CHAPTER \1. 



FERTILIZERS. 



Light or Thin Soils. — As elsewhere referred to, light 

 sandy or gravelly soils require sjoecial treatment, or if 

 naturally lacking in essential elements they must be sup- 

 l^lied. 



To supply them in abundance and in the cheapest 

 possible manner, should be the study of every intelligent 

 tiller of the soil. 



In the soils above mentioned one property very liable 

 to be conspicuous on account of its absence is 



Humus. — As ordinarily understood this is simply de- 

 cayed vegetable matter, and while indispensable to the 

 best results for all crops, is especially so for rhubarb. 

 Clover, (red or crimson) cow-peas and like crops, ac- 

 cording to localities where each, or any of them succeed, 

 will furnish this element in abundance. But the nature 

 of these crops implies the necessity of preparation and 

 rotation previous to growing the rhubarb crop. 



Successful crops in any soil will necessitate these, or 

 kindred helps ; but more especially in the lighter soils. 



Barn-yard Manure. — Doubtless the best all round 

 fertilizer for all soils and conditions is the ever ready- 

 for-business barn-yard manure. It also has the advan- 

 tage that it may be applied for plowing under when 

 fitting the ground for the immediate crop, or afterward 

 as a top dressing. But whatever the base for the humus, 

 or however applied, let it be without stint. If possible, 

 I would write the legend, "Feed Me,'' on every fence 

 corner surroundins; the rhubarb field. 



