, prove commercially advantageous.

At the present time, however, only a beginning has been made in
blueberry culture. The yield and profits in field plantations from
improved bushes have not as yet been ascertained. There is, however, one
small planting in Indiana where complete records have been maintained
for the past six years. This plantation was started in 1889 in a natural
blueberry bog, which was first drained and then set with wild blueberry
bushes transplanted without selection for individual productiveness or
size of berries. On this plantation the yield per acre has averaged
1,741 quarts for the past six years. This average would have been
somewhat higher except for the almost total failure of the crop in 1910,
due to late spring freezes. An average of 14-1/2 cents a quart has been
received for the berries and the net profit per acre is estimated at
$116 a year. In this estimate allowance has been made for interest,
taxes and depreciation. The expense for weeding, cultivation, and
irrigation is placed at $20 an acre and the cost of picking at five
cents a quart.

* * * * *

HOMEMADE FIRELESS COOKER.--A wooden or tin pail, lined with two
thicknesses of paper and provided with a close-fitting cover, may be
used for the outside container of the cooker. Allow for three inches of
packing on all sides and at the bottom of the pail. A gallon oyster can
will serve very well for the nest, which should be wrapped on the
outside next to the packing with asbestos and a piece of asbestos placed
under the bottom to prevent the scorching of the packing when hot
soapstones are used. Shredded newspaper and excelsior make a good
packing. Pack this very tightly around and to the top of the nest, the
top of which should be about three inches below the lid of the outside
container. A piece of cardboard cut to fit inside the lard can with a
circle cut out of the center around the top of the oyster can or nest
will hide the packing and make a neat finish. Place a three-inch cushion
of unbleached muslin, stuffed tightly with excelsior, on top of the lid
of the nest. When the top of the outside container is placed on and
hooked down, it will be tight enough to cause a pressure. If a tin pail
is used for the outside container, it may be enameled white, or a wooden
pail stained brown, making a neat-looking appliance for any kitchen.
Regular aluminum fireless-cooker utensils may be used for cooking the