12 BOxlRD OF AGRICULTURE. 



theories are first advanced, and then isolated facts arc brought forward 

 for the purpose of proving their truthfulness. It is true, that agriculture 

 is not, in the usual sense of the term, and probably never will become, 

 one of the exact sciences ; yet there are many things connected with it 

 which might to be taken out of the region of conjecture, and placed, by 

 repeated and multiplied experiment, upon a more substantial basis. A 

 single tact or experiment maybe of only trifling value in itself con- 

 sidered, but when added to scores or hundreds of others, the whole 

 collectively may elucidate a doubtful point, or settle a vexed question. 



Willi these considerations in view, we ask the attention of every 

 cultivator into whose hands this circular may fall, that if disposed to 

 render any aid in the solution of the question here considered, he may 

 act in concert with hundreds of others all over the State, hi such a way 

 a- to give to the result the greatest possible practical and scientific 

 value. 



It is proposed to ascertain and determine, if possible, at what depth it 

 is best to place various manures and fertilizers, on the different soils of 

 our State, upon which are grown any of the staple crops. 



To accomplish this end we wish to call your attention to the following 

 directions for performing the experiment in a thorough and satisfactory 

 manner. 



Select a level piece of land of any convenient size, from five square 

 rods up to as many acres or more, which should be as nearly equal in 

 its character and conditions as possible. Divide it into five equal parts, 

 numbering them 1, 2. 3, 4 and 5. 



Divide the manure which it is proposed to apply, and which should 

 be of a uniform character, into four equal parts. At the time of first 

 ploughing in the spring, spread evenly one-fourth of the manure upon 

 plot No. 1, and then plough the whole tield of an equal depth. Apply 

 another fourth part of the manure to plot No. 2, and then cross-plough 

 the whole field to about half the depth of the first ploughing. Spread 

 another fourth of the manure upon plot No. 3, and harrow or cultivate 

 the whole field; after which sow or plant the whole evenly with any 

 crop preferred. Finally, spread the remaining quarter part of the 

 manure upon plot No. 4. 



Observe that by pursuing this course, each of the five lots will receive 

 equally, a deep ploughing, a shallow ploughing, and a harrowing or culti- 

 vating, the only difference in them being that in No. 1 the manure is 

 buried deep, in No. 2 .-hallow, in No. 3 buried only .-lightly, but coated 

 with loam, and in No. 4 lefl exposed upon the surface; while No. 5 gets 

 no manure. The manure is to be spread broadcast and as evenly as 

 ible. The after cultivation should be the same on each of the Lots, 

 and the harvest of each should take place at the same time. 



