122 Food for Plants. 



acre, both on stroii!t>- and light soils. Use one bushel 

 of seed. ]ier acre on thin soils, but a heavier application 

 on riclier soils. 



In many places in Europe the cereals, like oats and 

 wheat, are planted or sown in rows and cultivated as we 

 cultivate Indian corn. It is claimed that this increases 

 yield materially, and helps to avoid lodging. It requires 

 less seed per acre and increases the yield. 



Another method in vogue is to sow^ less seed per acre 

 broadcast and use more fertilizer, so that the individual 

 stalks are stronger and bigger. 



ORANGE GROVES IN FLORIDA. 



An orange that weighs a poimd would sell in New York 

 for a dime. When it takes as many as six to weigh a 

 pound they are almost worthless. 



Satisfactory results have been obtained in Florida by 

 fertilizing during the cold season. About two months 

 before the period of growth begins, apply to each full- 

 grown tree a mixture of 7 pounds of 14 per cent, acid or 

 superphosphate and 4 pounds of sulphate of potash, by 

 working them into the soil; after which 4 pounds of 

 Nitrate of iSoda may be likewise applied. The working of 

 the soil must not be so deep or thorough as to start the 

 growth of the tree. An excess of Nitrate is to be avoided, 

 but the amount mentioned is not too much. All other 

 ammoniates on the market must be converted into Nitrate 

 by weathering and the action of the soil bacteria before 

 they can possibly be available for plant food. Nitrate 

 of Soda is a predigested Nitrogen. There is a danger of 

 loss of Nitrogen in all other forms as they must be con- 

 verted into Nitrate before becoming available as food, 

 and during this comparatively long process much of it 

 may be lost by rains and leaching, since they suffer in 

 fact from many days of long exposure to the adverse 

 condition. 



In the case of your particular soil, it may well be that 

 it is sufficiently rich in potash, and therefore, may not 



