28 PEEPAKATION OF THE SOIL. 



large amount of potash is found, and the theoretical 

 deduction from that fact, that potash or ashes would 

 add largely to the growth and fruiting of these varie- 

 ties of trees and plants, is found true in practice. 

 But in the ashes of wheat, comparatively little potash 

 is discoverable, while in its place is seen a large 

 amount of phosphates ; and, accordingly, we find the 

 various salts, of which phosphoric acid is the base, 

 exercise a great influence in increasing the wheat crop. 

 Now it w^ould be blindness or mulish obstinacy to 

 neglect these facts, and apply manures without atten- 

 tion to the sj)ecial wants of a plant or tree. Farmers 

 and gardeners who scout contemptuously the teachings 

 of science in regard to manuring, daily practice the 

 most scientific and special theories for manuring plants, 

 to produce perfect vegetables and flowers. 



Well-rotted stable-manure is without doubt the 

 safest, and ordinarily the most convenient, form in 

 which nutriment can be conveyed to trees, but it is 

 not always attainable in sufficient quantities, nor does 

 it alone produce the highest result. Guano is a con- 

 venient manure, though tempora]!;y in its action, unless 

 combined with twenty times its bulk of charcoal-dust, 

 plaster, or partially, dried muck. From two ounces to 

 half a pound may be applied to each tree at planting ; 

 varying in quantity according to the area and depth 

 of ground in which it is distributed. But in no case 

 should it be placed so that the roots will have less 

 than three to six inches of earth, protecting them from 

 its caustic influence. Guano aff'ords an admirable 

 liquid-dressing for trees (especially when exhibiting a 

 languid growth) applied at the rate of an ounce or 



