Feetilizebs. 19 



to have the layers of each uniform, and as near the same 

 thickness as possible. Then take a wide hoe and .com- 

 mence on one side of the pile and mix thoroughly. Then 

 rake up the whole mass into a sharp pile. Turn the pile 

 from one side until the whole has been turned, and then 

 turn back in the opposite direction. Three turnings w^ill 

 suffice, and the cost will be about fifty cents per ton. Of 

 course the mixing can not be done as accurately by hand 

 as by machinery, but it is good enough for all practical 

 purposes. If the grower should prefer having it mixed 

 by machinery, he can give his formula and have his fer- 

 tilizer dealer do so at a nominal cost. Some growers 

 make their formulas and stipulate what materials are to 

 be used in their manufacture, and have the dealers put 

 them up for a specified sum. This plan is good if you 

 are dealing with a reliable house. You can also purchase 

 hand or power mixers at a" low cost, or make one still 

 cheaper. 



EOTATION. 



In order to produce good crops where the land is used 

 continually, rotation of crops is of the utmost importance. 

 One crop should 'Uot be followed by another of the same 

 kind under any circumstances. Even where a summer 

 crop of legumes, weeds, grass, or clover follow any crop 

 of vegetables, it is better to let the succeeding crop of veg- 

 etables be different from the kind last planted, and as 

 much different in character as possible. For instance a 

 root crop should not follow a root crop nor a vine crop 

 follow vine crop. Extended experience and observation 



