1907.] DISCUSSION. 161 



was spread out the production of that fermentation would 

 have been stopped immediately and the manure would have 

 been put in a position to carry this plant food into the soil. 



The President. In other words, as I understand you, 

 there is a process of fermentation which takes place, and the 

 ammonia passes off in that way to a greater extent than it 

 would in a larger pile, but if spread it has a tendency to con- 

 serve and preserve the nitrogen. 



Mr. Clinton. The ammonia does not evaporate. The 

 water in the ammonia evaporates but it leaves the plant food 

 behind. The plant food does not evaporate. The large part 

 of that which we lose from the manure after it is spread out 

 is water. We do not lose nitrate to any extent, and certainly 

 not when compared with the loss which occurs where the 

 manure is left in these little piles which we see so often on our 

 New England farms. 



The President. Suppose those piles freeze? 



Mr. Clinton. That has the effect to stop fermentation. 

 If they are spread immediately when they thaw out then there 

 is no special loss. 



A Member. How would you apply nitrate of soda? 



Mr. Clinton. I apply it broadcast. 



A Member. Lumps and all ? 



Mr. Clinton. No sir. I want it crushed, and fine, before 

 I apply it. 



The President. How do you apply it? Is the hand the 

 only machine for applying it? 



Mr. Clinton. I would not say that the hand was the best 

 machine for applying it because I have a drill that will put it 

 on very nicely. 



Mr. Platts. What make of drill do you use ? 



Mr. Clinton. It is an imported broadcast drill. I do 

 not think it would be proper for me to advertise the name of 

 the maker. 



Agr. — 11 



