BuKEAu OF Ageicultuee. 407 



Ground limestone is being given a thorough trial. 

 Some near agriculturists have left the wrong impression 

 as to its value and I have to right the error they have 

 made, for it cannot' be a permanent cure-all. Crushed 

 limestone prices were reduced to people sowing alfalfa 

 through the efforts of the County Agent. 



The use of a phosphorous fertilizer is being recom- 

 mended, as it is our second limiting factor (nitrogen be- 

 ing the first). The eastern half of the county is using 

 it entirely. The "Coals" are to be carried to the west- 

 ern part this winter. Excellent results are being ob- 

 tained from the use of a 16% acid phosphate. Potash 

 and nitrogen cannot be missed when not used. The fer- 

 tilizer item above will save the county hundreds of dol- 

 lars yearly. 



At the invitation of the Superintendent of Schools, 

 I made a short talk to the Institute ; also I am allowed all 

 the time I need at the Teachers' Association meetings 

 that are held in the county. Teachers are interested, and 

 helped when asked to do so, some keeping a pig near the 

 school grounds that is fed from the lunches, etc., and 

 the proceeds of its sale is to be the foundation of a school 

 library. 



One difficulty I encounter is to get as many promises 

 to keep records as I should like to have. Advice is taken 

 readily when it does not incur any great expense. Prac- 

 ticable has been a word that could be associated with 

 every proposition that I have tried to demonstrate or 

 hold forth. 



The sign and moon farmer is still with me, so is 

 the ultra smart man who is out ' ' to stall ' ' the teacher in 

 getting him to account for some queer isolated freak of 

 nature which was probably an illusion after all. But 

 his day has nearly passed, and we are going to succeed 

 him with a farmer who does not only co-operate brains 

 and labor, but who is a social unit, citizen and a brother 

 to his farmer brethren. 



E. C. Palmoee, 



County Agent. 



