STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 3^^ 



We have often thoiio^ht if old Hercules, of antiquity, had been 

 a farmer, and held tlie contract with those fametl stables of his time, as he 

 did, he would have acquired immense wealtli, and died a rich man! 



Raw-bone Superphosphate, which we have used for a few years with 

 profit, is properly classed as animal manure. It is " meat and bone " 

 ground up and dissolved in oil of vitriol. When pure, it must make 

 a most efll-ctive manure. We have used it two years with results highly 

 satisfactory, especially on cabbage, melons, and corn. We have reason 

 to believe that on wheat and grains generally — but have not tried it — it 

 will eftect excellent results. Gardeners, especially, can hardly aftbrd to 

 dispense with this fertilizer. 



Under the head of mineral manures we mention, as the most import- 

 ant, lime, gA'psum, and ashes. 



Lime siiould be applied in small qantities, and is especially beneficial 

 to cold, stiff', sour lands. Its effect is to hasten decomposition and 

 ameliorate the soil, aside from furnishing food for plants. 



Gypsum is a sulphate of lime, and is especially beneficial in absorbing 

 ammonia, and preventing its escape. It is sown upon grass lands at the 

 rate of one bushel to the acre, with marked eftect. In applying it to the 

 potato crop we cut the seed potatoes, and roll them in the plaster. In 

 applying to corn land we would adopt the same practice of coating the 

 seed-corn with it. 



Ashes are, perhaps, more valuable than either lime or plaster, inas- 

 much as they contain all the inorganic elements of plants, and generally 

 in pretty nearly the right proportions. Even leached ashes are valuable, 

 having lost only a portion of their potash and soda. 



But this subject is so vast in its proportions, and has so many parts, it 

 is impossible to do it justice here. 



We add but one other remark in regard to the the management of 

 manures. 



We do not practice the "well rotted" system of composting, turn- 

 ing and overhauling, and holding on till the day of planting. If it had 

 any advantages — which it has not — tliey would be more than overbal- 

 anced by the excessive labor which it necessitates. 



We have, from necessity, spread manure in the spring and late in the 

 fall, but will do so no more, if it can be avoided by doing it at the proper 

 time. 



Now is the best time. Now while the days are growing shorter, 

 haul from your stables the green article itself and plow it under. It is 

 worth douVjle that which has decomposed and wasted in the sun and air, 

 under the approved process. Then labor is less, and what is more, it is 

 done at a time when other work presses not, and your conscience upbraids 

 you not for other duties left undone. 



The reports of the Committee on Entomology, Major Muhleman, 

 Chairman, have been regular, practical, and interesting. We would 

 insert some, did space admit. 



Respectfully submitted, 



Daniel L. Hall, Secretary. 



