32 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION 



do your own work, or you can buy one at Peoria for a small 

 sum, but it is not perfect. You ought to have a machine that 

 will spread twelve or fifteen tons a day. You could have an 

 extra wagon and leave it in the field and then spread it on as 

 you can. The railroad will give you two days' time to unload 

 it and if you cannot get it unloaded in that time you had better 

 pay a dollar to get it unloaded, and put on; do not rehandle. 



Member : How much does a machine cost to make ? 



Mr. Eckhardt: It varies, some will cost $15.00 or $18.00 

 and some will cost $30.00. 



Member : Could you put it on with a shovel ? 



Mr. Eckhardt : Some do, but it takes too long. It has 

 been one of the hardest things to get a good machine. It is 

 nearly like your hopper; just the same as the oat seeder, except 

 in the bottom is a wheel. 



Member: Does limestone deteriorate in value by getting 

 wet? 



Mr. Eckhardt : No ; it only gives you more trouble in pack- 

 ing it. Burnt lime should never be put on. 



Member : Is it not cheaper and better to mix with com- 

 mon manure and then put it on with the spreader? 



Mr. Eckhardt : Yes ; spread rock phosphate over manure. 

 We do not advise putting anything on that is not natural lime- 

 stone. 



Member : Where do you purchase this seed ? 



Mr. Eckhardt: Of Olds and Madison. A number of the 

 farmers in that vicinity raise 60 bushels of corn to the acre 

 on that land. We are getting organic matter there. 



Member: How was it threshed? 



