TRUCK-FARMING AT THE SOUTH. 



ammonia as sulphate. Where the potato-rot prevailed, 

 gypsum has been known to show worse results than any 

 other application; probably owing to the moisture it at- 

 tracted from the atmosphere. 



NITRATE OF SODA AND THE AMMONIA SALTS. 



These are the most concentrated nitrogenous fertiliz- 

 ers, and in their pure state are to be sparingly and care- 

 fully applied, so as not to come in direct contact either 

 with seed or the roots of plants. To increase the 

 strength of stable manure, particularly such as is defi- 

 cient in liquid excrement, or of compost, there is nothing 

 better tha,n these salts, to be added to the former just 

 before its application. They may also be carefully sown 

 broadcast at the rate of one-fourth to one-half a ton, in- 

 timately mixed with fine muck, woods-earth, or soil, to 

 insure an even distribution. The best to use will be such 

 as supply the gardener with nitrogen at the cheapest 

 rate. The following table presents the present market 

 prices, their proportion of ammonia, and their calculated 

 value, according to the now existing high valuation of 

 ammonia in fertilizers twenty-five cents per pound: 



It must be borne in mind, however, that these salts 

 are not chemically pure, but contain about ten per cent, 

 of impurities, which may or may not have any agricul- 

 tural value. 



In nitrates of soda and potash, the nitrogen exists in 

 the available form of nitric acid, but is more apt to be 

 lost by leaching than the ammonia in the other salts. 



