818 



THE COMPLETE GRAZIER. 



It is seen that there was a gradual increase in the quantity of dung 

 applied. Of artificial manures there was an increase, both of the 

 mineral and of the nitrogenous, over the second period compared with 

 the first ; but there was a reduction over the third period. It was 

 found that, in the circumstances, the application of as much as 1 cwt. 

 of nitrate of soda per acre per annum was liable to give a too stemmy, 

 and almost exclusively grassy herbage. Hence the quantity was 

 reduced, until it was found that, with the amount of dung and of 

 artificial manures used, about cwt. of nitrate of soda per acre per 

 annum was sufficient to yield as full a crop as could be obtained 

 without reducing the bottom herbage, and therefore the quality of the 

 hay. It is obvious, from the increase in the yield, that the condition 

 of the land gradually improved. 



In attempting to make out a balance-sheet of the results it is im- 

 possible to be strictly accurate, owing to the number of years involved, 

 and to fluctuations in prices, both of manures and of produce. The 

 expenses of hay-making may be considered as set against the rent 

 obtained for feeding the after-grass, as this wholly met the cost, and 

 perhaps more. At the prices stated below, which are as nearly correct 

 as possible, the balance-sheet, per acre per annum, 23 years, 1866 to 

 88, comes out as follows : 



Expenditure. 



s. d. 



Total 



4 9 11 



Receipts. 

 1 ton 14f cwt. of hay sold, at 4?. per ton 



Balance in favour of Receipts 



6 18 6 



287 



