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top or berd grass, or barn-yard manure. Clovering is practiced by almost every farmer 
to a considerable extent, but not half enough. 
Our reports from the States north of the Ohio present a remarkably 
variable character. In Ohio the use of barn-yard manure is generally 
among upland farmers, though there are conspicuous examples of its 
neglect even among them. The large area in bottom-lands is fertilized 
to a very moderate extent, and often not at all. Clovering is a leading 
idea in some counties; in Logan 40 per. cent. of the farmers use plaster 
to stimulate its growth. Ditch and tile draining and subsoiling are 
largely practiced, and stock-raising, especially sheep-husbandry, is in- 
creasing. The following from Richland County represents the methods 
of a large portion of the State: 
Of late deep plowing is more practiced than formerly, so deep as to find a new farm 
which lay under the old one, which latter is quite as valuable, if not of greater value, 
than the old one. This is assisted with all the manure on the farm. This course 
is the general one; some purchase large quantities in villages and cities. Green- 
soiling is practiced to some extent. At present prices, it is unprofitable to buy 
“commercial fertilizers” for the production of our common cereals. At the prices 
asked for such fertilizers, the expenditure is greater than the income. Those who 
formerly practiced this method have returned to the barn-yard again. For corn, we 
think a compost from the pigeon and hen roost, with plaster, is attended with quite 
as good results as are “commercial fertilizers.” This is usually applied in the hill, 
sometimes upon and sometimes under the seed; some have placed it upon the hill 
after planting, but with precarious results. This compost is needed for the early nour- 
ishment of the tender plant upon its first appearance above the ground, and for the first 
‘three or four weeks afterward; it is especially needed at that time, whatever may be 
its effect afterward, which is no doubt beneficial; but for the maturation of the plant 
we depend upon the decomposed manure and seed turned under. Clovering is very 
generally practiced with us; our rolling and hilly lands are welladapted to its growth 
or culture. First crop for hay, and the aftermath for seed generally, but sometimes 
for hay also; then, again, others prefer the aftermath for pasturage, leaving the refuse 
upon, the soil, which is not exhaustive to it, while both the others certainly are. 
Our correspondent in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, says: - 
Gypsum is the only commercial fertilizer used, and that not uniformly or generally 
by the mass of farmers. Of late years barn-yard manure is appreciated enough, so 
that if farmers have time after everything else is done they will draw it into the 
field. But afew years since the accumulation of manure around the barn was con- 
sidered a great nuisance, and many barns have been moved to new ground to get 
away from the evil. ‘ Clovering,” so called, is practiced to a large extent in the 
growing of wheat. The land is left fallow until about the middle of June, when the 
clover and the other vegetation is turned under by a plow especially adapted to this 
purpose. It is afterward worked thoroughly with a two-horse cultivator previous to 
seeding, which is done with a seeder and cultivator combined. Where this plan is 
foilowed results are uniformly satisfactory. Without it, I incline to the opinion that 
the wheat crop of this State would be fearfully diminished. One fact has been demon- 
strated that is important to know, and that is, that the increase of yield per acre is almost 
in exact ratio to the amount of cultivation. 
In many portions of Michigan very great efforts are made for the per- 
manent improvement of the soil. 
In about one-fourth of the counties of Indiana, as reported, recuper- 
ative enterprise is very backward, if it has any existence at all. In 
about one-half there are indications of an awakening to the necessity 
of soil-improvement; while in the remaining fourth the movement 1s 
promising and growing. In some counties only one-half or one-fourth 
of the farmers haul manure, very often merely to get it out of their 
way. More care is now manifest in saving and applying it. Clovering 
and green-soiling are reported in some quarters, as are also subsoiling 
and ditching. Commercial fertilizers are of limited use. Improved 
methods of culture have also exercised a beneficial influence. 
Our correspondent in Crawford County, Illinois, says: 
As our lands are reduced by cultivation and so much increased in price that they 
cannot buy a new field cheaper than improve an old one, our farmers are paying 
much nore attention to fertilizers. 
