REPORTS ON ASSIGNED TOPICS. 



On Surface Manuring and Top Dressing. 



BY GEO. A. r.OGERS, TOPSIIAM. 



Having been requested to present mj views upon the above topic, 

 I will say in the outset, that what I offer are simply my own views, 

 to be taken for what they are worth, and no more. I do not claim 

 to be an oracle in agricultural iaatters by any means. 



I suppose there is not much difference between top dressing and 

 surface manuring ; if there is I am unable to discover wherein it 

 lies. I conclude, however, that by the term surface manuring, is 

 usually meant the putting of manure at or near the surface, in dis- 

 tinction from ploughing it deeply under as is frequently practiced, 

 and by top dressing, is understood the practice of applying manures 

 strictly upon the surface without covering at all. 



My own view in regard to the proper application of manure is, 

 that it should be iccll incorporated icitli the surface soil. I think 

 it is a mistaken idea, although I am aware it is a very prevalent 

 one, that the manure must be directly under the plant, in order that 

 it; may derive the greatest benefit. Nature has given the plant 

 power to send out its roots in all directions, or in a particular direc- 

 tion if necessary, in search of its own peculiar aliment. And these 

 roots are not simply single branches, but as they extend themselves 

 from the parent stalk, they are continually sending out little root- 

 lets to drink in the nourishment necessary to sustain and mature 

 the growing plant. As a general thing the more roots a plant has 

 the more thrifty it will be, and that application of manure, which 

 ■will most encourage the formation of the rootlets, will be the most 

 remunerative to the husbandman. All plants receive their food dis- 

 solved in water, and whatever manure may be applied to the soil, it 

 cannot become plant food until it decomposes and becomes soluble. 

 Now it seems to me. if the manure is placed at or near the surface, 



