22 



monia into the air; and second, by wash over the surface. 

 Further, the manure, unless fine, tends to kill the grass to 

 some extent. The necessity for a close turf for the produc- 

 tion of maximum hay crops has been alluded to. If numerous 

 little areas are prevented from full development because 

 covered by lumps of manure, the result must be a not unim- 

 portant decrease in the crop. For all these reasons, it is 

 the belief of the writer that under average farm conditions 

 manures should be nuiinly used on the plowed land, and 

 fertilizers depended upon for top-dressing grass lands. 

 Whenever manure is chiefly depended upon for top-dressing, 

 the grasses will be found to be relatively prominent, for 

 manure is relatively rich in nitrogen. The use of manure, 

 therefore, is likely to lead to the production of a good grade 

 of hay for market. Manure, if to be used for top-dress- 

 ing, should be at least partially rotted. It is best to put on 

 in the fall, and a manure spreader is a very desirable imple- 

 ment for the work. 



The selection of fertilizers for top-dressing grass lands 

 must be determined largely by the character of hay which 

 it is desired to produce, and it should also be varied accord- 

 ing as the mowing is permanent or used in rotation for hoed 

 crops. On mowings which are used in rotation for hoed 

 crops, and where the production of market hay is the object, 

 nitrate of soda should be the most prominent among the fer- 

 tilizers used ; and, while the quantities which it will pay to 

 apply must of course vary with the conditions, the following 

 mixture is suggested: — 



Pounds. 



Nitrate of soda, 175 to 200 



Acid phosphate, 50 to 100 



High-grade sulfate of i^otash, . . . . 50 to 100 



These materials should be mixed and applied about May 1. 

 For similar mowings, where a large proportion of clover in 

 the hay is desired, the following mixture of materials is 

 suggested : — 



Pounds. 



Acid ph()si)liate, ...... 100 



Basic shig meal, ...... 400 



High-grade sulfate of potash, .... 150 to 200 



