No. 4.] EXHAUSTED FARMS. 391 



tant to his success. Probably there is no farm or field once 

 productive that has been entirely robbed of either or all of 

 these elements, and could we know the exact amount lying 

 dormant and inactive our acres would rise in our estimation 

 while calculating their market value. So it seems that the 

 question of fertilization consists in a scientific application to 

 the soil of just those elements which, in combination with 

 those already present, wiM give the crop food for its fullest 

 development. 



The three essential elements named are found in the voidinofs 

 of animals, in proportions governed largely by the food con- 

 sumed ; and whether this main source of plant food is the 

 cheaper under all circumstances must be determined by local 

 conditions. The same elements are found on sale in open 

 market, quoted in the price current, with prices influenced 

 by supply and demand, the same as the food for our farm 

 stock. I believe in fertilizing by both methods. I have 

 bought each year, for a number of years, both stable manure 

 and chemical fertilizers in quite large quantities, and these, 

 in connection with the manure from a herd of dairy stock, 

 have in the last fifteen years increased the producing capacity 

 of the farm fourfold, notwithstanding the fact that we have 

 yearly made large drafts upon the farm by selling milk, hay 

 and vegetables. Experience has taught me, however, that 

 excepting for special purposes plant food may be found in 

 commercial forms cheaper than in stable manures, and can 

 be more scientifically applied. Other conditions and sur- 

 roundings might reverse these conclusions. 



The keeping of certain kinds of farm stock, such as poul- 

 try, swine and sheep, seems to be peculiarly adapted to go 

 hand in hand with orcharding and the cultivation of small 

 fruits. I call to mind a number of acquaintances who have 

 paid for their homes and reared a family, with all the com- 

 forts as well as many of the luxuries of life, with no other 

 income except that derived from this industry. It is well 

 known that sheep and swine, and even poultry, when con- 

 fined within proper enclosures, are especially adapted for the 

 eradication of almost every variety of wild and innutritions 

 vegetation, thus assisting in preparing the ground for the 

 plough, or even for an application of seed without expense 



