F A G R I C U L T U II E , 05 



Manner of Applying Cotton Seed, It is commonly 

 stated that the cotton seed is a better manure for 

 corn than, cotton. It is strange that cotton should 

 form an exception to a rule so well established, that 

 each plant is its own best manure, but the present maw-- 

 ner of applying the cotton seed manure may bring 

 about such a result. The young cotton plant is less 

 hardy than corn, and the contact with its roots of 

 hot, fermenting cotton seed, seems to act in the same 

 manner as an overdose of fresh stable manure would 

 in other cases. On the other hand, it is well known 

 that if fermentation or decay of cotton seed is 

 allowed to progress too far, or to terminate before 

 the seed is used as manure, the energy of its action is 

 very sensibly lessened. Probably the best method 

 of avoiding both inconveniences, would be to allow 

 the cotton seed to decay in the ground itself, intro- 

 ducing it into the soil some weeks, or even months, 

 previous to the planting of the cotton. When the seed 

 ferments, the soil above them will absorb and retain 

 the valuable gases arising, from the fermentation. 

 Thus : run a furrow in the middle of the future bed, 

 scatter the seed in it, then lap enough earth over this 

 center furrow and the cotton seed to bury them 

 thoroughly -just before planting bed up in the usual 

 manner. The tap root and its fibres will then reach 

 and assimlate the nourishment contained in the- 

 cotton seed at the period when the plant is not only 

 able to bear, without injury, the powerful stimulus^ 

 but is most particularly in need of it. Another 

 method is to compost the cotton seed, as described 

 in chapter VII, part first, of this work, with land 

 plaster or sulphate of lime, and woods mold in the 



