 % and upwards CONFORMATION SCALE OF POINTS FOR THE THOROUGHBRED STALLION. H ead — Ears fine, not too large, approaching each other at the tips when thrown for ward, cranium nicely rounded, forehead flat and broad, eye prominent and bold in expression, bones of the nose straight, but slightly dished on the sides, nos- trils firm, but flexible, of large capacity when the animal is excited, lips firm, mouth not very deep, muzzle tapering and small, cheek clothed with well developed muscles towards its upper or back part, branches of lower jaw well spread apart behind Neck — C lean cut and rangy, crest well developed and whip cordy if animal is not tat, jugular gutter well marked, head attached to neck in an angular manner, rather of the obtuse order Withers— W ell developed, back straight, loins broad Croup — R ather long and somewhat sloping, but with dock coming out well up, tail carried in an arched and graceful manner Chest — S omewhat cone 'shaped with good, broad base behind, apex between the fore legs, where the animal may be excusably narrower in proportion than other breeds, the cavity should be deep from above downwards, especially at the girth, well ribbed up, the ribs having plenty of spring or well defined angles Shoulder— O blique from above downwards and forwards, the blade bone being well clothed with muscle Forearm — W ell developed, with hard muscles standing boldly out, and having to some extent grooves or lines of demarkation between them Knee — B road from side to side and deep from before backwards, the bone forming the back part of it may be somewhat prominent, should be carefully examined for malformations and injuries Knee to Foot— Canons hard, flat and clean, little, if any, hair on posterior border (that is coarse hair), fetlocks free from disease, back tendons hard and whip- cordy, having well marked grooves between them and the bone, space between knee and fetlock short, pasterns somewhat lengthy, strong and oblique Foot — R ather smaller in proportion than other breeds, round, deep, strong wall, full heels and well developed frog, sole concave Haunch or Upper Thigh — F ormed of well developed, hard muscles, showing marks of demarkation between them Gaskin or Lower Thigh — H aYd muscles standing boldly out, ham string well defined and cordy Hock— D eep and strong, free from puffy tumors, of the angular order but not curby Hock to Foot -Hind canon short, flat, clean, rather oblique from above down- wards and forwards, skin lying close to tendon and bon q, fetlocks of good size and healthy, pasterns oblique, but strong and lengthy Foot — S maller, not so round as front one, 3ole more concave o !l ci CM C5 CM Cl CM CM CM CM Cl CM Cl CM CM Cl CM CM CM CM Cl CM Cl CM Cl CM CM CM CM CM CM 96 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OF MICHIGAN. Color— B ay, chestnut, brown, grey, with reasonable modifications ( a good horse may be a bad color) ,> Skin — S oft, mellow, loose, not like parchment, hair forming coat, fine, silky, straight, hair of mane and tail, although coarser, should be soft, straight and fine in comparison with other breeds 5 Temperament — N ot vicious, but energetic, inclined to be impetuous 5- Action and Style — P rompt, free and elastic, not too much knee action, but going * rather close to the ground, especially in the gallop, good walker 5 Weight — S ay pounds 1,050 to 1,300 5* Height — S ay hands 1534 t° 1634 5 CONFORMATION SCALE OF POINTS FOR THE THOROUGHBRED MARE OR GELDING. Head — R ather small, ear fine and pointed, not too long, cranium nicely rounded, forehead flat and broad, eye good size and gentle in expression, nasal hones straight, but slightly dished on the sides, nostrils firm, but flexible, of large capacity, lips firm, mouth not too deep, muzzle tapering and small, cheek clothed with well developed muscles, branches of lower jaw well spread apart behind o Neck — C lean cut and rangy, crest well developed and cordy, the point where neck leaves off to be well marked and in front of the withers, jugular gutter plain, wind pipe standing out independently of the rest of the neck, attachment of head to neck well marked and to be rather angular, of the obtuse order 5 Withers — W ell developed, forming a well marked prominence over the shoulder, the top of which should not be thick, the back, springing from posterior aspect of the withers, should be straight and short, loins broad 5 Croup— R ather long and somewhat sloping, but with dock coming out well up, tail carried in an arched, graceful manner 5 Chest — S omewhat cone shaped with good, broad base behind, apex rather narrow, but deep through the girth, well ribbed up, the ribs having plenty of spring or well defined angles 5 Shoulder — C oming from high withers should be oblique from above downwards, blade bone well clothed with muscle 5 Forearm— W ell developed with hard muscles standing boldly out, and marked from one another by grooves 5 Knee — S ame as the stallion 5 Knee to Foot — S ame as the stallion 5 Foot— S ame as the stallion 5 Haunch or Upper Thigh — S ame as the stallion 5 Gaskin or Lower Thigh — S ame as the stallion! 5 Hock — S ame as the stallion 5 Foot — S ame as the stallion 5 Color— S ame as the stallion 5 Skin — S ame as the stallion 5 Temperament — M ore docile than the stallion, but still energetic 5 Action and Style— R ather lighter on foot than the stallion, in other respects about the same 5 Weight— S ay pounds 850 to 1,200 t_ 5 Height — S ay hands 14 ■% to 1634 The saddle horse may be of the same general type as the thoroughbred, mare or geld- ing, good manners, a mouth that responds readily to the desires of the equestrian, graceful and elastic action in all paces being essential features in animals of this class. Good saddle horses are, to a large extent, made, not bred. CONFORMATION SCALE OF POINTS FOR THE TROTTING BRED STALLION. Head — E ar of medium size and pointed, eye large, prominent and of docile expres- sion, forehead broad and flat, nasal hones straight and dished on their lateral surfaces, cranium hones nicely rounded, nostrils firm, large and readily dilated, cheek muscles well developed, mouth not too small, muzzle fine and tapering, branches of lower jaws well spread apart at their angles 5 Nf.ck — R angy with well developed crest and attached to the head in an angular sort of way, rather of the obtuse order » Withers — M ay be continuous with the superior border of the neck, back straight. loins broad i> VETERINARY DEPARTMENT. 97 Croup — S omewhat sloping with dock coming out high up, tail carried in an arched and graceful manner 5 Chest — D eep through the girth, breast broad and bosom well developed, well ribbed up and ribs well sprung 5 Shoulder — O blique from above downwards and forwards, blade bone well clothed with muscles 5 Forearm — W ell developed with large muscles standing boldly out 5 Knee — S trong, broad from before backwards 5 Knee to Foot — N ot cut away under the knee, canon short, flat, hard and broad, not feathered, fetlock well formed and free from disease, pasterns moderately long and oblique, but strong 5 Foot — O f medium size, wall strong and circular in outline, heels full and round, frog well developed 5 Haunch or Upper Thigh — M uscles well developed, quarters broad, ham thick- __ 5 Gaskin or Lower Thigh — M uscles well developed, ham string prominent 5 Hock — D eep from before backwards, broad from side to side, healthy 5 Hock to Foot — Hind Canon short, broader and flatter than in front, little, if any coarse hair on posterior border, fetlock of good size and sound, pasterns oblique, strong and medium length 5 Foot — S maller, not so round, sole more concave than in front 5 Color — B ay, chestnut, black, brown, roan, grey, with reasonable modifications ( a good horse may be a bad color ) 5 Skin — S oft, mellow, loose, not like parchment 5 Temperament — D ocile, prompt, energetic, not nervous 5 Action and Style — F ree and elastic, perfect in the trotting gait and good walker, 5 Weight — P ounds 950 to 1,200 5 Height — H ands 15% to 16% 5 The mare and gelding of the trotting class may be of the same general type as the stallion, but not so masculine looking; the neck, withers and general physiognomy being the points which contribute most to the more effeminate appearance of these animals. The neck should be more delicate and cleaner cut, the withers more pronounced and not as thick through and through at the upper part; the physiognomy milder and more gentle and less impetuous. EDUCATIONAL SCALE FOR HORSES SHOWN UNDER SADDLE OR IN HARNESS. Prompt response to all aids imparted by the hand, the reins, the whip, the heel, the voice or whatever else may be used in directing the movements of the animal, _ 10 HEALTH SCALE OF POINTS. Soundness from a practical point of view, freedom from vicious habits, gibbing, crib- bing, wind sucking, weaving, etc., etc 10 HISTORICAL SCALE OF POINTS — FOR REGISTERED ANIMALS ONLY. From Wallace’s Monthly, August, 1887. A. Pedigree — This is the most important single point in the whole scale {scale in Wallace's Monthly ), and yet it is the one that has received the least atten- tion. Consider well what the sire and dam have each inherited, what each has done as a performer, and what each has produced in the stud. Then con- sider the qualifications to two grandsires and the granddams in the same way. If the animal under judgment is running bred, consider the running qualities of his ancestors, but if trotting bred, look only to the trotting qualifications. The value of the pedigree is in the merit of the immediate crosses, viewed in the light of inheritance, performance and production 50 B. Performance— Ability to perform well compensates for shortcomings in inheri- tance. Nothing but technical records can be accepted on this point. Any record is better than no record. Every animal intended to produce trotters should have his or her speed developed to some extent. The character and pre- cision of the gate, with freedom from all artificial appliances, must enter into the value of this point . .. _ 50 18 98 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OP MICHIGAN. C. Character op Offspring — This point applies only to aged and tried sires and dams. The credits will be awarded according to the number and class of fast performers from a given animal, the age and opportunities of the competitors being considered 50 [. N . B. — Points B and C are alternative ; exhibitors shall elect one or other , but not both ; perfection in each is 50.] In educational work the question often arises as to the best method of teaching a student how to judge a horse, but in this matter as well as other practical operations there can be little doubt that the best way to learn how to do a thing is to do it, and on this plan the best way to learn to judge a horse is to judge them. To begin with, the student must first of all make himself familiar with the various points of the horse, then make measurements on a plan similar to the following card. After measuring say ten horses according to this method, one will no doubt notice that his power of observation has become much more acute, which may be still further sharpened by scaling animals according to the plan suggested in this bulletin, or some other more acceptable one. Measurements made with the tape line must be accepted with some little reserve, because we are often measuring from one imaginary point to another, and in taking circumferences the attitude of the animal modifies the size to some extent. All measurements should be made with great care, in order to have them anything like accurate. Points to be measured from and to are indicated by dotted lines and numbers — see plates Nos. 2 and 3. One or two points are so self-evident that they are not marked. PROPORTIONS OF THE HORSE. Name of the animal Class Color Age.. Sex Owner P. O Weight. Height at the withers. Length from point of shoulder to quarter. From the lowest point of the chest to the ground. From the point of the elbow to the ground. From the point of the elbow to the trapezium. From the trapezium to the ground. Circumference of the arm. Circumference of the canon in the center. Circumference of the foot at coronet. From the highest point of the withers to crest of occiput. Width of forehead. Plate 3, Fig. 1-9, length of head. Circumference of muzzle at angle of mouth. Width of chest from outside of shoulder points. Length of back from highest point of the withers to a line between the points of the hips. Width across the hips. Height at the highest point of the croup. From the center of the dock to anterior point of patella. From point of hock to point of hip. From point of hock to ground. Circumference of thigh. Circumference of shank midway between hock and fetlock. Circumference of body at the girth. E. A. A. GRANGE. Consulting Veterinarian to the Michigan Experiment Station . , Plate 3, Fig. 1, 1.1 — “ 3, “ 1, 2.2 — . “ 3, “ 2, 3.3 — “ 3, “ 1, 4.4 — “ 3, “1, 5 — “ 3, “2, 6 — “ 3. “2, 7 — “ 3, “1, 8 — 2 , “ l, 2 V s . 2 y z - “ 3. “ 1, 10 — “ 2 , “ 1 , 6.6 — “ 3, “ 2, 11 — “ 2, “ 2, 13.13 — “ 3, “ 1, 12.12 — “ 8, “ 2, 13.13 — “ 3, “ 2, 14.14 — “ 3. “ 1, 15.15 — “ 3. “ 2, 16 — “ 3, “ 2, 17 — “ 3, “ 2, 18.18 — Numbe Class.. Age in ! Sex ... | Weight I Height J Length ! From tl From tl From tl From tl Circum Circum Circum: From tl I occin Width < j Length J Circum ! Width c ! Length to a li j Width a Height From tl pa tell From pi From p< Circuml Circuml fetloc I Circum; WEKE MADE AT CHICAGO-MEASUREMENTS ARE MADE IN INCHES. TABLE OF MEASUREMENTS OF HORSES MADE AT THE COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION AND AT THE MICHIGAN STATE FAIR. UP TO AND INCLUDING NO 30 WERE MADE IN MICHIGAN, FROM 30 TO 50 k *'■ S stands for stallion, M mare, G gelding, K Roadster, D draft horse, C coach horse, A all work or general purpose horse. V >„KC - • i 3 4 5 6 T • * 10 11 12 13 14 15 j .a 17 .8 19 ,0 2I » ** 24 *5 26 ,7 88 39 30 :i, as aa 34 1 35 36 as 39 1 40 41 42 44 45 4ft | 47 1 48 49 50 R R R « * * R R R R R D D 1) L1 11 1) '* D I) <• C c C A A A LA A A ” D I> » D D I) D D '• I> r> I> D ‘A “T C C c Jartaycars - 5 l t 12 8 6 5 5 11 8 5 • 8 3 6 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 5 6 3 9 11 4 4 8 3 * 4 4 6 4 A A 3 6 6 ~r Ms*.. | » s S ■ M G 0 G s 8 M s 8 8 8 s 8 M s ° 8 3 * 8 8 8 8 S S M 8 S 8 M 8 M 8 8 M "A A - M A - nr ~r «**!:. in pconds 1,100 1.050 1,135 1,050 1.588 1,000 1.100 1,085 1,080 1,190 1,120 1,860 1,600 1,920 1,800 1,700 1,590 1,700 1,565 1,595 1,232 1,232 1,175 1,225 1,380 1,800 1,420 1,420 1,400 1,440 2,100 1,860 1,960 1,700 1,200 2,000 2,250 1,950 1,500 2,200 1,930 1,900 1,850 1,900 1,340 2,050 1,250 1,375 1,350 Blight »t the withers — 61 61!* 61* 60*4 68 62 64* 61 61 63*4 64*4 65 67*4 68 63*4 64*4 63*4 05*4 64*4 64 64 64 02 62*4 624 624 654 6 4*4 68 63 68 65*4 64 64 604 644 67 634 01 674 64 664 64 644 044 664 *4% 66 84*4 634 lagtk fcvxn point of shoolder to quarter- 67 6* 64 61 61 68* 62 62 65 63*4 66 52 69 74 68 69 67 70 71 71 66*4 67 60 62*4 66 68 68 694 69 67 644 71 71 71 69 70 75 74 68 73 72 72 73 70 674 75 6ft 67 68 M fs« the lowest point of the chest to the ground. S3* S3 1 - 34 34 58* 36 34 .34*4 33 36 37 31 85 38 31 34 32 37 34*4 33 33*4 33 34 35 324 85 35 34 32 34 34 324 33 32 82 33 314 30 31 324 304 33 33 83 34 33 34 33 83** 334 Jtatt the point of the elbow to the ground 37 37 35 s; 36 38 56 56 37 39*4 38 38*4 40 38 38*4 37 39V4 37*4 39 37 88*4 38 37 36 38 364 39 354 374 38 87 37 364 36 34 374 36 31 36 36 374 374 874 87 37 374 38 364 37% fcecm the point of the elbow to the trapezium 18 17 17 18 20 17 18 17*4 18 19 19 18 18 19*4 17 18 16*4 18*4 18 18 17*4 18 18 18 18 18 17 174 17 18 18 164 16 16 16 16 17 16 16 16 16 184 18 18 174 18 18 184 18 174 19 1 194 20 1 19 19 20 18*4 18 19*4 20* 20 21 20*4 21 21 20*4 21 20 21 19 19 20 20*4 19 204 20 21 19 20 20 204 204 204 20 18 21 20 15 20 20 19 19 194 18% 19 20 20 18 194 • Gttsxferecce of the arm 19 1 184 19*4 1 19*4 22 19*4 20 18 23 1 22*4 23 22*4 26 24 25 25 24 22 22 21*4 22 20*4 22 21 23 22 25 24 23 254 22 25 24 24 24 28 244 26 284 26 24 24 274 234 294 234 23% 224 23 ORvsfececce of the canon in the center S j 74 S 7*4 10 ”* 8 | 7*4 7*4 8 1 8 11*4 9 12 11 11 10 9*4 9 9 8 8 8*4 8*4 8 84 9 9 84 9 104 10 11 94 10 10 11 9% 9% 12 104 9 9 9% 84 104 8 84 8 94 * Giccsference of the foot at coronet j 15 1 14 15 18*4 16 14 15 14 14 15*4 l l5 19*4 17 20 19*4 18 18 17 17 18 15 15*4 15 15*4 15 17 16 17 16 16 21 194 19 17 17 19 194 184 18 204 19 19 19 19 15 18 H 4 16 14% 154 has the highest paint of the withers to crest of ( 36 | S3 32 34 38 35 36*4 33 38 35*4 | 35 36 38 45 38 38 34 36 35 36 33 34 35 35 38 36 37 844 35 36 39** 364 384 36 33 41 44 85 33 41 36 89 394 384 39 39 384 40** 39 38 • ecap * — ' . of forehead .... 9 j 9 9 8* 9*4 9 9*4 9*4 9 10 9*4 10*4 10 10*4 9* 9* 9* 10 994 10*4 9*4 9*4 9 9*4 94 94 9 9% 94 94 104 104 104 10 10 10 104 94 10 10% 10 10 104 104 10 114 94 9% 94 10 leagtk of bead . 25 244 24 23 26*4 24*4 25 24 25 26 26 28*4 25*4 28*4 23 27 26 27 26 26*4 25 24*4 24 254 244 254 254 26 254 25 304 31 30 29 29 28 29 27 28 29 274 29 28 29 | 27 26 26 27 26 254 '(itas-ference of muzzle at angle of month — 1 20 18 19 19 22 18 18 18 18*4 20*4 1 21 23 21 26 22 22*4 23 23 23 24 18 19 19 19*4 23 22 22 214 24 21 22% 22 22 20 21 22 23 22 21 23 22 22 21 22 1 21 21 194 21 194 194 1 Vxsi of chest from ontside of shoulder points 17* 17 16*4 18 19 15*4 16*4 15% 16 18 18*4 21 19*4 22 21*4 21 20*4 19*4 1994 22 18*4 17*4 16*4 18 18 184 19 194 19 20 24 21 24 21 21 23 ( 234 23 194 254 24 194 18 194 17 25 164 19 18 19 length of back from highest point of the withers ( * » a nae between the points of the hips s 32 29 28 29 31 30 28 29*4 29 30*4 30*4 34 28 35 29 30 30 30*4 33 32*4 31 30*4 30 29 34 29 30 31 31 32 33 334 82 30 33 36 31 36 33 324 35 35 36 314 334 304 31 29 32 32 { across the hips 22 21 20*4 20*4 22 21*4 22 22 21*4 24 24 27 23*4 24*4 25 24 *4 25 25 24*4 25 23 22*4 22*4 22*4 22 22 23 23 23 23 26 29 294 244 24 30*4 25% 30 25 29 274 20 284 28 25 26% 224 22 24 224 | light ss the highest point of the cronp 1 634 60 60*4 60 68 62 62*4 60*4 61 64* 64*4 65 65* 68 63 66*4 64 6524 65 63*4 63 63 62 62 62 63*4 61 654 604 624 68*4 654 644 65 61 644 67 04 02 66 63 654 65 65 64 66*4 644 65 634 63 | haa? center of the dock to anterior point of £ 29 28 1 33 28 31 28 31*4 29 30 31*4 31*4 36 33 34*4 32*4 32 33*4 33*4 34 82 31 31 31 31 30 32 31 314 82 32 84 33 35 38 29 34 344 36 33 86 33 304 334 34 31 344 314 31 32 314 fcs* point of hock to point of hip 37 37 I 38 37*4 41 38 39 38 37 39*4 41*4 37 39 42 40 39 39 41 41 39 37 37 88*4 39 884 39 38 36 36 384 40 40 404 404 35 40 41 38 40 41 89 41 424 41 40 39 40 40 394 40 fcm point of hock to ground 244 24*4 1 25 24 27*4 22*4 24 24 23 24*4 25*4 22 27 28*4 25*4 26*4 25 26 25 24*4 24 26 24 24 24 24 27 25 23 25 264 24 25 26 24 24 26 24 24 26 234 24 24 25 25 26 25 254 25 254 fcasfetecce of lower »hi»h 174 17 17*4 16*4 19 16 17 16*4 16 18 17 20 20 21 22 21*4 20 20 20 19*4 17*4 17 18*4 18 18 19 19 18 194 194 23 20 21 20 204 224 22 21 214 22 21 20** 19 21 184 23 18 18 19 19 1 uxKaference of shank midway between hock and ) | , fcstock 5 9 8*4 9 8*4 9*4 8*4 9 8*4 8% 9 9 12 10*4 13 12 12 11 10% 10*4 10*4 9 9 9*4 9*4 9 10 10 10 94 10 124 104 114 11 11 124 12 11 11 13 124 10*4 104 11 94 12 9 94 9 9 1 'icsrierence of body at the girth 71 67 69 67*4 74 68*4 71 69*4 70*4 72 71 89 78 89 82 80 77 80*4 80*4* 1 81 74 75 71 71 77 78 78 75 76 76 824 89 88 82 65 91 92 92 79 90 88 84 79 85 764 89 744 76 70 1 : BULLETIN I. JUNE, 1894. MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE EXPERIMENT STATION. HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. THE CULTIVATED RASPBERRIES OF THE UNITED STATES. CONTENTS: INTRODUCTION, 3 CATALOGUE, 7 SELECT LIST, 70 SEEDLINGS, 71 NOTES, 73 AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, MICH. 1894. The Bulletins of this Station are sent free to all newspapers in the State , and to such individuals interested in farming as may request them. Address all applications to the Secretary , Agricultural College , Michigan. Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station. Postoffice and Telegraph Address, Agricultural College, Mich. Railroad' and Express Address, Lansing, Mich. A DEPARTMENT OF THE STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE, AND, WITH IT, CONTROLLED BY THE INCORPORATED STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. Hon. FRANKLIN WELLS, Constantine, President of the Board term expires 1895 Hon. A. C. GLIDDEN, Paw Paw, “ “ 1895 Hon. HENRY CHAMBERLAIN, Three Oaks, “ “ 1897 Hon. EDWIN PHELPS, Pontiac, “ “ 1897 Hon. CHAS. W. GARFIELD, Grand Rapids “ “ 1899 Hon. CHARLES F. MOORE, St. Clair “ “ 1899 Hon. JNO. T. RICH, Governor of the State, Hon. LEWIS G. GORTON, President of the College, STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD. The President of the Board is ex officio member of each of the standing committees. Finance, Farm, Garden, Buildings, Employees, Weather, C. W. Garfield, A. C. Glidden. C. F. Moore, Edwin Phelps. C. W. Garfield, Edwin Phelps. A. C. Glidden, C. F. Moore. H. Chamberlain, A. C. Glidden, L. G. Gorton, C. W. Garfield. A. C. Glidden, C. W. Garfield. Experiment, Veterinary, Institutes, Mechanics, Military, Land Grant, C. F. Moore, H. Chamberlain Edwin Phelps, C. F. Moore. A. C. Glidden, C. W. Garfield, L. G. Gorton. H. Chamberlain, C. W. Garfield. . C. W. Garfield, C. F. Moore. C. F. Moore, H. ChamberlaiD. STATION COUNCIL. Lewis G. Gorton, M. S Director. Clinton D. Smith, M. S„ . Agriculturist. i Robert C. Kedzie, M. A., M. D., . . Chemist. L. R. Taft, M. S., ... Horticulturist. I Ira H. Butterfield, . . Sec. and Treas. ADVISORY AND ASSISTANT STAFF. F. B. Mumford, M. S., A. A. Crozier, M. S., U. P. Gladden, B. S., R. J. Coryell, B. S. W. L. Rossman, B. S., H. E. Harrison, B. 8., Assistant in Agriculture, “ “ Horticulture. “ “ Chemistry. E. A. A. Grange, V. S., G. C. Davis, M. S., Chas. F. Wheeler, B. S H. M. Howe, Mrs. L. E. Landon, Consulting Veterinarian. “ Entomologist. ,, “ Botanist. Assistant to Director. . . . Librarian. SUB-STATIONS. Grayling, Crawford County, 80 acres deeded. South Haven, Van Buren County, 10 acres rented; 5 acres deeded; Hon. T. T. Lyon, Local Agent. BULLETIN III. JUNE, 1894 THE CULTIVATED RASPBERRIES OF THE UNITED STATES. BY A. A. CROZIER. INTRODUCTION. Our cultivated raspberries are derived, with a few unimportant excep- tions, from three sources: the wild red raspberry of Europe, our own wild red raspberry, and our native black cap. The first was known and appar- ently cultivated by the ancient Greeks, who traced its origin to Mount Ida where it flourished wild, and from which it received its name, Rubus I dceus. Paladius, a Roman agricultural writer of the fourth century, mentions the raspberry as one of the cultivated fruits of his time. From the gardens of southern Europe it found its way into France, the low countries, and Eng- land, and from these sources into the United States. To this species belong the Red and White Antwerps, which have remained standards of excellence for upward of a century, the Hudson River Antwerp, Franconia, and other similar varieties. These foreign sorts, though often abundant bearers of large, finely flavored fruit, have in all cases proved adapted to but limited areas in the United States, owing to a lack of hardiness and to a liability to be injured by our hot summer suns. These defects finally directed attention to our native raspberries. The black cap seems to have been the first of these to have been brought into cultivation, and from the time of the earliest settlements we hear of the wild bushes being occasionally removed to the gardens. This species, Rubus occidenialis, is indigenous to the eastern United States, extending westward nearly to the Rocky mountains, northward into the margins of Canada, and south- ward to Texas and Alabama. On the Pacific coast and in the Rocky mountains is found another species closely resembling it, Rubus leucoder- mis , which in its native state appears quite as promising, but which has yet furnished no variety adapted to general cultivation. Both these species were largely used for food by the Indians and early settlers. ‘The western species attains its greatest development in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and the adjacent portion of British Columbia, extending south- ward in favorable situations in the mountains as far as New Mexico and Arizona. The eastern species, with which we are now more especially interested, attains its greatest abundance and development in the fertile wooded valleys of Ohio and Indiana, and from this region more of our cultivated varieties have come than from any other source. The species 4 STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. extends, however, in almost equal perfection southwestward into Missouri and Arkansas and eastward into New England. The east has furnished the most early varieties and the west the most large and late ones. As above stated, this species was for a long time cultivated in a small way with no attempt at improvement, and apparently without any superior natural varieties being recognized. In fact for a time prior to 1850 the ordinary wild form had come to be cultivated quite largely for market by some of the gardeners near New York City. The first distinct variety of this species of which we have record is the Ohio Everbearing, which attracted attention as early as 1882 from its habit of fruiting to a greater or less extent upon the young canes in autumn. For a family garden this was considered to be a desirable feature, though no varieties of this class ever found favor for market purposes. The yellow form of the black cap, represented by Golden Cap and other varieties, was introduced about the same time. The Doolittle next came into notice, about 1850. and attained prominence, not so much on account of its decided superiority to the wild species, as from the persistent advocacy of its merits on the part of the introducer, who claimed to have improved it and sustained it in vigor solely by means of propagation from young plants. It was a good variety, however, hardy and productive, and is still in cultivation. The sharp discussion which took place at the time of the introduction of this variety may be said to have decided the fate of the black raspberry as a cultivated fruit. Its merits were not so promptly and universally endorsed, however, as might be supposed from the position the fruit has since attained in our markets. In 1862 the editor of the American Agrciultur- ist wrote: “all the finer varieties [of raspberries] are of foreign origin or seedlings of such sorts. After years of trial we have abandoned both the native red and black.” A few years after this Charles Downing said that he dared not consider the black cap species worthy of cultivation. In 1870 Dr. J. A. Warder said of the black caps: “more discriminating tastes con- sider these essentially market fruits and unfit for the table of the refined pomologist.” The esteem in which this species is now held varies consid- erably with different persons and in different localities. Black caps gener- ally bring a lower price in market than the red varieties, — not only because they are more easily grown and more abundantly offered, but also because of their less attractive color and to many persons inferior flavor. In certain markets, however, the black caps are preferred. In Indianapolis, for example, which is abundantly supplied with black raspberries of fine quality, the demand for these is greater and more lasting than for the red varieties. In Boston, on the other hand, the demand is almost wholly for the reds and black caps can hardly be sold at any price. Black raspberries are extensively cultivated for drying, for which purpose they are well adapted. Our native red raspberry has a wider range than the black cap, extend- ing especially much farther northward. The boundary between the United States and Canada may be roughly taken as indicating its latitude of greatest natural development. This species, however, does not take so kindly to cultivation, and the origin of our varieties belonging to it is often obscure; we have but few well authenticated examples of the species in its purity having been brought from the wild state into cultivation and most of these soon disappeared. The evidence by which certain of our well known red varieties are assigned by botanists (doubtless correctly), to the native species, is mainly structural and not historical, since nearly all HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. have originated, directly or by descent, as chance or artificial seedlings upon cultivated ground. That our native red raspberry has played a large and perhaps controlling part in the production of our most popular hardy red raspberries need not be denied, but the doubt which we are obliged to recognize on this point rests on circumstantial evidence too strong to be entirely overlooked. We have a detailed account, for example, by Profes- sor Turner himself, that the Turner, our most hardy red variety, whose claim to be a strictly native sort has gone unquestioned, originated in the midst of numerous other seedlings, which were grown from seed of the Red Antwerp. The Thwack, another hardy and popular sort, is said to be a cross between the Herstine and Brandywine and therefore probably contains some foreign blood. The Cuthbert, at present our most popular cultivated variety, which is usually regarded as of the native species, originated near New York City in a plot of an English var- iety known in this country as the Hudson River Antwerp. It seems possi- ble therefore that American seedlings of European sorts, and hybridization from the same foreign source, may have played a more important part in the development of our cultivated red raspberries than has been generally supposed, and that the characteristic features of the foreign species, lack of hardiness, small light colored canes, numerous prickles, and thick rugose leaves, may become so far modified by cultivation and crossing that one cannot always be certain from inspection alone to which species, in whole or in part, a variety belongs. As regards hybridization, while it is true that none of our most popular varieties are known to be of hybrid origin it must be remembered that the number of varieties so produced has as yet been comparatively few, so that the results attained in this direction by Brinckle, Arnold, Caywood, and more recently by Burbank and others, are still of much promise. There is another group of probable hybrids, however, of natural origin between the native red and the black species, which has played a conspicuous part from the beginning of our raspberry history. This group is known, from the name of its first cultivated variety, as the purple cane group or family. Plants of this class are occasionally found growing wild where red raspberries and black caps occur. The botanist, Peck, described it as a distinct species under the name Rubus neglectus , but later botanists consider it of hybrid origin, the reasons being its intermediate character, its location in the vicinity of the two species mentioned, and particularly the fact of its never occurring anywhere in any considerable numbers, as a true species would be likely to do. In appearance these plants are usu- ally more vigorous, and often more productive than either the red rasp- berry or the black cap. The canes are upright, slightly arching, and not inaptly described as “majestic” in appearance. They are generally of a reddish purple color, have rather few and small spines, produce few suck- ers or none, and root at the tips of the canes when artificially layered under cultivation but are not known to do so naturally. The fruit is usually larger than that of either the black or the red species, purplish in color, with large grains and tart flavor. This is the typical and ordinary “ purple cap ” or hybrid. There are other forms, approaching more nearly the red species, and differing from it in having darker colored fruit, etc., of which the hybridity is more in doubt. Of these is the once popular Philadelphia, originally found growing wild in the suburbs of that city. The old Purple Cane, known also by various other names, was cultivated nearly ninety years ago in the vicinity of New York, Philadelphia, and 6 STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. other eastern cities, and was undoubtedly the first American variety brought into cultivation; and it remained for more than half a century the leading variety over the greater part of the country. At present we have another prominent raspberry of the same group, the Shaffer, besides a score of other more or less desirable sorts of the same general character. These varieties are considered of superior excellence for canning and dry- ing, and were it not for their dull purplish color which renders them less attractive to the eye, it is probable that the greater share of the raspber- ries upon our markets w T ould be of this class, since large size, combined with hardiness, vigor and productiveness, have been found in these vari- eties to a degree attained nowhere else, while their upright canes, with few or no suckers, render them easy to cultivate. A word may be expected concerning the nomenclature adopted in this catalogue. The leading purpose in its compilation has been to serve as an historical record, and a ready means for the identification of our cultivated varieties. For this reason the names have usually been given in their full form. In fact the abbreviated nomenclature adopted by the American Pomological Society in its catalogue of approved varieties could not be followed with safety in this larger list. This will be apparent when it is recalled that, aside from synonyms, we have among our raspberries at least six “ Smiths,” five “ Queens,” and numerous other names which could not be reduced to a single term without ambiguity. This consideration, and the fact that the number of varieties is already large and rapidly increas- ing, emphasizes the importance, not only of caution in introducing new varieties but of applying to them simple and suitable names. CATALOGUE. [ The enclosures in brackets following the names indicate the species to which each belongs, Black Cap meaning in all cases Bubus occidentalis, and Purple Cap the supposed hybrid between occidentalis and strigosus. In the red varieties the species when known is in each case written. An X between two species indicates that the variety named is a hybrid between them. The quotations used in this catalogue are frequently con- densed. The original wording has been retained wherever practicable.] ABEL. See Franconia. ACME. See Palmer. ADA. [Black Cap.] A chance seedling originating on the grounds of Mr. Henry Young of Ada, Ohio, some ten or twelve years ago, and sup- posed by him to be a cross between Doolittle and Mammoth Cluster, since these were the only varieties grown by him at the time. Mr. Young sold the stock to Theo. F. Longenecker of Dayton, by whom it was introduced. F. R. Palmer of Mansfield, Ohio, who obtained it for trial before its gen- eral introduction, stated that he had discarded it, as with him it did not equal the Gregg. There is considerable complaint that it lacks vigor and productiveness. It is usually described as nearly as large as Gregg, more hardy, fully as productive and ripening a little later. The Pennsylvania experiment station said of it in 1893 : The plant is strong, with a whitish green, thorny stalk and bristly hairs on the fruit stems, berry not large although the several drupes are large, making the berry rather soft; it is reddish-black in color and slightly acid in taste. One season is not enough to determine productiveness, but the berry itself has little to recommend this variety. ADDISON. [Purple Cap.] “An apparent hybrid between the red and the black cap,” originating on the groundsof L. M. Macomber of North Fer- risburg, Vt. It is not yet introduced but is said by the originator to be a desirable sort more hardy than the Cuthbert. S. A. Beach, of the Geneva, N. Y., experiment station, reports as follows: Fruit medium to large, firm, juicy and very good, with the flavor of the red raspberry. The canes are purplish red, much like some of the red varieties in color but in habit more like the black caps. Propagation is by tips. The canes are vigor- ous, hardy and moderately productive. ALDEN. A name proposed for the Ohio by J. T. Lovett at a meeting of the American Pomological Society, in 1883, to better distinguish that 8 STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. variety from the Ohio Everbearing. It was never adopted, however, by the society (as has been sometimes stated), and appears never to have been used, except by one or two nurserymen. Mr. Alden, whose name it was proposed to honor, was the well known inventor of a fruit evaporator. ALLEN. [ Allen Antwerp , Allen's Red.'] Introduced in 1856 by Lewis F. Allen of Black Rock, near Buffalo, N. Y., after having been grown by him for fifteen years. Mr. Allen seems to have sent out two or three kinds under his name, but the one here described is much the best known. Plant vigorous, upright, suckers freely, stands both cold and sun comparatively well, and is therefore considered by many to be a variety of strigosus , which may be doubted. The blossoms appear to be deficient in pollen, rendering the crop uncertain unless planted near a perfect flower- ing variety. It was doubtless for this reason that in 1861 the American Pomological Society removed it from the approved to the rejected list. The bright red fruit is of fine appearance and flavor, large, firm, nearly globular, or somewhat flatter than the Kirtland. The Herstine and several other sorts have been derived from the Allen. (See remarks under Eng- lish Bed Cane.) ALLEN’S RED PROLIFIC. A variety never widely cultivated, of the same origin as the Allen and of much the same character, but an improvement upon it having perfect flowers. ALL SUMMER. [Bed.] Introduced in 1893 by John Lewis Childs, Floral Park, N. Y., who says in his catalogue: Purchased three years ago from Mrs. A. A. Stowe of Idaho, who had grown it for five years. She obtained it from California, though it came originally from Mexico. Stems three to five feet; leaves large and green, silvery below; fruit large, dark red, of fine quality, ripening from J uly until frost. ALPINE. [Bed, Idceas.] Wm. W. Yalk, M. D., of Flushing, Long Island, N. Y., mentioned the “true Alpine” as a desirable sort to cross upon such varieties as the Bed Antwerp, Franconia, etc. ( Horticulturist , 1847-8 , p. 354). It was introduced by W. B. Prince from the Mediterranean a short time prior to 1832 (Pom. Man., pt. II, p. 169). AMAZON. See Belle de Fontenoy. AMERICAN BLACK CAP. [ Rubies occidentals.] The common native unimproved black raspberry of the eastern United States. It is often known, particularly in New England, as the Thimble-berry, though that name is also applied to the blackberry. From this species have been derived, with probably two exceptions, all the “black cap” raspberries in cultivation. The wild plants take readily to cultivation and are improved in quality and productiveness thereby. Prior to about 1850, when im- proved varieties began to be generally known, the ordinary wild form was considerably grown in gardens. It was cultivated in England as early as 1825. See Note 1. AMERICAN EVERBEARING. An everbearing black cap, sent out in 1890 by the Cleveland Nursery Co., now of Rio Yista, Ya. It is said to be valuable for its more than usually continuous bearing. Reports state that it is of good size, but only moderately productive, and neither firm nor of high quality, being quite sweet, while a heavy gray bloom detracts from its appearance. Mr. Hatfield, of Wayne county, Ind., who named the variety and brought it to notice, did not know its history, but HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 9 stated that it originated on a farm within a few miles of his place, where it was growing when he first saw it. At the New York experiment station at Geneva, in 1893, its season of ripening for the main crop was about medium, extending from July 8 to July 20, while the autumn crop contin- ued from the last of August through September. AMERICAN IMPROVED. See Doolittle. AMERICAN RED. The common and only native red raspberry ( Rubus strigosus) of the United States and British North America. At first by botanists, and later by others, it was considered the same as the wild rasp- berry (Rubus Idceus) of Europe, which it closely resembles. Hence it is not surprising that the wild species and some of its varieties have at times been erroneously called An twerps. The American species and its cultivated varieties are more hardy against both cold and heat than the European varieties, rather more vigorous, and generally ripen their fruit somewhat earlier in the season. A white fruited form is known in the wild state. See also Common Red. Dr. J. A. Warder wrote in 1870: American Red (Red Antiverp, Cincin- nati Red Antwerp ) a native, long cultivated and improved, but retaining its piquant wild flavor; fairly hardy, rather productive, of mid season, fair size, roundish, bright red, soft and juicy and to most palates agreeable. AMERICAN RED CANE. See Purple Cane. AMERICAN WHITE CAP. A form of the common black cap, an isolated plant of which is occasionally found growing wild, with fruit usually of a pale yellow, but varying from white to a rich golden color. It is an albino black cap, and does not as a rule reproduce its color from seed. The stems as well as the fruit possess the characteristic yellowish color. The plant is also frequently, and quite appropriately, called “Yellow Cap.’" Many varieties of this form have been introduced into cultivation, such as Haskell’s Yellow, Yellow Pearl, Golden Cap, and Golden Thornless. None of them however have ever become very popular and all are now discarded from most lists of approved varieties. The vigor of these varieties is usually nearly equal to that of the ordinary black cap, and most of them are sufficiently productive, but their flavor is generally considered inferior to that of the true black caps and their color soon changes when ripe to a dingy brownish yellow which injures their appearance for market. Birds trouble these varieties less than the black caps. There are varieties of this as well as the common black cap which bear fruit in late summer and autumn upon canes of the current year. AMERICAN YELLOW. See American White Cap. ARCTIC. [Black Cap.] Received at the N. Y. experiment station at Geneva from an unknown donor in 1892. The next year it ripened in the middle of summer; fruit medium to large, moderately firm, juicy and sweet. ARNOLD. See Arnold’s Red. ARNOLD’S HYBRID. Charles Arnold of Paris, Ontario, produced several hybrid varieties of the raspberry. The above name has sometimes been applied to Arnold’s Red, the one which is the best known. A RN 0 L D’S RED. [ Occidental is x Idceus .] ( Red Canada, Arnold's No. 1 Red.) Probably the best, and certainly the best known, of the late Mr. Arnold’s seedlings, but too much inclined to sucker and the fruit too soft for market, therefore never popular and now seldom planted. Canes 2 10 STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. hardy, with dark purple spines, branching, vigorous, moderately product- ive. Fruit ripening in summer, rather late, and again more or less in autumn. Berries about the size and shape of Philadelphia, but perhaps of better flavor. For an account of its origin see remarks under Diadem. ARNOLD’S ORANGE. [Occident alis x Idceus.'] ( Orange King.) Canes yellowish, almost smooth, with few suckers. Fruit large, of fine flavor, somewhat shorter than in Brinckle’s Orange and of a darker orange color. Mr. Parry of New Jersey reported it in 1877 as hardy, vigorous, moderately productive, and of good quality. For its origin see remarks under Diadem. ARNOLD’S WHITE. See Arnold’s Yellow. ARNOLD’S YELLOW. [ Occidentalis x Idceus .] (No. 2 White, Arnold's White, Yellow Canada.) Fruit nearly white, large and fine flavored, but not as large or good as Brinckle’s Orange. Plant of a “pecu- liar albino” appearance, quite vigorous, productive and hardy, suckers freely, bears very early, and again sparingly in autumn. For an account of its origin see Diadem. AUGUST BLACK. [Black Cap.?] Produced by Thomas Rivers of England. Described by Charles Downing in 1869 as follows: Canes strong and branching, bearing quite numerous, greenish spines. Fruit of medium size, roundish oblate, dark red [?], with slight bloom, sub-acid, and rather soft. See Note 1. AUTUMN BLACK. [Black Cap.] Produced by Thomas Rivers of England and said by him to propagate only from seed. (He was unaware of the tip-rooting habit of black caps. ) Fruit described by him as medium to large, dark purple, juicy and agreeable. Catalogued by Downing, 1869. See Note 1. AUTUMN BLACK CAP. Applied to any fall bearing black cap, and sometimes especially as a synonym for Lum’s Everbearing, which see. AUTUMN SURPRISE. See Surprise d’Automne. BABBIT. [Black Cap.] Sent in 1892 by W. R. Laughlin of College Springs, Iowa, to the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Described in the report for that year as a strong, vigorous grower, very productive and hardy with a long season. Fruit medium in size, roundish oblate, drupes small and rather numerous, dull black, without bloom, moderately firm, juicy, sub-acid and good. Yield on plants of the same age 50 per cent more than Hopkins. Mr. Laughlin writes me as follows under date of February 27, 1894: “The Babbit originated as a chance seedling eleven years ago this spring on the nursery grounds of my adjoining neighbor, Mr. Babbit, who owns the entire stock. Today I carefully inspected his bushes and found them uninjured, though the cold at one time this winter reached — 25°. The Hopkins, our standard berry heretofore, is injured, but not enough to affect the crop. Both received the same treatment. I shall plant the Babbit largely this spring. The plant is of the same habit as the Hopkins, but is one-third larger. The fruit is larger than the Hop- kins, but smaller than the Gregg, almost without bloom, a shiny black with a tinge of wine color; in quality as good as any.” BABCOCK. [Purple Cap.] Sent in 1892 from Daniel AY. Babcock, Dansville, N. Y r ., to the N. Y. experiment station at Geneva, from which it was reported the year following as productive and vigorous, with canes of HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 11 a peculiar purplish color, thickly beset with w r eak prickles. The fruit as far as tested crumbled badly. EAGLET’S PERPETUAL. [Red.] Originated about 1854 at New Haven, Ct., and introduced in 1858 by Andrew Bridgeman, a florist of N. Y. City. Said by some to be hardy, productive and fine flavored, canes stout and branching, about four feet high, destitute of prickles, fruiting on the young canes from the time the old canes cease bearing in J uly until frost. Fruit described by Charles Downing as of medium size, oblate, crimson, brisk sub-acid and of poor quality. RAKER. [Red.] Wm. Parry of N. J. said in 1870: Sent out from Cincinnati. Has fruited with me and appears hardy and promising. BALDWIN’S CHOICE, See Turner. BARNET. [Red, Idceus .] ( Barnet Cane, Cornwall's Prolific , Cornwall's Seedling, Cornwall's Red , Lord Exmouth). An old English variety, early and very productive. Much like the Red Antwerp, but never popular in the United States on account of its soft fruit and tender canes. Described by W. R. Prince in 1882 as having long, yellowish green canes, more branching, especially toward the base, than the Red Antwerp and covered with numerous slender bristles which become stronger above and turn a dull brown in autumn. Fruiting branches nearly smooth, fruit large, soft, roundish, bright purplish red, of a rich agreeable flavor. It is said to have originated from seed by a Mr. Cornwall, at Barnet, Herefordshire, England. BARTER. [Red.] Said by E. J. Wickson of California in 1891 to be a large sized, nearly round, vigorous and productive variety, first grown by Wm. Barter of Penryn, Placer county, to whom it was given as a “ foundling” variety by a friend. He added that it was largely grown in the foot hill regions of that state. BAU3IF0RTH. [Red, Idceus .] Recorded by Charles Downing in 1881 as a new seedling raised by John Baumforth of Pontrefract, England, from Northumberland Fillbasket and said to be earlier than that variety, more vigorous, with larger fruit composed of large crimson drupes. BECKNER. A chance seedling found about 1855 by J. Beckner, Lafayette, Ind. BEEBE, [Black Cap.] ( Beebe's Golden, Beebe's Golden Prolific.) A “yellow cap” said to have been introduced from N. Y. in 1886. The plant lacks vigor, and the fruit is small, and when ripe quickly turns from a golden hue to a dingy brown. BELLE. [Black Cap.] Sent to the Rural New Yorker in 1885 by L. C. Carlow of Batavia, 111., and reported by the editor the following year as one of the most hardy, vigorous and productive black caps he had ever grown, among the earliest and as large as the Gregg, but in his trial singu- larly devoid of flavor. BELLE De FONTENOT. [Red, Idceus. ( Belle cV Orleans, Amazon.) Introduced from Europe about 1850. A vigorous variety, hardy for its class, with numerous suckers which often fruit in autumn. Spines pur- plish, short, stiff and quite numerous. Foliage thick, and silvery upon the lower surface. Productive in some localities, but not in others. Fruit large, conical, deep red, firm, rich, juicy and aromatic, adhering slightly to the core. The Autumn berries are said to be more irregular in shape and inclined to crumble. The name “Amazon” is said to have been applied to 12 STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. some plants of this variety found growing by the wayside at Edesville, Md. They were supposed at first to be a new variety and were so fine that they were distributed under this name. Fontenoy is a village of Belgium, where the French under Marshal Saxe gained a victory over the armies of the Dutch and English in the 18th century. BELLE Be PALLUAU. [Bed, Idceus .] Described by Downing in 1869 as a promising new French variety with strong, vigorous, upright canes, bearing at the base numerous short, purplish, rather slender spines. Fruit very large, obtusely conical, light crimson, with large grains and few hairs, quite firm, rich and juicy, separating freely from the core. Season apparently early for one of its class. BELMONT. [Black Cap.] Originated by John Scobs of Barnesville, Ohio, and introduced in 1879. Said to be larger and more productive than the McCormick and about six days later. BLACK GIANT. See Smith’s Giant. BONANZA. [Black Cap.] Originated on the grounds of W. C. Free- man, near Springfield, Mo., and introduced about 1888. Said to be a fine large variety with a long season. BRACKETT No. 101. See Lotta. BRANDYWINE. [Red, strigosus.~\ (Wilmington, Susqueco.) Found wild near the Brandywine river or creek at Wilmington, Del., and first sent out through the country under the name “ Susqueco,” the Indian name of the stream. Admitted to the catalogue of the American Pomological Society in 1877, it gradually attained quite a prominent place among the market varieties. The canes are hardy, but sucker excessively and are somewhat lacking in vigor, requiring strong soil to be productive. Fruit firm, of good red color, somewhat roundish, flattened, medium in size, but usually considered rather dry and flavorless. Wm. Parry stated that he had never been able to trace the origin of the variety, but that it first attracted attention about 1870 and was for a time called Wilmington. Subsequently Mr. Edward Tatnall of Wilmington undertook to introduce it under the name Susqueco. It soon became the leading market variety along Brandywine creek and people generally insisted upon applying to it the name of that stream. A. S. Fuller says of the Wilmington: “ Better in quality than Cuthbert, canes rather dwarf, but stocky and exceedingly productive, bark red with very few prickles — almost as smooth as that of the Turner.” BRENTFORD CANE. [Red, Idceus.'] An English variety, introduced prior to 1832, little known in the United States, but said to be unpro- ductive. Canes vigorous and branching, bearing purplish prickles; fruit of medium size, oval, conical, dull red, and of rather inferior quality. BRENTFORD RED. [Idceus.] Dwarf, slender,, bearing numerous small spines; fruit of good size and quality, with usually a second crop in August. (W. R. Prince, Pom. Man., 1832, pt. II, p. 169.) BRINCKLE’S ORANGE. See Orange. BRISTOL. [Red.] Reported as new by Wm. Parry of N. J. in 1876 and said by him to be vigorous and to sucker excessively, being much like the Brandywine, but not so firm. The editor of the Rural Home saw it on Mr. Purdy’s place in 1876 and described it as having few feeble spines, bright red, firm, conical fruit, above medium size, sweet and pleasant, much HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 13 like Kirtland in flavor. It was rejected from the Michigan fruit catalogue in 1888. BURLEY. See Red Antwerp. BURLINGTON. [Red.] (Prosser.) Charles Downing, in 1869, stated that it originated with Benjamin Prosser of Burlington, N. J., but that two or three kinds had been sent out under this name. The one he described is moderately vigorous and productive, the canes clothed with numerous, slender, greenish white spines, tinged with brown. Fruit large, scarlet, firm, juicy, sweet and good, composed of rather small, compact grains. In 1893 T. T. Lyon reported it as of large size and good quality, among the earliest to ripen but the lowest in yield. BURNS. [Black Cap.] Reported to the American Pomological Society in 1875 by D. B. Wier as a seedling of the native black cap raised by A. M. Burns of Manhattan, Kansas, about 1866. The fruit was of fair size, and medium quality, and the plant distinguished for its ability to withstand both cold and drouth. BUTLER. See Cromwell. CANADA. [Black Cap.] Of Canadian origin prior to 1869. Popular in a few localities, but rejected from the Michigan fruit list in 1888. Season medium. CANADA RED. [ Strigosus .] A form of the native red raspberry recorded by W. R. Prince, a nurseryman of Flushing, Long Island, in 1832. He said, “ I first noticed this variety growing along the roadside a few miles from Montreal where it grows in great abundance and the fruit is collected by the country people and sold in the markets.” CANE STOCK. See Purple Cane. CARDINAL. [Purple Cap.] ( Griesa .) A late red berry, of medium size and long ripening season. Originated on the grounds of A. H. Griesa, Lawrence, Kansas. Mr. Griesa writes that it originated in 1888, apparently from a seed of the Shaffer, grows about four feet high, and for the first year or two propagates from tips, but as it grows older it throws up suck- ers, which are loaded with fine large berries from the ground up, a feature he had never seen in any other variety. The old canes, being inclined to anthracnose, do not fruit with him, but if these are cut down in winter or spring a full crop is obtained upon the new growth. The N. Y. experiment station at Geneva reported in 1893 the fruit as large, soft, juicy, not so dark colored as Shaffer and better flavored. CARLETON. On trial at the experimental farm at Agassiz, B. C. CARMAN. [Black Cap.] Originated by A. H. Sherwood, Southport, Ct., and named in 1885 in honor of E. S. Carman, editor of the Rural New Yorker. Introduced about 1886 by G. H. and J. H. Hale of So. Glaston- bury, Ct. In season and growth they say it much resembles Souhegan, though it does not branch so freely and has fewer spines. Reports vary somewhat as to its season, but its want of popularity is undoubtedly due to the presence of Souhegan, Tyler, and other varieties, equally good or better, at about the same season. CAROLINE. [Yellow.] Originated in 1877 by S. P. Carpenter of New Rochelle, N. Y., from seeds of Brinckle’s Orange, crossed, it is believed, with the Yellow Cap, a variety of occidentalis . Catawissa is claimed by some to have been one of the parents, but there seems to be 14 STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. not sufficient authority for the statement. The plant is strong, vigorous, productive, moderately hardy (hardier than Golden Queen, it is said), and propagates by both tips and suckers. Season medium, ripening with Marlboro. Requires good culture to properly ripen and develop its large amount of fruit. Admitted to the catalogue of the American Pomological Society in 1881, it soon became the most popular of the yellow varieties, an interesting fact, considering its hybrid character. With many, how- ever, the Golden Queen, being firmer and somewhat larger, is now taking the preference, while Brinckle’s Orange remains the choice of those who have the proper climate and who regard quality above everything else. CARTER’S PROLIFIC. [Red, Idcens .] An English variety described by Downing in 18(59 as having vigorous canes bearing purplish spines. Fruit large, obtusely conical, deep scarlet, with slight bloom; grains of medium size, compact, rather firm, sweet, moderately juicy and pleasant. CATAWISSA. [Purple Cap.] Described by the introducer, Joshua Pierce of Washington, D. C., in the Agricultural Report of the U. S. patent office for 1854, as a new variety cultivated by him for the past two years which was originally discovered growing wild in the graveyard of the little Quaker meeting house in the village of Catawissa, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, near the confluence of the Catawissa and Susquehanna rivers. The strong branching canes, says Dr. Warder, seldom sucker and do not naturally root from the tip, though they can readily be made to do so, particularly in the case of young plants which have not yet fruited. The new canes bear more or less in autumn, and can be made to bear freely from August until frost by cutting away the old canes in the spring. It was formerly considered among the best of the fall bearing varieties, when such kinds were more popular than now. Season medium. Plants pro- ductive on good soil, but seldom hardy north of Pennsylvania. Fruit round or flattish, of medium size, dark reddish purple and of good quality. Dropped from the catalogue of the American Pomological Society in 1883, having declined in popularity to one star each for New York and Georgia. CENTENNIAL. • [Black Cap.] Originated by Mr. Grahill of Spring- field, Mo., and apparently named and introduced by him in 1876. T. T. Lyon describes it as about like Doolittle, being of mid-season, glossy black, small size, medium quality and moderate vigor and productiveness. Samuel Miller of Bluff ton, Mo., writes that he was among the first to get and fruit this variety and still considers it the best early black cap he has. He des- cribes it as large, more conical than other black caps, with no bloom, sweet and high flavored, perfectly hardy in the latitude of St. Louis, Mo., not as productive as some, but sufficiently so, and as early as Souhegan. CHAMPION. [Black Cap.] An early sort found growing wild in Clarke County, Ohio, and sent out for trial a few years ago by Frank Murphy ofiDonnelsville. CHAMPLAIN. [White, Idceus. ] Introduced by Ellwanger Mich . S Jarves Celery Grower Geo. Hancock, Grand Haven . . Michigan Carbon Works, Detroit, > Mich S Homestead Superphosphate Sieb. Baier, Monroe Michigan Carbon Works, Detroit, l Mich. $ Homestead Bone Black Fertil- ) izer . y Geo. Hancock, Grand Haven . . Michigan Carbon Works, Detroit, ? Mich y Jarves Drill Phosphate C. B. Waterloo, Port Huron. .. Michigan Carbon Works, Detroit, ) Mich. ... y Desiccated Bone and Potash Manufacturer Detroit Sanitary Works, Detroit, ) Mich y Superior Potato Fertilizer Manufacturer Detroit Sanitary Works, Detroit, ? Mich y Clover Leaf Fertilizer Manufacturer H. J. Baker & Bros., New York * “ B ” for Onions Alfred Brown, Grand Rapids . . H. J. Baker & Bros., New York * “ G ” Strawberry Fertilizer Alfred Brown, Grand Rapids.. H. J. Baker & Bros., New York ♦Turnip Fertilizer... Alfred Brown, Grand Rapids.. H. J. Baker & Bros., New York ♦Cabbage Fertilizer Alfred Brown, Grand Rapids.. H. J. Baker & Bros., New York Lawn Fertilizer Alfred Brown, Grand Rapids.. H. J. Baker & Bros., New York ( “D” Vegetable and Vine Fer- 1 { tilizer y Alfred Brown, Grand Rapids.. H. J. Baker & Bros., New York * “ A ” Potato Fertilizer Alfred Brown, Grand Rapids.. ♦Not licensed : Sale unlawful if the retail price exceeds $10 a ton. Penalty for selling or offering for sale, a fine of $100. See section 6 of the law. CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT 9 Fertilizers in Michigan for 1894. Available Nitrogen. Estimated as nh 3 . Phosphoric Acid. Potash Soluble in H 2 O. Available P 2 o 5 . Insoluble P 2 o 5 . Total P 2 o 5 . Estimated as k 2 0. Estimated as k 2 S0 4 . ( Claimed } Found 4.60 to 5.35 6.43 4.50 to 6.50 7.21 .5 to 1.50 .38 5 to 8 7.59 6.50 to 7.50 4.25 7.86 5 Claimed ( Found 1.85 to 2.60 2.64 7.50 to 11.50 9.52 .5 to 1.50 1.60 8 to 13 11.12 3.50 to 4 3.67 6.79 28 to 32 26.56 32 to 36 32.81 \ Found 6.25 1 2.48 1 13.64 1 .66 ( Found 12.77 .87 1.23 5 Claimed 1.85 to 2.40 3.04 7.50 to 11 9.57 2.75 to 3.50 7.47 } Found .79 10.36 4.04 ( Claimed } Found 1.85 to 2.40 2.89 7.50 to 11.50 10.03 .5 to 1.50 1.03 8 to 13 11.06 1.50 to 2.00 1.87 3.45 ( Claimed ( Found 1.25 to 2 1.31 7.50 to 9.50 9.02 2 to 3 .75 9.50 to 12.50 9.77 5 Claimed 1.25 to 2.25 1.70 25 to 30 28.65 1.50 to 2.50 2.88 ( Found 5.30 t Claimed ( Found 4.62 5,75 1.76 7.51 4.15 7.67 ( Claimed i Found 2 to 3 2.63 7.91 2.11 8 to 10 10.02 2 to 3 2.42 4 to 6 4.47 ( Claimed ... ( Found 4.34 5.55 1.73 7.38 10.20 1887 j Claimed ( Found 2.55 5.83 2.40 8.23 12.17 | 22.51 < Claimed ' ... ( Found 4.08 5.51 1.85 7.36 10.47 19.36 ( Claimed ( Found 3.45 12.08 .46 12.54 3.43 6.34 5 Claimed .. 4.50 to 5 4.59 5 to 6 5.25 ( Found 2.30 7.55 10.84 20.06 i Claimed 1 ( Found 2.11 5.55 2.07 7.62 | 12.18 22.53 j Claimed 3 to 6 5.17 5 to 8 5.40 7 to 10 10.51 1 Found 1.60 19.44 o 10 STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. Analysis of Commercial Fertilizers Manufacturer. Trade Name. Dealer and Locality. Swift & Co., Chicago, 111. * Ground Tankage Martin Keift, Grand Haven ... * Dried Blood S. M. f shell, .Tackson Swift & Co., Chicago, 111. — Pure Ground Strained Bone Martin Keift, Grand Haven Swift & Co., Chicago, 111 Pure Raw Bone Meal John Wallace, St. Joseph Pure Bone Meal 5 Stevens, Morton & Co., Ben- ) ( ton Harbor.. ) Armour & Co., Chicago, 111 High Grade Bone and Blood 5 Stevens, Morton & Co., Ben- 1 l ton Harbor ) Armour & Co., Chicago, 111 High Grade Dissolved Bone ( Stevens, Morton & Co., Ben- ) ( ton Harbor ) Armour & Co., Chicago, 111— Quick Acting Bone Manufacturer The Zell Guano Co., Baltimore, Md._. Zell’s Electric Phosphate.. A. Farmington, Holland The Zell Guano Co., Baltimore, Md... Zell’s Special Compound A. Farmington, Holland The Zell Guano Co., Baltimore, Md-. Zell’s Dissolved Bone Phosphate A. Farmington, Holland The Zell Guano Co., Baltimore, Md... Zell’s Calvert Guana A. Farmington, Holland Northwestern Fertilizer Co., Chica- ? go, 111 \ Prairie Phosphate W. A. Hayes, Rochester Northwestern Fertilizer Co., Chica- l go, 111 \ Fine Ground Bone M. Wolverton, Blissfield Northwestern Fertilizer Co., Chica- ) go, 111 \ Garden City Superphosphate... W. A. Hayes, Rochester Northwestern Fertilizer Co., Chica- } go, 111 \ Fine Raw Bone Reed, Carlton & Co., Jackson.. Northwestern Fertilizer Co., Chica- ) go, 111 \ Challenge Corn Grower Mr. Tinhult, Graafschap * Not licensed: Sale unlawful if the retail price exceeds $10 a ton. Penalty for selling or offering for sale a fine of $100. See Sec. 6 of the law. CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 11 in Michigan for 1894— Continued. Available Nitrogen. Estimated as nh 3 . „ Phosphoric Acid. Potash— Soluble in H 2 0. Available p 2 o 5 . Insoluble P 2 O 5 . Total. P 2 O 5 . Estimated as K 2 0. Estimated a& K 2 8 O 4 . Claimed \ Found 9.16 4.90 4.31 9.21 5 Claimed Found 16.52 .22 .40 ( Claimed . 8.74 3.23 26.09 27.18 } Found 5.04 5.10 24.47 25.64 Found 3.10 3.23 28.28 24.88 Found Claimed 8.25 8.31 5.56 5.18 4.53 4.73 10.09 9.91 Found Claimed 2.20 4.93 10.49 7.18 4.99 6.76 15.48 13.94 .09 .09 1 Found. .16 i I Claimed 3 1.77 9.86 9.05 11.44 11.61 21.30 20.66 1 Found.. j 1 Claimed 10 to 12 12.96 1 to 2 1.40 11 to 14 14.36 4 to 5 3.74 1 Found 6.91 i Claimed . 3 to 4 2.89 8 to 10 9.54 1 to 2 .65 9 to 12 10.19 4 to 5 4.06 1 Found 7.51 1 Claimed 13 to 16 14.05 1 to 2 1.49 14 to 18 15.54 Found { Claimed Found .75 to 1.25 .99 9 to 11 10.72 1 to 2 .79 10 to 13 11.51 1.50 to 2.50 2.10 3.88 { Claimed 2 to 2.50 2.69 6 to 8 5.18 3 to 4 4.69 9 to 12 9.87 Found... ... { Claimed 3 to 4 4.52 18 to 22 17.39 Found. 1 Claimed . .. 2.50 to 3.50 2.40 8 to 9 8.83 4 to 4.50 4.01 12 to 13.50 12.34 .54 to 1.08 .59 Found 1.09 Claimed 4 to 5 4.68 22 to 24 22.70 Found 1 Claimed 2.50 to 3.50 2.61 8 to 9 4 to 4.50 3.97 12 to 13.50 12.60 .54 to 1.08 1.96 Found 3.62. 1 12 STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. Analysis of Commercial Fertilizers Manufacturer. Trade Name. Dealer and Locality. Northwestern Fertilizer Co., Chica- ) go, 111 S Potato Grower M. Wolverton, Blissfield Northwestern Fertilizer Co., Chica- ) go, 111 S Celery Grower Manufacturer... Michigan Phosphate Co., Saginaw, ) E. S.. Mich S * Pure Fine Ground Bone Manufacturer Michigan Phosphate Co., Saginaw, ) E. S„ Mich S * Rich Harvest.^ Manufacturer Michigan Phosphate Co., Saginaw, ) E. S., Mich. J Bone and Meat Phosphate Manufacturer W. S. Dunbar, St. Joseph, Mich. * Fish Guano Manufacturer W. S. Dunbar, St. Joseph, Mich. * Meat and Bone Manufacturer Dunbar & Schwartz, Grand Haven, ) Mich... S Celery Hustler Manufacturer.. Great Eastern Fertilizer Co., New ) York S * Great Eastern General Potato ) Manure ) Chas. Griggs, Rochester Great Eastern Fertilizer Co., New) York J * Great Eastern Corn Phosphate. Gill R. Lovejoy, Lenox Joseph Lister, Chicago, Til. Pure Bone Meal... G. Van Bochove, Kalamazoo... Pottstown Iron Co., Pottstown, Pa... * Odorless Phosphate Davis & Co., Ypsilanti... Grand Rapids Glue Co., Grand Rap- ) ids, Mich ) Non Plus Ultra Perkins & Hess, Grand Rapids Heller, Hirsh & Co., 164 Front St.,) New York ) * Nitrate of Soda S. M. Isbell, Jackson Heller, Hirsh & Co., 164 Front St., ) New York... ) * Muriate of Potash S. M. Isbell, Jackson James Boland, Jackson, Mich Blackman Fertilizer Manufacturer Mape’s Formulae and Peruvian ) Guano Co., New York ) * Mape’s Manure for Potatoes Henry Hope, Port Huron * Not licensed: Sale unlawful if the retail price exceeds $10 a ton. Penalty for selling or offering for sale a fine of $100. See Sec. 6 of the law. CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 13 in Michigan for 1894.— Continued. Available Nitrogen. Estimated as nh 3 . Phosphoric Acid. Potash Soluble in EC 0. Available P 2 o 5 . Insoluble P 2 o 5 . Total P 2 o 5 . Estimated as K 2 0. Estimated as k 2 so 4 . 3 to 4 2.98 7 to 9 8.00 4 to 5 3 58 1 Found 4.79 12.79 1.94 ( Claimed 3 to 4 3.40 7 to 9 7.60 4 to 5 4.49 \ Found 4.C5 11.65 2.43 ( Claimed 4.50 to 5.50 5.88 21 to 24 23.95 \ Found 2 to 3 3.01 9 to 11 8.92 lto 2 1.79 \ Found.. 6.24 2.68 3.31 3.50 to 5 4.17 10 to 13 8.84 2 to 3 1.44 \ Found 6.11 2.73 2.66 ( Claimed.. ... } Found 7.72 1.59 2.36 3.95 .25 .46 ( Claimed . \ Found 4.05 5.96 4.62 10.58 .16 .29 ( Claimed ( Found 7.43 2.83 .76 3.59 1.18 2.09 ( Claimed ( Fonnd 2.70 8.88 .39 9.27 4.68 8.65 ( Claimed . ( Found. 2.23 8.67 .44 9.11 6.09 11.26 5 Claimed 3.05 4.51 24.65 24.11 ( Found ( Claimed 4.92 8.03 15.95 11.85 20.87 19.38 ( Found ( Claimed ( Found 4.25 3.42 7.82 11.24 .35 .65 5 Claimed ( Found 15.38 ( Claimed ( Found 49.75 ( Claimed ( Found 1.05 1.07 5.38 2.69 1.31 3.36 6.69 6.05 .27 .26 .48 ( Claimed (Found 4.25 7.93 1.39 9.32 7.45 18.78 14 STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. Analysis of Commercial Fertilizers Manufacturer. Trade Name. Dealer and Locality. Crocker Chemical Co.. Buffalo, ? N. Y y Vegetable Bone Superphosphate C. Van Doren, Adrian Crocker Chemical Co., Buffalo, ) N. Y. y Ammoniated Bone Super- ) phosphate . f C. P. Coddington, Morenci Oocker Chemical Co., Buffalo , ) N. Y \ Special Potato Manure C. A. Slayton, Tecumseh Crocker Chemical Co., Buffalo , ) N. Y. ... . . . . . 3 New Rival Ammoniated Supejf- ) phosphate ... S Guy KimbalJ, Port Huron Crocker Chemical Co., Buffalo, ) N. Y S Buffalo Superphosphate No. 2.. D. B. Kressler, Rochester Crocker Chemical Co., Buffalo, ? N. y y Ammoniated Practical Super - } phosphate 3 Roberts & Van son, Niles Crocker Chemical Co., Buffalo, ) n. y y Ammoniated Wheat and Corn ) Superphosphate 3 D. B. Kressler, Rochester Crocker Chemical Co., Buffalo, ) N. Y....A... y Pure Ground Bone Guy Kimball, Port Huron Crocker Chemical Co. , Buffalo, ) n. y... y * Potato Phospate Martin & Blood, Hudson Crocker Chemical Co., Buffalo, ? N.Y y Ground Bone Meal.. Manufacturer Crocker Chemical Co., Buffalo, I N. Y f Niagara Phosphate Manufacturer Crocker Chemical Co., Buffalo, \ N. Y f Lawn Fertilizer Manufacturer Crocker Chemical Co., Buffalo, ) N. Y y Potato, Hop and Tobacco ) Phosphate 3 Manufacturer (Cleveland Dryer Co., Cleveland, 0.-.- Potato Fertilizer Jesse Rogers, Lenawee Junct’n Cleveland Dryer Co., Cleveland, 0 Ohio Seed Maker L. B. Spencer, Holloway Cleveland Dryer Co., Cleveland, 0.... Square Bone E. W. Spencer, Petersburgh ... * Not licensed: Sale unlawful if the retail price exceeds $10 a ton. Penalty for selling or offering for sale a fine of $100. See Sec. 6 of the law. CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 15 in Michigan for 1894— Continued. Available Nitrogen. Estimated as nh 3 . . Phosphoric Acid. Potash Soluble in H 2 0. Available P 2 o 5 . Insoluble P 2 o 5 . Total P 2 o 5 . Estimated as k 2 o. Estimated as Ko SO4. ( Claimed--.. { Found 6 to 7 6.34 6 to 7 5.69 lto 2 .91 7 to 9 6.60 6 to 8 5.77 11 to 15 10.67 ( Claimed ( Found 3.5 to 4.5 .48 10 to 12 11.71 lto 2 1.15 11 to 14 12.86 1 to 2 .92 2 to 3 1.70 5 Claimed l Found 4.5 to 5.5 4.61 8 to 9 6.59 lto 2 .98 9 to 11 7.47 5.4 to 6.4 6.02 10 to 12 11.13 j Claimed ( Found 1.5 to 2.5 1.78 10 to 12 9.41 lto 3 1.86 11 to 15 12.27 1.6 to 3 1.87 3 to 5 3.45 ( Claimed ( Found 11 to 13 12.27 lto 2 1.95 12 to 15 14.22 1.35 to 2 1.19 2.5 to 3.5 2.20 ( Claimed ( Found lto 2 1.29 8 to 10 9.48 lto 2 .91 9 to 12 10.39 lto 2 1.35 2 to 3 2.99 ( Claimed ( Found 2.50 to 3.50 2.58 10 to 13 10.42 lto 2 .88 11 to 15 11.30 1.60 to 2.70 1.96 3 to 5 3.82 ( Claimed . . 3.5 to 4.5 5.39 1 25 22.96 1 ( Found. . ( Claimed ( Found 4.42 7.84 .42 8.26 6.97 12.89 ( Claimed _ 2.5 to 4 3.18 25 to 28 27.05 l Found ( Claimed 11.5 to 13 12.15 lto 3 1.50 12.5 to 16 13.65 ( Found 1 | ( Claimed ( Found 4 to 5 4.11 19 to 22 23.28 3.25 to 4.30 3.26 6 to 8 6.03 j Claimed ( Found 2.5 to 8.5 3.09 10 to 12 10.05 lto 2 1.59 11 to 14 11.64 3.25 to 4.30 3.66 6 to 8 6.77 j Claimed ( Found 4 to 5 1.97 8 to 10 9.37 1.79 10 to 14 11.16 4 to 6 2.49 4.60 5 Claimed 1.5 to 2.5 1.65 10 to 12 13.45 15 to 17 14.92 1 Found 1.47 ( Claimed 3 to 4 3.88 6 to 10 10.94 20 to 25 20.59 ( Found 9.65 16 STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. Analysis of Commercial Fertilizers , Manufacturer. Trade Name. Dealer and Locality. Cleveland Dryer Co., Cleveland, 0 — Buckeye Ammoniated Bone ? S a per phosphate ) M. Wolverton, Blissfield. Cleveland Dryer Co., Cleveland, O.... Ammoniated dissolved Bone... E. W. Spencer, Petersburgh ... Cleveland Dryer Co., Cleveland, O 3 Ex. XXX % Jesse Rogers, Lenawee Junct’n Great Eaetern Fertilizer Co., Rut - ) land, Vt y Tobacco and Hop Fertilizer E. A. Pomeroy & Son, J onesville Great Eastern Fertilizer Co., Rut- ? land, Vt S Corn and Potato Fertilizer E. A. Pomeroy & Son, Jonesville Great Eastern Fertilizer Co., Rut- ? land, Vt y * Grape and Small Fruit Fer- > tilizer ) E. A. Pomeroy & Son, J onesville The Jarecki Chemical Co., San - } dusky, 0 y Lake Erie Fish Guano Manufacturer The Jarecki Chemical Co., San- > dusky, O. y C. 0. D. Phosphate Manufacturer The Jarecki Chemical Co.. San- ) dusky, 0.._ y Fish and Potash Tobacco and ) Potato Food y Manufacturer Milsom Rendering and Fertilizer ) Co., E. Buffalo, N. Y y Wheat, Oats and Barley Phos- ? phate y Manufacturer Milsom Rendering and Fertilizer ) Co., E. Buffalo, N. Y y Buffalo Fertilizer Manufacturer * Not licensed: Sale unlawful if the retail price exceeds $10 a ton. Penalty for selling or offering for sale a fine of $100. See Sec. 6 of the law. CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 17 in Michigan for 1894.— Concluded. Available Nitrogen. Estimated as N H3. Phosphoric Acid. Potash Soluble in H 2 O. Available P 2 0 5 . Insoluble P 2 0 5 . Total P 2 o 5 . Estimated as k 2 o. Estimated as Ko S0 4 . j Claimed ( Found 3 to 4 2.07 9 to 10 11.42 3.33 11 to 12 14.75 Ito 2 .12 .26 1.5 to 2.5 2.38 10 to 12 11.91 15 to 18 15.04 \ Found 3.13 l Claimed 13 to 15 13.54 2 2.14 15 to 17 15.68 \ Found .05 .09 ( Claimed . .. | Found 2.53 8.60 .51 9.11 6.07 11.17 C Claimed l Found 2.07 8.00 .51 8.51 7.94 14.68 ( Claimed ( Found 2.16 8.53 .52 9.05 6.46 11.95 ( Claimed ( Found 2.5 to 3 2.64 10 to 12 11.68 2 to 3 1.21 13 to 14 12.89 Ito 2 2.45 4.53 ( Claimed 14 to 15 15.47 1 1.11 15 to 16 16.58 ( Found 5 Claimed ( Found 2 to 3 2.72 6 to 7 10.80 1 1.50 7 to 8 11.30 3.5 to 4 2.22 4.10 ( Claimed 1 Found 1.5 to 4 1.70 9 to 10 7.44 1 to 3 4.52 10 to 13 11.96 2 to 3 4.36 3.70 to 5.55 8.06 5 Claimed ( Found 2.25 to 4 2.41 9 to 12 7.67 Ito 3 3.31 10 to 15 10.98 1.5 to 2.5 1.60 2.78 to 4.63 2.96 3 HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 15 Cameronian. Cheyenne. Clark’s Seedling. Dutter. Glenfield. Harmon. Hattie Jones. Hermit. Iowa Beauty. Jones Seedling. Katie. Magnate. Mystic. Neptune. No. 3 (Allen). No. 3 (Feicht). No. 6 (Cameron). No. 13 (Cameron). GROUP IV. Varieties having little or no merit: California. E. P. Roe. Dayton. Estelle. Dr. Moraire. Hyslop. The strawberries have been under the care o Gladden, who has carefully noted the behavior the material for this bulletin. Agricultural College, Mich., August 10, 1893. No. 18 (Little). No. 42 (Little). No. 2 (J. S.). Odessa. Ohio Monarch. Primate. Southard. Surprise. Westlawn. Nigger. No. 1 -(Engle). No. 31 (Haynes). f: my assistant, Mr. H. P. of the plants and prepared L. R. TAFT / UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS- 630.7M58B BULLETIN 99*112 1893-94 3 0112 019626.W