36 BOAED OF AGRICULTURE. 



various methods of doing this that will suggest themselves to a 

 thiuking mind. 



In many places the soiling system could no doubt be adopted to 

 some extent at least, to good advantage. It is claimed by the ad- 

 vocates of that system that it is the cheapest of all modes of ob- 

 taining manure. In this connection we would refer the farmer to 

 an able article upon this subject, by Mr. Chamberlain of this Board, 

 published in the report of the Secretary for 1859. Where muck is 

 easy of access, we recommend that equal quantities of that be 

 mixed with barn manure, after being treated to a dose of salt and 

 lime. Such compost your committee consider about equal to barn 

 manure, and when applied liberally, and well incorporated with 

 the surface soil, will never fail to give a good account of itself. 



Frequent plowing and stirring of the soil, tends very much to 

 its improvement. And here we would say, that as a general rule, 

 we would not recommend plowing so deep as to bring to the sur- 

 face the subsoil to any great extent — particularly if but a moderate 

 quantity of manure is to be applied. No doubt there are instances 

 where such plowing proves beneficial ; but they have failed to come 

 under the observation of your committee. And we woiild caution 

 farmers against practicing that method generally, before being fully 

 convinced in their own minds of its utility. But we do urge the 

 importance of thoroughly pulverizing the surface soil. Too much 

 im'portance cannot be attached to this part of the business when 

 land is under the plow. Old mowing lands, such as are naturally 

 adapted to grass, and situated where hay is a desirable product, if 

 not infested with moss may be greatly improved by a liberal top 

 dressing, applied late in autumn, of well decomposed manure or of 

 compost such as we have described above. 



Ashes on some soils, produce a wonderful effect as a top dressing 

 for grass land. Guano, super-phosphate of lime and bone dust when 

 obtained free from adulteration, are frequently used to good ad- 

 vantage. The first two named articles soon expend their virtues, 

 and eflcct no lasting benefit to the soil, except what may be re- 

 turned to it in the shape of manure from the increased productions 

 of one or two years. 



Plaster also is excellent on many soils, and for such as it is 

 adapted to, is a very cheap manure. On some soils there is very little 

 perceptible benefit derived from it Avhen used alone. But we would 

 impress upon all farmers the importance of using it liberally about 



