38 ILLINOIS STATE DAIBYMEN's ASSOCIATION. 



grain sown. Often planted corn on land used for corn the, 

 previous year. Would not, plow; merely split the rows, 

 putting in furrow a layer of compost inanure; from this he 

 derived the very best results. Planted his corn, in drills; 

 kept one man in field constantly, when planting, to apply 

 the manure. Could plainly see marked difference where 

 manure was applied; last year he put on eight loads per 

 acre; this year, six loads; thought this the best plan: to 

 apply common manure. Land tilled in this manner, was 

 mellow, easily worked, and tree from weeds. Harrowed it 

 over immediately after planting, so as to cover all the 

 manure; he considered this plan better than twenty^ or 

 thirty loads per acre as commonly applied, by spreading 

 broadcast on top of the land. The muck, or sink-hole was 

 valuable on the farm; it was a valuable fertilizer; made 

 soils were good. Had ifetter buy your flour than to raise 

 wheat, as it only drew chinch bugs, with a poor prospect 

 of a crop. Top dressing in Spring is good. Would not 

 plow for oats, if done for nothing. Hoped others would 

 speak upon this subject, as he f.onsidered it very important. 



A member inquired as to the soil of Dr. Woodworth's 

 land. 



Dr. Woodworth: As a whole, rather sandy. 



Prof. Hall: Would not take much time; had had 

 but little experience. We wanted facts, not guesses. As 

 to chemical fertilizers, what was good for one farm would 

 ruin another. We must find out by actual experiment just 

 what we want, and try and supply it. All soils want either 

 potash, nitrogen or phosphoric acid ; must find out which 

 we need; each one must find out for himself; each one 

 should begin lightly, as we may make mistakes. Salt, 

 put upon land, may unlock other properties, which other- 

 wise would lie dormant. Lime is not often deficient, but 

 like salt, may unlock other properties. Mr. Slade used 

 eight hundred bushels of ashes with no good result, while 



