MODERN HIGH FARMING. 39 



to pay a fair price for it. Sound quality is his first consideration. 

 Why should not the very same idea predominate when we are buying 

 a manure, and what is the invariable consequence of a contrary 

 policy ? In nine cases out of ten the " fertilizer " is but an abomin- 

 able satire upon the name, and, having no other recommendation 

 than its cheapness, produces no fertility. Its purchase is conse- 

 quently the cause of a double loss : first, the money paid for its 

 purchase, and second, the increase which would have accrued from 

 the use of a good manure. 



As a means of illustrating our meaning, we may here quote a 

 case selected from hundreds which have come under our notice. 



About three years ago, we were requested by a farmer in the 

 south of France, to explain how we reconciled our theories with the 

 facts resulting from his practical experience ? He had made liberal 

 and costly application of manures to his soils, and no increase or 

 amelioration had taken place in his crops ! Interrogated as to what 

 manure Le had been using, and what was the nature of his soil, he 

 was totally unable to give any satisfactory reply ; but informed us 

 that he had purchased the material, prescribed and recommended by 

 an agent who had called upon him, and that in doing so he had fol- 

 lowed the example of many of his neighbors. 



Upon examination of his soil, we found it to be of the poorest 

 sandy character, composed as follows : 



Moisture 1.80 



Organic Matter 4.92 



Oxides of Iron and Alumina 6.73 



Phosphoric Acid traces. 



Carbonate of Lime... 3.01 



Potash 0.23 



Magnesia 1.49 



Sand and Insoluble Silicates . .81.82 



100.00 



Had we been consulted previous to the addition of any manure, 

 we should have recommended, for growing cereals in such a soil as 



