128 



On the Nitrate of Soda. 



When its failure has taken place, I find the nitrate has been sown 

 early, and when the land lias been in a very dry state, consequently 

 working but partially to the root : in these instances the crop has more 

 or less blighted. There are also some kinds of wheat which are more 

 susceptible of blight, and on which I think a much less quantity than is 

 usual, viz. li cwt. per acre, ought to be used, — I mean the Great Fluff, 

 or Rough Chaff, and the Chidham ; for where nitrate has failed this year 

 most, I find it is with these kinds of wheat. On strong ground, or land 

 in a high state of cultivation, I think it dangerous to use nitrate, there 

 being a greater probability of the crop blighting. I am still of opinion 

 that the best time for sowing the nitrate of soda on wheat is, from the 

 middle of April to about the 10th of May, and on oats to the end of May ; 

 but of course much depends on the season. I have invariably observed 

 that where it has been sown in showery weather, or immediately after 

 rain, it is more certain in its effects. 



The benefit of nitrate on green crops I still find to be great ; for 

 where sown this last spring on clover, pasture, and meadow ground, the 

 crop has been very superior, far surpassing the adjacent lands. 



I have also a very high opinion of this kind of manure, as a top-dressing 

 on the Swede and turnip crop, particularly on light land ; but recom- 

 mend it to be sown broad-cast, at the usual rate of licwt. per acre, a few 

 days after the seed is deposited. Where it has been drilled with the 

 seed mixed with ashes, I find the crop not so good as where sown by 

 hand. In two instances which have come immediately under my notice, 

 where a strip of ground had been dressed with nitrate only, I observed 

 the plants throughout to be free from mildew, whilst the adjoining pieces 

 suffered much, during the late dry w^eather. 



I am not at present prepared to give an opinion as to its after effects, 

 except on grass ; that there is better after-math where nitrate has been 

 used is beyond doubt. 



I remain. Sir, 



Your obedient servant, 



George Dewdney. 



David Barclay^ Esq. 



The experiments with nitrate of soda on my own farm, during 

 the present year, were made, with varying results, upon clover- 

 seeds, tares, sainfoin, peas, beans^ grass, swedes, turnips, oats, 

 barley, and wheat. 



On the clover the effect was equal to the rest of the field 

 dressed with farm -yard dung, at the rate of 9 cart-loads to the 

 acre. 



On the tares the effect was visible^, but not sufficient to pay for 

 the cost of the nitrate. 



On the sainfoin the effect was perceptible, but the improve- 

 ment would not more than repay half the cost of the nitrate. 

 The same may be said of the results of the experiments as 

 applied to beans and peas, which are calculated with exactness. 



