SMALL HOLDINGS 135 



soil by an acre of grass converted into hay 

 has been placed at 6 tons; for an average 

 crop of wheat, barley, or oats, 5 tons; for a 

 crop of cabbages or mangels, 20 tons; turnips 

 or swedes, 12 to 15 tons; and potatoes, 10 

 tons; but it will be easily understood that 

 where a smaller quantity of dung is employed 

 in the manuring of land, whatever the crop, 

 the deficiency must be made up with the 

 aid of artificials. 



Successful farmers are now in the habit 

 of using the two manures in conjunction for 

 a variety of crops, and especially for roots 

 and potatoes. On certain soils crops can be 

 grown with complete success by the aid of 

 artificials alone, but where it becomes essential 

 to conserve moisture it is advisable to employ 

 dung to some extent, inasmuch as it acts as 

 a mulch and, in consequence, assists in the 

 retention of sufficient moisture to provide 

 for the crop. This practice is confirmed by 

 the excellent results which are obtained in 

 dry seasons. Dung, too, however rich it may 

 be, is comparatively^ slow in action, and 

 consequently leaves a residue which assists 

 in the supply of food to a crop in the following 

 year, or, it may be, for two or three years 

 in succession. It will be well to observe, 



