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AUTHOR- OF OWN "MYLADY CF THE NORTH * ETC. j&uoascXrf JIM GETS CLEW. jMtv.r. Wf"i Synopsis. -- Frederick Cavendish, New York man of wealth, receives a letter from an old friend, Jim Westcott, urging him to come at once to Colorado. Deciding to go. he employs a lawyer, Patrick Enright, to draw up a will leaving most of his estate to charity, with a mere pittance to John Cavendish, his cousin and only relative, a dissolute youth. That night Frederick Cavendish is murdered in his apartments. No will being found, John Cavendish inherits the estate.. Two months later Enright informs John Cavendish of the existence of the will and offers, for $100,000, to say nothing of it. John agrees. Stella Donovan, newspaper writer, learns from Frederick Cavendish's valet that he is not satisfied the body found was that of his employer. She is directed by Farrlss, city editor of the Star, to follow up the case. Stella learA of the will Enright had drawn up, also of John Cavendish's infatuation for Celeste La Rue, chorus girl. A conversation Stella overhears between Celeste and John Cavendish convinces her Frederick Cavendish is alive, the victim of a conspiracy engineered by Enright to secure l>is fortune, and that Celeste knows where he is hidden. Ned Beaton, notorious gunman, is also mentioned. Celeste Is about to leave for Haskell, Colorado, and Stella Is ordered by Farriss to proceed there at once. At Haskell Stella, representing herself as a magazine writer, makes the acquaintance of Jim Westcott. Frederick Cavendish's partner. Westcott resents the Interest taken In Stella by Beaton, whom he knows only as a visiting New Yorker, and worsts him In a fistic encounter. Stella confides In Jim, who believes Cavendish is alive. Celeste and Enright Join Beaton at Haskell. While visiting his mine an attempt is made to shoot Westcott. Tracking the as- •5'\psln, Westcott listens to a conference between Beaton, Enright and Bill Lacy, local desperado. He learns that Frederick Cavendish is alive and a prisoner of Lacy. Caught listening, Westcott escapes, but leaves evidence of his presence and becomes a marked man. Celeste visits Stella and discovers her mission. Stella is lured from the hotel, kidnaped and taken to the mountains. , 1 CHAPTER VI11--Continue^ "tf'rom New York?" The quick eyes of the Mexican again sought ho- face. "She is to be held prisoner?" "Yes, senor." Then I will ride with yon to Mendec; tls well to have the matter promptly over with." The wagon rambled on, Moore urging the wearied team with whip and voice to little result. Slkes remained on foot, glad of the change, striding along in front, while the Mexican rode beside the wheel, his equipment Jingling, the sunlight flashing over his bright attire. He made a rather gallant figure, of which he was fully conscious, glancing frequently aside Into the shadow beneath the canvas top to gain glimpse of its occupant At last their eyes met, and he could DO longer forbear speech, his English expression a bit precise. "Pardon, senortta, I would be held your friend," he murmured, leaning Closer. "You know Senor Mendez?" tShe shook her head negatively. "Tis strange! Yet I forget you come from New York. They know him here on this border. If you ask these men they will tell you. Even Senor Lacy takes his orders from Pascual Mendez. He care not who he kill, who he fight--some day it come his turn, and then he liberate Mexico --see? The day Is not yet, bot It will come." "But you, senor?" "I am his lieutenant--Juan Cateras," and he bowed low, "and I ride now to tell him of his guest." She watched him as he spurred for- **M"d, proud of his horsemanship, and making every effort to attract her attention. Moore turned in his seat, and grinned. ' Some tin soldier," he said sneeringly, "thafs a feller 1 always wanted n ter kick, an some day I'm a goin' ter do It" The wagon lurched down a steep bank, splashed its way* across the narrow stream and up the other side, the horses straining in their harness to the sharp snap of the driver's whip. A towering precipice of rock confronted them, and at its very foot stood two cabins of log construction, so closely resembling their stone background as to be almost imperceptible at the distance of a few yards, Sikea leaned on his rifle waiting, and as Moore halted the panting team and leaped over the wheel to the ground Cateras came forth from one of the open doors and crossed the intervening space on foot. He was smoking a cigarette, the bUie wreath of smoke circling above his head in the still air. "The lady is to be placed in my care," he said almost insolently. "Tour hand, senorita." Miss Donovan hesitated. Moore broke the silence with a'protest. "In your care, senor? The girl is J?- here as prisoner to Bill Lacy." L , "So I told Mendez," he said indifferently. "But he is in ill humor this morning and took small interest in the affair. It was only when I promised to 'take full charge that he consented to jour remaining at all." • • "If there is evil done, the debt will ./^fcejpaicL" ; • Cateras laughed, one band at his incipient mustache. "Billy Lacy, you mean, no doubt. That is a mutter for him to settle with Mendez. It is not my affair, for I only obey my chief. However, senors, 'tis no evil that is contemplated, only we prefer guarding the secrets of this valley ourselves. That is what angers Mendez, the fact that Lacy uses this rendezvous as a prison during our absence. \Ve found ,one here when we returned--guarded by an American. Now you come with another. How do we know what may result from such acts? What sheriff's posse may be on your trail? Bill Lacy! Dios! If Bill Lacy would make prisoners, let him keep them somewhere else than here. Mendez takes no prisoners--he knows a better way than doing things like that." "But, senor, this Is a woman." "Of which I am well aware," bow- .ing gallantly. "Ojtherwise I should not have interfered and offered my services. You know what to do with your team; then the both of you report to Casas at the upper camp--you know him?" "Yes, senor." "Tell him I sent. yom. Hi will have his orders; they are that you be shot if you attempt to leave before Mendez gives the word. 'Tis not long1 now till we learn Who is chief here--Bill Lacy or Pascual Mendez, Come, senorita, you are safe with me." Concealing a dread that was almost overpowering, yet realizing the impossibility of resistance, Stella permitted him to touch her hand and assist her to clamber over the wheel. Under some conditions the change in captors might have been welcomed--certainly she felt no desire to remain In the hands of the two who had brought her there, for Sikes, plainly enough, was a mere drunken brute, and Moore, while of somewhat finer fiber, lacked the courage and manhood to ever develop into a true friend. Yet she would have infinitely preferred such as these--men, at least, of her own race--to this smirking Mexl* can, hiding his devilish instincts behind a pretense at gallantry. He had hastened ahead to Mendez; told a tale In his own way. rendering the chief#1 suspicions of Lacy more acute and thus gaining permission to assume full charge. Her only hope was to go herself Into the presence of the leader and make a plea to him face to face. Cateras, smiling, pressed her arm with bis fingers. "This way, senorita." "Wait," and her eyes met hla, showing no sign of fear. "You take me, I presume, to Senor Mendez? I am an American woman, and you will yet pay dearly for this outrage. I demand an Interview with the chief and refuse to go with you until it is granted." "You refuse! Ha!" and he burst into laughter. '*\Vhy, what power have you got, you little Tool? Do you know where you are? What fear do we have of your d Americanos. None!" and Le snapped his fingers 'derisively. "We spit on the dogs. I will show yon --come!" He gripped her shoulder In his lean hand, his eyes glaring into her face savagely. The grasp hurt, and a Budden anger spurred her to action. With a quick twist she freed herself and. "Take her within--no, tl«e; the second door, you fools." Breathless from effort, a mere child In their grip. Miss Donovan struggled vainly. They forced her through the dodr and Cateras, still cursing fuHously, followed, the whip In his hands. "Come, Take This Spitfire. Carambai We'll Teach Herl" . scarcely knowing how it was d.one. snatched the heavy driver's whip from Moore's hand. The next instant, before the astounded Mexican could even throw up his arm in defense, the infuriated girl struck, the stinging lash raising a red welt across the swarthy cheek. Cateras staggered back, his lips giving utterance to a curse. Again she struck, but this time his fingers gripped the leather und tore It from her hands with sufficient force to send her to ner knees. With a spring forward the man held her in hlo grasp, all tiger now, the pretense at gentle^ ness forgotten. He jerked her to her feet with fingers clutching her neck mercilessly. "Here Silva, Meroctez," he cried, "come take this spitfire. Carambai We'll teach her.' Two men ran from between the hut* and Cateras flung her, helpless from her choking, into their gruyy. CHAPTER ix. tifoetcott Finds Himself Afeftt, It never occurred to Westcott on his escape through the darkness that his night's adventure would In any way endanger -Miss Donovan. He was on the property of La Rosita Mining company- upon his own account, and not in reference to the Cavendish case at all --or, at least, this last was merely Incidental. From where he lay he could see across the bare, rock-strewn hillside to the distant hut, outlined by the gleam of light within, and perceive the black silhouette of the shafthouse. He could dimly distinguish figures as they passed in and out of the glare of light, and was aware that Moore had been found and carried within the hut, but remained ignorant of the fact that the leaving of a knife in the window had revealed his identity. There was no attempt at pursuit, which gave him confidence that Lacy failed to comprehend the importance of what had been overheard, yet he clung to his hidingplace until all the men had- re-entered the office. It was late the next morning before Westcott rode into Haskell and, stabling his horse, which bore all the' marks of hard riding, proceeded toward the Timmons house. He had utilized, as best he could, the hours since that cavalcade had departed from La Rosita to put his own affairs in order so that he might feel free to camp on the conspirators' trail and risk all in an effort tc rescue Cavendish. The night had been a hard one, but Westcott was still totally unconscious of fatigue--his whole thought centered on his purpose. As he rode slowly up the street In the bright sunlight his mind reverted to Stella Donovan. Eager for the greeting which he felt assured awaited, him, he strode through the open door into the office. The room was vacant, but as he crossed the floor toward the desk the proprietor entered the opening leading into the barroom beyond. "Hello, Jim!" he cried at Sight of the other. "Thought you'd be back, but d it, yer too late--she's--she's gone; almighty pretty girl, too. I told the boys it was a blame shame fer her ter run off thataway." "Who has run off?" And Westcott's hand crushed down on the man's shoulder. "What are you talking about?" "Me! Let up, will yer? Yer was here hopin' ter see that New York girl, wasn't yer?" "Miss Donovan? Yes." "I'd forgot her name. Well, A* ain't yere--she's left." « " "Left--gone from town?" "Sure; skipped out sudden In the uight; took the late train itast, I reckon./ Never sed no word to nobody-- just naturally packed up her duds an' hiked." Westcott drew a deep breath.' "Surely you do not mean she left without any explanation? She must have paid her bill." "Oh, she was square enough--ture. She left money an' a note pinned to her pillow; sed she'd Just got a message call In' her home--want ter am whut she wrote?" "You bet I do, Timmons I" '-jr Timmons waddled around behftia ftie desk and ran his hand into a drawer. Evidently he considered the matter a huge joke, but Westcott snatched the paper from his fingers Impatiently and eagerly read the few hastily penciled lines: "Have received a message calling me East at once; Shall take the night train, and inclose sufficient money to pay for my entertainment » "S. D." He stared at the words, a deep crease between his eyes. It was a woman's handwriting, and at first glance there was nothing impossible in such an action on her part. Yet it was strange, if she had departed so suddenly without leaving any message for him. His eyes narrowed with aroused suspicion as he looked up from the slip of paper and confronted the amused Timmons across the desk. "And that was all, was It--Just this note and the cash? There --nothing addressed tQ me?" The liotelkeeper shook his head. "When did you see her last." " 'Bout nine o'clock, I reckon; she came down inter the dinln' room fer a drink o' water." "How much longer were you up?" "Oh, imtybe an hour." "No message for All* Dono.vM. nR to that timer- V: "V ' Jr^' "No." . "You left' the doefr tftHodredl* ' * "Sure; them New York fellers was both out. I oughter waited till they come in, maybe', but I was plum' tired out." "When did they come back?" "Oh. "bout midnight, I reckon. Bill Lacy an' Matt Moore wad along with 'em." "I see! And these New York people --they are still here?" "They wus ill three down tef breakfast ; ain't seen nuthin' of 'em since." "What became of Lacy?" "He's down in his saloon; he sed If you showed up, an' asked fer him, ter tell yer that's whar he'd be." "He told you that? He expected me to show up, then?" "I reckon as how he did," and Timmons grinned in drunken good humor. "He's pretty blame smart. Bill Lacy is; he most allnrs knows whut's goln' ter happen." He leaned over the desk and lowered his -voice. "If yer do hunt him up, .Tim," he said confidentially, "you better go heeled." Westcott laughed. The first shock of the discovery of Miss Donovan's disappearance had passed, and he was himself again. He must have time to think and arrange some plan and, above all, must retail a clear mind and proceed coolly. "All right, old man," he said easily. "I'll try and look out for myself. I haven't eaten yet today. What can you find me In the larder?"*- Although feeling the need of food. the Timmons' house more desirous being alone than for any other p#*| pose. He realised that he was s«fr' d< nly brought tace to face with a meat serious condition, and one which most be solved unaided. So Bill Lacy expected him? Had left word where he was to be found? What was the probable meaning of this? Westcott did not connect this message directly with the strange disappearance of Miss Donovan. Moore must have recognized him during their fight, and reported to his master who It was that had been discovered listening at the window. Realizing the nature of that conversation. Lacy naturally anticipated being sought the very moment Westcott came to town. That was what this meant. All right, he would hunt Lacy as soon as he was ready to do so; and, as Timmons suggested, would go "heeled." But the girl? What had really become of the girl? Westcott drew the brief note from his pocket, smoothed out its creases and read the few words over again. The writing was unquestionably feminine, and he could recall seeing nothing Miss Donovan had ever indited, with,which it could be compared. But would she have de- "What'the H » . • Does Hite Mean?" He Demanded Hotly. parted, however hurriedly, without leaving him some message? Unconsciously he still held the letter In his hand when the waitress came In with his breakfast.- She glanced about to make certain they were alone and leaned over, her lips close to his ear. "Is that the note they say that New York young lady left?" "Yes, Sadie," in surprise. "Why?" "Well, she never wrote it, Mr. Westcott," hurriedly placing the dishes- before him, "that's all. Now don't yer say a word to anybody that I .told yer; but she didn't go East at all ;#she wus took In a wagon down the desert road. I saw 'em take her." "Yon saw them? Who"?" "Well, I don't Just know that, 'cept It was Matt Moore's team, an' he wuz drlvln' it. I didn't see the others so es to tfe sure. Yer see us help sleep over the kitchen, an' 'bout one o'clock I woke up. I thought I heard a noise outside, an* got up an' went to the winder. I couldn't see much, not 'nough so ~ could swear to nuthin'; but there was three or four men out there Just across that little gully, you know, an' they had a woman with 'em. She didn't scream none, but she was tryin' ter git away; wunst she run, but they caught her. I didn't see no wagon then; It was behind the ridge, I reckon. After a while It drove off down the south trail, an' a little later three men come up them outside stairs back Into the hotel They was mighty still 'bout it, too." "You couldn't tell who they were?" "They wa'n't like nuthin' but shadders ; It was a purty dark night. Say, did you ever hear tell of a Mexican named Mendez?" "Well, rather; he's a cattle/thief, or worse. Arizona has a big reward out for him, dead or alive." That's the gink, I bet yer; has he got a hangout anywhar 'round this country?" "Not so far as I know. What makes you suspect this?" Sadie leaned even closer, her voice trembling with excitement, evidently convinced that her information was of utmost importance. "You know the feller they call Enright, I reckon he's a lawyer?" Westcott nodded. , "Well, he was doln' most of the talkin', an' I was ^foolln' rotlnd the sideboard yonder, pretending ter clean it up. Nobody thought I was in eaj distance, but I got hold ov a word now an' then. He kept tellin' 'em 'bout this Mexican, who's a friend of BUI Lacy, an' I judgd has a place whar he hangs out with his gang somewhar in the big desert." "Was anything said about MUs Donovan?" "Not by name; they was too smart for that; but that wps the direction Matt Moore drove s off last night-- there's Enright comln' downstairs now; won't yer hav' some more cakes, sir?" Westcott pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. He had extracted all the Information the girl possessed, and had no wish to expose her to suspicion. There was no longer a doubt in his mind as to the fate of Miss Donovan. She had been forcibly abducted by this gang of thieves, and put where her knowledge could do them no harm. But where? The clue had been given him, but before It could be of any value be must learn more of this Mexican, Mendez. The fellow had always appeared ax rather mythical character, but now became suddenly real. The marshal might know; if not, then he must choke the truth out of Lacy. Determined to make the effort, he muttered a swift word of thanks to Sadie and left the room. From the open doorway Westcott fits belt so that tbe'-iillpfll: r was mora craven^ hind. He had no coomptloo thatfei 00ming interview with fiaefc'Wfeft to fee •altogether a pleasant on*, and realised fully the danger confronting |$m. At that moment the llttlg --l iluil. his broad-brimmed hat cockedf over one eye, emerged from the narrow alley* way between the Red Dog and the adjacent dance hall, and stood there doubtfully, his gaze wandering up and down the deserted street. As Westcott descended the hotel steps the marshal saw him, and came forward. His manner was prompt and businesslike. "Hello, Jim," he said rather briskly* "Had a little trouble np your way last night, I hear." "Nothing to bother yon, Dan; my Mexican watchman was shot np through a window of the shack." "Kill him?" "Instantly. I told the coroner all about It. Whoever the fellow was I reckon he meant the shot for me, bat poor Jose got it. Seen Bill Lacy this morning?" The marshal's thin Hps smiled grimly as his eyes lifted to Westcott's face. "He's back there In his office. That's what I stopped yer for. He said he rather expected ye'd be along after a while. What's up between yer, Jim? There ain't goin' ter .be no fight er nuthin'?" anxiously. Westcott laughed. "I don't see any use for any," he answered. "But Bill might, be a bit touchy. Maybe, Dan, it might be worth while for you to hang around. Do as you please about that." He turned away and went up the wooden steps to the door of the Red Dog. The marshal's eyes followed him solicitously until he disappeared within; then he slipped back into the alleyway skirting the side of the building until he reached a window near the rear. ' ' • Westcott closed the door behind him and took a swift view of the barroom. There were not many present at that hour--only a few habitual loafers playing cards. Westcott recognized most of the faces with a slight feeling of relief. Neither Enright nor Beaton were present, and it was his desire to meet Lacy alone, away from the Influence of these others. He crossed to the bar. "Where's Bill?" he asked. / "Back there," and the dispenser of drinks inclined his head toward a door at the rear. "Go on in." The fellow's manner was civil fenough, yet Westcott's teeth set with a feeling that he was about to face an emergency. Yet there was no other way; he must make Lacy talk. He walked straight to the door, opened it, stepped into the room beyond, and turned the key in the lock, dropping it into his pocket. Then he faced about. He was not alone with Lacy; Enright sat beside the desk of the other and was staring at him in startled surprise. Westcott also had a hazy Impression that there was or had been another person. The saloon keeper rose to his feet, angry, and thrown completely off his guard by Westcott's unexpected action. "What the b does this mean?" he demanded hotly. "Why did yon lock the door?" Westcott puts up a good fight against odds. (TO BE CONTINUED.) GROUND UNDER HEAVY TAXES People In Bible Timet Completely- St Mercy of Extortionate Extract* or* of Tribute. People In the Bible times were taxed heavily. They were on a,straight levy, not based on incomes or excess profits. Payment was compelled and no excuses made, nor were there any exemptions to married men or heads of families. Although there were no army or navy establishments and no airplane pro* gram, the people paid their .asses* ments In botli gold and silver. King Solomon compelled the Cananltes who were left In the country to pay him tribute. The rebellion of Jeroboam on account of the heavy taxes levied by Solomon, afterward growing Into the revolt of the Ten Tribes, was the most pretentious kick against the levy of the powers in Bible times. Jeroboam .was at first compelled to take refuge In Egypt, and It was on account of the taxes and levies laid by Solomon that the Israelites said to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, upon the latter's death: r "Thy father made our yokes grievous; no« therefore ' make thon the grievous service of thy father and his heavy yokes which he put' upon us lighter and we will serve thee." When Caesar Augustus was In power and Quirinus Was governor of Syria, after having Just been eleCtfed for a third term because he had kept the Syrians out of war, the first named issued a proclamation signed by his secretary of state that the whole world should be taxed. And all the people went to their own city to be taxed. The later editions of the Bible speak of the act as the people being "en- T • s ; w - f e HOW TO STOP FLY LOSSES i W estcott' enured tbe dlnlag-roeia eC teuk oureiui eurvey el the •• •- „ •>-* '. % • The Dusk and The rain had ceased falling softly throtigh the dusk. A cool green wind flows through the deeps of air. The stars are as wind-whirled fitalt blown upwards from the tree " tops. Funorbed. and with a pulse of flame, the moon leads a tide of quiet light over the brown shores of the world. Bot here I stand upon the brown shores of the world. In the shine of that quiet flame where, full-orbed, the moon uplifts the dark. I think only of the stars as wind-whirled fruit blown upward from the tree tops. I think only of that wind that blew upon the tree tops, where the whirling stars spun In a mazy dance, when, at last the rain had ceased falling softly through .the dusk. O wind-whirled stars. O secret falling rain---Fiona Macleod. Relative Positions. "Have you put those two flowers together to show they are relational" "What two flowers?" 'j V ' . 3T1 MMVMM ! . *« SSK'Utr osaees^msaaea. Oo,U.iV9 Showing the Life Cycle of the Hessian Fly Which Has Survived the Cold of Laat Winter In Considerable Numbers, (Entomologists ©f the United < States Department of Agriculture Find. (Prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture.) Although there is no remedy for the Hessian fly when once it takes possession of a crop of Wheat, a great deal can be done toward keeping the fly out of the wheat. Slqce the Hessian fly Is the most destructive insect enemy of wheat in the. United States, control measures pay. There have been at least seven general outbreaks east of the Mississippi river in the past 87 years, and another is regarded as imminent by specialists of the bureau of entomology. The average annual damage to wheat throughout the United States from this Insect is estimated at $50,000,000. How to Stop Losses. Thfe means of preventing losv; "to summarized by the department, are these: Practice crop rotation. Do not sow wheat on stubble If it is possible to avoid doing so.' Plow under all infested stubble, where practicable, soon after harvest. Plow ruined wheat as soon as possible after It has been determined ttat the crop will be a failure. Destroy all volunteer wheat by harrowing, disking, plowing, or some other method. Plow all land to be sown to wheat as early and deeply as existing conditions permit, and prepare a thoroughly pulverized and compacted seed bed. Conserve moisture against a period of drought at seeding time. Use good seed. Fertilize. Sow wheat during the fly-free period as advised by your farm -adviser or state experiment station. Adhere to these practices every year whether the fly is abundant or scarce. They will telp to keep It scarce. Community co-operation is essential if success is to be attained, because onto Infested field may furnish enough fljes to damage the wheat for several miles around. When to 8ow Wheat. Sowing wheat during the fiy-fme period means moderately late sowing. Experiments conducted over a great many years have shown that, in most localities, the safe date for sowing wheat to escape Hessian fly Injury usually coincides with the proper time for sowing in order to obtain the largest yields Independently of Hessian fly in- Jury. These dates fcave been determined for certain localities as follows: In northern Michigan, soon after the 1st of September. In southern Michigan and northectl Ohio, about September 20. In southern Ohio, after the , week In October. In extreme northern Illinois the safe period usually occurs from September 21 to 28. In central Illinois and Indiana, from September 21 to 30. In extreme southern Illinois, from September 30 to October 5. ' " , In central Kentucky, from OctojWl 5 to 15. . In central Tennessee, from October. 15 to 25. In Georgia and South Carolina, fropni October 25 to November 25. In northeastern Kansa» the safe Pferled is from October 1 to 10. • In east-Central Kansas, usually frfetb October 1 to 20. In extreme southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma "wheat should not be sown until the second we€k In October. , ' • -v'• This Is true al#o of Virginia near f*$ level. • t - ' V •• October-sown wheat always enjoys the greatest freedom from the fly in Maryland, except in the mountalnooe regions where earlier planting Is nee* essary. In southeastern Pennsylvania the safe period Is during the last week of September, and practically the same corresponding delay in wheat sowing • In th« fall should be followed to the southward. These dates are only approximate,' and serve to show in a general way about the time when the fall brood of the fly disappears. All are dependent upon latitude, altitude, longitude, and other local conditions. The date varies considerably in broken or hilly country, even on the same farm, being appreciably later on the southern slope of a hill than on the northern slope of the same hill at the same elevation. Because of the fact that the larger part/ of the fall brood appears and is gone within a week or so, it is possible so to time the seeding of winter wheat a* to avflid the Hessian fly, and this Iff one of the most practical and effective measures that can be applied. A full discussion of the Hessian fly and how to prevent losses from It'ie contained In Farmers' Bulletin 1083, . copies of which may be had free by writing the United States departrogj| of agriculture. SELECTING LAND FOR PRODUCTION OF RICE » Soil.Not Too Deficient in Organic . Matter Is Best. AlrtfMNMt end Always Available •«#- ply of Fresh,Water Is of Much , Importance--Provide Ample Drainage Facilities; (Prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture.) Rice produces its largest yields on clay soils that are not too deficient in crganlc matter. The land selected for rice culture should lie in level tracts that can be cheaply drained. The crop requires an abundant and When Shocked in the Field Rice Looka Sontewhat Like Oats or Wheat at a Distance, but the Method df Growing Is Entirely Different. always available supply of fresh water, ond to obtain good yields of highgrade rice ample drainage facilities must be provided. gbp, wui*w,, the aefd bed should be loose and finely pulveriMC to a depth of at least two Inches. The field levees should be low, broad, end permanent and constructed on contour lines at distances which will hold the water at an average depth of five inches. They also should be seeded to rice. This will Increase the cultivated area and leave no uncultivated strips lu the field for the growth of weeds. The harvested rice should be put into strongly built shocks that should be well capped to protect the grain from the sun as well as from the rain. Thrashing should not be done until the rice has remained in the shock for at ieast two weeks. BEAN THRIPS ARE NUISANCE Small Insects Do Considerable lnJ||Qf to Plants If No Control Measuree Are Taken. The bean thrlp is rapidly becomtaui a nuisance. Its appearance on the l»af is indicated by the pale, spotted rppen ranee due to the feeding on the ur.der surface, mainly. The young thrips are quite transpar* ent and very minute, later assuming a jellowlsh color, with a few red spots on the sides. Considerable Injury to the Infested f lunts usually results If no control measures are taken. Five or six ounces of "Blackleaf #0T with two pounds whale oil soap or laundry soap to 50 gallons water, applied through an angle nozzle to reach I he under surface, will give result*. The spraying should be thorough so ns to come In direct contact with t|tt thrips. ' >r':; i ROOSTER IS NOT NECESSARY Male Bird in No Way Increases Pre. Auction of Eggs--Hena Lay More Without Him. So far as egg production is conoertied, it Is absolutely unnecessary to keep a male bird In the flock. The hens lay Just as qiany eggs and frequently1 more and you have the added advantage of , M i '