i63 



He highly recommended clover as a fertilizer. Clover ob- 

 tains its nitrogen from the air, and nitrogen costs more 

 than any other ingredient in the fertilizer. The clover 

 may be used to good advantage by plowing it in, but it is 

 a better plan to feed it to the animals and apply it in the 

 form of manure. 



Nitrogen is soon lost after applying to the soil, but that 

 is not the case with phosphoric acid and potash. Nitrogen 

 should be fed out slowly and as it is needed. 



In conclusion, he advised farmers to buy ingredients for 

 mixing with commercial fertilizers, varying the proportions 

 for different crops. For corn, use more potash, he pre- 

 ferring muriate of potash. For potatoes use more sul- 

 phate of potash. For grains use a little nitrate of soda, 

 except on very rich land. For clover use potash. In ap- 

 plying fertilizers generally use phosphoric acid abundantly, 

 but dole out nitroofen as needed. 



A FIELD INSTITUTE 



Was held at the Asylum Farm in Danvers, Tuesday, April 

 19th. There was not so large a display of Implements as 

 is sometimes the case, but very creditable exhibits were 

 shown by Henry Newhall & Co. of Danvers, and Whit- 

 comb & Carter of Beverly. The interested spectators, of 

 which there were many, saw the different Implements test- 

 ed and could be their own judge of what kind suited their 

 own individual preferences. The Asylum barn drew the 

 attention of many interested farmers. It is a model struc- 

 ture and Dr. Charles W. Page, the superintendent, took 

 good care to answer all the inquries made in regard to 

 the different methods of feeding, watering the stock, etc., 

 and the examination^of the silos in the barn was another 

 interesting feature for some. 



The barn is light and airy, plastered wherever it is of 

 any use to make it warm, but well ventilated so that the 



