122 INDIAN COEN. 



11. NITRATE OF POTASH, saltpetre. The effect of 

 this fertilizer has been found in some instances quite 

 remarkable ; but like most other manures, it varies 

 with the soil. It makes an excellent solution for 

 steeping. 



12. NITRATE OF SODA. For soils deficient in soda, 

 this application can hardly fail to be useful. It is 

 sometimes applied in connection with the sulphate of 

 soda, with an increased effect. 



13. SULPHATE OF AMMONIA. ) 



14. PHOSPHATE " j All growing plants 

 require ammonia, and what they do not obtain from 

 the atmosphere by the agency of descending rains, 

 must be derived from the soil, or from the manures 

 applied to it. Hence any fertilizers containing this 

 principle may be applied to Indian corn with un- 

 doubted advantage. 



15. PHOSPHATE OF MAGNESIA AND AMMONIA. 

 This compound is highly commended by Professor 

 Johnston for its marked effect upon Indian corn. 

 He cites a case in which three hundred pounds per 

 acre increased the crop of grain six times and the 

 stover three times. "It is prepared by pouring 

 mixed solutions of sulphate of magnesia and sulphate 

 of ammonia into a solution of the common phosphate 

 of soda." 



All of the above fertilizers contain a greater or 

 less amount of the constituents of maize, and are 

 therefore adapted to that crop, though in different 

 degrees. Which of them may be used to the best ad- 

 vantage in a given case, or how many of them, or in 



