15 



chiefly because they are entirely soluble and contain a high 

 per cent, of potash. 



The amounts are for one acre where no manure is used, and 

 in every case on planted crops use either 300 or 350 pounds of 

 the mixture broadcast, putting only from 150 to 200 in the hill 

 or drill, and do not let it come in contact with the seed. 



This cost, on an average, about as follows : 



Dissolved bone-black $25-^30 per ton. 



Muriate of potash 42- 45 " 



Sulphate of ammonia 78- 80 " 



and may be bought of any fertilizer manufacturer. 



CONCLUSIONS. 



Manure applied in the fall to the surface, either of plowed 

 or grass land, will, by the action of frost and rain, become so 

 thoroughly pulverized and distributed through the soil that it 

 acts more quickly, and is in better condition for plants to as- 

 similate, than the same manure would be if applied in the 

 spring. 



The loss from evaporation and drainage (unless the surface 

 is very steep) will probably be rhuch less than the loss result- 

 ing from fermentation if the manure is allowed to accumulate 

 in cellars or the washing if left in open yards. 



On most soils, and for most crops, surface application is bet- 

 ter than plowing in, and especially if manure is applied in the 

 fall, but in any case, except for manure that is so coarse that it 

 cannot l)e mixed with the soil by cultivation, it is a safe rule to 

 keep the manure as near the surface as possible, and to have it 

 as thoroughly mixed with the seed-bed as can be done. This 

 carries with it the necessity of using only such bedding and 

 absorbents as are of themselves fine or easily pulverized. 



For our common field crops — corn, oats, rye, barley, pota- 

 toes, etc. — it is not profitable to use more than from 15 to 20 

 cart loads (5-7 cords) of manure per acre. 



On an average, on New Hampshire soils and with general 

 crops, $1.00 invested in the best prepared fertilizers has given 

 an increase of crop valued at $2 34, while $1.00 invested in 

 the chemicals — dissolved bone-black, muriate of potash, and 



