MANUKES. 59 



one time to last for several years, and have it convenient for 

 constant use. 



Red Clover is one of the most convenient, effectual, and 

 economical fertilizers that can be used for improving the fer- 

 tility of an impoverished soil. Its long tap roots reach down 

 into the soil, absorbing fertilizing influences that are beyond the 

 reach of ordinary vegetation, and bringing them to the surface 

 to form the stem and leaves. These roots make the soil more 

 porous than before, and in decay leave a large amount of vege- 

 table matter for the food of the succeeding crop. Its leaves 

 absorb a large amount of ammonia from the atmosphere, and 

 if plowed under at the proper time, this is all secured for the 

 soil. For plowing under sow the large clover and plow it 

 under when it is ripe, just as the blossoms begin to change 

 color. Do not be tempted to cut the crop for hay. Lime or 

 plaster should usually be sown with the clover in small quanti- 

 ties, and on many lands this is all the fertilizing that is needed. 

 It is always an economical and valuable aid to the barnyard. 

 On many barren hill-sides, red clover, plowed under, will effect a 

 change in the soil which no other fertilizer could produce so 

 quickly or so economically. 



Every thing that can make manure should be saved. Leaves, 

 litter, chip-dirt, saw-dust, ashes, bones, waste salt, soot, should 

 all be put into the compost heap. Soap contains a large pro- 

 portion of fertilizing matter. In a barrel of good soft soap there 

 is enough to produce a half a ton of good hay, or several 

 bushels of grain. After this soap has been through the wash 

 tub, it is more valuable than before. It is in the very best 

 possible condition to be applied to the soil, yet it is usually 

 suffered to run off into some slough hole or stream and wasted. 

 Construct your privy vault on the plan we have advocated, and 

 run the sink spout into it, for such waste is inexcusable. 



