1G2 STATE IVAliD OF AGRICULTURE. 



lbs. of nitrogen, wliilo the rools possess ;i larj^c quiintity of nitroi^en, lime, soda, 

 nKignesiu, sulplinr, potasli, iind phosphorus, which serve as nutriment for the 

 three classes of cultivated plants Tlie variety of its ingredients is one of its 

 rcconnnending qualities. When utilized as a fertilizer for corn, experience 

 teaches that it should be plowed under in the fall, so that this crop, which is 

 of quicker growth than wheat, may receive the benefit. A few years since, 

 having a clover field in wliicli I intended to i)lant corn, I plowed a i)art of it in 

 the fall previous to planting and left the remainder until spring to note the 

 result of the clover as effected by the difEerence in time of plowing. The 

 clover that was plowed under in the fall had become partially decayed by 

 planting time, and the corn that was planted upon that part, from the time it 

 first made an ai)pearance until matured, was superior to the spring-plowed 

 portion. Its growth was more healthy and luxuriant; its yield more abundant. 

 And who will question its value for wheat, or estimate its worth? Cases almost 

 innumerable exist where farms once yielding but a light crop have doubled — 

 yes, trebled — in its production after clovering. If the straw is short and the 

 berry diminutive, clover will give an ample growth and full kernel. Unlike 

 most fertilizers, the influence of clover is not confined to the time when it is 

 plowed under and directly aj^plied, but extends through its whole existence. 

 While growing its roots force their way down into the soil, however compact, 

 much farther than the modern plow, collecting nitrogen and other elements 

 and simultaneously mellowing the ground. It also protects the gaseous sub- 

 stances near the surface and retains them for use. There are also other ))lants 

 that may be similarly employed, such as buckwheat, hungarian, millet, etc., 

 which are of quicker growth, thougli of less value than clover. 



While at school, in my study of chemistry, I undertook to test the value of 

 ashes as a fertilizer. Using only home manufactured, it was necessarily on a 

 small scale. I distributed them upon the plowed ground previous to sowing 

 wheat where they were thoroughly mixed with the soil by means of the harrow. 

 As was expected, the experiment proved them unquestionably valuable in 

 increasing the yield. That which grew adjacent and had a like chance, save 

 the one consideration, was inferior both in quantity and quality. In the 

 spring succeeding the application the field was seeded, and that portion upon 

 which the ashes were applied was marked by a distinguishing growth of clover. 

 In connection with other substances, or alone, they may also be employed to 

 promote the growth and increase the yield of corn. 



In passing to notice commercial fertilizers, we observe some which indeed 

 possess native value, but in consideration of their cost are not commendable 

 to Berrien county farmers. Prominent among these are guano and lime. 

 Guano is valuable in the abundance of its ammonia, while lime is chiefly a 

 mechanical agent. But there are those which may be purchased and used with 

 profit, such as bone powder and plaster. The value of the former is duly 

 appreciated when we reflect upon its composition. The phosphate and car- 

 bonate of lime in connection with the gelatine comprise elements required in 

 the growth of all our grains, wheat, corn, oats, etc. It is specially valuable 

 on land that habitually grows rank straw or stock with inferior grain. 



I am informed upon inquiry that it can be obtained in our county for two 

 cents a pound, at which figure, following recommendation, it would cost about 

 four dollars an acre. I believe there are recorded instances where its use has 

 increased the yield of wheat five bushels to the acre; but to calculate upon 

 four, and the present price it commands (§1.25), or less, and the farther con- 



