OF AGKI CULTURE, 



One of the very best methods of applying guano 

 is in connection with green crops of peas, closer", etc^, 

 plowed in. It greatly increases the growth of peas, 

 clover, lucerne, etc., and when these crops are plowed 

 under, they add largely to the humus and ammonia 

 in the soil. Guano has the power to act upon the 

 vegetable matter, and convert it more rapidly into 

 humus or mold, than it would have done if the guano 

 had not been applied. It also causes the plants, by 

 increased vigor, to thrust their raots down deeply 

 into the subsoil, and thus bring up an increased 

 supply of mineral matter, in the proper condition to 

 feed succeeding crops. 



A great deal of fraud has been practiced in the 

 sale of guana The best safe-guard against being' 

 imposed upon, is to buy only from reliable men, 

 regularly engaged in the business of selling it. One 

 or two simple tests may be useful. 



First test. Burn one hundred grains to ashes in 

 an iron spoon or ladle ; the remaining ashes should 

 not weigh more than from thirty-five to forty grains, 

 and should be nearly all soluble in dilute muriatic acid. 



Second test. Hub a little guano with a few grains 

 of freshly slacked lime, and if a strong odor of 

 hartshorn, or ammonia is not given off, the quality 

 is not good. 



There are a great many other kinds of guano 

 besides the Peruvian, which have been used very 

 successfully by farmers in the Eastern and Middle 

 States, but it has been the experience of the best 

 farmers, that the pure Peruvian pays the best, 

 although the price is higher. The Pacific, Sea- Fowl 

 and Kedonda, are all favorably ksown ; while not 



