8 
t> ■ 
Stable manure Lb not a desirable fertilizer for peanuts unless 
applied about a year in advance. The objections to manure 
are that it carries with it boo many weed seeds and also pro- 
duces a tank growth of peanut vine at the expense of the 
peanuts. 
Lime is essential to the proper ripening of the peanuts, and 
where not already abundantly present should be applied to the 
13 soil. Marl is often used as a substitute for lime, being hauled 
and spread upon the land during the winter months. Ordinary 
lime may la 4 used at the rate of oOO to 600 pounds to the acre 
on land being planted to peanuts. In many cases the soils of 
the Southern States are pretty well supplied with lime. Where 
there is any doubt about the matter lime should be applied to 
a portion of the field at least and its influence upon the yield 
and ripening of the peanuts observed. The lime should be 
applied to the surface after plowing and while fitting the land 
for planting. 
Wood ashes are an* excellent fertilizer for peanuts, as they 
contain both potash and lime. Unfortunately, the supply of 
wood ashes is quite limited and only small quantities may be 
secured. Where obtainable, unleached wood ashes may be 
applied to peanut land at a rate not exceeding 1,200 pounds 
to the acre. 
Several methods are followed in distributing the fertilizers 
14 for peanuts, and while some growers employ a one-horse dis- 
tributer and sow the fertilizer where the row is to be, others 
scatter it broadcast and harrow it into the soil. The roots of 
peanuts do not spread like those of corn, and it may be more 
economical to apply the fertilizers to the row rather than 
broadcast. 
PLANTING PEANUTS. 
SELECTION OF SEED. 
Careful selection of seed is just as important with peanuts as 
15 with any other farm or garden crop. Our best varieties have 
originated by selection, and it stands to reason that they may he 
still further improved by the same process. The best of the 
crop should always be saved for seed, and wherever a particu- 
larly line plant is found it should be saved separately and the 
16 peas planted in a row to themselves, or in a small patch where 
they can be closely observed. If several extra fine plants 
were selected and the peanuts from each saved separately, 
this seed might la 4 planted in a special seed plat, a row being 
devoted to the product of each plant; in this way compari- 
