Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 56, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 March 1915 — Page 2

PROFIT in BASKET WILLOWS

Prepared by the U.S. Department of v

cuttings in different parts of the country, and although in many instances the experiments have been failures, there is no longer any doubt that willows can be grown everywhere except In arid and semiarid regions, at high altitudes, and in some portions of the South. Commercially, they are now grown only in a few areas, notably in New York, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Ohio. They may, however, prove crop. Estimates published in Farmers’ Bulletin No. 622, "Basket Willow Culture,” indicate that an average annual net profit of from SB4 to SB9 an acre may be expected. In selecting a site for a willow holt, the first consideration is moisture. Water should be within from two to six feet of the surface, and the supply constant and sufficient. It is better, however, to select a site which may be too dry, rather than one which may be too wet. Where the moisture conditions are favorable basket willows will grow on a wide range Of soils, although they do best in a loose, sandy loam. Excessively acid or excessively alkaline soils should be avoided. It' is desirable, too, that the wind have free access to the holt, since this minimizes' the danger from insects. The neighborhood of large areas of weeds is also undesirable, for it Is difficult at best to keep the holt clean. For this reason it is advisable that holts be established on land which has been previously cultivated. Many failures, ft Is said, are due to lack of proper preparation of the ground. If possible, a previous crop of corn or potatoes should be planted. Late in the fall the land should then be plowed and left to weather during the winter. All basket willow holts are started from cuttings from shoots or branches. Since the plants last from twelve to fifteen years or longer, the best stock should be selected for this purpose. Of the many varieties, only the American green and the patent Lemley or Lemley should be selected. These require less cultivation than the purple willow, are easily peeled and bring good prices. Where cuttings are purchased, the prices should range from one dollar per thousand for ten-inch cuttings to five dollars per thousand for two-year-old 14-inch cuttings. For less than one thousand the prices are frequently much higher. Many persons, however, have begun the cultivation of willows with a few hundred. cuttings, and have gradually enlarged their holts as their supply and knowledge both increased. The better the physical conditions the less necessary it is' to have large cuttings, but under any circumstances two-year-old planting stock makes a thriftier growth at first than cuttings from one-year-old shoots. V The best time to plant is very early in the spring, when the weather is coot, the soil moist and the cuttings show little if any growth. When set in their holes the cuttings should not protrude more than two Inches above the surface of the ground. The holes should be barely large enough to re-

WARSHIPS HAVE SHORT LIFE

Few Years of Real Usefulness, and Then the Scrap Heap, Seems to Be Recognized Thing. - When Nelson wentinto the battle of Trafalgar his flagship, the famous old .Victory, wet more than forty years Things are different nowadays. In the twentieth century a warship begins to grow obsolete a tew months

ceive the cuttings, never deeper than necessary. A sharpened iron rod is perhaps the best implement for making a hole. The point should be abrupt rather than long, since otherwise the space at the bottom would be too narrow for the cutting and an open air space would be created underneath the plant Spacing, a matter 'of Importance which depends largely upon the variety of willow planted, is discussed in some detail in Farmers’ Bulletin 622, which will be sent free upon application. > The bulletin also describes in de-

TO RUN MOTORS BY GAS COKE

Inoffensive Fuel, According to Figures, Is Only One-Third Cost of Paraffin. In view of the high and increasing cost of motor spirit special Interest attaches to an experiment of the National Steam Car company, which has placed upon the streets of London a motor omnibus adapted to use ordinary gas coke as fuel, instead of paraffin, says the Times of that city. The omnibus is equipped with a new form • of multitubular boiler, and it is claimed that the running costs of the gas coke are one-third the cost of paraffin. The vehicle carries enough coke for a 60-mile journey and the consumption per mile is four pounds of coke and one-half gallon of water. The roar, flame and smell which aresometimes associated with steam motors are obviated in the coke motor. Prolonged tests were carried out by the chief commissioner of metropolitan police before the new type was accepted for service, and since it has been running careful observation has been kept. The omnibus chassis is constructed without a chimney, but a chassis with chimney has been designed for commercial cars, which work under less strihgent conditions than those of the omnibus service. The Dewar trophy was awarded to the company by the Royal Automobile club, which regarded the National coke motor trial as the most meritorious performance of the year.

Retrenching. “The war is affecting everybody."

"Yes?” ' ■ “I heard of a millionaire yesterday who used to employ five Now be has only four."

ly* old-fashioned at ten years of age and in the junk heap flee years later. The German cruiser Bluecher, a fine ship, completed less than five years ago, owes her present position at the bottom of the North sea to the fact that the rush/of progress in naval designing had made it impossible for bar to keep up with the pace in the up-to-the-minute contest ; In Nelson’s time warships were kept id the first line until they were worn out by hard use. In our day warships we not given a chance to wear out.

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

tall the best methods of cultivating and harvesting the crop. The great trouble, it is said, is the difficulty of obtaining the necessary labor for peeling. At times it is almost impossible to secure labor at any price, although the actual difficulties of peeling are comparatively few. The harvesting Itself should cost approximately five dollars a ton, green weight. The demand is extensive and varied and a large quantity of imported willow is being used in this country, although manufacturers, it is believed, would prefer the Ameri-can-grown if it could be obtained. There are many uses for the basket willow, familiar in Europe, which have not developed in this country as yet. It would seem, therefore, as though the industry might prove a profitable one for farmers who are willing to familiarize themselves with it. It must be remembered, however, that a certain amount of exact knowledge is required for success, and that a poorly managed holt rarely yields a profit, no matter how favorable the conditions may seem.

DRAW WEALTH FROM FARMS

Enormous Sum Annually Gathered in by Tillers of the Soil In the United States. From Farms in 1914 the United States produced a yield worth $10,000,000,000. Could cotton have been marketed as usual the total would have been close to half a billion more. Ten billion dollars representing honest work! Ten billion dollars untainted money! And going mostly into the pockets of the workers themselves, with little reaching the purses of labor exploiters. The beautiful thing about this great item of our national wealth, next to its cleanliness, is the fact that it can be increased indefinitely by a more general adoption of scientific agriculture. In fifteen years it has been doubled; and still, on our new soil, we farm only a third as effectively as do many foreign peoples on soil centuries longer in use. The forest, cut unwisely, is gone. The mineral, once mined, is not renewable. But on his broad acres the tiller of the soil can take and take again; and though he; has to fertilize, the more he does it the more he earns. So, come war, come pestilence, come anything but conti-nent-wide drought, herd is a broad base for our future welfare, upon which we can build expandingly and securely. The man with the hoe is, indeed, the best hope of the future.

Just Deserts.

“A man jumped into the river today, but another man who was passing at the time pulled him out.” ' “Did he bear any marks of identification?” “Nothing but a wrist watch.” “What did the gallant rescuer do when he saw the wrist watch?” “He threw him in again." ....

They become old-fashioned and obsolete while their engines and guns and armor are still as good as on the day of. completion. That ib one reason why it is so* much more expensive to maintain a navy than it used to be. —Cincinnati Times-Star.

Shame on You, Pawl

iJttle Lemuel—Say, paw, what tea promoter? Paw —£ promoter, son, is a man who sells something he hasn’t got te another man who doesn’t want W i

IN THE NEW WEAVES

MATERIALS SIMPLIFY PROBLEM OF TRIMMING. Greatest Parisian Designer of Costumes Has Decreed That Ruffles Shall Be a Feature of the Coming Season. , ‘ " V Any weave of good voile will make a serviceable spring gown, suitable for many occasions and differing climates. In dark blue it is trimmed with a softcolored border that may be used as a finish to the long tunic, for cuffs or for the collar. There is a new silk out, by the way, in deep dark blue on which is a printed border in deep red and a bright tone of blue. This aids the dressmaker in a most gratifying way to solve the problem of trimming. If we are to wear simple lines, khd to depend on our original material for our effects, then we may often be in despair as to how to get in our color. Not only long tunics with borders, but ruffles are to be worn. Worth is making both. The world has looked to the House of Worth for stately lines, not frivolities; it has been the

Evening Wrap of Black Velvet and Green and Black Striped Velvet, With a Narrow Fur Collar—Design Sent From Paris by Lafeviere.

apostle of the dignified woman rather than the jaunty one. During these gay years women have accused the Worths of making them look old, a crime that few dressmakers can survive, and there have been times when this house has not enjoyed popularity. Even the American buyers have not paid much attention to its models during the last three seasons; the reason always was that women wanted more frivolous, more conspicuous, clothes than Worth gave them. But the house had a decided success last season. One or two of his models were more widely copied, perhaps, than any other evening gowns during the winter. 'So this season he has gone in for ruffles as a real novelty or. bid for attention. The statement may not sound strange to one who does not know the line for which each house is famous, but, really, it is a strange conjunction: Worth and ruffles! None of the flounces on these skirts is straight. They go across the figure on the bias. This gives the dipping line which is so generally becoming to the majority of American

SCARF OF DOUBLE PURPOSE

May Be Used as Sleeping Hood or Protection for the Chest In Cold Weather. This scarf may be worn either as a double scarf in the ordinary way as a sleeping hood with the ends twisted round the neck and crossed in front, or as a protection to the chest by putting it on with the cap part forming a full warm front under an overcoat, the ends crossed on the shoulders and brought around under the arm. It is worked in khaki wool; a bone hook, No. 12 and about fourteen ounces of wool will be needed to make a scarf about two and a half yards long and twelve inches wide; of course, it can be made wider and longer or narrower and shorter, if preferred, when more or less chain stitches should be worked for the foundation. Both threads of stitch should be taken up throughout the work. Work a chain of 14 inches; turn, 2 trebles in the fourth from hook, pass 1, *, a double crochet in next, pass 1, 3 trebles in next, pass 1; repeat from * for length of chain, ending with a double crochet; turn. Three chain, 2 trebles in the last made double crochet, *, a double crochet in the middle stitch of next group of trebles, 3 trebles in the double crochet between the groups of trebles, repeat from * to end of row. but working the last double under the Chain with which the previous row commenced (this will make a strong and level edge); turn and repeat this last row. Turn and continue working

figures with their suggestion of squareness. One of the novelties in evening frocks, not, however, made by Worth, is flounces of white tulle edged with pink worsted embroidery. These coarse threads of crewel are also used on chiffon, on voile, on silk. Taffeta frocks have worsted flowers at the waist, at the end of a sash, as a border to the hem, and one shop offers a frock of dark blue silk with its tunic bordered with short yellow and blue worsted fringe. It is easy to see that the constant knitting by the women all over the world this winter has suggested the idea. The prevalence of mourning in Europe has brought from the manufacturers a large assortment of mingled black and white materials. The new silks have large and widely separated black flowers on a white ground. The broad striping of the directoire has returned and black coat suits are made with long pointed waistcoats of it. There are also separate coats of it above skirts of plain black silk, or cloth.

SACHET FOR THE HATBOX

Bunch of Tiny Roses Is One of the Newest Ideas for the Scenting of Lingerie. An unusual sachet, which would be very attractive for the hatbox or to keep among the lingerie, is ; a bunch of tiny rosebuds, such as are used for decorating boudoir caps, negligees, etc. The heart of each rose, before being coiled, should be filled with one’s favorite sachet. In a cluster of eight or nine roses, the sachet will be sufficient to impart a delicate fragrance. A sachet of this sort is extremely dainty and the rosebuds are the most easily manipulated of all the ribbon flowers. The ribbon should be an inch wide and sewed into a little pocket at one end of the sachet, then wrapped around and around until the rosebud is the correct size. Add a few leaves, cut from green velvet, and you will have one of the loveliest of sachets.

Adds Brightness.

Those who recall the colors of 20 years ago will remember the, remarkable popularity of cerise. Since then it has returned many times and with each reappearance it has been received with the same amount of pleasure which characterized its first coming. '-“Beetroot,” “geranium” and various other shades of red have been favored by fashion, but none of them is accepted so cordially as cerise, which reappears under the name of “military red.” These brilliant shades ot red help to brighten the dark colors which are so popular. The monotony of 'black, tete de negro and midnight blue shades in vogue is relieved by an occasional dash of brightness, such as cerise or similar colors.

Scarfs to Match Hangings.

The scarfs for the furniture of yout room may be made to match the hangings by cutting out single motifs of cretonne and applying them to the scarf ends. Place them on the material in an attractive way and baste. They can either be sewed with ah over-and-over stitch around the edge or buttonholed in place. If, however, you wish a quicker method, machine stitch close to the edge around the entire motif.

To Mend Linen.

Linen, if it is not too fine, is most successfully mended on the sewing machine. Baste a piece of old linen un* derneath the hole or worn spot and darn back and forth on the machine Trim off all loose threads and press. This method is most successful with table linen. It is better to mend be. fore a hole appears. New linen should never be used tor mending table linen.

to and fro in this manner for about twelve inches, then decrease by passing over a pattern at the commencement of each row until it is reduced to 11 inches; cease to decrease and continue to work as before until the whole measures about a yard and a quarter; then wor£ a double crochet

Crochet Scarf or Sleeping Hood,

into every stitch in the row, and upon this row of single crochet—always taking up both threads. Fasten off. This completes one half. Recommence at the other side of the foundation chain and work the second half in precisely the same manner. Fold in half and join (either crochet or sew) the level side together for about twelve inches from the foundation chain, .which should come at the top of the hood.

HOME TOWN HELPS

NATURE DELIGHTS IN CURVES Builders of Human Habitations Do Wall to Avoid Too Many Straight Lines. Nature makes no straight lines, for' whether it be the canopy above, the 1 horizon about us, the shore r of ocean or pond, the course of streams, the' lines of horse, bird, or even of the human figure, beautiful curves and variety and multiplicity of curves everywhere abound. Without guidance such as a taut cord, a straight edge, or ruler, man cannot make a straight line. Even with the assistance of a crack or continuous joint in a sidewalk the homeward-bound in the “wee sma’ hours anent the twal’ cannot maintain their physical dignity and equilibrium, however assiduously their feet woo “the straight and narrow path of rectitude.” It must then be apparent that nature never intended man to make straight lines, and the present writer loves them not, even in a dwelling-house. The clay cottage with thatched roof is the very acme of beauty in shelters for mankind, and often the simple, old-fashioned garden round about holds more of natural charm than the most favored part of the grandest estate. Those who have tramped over fresh-ly-fallen snow, though intent upon going in a straight line from one specific point to another, looking back upon their course, may easily descry what beautiful and smoothly-flowing curves they have traced upon earth’s wintry shroud. Even the paths of domestic animals through their pastures are of most artistic and gentle departure from the monotonous straight line. Still, we would not advise following these in the economic disposition olf traffic, as did the Bostonians with Sam Foss’ calf ttail. Likewise, we should avoid violation of the dictates of common sense by trying to institute curves in a front walk from street to door when the distance is but a few paces. Curves must not be made to appear ridiculous. Sometimes restricted scope precludes their use and straight lines must prevail. Still, the straight line is not, as Ruskin is reputed •to have said, “the line of beauty.”

SAVING NEW YORK’S TREES

Planting Association of the Great Metropolis Finds Itself Facing J - a Hard Problem. Manhattan presents a hard problem for those who want to beautify the metropolis with shade trees. It seems that certain, streets are not altogether hopeless, according to the report of the Tree Planting association of New York, just out. Such are Seventh avenue and Lenox from One Hundred and Tenth street up; Broadway north from Fifty-ninth street, also West End avenue, West One Hundred and Thirty-eighth, West Seventy-ninth street, etc. On all of these there are plantations at present. In spite of the fact that some people have the idea that New York has few shade trees there are, dozens of varieties of all shades and styles and patterns, from aristocratic shade trees to scraggy slum dwarfs. Tree doctors and surgeons are very necessary, and tree surgery has become quite a definite science. Many a fine old tree is saved by “filling its tooth,” as it were—that is, filling its hollow cavity with to prevent further decay. f. The committee of the association has divided up New York into districts for special examination, and the report on the different geographical locations is exhaustive.

City-Planning Association.

For a number of years the city of New York has contemplated the. creation of a city-planning commission for regulating the various civic improvement undertakings of the municipality, as well as those of private individuals. The work which would come under the supervision of such a cityplanning commission would include, among other things, housing, industrial structures, the conveyances of supplies and materials of manufacture and manufactured products, the disposal of waste material, the arrangement of the various sections of the city in accessible manner, rapid and convenient means of transportation, the provision of facilities for education and public recreation. These are the fundamental objects of city planning, but many other city activities would come under the supervision of the city-planning commission, such as regulating the height of buildings, dividing the city into districts and zones, traffic regulations, etc. .... ... . .. I \

Good Judgment Needed.

Good judgment—not a matter of opinion, but a matter of principle, training and experience—is necessary to the selection of a proper location for a civic center in tp avoid the criticism and condemnation of. future generations to whfch we lay ourselves open if we dp not exercise proper judgment at the crucial moment /