PROCEEDINGS OP THE FARMERS' CLUB. 419- 



That difference is claimed by one set of theorists to be in the 

 condition of the inor-ganic matter; and by another set, to be in 

 the fact that it contains ammonia. I have proved by my own 

 experiments clearly that where the soil is deeply and thoroughly 

 disintegrated ammonia will not increase the crops. Therefore 

 my claim in regard to the condition of the constituents I think 

 is true. 



I do not wish to occupy your time with various instances of 

 changing the condition of these constituents by other processes 

 than that of going through organic life. We do know that the 

 presence of carbonic acid in soils increases the power of water 

 as a solvent, and we also know that the presence of the carbonic 

 acid is insured by securing certain conditions of the soil. 



Dr. Waterbury said, if the subject of manures was up for dis- 

 cussion, he should object to some of Prof. Mapes' doctrines. 



The President decided such a discussion out of order at this 

 time. 



ROOT CROPS. 



Mr. Roberts moved to take up the subject of root crops. 

 Agreed to. 



Mr. Gale referred to the potato disease. Ten years ago he 

 planted the finest and most perfect seed he could find, and for 

 three consecutive years raised crops of improved quality, upon 

 the same ground, while others were in the habit of planting 

 the small and imperfect ones for seed. He thought more de- 

 pended in such a careful selection of seed than upon any thing 

 else. 



Mr. Carpenter thought Mr. Gale's theory in part correct, but 

 thought the soil had something to do with it. His experience 

 had shown that potatoes planted in a dry soil were sound, when 

 those planted in different soil decayed. 



Mr. Bergen said, facts in this country and in Europe were con- 

 trary to the theories broached here ; the only sure thing, and that 

 was not sure, to prevent rottrng, was early planting. 



Mr. Mapes said, three years ago he hired a field of a neighbor, 

 which was not under drained, adjoining a field of his own, which 

 was thoroughly under drained, but neither field was wet ; he 

 planted potatoes of the same kind, and in the same way in both 

 fields. The ones in his neighbor's field all rotted, while those in 



