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IR. NESBITT IN SOUTH GEORGIA Tiie Commissioner Writes of His Observations. FARMERS FORGING TO THE FRONT Only on Plantations Where Tenants Are Entrusted With the of Af. fairs Is Evidence of Stagnation Notices* ble—Kaislugr Home Supplies—Work For the Month Delayed. Department of Agriculture, Atlanta, May 4, 1897. A recent and rather extended visit to the southwestern section of the state has much encouraged our belief in the advance of Georgia agriculture. Farms, which for years have been given over to broomsedge and briars, are being re claimed, and what were a few years ago trackless pine forests, are now dotted over with neat farm houses and well kept farms. It is only on the laig'r plantations, where tenants are entrusted with the management or mis management of farm affairs, that one notices the evidence of stagnation. The watchword seems to be ‘’Progress” and farmers as a rule are attaining to a comfort and independence unknown in the years immediately succeeding the war. Of course there are exceptions, but in the main, where men have raised their home supplies and farmed on strictly business principles, the reward has been sure and it has not been long delayed. In many cases men who were formerly working for standing wages, or renting a one or two-mule tarm, by this “open Sesame” of oareful manage ment, and of producing at home all the bread and meat needed to carry on their business, have been enabled to enter on the enjoyment of an independent home life whose equal for comfort and free dom from the rush and struggle of the general business world is not found on the globe. One negro man, who 15 years ago was hiring at SIO.OO a month, today owns a 600-acre farm with com fortable 8-room house and necessary putbuildings, among which is a smoke house containing 800 pounds of home raised meat and cribs stored with corn and forage for the coming year’s de mands. Another man, white, who was once a renter with only a small force at his command, today runs 30 plows and owns hundreds of acres of land. On inquiry we found that the inflexible rule in both cases has been ample pro vision crops and as much cotton as could be well taken care of. In the first case, the man’s own family of boys have helped him to gain his position. In the second, the goal has been reached by a strict adherence to agricultural business principles, coupled with a sagacity, which has enabled the owner to steer clear of speculation and produce his cot ton at a figure several degrees below the selling price. What is in tne land for these two men is there for others of equal pluck and energy. THE WORK FOE THE MONTH has been very much delayed, more especially in the middle and northern sections of the state. The southern sec tions were not visited by the heavy r.iins of the winter and early spring, which the farmers farther north had to contend against, and as a rule work there is very well advanced. On ac count of numerous delays farther north, from the constant rains, many farmers were unable to give the corn land the thorough preparation so necessary for a successful crop, and some have simply opened the rows, put in the manure, thrown two furrows on this and planted on the “list.” Where this is the oase, now is the time to give the corn land a thorough and deep breaking out. After this time it will be imposiible to put the plow in ciose and deep without breaking off some of the delicate, feed ing roots, which begin to extend in every direction not very far from the surface. Where the land has been thoroughly prepared and is in good condition, the harrow will be found a very effective implement pushing forward effective work. Run diagonally across the rows; it will not hurt the young plants, but will effectually kill the coming crop of grass, and by its rapid work enable the farmer to give his attention to other pressing duties. In the more southern sections of the state the corn crop will soon be ready for the second working. Our object then should be to conserve moisture as well as kill grass and weeds, and this is best accomplished by culti vating as shallow and as flat as possi ble. Over the cotton beds, where a crust has formed, the harrow does most effi cient work, and unless the “stand” is very imperfect, does not injure the cot ton. After harrowing allow the plants to remain until they can be brought to a “stand” at the first hoeing. This ob viates the expensive and needless ‘-block ing out” once so extensively practiced. This plan presupposes the land in good condition. On rough or poorly prepared laud, resort must be had to the scooter or narrow shovel, using a fender to pre vent the close siding from covering the young cotton and bolting on a half scrape behind the foot of the plow, to cover the young grass in the middles. FORAGE CROPS. All sorts of forage crops may bu started this month. Sorghum, about which we have several answers in the columns, cow peas, Spanish ground peas, millets, etc. Kaffir corn is attracting considerable attention on account of its drouth resisting qualities. R. T. Nesbitt, Commission*. CONDITION OF JHE CROPS. luorease In the Cotton Ae-cage—Heavy Rains Retnr.l Cora Crop. COTTON. The reports from the different sec tions of the state woo and indicate an in crease of from a to 10 per cent in the acreage of this crop. Planting from ten to 30 days late. Not enough yet up to indicate the stand. That already up (in the lower portion of the state) look ing badly, from the unusually cool nights. Long continued wet weather all over the state has caused a good deal of delay in farming operations, and I fear that much land will be planted with but very poor preparation. CORN. The acreage is reported as about the same as last year, with preparation not so good. In some counties in South and Southwest Georgia corn has had to be replanted on account of the excessive rainfall, by which many fields were completely drowned out. Too early to estimate the stand. Laud in many cases poorly prepared, because of the time lost by continued rains. OATS. The acreage 10 per cent greater than last year, and the condition very much better. Quite 50 per cent of the oat crop was sowed last fall, and as nearly all of it escaped winter killings, there is a good prospect for a fine crop. WHEAT. More wheat planted than for several years past. The crop is reported as looking unusually well, but I fear it will yet be seriously injuted by rust, which is reported from several counties in the middle and lower portions of thi state. No rust yet reported from North Georgia, where wheat is largely planted. FRUIT. The reports vary very much as re gards peaches, ranging from 10 per cent in some counties up to a full crop in others. After a careful study of re ports, I conclude that the shipment of peaches from Georgia this season will be light, while there will be plenty for home consumption. The same may be said of pears. Apples and grapes prom ise a full crop. Piutns, cherries and strawberries are all more or less injured, but will make fair crops. STOOK. The report on stock of all kinds, as regards both condition and numbers, compares favorably with last year, showing a slight increase. No diseases reported, except cholera among hogs, which is doing much damage in a few counties. The FiiiineiN Hoy. The boy on the farm is just about tha same kind of a boy you will find every where. He is susceptible to the same influences, and, given the same oppor tunity, he will accomplish about the same results as his fellow in the town or city. With perhaps this to his ad vantage: The farmer boy is nearer to nature’s great heart and comes to un derstand her ways; and again, the soli tude of the farm gives him opportunity for communion with self, if he is a thinking boy, to come to better under standing with himself and to know his powers and limitations better than his his urban prototype. Boys everywhere need the stimulus of self interest, and this is too often de nied them on the farm. What he does goes into the general fund, as it were, and he does not see how much he is do ing to swell it. If the farmer would keep his boy on the farm and make him a factor in its successful operations; lit the young man to take his place and carry on the work when he is gone, or keep him from seeking a home and for tune out in the great world so full of doubt and uncertainty, he should at an early period of the boy’s career give him something to do for himself, tha returns from which will be his own. If the farmer raises sheep, then a few well bred sheep; if horses and cattle, some colts and a cow or two; if near a market a, coop of nice chickens, or a garden plot for his own cultivation —something that shall be the boy’s own peculiar property and the returns from which shall be his to do with just as he he will. Not only will ha grow in independence and learn for himself the lessons of failure and suc cess; he will have an enthusiasm for tha work in hand, which of itself will be a guarantee of success; without which life itself, in its best sense, is a ’’allure, and a vexed problem in many homes, will be forever settled.—Exchange. \Vh*at t Seed Cotton and Corn. Question. —How much in pounds of the three fertilizing elements—nitro gen, phosphoric acid and potash —are taken from toe soil per acre by a crop of 10 bushels of wheat; how much by a crop of 1,200 pounds of seed cotton, and by ten bushels of corn. Answer —A e op of 10 bushels of wheat will take from the soil 12 pounds of nitrogen, 6 pounds of phosphoric acid and 8 93 pounds of potash. Should you take off ot the laud at the same time 1,200 pounds of straw, there would be taken from the soil an additional 6 pounds of nitrogen, 2.68 pounds of phosphoric acid and 9 pounds of potash, besides 8 42 pounds of lime and 2.68 pounds of ciiloriu In a crop of 1,200 pounds of seed cot ton per acre there will be taken from the soil 29 20 pounds of nitrogen, 10.26 pounds of phosphoric acid and 10.69 ponnds of potash; in addition to these Should be added 4.25 of lime. Most of these elements are contaiued in the seed, the lint containing no nitrogen, only a trace of phosphoric acid and a very small imowt of potash. Iu a crop of 10 bushels of corn. In cluding the stalk as well as tl/e ear, there is taken from the soil 14 pounds of nitrogen, 0 pound of acid phospha.t aud 12 pouuds of p dash. —State A* cultural Department. THE TIMES: BRUNSWICK, GA„ SUNDAY MORNING, 9, 1896. SOIIGHUJI AS A * FORAGE CROP Preparation, Time of Planting, Fertilizing, Etc. Hot injurious to the laud ttcsista Drouth Much Hotter Than Corn. Howto Destroy Weevils—Valle of Salt and Lime as Fertilizers—A Plan to Save Pea Vine Hay—Many Other luquiriM Answered. Question. I see that you advise planting sorghum as a forage crop. Will you please advise me as to prepara tion for, time of planting, fertilizing, feeding etc.? I have raised this crop for syrup, but not for forage; indeed, have always been told that it was dan gerous as a stock food. Answer. —The variety of sorghum to be chosen for a forage crop differs from the syrup making varieties, in that it should be hardy, quick growing aud maturing, with abundant seed of soft quality and free from astringeney. For this purpose the Amber varieties are extensively used at the south as well as the north aud west, but many southern farmers prefer the Orange varieties. These are rather later than the Amber, aud are of coarser growth. Asa gen eral rule the same preparation should be given to the land as that required for a crop of corn or cotton. If the land is rough or cloddy it should be smoothed with a harrow aud bedded as for cot ton. The seed should be sown much thicker when the crop is intended for forage than where syrup is the object. If planted in drills it should be given about the same cultivation as corn, cul tivating shallow and often. The time of planting should be decided by the season, any time from the middle of April to the middle of May, after the ground is well warmed. The plants grow slowly above ground at first, but the root growth is rapid, and as soon as these are well established the stems be gin to develop very rapidly, aud owing to their abundant and long roots the plants resist drouth more successfully than corn. The cuttiug may begin as 6oon as theJieads begin to form, but the best time is when the seeds are half ripe. After the first cuffing, if tha field is again cultivated, a second, a third and even a fourth cuttiug may, under favorable conditions, be obtained. Often peas, beans, corn or millet is sown with the sorghum broadcast, and the field may be pastured, or the crop cut for hay. The practice of sowing legumes, as peas, beans, etc., with the sorghum is a most excellent one because the legumes furnish the muscle making materials, while the sorghutn is rich in fat-forming substances, aud the two combined make a more perfect feed. Another advantage is that, although the sorghum draws very little upon tho nitrogen of the soil, the peas will re place whatever of this element is taken off. This would indicate that a fertil izer running very low in nitrogen, with a full per cent of potash aud phosphoric acid, should be selected for this crop.— State Agricultural Department. Sorghum In Sevnrt* Drouth*—Does It In jure Land ? (Question. Does sorghum resist drouth more surely than corn or other forage crops, and is it as injurious to the laud as millet? / Answer. —Both the saeharine and nonsachariue varieties of sorghum resist drouth much better than corn. has been proven xu those sections of the south and west where severe drouths sometimes occur. The sorghutn has been found to remain fresh and green, when the corn was almost ruined. Dry weather may somewhat check its growth, but when the supply of moist ure is renewed it will recover aud grow as luxuriantly as ever. This is perhaps owing to its deep feeding roots, which, nnlike corn, extend far below the sur face. Owing to this peculiarity it ia also less exhaustive on the soil thah millet aud many other crops, which draw their elements of growth from the upper soil. It is also a small consumer of nitrogen. When planted late, or sown with cowpeaa, it it is cut before the seeds ripen and the field plowed as soon as the crop is taken off, the land is left in splendid condition for succeeding crops. Where the canes are large and coarse, as is the case when the crop is planted for syrup, it is important that this plowing be deeply and thoroughly done as soon as the crop is harvested, otherwise the stubble might interfere with working other crops. If the cane is sown thickly in drills or broadcast for harvesting or pasturing,little trouble iu this respect is experienced. In all cases it is best, however, to plow the land as soon as the crop is gathered. Experienced farmers know that cotton, small grains and potatoes do well after sorghum.—State Agricultural Depart ment. Sorffliain a A Knsmter of Drouth* Question. — I have been informed that sorghum is a good tesiste- of drouth and also a splendid forage plant, for soiling aud for curing both in the silo and in the field. lam thinking of put ting in.'iuite a large area to supplant other food crops, but as I have had only a limited experience in the usual small “patches” for greeu feeding aud syrup ’aking, would be glad if you would tell me something of the methods of harvesting and curing. Is it safe to use the second and third growths for arj purpos'' I have been told that the are very dangerous for feeding to any kind of stock. Answer. —Sorghum is successfully used for soiling, pasturage, hay and en silage. For soiling it is usually sown in drills, and should be cut when the “heads” are formed. For pasturage the best plau is to sow broadcast, and if peas are sown with it the feeding value of both crops is greatly increased, the peas furnishing the muscle making and the sorghum the fat making elements. The best hay is obtained by cuttiug the torghum soon after it begins to bloom. For ensilage the crop should be cut when the seed is in the “dough.” The usual plan of harvesting the drilled grain is to cut with a scythe, but the mower may be used. In our climate, where tliere is not much moist ure during the late summer and early fall months, the crop may be cured very successfully. Where sown broad cast cut with the mower, and allow tho hay to cure thoroughly, which will re quire more or less time according to tho weather, from four to six days usually. It may be then stored in the barn or put into stacks, topped off with coarse grass. The following plan is recom mended by the Texas Experiment Sta tion and is an excellent one: After mowing, allow the sorghum to lie upon the ground sufficiently long to dry out at the ends of the blades. If the crop is thick it should be turned over upon the ground to expose the bot tom portion of the crop to the sun for a short time; usually one full day’s sun is required to dry it sufficiently to bo put into the “cock.” These haycocks may be 5 feet high and 4 in diameter, of the shape of an oldfashioned beehive. All of the hay that is put up iu this manner should be well settled as it is laid on the piie. After having con structed it to the proper height, raka the loose sorghum away from the sides, leaving a neat pile of hay that will turn water in case it should rain. Allow it to remain in this shape for two or three days for fermentation to take place, which is evidenced by the “heating” and the deposit of dew upon the inte rior parts of the cock. When thoroughly warm aud before the hay loses its natu ral color, open the oook aud expose tho hay to four or six hours’ sun, according to the weight of the crop per acre and the size of stacks; then the hay is ready to haul to the barn or be placed in stacks, where it may safely be expected to remain without moulding or heating further. If the hay is allowed to re main iu the cocks too long, the fermen tation proceeds too far and the hay sours and then rots in the field. It will re main longer in the cocks without dam age the less of water or sap it contains when put up. * * * Use no salt or other applications to preserve the hay. The hay may be baled safely if given six to ten hours’ sun from the cock, de pending on the size of the stalks. With ordinary precautions no fear of injury to stock need be entertained. In nearly all cases of trouble from feed ing sorghum, it has been found that it was caused from careless feeding. Discretion should be exercised in regulating the feed and the animals should not be allowed to have too much at first, particularly if they are hun gry. All kinds of stock are very fond of it, hut, like clover, it is liable to cause bloating if fed in too large quan tities at first. Iu pasturing, it is well to allow the dew to dry off before turn ing the animals on it, and to keep them on only a short time until they have be come accustomed to the forage. As the forage contains an excess of fat forming substauces, it attains its high est value when giveu with other foods containing muscle making elements. If animals are turned on a field of sor ghum when hungry and allowed to gorge themselves, whether it be the first, second or third growth, trouble may be expected, aud the same is true of clover and other grass foods. —State Agricultural Department. Ihfl ‘‘Plum Ciirculio. w Question. —I send you some small bugs, that I think are ruiuiug my plums and peaches every year. I have never seen any of them until recently. Please tell me what they are, and how to pre vent their ravages. They pierce the fruit, apparently, and after awhile, the plums and peaches so pierced, drop off prematurely. Answer —The iusect which is giving you so much trouble is the “Plum Our culio,” the very worst enemy to all growers of stone fruit, such as plums, peaches, etc. They are very numerous throughout this state, and indeed in all sections of the country. The female attacks the young fruit as soon as it is well “set,” cutting a crescent-shaped incision in the skin in which to deposit her egtfh These eggs soon hatch and the little grubs feed upon the palp of the fruit, gradually working their way to the stone. About the time thejlarvm are full grown, the infested fruit drops to the ground. Then the larva; leave the fruit and burrow a short distance into the soil, where they change to pupae. In a few weeks they again change and come forth as perfect beetles. There are two remedies recommended, neither of which is entirely satisfactory. The first is spraying with "Paris Green”—4 ounces to 50 gallons of wa ter, to whibfl some lime should bo added, as several of the varieties of plum and peach trees are very easily in jured by the arsenites. Three or four Bprayings are necessary: the first just before the blooms open, the second soon after the h' shave fallen, the third ten days after tha second, and the fourth 15 or 18 days after the third. The method of fighting this pest is by what is called “jarring." Wheu a tree is “jarred” by a blow, the insect—“playing possum”—drops from the limbs as if dead. A sheet spread beneath the tree catches the curculios, which may then be collected and de stroyed. If not killed very soon after fall ingon the sheet they will cease ‘ ‘playing’ possum” aud fly away. the sheet, many large growers use a recep tacle shaped like an inverted umbrella, mounted on wheels; it has sloping sides, down which the insect rolls towards the center, where it falls into a vessel con taining water with a little kerosine. Dropping into this tho curculios perish quickly. Jarring is most successfully done in the cool of the morning, aud has to be frequently repeated. Avery large peach grower in this state is said to have speut in ib9s $7,000, using this remedy against the curculio, but ha saved his crop and was well repaid for his expenditure. Pad or muffle the in strument with which you strike tha tree to produce the “jarring,” that the bark may not be bruised or knocked off.—State Agricultural Department. The Granary Weevil, Question.—How do weevils get into corn, and how does tho “bisulphide of carbon,” which you recommend, de stroy them ? Answer. —The common granary wee vil, so destructive to corn aud other grains in warm latitudes, is a wiugless insect, which may be found iu our fields, woods or barns. They can only survive the cold winters of more north ern latitudes in the shelter afforded by barns and other buildings, and in such sections are consequently few in num ber aud do but little damage. In this state, and especially in the southern portion, they easily survive the mild winters, and sometimes do great injury to the corn crop even before it is housed, though the chief damage is done after the crop is gathered. They work in tha following manner: Tho female weevil bores a very small hole into the grain of corn and deposits therein one or two, and sometimes three eggs. These eggs soon hatch into little larvae, that eat out the soft heart of the graiu, and in a few weeks develop into full grown beetles, which then cut their way out of the kernel in which they have been confined. The females among them quickly commence their egg laying iu the uninjured kernels, and thus genera tion after generation is produced in one season. The grown weevils feed indis criminately on the hard hs well as the soft parts of the graiu. When very nu merous, the corn is rendered unfit for food for either man or beast. To de stroy this pest is not impossible, though many farmers take that view. As soon as your corn is housed, place on top of the pile, in shallow vessels, such as soup plates, or small tin pans, bisulphide of carbon, at the rate of J fii to 2 pounds to every 100 bushels of corn. This quickly vaporizes, aud the vapor being heavier than the air, descends and penetrates into every portion of the pile of corn, killing all insects with which it comes in contact, as well as rats and mice. Such of the weevils as escape the first application, by reason of being buried in the interior of the grains of corn, can be killed by a second application, fol lowing in four weeks after the first. The closer the crib the more effectually will the work be done. Always remem ber that the bisulphide of carbon is a deadly poison aud very inflammable, and no fire, not even a lighted pipe or cigar should be taken near it. This danger ends wuen all odor of the vapor has passed away, say in two or three days at utmost. The use of this remedy does not injure the grain, either for food or seed purposes, if used as recom mended; if used iu larger quantities the grain is liable to injury as seed. I would be pleased if some of our South Georgia farmers would give this remedy a fair trial and report tho results to this department.—State Agricultural De partment. Pea Vine Hay. Question. —Tell me how to save pea vine hay. Can I stack it in the field and leave it until wanted for use? Do chufas injure land? What would be a good fertilizer for them? ANSWER-'-Pea vines can be stacked in the field and left there until wanted for use, aud this can bo doue easily and cheaply and w.th absolute success in the Wowing manner: Cat threo forked poles the size cf a man’s arm and 8 feet long. In trimming off the limbs from these poles leave prongs from 10 to 12 inches long, wherever you can. 7h*fl place the poles in the form of a tripod, locking them firmly together by means of the forked tops, at the same time pressing the other ends sufficiently deep into the ground to prevent their slip ping and falling down. Then as the pea vines are brought to the spot throw them with t> pitchfork, or by hand, on these poles at a distance of some 2 feet from the ground, wnere they will catch on the forks projecting from the poles, making thus a base, for the stack. Then pile on the vinos, distributing them with some little care, and carrying th 9 stack up as long as you can throw the vines to the top with a pitchfork. This is a simple way, and will make good pea vine hay, regardless of the weather. I have tried it during a light rain, when the vines were thoroughly wet, and made fine hay. While not essen tial, it wil ;st to cap the stack with grass, or with a stack cap. The vines could be cut with a sharp grass blade, or with a reaper with the cradle re moved, and this should be done when the first peas are beginning to ripen. If left later the vines become too woody, and the leaves shed off too. readily. Chufas grow best on a sandy loam. The ground should be well broken and pulverized. Where tho nuts "are fed off ‘By hogs, aud the grasslike blades are not cut for hay, there is but slight loss of plant food in the soil, therefore chufas are not, under such circum stances, an exhaustive crop. When, however, the tops are cut for hay and the nuts dug for seed they become quite exhaustive to the soil. They are planted to a considerable extent in South Geor gia (they should be planted more largely iu all parts of tho state) for fattening hogs aud are excellent for that purpose. Any complete fertilizer will add largely to the yield of chutas, preic-i ahi v , ,ow ever, one carrying from 3 to 4 por cent of potash.—State Agricultural Depart ment. Brook* County Self Supporting, Question. —Is there any section or couuty in Georgia which might be called self supporting? Answer. —As an answer to your question I take pleasure in publishing the report of a reliably cruf) correspond ent from Brooks county, received last week. “This (Brooks) is the banner county of Georgia when it comes to ’hog and hominy.’ Wo raise lots of moat, corn, oats; peanuts, peas, etc. There Is enough meat raised here each year to run thecounty three years without buy ing any western meat. Our merchants ship meat-, lard, corn, etc., all over South Georgia. A great many of our farmers carry balances to their credit, in tho bank here, of from SI,OOO to $3,000. They run their farms from sale of meat, corn, etc., and make their cotton a sur plus crop.” Now I ask you and every other farmer In Georgia to read and ponder the above statement. Is the condition of Brooks county one to be envied or not? Is it a desirable thing for a farmer to have an abuudanoe of all kinds of provision crops, besides money in the bank, or is it not? Why can’t you aud every other farmer in Georgia place yourselves in the same condition as the farmers of Brooks couuty? There is but one ob stacle in the way, aud that is the craze for cotton. Bring about a cure in this respect and all the rest follows as a mat ter of course. I assert, without fear of. contradiction, that if every county in the state was doing just as Brooks county is doing, Georgia would be the most prosperous state in the Union, and could bid defiance to trusts, Dingley tariffs and other like abominations.- State Agricultural Department. Value of Salt ami I.iiuo as Fertilizer*. Question. —What is the value of salt as a fertilizer? What of lime? Answer. —While salt is not essential to the growth of' agricultural plants, nevertheless it is found to be service able as a fertilizer in some cases. It is probable that the salt brings about de composition of substances already in the soil, and by this moans renders thorn available as plant food.. It also attracts moisture. It is supposed by many that it destroys fungi aud insects in the soil, rendering plants more healthy and vigorous. Many believe that au application of 800 to 400 pounds to the acre will prevent rust in cotton, awllfrlso increase tlio yield and improve the quality. Most soils contain suffi cient lime for the needs of the great ma jority of cultivated crops. Lime is not used for a fertilizer as much as for merly, many persons contending that there is no appreciable benefit to be de rived from its use. It may, however, be used to advantage to correct acidity in the soil. It tends to disintegrate rocks and minerals. It may destroy in sects aud some injurious fungi, it in creases the power of the soil for fixing and holding pctadi. It disiuteg ates and makes more friable, stiff soils, while at the same time it binds together and puts light, sandy soils iu better mechan ical condition. Some crops, such as ground peas tor instance, will make al most a total failure in soils deficient in lime, and their cultivation should not be undertaken In such soils, without first applying to them a liberal dose of lime.—State Agricultural Department. ••Big-Head” and ••Big-Jaw.’' Question. —I have a fine mare suffer ing with “big-head” and "big-jaw.” Is there anything that will cure her? Answer. —This is a common disease among horses aud mules at the south, and various are the causes assigned for it. SomV say it is caused by damaged corn, others attribute it to what are called blind teeth, and many think is is caused by feeding corn raised on new grounds. The truth is the veterinary 6urgeons do not know the oause of thie disease, which carries off many horses and mules annually. The disease, if well advanced, is absolutely incurable, aud the animal suffering with it should not be tortured by burning holes into the nose and lower jaw, applying se tous, etc., as is too often done. There is no satisfactory treatment. In the first stage of the disease, if the animal is put upon a limestone pasture, given good care and fed well on bright, clean oats, the disease is sometimes checked, aud occasionally even completely cured. State Agricultural Department, 3