10 BULLETIN 32, IT. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



This facility of adapting his farming to the conditions of the 

 season and the markets is one of the things which makes the farming 

 of Mr. English so noteworthy. 



In this rotation as now practiced commercial fertilizer is used on 

 potatoes only. From 500 to 600 pounds of a fertilizer containing 

 4 per cent of nitrogen, 6 per cent of phosphoric acid, and 10 per 

 cent of potash is almost always used, being applied with a potato 

 planter. Tests have shown that fertilizers with corn were unprofi- 

 table under the conditions of this farm, but that manure gave very 

 satisfactory results. On all the land to be seeded to clover, from 100 

 to 600 pounds of hydrated lime (this form is used because it is easiest 

 to apply, though its first cost is higher than other forms) is applied 

 once in three years. In all these applications no fixed rule is invari- 

 ably followed, but the needs of the crops and the season are always 

 considered. A definite system followed as closely as good judgment 

 will permit is the very best kind of farm management. 



SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS ON THE VALLEY FARM. 



The results of 15 years' work along these lines has been the develop- 

 ment of one of the most successful systems of farm management in the 

 whole region. 



Every cow in the dairy is now a profitable one. All the " boarders " 

 have been dropped. Without materially increasing the expenses of 

 the farm, the income has been practically doubled by supplemented 

 receipts from the dairy and by cash crops for the city markets, espe- 

 cially potatoes. 



While the income from the dairy has been increased, the expenses 

 have been reduced b}^ growing a larger part of the rations on the 

 farm. Succulent feeds and feeds high in protein have made this 

 possible, especially corn for silage and clover hay. A short rotation 

 with clover and the judicious use of commercial fertilizer maintain 

 the productiveness and the physical condition of the soil. 



MANAGEMENT OF THE HILL LAND. 



In addition to the land which is in the valley along the river and 

 about the buildings, a part of the English farm lies about 100 feet 

 above the main valley at an elevation of about 1,300 feet above sea 

 level. A very steep hill separates this part of the farm from that 

 which lies in the valley. This part of the farm is typical Volusia silt 

 loam. It is this soil typo which is most widely distributed in southern 

 New York. It occupies the higher hills and is of such a character 

 that poor farming methods very soon bring it to a depleted condi- 

 tion. This soil is largely responsible for the ill fame which has come 

 to New York State as a section of abandoned farms and poor agri- 

 culture. 



