Specific Directions 



It is difficult to give specific directions for the application 

 of fertilizers, which will apply alike to all localities. In all 

 cases the amount of fertilizer used is dependent on its strength, 

 the character of the soil to which it is applied, and the amount 

 of manure or other dressing used in connection with the ferti- 

 lizer; also the character of the previous crop and the previous 

 treatment of the soil, such as the plowing in of green crops, etc. 



The method of application is also influenced by the nature 

 of the crop. Crops, like corn or tobacco, with extensive root 

 systems thrive best when a large part of the fertilizer is sowed 

 broadcast or drilled in before planting, while crops with small 

 root systems, such as small grains possess, do best when the 

 fertilizer is applied in drills or furrows. We give below the 

 usual practice in localities where fertilizers have been used 

 longest and in largest quantities. 



Consider 

 Nature of 

 the Crop 



Potatoes 



Aroostook Method: As the best potatoes are now grown 

 invariably on fertilizers exclusively, and as the farmers in 

 Maine are among the most successful growers in the country, 

 we think it will be interesting to our patrons to give a brief 

 account of potato growing in that State. The following state- 

 ment is from a grower and one of the best observers in Maine: 



''Preparation of Land: We turn over the sod, usually 

 clover, as soon after haying as is convenient, but if the 

 clover is growing luxuriantly, we wait till about the time 

 the frost would take it. In the spring the turned-over sod 

 is harrowed until fine and mellow. Then, between the 10th 

 and 20th of May, the potatoes are planted with a two-horse 

 planter which opens the rows, distributes the fertilizer, 

 mixes and covers it with dirt, and then drops and covers 

 the seed, also marking the next row — ^all done at one opera- 

 tion. The rows are usually set thirty-six inches apart, as 

 being the best distance for two-horse cultivation. 



39 



Potatoes 



Follow 



Clover 



