HOMCEOPATHY IN AGRICULTUEE. 203 



I firmly believe that if farmers could afford to use nitrate of 

 potash, which is now worth $120 per ton, on their tobacco, 

 in connection with soluble phosphates, it would furnish the 

 forms of plant food especially adapted to the tobacco crop. 

 But, on the other hand, nitrate of soda in place of nitrate of 

 potash would be out of place. Both are nitrates, one fur- 

 nishing potash and nitric acid, which are essential to tobacco ; 

 the other, nitric acid and soda, or only one essential ingredi- 

 ent, united with one (soda) not only non-essential but prob- 

 ably injurious. 



The French consider the raising of tobacco so important 

 a subject that they have established a laboratory in France 

 to investigate all questions connected with its culture and 

 manufacture. They are trjdng to determine what forms of 

 plant food applied to this crop will produce a leaf which 

 more nearly corresponds to that grown on virgin soil, 

 " which cheers but not inebriates," and which gives so much 

 solace that it is doubtful if the world is not happier for the 

 existence of this so-called " vile weed." 



I am sure that all genuine lovers of tobacco will consider 

 that man a great benefactor who discovers a fertilizer that 

 shall produce in this country, or even in Cuba, where the 

 climate is more congenial, that old-fashioned dark-brown, 

 fine-veined leaf which holds fire, burns freely, with a com- 

 pact and clinging ash, and with an odor, aroma and taste 

 known only to such tobacco. When such a leaf is pro- 

 duced, it will mean special fertilization, which has been 

 more or less ridiculed, but which is bound to come to the 

 front, if there is anything in science. 



Not alone does it apply to a few special crops like the 

 grape, peach and tobacco, which are difficult to grow, but it 

 is equally applicable to all classes of farm produce. It is 

 generally admitted that certain kinds of manure will pro- 

 duce a better potato than other kinds. For example, that 

 better potatoes can be raised on horse manure or well com- 

 posted stable manure, than on hog manure or green cow 

 manure ; and I think it has also been proved that a better 

 quality of potatoes can be raised on fertilizers than on any 

 kind of stable manure. I know that my own experience and 

 that of many practical farmers point in this direction. I 



