Jan. 1908.] 



31 



Scientific Agriculture. 



have carried into the ocean most of the salt that was in it at the first, it is indis- 

 pensable that some be given occasionally to supply the needs of the crops. 



Experience has shown that salt is useful to almost every crop. Some will 

 not yield much at all without it. I have always given my root crops as much as 600 

 lb. per acre, and I have doubled the yield of grass and clover by the use of 200 lb. of 

 it, and oats and barley are both improved by the same quantity. 



H. STEWART. 



We are indebted to the same paper for the following extracts concerning 



SALT AS A POTATO MANURE. 



On my shore, in the water, there is an annual rank growth of what is known 

 as sea ore, that in summer grows so thick as to make it no easy job to get a boat 

 through it. For years I watched the effect of this, spread on the gardens and 

 potato patches of oystermen, who collect it, and with a wheelbarrow take it to 

 their gardens, a mile off, and spread the ore, wringing wet with salt water, and 

 really the effect is wonderful ; and it is the chief manure that many use to raise 

 potatoes. 1 doubted the value of it, but seeing is convincing, and every man, womani 

 and boy of the neighbourhood knew full well its virtue. 



Since writing the above, I have spoken with a number of practical and 

 successful farmers from the potato region of the Eastern Shore, and they more than 

 confirm the story of the great results from the use of salt on their potatoes, and 

 surprise me by stating how much is used— not by the carload, but by the hundred 

 carloads, sent to two small countries on the shore.— Mr. A. P.Sharp, in "Albany 

 Cultivator and Country Gentleman." 



POTATOES, CABBAGE, AND CARROTS. 



Potato disease may generally be checked or prevented by a judicious use of 

 salt which also acts as a solvent of potash compounds, and keeps off the grubs, 

 Cabbages and carrots require 3 to 7 cwt. salt per acre in proportion to the lightness 

 of the soil. Kohl rabi requires similar quantities. 



SAVE THE AMMONIA BY SALTING MANURE HEAPS. 



In moderate quantities, salt promotes decomposition of vegetable matter 

 but still more important is its power of checking rapid fermentation and preventing 

 the escape of ammonia. At the same time salt destroys immense numbers of insects 

 whieh propagate in the manure heap. 



SALT AND NIGHTSOIL. 



Where nightsoil or house refuse is used as manure, it should always be 

 mixed with salt, which destroys any organic life therein, and by chemical action 

 makes the manure more valuable. 



THE APPLICATION OP SALT. 



As to the application of salt, it is difficult to lay down hard and fast rules, 

 as so much depends upon the condition of the soil and the season. Several appli- 

 cations in moderate quantities give better results in most cases than a heavy 

 application at one time. Many experienced agriculturists apply 5 cwt. per acre 

 in Autumn, and the same quantity in Spring. 



The quantities given below, however, may be useful as a general guide, and 

 in all special cases we shall have much pleasure in advising. 



