36 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



to remember that though the proverb states, "In the 

 multitude of counsellors there is safety," the safety is 

 often on the side of the advisers only. 



The Use of Fertilisers 



One point that is either neglected entirely, or if 

 recognised is too often not utilised to the fullest extent, 

 is in regard to the use of chemical or artificial manures 

 in addition to natural manures. When the position of 

 the market ground permits the carting of produce to 

 market, the vehicles returning loaded with stable manure, 

 the supplies are plentiful and the cost small. A grower 

 therefore does not feel disposed to incur additional ex- 

 penditure in purchasing artificials. In some of these 

 cases, however, a judicious occasional dressing of special 

 fertilisers produces good results, though their value is 

 especially found when the supply of natural manure 

 only suffices for small dressings. Applications of 

 carefully chosen fertilisers as sources of nitrogen, potash, 

 or phosphoric acid, are then of considerable advantage, 

 as many have proved by experience. Under heavily 

 manured land, lime is also frequently beneficial. 



Interesting information in this direction, particularly 

 as regards vegetables, has been afforded by the experi- 

 ments conducted by Dr Bernard Dyer and Mr Shrivell 

 on a farm near Tonbridge, in Kent. In our own experi- 

 ence we have had instances where artificials alone have 

 either failed to produce any appreciable effect upon 

 certain soils and crops, or the result has even been 

 unfavourable ; but in soils which have had abundance 

 of natural manure, or in addition to moderate dressings 

 of either stable or farmyard manure, the effects have 

 been conspicuous 



Insects and Diseases 

 The judicious use and prompt application of insecti- 

 cides or fungicides to plants attacked by pests or diseases 



