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The explosives which I have used are rackarock and rendrock. 
I consider the latter the better for earth holes, as it seems to take 
more roots with the stump ; but I can recommend both. I have used a 
little gelignite, and it seems very good ; I intend to give it further 
trials. Other explosives are worthy of trials, but I should not advise 
farmers to use dynamite, as it is more subject to chemical changes, 
particularly in hot climates. 
If rackarock is used, insert the detonator in half a plug of 
gelignite for earth holes. Much better combustion will result if this 
is done. 
Bursting the Timber. 
When it is desired to burn trees or stumps level with the ground, 
or to burn 'sound logs, bore holes I to 2 feet deep into the soundest 
part of the timber, with I inch to I H inch auger, and charge same 
with % lb. to I lb. of explosive. A number of shots fired simul- 
taneously with the battery will do very much better work than 
when they are fired singly with fuse. This method is suitable for 
Yankee grubbing, as it uses less explosive ; but is not as good as 
the next method for getting rid of trees and stumps. 
Clearing for the Plough. 
To remove trees and stumps for the plough, put holes under 
the heaviest and soundest parts of same, 12 inches or more in 
depth, with a 3-inch earth auger or small bar and scraper. When 
placing the charges, take into consideration the lay of the main 
spur roots. Best results are obtained by using three charges or more 
according to the size of the tree. Place each charge up against a big 
strong root, or better still in the fork of two roots. If it is not easy 
to get the charge against a root, ram small stones into the bottom of 
the hole, so as to make a sound bottom for the charge, as the more 
resistance obtained the better the results of the explosion. Do this 
before any explosive is put in the hole, or there would be great 
danger. 
In some cases it is better to use both earth and wood holes, 
placing the latter in big spur roots ; but I rarely do so, as it snaps the 
roots and leaves portion in the ground. 
The charges should be carefully tamped with damp clay or earth 
observing the proper rules, as there is considerable danger if they are 
neglected. Water tamping is not at all effective in wood, though it 
is in rock. 
In earth holes I find I lb. of explosive about the minimum effec- 
tive charge for large frees and stumps ; but I have blown out small 
stumps with as little as % lb. With well-placed charges stumps 
frequently come out, shattered into many pieces, leaving few if any 
roots. When any remain they are so shattered that they burn easily 
