140 COTTON 



rect, if the practice has proved reasonably success- 

 ful and if it is a money-saving method for the farmer, 

 it should not only be considered carefully, but put 

 into operation as quickly as means may be found. 

 The first step in home-mixing is the selection of the 

 materials to be used. Then these must be brought 

 together, mixed and bagged. Now you can do 

 this work, receive big wages for your labor, and save 

 money besides. Often many farmers join to- 

 gether and make their purchases. A better rate 

 is usually obtained, as the cost for freight is less 

 for a large lot shipped at one time than if several 

 lots are separately billed. 



WHEN AND HOW TO MIX 



The winter season is usually the best time for 

 mixing fertilizers, since it enables you to get your 

 materials together and do the work when labor is 

 available and before you get into the rush and hurry 

 of the plowing and planting season. 



This time is suggested, not because of the great 

 amount of labor involved, or time required, but 

 because it may then be done well without haste or 

 carelessness. 



To the fertilizing phase of cotton growing you 

 should indeed give the same consideration, in 

 reference to all details, as you give to seed, or 

 labor, or soil preparation. Hence you should take 

 it up, study it carefully, and be ready when the 

 time for action comes. 



An excellent place to do this fertilizer mixing 

 is a tight barn floor. There are times in winter 

 when this can be given over a few days to this work 

 without greatly interfering with feeding or any of 

 the other uses of the barn. You will, however, 



