Manures for the Garden. — 43 



growth of foliage at comparatively slight expense, and at a time 

 when the product will bring the most money in market. 



Nitrate of soda contains about 16 or 17 percent, of nitrogen, 

 but this in a most soluble form, so that it would not be safe to 

 use it in large quantities at a time, for what is not at once 

 converted into plant structure, will gradually sink through the 

 soil as it would through a sieve, and be lost. The most eco- 

 nomical and most satisfactory method is the application of not 

 over 100 lbs. to 150 lbs. per acre repeated at intervals of about 

 two weeks. If lumpy, it should be pounded fine before applying 

 it. Scatter it over the ground when the foliage of plants is 

 perfectly dry, as it is apt to scorch the leaves otherwise, or still 

 better, apply just before or during a rain, when it will be dissolved 

 and carried into the soil at once. Sprinkling over the land in 

 solution is a safe but generally less convenient mode of applica- 

 tion. It costs from ^40 to ^50 per ton, and can be obtained from 

 the large fertilizer manufacturers. 



Sulphate of ammonia, a by-product of gas works, contains 

 about 20 per cent, of nitrogen ; but this is in a more stable form, 

 as it has to undergo the transformation into nitrate before being 

 readily available. Its effect is naturally slower, but more lasting, 

 and it can be applied in larger quantities, or in single applications, 

 without fear of loss. It may take the place of nitrate of soda 

 during the warmer part of the season with gratifying results, and 

 in combination with that salt at any time, the latter for immediate 

 effect, the former as a more gradual source of supply. 



The price of sulphate of ammonia is a trifle higher than that 

 of nitrate of soda. Undoubtedly we have in these two salts the 

 cheapest forms of available nitrogen, and ready means to produce 

 immediate and often astonishing results. I cannot refrain from 

 repeating the statement, that the gardener who scorns the use of 

 these nitrogen compounds will have a hard stand against the 

 competition of growers who put on the market the crisp, succu- 

 lent and early vegetables that can be so easily produced in all 

 their perfection by the judicious application of nitrate of soda and 

 sulphate of ammonia. 



Hen manure might have been mentioned in the chapter on 

 stable compost. It is especially rich in nitrogen. A ton when 

 fresh contains more than twice, and a ton of the dry article more 

 than four times the quantity of nitrogen contained in a ton of 

 common stable manure. This will give an idea of its value for 

 the garden. I always compost it with loam, muck, coal ashes, 

 leaves, etc., apply after plowing (broadcast) and stir it into the 

 surface soil by means of harrow, cultivator and rake. My neigh- 

 bors sometimes ask me what new variety of spinach, parsley, etc., 

 I have in my family garden, and request me to procure some seed 

 of it for them. Yet the " new " and wonderfully thrifty vegetable 



