86 MODERN HIGH FARMING. 



it has taken up as much as it can possibly retain, is neutralized by 

 the addition of carbonate of lime (common chalk). 



The deposit which ensues from this operation is allowed to ac- 

 cumulate, and the clear liquid is then decanted off. When thoroughly 

 dried, the precipitate will be found to contain from 75 to 85 per 

 cent, of tribasic phosphate, in a state of physical division, which, 

 for similar chemical reasons, is common with that of superphos- 

 phate. It is therefore easily decomposed by the alkaline carbonates 

 in the soils, and made soluble by the carbonic acid. 



We have heard it maintained, that the price of this preparation 

 is too high to permit of its being generally used in sufficient quantity, 

 and that superphosphates, having stood the test of time, had given 

 results which, upon the whole, were satisfactory. 



On general principle we shall not attempt to deny these asser- 

 tions, any more than we shall refuse to admit that established 

 interest and prejudice are both in their favor; but we, nevertheless, 

 submit that, where the choice is between two articles one of which 

 is shown not only to have weak points but to sometimes be harmful, 

 whereas the other is infallible, the acquisition of the latter is a true 

 economy. 



We shall therefore be very glad, even if it should necessitate a 

 small monetary sacrifice, to see precipitated phosphates more largely 

 and frequently employed ; although we give out the idea with a full 

 consciousness of the vast difficulties which attend the marking-out of 

 rigid lines for the cultivator's guidance. 



The farmer holds in his hands the threads of his own prosperity 

 and the elements necessary to his own success; he possesses the com- 

 pass, by means of which his bark can be steered into port with flying 

 colors ; and this compass is his intimate acquaintance with the soil 

 he tills. Just as the best of armies are paralyzed without a leader, 

 so the best and most accomplished chemists can never give a sound 

 opinion, when they have not the results of complete investigation to 

 guide them. 



In the course of our remarks upon farm-yard manures, we have 

 laid great stress upon their utter inadequacy to restore the necessary 



