XVlll INTRODUCTIOIf. 



The author has made a thorough iuvestigation of 

 the various manures best adapted for given soils, 

 and regards the advantage as being with a chemical 

 fertilizer, this being indorsed by the greater number of 

 scientists in a theoretical way, and by farmers prac- 

 tically. 



It is true that barnyard manure is most excellent, 

 and has held its own for years on all soils and in various 

 portions of the globe, but in the special case of beet 

 culture, given soluble elements are requisite, and these 

 must be placed at the disposal of the root at given 

 periods. This organic manure is obliged to undergo 

 changes before any benefit can be derived from its use. 

 Then, again, on analyzing it, it is found that a com- 

 paratively small quantity (a little over 2 per cent.) is 

 of any use. The natural green manures and oil cake 

 and guano have their advantages and disadvantages, 

 which have been pointed out. As for the mineral fer- 

 tilizers, they are divided into four classes, each cor- 

 responding to the element the plant requires, these 

 being nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potassa, and lime. 

 As shown, when used in a judicious manner, they will 

 yield most excellent results ; if in excess, they will pro- 

 duce the contrary effect. The nitric fertilizer, for ex- 

 ample, in too large quantities, will ruin the soil and 

 sugar of the beet, exhausting the former, and introduc- 

 ing into the latter, chemicals which have for effect the 

 destruction of its commercial value; this type of fer- 

 tilizer being the most important for the growth of the 



