APPENDIX. 349 



but little. Probably about four loads are used per acre on the average. 

 Each load is generally thrown off the wagon in one large heap near 

 where wanted, and is allowed to lie until they use it. I can not tell 

 how much it loses in bulk by lying in the heap. 



As to what crops it is used on, farmers do not think that they could 

 go amiss in applying it to anything except oats. But it is probably used 

 more for top-dressing mowing land, and for potatoes, than for any- 

 thing else. 



The usual rotation is corn, potatoes, or oats, wheat seeded to clover 

 and timothy, and then kept in grass from two to four years. Those who 

 haul stable-manure, usually use bone-dust or superphosphate to a greater 

 or less extent. 



Last December I built a pig-pen, 20 ft. x40 ft., 1? stories high. The 

 upper story to be used for litter, etc. There is a four feet entry on the 

 north side, running the length of the building. The remainder is divided 

 into five pens, each 8 ft. x 16 ft. It is made so that in cold weather it can 

 be closed up tight, while in warmer weather it can be made as open as 

 an out-shed. I am very much pleased with it. The pigs make a great 

 deal of manure, and I believe that it can be made much cheaper than 

 it can be bought and hauled from Philadelphia. 



JOSEPH HEACOCK, JR. 



LETTER FROM HERMAN L. ROUTZAHN. 



MIDDLETOWN, Md., May llth, 1876. 

 Joseph Harris, E.q. : 



I herewith proceed to answer questions asked. 



Wheat and corn are principal crops. Corn is fed now altogether to 

 stock for the manure. 



There is but little soiling done. The principal method of making 

 manure is : Feeding all the com raised, as well as hay, oats, and roots, 

 to cattle; using wheat straw, weeds, etc., as bedding, throwing the 

 manure in the yard (uncovered), and to cover the pile with plaster (by 

 sowing broadcast), at least once a week. To this pile is added the 

 manure from the hog-pens, hen-house, etc., and worked over thoroughly 

 at least twice before using. It is then applied to corn by plowing 

 under ; to wheat, as a top-dressing. For corn it is usually hauled to the 

 field, thrown off in heaps 25 feet each way, a cart-load making two heaps. 

 Spread just before the plow. For wheat, spread on directly after plow- 

 ing, and thoroughly harrowed in. Applied broadcast for potatoes. Com- 

 posts of different kinds are made and used same as in other localities, 1 

 presume. Artificial manures are going into disrepute (justly too). This 

 is the plan now adopted by the farmers in this county (Frederick). 

 Where woods are accessible, leaves and mould are hauled in and added to 

 the manure-heap ; in fact, every substance that can be worked into the 

 manure-heap is freely used. Well-rotted stable-manure is worth from 

 $1.50 to $2.50 per cord, according to condition and locality. 

 Very Respectfully Yours, 



HERMAN L. ROUTZAHN. 



