Food for (he constituents are supplied in reasonable excess, besides 

 — L^^ every precaution is taken to have the physical condition of 

 ^^ the soil so perfect as to provide for the easy distribution and 

 absorption of the food applied. In experiments conducted 

 in Rhode Island the largest profit was obtained from the 

 application of 450 pounds per acre, together with the neces- 

 sary minerals. This method of practice is one which should 

 be the ultimate aim, and can be accomplished by gradually 

 increasing the amounts as the profits from the crops grown 

 from the application of smaller amounts warrant. 



-_ ^, , , The experiments, the results of which are 



Methods of r i 1 • 1 i 



. ,. ^. conhrmed by experience, also answer the 



Application. , • , ■■' * 1 • i n 1 



third question, as to when it shall be ap- 

 plied. Apply as a top-dressing in spring, after the grass has 

 well started, when the foliage is dry, and preferably just 

 before or just after a rain. If applied earlier than this there 

 will be a slight danger of loss, because the roots will not be 

 ready to appropriate it, and, as it is entirely soluble, it may 

 be washed into the drains. If applied when vegetative func- 

 tions are active, it is immediately absorbed, and not 

 only strengthens the plant but causes it to throw its 

 roots deeply into the soil and to absorb more readily the 

 mineral food, and thus utilize to a fuller degree the amount 

 of Nitrate applied. It has been shown that, even under the 

 best seasonal and soil conditions, a part of the Nitrate will 

 disappear in any case, and that only ahout y^ per cent, can 

 be expected to be returned in the increased crop, and if this 

 75 per cent, is all returned in the crop, a maximum of about 

 1,500 pounds would be produced if the yield only was 

 increased. Frequently, however, not only is the yield in- 

 creased, but the quality of the hay is improved — that is, 

 there is proportionately more nitrogenous substance in the 

 hay than in that obtained where no Nitrogen has been used, 

 so that, unless the Nitrate has been absorbed uniformly, we 

 cannot expect the yield that may be calculated from the 

 amount of Nitrogen applied. These experiments suggest, 

 further, that, owing to the difficulty of evenly distributing 

 a small amount of Nitrate of Soda, and owing, also, to the 

 fact that, on soils that have been seeded with grass, there is 

 frequently a deficiency of mineral elements, a mixture may 

 preferably be used which is rich in Nitrate, usually one-half, 

 the balance consisting of acid phosphate, ground bone and 



