140 COTTON 
rect, if the practice has proved reasonably success- 
ful andif itis amoney-saving method for the farmer, 
it should not only be considered carefully, but put 
into operation as quickly as means may be found. 
The first step in home-mixing is the selection of the 
materials to be used. ‘Then these must be brought 
together, mixed and bagged. Now you can do 
this work, receive big wages for your labor, and save 
money besides. Often many farmers join to- 
gether and make their purchases. A better rate 
is usually obtained, as the cost for freight is less 
for a large lot shipped at one time than if several 
lots are separately billed. 
WHEN AND HOW TO MIX 
The winter season is usually the best time for 
mixing fertilizers, since it enables you to get your 
materials together and do the work when labor is 
available and before you get into the rush and hurry 
of the plowing and planting season. 
This time is suggested, not because of the great 
amount of labor involved, or time required, but 
because it may then be done well without haste or 
carelessness. 
To the fertilizing phase of cotton growing you 
should indeed give the same consideration, in 
reference to all details, as you give to seed, or 
labor, or soil preparation. Here you should take 
it up, study it carefully, and be ready when the 
time for action comes. 
An excellent place to do this fertilizer mixing 
is a tight barn floor. There are times in winter 
when this can be given over afew days to this work 
without greatly interfering with feeding or any of 
the other uses of the barn. You will, however, 
