222 MANURES AND THEIR APPLICATION. 



MANURES AND THEIR APPLICATION. 



In supplementing what has ah'eady been said regarding the 

 soils and manures best adapted to the various plants, we will 

 consider in a general way and briefly the origin and applica- 

 tion of plant food, and its effects on the life and growth of 

 the plant. Chemists tells us that the four primary elements, 

 viz., Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen form the 

 structure of all plants, and that these simple elements in 

 various combinations and proportions constitute the main 

 body of living organisms as well as of all dead substances in 

 the universe. 



Chemical science has of late done much to enlighteii the 

 horticulturist on the composition of the soil, the constituents 

 of plants, and the ingredients of manure. The success or 

 non-success of the cultivator mainly depends upon his bringing 

 into practical operation the principles laid down by the scientist, 

 and the laws which govern supply and demand. 



The first thing one naturally inquires about when commenc- 

 ing to cultivate any particular plant or crop is, what manure 

 should be applied so that the best results may be obtained ? 

 If he is conversant with the constitution of the plant, the 

 character of its surroundings, and the nature of its food, he 

 can easily supply its wants. But many are in want of this 

 knowledge, which is so essential in the economy of the garden 

 or the field, and the lack of which is soon made manifest 

 by the condition of the crops. The common rule is to apply 

 farmyard manure in greater or less quantities to fertilise 

 soils on which all kinds of crops are to be cultivated. When 

 this manure is collected from all sources, mixed together, and 

 decomposed, it is supposed to contain within itself in certain 

 proportions all the ingredients of which plants are composed, 

 and which they require as food. But farmyard manure alone 



