32 MABKET GARDENING. 



and which, when properly done, should contain forty per 

 cent, of soluble phosphate. 



Potash is contained in wood ashes, but is obtainable 

 in larger quantities in nitrate of potassa, commonly 

 known as saltpeter, which salt should contain forty-five 

 per cent, potash, with the valuable addition of fourteen 

 per cent. o:f nitrogen. Lime is found chiefly in the car- 

 bonate of lime, as chalk or limestone, and in the sul- 

 phate of lime, as gypsum or plaster of paris. The sul- 

 phate is best, as most soluble. The average prices of 

 these four maniirial substances named are : 



Bone phosphate of lime 1J cents per pound 



Nitrate of potassa 6 " " " 



Nitrate of soda 2J " " " 



Sulphate of ammonia 3 " " " 



Sulphate of lime " " " 



Bone phosphate varies in commercial value just as 

 it is derived from native phosphates, such as South Car- 

 olina or Florida rock, or from animal raw bones. It 

 is, therefore, difficult to fix a value for bone phosphate 

 of lime. 



Application of Chemical Manures Chemical 

 manures should be distributed as regularly as possible, 

 hence the work cannot be done on a windy day. If time 

 permits, it is well to double the bulk by a mixture of dam- 

 pened loam, and this addition to the bulk insures a more 

 even distribution. In a general way, we recommend the 

 following application to the crops indicated. For beans, 

 carrots, cucumbers and general garden culture, 



Acid, bone phosphate of lime 300 pounds 



Nitrate of potassa 100 " 



Nitrate of soda 150 " 



Sulphate of lime 150 " 



Costing about sixteen dollars. 



For potatoes we recommend : 



Acid, bone phosphate of lime 250 pounds 



Nitrate of potassa 150 " 



Sulphate of lime 150 " 



Costing about fifteen dollars. 



