MANURES. 135 



Statement of Richard S. Rogers. 

 In consequence of a generally expressed wish to learn my 

 second year's results in top-dressing of grass lands, I am 

 induced to give the results of a series of experiments made by 

 me for two consecutive years — the first in 1860, which was 

 published in the " New England Farmer " of February of the 

 present year, — cind of those made this season ; and for the 

 better information of those who may not have had an opportu- 

 nity of seeing them at the time they were published, I have 

 thought best to embody them in the present statement. They 

 were as follows : — 



There is no subject in agriculture deserving of more inquiry, 

 and of greater importance to the farming interests, than the 

 knowledge of the best kind of fertilizers to be used for top- 

 dressing grass lands. As yet, but little is actually known by 

 which to arrive at any practical results for obtaining the largest 

 crop of grass. 



I have read very carefully the remarks and discussions had 

 at the several meetings in the State House on the subject, and 

 as yet am far from the information desired. Tbeories and 

 crude speculations will not enlighten me in the case, and it is 

 only actual experiments and comparison of the several kinds 

 of fertilizers in general use, that can afford the valuable 

 information so much wanted by every farmer. When these 

 experiments are made, and clearly explained, they will open to 

 us a knowledge of vast importance. For what crop is there of 

 greater value than the hay crop ? With the present implements 

 now used in husbandry, none can be more easily produced, for 

 the means are within the reach of every one, either by owning 

 or hiring the best mowers, tedders and others machines iieces- 

 sary for the purpose. 



The desire of knowing something more definite and practical 

 on this interesting subject, induced me, the last season, to 

 institute, in a small way, a series of experiments, in the hope 

 that I might derive some benefit myself and be useful to others. 

 Accordingly, in April last, I selected a field best adapted to the 

 purpose — very uniform in the sward, free from shade and other 

 objections — and staked out five several lots, each measuring 



