102 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



tage to use all these concentrated fertilizers with muck, in order 

 to increase the bulk. Of course we cannot get any particular 

 benefit from the muck that we use ; we do a little, but it is very 

 trifling. But it is very useful to extend these very powerful 

 commercial fertilizers, for it enables us to use them more con- 

 veniently over our fields. I use it in that way, because it is 

 very much more convenient ; but I would not advise you to 

 use muck very largely, because, if you are going to haul it 

 upon moist land, of course you meet with difficulty. You want 

 something that you can take readily upon your meadows, and 

 sow it in that way. The formula I have given here I have 

 found to be very excellent. It may be that some will feel that 

 it is too troublesome to make these superphosphates that I have 

 indicated here, but I cannot help thinking that we can all do it ; 

 it is very easy and simple. I really wish I could have all the 

 gentlemen here with me half a day ; I think I could show them 

 the whole mystery of the thing. I have found so much benefit 

 from that product, that I really wish everybody could make 

 it. 



Prof. Chadbourne. How much of the muriate would you 

 apply to the acre, as a top-dressing ? 



Dr. Nichols. It depends upon the crop. 



Prof. Chadbourne. I refer to grass lands. 



Dr. Nichols. I use the nitrate of soda for grass land. We 

 need the nitrogenous element for that. For my cereals, I 

 usually average my compost so as to give about one hundred 

 and fifty pounds of potash to the acre. On a worn-out field, I 

 should use more. I should exercise my judgment about that. 

 Nitrate of soda can be bought for about 3| cents a pound, 

 which will analyze about eighty-five per cent. I think that is a 

 great deal cheaper. 



These things, gentlemen, are all very hopeful. I always have 

 a certain feeling of embarrassment in bringing these matters 

 before my farming friends, because I do not know how they 

 may strike them. My object has been to show what great 

 encouragement we . have. I hesitate to give formulas ; I 

 hesitate to state positively what you can do ; but I have no 

 hesitation in saying what can be done, and what I think every 

 one can do ; but it requires a little experience and a little 

 patience. I think you cannot fail to see that the future is hope- 



