88 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN's ASSOCIATION. 



MORNING SESSION. 



Thursday, Dec. ii. 



The assembly was called to order at 9:45, the president, 

 Dr. Tefft, occupying the chair. 



Topic No. 10 — ''Manures — Natural and Artificial 

 — the best manner of application to the different soils" — 

 was taken up first. Upon this question L. W. Sheldon 

 read the following paper : 



L. W. SHELDON'S PAPER. 



Mr. President J Ladies and Gentlemen ; In discussing 

 this question I have not much to offer that is new. The 

 question has been discussed at our gatherings until it is 

 familiar to all. 



What is manure ? Any substance that enriches the 

 soil. The waste at the farm yard of vegetable and animal 

 substances, in a decaying condition, is manure or plant food. 

 He that can make two blade? of grass grow where but one 

 grew is a public benefactor. This can be done by a judi- 

 cious use of fertilizers. 



As a rule, all manures should be applied to the surface 

 soil, as fast as they accumulate. Where it is practicable, 

 draw daily, and spread direct from the load. If for mead- 

 ows or pastures, apply in fall or early winter ; harrow in 

 spring with a smoothing harrow. For corn land, apply 

 upon fall plowing in fall and early winter. If the manure 

 is coarse, do not hesitate to apply liberally and cultivate m 

 in the spring. The above has proved a success with 

 repeated trials upon sandy prairie soil. Where a three 

 years' rotation is practicable, clover and timothy make the 

 best of fertilizers. Land will increase in fertility by 

 repeated heavy seeding and plowing the sod under. Clover 

 is the farmer's friend. Sow liberally. It is a good invest- 

 ment to sow clover with all small grain : it is worth many 

 times its cost as a fertilizer if not wanted for meadow or 

 pasture. 



