38 



have potash and magnesia ; oats and wheat, phosphoric acid, nitrogen, 

 and lime ; peas, potash and phosphoric acid. If any of these crops fail, 

 wholly or partially, from lack of nourishment, it will enable the culti- 

 vator to have a pretty good idea as to what fertilizers are required. 



The annexed table will give an idea as to the value of some of the 

 manures that are most generally used. Their composition, however, will 

 necessarily vary frequently owing to local conditions. Animal excreta 

 will vary according to the nature of the food consumed, and the value of 

 stable manure will also in a measure depend upon the nature of the 

 straw or other material used as bedding. 



TABLE SHOWING THE CONSTITUENTS OP VARIOUS MANURES. 



How and ivhen Manures should be used, In the case of young trees, 

 when it is necessary to use manure, the material should be thoroughly 

 incorporated with the soil to beyond the radius to which the roots are 

 likely to extend the first season. It is not always necessary to give 

 manure to young fruit trees, but when the soil is of poor quality it may 

 be used with advantage. As regards older trees, the writer has found 

 by experience that the best way of applying manure is by surface 

 dressing as far, or a little farther, than the roots extend. The material 

 should either be left upon the surface, or very lightly pointed in with 

 the spade or other implement, taking care not to injure the roots more 

 than can be avoided. Care must be taken not to give heavier dressings 

 than are necessary, a mistake that is too often made. Cultivators should 

 bear in mind that trees require a constant and moderate supply of food, 

 rather than heavy dressings of manure at long intervals. It is not 



