89 



Difference in value of crop per acre, in favor of 1 and 3, 3.50 



" "■ cost " manure per acre against 1 and 3, 12.46 



Balance in favor of manure and potash, 8.96 



These figures and comparisons show that the manure alone pro- 

 duced slightly the better crop, but estimating manure at $5 per cord 

 and muriate of potash at $45 per ton, shelled corn at 65 cents per 

 bushel, and stover at $5 per ton we find that the manure and potash, 

 although producing a slightly less valuable crop, gave a financial 

 result nearly $9 better than manure alone. The experiment, then, 

 appears to establish the soundness of the advice alluded to in the 

 early part of this article. 



One further point, however, must be considered, viz. : the present 

 condition of the soil. For the purpose of making calculations on 

 this point, the manures used on the various sections of the acre were 

 carefully weighed, sampled and analyzed. The intention was to use 

 manure of precisely the same character on all the sections, and it 

 was all taken from the same pile ; but the weights and results of 

 analyses reveal the fact that it was far from being of even quality. 

 The differences are shown below. 



Number of pounds manure applied per acre, (1 and 3) 30,988 



(2 " 4) 19,730 



Plant food in manure in pounds per acre : 



(1 and 3) nitrogen, 161 ; phosphoric acid, 96 ; potash, 130 

 (2 " 4) " 112; " '' 82; " 114 



The manure applied to 2 and 4 was by measure exactly one-half 

 that applied to 1 and 3 ; but liecause heavier and of better quality it 

 was equivalent to considerably more than half. 



The comparisons showing, the relative financial standing of the 

 two systems of manuring, therefore, indicate too great an advantage 

 on the side of the manure and potash. 



To the manure applied to 2 and 4, muriate of potash (50% actual 

 potash) at the rate of 124 pounds per acre was added. The soil 

 thus treated, therefore, has received a total of 176 pounds of potash 

 per acre. Sections 1 and 3, then, have received 49 pounds of 

 nitrogen and 14 pounds of phosphoric acid per acre more than 2 and 

 4, while the latter have received 46 pounds per acre more of potash. 

 The unexhausted maiiurial residue in the soil of 1 and 3 is, therefore, 

 worth more than in the soil of 2 and 4. It is propf>sed to continue 

 this acre in a similar experiment for a series of years. 



