Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 247, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 October 1915 — Page 2

PROVIDING FOOD FOR THE WILD DUCKS

Farmers Can Assist In This Work, by Planting, in Streams, Ponds, Lakes and Swampy Sections, Such Foods as the Wild Ducks Are Fond Of.

By W. k. McATEE. MANY plants may be successfully used as food for wild ducks tn localities where now they are not crown, and this will be a strong Inducement for the ducks to congregate In sections where they are unknown at this time. Frogblt. Frogblt Is an abundant inhabitant of some of the shallow cypress margined lakes tn Louisiana It produces

spherical fruits filled with gelatinous matter in which are a multitude of seeds, eagerly sought by ducks. Nearly 18 per cent of the food of 208 mallards collected in that locality from October to March, inclusive, consisted of these seeds. From 8,000 to 10,000 were found in each of several stomachs and one contained 32,000. Twenty-five stomachs of ringneck ducks collected in December contained 3S per cent of these eagerly sought seeds. Frogblt is extensively used in aquaria and water gardens, and may be obtained from dealers in plants for such purposes. The plants themselves should be set out in water a few Inches deep over a mucky bottom or in soft mud near the water's edge. Frogbit has been found in parts of New York, New Jersey and Delaware, but the normal range probably is from North Carolina and Missouri southward. Eel-Grass. Few who have written of the habits of sea brant have failed to mention its fondness for eel-grass. The rela-

Eel-Grass.

tion between this species of bird and plant seems to be is close as, if not closer than, that existing between the noted fresh-water pair, the canvasback duck and wild celery. All normal stomach contents of the common brant thus far examined consisted exclusively of eel-grass. Eel-grass consists of bunches of tong tape-like leaves which rise from a jointed-fibrous rooted creeping stem. The leaves grow in small bundles from the end of the root-stock or its branches, and may reach a length of six feet. The plant grow* only In salt water.

CONDENSATIONS

The coal produced by Pennsylvania year exceeded by more than 20 jmr cent the entire output of the "United State* 15 years before, and ■was nearly one-fifth of the world's prog -v .■ % • . necelnOer 1913, national saving* to Russia amounted r n^y 10 3 350 000 ' in December 191*, M»wever, after the . . rodka !»<» ileen stopped, the tadreacbefl AAA /

Frogbit.

In North America It is found from Greenland to ths Gulf of Mexico, and from Alaska to southern California. It is common along shores facing the open ocean, but also grows in bays, and even lagoons where the water Is far less salt than the sea. Musk Grass. The small tubers of musk grass are eaten in large numbers; more than 1,000 were contained in the stomach of one goldeneye and more than 1,500 in that of a pintail duck. However, all parts of musk grasses are eaten. In September, stomachs of ducks fqund in North Carolina contained 52 per cent of musk grass; October. 90 per cent. Probably no part of the United States entirely lacks representatives of these grasses. They require lime, however, and hence reach their best development in regions where that mineral is plentiful. Musk grasses belong to the great group of plants which Include forms known as frog spit, green slime and seaweeds. Most of the musk grasses live in fresh water. These plants are translucent and fragile, dull green in color, and are often incrusted with lime. This has given them one of their common names, limeweed. Other names are stonewort, fine moss

Musk Grass.

(Michigan), oyster grass and nigger wool (North Carolina), and skunk grass (Massachusetts). The latter name and the name musk grass, refer to a strong cdor given off by a mass of the plants when freshly taken from the water. Water Elm. That trees should produce food for wild ducks Is at first thought surprising, but many do, as oaks, thorns, hollies, ashes, hackberries and others; none is of more value for this purpose, however, than the water elm. The range of the water elm extends from the lower Wabash valley in Indiana to the river bottoms of eastern Texas, and from western Tennessee and southeastern North Carolina to Florida. This plant thrives in swamps and on the margins of sluggish streams. The tree seldom exceeds 40 feet In height and 20 inches in diameter and is usually much smaller. The water elm flowers from February to April and the fruit usually ripens and falls in a month or six weeks, but it has been found on the trees as late

Leaves and Fruit of Water Elm.

as August. The fruits, which are very numerous, drop into the water immediately upon ripening. Watercress. Knowledge of the importance of watercress as a duck food is derived entirely from breeders of wild ducks.

Concrete arches resting on bedrock have been built in a New Hampshire cemetery to support gravestones in land too soft to support them itselfi So sensitive is electrical apparatus Invented by a French scientist that it will detect the presence of one part of bichromate of potash in 200,000,000 parts of water. The flying fish does not really fly. but raises itself from the water by means of Its long fins. It can support itself in the air until they become dry, when It drops back Into the sea. ___

TIIE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, INP.

who almost without exception cunsld sr It a valuable plant for a duck farm. Not only is it relished, but it is said to grow so fast tn some places that

Watercress.

the ducks cannot eat it out. Watercress occurs practically throughout the entire United States. Watercress is usually propagated by seed, which may be obtained from most seedsmen. The plant is easily transplanted by cuttings. It grows in springs, brooks, small streams and shallow ponds. Waters in which it is found are usually cool and have some current. It may be sown in similar situations at any time during spring or summer. Thalia. The writer’s only experience with thalia as a wild-duck food was in Florida. Here a slough filled with a tall growth of these elegant plants was a favorite rpsort of ducks, especially mallards. The evidence is sufficient to show that thalia has great possibilities as a wild-duck food. The seeds are large and nutritious and are born#

Thalia, a Favorite Duck Food.

in great abundance. The leaf is much like that of canna, and may measure five inches wide and fifteen inches long. The plant is native from Florida to southern Arkansas and Texas, and doubtless it will thrive as far north as South Carolina and Missouri

Old-Time Library.

Just as Arlington was about to carry off the palm for having the oldest library in the state, organized in 1803, along comes Wilmington with the statement that during a recent cleaning of an attic in a law office in that place a book of records was found which showed that the Wilmington so cial library was organized December 31, 1795, with a constitution, by-laws and a list of subscribers. This book has been presented to the present Wilmington institution, the Pette Memorial library, to be kept as a relic. Some of the entries in the book are very interesting. I§rael Lawton was fined 17 cents for dropping tallow on book No. 93, Timothy Castle was fined 6 cents for getting one drop of tallow on book No. 16, Levi Packard was fined 60 cents for tearing the binding on book No. 106, and several others were fined for turning down leaves and for finger marks. The latest date in the list of revenues is October 4, 1813.

Changing Ideals.

"When I was a boy,” said the thoughtful man, “I wanted to be the clown in a circus." “You have gotten bravely ovei that.” “Yes. Circns clowns are not very liberally compensated. I'd rather be a good moving-picture comedian.”

Notwithstanding higher prices, th« United Kingdom imported larger quantities of sugar, tea, coffee and cocoa .ast year than in 1913. Maintaining the rate of increase shown during the last forty years, Russia's present population at the end of the present century will number 600,000,000. The opportunities for gaining knowledge in the province of Ontario are great There are. Including kindergar tens. Institutes and continuation classes, 6,942 public school* —all flat

ALL BUILT OF TIMBER

WOODEN CANTILEVER USED IN CONSTRUCTION OF VIADUCT. ■ W Notable Example of Modern Engineer* i Ing Method#—Derrick Booma Stretched More Than One Hundred Feet Ahead of Finished Work. In constructing a railroad viaduct at Lewiston, Mont,, a wooden cantilever traveler which was used for handling the steelwork offers an interesting example of modern engineering methods. Except for the supporting guy rods, reaching from the center tower to the outer end of the long overhang, the traveler was built entirely of timber. The heavy horizontal beams were about twenty feet above the track, and, with the two derrick booms which they supported at their outer ends, commanded a reach of approximately one hundred and ten feet in advance of the finished work. These beams extended about the same distance to the rear that they did forward and held a platform on which the hoisting

The Wooden Cantilever Traveler in Use Beginning the Erection of the Viaduct at Lewiston, Mont.

engines were carried. This provided the traveler with an adequate counterweight. The material was delivered in cars at the end of the track, carried throgh the lower part of the traveler and swung out, as may be seen in the accompanying photograph. In this manner the booms were used in building up the bridge towers and putting the short girders in place. The connecting members were swung into position by tackles attached to the overhang structure. —Popular Mechanics.

Great Kentucky Central.

A railroad president spoke at a dinner in Boston on railway safety. “Why, the day may come,” he declared, “when all roads will he as safe as the Great Kentucky Central. “A passenger on that railroad said to the conductor: ‘“Do you use the block system on this line?’ “ ‘No; we ain’t got no use for the block system, stranger.’ “ ‘Oh, I suppose, then, you use electric or pneumatic signaling?’ “'No; no use for them, nuther.’ “ ‘Then you have train dispatchers and run your trains by telegraph?’ “ ‘Nope.’ “ *But when you stop between stations, you at least go back a hundred yards and flag the rear?’ ‘“Nope, stranger; nope.’ “ ‘Then,’ said the passenger, angrily, ‘all I’ve got to say is that this road is run in a criminally reckless manner.’ “The conductor frowned, took out a plug of tobacco and snapped off a chew viciously. “ ‘Stranger,’ he said, ‘if you don’t like this line, say so, and I’ll stop the train and you can git ofT and walk. I’m the president of the line and the sole owner. This is the Great Kentucky Central, and, stranger, don’t you forget it. She’s seven miles and a half long. She runs from Paint Rock to Nola Chucky. This is the only train that travels on the Great Kentucky Central, and what you hear snortin’ ahead is our only engine. We ain’t never had a collision. We ain’t never had an accident. What’s more, we never will. Now, are you satisfied, stranger, or will I pull the string and let you git out and walk?’ ”

Passenger Train Statistics.

"Of the 175,465 regular passenger trains operated by the Southern railroad during the fiscal, year ended June 30, 155,536, or 89 Ver cent, made schedule time and 146,288, or 83 per cent, were on time at all stations,” said District Passenger Agent M. Coxwell. “During the year 149,100 strictly local trains were operated and of these 133,866, or 90 per cent, made schedule time, while 127,622, or 86 per cent, were on time at all stations. Of the 26,303 limited trains, nearly all of which cover long distances and are by other lines in connection with the Southern railway, 21,744, or 83 per cent, made schedule time, while on the Southern and 18,637, or 71 par cent, were on time at all stations.” — Birmingham (Ala.) . Age-Herald.

TO DO AWAY WITH STEAM

Electric "Juice,'* Instead of Coal, la Planned to Haul Trains in the West. With Chicago, Boston, and several other large cities of the country discussing the electrification of the railways entering the cities with a view of eliminating a large part of the smoke nuisance problems, and the railroad saying It cannot be done because of the excessive cost, the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad is preparing to electrify its road' from Harlowton, Mont., to the Pacific coast, a distance of 850 miles, not because of the smoke from its engines, but as a matter of economy. As federal engineers’ investigations into the most efficient uses of the natural resources of the country have led them to suggest the electrification of the railways, the power to be supplied from the rivers and from plants located at the coal they are much interested in the news that comes from the West concerning this railway. Plans have already been completed and contracts let for the electric locomotives, substation apparatus and line material for 113 miles of the main line from Three

Forks, Mont., to Deer Lodge, the first of four engine divisions from Harlowton, Mont., to Avery, Mont., aggregating about 650 miles of track, including yards and sidings. While this comprises the extent of track to be equipped in the near future, it is understood that plans are being made for the electrification of 850 miles should the operating results of the initial installation prove as satisfactory as anticipated. This is said to be the first attempt to install and opeiyte electric locomotives on tracks extending over several engine divisions. The various other throughout the country have usually been made because of local conditions, but it is understood that the electrification of this road has been undertaken purely on economic grounds, with the expectation that superior operating results with electric locomotives will effect a sufficient reduction from the present cost of steam operation to yield an adequate return on the large investment required. The power will be obtained from various rivers along the route. _____ The electric locomotives to be used will weigh approximately 260 tons, and have a continuous capacity greater than any steam or electric locomotive yet constructed. The passenger locomotives will be capable of hauling an 800-ton train at a speed of 60 miles an hour, and will be equipped with an oil-fired steam heating apparatus for the cars. When the four engine divisions are completed, it is the intention to combine them into two divisions of 220 mile lengths, changing crews, however, at the present division points. As the electric locomotive needs inspection only after a run of about 2,000 miles, no stops for taking on coal or water, or lay-over due to dumping ashes, cleaning boilers, or petty roundhouse repairs, it may be expected that the use of these locomotives will result in considerable change in the method of hauling trains now limited by the restrictions of the steam engine.—Washington St*.

Passengers in Dire Peril.

■ An exciting experience befell the passengers in a train traveling from Shrewsbury to Llanymynech, Wales, the other day. The train was derailed while crossing the girder bridge that spans the River Severn at Shrawardine, and all the passenger coaches were thrown against the sides of the iron bridge. The passengers’ position was perilous, as the bridge is 60 feet above the river, and even when they escaped from the coaches they were faced with the danger of falling through the spaces between the girders of the bridge into the water below. Although* none of the passengers were actually injured, many women among them were greatly alarmed. One fell out of the train on one of -the girders of the bridge. She was saved from falling into the river by a Shrewsbury solicitor, who managed to grasp her as she clutched the girder; but she was so frightened that she could not be persuaded to release her hold for nearly half an hour.

M IB LookfV M I can eat 'em all they M won't hurt me! That's be- ■ cause they’re made with Calu- ■ ■ met —and that's why they’re ■ I pure, tempting, tasty, whole- m m some —that’s why they won’t m hurt any kid.” M R«e*ir«J Hubert Awards Wk Htw Cmi B~k Tnt—S* Silt JW < toT-mdCmm. ipi| Cheap and big canßaldngPowders do not save you money. Calumet does—lt’sPure far superior to sour milk and soda.

His Turn Coming.

“Why do you go out rowing with that man? He thinks it’s funny to rock the boat.” “I’ve heard so,” replied the athletic girl. “I took a dislike to him the first time I saw him, and I’m just dying for an excuse to hit him over the head with an oar." —Washington Star.

PREMATURE BALDNESS Due to Dandruff and Irritation, Prevented by Cuticura. The Soap to cleanse and purify, the Ointment to goothp and heal. Dally shampoos with Cuticura Soap ‘and occasional applications of Cuticura Ointment gently rubbed into the scalp skin will do much to promote hair-growipg conditions. Sample each free by mall with Book. Address postcard, Cuticura, Dept. Xt, Boston. Sold everywhere.—Adv. The Bpirit of His Ancestors. Visitor —It’s a terrible war, this, young man —a terrible war. Mike (badly wounded) —’Tis that, sorr —a tirrible warr. But 'tis better than no war at all. When all others fail to please Try Denison’s Coffee. There are some 800 farmers’ clubs in Minnesota at the present time. Why That Lame Back? Morning lameness, sharp twinges when stooping, or a dull, all-day backache; each is cause enough to suspect kidney trouble. Get after the cause. Help the kidneys. We Americans over do, overeat ana neglect our sleep and exercise, and so we are becoming a nation of kidney sufferers. 72% more deaths from kidney disease than in 1890, is-the story told by the 1910 census. If annoyed with a bad back and irregular kidney action, modify the bad habits and use Doan’s Kidney Pills. An Illinois Case Thomas J. Beal., i iiiur-v 5 0 4 Walnut st.i, .yfaA w*>**«r Harrisburg. I 1 1 .. says: “I was in*3a|goerm. bad shape wll hltagaf Mv kidney trouble. My Tig—back pained me fiSßj terribly and dizzy spells toppled me 1 over. My limbs ff y and hands swelled / lrV7TT|K\Av> and the kidney se- WIA U V isl cretions were ter-1' ]•[,)] U\y/l rlb 1 y painful tv ■«» * r «« passage. I had to quit work, as I wag a nervous wreck. I was barely alive and doctors failed to help me. Doans Kidney Pills restored me to good health and the cure has been perman6n G»t Doaa’ DOAN'S SSSV FOSTERAOLBURN CO, BUFFALO. N. Y. nr AW7 LOSSES SURELY PROTTID BUCK a^sk?aa i 's&jas _ _ - ZSsPfMTkNr nMln* Ml LEG fesia