474 MINNKSOTA STATE HOKTICULTLKAL SOCIETV. 



tributes to the nourishment of the plant. But it is supposed to 

 render its most essential service by its power of absorbings with 

 ammonia and also though to a less extent, with soda, potash, lime 

 and magnesia and thus retaining these substances for the use 

 of the plant. Humus from its dark color causes a more rapid 

 absorption of the sun's heat, absorbing twice or nearly its weight 

 of water, and retains a greater portion of it after hours of ex- 

 posure. It consequently enables the soil to absorb and retain 

 water, rendering it more mellow and capable of being worked 

 and of nitrification to work. With plenty of humus the soil may 

 be said to be in a proper mechanical order for the production of 

 good crops. 



To supply humus to those who are farming many acres is 

 much more difficult than for small areas where manures are 

 plentiful. Often it can be had for the hauling. One can resort 

 to various practices — plowing down clovers and rye for all corn, 

 potatoes and cultivated crops. For oats and wheat, plow the 

 land that was cropped as soon as the crop is removed and sow 

 to oats or barley, a small amount to the acre. By plowing shal- 

 low the seed that was shelled will come up also, and there will 

 be a good growth to turn underrate in fall that will greatly aid 

 the next year's crop. Very often a little extra labor and ex- 

 pense pays a handsome profit. 



How to grow best and paying crops ought to be the farmers' 

 and gardeners' motto and not to spread oneself over so many 

 acres that the light crop disheartens. It is always a pleasure to 

 look at a good crop and thrifty trees and shrubbery — all at their 

 best. 



The strawberry patch, be it small or large, needs to be 

 well supplied with humus to tide it over the drouths that often 

 prevail in our northern latitude. 



We have had several years' experience in plowing down rye 

 and clover for potatoes and corn, and the results have been grati- 

 fying. The practice of burning straw is indeed a waste of humus 

 element, ^^'hen leaves can be gathered they, too, plowed under 

 are good. 



Most all farmers and gardeners need to lessen the area and 

 improve the soil and make it like that in older countries that 

 yields enormously, and the profit will be better, and we will be 

 better rewarded for our toil. 



