CARE OF THE FRUIT GARDEN. 43 



the various chemical elements and compounds of 

 the market, including wood ashes, in distinction 

 from stable manure, and its combinations with 

 organic matter. In theory it would seem that the 

 specific food of plants can be furnished in small 

 bulk and at less cost, if labor is included, than we 

 can apply the coarse products of the stable. That 

 such food can be so supplied in concentrated 

 form and with perfect results is beyond question. 

 The simple point is, which is most available. 

 This includes the question of first cost and the 

 labor of applying. 



Take the formula in use for all fruits on the 

 grounds of the Massachusetts Agricultural Col- 

 lege. 



1,000 Ibs. of fine ground bone would cost about $25 

 300 Ibs. of high grade Muriate of Potash 



(German Salts) 8 



633 



This is supposed to be the average cost of a 

 sufficient quantity to fertilize an acre. At least 

 double this amount would be used by market 

 gardeners, and probably an addition of nitroge- 

 nous matter, perhaps in the form of 500 pounds 

 of fish guano. That the preparation is excellent 

 and a perfect food, as it stands, is the testimony 

 of cultivators, as well as men of science. The 



