745 



farmers that gypsum is necessary to the growth of this crop. 

 Most soils contain sufficient sulphuric acid in themselves for all 

 the requirements of a crop of turnips. The benefits from gypsum 

 are more indirect through its action on the soil than by any direct 

 effect on the crop. By using superphosphate enough gypsum or 

 sulphate of lime is given, as it is largely contained in superphosphate. 

 Large crops are obtained by using 10 to 12 tons of farmyard 

 manure per acre, ploughing it in in the autumn and using 3 to 4 cwts. 

 superphosphates, [, c\vt. of sulphate of potash (if kainit is used, i^ 

 to 2 cwts.) at the time of sowing. Instead of the superphosphate, 

 10 to 12 cwts. of Thomas's phosphate or genuine bone-meal may be 

 used with good effect, but of course, for reasons previously given, 

 superphosphate has the best effect on turnips. 



MANGOLDS. 



Mangolds require more of a nitrogenous manure than turnips, 

 and although they require a large supply of phosphates, they are 

 enabled, being a deep-rooting plant, to obtain a large supply from 

 the soil. A good nitrogenous manure is what they delight in. 

 The following mixture will prove beneficial and give good crops : 

 Ten to twelve tons farmyard manure in the autumn followed at 

 sowing time with 3 cwts. of superphosphates, I cwt. sulphate of 

 ammonia and i cwt. kainit, or 8 cwts. of Thomas's phosphates or 

 genuine bone-meal may replace the superphosphates. 



There is one thing regarding mangolds, and even cabbages, 

 that I would call the attention of farmers in this colony to, and this 

 is that they can be grown on soil with a percentage of salt in it that 

 would sicken most other crops ; in fact they appear to be benefited 

 by some salt. 



BEETROOT. 



Beetroot requires a good complete nitrogenous manure con- 

 taining phosphates and potash. The nitrogen may be given either 

 in the form of nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia. If the beet- 

 root is grown for sugar-making, nitrate of soda should be used as 

 it gives a greater production of chrystalizable sugar. Yille's Xo. 2 

 manure modified may be used ; using 12 tons of farmyard manure 

 in the autumn, and at the seed-time 2\ cwt. of superphosphates, or 

 7 to 8 cwts. of Thomas's phosphates (basic slag), 2\ cwt. of nitrate 

 of soda, and i cwt. of sulphate of potash. The nitrate of soda to be 

 sown at seed-time. 



POTATOES. 



Potatoes may be grown in almost any soil if they are liberally 

 treated to manure. This crop demands a good supply of phosphates 

 and also potash, but the manure used must be complete if the best 

 results are to be obtained. Potatoes are very exhaustive to a soil 

 making great demands on its fertility, but no farm crop responds 

 better to a liberal manuring, and re-pays it better in the crop. 



