412 FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 



which there is a margin of profit, then stop the increase, and the total profit 

 will be the greatest possible. 



Lawes and Gilbert secured about equal results with ammonia salts at $18.20 

 per acre at present prices here, with nitrates at $17.00 per acre, and with 

 14 tons of farm-yard manure per acre. If this be true, can any farmer 

 afford to pay the $18.20 per acre cash for fortilizer that does not remain in 

 the soil, as long as he can manufacture the 14 loads (tons) of manure at 

 home. I do not know the cost or the value of a ton of manure, and nobody 

 does ; but I appeal the good sense of any farmer, if he cannot better afford 

 14 tons of good farm-yard manure, whose residues remain in the soil, than 

 to pay $18.20 cash for commercial fertilizer "good for this day and train 

 only?" particularly now, when $18 worth of fertilizer will not raise $18 

 worth of wheat. 



SUMMAET. 



In the light of these facts I am led to believe the following conclusions 

 are fairly well established : 



1. That up to a limit nearly double the natural yield of the soil, equal 

 increments of fertilizer are answered by nearly equal additions to increase, 

 then rapidly decline. 



2. That the highest yields are not economical, and can be attained with 

 profit only in periods of high prices, and that the highest possible yields 

 would result in loss with everything below infinite prices. 



3. That low prices compel reduction of expense and consequent lessening 

 of yield. 



4. That moderate dressings of farm-yard manure not only nearly equal the 

 best results of commercial fertilizers, but that its residues accumulate in 

 the soil, increasing its fertility. 



5. That commercial fertilizers are profitable only during periods of 

 relatively high prices. 



6. That the limit of profitable increase fluctuates with the market price, 

 but that most yields are far below that limit. 



DISCUSSION. 



Jacob Anderson favored heartily barn-yard manures, and gave his experience 

 with commercial fertilizer at $40 per ton, recommended to increase the 

 yield six to 12 bushels per acre. He proposed to hold the agent to the lowest 

 estimate, and not pay him for it if it did not produce the six bushels increase. 

 The agent reluctantly consented, but the manufacturers repudiated the 

 bargain but offered, if he did not get enough increase to pay for his trouble, 

 he need not pay for the fertilizer. No difference could be seen in the field. 

 The company thought that the crop would probably yield and weigh more. 

 It failed in both. It transpired that the land could raise 35 to 40 bushels 

 without any fertilizer. He had had good results from barn-yard manure, 

 liked clover the best when possible to use it. 



