COMMONPLACE NOTES. 



289 



Acetylene Gas Refuse. 



This material \ms been used with excellent results if treated in the 

 same way as gas-lime, namely, by spreading it on the land at the rate of 

 half a ton per acre, and letting it lie there for a fortnight. It should then 

 be dug in, and a month later the soil should be again turned over so as to 

 thoroughly incorporate the refuse with it. The crops were first-rate, and 

 no insect pests could be found in the ground. 



The Flavour of Potatoes and Aetificial Manures. 



The following letter was received from a correspondent : — 

 " We have found a difficulty in this locality in selling potatoes grown 

 with artificial manures such as superphosphate, nitrate, and kainit ; the 

 purchasers say the flavour is objectionable, and entirely owing to the use 

 of these. Would you be so kind as to tell me if this is the general 

 experience, and if so, what manures are the most undesirable ? We should 

 particularly like to know whether basic slag is prejudicial, and in what 

 way ; also whether gas-lime has any effect on the flavour." 



The following answer was given to the above from an expert : — 

 " Broadly speaking, manures do not influence the flavour of potatoes 

 objectionably. The only exceptions worth considering are rank dung 

 in contact with the tubers ; muriate of potash, which contains chlorine ; 

 superphosphates repeatedly used in quantities, when the soil may become 

 acid (this can be avoided by always using a little steamed bone flour with 

 the super, as it absorbs the free acid). Nitrate, kainit, basic slag, do not 

 influence the flavour ; gas-lime is very dangerous stufi", and had better not 

 be used. Unquestionably the great determining factor in flavour is the 

 texture of the soil. In sandy loam the flavour is invariably better than in 

 clay." 



In reply to an inquiry as to the value of common salt for a dressing 

 for potatoes the following reply was given : — 



" Common agricultural salt at the rate of five hundredweight per acre 

 is excellent for potatoes on light or fairly light land, and may be put on 

 broadcast in March or immediately after planting. I have used it just 

 after planting." 



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