336 



EFFECT UPON THE aUANTITY OF THE CROP. 



grasses and clovers — while ia regard to its application to com crops, 

 they indicate this important — 



Practical Rule. — Not to apply the nitrates upon land or under cir- 

 cumstances where there is already a sufficient tendency to produce 

 straw. 



b. Effects of the nitrates upon tlie quantity of the crop. — Cases have 

 occurred where the nitrates have failed to produce any apparent effect 

 at all — others where the color was affected and the growth promoted 

 without any ultimate increase of crop— and others again, where the ap- 

 plication of these salts was decidedly injurious. These failures are de- 

 serving of a close consideration, but let us first attend to the amount of 

 benefit derived from their use where it has been attended with success. 



I. — Effect on Common and Clover Hay. 



On the other hand, Mr. Barclay says that, on his heavy clay lands 

 (plastic clay), in Surrey, near the edge of the chalk, it is almost al- 

 ways a failure ; and the Messrs. Drewitt, of Guildford, that on their 

 chalk soils, the additional produce of hay, whether on upland or mea- 

 dow, does not repay the expense. 



• II. — On Barley. 



