REPORTS OF AUXILIARY SOCIETIES. 315 



stances which experience has shown to be best in fitting it for retention of 

 moisture. 



We would not discard barn-yard manure, but advise that it never be used 

 alone, applying in connection with lime, ashes, plaster, and salt, so that its 

 strength be not wasted. 



The other improvement in the cultivation of sandy soils is in the amount of 

 labor bestowed upon the land. Many suppose that if the soil is hoed or cul- 

 tivated to keep down the weeds, that all is accomplished. This is a great mis- 

 take. Experience shows that if the surface of a sandy soil is changed very 

 often, the labor is not lost on the crop. 



There are minerals in every soil that remain in a natural state unless exposed 

 to the air and oxidized, when they act as fertilizers. 



Frequent hoeing and cultivating changes these with the beneficial result 

 shown in summer fallowing. 



The nurseryman understands that budding can only be done when the bark 

 of the tree will peel; that many times he can work in the morning, but when 

 the sun is hot the bark becomes set and he can work no longer. He then 

 starts his horse and cultivator, between the rows, and before he has passed 

 many times he can again commence work, as the bark is found to be all right. 



A tree can only grow when its bark will peel, consequently it may grow in the 

 forenoon and remain dormant in the afternoon, which fact is also true in regard 

 to plants and vegetables. 



In conclusion, the cultivation of sandy soils can be made profitable if suf- 

 ficient attention is paid to the manure used, and the amount of labor bestowed 

 upon them. 



In the discussion which followed Mr. Campeney said: "All soils, if not 

 covered with water, can be made profitable. The main feature in sandy soil is 

 to produce moisture. When this can be done crops can be grown; but if it 

 have no substance to retain moisture it makes a serious deficiency. In the 

 atmosphere which sometimes appears dryest may be found the most moisture. 

 We find in harvest time that drops collect on the outside of water pitchers, 

 and it does not come from within. If we can, in some similar manner, attract 

 moisture to the soil, we accomplish our purpose. Plaster is the best for this 

 purpose, and ashes are good. Barn-yard manure contains ammonia and the 

 atmosphere tends to draw it away. Ashes and plaster gives to him who 

 applies them on fields near manure, two-thirds of its benefits. Clover is a 

 great fertilizer because it attracts moisture from the atmosphere. It also 

 responds quickly to plaster, as do potatoes also. We should help the natural 

 elements. In my opinion this is all we can do." 



July Meeting. 



There was no paper read at this meeting, |and the same was true of the 

 meeting of the society held in August. 



