TO THE DEADER. 



This pamphlet is written expressly for those who are 

 forced to use fertilizers from year to year and yet have not 

 the time to investigate the subject as they would like to. 

 It is intended to be brief and suggestive of thought to the 

 reader rather than complete and final. 



All the facts and deductions contained are based on the 

 highest authorities on the subjects mentioned, or on the 

 results of actual experience in California. Those interested 

 are advised to study the subjects completely in such volumes 

 as F. H. Storeys "Agriculture," 3 Vols.; L. H. Bailey's 

 "Principles of Agriculture ;" /. P. Roberts' "Fertility 01 

 the Land ;" C. M. Aikman's "Measures and Manuring," 

 and bulletins of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. 



The author hopes that the matter here given will aid 

 the farmer to choose and purchase his fertilizers most 

 wisely, and help him to get the best possible results from 

 their use. There is no final authority in Nature. She is 

 always busy making exceptions ; therefore, every farmer's 

 problems are his own and he must do his own thinking. 

 The author has tried to present only well established facts 

 and general PRINCIPLES. A fuller knowledge of these, 

 properly applied, will lead to better results and larger 

 profits. 



Redlands, California. CARROLL B. SMITH. 



117979 



