ST. JOHN: SABLE ISLAND. 51 
"Arrangements for the use of artificial fertilizers. 
" Realizing at the outset that it was probable that the soil of some 
of the sites which might be chosen for tree planting on the island 
would be deficient in the elements of fertility needed for the healthy 
growth of trees, a sufficient quantity of artificial fertilizers was taken 
to Sable Island with the trees. These included nitrate of soda, mur- 
iate of potash, superphosphate of lime with a few barrels of quick 
lime. Instructions were left with the Superintendent as to the use of 
these after the trees were planted, and the proportions in which they 
should be mixed. That after mixing they should be diluted with an 
equal bulk of sand and scattered in small proportion over the ground 
once a month for three months, leaving a small portion of each plan- 
tation untreated for comparison. This would probably give the trees 
at the start sufficient plant food for healthy growth. 
"A natural source of plant food. 
"There is one source of plant food on Sable Island which should 
not be overlooked. Sea birds are most abtmdant there. After trav- 
elling over the greater part of the island and seeing the immense 
number of terns everywhere, from a rough computation of the num- 
ber per acre and the acreage of the island we estimated that these 
birds alone did not fall far short of a million on the island. They feed 
on small fish, and they are so incessantly active that they consume 
large quantities and their droppings are seen on every hand. This 
perennial source of fertility must have its effect. Like the guano on 
the sea-girt islands in parts of South America this material is very 
rich in plant food, which is in readily soluble forms and the quantity 
deposited e\ery year would probably be sufficient to supply a con- 
siderable part of the small proportion of these elements needed for 
healthy tree growth. Traces only of these useful elements are found 
in the clear, pure sand which covers so large a part of the surface of 
the island, probaI)ly for the reason tluit this fertilizing material if 
not promptly taken up by plant roots is so soluble that it is soon 
washed through the porous sand by frequent rains and its accumula- 
tion is thus prevented. 
"Conditions of c-limate —strong winds. 
"The climate is a very siiigui.ii- one, and one of tlu> chief dilliculties 
in the way of ra!)id suce(>ss in tree planting is the force and i-onstanc-y 
