is^s'S-'V^S I 94 



Mr. Wm. Neild, F.R.H.S., of the Horticultural College in 

 Cheshire, mixes no natural or farmyard manure with the soil, as he 

 believes it has a tendency to produce gross shoots, and these are 

 more subject to disease. Commercial manures he applies not 

 until the plant has apparently used up all the available food of the 

 soil. The manures were mixed thoroughly and applied weekly 

 at the rate of ^th of an ounce to each plant, on the surface, and 

 watered in. The best results were from one part nitrate of soda, 

 one superphosphate of lime, and one nitrate of potash, or two parts 

 nitrate of soda and one part nitrate of potash. 



APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS. 



This is a matter of some consequence. I have already mentioned 

 -that with potash and also phosphoric acid it is better not to apply them 

 at time of sowing. Apply them somewhat earlier with kainit months 

 before and so also as to mix them thoroughly with the soil. They 

 may be drilled in or broadcasted evenly over the land, and then ploughed 

 under with a skim-plough, or, on mellow soil, worked into the soil by 

 harrowing. If the farmer has any fear that larger quantities of the 

 acid or the potash might injure the seed, these fertilizers, if drilled 

 with the seed, had better be mixed with dry earth, and when using 

 small quantities it enables him to spread it more evenly. 



It is different with nitrogenous fertilizers. You can use either 

 nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia at the time of sowing and 

 planting, or as a topdressing at a later time. As regards nitrate of 

 soda it is generally admitted that it is best to divide the total dose 

 intended to be given into two or three parts ; the last portion, with 

 cereals, whenever they are commencing to throw up their haulms. The 

 leaves should be dry, and when spreading any fertilizers avoid windy 

 .days. 



Vaidon & Pritchard, Printers, Gresham-street, 



