Groioing Swedes at Tuhney Warren in 1869. 
109 
Plots 1 and 8 is very apparent, and the reason for this will be 
easily understood, it being well known that a liberal allowance 
of manure is the best remedy for all the trials and attacks to 
which the young turnip plant is liable, and there is no doubt 
that many plants on these plots succumbed from want of that 
vigour which a little manure would have produced. 
The difference in Plots 1 and 8 may in some measure be 
attributed to chance, one plot retaining 140 more roots, and 
these probably enjoying a greater immunity from attacks, many 
of the roots on Plot 1 not being larger than one's thumb. But 
the soil possibly may be slightly better on the side of Plot 8, 
and some little allowance should be made for this. The column 
containing the " average weight of roots " will also attract 
attention, the average on Plots 1 and 8, without manure, 
being much lower than that on any other plot, viz. about 
14 ounces, whilst the lowest of the manured plots gives 17 ounces 
nearly, and Plot 4, with dissolved bones, gives over 20^ ounces. 
This last plot had the best appearance during the whole summer, 
and it is difficult to explain why it did not come out better in 
the actual weighings. Probably the long and mild autumn was 
favourable for the growth of roots, and gave those on the plots 
with the less soluble manures, and those without manure, a 
chance to attain a greater size than they would have done had 
the period of growth been more limited. There are also a few 
points in regard to the mechanical condition of the manures 
used which should not be overlooked. The coprolite and phos- 
phorite powders were very finely ground, and these admitted of 
more perfect distribution through the soil than some of the 
other substances. The bone-dust being specifically much lighter 
than the soil, would, sown broadcast and merely harrowed in, 
not mix so thoroughly with the soil as a heavier substance. 
The precipitated phosphate was heavy and slightly lumpy, 
and could not be so perfectly reduced as the superphosphate and 
dissolved bones. 
In conclusion, it may be observed that too much reliance 
must not be placed on a single experiment, nor would it be 
wise to make a hasty change in one's system of manuring upon 
such evidence. 
At the same time it should be remembered that this is an 
exceptionally poor soil on which the experiment was tried, and 
that sandy soils generally are very poor in phosphoric acid, and 
are also wanting in those chemical and mechanical properties 
which enable other soils to retain fertilising elements. 
Tuhney Warren, Jan. 8, 1870. 
