MANURES AND FERTILIZERS. 135 



liquid sulphate of ammonia is freely separated into com- 

 pounds available for plant food. It is one of the quickest 

 ammoniates in its effects and is highly prized for its 

 great forcing power. It is especially valuable for hasten- 

 ing the crop if for any reason it becomes retarded. 



Owing to its very soluble condition, sulphate of am- 

 monia should be applied just before setting the plants, 

 at the time of the last harrowing. If applied earlier 

 there is a possibility of loss through leaching, especially 

 on light soils. Two hundred and fifty pounds per acre 

 takes the place of 1,000 pounds of cottonseed meal or 

 of 600 pounds of dry fish scrap. The better way to use 

 it is to apply in conjunction with manure, although on 

 any but very light soils it will produce favorable results 

 alone, until the soil becomes depleted of organic matter 

 through continuous cultivation. The best results are 

 obtained by using a small quantity of sulphate of am- 

 monia with manure and organic ammoniates, for the 

 ammonia salt gives a quick start to the young plants, 

 while the nitrogen from the other materials comes in 

 for the later development of the crop. Sulphate of 

 ammonia contains a large quantity of sulphuric acid, 

 which is a decided objection, and the results of its use in 

 Connecticut are such as to make it unpopular with the 

 best growers. Care is necessary that the rootlets do not 

 come into too close contact with it. 



Nitrate of Soda. Much that has been said of sul- 

 phate of ammonia applies with equal force to this salt, 

 which is preferred to the sulphate because free of sul- 

 phuric acid. It is perfectly soluble and should be ap- 

 plied in the manner indicated for ammonia, and treated 

 in all respects the same. It is a crystalline salt of some- 

 what pinkish cast, slightly deliquescent (capable of 

 absorbing moisture), and is imported in enormous quan- 

 tities for manurial purposes, as well as for other indus- 

 trial uses. It exists in large beds in certain provinces of 



