V MANURES 93 



he wants. In some cases it might he difficult to pro- 

 cure it in small quantities, unless some manufacturer 

 could be found to make it on speculation for such sale. 

 If not, small Eosarians, who have difficulties with 

 natural liquid manure, should combine to order it. 

 A thoroughly trustworthy firm should be applied to, 

 as the adage " see that you get it " applies very 

 strongly to chemical manures. With many Amateurs 

 price is an object : I therefore feel bound to state 

 that for several years I obtained the above manure, 

 made according to the formula and with guaranteed 

 analysis, direct from a large firm of manufacturers 

 at 9s. 6d. per cwt. And I mention without com- 

 ment that I have seen it advertised at 26s. per cwt. 



A 48 flower-pot full of manure may be taken as 

 1 lb., which would suffice for a square marked out 

 by a six foot rod ; but, with observation and care, 

 the " rule of thumb " will soon come in and 

 measurement become unnecessary. It should be 

 kept in a dry place and used fresh if possible ; if 

 caked together let it be thoroughly crushed with 

 the back of a dry shovel. I should advise another 

 hoeing in preference to watering it in, as no artificial 

 watering can equal the soaking power of gentle rain. 

 A second and lighter dressing, carefully avoiding the 

 foliage, may sometimes be given at the end of May, 

 if heavy rains have occurred, or nitrate of potash, 

 the most expensive item, may be used for that 

 purpose. 



As a sort of summary, I suggest : — 



That strong fresh soil, which has not been more 

 than a foot below the surface of the ground, and is 

 rich enough not to require manure at first, is the 

 best of all : 



