APPLICATION OF MANURES 



merely in a soluble form but actually in solution 

 before it can be taken up and assimilated by the 

 plants. For this reason it is now felt necessary, 

 in view of the continually recurring droughts, to 

 provide effectual means of irrigation. 



Sometimes, however, a crop comes to a stand- 

 still by reason of having exhausted all the fertilizing 

 matter contained in the soil of a sort available to 

 its requirements; and in such instances the trained 

 eye of the practical gardener can usually detect 

 what is lacking for the crop; and he may supply 

 the need by an application of some specific com- 

 mercial fertilizer. It would be difficult to explain 

 to a wholly inexperienced person just how to detect 

 the wants of the crops, but a little acquaintance 

 with their normal habits of growth will speedily 

 teach one what one needs to observe. 



It is imperative, even in an economical view, 

 where a crop is checked in growth from want of 

 fertilizing matter, that some quick-acting fertilizer 

 be promptly applied, for upon the question of a 

 few dollars' expenditure at this crisis may depend 

 all the difference between a crop and no crop. 

 Whenever the need of such an application occurs, 

 it is better to sow the fertilizer broadcast than to 



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