50 MODERN" HIGH FARMING. 



After publishing the complete results of these experiments, we 

 were enabled to collect the drainage from a large field in Ports- 

 mouth, Hampshire, which had been thorougly dressed with com- 

 pletely fermented manure, and in this case the water was found 

 to bear mere traces of ammonia or nitrogenous substances. 



A few experimenters have striven within the past few years to 

 persuade themselves and the world that the total abandonment of 

 farm yard manure, and the sole employment of chemical fertilizers, 

 would result in immense economy and increased production; but in 

 nearly every case within our knowledge, where the seduction of 

 these theories has prevailed over common sense, the result has been, 

 to say the least, discouraging. 



That artificial manures of every kind are necessary, we have 

 always admitted and shall always propound ; that as supplements 

 in all cases, and substitutes in some, their constant employment is 

 naturally indicated, we readily agree ; but that they can ever profit- 

 ably and usefully replace those made on the farm either physically 

 or chemically, is a proposition, to our minds, too ridiculous to 

 merit discussion. 



When due care has not been taken in their preparation and 

 treatment, their actual and normal percentage of ammonia may 

 be slight, and their value, from that standpoint, insignificant ; but 

 even then, (and we are taking them at their worst), if their fermen- 

 tation has been complete, and their rapid oxidation assured by 

 thorough plowing in and frequent turning over in a well-conditioned 

 soil, no artificial nitrogenous fertilizer can ever be compared to 

 them for economy and proportionate efficacity. 



