SECRETARY'S REPORT. 205 



to explain all the causes which may operate to form this excep- 

 tion, I only remark, that the time of its ripening being after the 

 season of rapid growth and fermentation has passed, and by 

 which its stocks and leaves have been supplied with an abundance 

 of food to perfect and bring to maturity its seed, seems to 

 indicate this as one plausible reason. 



3d. At what time shall we apply manure ? 



It may be thought that this question is not worthy of notice. 

 I cannot, however, think that it is wholly immaterial, although 

 admitting a somewhat wider range. As top-dressing for grass, 

 I would apply in autumn, or in early winter, if the ground is 

 free from snow. For spring crops, much is said, of late, in favor 

 of the same time of application. 



While I favor this theory, and have l^een satisfied with its 

 results, so far as I have observed, yet am not sure that we have 

 sufficient data to sustain this as the best course. And beside, 

 spring is the time when we have at command the largest supply. 

 Let it now be used for hoed crops. 



4th. Where shall it be applied ? 



From my own experience and observation, confirmed by such 

 written authorities as I have consulted, I fully believe that, 

 under ordinary circumstances, the best results are obtained from 

 manure applied near the surface. My practice is, to apply a 

 large portion of my manure in spring, after ploughing, and 

 simply harrow it. 



One advantage derived from this course is the more thorough 

 pulverization of the manure, and its intimate admixture with 

 the soil. If a large quantity of straw, or other litter, is incor- 

 porated with the manure, the whole should be ploughed under, 

 but not too 'deeply. For this purpose, an ordinary plough, with 

 the addition of a subsoil attachment, recently introduced, is 

 admirably adapted. The manure may thus be covered to the 

 depth of four inches, or even less, and at the same time, the soil 

 mellowed at any depth desired. 



With regard to manuring in the hill, for corn and other 

 similar crops, and in the drill for root crops, there is a diversity 

 of opinion and of practice. The quality and condition of the 

 soil should be considered in determining this question. Upon 

 strong, moist lands there can be no better course than to apply a 

 portion, and in many cases, the whole of the manure directly to 



