108 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [394] 



ton seed of the farm, using these as far as they will go, and 

 supplying the deficiency by the purchase of ammoniated 

 superphosphate. 



As the pea vine is the cheapest and best means of soil 

 fertilization, so the compost of home manures with super- 

 phosphate, is the cheapest and best plant fertilizer for our 

 climate and soil. The decomposition of vegetable matter 

 is more rapid in warm than cold climates, and the system 

 of cultivation more destructive of humus. It is, therefore, 

 especially important that due attention be given to supply- 

 ing this important agent, either in green manures, or in 

 combination with mineral manures of commerce as com- 

 post. 



The full benefit of commercial fertilizers cannot be rea- 

 sonably expected in our climate, on soils deficient in hu- 

 mus. 



Our farmers have been led into much error, both in cul- 

 tivation and fertilization by following the teachings of ex- 

 periments, conducted under circumstances, both of climate, 

 soil, and agricultural practice and products, widely differ- 

 ent from those by which we are surrounded. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



PLANTS AND THEIR PRODUCTS AS FOOD FOR ANIMALS. 



The oroducts of the farm may be arranged in four classes! 



1. The direct vegetable products, such as the cereals, 

 hay, textiles, roots, etc., which are sold, or used on the 

 farm, in their primitive form. 



2. Secondary vegetable products, such as syrups, sugar, 

 etc., which require manufacture before marketing. 



3. Such as are the result of a kind of natural manufac- 

 ture, by which the direct products of the soil are converted 

 into beef, mutton, pork, or wool. 



4. Tertiary products, which are a result of artificial con- 



