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Title: The Elements of Agriculture

A Book for Young Farmers, with Questions Prepared for the Use of Schools

Author: George E. Waring

Release Date: January 27, 2010 [EBook #31105]

Language: English

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 TRANSCRIBERS' NOTES
Most pages of the book include at the bottom
a number of questions for the student to
consider. These have been retained in this
version in grey boxes with dashed outlines.
Some corrections to typographical errors have
been made. These are recorded at the end of
the text.

G. E. WARING, JR.
 Consulting Agriculturist.
ACCURATE ANALYSES OF SOILS, MANURES, AND
CROPS PROCURED. FARMS VISITED,
TREATMENT RECOMMENDED,
ETC.

Letters of advice on analyses will be written for those who require them, for $25
each.

Letters on other branches of the subject, inclosing a suitable fee, will receive
prompt attention.

OFFICE, 143 FULTON-STREET, NEW YORK, (UP STAIRS.

POST-OFFICE ADDRESS, RYE, N. Y.

DR. CHARLES ENDERLIN,

ANALYTICAL AND CONSULTING

 Chemist,
84 WALKER-STREET,
NEW YORK.

ANALYSIS OF MINERALS, SOILS,—ORGANIC ANALYSIS, ETC.

D. APPLETON & COMPANY

HAVE IN COURSE OF PREPARATION,

THE
 EARTHWORKER;
OR,

Book of Husbandry.

BY G. E. WARING, JR.
AUTHOR OF THE "ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURE."

This book is intended as a sequel to the Elements of Agriculture, being a larger

and more complete work, containing fuller directions for the treatment of the
different kinds of soils, for the preparation of manures, and especially for the
drainage of lands, whether level, rolling, hilly, or springy. Particular attention
will be paid to the use of analysis. The feeding of different animals, and the
cultivation of the various crops, will be described with care.
The size of the work will be about 400 pp. 8vo., and it will probably be
published January 1st, 1856. Price $1. Orders sent to the publishers, or to the
author, at Rye, N. Y., will be supplied in the order in which they are received.
ELEMENTS
OF
 AGRICULTURE
Extract from a letter to the author from Prof. Mapes, editor of the Working
Farmer:
* * * "After a perusal of your manuscript, I feel authorized in assuring you that, for the use
of young farmers, and schools, your book is superior to any other elementary work extant.
JAMES J. MAPES."

Letter from the Editor of the N. Y. Tribune:

MY FRIEND WARING ,
If all who need the information given in your Elements of Agriculture will confess their
ignorance as frankly as I do, and seek to dispel it as promptly and heartily, you will have
done a vast amount of good by writing it. * * * * * I have found in every chapter important
truths, which I, as a would-be-farmer, needed to know, yet which I did not know, or had but
a confused and glimmering consciousness of, before I read your lucid and straightforward
exposition of the bases of Agriculture as a science. I would not have my son grow up as
ignorant of these truths as I did for many times the price of your book; and, I believe, a
copy of that book in every family in the Union, would speedily add at least ten per cent. per
acre to the aggregate product of our soil, beside doing much to stem and reverse the current
which now sets so strongly away from the plow and the scythe toward the counter and the
office. Trusting that your labors will be widely regarded and appreciated,
I remain yours truly,
HORACE GREELEY.
New York, June 23, 1854.

THE
ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURE:
 A Book for Young Farmers,
WITH QUESTIONS PREPARED FOR THE USE OF
SCHOOLS.

BY
 GEO. E. WARING, JR.,
CONSULTING AGRICULTURIST.

The effort to extend the dominion of man over nature is the most healthy and
most noble of all ambitions.—BACON.

NEW YORK:
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY,
346 & 348 BROADWAY.
M DCCC LIV.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by

GEO. E. WARING, JR.,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

TO
MY FRIEND AND TUTOR,

PROF. JAMES J. MAPES,

THE PIONEER OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE IN AMERICA,

This Book
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
BY HIS PUPIL,

THE AUTHOR.
 TO THE STUDENT.
This book is presented to you, not as a work of science, nor as a dry, chemical
treatise, but as a plain statement of the more simple operations by which nature
produces many results, so common to our observation, that we are thoughtless of
their origin. On these results depend the existence of man and the lower animals.
No man should be ignorant of their production.
In the early prosecution of the study, you will find, perhaps, nothing to relieve its
tediousness; but, when the foundation of agricultural knowledge is laid in your
mind so thoroughly that you know the character and use of every stone, then
may your thoughts build on it fabrics of such varied construction, and so varied
in their uses, that there will be opened to you a new world, even more wonderful
and more beautiful than the outward world, which exhibits itself to the senses.
Thus may you live two lives, each assisting in the enjoyment of the other.
But you may ask the practical use of this. "The world is made up of little
things," saith the proverb. So with the productive arts. The steam engine consists
of many parts, each part being itself composed of atoms too minute to be
detected by our observation. The earth itself, in all its solidity and life, consists
entirely of atoms too small to be perceived by the naked eye, each visible
particle being an aggregation of thousands of constituent elements. The crop of
wheat, which the farmer raises by his labor, and sells for money, is produced by
a combination of particles equally small. They are not mysteriously combined,
nor irregularly, but each atom is taken from its place of deposit, and carried to its
required location in the living plant, by laws as certain as those which regulate
the motion of the engine, or the revolutions of the earth.
It is the business of the practical farmer to put together these materials, with the
assistance of nature. He may learn her ways, assist her action, and succeed; or he
may remain ignorant of her operations, often counteract her beneficial
influences, and often fail.
A knowledge of the inner world of material things about us will produce
pleasure to the thoughtful, and profit to the practical.
 CONTENTS.

SECTION FIRST.
THE PLANT.

PAGE.
CHAPTER I.—Introduction, 11
" II.—Atmosphere, 15
" III. —Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen, 23
" IV.—Inorganic Matter, 29
" V. —Growth, 40
" VI. —Proximate division of Plants, 43
—Location of the Proximates, and variations in the
" VII. 52
Ashes of Plants,
" VIII.—Recapitulation, 56

SECTION SECOND.
THE SOIL.

CHAPTER I.—Formation and Character of the Soil, 65

" II.—Uses of Organic Matter, 77
" III. —Uses of Inorganic Matter, 84

SECTION THIRD.
MANURES.

CHAPTER I.—Character and varieties of Manure, 93

" II.—Excrements of Animals, 96
" III. —Waste of Manure, 101
 " IV.—Absorbents, 109
" V. —Composting Stable Manure, 118
" VI. —Different kinds of Animal Excrement, 126
" VII. —Other Organic Manures, 136
" VIII.—Mineral Manures, 149
—Deficiencies of Soils, means of Restoration,
" IX. 155
etc.,
" X. —Atmospheric Fertilizers, 197
" XI. —Recapitulation, 203

SECTION FOURTH.
MECHANICAL CULTIVATION.

CHAPTER I.—Mechanical Character of the Soil, 209

" II. —Under-draining, 211
" III. —Advantages of Under-draining, 217
" IV.—Sub-soil Plowing, 232
—Plowing and other modes of Pulverizing the
" V. 239
Soil,
" VI. —Rolling, Mulching, Weeding, etc., 245

SECTION FIFTH.
ANALYSIS.

CHAPTER I.—Nature of Analysis, 259

" II. —Tables of Analysis, 264

THE PRACTICAL FARMER, 279

EXPLANATION OF TERMS, 287

SECTION FIRST.
THE PLANT.
 CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION.

What is the object of cultivating the soil?

What is necessary in order to cultivate with economy?
Are plants created from nothing?

The object of cultivating the soil is to raise from it a crop of plants. In order to
cultivate with economy, we must raise the largest possible quantity with the
least expense, and without permanent injury to the soil.
Before this can be done we must study the character of plants, and learn their
exact composition. They are not created by a mysterious power, they are merely
made up of matters already in existence. They take up water containing food and
other matters, and discharge from their roots those substances that are not
required for their growth. It is necessary for us to know what kind of matter is
required as food for the plant, and where this is to be obtained, which we can
learn only through such means as shall separate the elements of which plants are
composed; in other words, we must take them apart, and examine the different
pieces of which they are formed.

What must we do to learn the composition of plants?

What takes place when vegetable matter is burned?
What do we call the two divisions produced by burning?
Where does organic matter originate? Inorganic?
How much of chemistry should farmers know?

If we burn any vegetable substance it disappears, except a small quantity of

earthy matter, which we call ashes. In this way we make an important division in
the constituents of plants. One portion dissipates into the atmosphere, and the
other remains as ashes.
That part which burns away during combustion is called organic matter; the
ashes are called inorganic matter. The organic matter has become air, and hence
we conclude that it was originally obtained from air. The inorganic matter has
become earth, and was obtained from the soil.
This knowledge can do us no good except by the assistance of chemistry, which
explains the properties of each part, and teaches us where it is to be found. It is
not necessary for farmers to become chemists. All that is required is, that they
should know enough of chemistry to understand the nature of the materials of
which their crops are composed, and how those materials are to be used to the
best advantage.
This amount of knowledge may be easily acquired, and should be possessed by
every person, old or young, whether actually engaged in the cultivation of the
soil or not. All are dependent on vegetable productions, not only for food, but for
every comfort and convenience of life. It is the object of this book to teach
children the first principles of agriculture: and it contains all that is absolutely
necessary to an understanding of the practical operations of cultivation, etc.

Is organic matter lost after combustion?

Of what does it consist?
How large a part of plants is carbon?

We will first examine the organic part of plants, or that which is driven away
during combustion or burning. This matter, though apparently lost, is only
changed in form.
It consists of one solid substance, carbon (or charcoal), and three gases, oxygen,
hydrogen and nitrogen. These four kinds of matter constitute nearly the whole of
most plants, the ashes forming often less than one part in one hundred of their
dry weight.

What do we mean by gas?

Does oxygen unite with other substances?
 Give some instances of its combinations

When wood is burned in a close vessel, or otherwise protected from the air, its
carbon becomes charcoal. All plants contain this substance, it forming usually
about one half of their dry weight. The remainder of their organic part consists of
the three gases named above. By the word gas, we mean air. Oxygen, hydrogen
and nitrogen, when pure, are always in the form of air. Oxygen has the power of
uniting with many substances, forming compounds which are different from
either of their constituents alone. Thus: oxygen unites with iron and forms oxide
of iron or iron-rust, which does not resemble the gray metallic iron nor the gas
oxygen; oxygen unites with carbon and forms carbonic acid, which is an
invisible gas, but not at all like pure oxygen; oxygen combines with hydrogen
and forms water. All of the water, ice, steam, etc., are composed of these two
gases. We know this because we can artificially decompose, or separate, all
water, and obtain as a result simply oxygen and hydrogen, or we can combine
these two gases and thus form pure water; oxygen combines with nitrogen and
forms nitric acid. These chemical changes and combinations take place only
under certain circumstances, which, so far as they affect agriculture, will be
considered in the following pages.
As the organic elements of plants are obtained from matters existing in the
atmosphere which surrounds our globe, we will examine its constitution.
 CHAPTER II.
ATMOSPHERE.

What is atmospheric air composed of?

In what proportions?
What is the use of nitrogen in air?
Does the atmosphere contain other matters useful to vegetation?
What are they?

Atmospheric air is composed of oxygen and nitrogen. Their proportions are, one
part of oxygen to four parts of nitrogen. Oxygen is the active agent in the
combustion, decay, and decomposition of organized bodies (those which have
possessed animal or vegetable life, that is, organic matter), and others also, in the
breathing of animals. Experiments have proved that if the atmosphere consisted
of pure oxygen every thing would be speedily destroyed, as the processes of
combustion and decay would be greatly accelerated, and animals would be so
stimulated that death would soon ensue. The use of the nitrogen in the air is to
dilute the oxygen, and thus reduce the intensity of its effect.
Besides these two great elements, the atmosphere contains certain impurities
which are of great importance to vegetable growth; these are, carbonic acid,
water, ammonia, etc.

CARBONIC ACID.

What is the source of the carbon of plants?

What is carbonic acid?
 What is its proportion in the atmosphere?
Where else is it found?
How does it enter the plant?
What are the offices of leaves?

Carbonic acid is in all probability the only source of the carbon of plants, and
consequently is of more importance to vegetation than any other single sort of
food. It is a gas, and is not, under natural circumstances, perceptible to our
senses. It constitutes about 1⁄2500 of the atmosphere, and is found in combination
with many substances in nature. Marble, limestone and chalk, are carbonate of
lime, or carbonic acid and lime in combination; and carbonate of magnesia is a
compound of carbonic acid and magnesia. This gas exists in combination with
many other mineral substances, and is contained in all water not recently boiled.
Its supply, though small, is sufficient for the purposes of vegetation. It enters the
plant in two ways—through the roots in the water which goes to form the sap,
and at the leaves, which absorb it from the air in the form of gas. The leaf of the
plant seems to have three offices: that of absorbing carbonic acid from the
atmosphere—that of assisting in the chemical preparation of the sap—and that of
evaporating its water. If we examine leaves with a microscope we shall find that
some have as many as 170,000 openings, or mouths, in a square inch; others
have a much less number. Usually, the pores on the under side of the leaf absorb
the carbonic acid. This absorptive power is illustrated when we apply the lower
side of a cabbage leaf to a wound, as it draws strongly—the other side of the leaf
has no such action. Young sprouts may have the power of absorbing and
decomposing carbonic acid.

What parts of roots absorb food?

How much of their carbon may plants receive through their
roots?
What change does carbonic acid undergo after entering the
plant?
In what parts of the plant, and under what influence, is carbonic
acid decomposed?

The roots of plants terminate at their ends in minute spongioles, or mouths for
the absorption of fluids containing nutriment. In these fluids there exist greater
or less quantities of carbonic acid, and a considerable amount of this gas enters
into the circulation of the plants and is carried to those parts where it is required
for decomposition. Plants, under favorable circumstances, may thus obtain about
one-third of their carbon.
Carbonic acid, it will be recollected, consists of carbon and oxygen, while it
supplies only carbon to the plant. It is therefore necessary that it be divided, or
decomposed, and that the carbon be retained while the oxygen is sent off again
into the atmosphere, to reperform its office of uniting with carbon. This
decomposition takes place in the green parts of plants and only under the
influence of daylight. It is not necessary that the sun shine directly on the leaf or
green shoot, but this causes a more rapid decomposition of carbonic acid, and
consequently we find that plants which are well exposed to the sun's rays make
the most rapid growth.

Explain the condition of different latitudes.

Does the proportion of carbonic acid in the atmosphere remain
about the same?

The fact that light is essential to vegetation explains the conditions of different
latitudes, which, so far as the assimilation of carbon is concerned, are much the
same. At the Equator the days are but about twelve hours long. Still, as the
growth of plants is extended over eight or nine months of the year, the duration
of daylight is sufficient for the requirements of a luxuriant vegetation. At the
Poles, on the contrary, the summer is but two or three months long; here,
however, it is daylight all summer, and plants from continual growth develop
themselves in that short time.
It will be recollected that carbonic acid constitutes but about 1⁄2500 of the air, yet,
although about one half of all the vegetable matter in the world is derived from
this source, as well as all of the carbon required by the growth of plants, its
proportion in the atmosphere is constantly about the same. In order that we may
understated this, it becomes necessary for us to consider the means by which it is
formed. Carbon, by the aid of fire, is made to unite with oxygen, and always
when bodies containing carbon are burnt with the presence of atmospheric air,
the oxygen of that air unites with the carbon, and forms carbonic acid. The same
occurs when bodies containing carbon decay, as this is simply a slower burning
and produces the same results. The respiration (or breathing) of animals is
simply the union of the carbon of the blood with the oxygen of the air drawn into
the lungs, and their breath, when thrown out, always contains carbonic acid.
From this we see that the reproduction of this gas is the direct effect of the
destruction of all organized bodies, whether by fire, decay, or consumption by
animals.

Explain some of the operations in which this reproduction takes

place.
How is it reproduced?

Furnaces are its wholesale manufactories. Every cottage fire is continually

producing a new supply, and the blue smoke issuing from the cottage-chimney,
as described by so many poets, possesses a new beauty, when we reflect that
besides indicating a cheerful fire on the hearth, it contains materials for making
food for the cottager's tables and new faggots for his fire. The wick of every
burning lamp draws up the carbon of the oil to be made into carbonic acid at the
flame. All matters in process of combustion, decay, fermentation, or
putrefaction, are returning to the atmosphere those constituents, which they
obtained from it. Every living animal, even to the smallest insect, by respiration,
spends its life in the production of this material necessary to the growth of
plants, and at death gives up its body in part for such formation by decay.
Thus we see that there is a continual change from the carbon of plants to air, and
from air back to plants, or through them to animals. As each dollar in gold that is
received into a country permanently increases its amount of circulating medium,
and each dollar sent out permanently decreases it until returned, so the carbonic
acid sent into the atmosphere by burning, decay, or respiration, becomes a
permanent stock of constantly changeable material, until it shall be locked up for
a time, as in a house which may last for centuries, or in an oak tree which may
stand for thousands of years. Still, at the decay of either of these, the carbon
which they contain must be again resolved into carbonic acid.

What are the coal-beds of Pennsylvania?

What are often found in them?

The coal-beds of Pennsylvania are mines of carbon once abstracted from the
atmosphere by plants. In these coal-beds are often found fern leaves, toads,
whole trees, and in short all forms of organized matter. These all existed as
living things before the great floods, and at the breaking away of the barriers of
the immense lakes, of which our present lakes were merely the deep holes in
their beds, they were washed away and deposited in masses so great as to take
fire from their chemical changes. It is by many supposed that this fire acting
throughout the entire mass (without the presence of air to supply oxygen except
on the surface) caused it to become melted carbon, and to flow around those
bodies which still retained their shapes, changing them to coal without
destroying their structures. This coal, so long as it retains its present form, is lost
to the vegetable kingdom, and each ton that is burned, by being changed into
carbonic acid, adds to the ability of the atmosphere to support an increased
amount of vegetation.

Explain the manner in which they become coal.

How does the burning of coal benefit vegetation?
Is carbon ever permanent in any of its forms?
What enables it to change its condition?

Thus we see that, in the provisions of nature, carbon, the grand basis, on which
all organized matter is founded, is never permanent in any of its forms. Oxygen
is the carrier which enables it to change its condition. For instance, let us
suppose that we have a certain quantity of charcoal; this is nearly pure carbon.
We ignite it, and it unites with the oxygen of the air, becomes carbonic acid, and
floats away into the atmosphere. The wind carries it through a forest, and the
leaves of the trees with their millions of mouths drink it in. By the assistance of
light it is decomposed, the oxygen is sent off to make more carbonic acid, and
the carbon is retained to form a part of the tree. So long as that tree exists in the
form of wood, the carbon will remain unaltered, but when the wood decays, or is
burned, it immediately takes the form of carbonic acid, and mingles with the
atmosphere ready to be again taken up by plants, and have its carbon deposited
in the form of vegetable matter.

Give an instance of such change.

How do plants and animals benefit each other?
Describe the experiment with the glass tube.

The blood of animals contains carbon derived from their food. This unites with
the oxygen of the air drawn into the lungs and forms carbonic acid. Without this
process, animals could not live. Thus, while by the natural operation of
breathing, they make carbonic acid for the uses of the vegetable world, plants, in
taking up carbon, throw off oxygen to keep up the life of animals. There is
perhaps no way in which we can better illustrate the changes of form in carbon
than by describing a simple experiment.
Take a glass tube filled with oxygen gas, and put in it a lump of charcoal, cork
the ends of the tube tightly, and pass through the corks the wires of an electrical
battery. By passing a stream of electrical fluid over the charcoal it may be
ignited, when it will burn with great brilliancy. In burning it is dissolved in the
oxygen forming carbonic acid, and disappears. It is no more lost, however, than
is the carbon of wood which is burned in a stove; although invisible, it is still in
the tube, and may be detected by careful weighing. A more satisfactory proof of
its presence may be obtained by decomposing the carbonic acid by drawing the
wires a short distance apart, and giving a spark of electricity. This immediately
separates the oxygen from the carbon which forms a dense black smoke in the
tube. By pushing the corks together we may obtain a wafer of charcoal of the
same weight as the piece introduced. In this experiment we have changed carbon
from its solid form to an invisible gas and back again to a solid, thus fully
representing the continual changes of this substance in the destruction of organic
matter and the growth of plants.
 CHAPTER III.
HYDROGEN, OXYGEN AND NITROGEN.

HYDROGEN AND OXYGEN.

What is water composed of?

If analyzed, what does it yield?
How do plants obtain their hydrogen and oxygen?

Let us now consider the three gases, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, which
constitute the remainder of the organic part of plants.
Hydrogen and oxygen compose water, which, if analyzed, yields simply these
two gases. Plants perform such analysis, and in this way are able to obtain a
sufficient supply of these materials, as their sap is composed chiefly of water.
Whenever vegetable matter is destroyed by burning, decay, or otherwise, its
hydrogen and oxygen unite and form water, which is parted with usually in the
form of an invisible vapor. The atmosphere of course contains greater or less
quantities of watery vapor arising from this cause and from the evaporation of
liquid water. This vapor condenses, forming rains, etc.
Hydrogen and oxygen are never taken into consideration in manuring lands, as
they are so readily obtained from the water constituting the sap of the plant, and
consequently should not occupy our attention in this book.

NITROGEN.
 If vegetable matter be destroyed, what becomes of these
constituents?
What is the remaining organic constituent?
Why is it worthy of close attention?
Do plants appropriate the nitrogen of the atmosphere?

Nitrogen, the only remaining organic constituent of vegetable matter, is for

many reasons worthy of close attention.
1. It is necessary to the growth and perfection of all cultivated plants.
2. It is necessary to the formation of animal muscle.
3. It is often deficient in the soil.
4. It is liable to be easily lost from manures.
Although about four fifths of atmospheric air are pure nitrogen, it is almost
certain that plants get no nutriment at all from this source. It is all obtained from
some of its compounds, chiefly from the one called ammonia. Nitric acid is also
a source from which plants may obtain nitrogen, though to the farmer of less
importance than ammonia.

AMMONIA.

What is the principal source from which they obtain nitrogen?

What is ammonia?
How is it formed?
Where does it always exist?
How do plants take up ammonia?

Ammonia is composed of nitrogen and hydrogen. It has a pungent smell and is

familiarly known as hartshorn. The same odor is perceptible around stables and
other places where animal matter is decomposing. All animal muscle, certain
parts of plants, and other organized substances, consist of compounds containing
nitrogen. When these compounds undergo combustion, or are in any manner
decomposed, the nitrogen which they contain usually unites with hydrogen, and
forms ammonia. In consequence of this the atmosphere always contains more or
less of this gas, arising from the decay, etc., which is continually going on all
over the world.
This ammonia in the atmosphere is the capital stock to which all plants, not
artificially manured, must look for their supply of nitrogen. As they can take up
ammonia only through their roots, we must discover some means by which it
may be conveyed from the atmosphere to the soil.

Does water absorb it?

What is spirits of hartshorn?
Why is this power of water important in agriculture?
What instance may be cited to prove this?

Water may be made to absorb many times its bulk of this gas, and water with
which it comes in contact will immediately take it up. Spirits of hartshorn is
merely water through which ammonia has been passed until it is saturated.[A]
This power of water has a direct application to agriculture, because the water
constituting rains, dews, &c., absorbs the ammonia which the decomposition of
nitrogenous matter had sent into the atmosphere, and we find that all rain, snow
and dew, contain ammonia. This fact may be chemically proved in various ways,
and is perceptible in the common operations of nature. Every person must have
noticed that when a summer's shower falls on the plants in a flower garden, they
commence their growth with fresh vigor while the blossoms become larger and
more richly colored. This effect cannot be produced by watering with spring
water, unless it be previously mixed with ammonia, in which case the result will
be the same.
Although ammonia is a gas and pervades the atmosphere, few, if any, plants can
take it up, as they do carbonic acid, through their leaves. It must all enter through
the roots in solution in the water which goes to form the sap. Although the
amount received from the atmosphere is of great importance, there are few cases
where artificial applications are not beneficial. The value of farm-yard and other
animal manures, depends chiefly on the ammonia which they yield on
decomposition. This subject, also the means for retaining in the soil the
ammoniacal parts of fertilizing matters, will be fully considered in the section on
manures.
 Can plants use more ammonia than is received from the
atmosphere?
On what does the value of animal manure chiefly depend?
What changes take place after ammonia enters the plant?
May the same atom of nitrogen perform many different offices?

After ammonia has entered the plant it may be decomposed, its hydrogen sent
off, and its nitrogen retained to answer the purposes of growth. The changes
which nitrogen undergoes, from plants to animals, or, by decomposition, to the
form of ammonia in the atmosphere, are as varied as those of carbon and the
constituents of water. The same little atom of nitrogen may one year form a part
of a plant, and the next become a constituent of an animal, or, with the
decomposed dead animal, may form a part of the soil. If the animal should fall
into the sea he may become food for fishes, and our atom of nitrogen may form a
part of a fish. That fish may be eaten by a larger one, or at death may become
food for the whale, through the marine insect, on which it feeds. After the
abstraction of the oil from the whale, the nitrogen may, by the putrefaction of his
remains, be united to hydrogen, form ammonia, and escape into the atmosphere.
From here it may be brought to the soil by rains, and enter into the composition
of a plant, from which, could its parts speak as it lies on our table, it could tell us
a wonderful tale of travels, and assure us that, after wandering about in all sorts
of places, it had returned to us the same little atom of nitrogen which we had
owned twenty years before, and which for thousands of years had been
continually going through its changes.

Is the same true of the other constituents of plants?

Is any atom of matter ever lost?

The same is true of any of the organic or inorganic constituents of plants. They
are performing their natural offices, or are lying in the earth, or floating in the
atmosphere, ready to be lent to any of their legitimate uses, sure again to be
returned to their starting point.
Thus no atom of matter is ever lost. It may change its place, but it remains for
ever as a part of the capital of nature.
 FOOTNOTES:
[A] By saturated, we mean that it contains all that it is capable of holding.
 CHAPTER IV.
INORGANIC MATTER.

What are ashes called?

How many kinds of matter are there in the ashes of plants?
Into what three classes may they be divided?
What takes place when alkalies and acids are brought together?

We will now examine the ashes left after burning vegetable substances. This we
have called inorganic matter, and it is obtained from the soil. Organic matter,
although forming so large a part of the plant, we have seen to consist of four
different substances. The inorganic portion, on the contrary, although forming so
small a part, consists of no less than nine or ten different kinds of matter.[B]
These we will consider in order. In their relations to agriculture they may be
divided into three classes—alkalies, acids, and neutrals.[C]

Is the character of a compound the same as that of its

constituents?
Give an instance of this.
Do neutrals combine with other substances?
Name the four alkalies found in the ashes of plants.

Alkalies and acids are of opposite properties, and when brought together they
unite and neutralize each other, forming compounds which are neither alkaline
nor acid in their character. Thus, carbonic acid (a gas,) unites with lime—a
burning, caustic substance—and forms marble, which is a hard tasteless stone.
Alkalies and acids are characterized by their desire to unite with each other, and
the compounds thus formed have many and various properties, so that the
characters of the constituents give no indication of the character of the
compound. For instance, lime causes the gases of animal manure to escape,
while sulphate of lime (a compound of sulphuric acid and lime) produces an
opposite effect, and prevents their escape.
The substances coming under the signification of neutrals, are less affected by
the laws of combination, still they often combine feebly with other substances,
and some of the resultant compounds are of great importance to agriculture.

ALKALIES.

The alkalies which are found in the ashes of plants are four in number; they are
potash, soda, lime and magnesia.

POTASH.

How may we obtain potash from ashes?

What are some of its agricultural uses?

When we pour water over wood ashes it dissolves the potash which they contain,
and carries it through in solution. This solution is called ley, and if it be boiled to
dryness it leaves a solid substance from which pure potash may be made. Potash
left exposed to the air absorbs carbonic acid and becomes carbonate of potash, or
pearlash; if another atom of carbonic acid be added, it becomes super-carbonate
of potash, or salæratus. Potash has many uses in agriculture.
1. It forms a constituent of nearly all plants.
2. It unites with silica (a neutral), and forms a compound which water can
dissolve and carry into the roots of plants; thus supplying them with an
ingredient which gives them much of their strength.[D]
3. It is a strong agent in the decomposition of vegetable matter, and is thus of
much importance in preparing manures.
4. It roughens the smooth round particles of sandy soils, and prevents their
compacting, as they are often liable to do.
5. It is also of use in killing certain kinds of insects, and, when artificially
applied, in smoothing the bark of fruit trees.
The source from which this and the other inorganic matters required are to be
obtained, will be fully considered in the section on manures.

SODA.

Where is soda found most largely?

What is Glauber's salts?
What is washing soda?
What are some of the uses of lime?

Soda, one of the alkalies contained in the ashes of plants, is very much the same
as potash in its agricultural character. Its uses are the same as those of potash—
before enumerated. Soda exists very largely in nature, as it forms an important
part of common salt, whether in the ocean or in those inland deposits known as
rock salt. When combined with sulphuric acid it forms sulphate of soda or
Glauber's salts. In combination with carbonic acid, as carbonate of soda, it forms
the common washing soda of the shops. It is often necessary to render soils
fertile.

LIME.

Lime is in many ways important in agriculture:

1. It is a constituent of plants and animals.
2. It assists in the decomposition of vegetable matter in the soil.

3. It corrects the acidity[E] of sour soils.

4. As chloride or sulphate of lime it is a good absorbent of fertilizing gases.

How is caustic lime made?

How much carbonic acid is thus liberated?
 How does man resemble Sinbad the sailor?

In nature it usually exists in the form of carbonate of lime: that is, as marble,
limestone, and chalk—these all being of the same composition. In manufacturing
caustic (or quick) lime, it is customary to burn the carbonate of lime in a kiln; by
this means the carbonic acid is thrown off into the atmosphere and the lime
remains in a pure or caustic state. A French chemist states that every cubic yard
of limestone that is burned, throws off ten thousand cubic yards of carbonic acid,
which may be used by plants. This reminds us of the story of Sinbad the sailor,
where we read of the immense genie who came out of a very small box by the
sea-shore, much to the surprise of Sinbad, who could not believe his eyes, until
the genie changed himself into a cloud of smoke and went into the box again.
Sinbad fastened the lid, and the genie must have remained there until the box
was destroyed.
Now man is very much like Sinbad, he lets the carbonic acid out from the
limestone (when it expands and becomes a gas); and then he raises a crop, the
leaves of which drink it in and pack the carbon away in a very small compass as
vegetable matter. Here it must remain until the plant is destroyed, when it
becomes carbonic acid again, and occupies just as much space as ever.
The burning of limestone is a very prolific source of carbonic acid.

MAGNESIA.

What do you know about magnesia?

What is phosphoric acid composed of?
With what substance does it form its most important compound?

Magnesia is the remaining alkali of vegetable ashes. It is well known as a

medicine, both in the form of calcined magnesia, and, when mixed with
sulphuric acid, as epsom salts.
Magnesia is necessary to nearly all plants, but too much of it is poisonous, and it
should be used with much care, as many soils already contain a sufficient
quantity. It is often found in limestone rocks (that class called dolomites), and the
injurious effects of some kinds of lime, as well as the barrenness of soils made
from dolomites, may be attributed entirely to the fact that they contain too much
magnesia.

ACIDS.

PHOSPHORIC ACID.

Phosphoric acid.—This subject is one of the greatest interest to the farmer.

Phosphoric acid is composed of phosphorus and oxygen. The end of a loco-foco
match contains phosphorus, and when it is lighted it unites with the oxygen of
the atmosphere and forms phosphoric acid; this constitutes the white smoke
which is seen for a moment before the sulphur commences burning. Being an
acid, this substance has the power of combining with any of the alkalies. Its most
important compound is with lime.

Will soils, deficient in phosphate of lime, produce good crops?

From what source do plants obtain their phosphorus?

Phosphate of lime forms about 65 per cent. of the dry weight of the bones of all
animals, and it is all derived from the soil through the medium of plants. As
plants are intended as food for animals, nature has provided that they shall not
attain their perfection without taking up a supply of phosphate of lime as well as
of the other earthy matters; consequently, there are many soils which will not
produce good crops, simply because they are deficient in phosphate of lime. It is
one of the most important ingredients of manures, and its value is dependent on
certain conditions which will be hereafter explained.
Another use of phosphoric acid in the plant is to supply it with a small amount of
phosphorus, which seems to be required in the formation of the seed.

SULPHURIC ACID.

What is sulphuric acid composed of?

What is plaster?
 What is silica?
Why is it necessary to the growth of plants?
What compounds does it form with alkalies?

Sulphuric acid is important to vegetation and is often needed to render soils

fertile. It is composed of sulphur and oxygen, and is made for manufacturing
purposes, by burning sulphur. With lime it forms sulphate of lime, which is
gypsum or 'plaster.' In this form it is often found in nature, and is generally used
in agriculture. Other important methods for supplying sulphuric acid will be
described hereafter. It gives to the plant a small portion of sulphur, which is
necessary to the formation of some of its parts.

NEUTRALS.

SILICA.

How can you prove its existence in corn stalks?

What instance does Liebig give to show its existence in grass?
How do we supply silicates?
Why does grain lodge?
What is the most important compound of chlorine?

This is sand, the base of flint. It is necessary for the growth of all plants, as it
gives them much of their strength. In connection with an alkali it constitutes the
hard shining surface of corn stalks, straw, etc. Silica unites with the alkalies and
forms compounds, such as silicate of potash, silicate of soda, etc., which are
soluble in water, and therefore available to plants. If we roughen a corn stalk
with sand-paper we may sharpen a knife upon it. This is owing to the hard
particles of silica which it contains. Window glass is silicate of potash, rendered
insoluble by additions of arsenic and litharge.
Liebig tells us that some persons discovered, between Manheim and Heidelberg
in Germany, a mass of melted glass where a hay-stack had been struck by
lightning. They supposed it to be a meteor, but chemical analysis showed that it
was only the compound of silica and potash which served to strengthen the
grass.
There is always enough silica in the soil, but it is often necessary to add an alkali
to render it available. When grain, etc., lodge or fall down from their own
weight, it is altogether probable that they are unable to obtain from the soil a
sufficient supply of the soluble silicates, and some form of alkali should be
added to the soil to unite with the sand and render it soluble.

CHLORINE.

Of what use is chloride of lime?

What is oxide of iron?
What is the difference between the peroxide and the protoxide
of iron?

Chlorine is an important ingredient of vegetable ashes, and is often required to

restore the balance to the soil. It is not found alone in nature, but is always in
combination with other substances. Its most important compound is with
sodium, forming chloride of sodium (or common salt). Sodium is the base of
soda, and common salt is usually the best source from which to obtain both soda
and chlorine. Chlorine unites with lime and forms chloride of lime, which is
much used to absorb the unpleasant odors of decaying matters, and in this
character it is of use in the treatment of manures.

OXIDE OF IRON.

Oxide of iron, one of the constituents of ashes, is common iron rust. Iron itself is
naturally of a grayish color, but when exposed to the atmosphere, it readily
absorbs oxygen and forms a reddish compound. It is in this form that it usually
exists in nature, and many soils as well as the red sandstones are colored by it. It
is seldom, if ever, necessary to apply this as a manure, there being usually
enough of it in the soil.
This red oxide of iron, of which we have been speaking, is called by chemists
the peroxide. There is another compound which contains less oxygen than this,
and is called the protoxide of iron, which is poisonous to plants. When it exists in
the soil it is necessary to use such means of cultivation as shall expose it to the
atmosphere and allow it to take up more oxygen and become the peroxide. The
black scales which fly from hot iron when struck by the blacksmith's hammer are
protoxide of iron.
The peroxide of iron is a very good absorbent of ammonia, and consequently, as
will be hereafter described, adds to the fertility of the soil.

What can you say of the oxide of manganese?

How do you classify the inorganic constituents?

OXIDE OF MANGANESE, though often found in small quantities in the ashes of

cultivated plants, cannot be considered indispensable.
Having now examined all of the materials from which the ashes of plants are
formed,[F] we are enabled to classify them in a simple manner, so that they may
be recollected. They are as follows:—
ALKALIES. ACIDS. NEUTRALS.
Sulphuric
Potash. Silica.
acid.
Soda. Phosphoric " Chlorine.
Lime. Oxide of Iron.
Magnesia. " Manganese.

FOOTNOTES:
[B] Bromine, iodine, etc., are sometimes detected in particular plants, but need not
occupy the attention of the farmer.
[C] This classification is not strictly scientific, but it is one which the learner will find
it well to adopt. These bodies are called neutrals because they have no decided
alkaline or acid character.
[D] In some soils the fluorides undoubtedly supply plants with soluble silicates, as
fluoric acid has the power of dissolving silica. Thus, in Derbyshire (England), where
the soil is supplied with fluoric acid, grain is said never to lodge.
[E] Sourness.
[F] There is reason to suppose that alumina is an essential constituent of many plants.
 CHAPTER V.
GROWTH.

Of what does a perfect young plant consist?

How must the food of plants be supplied?
Can carbon and earthy matter be taken up at separate stages of
growth, or must they both be supplied at once?

Having examined the materials of which plants are made, it becomes necessary
to discover how they are put together in the process of growth. Let us therefore
suppose a young wheat-plant for instance to be in condition to commence
independent growth.
It consists of roots which are located in the soil; leaves which are spread in the
air, and a stem which connects the roots and leaves. This stem contains sap
vessels (or tubes) which extend from the ends of the roots to the surfaces of the
leaves, thus affording a passage for the sap, and consequently allowing the
matters taken up to be distributed throughout the plant.

What seems to be nature's law with regard to this?

What is the similarity between making a cart and raising a crop?
In the growth of a young plant, what operations take place about
the same time?

It is necessary that the materials of which plants are made should be supplied in
certain proportions, and at the same time. For instance, carbon could not be
taken up in large quantities by the leaves, unless the roots, at the same time, were
receiving from the soil those mineral matters which are necessary to growth. On
the other hand, no considerable amount of earthy matter could be appropriated
by the roots unless the leaves were obtaining carbon from the air. This same rule
holds true with regard to all of the constituents required; Nature seeming to have
made it a law that if one of the important ingredients of the plant is absent, the
others, though they may be present in sufficient quantities, cannot be used. Thus,
if the soil is deficient in potash, and still has sufficient quantities of all of the
other ingredients, the plant cannot take up these ingredients, because potash is
necessary to its life.
If a farmer wishes to make a cart he prepares his wood and iron, gets them all in
the proper condition, and then can very readily put them together. But if he has
all of the wood necessary and no iron, he cannot make his cart, because bolts,
nails and screws are required, and their place cannot be supplied by boards. This
serves to illustrate the fact that in raising plants we must give them every thing
that they require, or they will not grow at all.
In the case of our young plant the following operations are going on at about the
same time.
The leaves are absorbing carbonic acid from the atmosphere, and the roots are
drinking in water from the soil.

What becomes of the carbonic acid?

How is the sap disposed of?
What does it contain?
How does the plant obtain its carbon?
Its oxygen and hydrogen?
Its nitrogen?
Its inorganic matter?

Under the influence of daylight, the carbonic acid is decomposed; its oxygen
returned to the atmosphere, and its carbon retained in the plant.
The water taken in by the roots circulates through the sap vessels of the plant,
and, from various causes, is drawn up towards the leaves where it is evaporated.
This water contains the nitrogen and the inorganic matter required by the plant
and some carbonic acid, while the water itself consists of hydrogen and oxygen.
Thus we see that the plant obtains its food in the following manner:—
 In the form of carbonic acid from the atmosphere, and from that
CARBON. —
contained in the sap, the oxygen being returned to the air.
OXYGEN &
— From the elements of the water constituting the sap.
HYDROGEN.
From the soil (chiefly in form of ammonia). It is carried into the
NITROGEN. —
plant through the roots in solution in water.
INORGANIC
— From the soil, and only in solution in water.
MATTER.

What changes does the food taken up by the plant undergo?

Many of the chemical changes which take place in the interior of the plant are
well understood, but they require too much knowledge of chemistry to be easily
comprehended by the young learner, and it is not absolutely essential that they
should be understood by the scholar who is merely learning the elements of the
science.
It is sufficient to say that the food taken up by the plant undergoes such changes
as are required for its growth; as in animals, where the food taken into the
stomach, is digested, and formed into bone, muscle, fat, hair, etc., so in the plant
the nutritive portions of the sap are resolved into wood, bark, grain, or some
other necessary part.
The results of these changes are of the greatest importance in agriculture, and no
person can call himself a practical farmer who does not thoroughly understand
them.
 CHAPTER VI.
PROXIMATE DIVISION OF PLANTS, ETC.

We have hitherto examined what is called the ultimate division of plants. That is,
we have looked at each one of the elements separately, and considered its use in
vegetable growth.

Of what do wood, starch and the other vegetable compounds

chiefly consist?
Are their small ashy parts important?
What are these compounds called?
Into how many classes may proximate principles be divided?
Of what do the first class consist? The second?
What vegetable compounds do the first class comprise?

We will now examine another division of plants, called their proximate division.
We know that plants consist of various substances, such as wood, gum, starch,
oil, etc., and on examination we shall discover that these substances are
composed of the various organic and inorganic ingredients described in the
preceding chapters. They are made up almost entirely of organic matter, but their
ashy parts, though very small, are (as we shall soon see) sometimes of great
importance.
These compounds are called proximate principles,[G] or vegetable proximates.
They may be divided into two classes.
The first class are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
The second class contain the same substances and nitrogen.
 Are these substances of about the same composition?
Can they be artificially changed from one to another?
Give an instance of this.
Is the ease with which these changes take place important?
From what may the first class of proximates be formed?

The first class (those compounds not containing nitrogen) comprise the wood,
starch, gum, sugar, and fatty matter which constitute the greater part of all plants,
also the acids which are found in sour fruits, etc. Various as are all of these
things in their characters, they are entirely composed of the same ingredients
(carbon, hydrogen and oxygen), and usually combined in about the same
proportion. There may be a slight difference in the composition of their ashes,
but the organic part is much the same in every case, so much so, that they can
often be artificially changed from one to the other.
As an instance of this, it may be recollected by those who attended the Fair of
the American Institute, in 1834, that Prof. Mapes exhibited samples of excellent
sugar made from the juice of the cornstalk, starch, linen, and woody fibre.
The ease with which these proximates may be changed from one to the other is
their most important agricultural feature, and should be clearly understood
before proceeding farther. It is one of the fundamental principles on which the
growth of both vegetables depends.
The proximates of the first class constitute usually the greater part of all plants,
and they are readily formed from the carbonic acid and water which in nature are
so plentifully supplied.

Why are those of the second class particularly important to

farmers?
What is the general name under which they are known?
What is the protein of wheat called?
Why is flour containing much gluten preferred by bakers?
Can protein be formed without nitrogen?
If plants were allowed to complete their growth without a supply
of this ingredient, what would be the result?
The second class of proximates, though forming only a small part of the plant,
are of the greatest importance to the farmer, being the ones from which animal
muscle[H] is made. They consist, as will be recollected, of carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen and nitrogen, or of all of the organic elements of plants. They are all of
much the same character, though each kind of plant has its peculiar form of this
substance, which is known under the general name of protein.
The protein of wheat is called gluten—that of Indian corn is zein—that of beans
and peas is legumin. In other plants the protein substances are vegetable
albumen, casein, etc.
Gluten absorbs large quantities of water, which causes it to swell to a great size,
and become full of holes. Flour which contains much gluten, makes light, porous
bread, and is preferred by bakers, because it absorbs so large an amount of water.

What is the result if a field be deficient in nitrogen?

The protein substances are necessary to animal and vegetable life, and none of
our cultivated plants will attain maturity (complete their growth), unless allowed
the materials required for forming this constituent. To furnish this condition is
the object of nitrogen given to plants as manure. If no nitrogen is supplied the
protein substances cannot be formed, and the plant must cease to grow.
When on the contrary ammonia is given to the soil (by rains or otherwise), it
furnishes nitrogen, while the carbonic acid and water yield the other constituents
of protein, and a healthy growth continues, provided that the soil contains the
mineral matters required in the formation of the ash, in a condition to be useful.
The wisdom of this provision is evident when we recollect that the protein
substances are necessary to the formation of muscle in animals, for if plants were
allowed to complete their growth without a supply of this ingredient, our grain
and hay might not be sufficiently well supplied with it to keep our oxen and
horses in working condition, while under the existing law plants must be of
nearly a uniform quality (in this respect), and if a field is short of nitrogen, its
crop will not be large, and of a very poor quality, but the soil will produce good
plants as long as the nitrogen lasts, and then the growth must cease.[I]

ANIMALS.
That this principle may be clearly understood, it may be well to explain more
fully the application of the proximate constituents of plants in feeding animals.

Of what are the bodies of animals composed?

What is the office of vegetation?
What part of the animal is formed from the first class of
proximates?
From the second?
Which contains the largest portions of inorganic matter, plants or
animals?
Must animals have a variety of food, and why?

Animals are composed (like plants) of organic and inorganic matter, and every
thing necessary to build them up exists in plants. It seems to be the office of the
vegetable world to prepare the gases in the atmosphere, and the minerals in the
earth for the uses of animal life, and to effect this plants put these gases and
minerals together in the form of the various proximates (or compound
substances) which we have just described.
In animals the compounds containing no nitrogen comprise the fatty substances,
parts of the blood, etc., while the protein compound, or those which do contain
nitrogen, form the muscle, a part of the bones, the hair, and other portions of the
animal.
Animals contain a larger proportion of inorganic matter than plants do. Bones
contain a large quantity of phosphate of lime, and we find other inorganic
materials performing important offices in the system.
In order that animals may be perfectly developed, they must of course receive as
food all of the materials required to form their bodies. They cannot live if fed
entirely on one ingredient. Thus, if starch alone be eaten by the animal, he might
become fat, but his strength would soon fail, because his food contains nothing
to keep up the vigor of his muscles. If on the contrary the food of an animal
consisted entirely of gluten, he might be very strong from a superior
development of muscle, but would not be fat. Hence we see that in order to keep
up the proper proportion of both fat and muscle in our animals (or in ourselves),
the food must be such as contains a proper proportion of the two kinds of
proximates.
 Why is grain good for food?
On what does the value of flour depend?
Is there any relation between the ashy part of plants and those of
animals?
How may we account for unhealthy bones and teeth?

It is for this reason that grain, such as wheat for instance, is so good for food. It
contains both classes of proximates, and furnishes material for the formation of
both fat and muscle. The value of flour depends very much on the manner in
which it is manufactured. This will be soon explained.

What is a probable cause of consumption?

What is an important use of the first class of proximates?
What may lungs be called?
Explain the production of heat during decomposition.
Why is the heat produced by decay not perceptible?

Apart from the relations between the proximate principles of plants, and those of
animals, there exists an important relation between their ashy or inorganic parts;
and, food in order to satisfy the demands of animal life, must contain the mineral
matter required for the purposes of that life. Take bones for instance. If
phosphate of lime is not always supplied in sufficient quantities by food, animals
are prevented from the formation of healthy bones. This is particularly to be
noticed in teeth. Where food is deficient of phosphate of lime, we see poor teeth
as a result. Some physicians have supposed that one of the causes of
consumption is the deficiency of phosphate of lime in food.

Why is the heat produced by combustion apparent?

Explain the production of heat in the lungs of animals?
Why does exercise augment the animal heat?
Under what circumstances is the animal's own fat used in the
production of heat?

The first class of proximates (starch, sugar, gum, etc.), perform an important
office in the animal economy aside from their use in making fat. They constitute
the fuel which supplies the animal's fire, and gives him his heat. The lungs of
men and other animals may be called delicate stoves, which supply the whole
body with heat. But let us explain this matter more fully. If wood, starch, gum, or
sugar, be burned in a stove, they produce heat. These substances consist, as will
be recollected, of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and when they are destroyed in
any way (provided they be exposed to the atmosphere), the hydrogen and
oxygen unite and form water, and the carbon unites with the oxygen of the air
and forms carbonic acid, as was explained in a preceding chapter. This process is
always accompanied by the liberation of heat, and the intensity of this heat
depends on the time occupied in its production. In the case of decay, the
chemical changes take place so slowly that the heat, being conducted away as
soon as formed, is not perceptible to our senses. In combustion (or burning) the
same changes take place with much greater rapidity, and the same amount of
heat being concentrated, or brought out in a far shorter time, it becomes intense,
and therefore apparent. In the lungs of animals the same law holds true. The
blood contains matters belonging to this carbonaceous class, and they undergo in
the lungs the changes which have been described under the head of combustion
and decay. Their hydrogen and oxygen unite, and form the moisture of the
breath, while their carbon is combined with the oxygen of the air drawn into the
lungs, and is thrown out as carbonic acid. The same consequence—heat—results
in this, as in the other cases, and this heat is produced with sufficient rapidity for
the animal necessities. When an animal exercises violently, his blood circulates
with increased rapidity, thus carrying carbon more rapidly to the lungs. The
breath also becomes quicker, thus supplying increased quantities of oxygen. In
this way the decomposition becomes more rapid, and the animal is heated in
proportion.
Thus we see that food has another function besides that of forming animal
matter, namely to supply heat. When the food does not contain a sufficient
quantity of starch, sugar, etc., to answer the demands of the system the animal's
own fat is carried to the lungs, and there used in the production of heat. This
important fact will be referred to again.

FOOTNOTES:
[G] By proximate principle, we mean that combination of vegetable elements which
is known as a vegetable product, such as wood, etc.
[H] Muscle is lean meat, it gives to animals their strength and ability to perform labor.
[I] This, of course, supposes that the soil is fertile in other respects.
 CHAPTER VII.
LOCATION OF THE PROXIMATES AND VARIATIONS IN
THE ASHES OF PLANTS.

Of what proximate are plants chiefly composed?

What is the principal constituent of the potato root?
Of the carrot and turnip?
What part of the plant contains usually the most nutriment?

Let us now examine plants with a view to learning the location of the various
plants.
The stem or trunk of the plant or tree consists almost entirely of woody fibre; this
also forms a large portion of the other parts except the seeds, and, in some
instances, the roots. The roots of the potato contain large quantities of starch.
Other roots such as the carrot and turnip contain pectic acid,[J] a nutritious
substance resembling starch.
It is in the seed however that the more nutritive portions of most plants exist, and
here they maintain certain relative positions which it is well to understand, and
which can be best explained by reference to the following figures, as described
by Prof. Johnston:—
Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
"Thus a shows the position of the oil in the outer part of the seed—it exists in
minute drops, inclosed in six-sided cells, which consists chiefly of gluten; b, the
position and comparative quantity of the starch, which in the heart of the seed is
mixed with only a small proportion of gluten; c, the germ or chit which contains
much gluten."[K]

Is the composition of the inorganic matter of different parts of

the plant the same, or different?
What is the difference between the ash of the straw and that of
the grain of wheat?

The location of the inorganic part of plants is one of much interest, and shows
the adaptation of each part to its particular use. Take a wheat plant, for instance
—the stalk, the leaf, and the grain, show in their ashes, important difference of
composition. The stalk or straw contains three or four times as large a proportion
of ash as the grain, and a no less remarkable difference of composition may be
noticed in the ashes of the two parts. In that of the straw, we find a large
proportion of silica and scarcely any phosphoric acid, while in that of the grain
there is scarcely a trace of silica, although phosphoric acid constitutes more than
one half of the entire weight. The leaves contain a considerable quantity of lime.

What is the reason for this difference?

In what part of the grain does phosphoric acid exist most
largely?

This may at first seem an unimportant matter, but on examination we shall see
the use of it. The straw is intended to support the grain and leaves, and to convey
the sap from the roots to the upper portions of the plant. To perform these
offices, strength is required, and this is given by the silica, and the woody fibre
which forms so large a proportion of the stalk. The silica is combined with an
alkali, and constitutes the glassy coating of the straw. While the plant is young,
this coating is hardly apparent, but as it grows older, as the grain becomes
heavier, (verging towards ripeness), the silicious coating of the stalk assumes a
more prominent character, and gives to the straw sufficient strength to support
the golden head. The straw is not the most important part of the plant as food,
and therefore requires but little phosphoric acid.

Why is Graham flour more wholesome than fine flour?

Are the ashes of all plants the same in their composition?
The grain, on the contrary, is especially intended as food, and therefore must
contain a large proportion of phosphoric acid—this being, as we have already
learned, necessary to the formation of bone—while, as it has no necessity for
strength, and as silica is not needed by animals, this ingredient exists in the grain
only in a very small proportion. It may be well to observe that the phosphoric
acid of grain exists most largely in the hard portions near the shell, or bran. This
is one of the reasons why Graham flour is more wholesome than fine flour. It
contains all of the nutritive materials which render the grain valuable as food,
while flour which is very finely bolted[L] contains only a small part of the outer
portions of the grain (where the phosphoric acid, protein and fatty matters exist
most largely). The starchy matter in the interior of the grain, which is the least
capable of giving strength to the animal, is carefully separated, and used as food
for man, while the better portions, not being ground so finely, are rejected. This
one thing alone may be sufficient to account for the fact, that the lives of men
have become shorter and less blessed with health and strength, than they were in
the good old days when a stone mortar and a coarse sieve made a respectable
flour mill.
Another important fact concerning the ashes of plants is the difference of their
composition in different plants. Thus, the most prominent ingredient in the ash
of the potato is potash; of wheat and other grains, phosphoric acid; of meadow
hay, silica; of clover, lime; of beans, potash, etc. In grain, potash (or soda), etc.,
are among the important ingredients.

Of what advantage are these differences to the farmer?

Of what are plants composed?

These differences are of great importance to the practical farmer, as by

understanding what kind of plants use the most of one ingredient, and what kind
requires another in large proportion, he can regulate his crops so as to prevent his
soil from being exhausted more in one ingredient than in the others, and can also
manure his land with reference to the crop which he intends to grow. The tables
of analyses in the fifth section will point out these differences accurately.

FOOTNOTES:
[J] This pectic acid gelatinizes food in the stomach, and thus renders it more
digestible.
[K] See Johnston's Elements, page 41.
[L] Sifted through a fine cloth called a bolting cloth.
 CHAPTER VIII.
RECAPITULATION.

We have now learned as much about the plant as is required for our immediate
uses, and we will carefully reconsider the various points with a view to fixing
them permanently in the mind.
Plants are composed of organic and inorganic matter.
 What is organic matter? Inorganic?
Of what does organic matter consist? Inorganic?
How do plants obtain their organic food?
How their inorganic?
How is ammonia supplied? Carbonic acid?

Organic matter is that which burns away in the fire. Inorganic matter is the ash
left after burning.
The organic matter of plants consists of three gases, oxygen, hydrogen and
nitrogen, and one solid substance carbon (or charcoal). The inorganic matter of
plants consists of potash, soda, lime, magnesia, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid,
chlorine, silica, oxide of iron, and oxide of manganese.
Plants obtain their organic food as follows:—Oxygen and hydrogen from water,
nitrogen from some compound containing nitrogen (chiefly from ammonia), and
carbon from the atmosphere where it exists as carbonic acid—a gas.
They obtain their inorganic food from the soil.
The water which supplies oxygen and hydrogen to plants is readily obtained
without the assistance of manures.
Ammonia is obtained from the atmosphere, by being absorbed by rain and
carried into the soil, and it enters plants through their roots. It may be artificially
supplied in the form of animal manure with profit.
Carbonic acid is absorbed from the atmosphere by leaves, and decomposed in
the green parts of plants under the influence of daylight; the carbon is retained,
and the oxygen is returned to the atmosphere.

When plants are destroyed by combustion or decay, what

becomes of their constituents?
How does the inorganic matter enter the plant?
Are the alkalies soluble in their pure forms?
Which one of them is injurious when too largely present?
How may sulphuric acid be supplied?
 Is phosphoric acid important?
How must silica be treated?
From what source may we obtain chlorine?

When plants are destroyed by decay, or burning, their organic constituents pass
away as water, ammonia, carbonic acid, etc., ready again to be taken up by other
plants.
The inorganic matters in the soil can enter the plant only when dissolved in
water. Potash, soda, lime, and magnesia, are soluble in their pure forms.
Magnesia is injurious when present in too large quantities.
Sulphuric acid is often necessary as a manure, and is usually most available in
the form of sulphate of lime or plaster. It is also valuable in its pure form to
prevent the escape of ammonia from composts.
Phosphoric acid is highly important, from its frequent deficiency in worn-out
soils. It is available only under certain conditions which will be described in the
section on manures.
Silica is the base of common sand, and must be united to an alkali before it can
be used by the plant, because it is insoluble except when so united.
Chlorine is a constituent of common salt (chloride of sodium), and from this
source may be obtained in sufficient quantities for manurial purposes.

What is the difference between peroxide and protoxide of iron?

How must the food of plants be supplied?
What takes place after it enters the plant?
What name is given to the compounds thus formed?
How are proximates divided?
Which class constitutes the largest part of the plant?
Of what are animals composed, and how do they obtain the
materials from which to form their growth?

Oxide of iron is iron rust. There are two oxides of iron, the peroxide (red) and the
protoxide (black). The former is a fertilizer, and the latter poisons plants.
Oxide of manganese is often absent from the ashes of our cultivated plants.
The food of plants, both organic and inorganic, must be supplied in certain
proportions, and at the time when it is required. In the plant, this food undergoes
such chemical changes as are necessary to growth.
The compounds formed by these chemical combinations are called proximates.
Proximates are of two classes, those not containing nitrogen, and those which do
contain it.
The first class constitute nearly the whole plant.
The second class, although small in quantity, are of the greatest importance to
the farmer, as from them all animal muscle is made.
Animals, like plants, are composed of both organic and inorganic matter, and
their bodies are obtained directly or indirectly from plants.

What parts of the animal belong to the first class of proximates?

What to the second?
What is necessary to the perfect development of animals?
Why are seeds valuable for working animals?
What other important use, in animal economy, have proximates
of the first class?
Under what circumstances is animal fat decomposed?

The first class of proximates in animals comprise the fat, and like tissues.
The second class form the muscle, hair, gelatine of the bones, etc.
In order that they may be perfectly developed, animals must eat both classes of
proximates, and in the proportions required by their natures.
They require the phosphate of lime and other inorganic food which exist in
plants.
Seeds are the best adapted to the uses of working animals, because they are rich
in all kinds of food required.
Aside from their use in the formation of fat, proximates of the first class are
employed in the lungs, as fuel to keep up animal heat, which is produced (as in
fire and decay) by the decomposition of these substances.
When the food is insufficient for the purposes of heat, the animal's own fat is
decomposed, and carried to the lungs as fuel.
The stems, roots, branches, etc., of most plants consist principally of woody
fibre.
Their seeds, and sometimes their roots, contain considerable quantities of starch.

Name the parts of the plant in which the different proximates

exist.
State what you know about flour.
Do we know that different plants have ashes of different
composition?

The protein and the oils of most plants exist most largely in the seeds.
The location of the proximates, as well as of the inorganic parts of the plant,
show a remarkable reference to the purposes of growth, and to the wants of the
animal world, as is noticed in the difference between the construction of the
straw and that of the kernel of wheat.
The reason why the fine flour now made is not so healthfully nutritious as that
which contained more of the coarse portions, is that it is robbed of a large
proportion of protein and phosphate of lime, while it contains an undue amount
of starch, which is available only to form fat, and to supply fuel to the lungs.
Different plants have ashes of different composition. Thus—one may take from
the soil large quantities of potash, another of phosphoric acid, and another of
lime.
By understanding these differences, we shall be able so to regulate our rotations,
that the soil may not be called on to supply more of one ingredient than of
another, and thus it may be kept in balance.

How are farmers to be benefited by such knowledge?

The facts contained in this chapter are the alphabet of agriculture, and the
learner should not only become perfectly familiar with them, but should also
clearly understand the reasons why they are true, before proceeding further.

SECTION SECOND.
THE SOIL.
 CHAPTER I.
FORMATION AND CHARACTER OF THE SOIL.

What is a necessary condition of growth?

In the foregoing section, we have studied the character of plants and the laws
which govern their growth. We learned that one necessary condition for growth
is a fertile soil, and therefore we will examine the nature of different soils, in
order that we may understand the relations between them and plants.

What is a fixed character of soils?

How is the chemical character of the soil to be ascertained?
What do we first learn in analyzing a soil?
How do the proportions of organic or inorganic parts of soils
compare with those of plants?
Of what does the organic part of soils consist?

The soil is not to be regarded as a mysterious mass of dirt, whereon crops are
produced by a mysterious process. Well ascertained scientific knowledge has
proved beyond question that all soils, whether in America or Asia, whether in
Maine or California, have certain fixed properties, which render them fertile or
barren, and the science of agriculture is able to point out these characteristics in
all cases, so that we can ascertain from a scientific investigation what would be
the chances for success in cultivating any soil which we examine.
The soil is a great chemical compound, and its chemical character is ascertained
(as in the case of plants) by analyzing it, or taking it apart.
We first learn that fertile soils contain both organic and inorganic matter; but,
unlike the plant, they usually possess much more of the latter than of the former.
In the plant, the organic matter constitutes the most considerable portion of the
whole. In the soil, on the contrary, it usually exists in very small quantities, while
the inorganic portions constitute nearly the whole bulk.

Can the required proportion be definitely indicated?

From what source is the inorganic part of soils derived?
Do all soils decompose with equal facility?
How does frost affect rocks?
Does it affect soils in the same way?

The organic part of soils consists of the same materials that constitute the
organic part of the plants, and it is in reality decayed vegetable and animal
matter. It is not necessary that this organic part of the soil should form any
particular proportion of the whole, and indeed we find it varying from one and a
half to fifty, and sometimes, in peaty soils, to over seventy per cent. All fertile
soils contain some organic matter, although it seems to make but little difference
in fertility, whether it be ten or fifty per cent.
The inorganic part of soils is derived from the crumbling of rocks. Some rocks
(such as the slates in Central New York) decompose, and crumble rapidly on
being exposed to the weather; while granite, marble, and other rocks will last for
a long time without perceptible change. The causes of this crumbling are
various, and are not unimportant to the agriculturist; as by the same processes by
which his soil was formed, he can increase its depth, or otherwise improve it.
This being the case, we will in a few words explain some of the principal
pulverizing agents.
1. The action of frost. When water lodges in the crevices of rocks, and freezes, it
expands, and bursts the rock, on the same principle as causes it to break a pitcher
in winter. This power is very great, and by its assistance, large cannon may be
burst. Of course the action of frost is the same on a small scale as when applied
to large masses of matter, and, therefore, we find that when water freezes in the
pores[M] of rocks or stones, it separates their particles and causes them to
crumble. The same rule holds true with regard to stiff clay soils. If they are
ridged in autumn, and left with a rough surface exposed to the frosts of winter,
they will become much lighter, and can afterwards be worked with less
difficulty.

What is the effect of water on certain rocks?

How are some rocks affected by exposure to the atmosphere?
Give an instance of this.

2. The action of water. Many kinds of rock become so soft on being soaked with
water, that they readily crumble.
3. The chemical changes of the constituents of the rock. Many kinds of rock are
affected by exposure to the atmosphere, in such a manner, that changes take
place in their chemical character, and cause them to fall to pieces. The red kellis
of New Jersey (a species of sandstone), is, when first quarried, a very hard stone,
but on exposure to the influences of the atmosphere, it becomes so soft that it
may be easily crushed between the thumb and finger.

What is the similarity between the composition of soils and the

rocks from which they were formed?
What does feldspar rock yield? Talcose slate? Marls?
Does a soil formed entirely from rock contain organic matter?
How is it affected by the growth of plants?

Other actions, of a less simple kind, exert an influence on the stubbornness of

rocks, and cause them to be resolved into soils.[N] Of course, the composition of
the soil must be similar to that of the rock from which it was formed; and,
consequently, if we know the chemical character of the rock, we can tell whether
the soil formed from it can be brought under profitable cultivation. Thus
feldspar, on being pulverized, yields potash; talcose slate yields magnesia; marls
yield lime, etc.
The soil formed entirely from rock, contains, of course, no organic matter.[O]
Still it is capable of bearing plants of a certain class, and when these die, they are
deposited in the soil, and thus form its organic portions, rendering it capable of
supporting those plants which furnish food for animals. Thousands of years must
have been occupied in preparing the earth for habitation by man.
As the inorganic or mineral part of the soil is usually the largest, we will
consider it first.
As we have stated that this portion is formed from rocks, we will examine their
character, with a view to showing the different qualities of soils.

What is the general rule concerning the composition of rocks?

Do these distinctions affect the fertility of soils formed from
them?
What do we mean by the mechanical character of the soil?
Is its fertility indicated by its mechanical character?

As a general rule, it may be stated that all rocks are either sandstones,
limestones, or clays; or a mixture of two or more of these ingredients. Hence we
find that all mineral soils are either sandy, calcareous, (limey), or clayey; or
consist of a mixture of these, in which one or another usually predominates.
Thus, we speak of a sandy soil, a clay soil, etc. These distinctions (sandy, clayey,
loamy, etc.) are important in considering the mechanical character of the soil, but
have little reference to its fertility.
By mechanical character, we mean those qualities which affect the ease of
cultivation—excess or deficiency of water, ability to withstand drought, etc. For
instance, a heavy clay soil is difficult to plow—retains water after rains, and
bakes quite hard during drought; while a light sandy soil is plowed with ease,
often allows water to pass through immediately after rains, and becomes dry and
powdery during drought. Notwithstanding those differences in their mechanical
character, both soils may be very fertile, or one more so than the other, without
reference to the clay and sand which they contain, and which, to our
observation, form their leading characteristics. The same facts exist with regard
to a loam, a calcareous (or limey) soil, or a vegetable mould. Their mechanical
texture is not essentially an index to their fertility, nor to the manures required to
enable them to furnish food to plants. It is true, that each kind of soil appears to
have some general quality of fertility or barrenness which is well known to
practical men, yet this is not founded on the fact that the clay or the sand, or the
vegetable matter, enter more largely into the constitution of plants than they do
when they are not present in so great quantities, but on certain other facts which
will be hereafter explained.

What is a sandy soil? A clay soil? A loamy soil? A marl? A

calcareous soil? A peaty soil?
As the following names are used to denote the character of soils, in ordinary
agricultural description, we will briefly explain their application:
A Sandy soil is, of course, one in which sand largely predominates.
Clay soil, one where clay forms a large proportion of the soil.
Loamy soil, where sand and clay are about equally mixed.
Marl contains from five to twenty per cent. of carbonate of lime.
Calcareous soil more than twenty per cent.
Peaty soils, of course, contain large quantities of organic matter.[P]

How large a part of the soil may be used as food by plants?

What do we learn from the analyses of barren and fertile soils?

We will now take under consideration that part of the soil on which depends its
ability to supply food to the plant. This portion rarely constitutes more than five
or ten per cent. of the entire soil, sometimes less—and it has no reference to the
sand, clay, and vegetable matters which they contain. From analyses of many
fertile soils, and of others which are barren or of poorer quality, it has been
ascertained that the presence of certain ingredients is necessary to fertility. This
may be better explained by the assistance of the following table:

Soil fertile
Good wheat
In one hundred pounds. without Barren.
soil.
manure.
Organic matter, 9.7 7.0 4.0
Silica (sand), 64.8 74.3 77.8
Alumina (clay), 5.7 5.5 9.1
Lime, 5.9 1.4 .4
Magnesia, .9 .7 .1
Oxide of iron, 6.1 4.7 8.1
Oxide of manganese, .1 .1
Potash, .2 1.7
Soda, .4 .7
Chlorine, .2 .1
 Sulphuric acid, .2 .1
Phosphoric acid, .4 .1½
Carbonic acid, 4.0
Loss during the analysis 1.4 3.6½ .4
100.0 100.0 100.0

What can you say of the soils represented in the table of

analyses?
What proportion of the fertilizing ingredients is required?
If the soil represented in the third column contained all the
ingredients required except potash and soda, would it be fertile?
What would be necessary to make it so?
What is the reason for this?
What are the offices performed by the inorganic part of soils?

The soil represented in the first column might still be fertile with less organic
matter, or with a larger proportion of clay (alumina), and less sand (silica). These
affect its mechanical character; but, if we look down the column, we notice that
there are small quantities of lime, magnesia, and the other constituents of the
ashes of plants (except ox. of manganese). It is not necessary that they should be
present in the soil in the exact quantity named above, but not one must be
entirely absent, or greatly reduced in proportion. By referring to the third
column, we see that these ingredients are not all present, and the soil is barren.
Even if it were supplied with all but one or two, potash and soda for instance, it
could not support a crop without the assistance of manures containing these
alkalies. The reason for this must be readily seen, as we have learned that no
plant can arrive at maturity without the necessary supply of materials required in
the formation of the ash, and these materials can be obtained only from the soil;
consequently, when they do not exist there, it must be barren.
The inorganic part of soils has two distinct offices to perform. The clay and sand
form a mass of material into which roots can penetrate, and thus plants are
supported in their position. These parts also absorb heat, air and moisture to
serve the purposes of growth, as we shall see in a future chapter. The minute
portions of soil, which comprise the acids, alkalies, and neutrals, furnish plants
with their ashes, and are the most necessary to the fertility of the soil.
 GEOLOGY.

What is geology?
Is the same kind of rock always of the same composition?
How do rocks differ?

The relation between the inorganic part of soils and the rocks from which it was
formed, is the foundation of Agricultural Geology. Geology may be briefly
named the science of rocks. It would not be proper in an elementary work to
introduce much of this study, and we will therefore simply state that the same
kind of rock is of the same composition all over the world; consequently, if we
find a soil in New England formed from any particular rock, and a soil from the
same rock in Asia, their natural fertility will be the same in both localities. Some
rocks consist of a mixture of different kinds of minerals; and some, consisting
chiefly of one ingredient, are of different degrees of hardness. Both of these
changes must affect the character of the soil, but it may be laid down as rule that,
when the rocks of two locations are exactly alike, the soils formed from them will
be of the same natural fertility, and in proportion as the character of rocks
changes, in the same proportion will the soils differ.

What rule may be given in relation to soils formed from the

same or different rocks?
Are all soils formed from the rocks on which they lie?
What instances can you give of this?

In most districts the soil is formed from the rock on which it lies; but this is not
always the case. Soils are often formed by deposits of matter brought by water
from other localities. Thus the alluvial banks of rivers consist of matters brought
from the country through which the rivers have passed. The river Nile, in Egypt,
yearly overflows its banks, and deposits large quantities of mud brought from the
uninhabited upper countries. The prairies of the West owe a portion of their soil
to deposits by water. Swamps often receive the washings of adjacent hills; and,
in these cases, their soil is derived from a foreign source.
We might continue to enumerate instances of the relations between soils and the
sources whence they originated, thus demonstrating more fully the importance of
geology to the farmer; but it would be beyond the scope of this work, and should
be investigated by scholars more advanced than those who are studying merely
the elements of agricultural science.
The mind, in its early application to any branch of study, should not be charged
with intricate subjects. It should master well the rudiments, before investigating
those matters which should follow such understanding.

In what light will plants and soils be regarded by those who

understand them?

By pursuing the proper course, it is easy to learn all that is necessary to form a
good foundation for a thorough acquaintance with the subject. If this foundation
is laid thoroughly, the learner will regard plants and soils as old acquaintances,
with whose formation and properties he is as familiar as with the construction of
a building or simple machine. A simple spear of grass will become an object of
interest, forming itself into a perfect plant, with full development of roots, stem,
leaves, and seeds, by processes with which he feels acquainted. The soil will
cease to be mere dirt; it will be viewed as a compound substance, whose
composition is a matter of interest, and whose care is productive of intellectual
pleasure. The commencement of study in any science must necessarily be
wearisome to the young mind, but its more advanced stages amply repay the
trouble of early exertions.

FOOTNOTES:
[M] The spaces between the particles.
[N] In very many instances the crevices and seams of rocks are permeated by roots,
which, by decaying and thus inducing the growth of other roots, cause these crevices
to become filled with organic matter. This, by the absorption of moisture, may expand
with sufficient power to burst the rock.
[O] Some rocks contain sulphur, phosphorus, etc., and these may, perhaps, be
considered as organic matter.
[P] These distinctions are not essential to be learned, but are often convenient.
 CHAPTER II.
USES OF ORGANIC MATTER.

What proportion of organic matter is required for fertility?

How does the soil obtain its organic matter?
How does the growth of clover, etc., affect the soil?

It will be recollected that, in addition to its mineral portions, the soil contains
organic matter in varied quantities. It may be fertile with but one and a half per
cent. of organic matter, and some peaty soils contain more than fifty per cent. or
more than one half of the whole.
The precise amount necessary cannot be fixed at any particular sum; perhaps
five parts in a hundred would be as good a quantity as could be recommended.
The soil obtains its organic matter in two ways. First, by the decay of roots and
dead plants, also of leaves, which have been brought to it by wind, etc. Second,
by the application of organic manures.

When organic matter decays in the soil, what becomes of it?

Is charcoal taken up by plants?
Are humus and humic acid of great practical importance?

When a crop of clover is raised, it obtains its carbon from the atmosphere; and, if
it be plowed under, and allowed to decay, a portion of this carbon is deposited in
the soil. Carbon constitutes nearly the whole of the dry weight of the clover,
aside from the constituents of water; and, when we calculate the immense
quantity of hay, and roots grown on an acre of soil in a single season, we shall
find that the amount of carbon thus deposited is immense. If the clover had been
removed, and the roots only left to decay, the amount of carbon deposited would
still have been very great. The same is true in all cases where the crop is
removed, and the roots remain to form the organic or vegetable part of the soil.
While undergoing decomposition, a portion of this matter escapes in the form of
gas, and the remainder chiefly assumes the form of carbon (or charcoal), in
which form it will always remain, without loss, unless driven out by fire. If a
bushel of charcoal be mixed with the soil now, it will be the same bushel of
charcoal, neither more nor less, a thousand years hence, unless some influence is
brought to bear on it aside from the growth of plants. It is true that, in the case of
the decomposition of organic matter in the soil, certain compounds are formed,
known under the general names of humus and humic acid, which may, in a slight
degree, affect the growth of plants, but their practical importance is of too
doubtful a character to justify us in considering them. The application of
manures, containing organic matter, such as peat, muck, animal manure, etc.,
supplies the soil with carbon on the same principle, and the decomposing matters
also generate[Q] carbonic acid gas while being decomposed. The agricultural
value of carbon in the soil depends (as we have stated), not on the fact that it
enters into the composition of plants, but on certain other important offices
which it performs, as follows:—

On what does the agricultural value of the carbon in the soil

depend?
Why does it make the soil more retentive of manure?
What is the experiment with the barrels of sand?

1. It makes the soil more retentive of manures.

2. It causes it to appropriate larger quantities of the fertilizing gases of the
atmosphere.
3. It gives it greater power to absorb moisture.
4. It renders it warmer.
1. Carbon (or charcoal) makes the soil retentive of manures, because it has in
itself a strong power to absorb, and retain[R] fertilizing matters. There is a simple
experiment by which this power can be shown.
Ex.—Take two barrels of pure beach sand, and mix with the sand in one barrel a
few handfuls of charcoal dust, leaving that in the other pure. Pour the brown
liquor of the barn-yard through the pure sand, and it will pass out at the bottom
unaltered. Pour the same liquor through the barrel, containing the charcoal, and
pure water will be obtained as a result. The reason for this is that the charcoal
retains all of the impurities of the liquor, and allows only the water to pass
through. Charcoal is often employed to purify water for drinking, or for
manufacturing purposes.

Will charcoal purify water?

If a piece of tainted meat, or a fishy duck be buried in a rich
garden soil, what takes place?
What is the reason of this?
How does charcoal overcome offensive odors?
How can you prove that charcoal absorbs the mineral impurities
of water?

A rich garden-soil contains large quantities of carbonaceous matter; and, if we

bury in such a soil a piece of tainted meat or a fishy duck, it will, in a short time,
be deprived of its odor, because the charcoal in the soil will entirely absorb it.
Carbon absorbs gases as well as the impurities of water; and, if a little charcoal
be sprinkled over manure, or any other substance, emitting offensive odors, the
gases escaping will be taken up by the charcoal, and the odor will cease.
It has also the power of absorbing mineral matters, which are contained in water.
If a quantity of salt water be filtered through charcoal, the salt will be retained,
and the water will pass through pure.
We are now able to see how carbon renders the soil retentive of manures.
1st. Manures, which resemble the brown liquor of barn-yards, have their
fertilizing matters taken out, and retained by it.

How does charcoal in the soil affect the manures applied?

Why does charcoal in the soil cause it to appropriate the gases of
the atmosphere?
What fertilizing gases exist in the atmosphere?
How are they carried to the soil?
 Does the carbon retain them after they reach the soil?
What can you say of the air circulating through the soil?
How does carbon give the soil power to absorb moisture?

2d. The gases arising from the decomposition (rotting) of manure are absorbed
by it.
3d. The soluble mineral portions of manure, which might in some soils leach
down with water, are arrested and retained at a point at which they can be made
use of by the roots of plants.
2. Charcoal in the soil causes it to appropriate larger quantities of the fertilizing
gases of the atmosphere, on account of its power, as just named, to absorb gases.
The atmosphere contains results, which have been produced by the breathing of
animals and by the decomposition of various kinds of organic matter, which are
exposed to atmospheric influences. These gases are chiefly ammonia and
carbonic acid, both of which are largely absorbed by water, and consequently are
contained in rain, snow, etc., which, as they enter the soil, give up these gases to
the charcoal, and they there remain until required by plants. Even the air itself, in
circulating through the soil, gives up fertilizing gases to the carbon, which it may
contain.
3. Charcoal gives to the soil power to absorb moisture, because it is itself one of
the best absorbents in nature; and it has been proved by accurate experiment that
peaty soils absorb moisture with greater rapidity, and part with it more slowly
than any other kind.

How does it render it warmer?

Is the heat produced by the decomposition of organic matter
perceptible to our senses?
Is it so to the growing plant?
What is another important part of the organic matter in the soil?

4. Carbon in the soil renders it warmer, because it darkens its color. Black
surfaces absorb more heat than light ones, and a black coat, when worn in the
sun, is warmer than one of a lighter color. By mixing carbon with the soil, we
darken its color, and render it capable of absorbing a greater amount of heat from
the sun's rays.
It will be recollected that, when vegetable matter decomposes in the soil, it
produces certain gases (carbonic acid, etc.), which either escape into the
atmosphere, or are retained in the soil for the use of plants. The production of
these gases is always accompanied by heat, which, though scarcely perceptible
to our senses, is perfectly so to the growing plant, and is of much practical
importance. This will be examined more fully in speaking of manures.

How is it obtained by the soil?

What offices does the organic matter in the soil perform?

Another important part of the organic matter in the soil is that which contains
nitrogen. This forms but a very small portion of the soil, but it is of the greatest
importance to vegetables. As the nitrogen in food is of absolute necessity to the
growth of animals, so the nitrogen in the soil is indispensable to the growth of
cultivated plants. It is obtained by the soil in the form of ammonia (or nitric
acid), from the atmosphere, or by the application of animal matter. In some
cases, manures called nitrates[S] are used; and, in this manner, nitrogen is given
to the soil.
We have now learned that the organic matter in the soil performs the following
offices:—
Organic matter thoroughly decomposed is carbon, and has the various effects
ascribed to this substance on p. 79.
Organic matter in process of decay produces carbonic acid, and sometimes
ammonia in the soil; also its decay causes heat.
Organic matter containing nitrogen, such as animal substances, etc., furnish
ammonia, and other nitrogenous substances to the roots of plants.

FOOTNOTES:
[Q] Produce.
[R] By absorbing and retaining, we mean taking up and holding.
[S] Nitrates are compounds of nitric acid (which consists of nitrogen and oxygen),
and alkaline substances. Thus nitrate of potash (saltpetre), is composed of nitric acid
and potash: nitrate of soda (cubical nitre), of nitric acid and soda.
 CHAPTER III.
USES OF INORGANIC MATTER.

What effect has clay besides the one already named?

How does it compare with charcoal for this purpose?

The offices performed by the inorganic constituents of the soil are many and
important.
These, as well as the different conditions in which the bodies exist, are necessary
to be thoroughly studied.
Those parts which constitute the larger proportion of the soil, namely the clay,
sand, and limy portions, are useful for purposes which have been named in the
first part of this section, while the clay has an additional effect in the absorption
of ammonia.
For this purpose, it is as effectual as charcoal, the gases escaping from manures,
as well as those existing in the atmosphere, and in rain-water, being arrested by
clay as well as charcoal.[T]

What particular condition of inorganic matter is requisite for

fertility?
What is the fixed rule with regard to this?
What is the condition of the alkalies in most of their
combinations? Of the acids?
What is said of phosphate of lime?

The more minute ingredients of the soil—those which enter into the construction
of plants—exist in conditions which are more or less favorable or injurious to
vegetable growth. The principal condition necessary to fertility is capacity to be
dissolved, it being (so far as we have been able to ascertain) a fixed rule, as was
stated in the first section, that no mineral substance can enter into the roots of a
plant except it be dissolved in water.
The alkalies potash, soda, lime, and magnesia, are in nearly all of their
combinations in the soil sufficiently soluble for the purposes of growth.
The acids are, as will be recollected, sulphuric and phosphoric. These exist in the
soil in combination with the alkalies, as sulphates and phosphates, which are
more or less soluble under natural circumstances. Phosphoric acid in
combination with lime as phosphate of lime is but slightly soluble; but, when it
exists in the compound known as super-phosphate of lime, it is much more
soluble, and consequently enters into the composition of plants with much
greater facility. This matter will be more fully explained in the section on
manures.

How may silica be rendered soluble?

What is the condition of chlorine in the soil?
Do peroxide and protoxide of iron affect plants in the same way?
How would you treat a soil containing protoxide of iron?
On what does the usefulness of all these matters in the soil
depend?

The neutrals, silica, chlorine, oxide of iron, and oxide of manganese, deserve a
careful examination. Silica exists in the soil usually in the form of sand, in which
it is, as is well known, perfectly insoluble; and, before it can be used by plants,
which often require it in large quantities, it must be made soluble, which is done
by combining it with an alkali.
For instance, if the silica in the soil is insoluble, we must make an application of
an alkali, such as potash, which will unite with the silica, and form the silicate of
potash, which is in the exact condition to be dissolved and carried into the roots
of plants.
Chlorine in the soil is probably always in an available condition.
Oxide of iron exists, as has been previously stated, usually in the form of the
peroxide (or red oxide). Sometimes, however, it exists in the form of the
protoxide (or black oxide), which is poisonous to plants, and renders the soil
unfertile. By loosening the soil in such a manner as to admit air and water, this
compound takes up more oxygen, which renders it a peroxide, and makes it
available for plants. The oxide of manganese is probably of little consequence.
The usefulness of all of these matters in the soil depends on their exposure; if
they are in the interior of particles, they cannot be made use of; while, if the
particles are so pulverized that their constituents are exposed, they become
available, because water can immediately attack to dissolve, and carry them into
roots.
 What is one of the chief offices of plowing and hoeing?
Is the subsoil usually different from the surface soil?
What circumstances have occasioned the difference? In what
way?

This is one of the great offices of plowing and hoeing; the lumps of soil being
thereby more broken up and exposed to the action of atmospheric influences,
which are often necessary to produce a fertile condition of soil, while the
trituration of particles reduces them in size.

SUBSOIL.

May the subsoil be made to resemble the surface soil?

May all soils be brought to the highest state of fertility?
On what examination must improvement be based?
What is the difference between the soil of some parts of
Massachusetts and that of the Miami valley?

The subsoil is usually of a different character from the surface soil, but this
difference is more often the result of circumstances than of formation. The
surface soil from having been long cultivated has been more opened to the
influences of the air than is the case with the subsoil, which has never been
disturbed so as to allow the same action. Again the growth of plants has supplied
the surface soil with roots, which by decaying have given it organic matter, thus
darkening its color, rendering it warmer, and giving greater ability to absorb heat
and moisture, and to retain manures. All of these effects render the surface soil
of a more fertile character than it was before vegetable growth commenced; and,
where frequent cultivation and manures have been applied, a still greater benefit
has resulted. In most instances the subsoil may by the same means be gradually
improved in condition until it equals the surface soil in fertility. The means of
producing this result, also farther accounts of its advantages, will be given under
the head of Cultivation (Sect. IV.)
 IMPROVEMENT.

From what has now been said of the character of the soil, it must be evident that,
as we know the causes of fertility and barrenness, we may by the proper means
improve the character of all soils which are not now in the highest state of
fertility.
Chemical analysis will tell us the composition of a soil, and an examination,
such as any farmer may make, will inform us of its deficiencies in mechanical
character, and we may at once resort to the proper means to secure fertility. In
some instances the soil may contain every thing that is required, but not in the
necessary condition. For instance, in some parts of Massachusetts, there are
nearly barren soils which show by analysis precisely the same chemical
composition as the soil of the Miami valley of Ohio, one of the most fertile in
the world. The cause of this great difference in their agricultural capabilities, is
that the Miami soil has its particles finely pulverized; while in the Massachusetts
soil the ingredients are combined within particles (such as pebbles, etc.), where
they are out of the reach of roots.

Why do soils of the same degree of fineness sometimes differ in

fertility?
Can soils always be rendered fertile with profit?
Can we determine the cost before commencing the work?
What must be done before a soil can be cultivated
understandingly?
What must be done to keep up the quality of the soil?

In other cases, we find two soils, which are equally well pulverized, and which
appear to be of the same character, having very different power to support crops.
Chemical analysis will show in these instances a difference of composition.
All of these differences may be overcome by the use of the proper means.
Sometimes it could be done at an expense which would be justified by the result;
and, at others, it might require too large an outlay to be profitable. It becomes a
question of economy, not of ability, and science is able to estimate the cost.
Soil cannot be cultivated understandingly until it has been subjected to such an
examination as will tell us exactly what is necessary to render it fertile. Even
after fertility is perfectly restored it requires thought and care to maintain it. The
ingredients of the soil must be returned in the form of manures as largely as they
are removed by the crop, or the supply will eventually become too small for the
purposes of vegetation.

FOOTNOTES:
[T] It is due to our country, as well as to Prof. Mapes and others, who long ago
explained this absorptive power of clay and carbon, to say that the subject was
perfectly understood and practically applied in America a number of years before
Prof. Way published the discovery in England as original.

SECTION THIRD.
MANURES.
 CHAPTER I.
CHARACTER AND VARIETIES OF MANURES.

What must a farmer know in order to avoid failures?

Can this be learned entirely from observation?
What kind of action have manures?
Give examples of each of these.
May mechanical effects be produced by chemical action?
How does potash affect the soil?

To understand the science of manures is the most important branch of practical

farming. No baker would be called a good practical baker who kept his flour
exposed to the sun and rain. No shoemaker would be called a good practical
shoemaker, who used morocco for the soles of his shoes, and heavy leather for
the uppers. No carpenter would be called a good practical carpenter, who tried to
build a house without nails, or other fastenings. So with the farmer. He cannot be
called a good practical farmer if he keeps the materials, from which he is to
make plants, in such a condition, that they will have their value destroyed, uses
them in the wrong places, or tries to put them together without having every
thing present that is necessary. Before he can avoid failures with certainty, he
must know what manures are composed of, how they are to be preserved, where
they are needed, and what kinds are required. True, he may from observation and
experience, guess at results, but he cannot know that he is right until he has
learned the facts above named. In this section of our work, we mean to convey
some of the information necessary to this branch of practical farming.
We shall adopt a classification of the subject somewhat different from that found
in most works on manures, but the facts are the same. The action of manures is
either mechanical or chemical, or a combination of both. For instance: some
kinds of manure improve the mechanical character of the soil, such as those
which loosen stiff clay soils, or others which render light sandy soils compact—
these are called mechanical manures. Some again furnish food for plants—these
are called chemical manures.
Many mechanical manures produce their effects by means of chemical action.
Thus potash combines chemically with sand in the soil. In so doing, it roughens
the surfaces of the particles of sand, and renders the soil less liable to be
compacted by rains. In this manner, it acts as a mechanical manure. The
compound of sand and potash,[U] as well as the potash alone, may enter into the
composition of plants, and hence it is a chemical manure. In other words, potash
belongs to both classes described above.
It is important that this distinction should be well understood by the learner, as
the words "mechanical" and "chemical" in connection with manures will be
made use of throughout the following pages.

What are absorbents?

What kind of manure is charcoal?

There is another class of manures which we shall call absorbents. These

comprise those substances which have the power of taking up fertilizing matters,
and retaining them for the use of plants. For instance, charcoal is an absorbent.
As was stated in the section on soils, this substance is a retainer of all fertilizing
gases and many minerals. Other matters made use of in agriculture have the
same effect. These absorbents will be spoken of more fully in their proper
places.
TABLE.
MECHANICAL
are those which improve the mechanical condition of soils.
MANURES
CHEMICAL " are those which serve as food for plants.
are those substances which absorb and retain fertilizing
ABSORBENTS
matters.

Into what classes may manures be divided?

What are organic manures?
 Inorganic? Atmospheric?

Manures may be divided into three classes, viz.: organic, inorganic, and
atmospheric.
ORGANIC manures comprise all animal and vegetable matters which are used to
fertilize the soil, such as dung, muck, etc.
INORGANIC manures are those which are of a purely mineral character, such as
lime, ashes, etc.
ATMOSPHERIC manures consist of those organic manures which are in the form of
gases in the atmosphere, and which are absorbed by rains and carried to the soil.
These are of immense importance. The ammonia and carbonic acid in the air are
atmospheric manures.

FOOTNOTES:
[U] Silicate of potash.
 CHAPTER II.
EXCREMENTS OF ANIMALS.

Of what is animal excrement composed?

Explain the composition of the food of animals.
What does hay contain?
To what does Liebig compare the consumption of food by
animals, and why?

The first organic manure which we shall examine, is animal excrement.

This is composed of those matters which have been eaten by the animal as food,
and have been thrown off as solid or liquid manure. In order that we may know
of what they consist, we must refer to the composition of food and examine the
process of digestion.
The food of animals, we have seen to consist of both organic and inorganic
matter. The organic part may be divided into two classes, i. e., that portion which
contains nitrogen—such as gluten, albumen, etc., and that which does not
contain nitrogen—such as starch, sugar, oil, etc.
The inorganic part of food may also be divided into soluble matter and insoluble
matter.

DIGESTION AND ITS PRODUCTS.

Of what does that part of dung consist which resembles soot?

What else does the dung contain?
 In what manner does the digested part of food escape from the
body?

Let us now suppose that we have a full-grown ox, which is not increasing in any
of his parts, but only consumes food to keep up his respiration, and to supply the
natural wastes of his body. To this ox we will feed a ton of hay which contains
organic matter, with and without nitrogen, and soluble and insoluble inorganic
substances. Now let us try to follow it through its changes in the animal, and
observe its destination. Liebig compares the consumption of food by animals to
the imperfect burning of wood in a stove, where a portion of the fuel is resolved
into gases and ashes (that is, it is completely burned), and another portion, which
is not thoroughly burned, passes off as soot. In the animal action in question, the
food undergoes changes which are similar to this burning of wood. A part of the
food is digested and taken up by the blood, while another portion remains
undigested, and passes the bowels as solid dung—corresponding to soot. This
part of the dung then, we see is merely so much of the food as passes through the
system without being materially changed. Its nature is easily understood. It
contains organic and inorganic matter in nearly the same condition as they
existed in the hay. They have been rendered finer and softer, but their chemical
character is not materially altered. The dung also contains small quantities of
nitrogenous matter, which leaked out, as it were, from the stomach and
intestines. The digested food, however, undergoes further changes which affect
its character, and it escapes from the body in three ways—i. e., through the
lungs, through the bladder, and through the bowels. It will be recollected from
the first section of this book, p. 22, that the carbon in the blood of animals, unites
with the oxygen of the air drawn into the lungs, and is thrown off in the breath as
carbonic acid. The hydrogen and oxygen unite to form a part of the water which
constitutes the moisture of the breath.

Explain the escape of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.

What becomes of the nitrogenous parts?
How is the soluble ash of the digested food parted with?
The insoluble?
If any portions of the food are not returned in the dung, how are
they disposed of?

That portion of the organic part of the hay which has been taken up by the blood
of the ox, and which does not contain nitrogen (corresponding to the first class
of proximates, as described in Sect. I), is emitted through the lungs. It consists,
as will be recollected, of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, and these assume, in
respiration, the form of carbonic acid and water.
The organic matter of the digested hay, in the blood, which contains nitrogen
(corresponding to the second class of proximates, described in Sect. I), goes to
the bladder, where it assumes the form of urea—a constituent of urine or liquid
manure.
We have now disposed of the imperfectly digested food (dung), and of the
organic matter which was taken up by the blood. All that remains to be
examined is the inorganic or mineral matter in the blood, which would have
become ashes, if the hay had been burned. The soluble part of this inorganic
matter passes into the bladder, and forms the inorganic part of urine. The
insoluble part passes the bowels, in connection with the dung.

How is their place supplied?

Is food put out of existence when it is fed to animals?
What does the solid dung contain? Liquid manure? The breath?

If any of the food taken up by the blood is not returned as above stated, it goes to
form fat, muscle, hair, bones, or some other part of the animal, and as he is not
growing (not increasing in weight) an equivalent amount of the body of the
animal goes to the manure to take the place of the part retained.[V]
We now have our subject in a form to be readily understood. We learn that when
food is given to animals it is not put out of existence, but is merely changed in
form; and that in the impurities of the breath, we have a large portion of those
parts of the food which plants obtain from air and from water; while the solid
and liquid excrements contain all that was taken by the plants from the soil and
manures.
The SOLID DUNG contains the undigested parts of the food, the insoluble parts of
the ash, and the nitrogenous matters which have escaped from the
digestive organs.
"LIQUID MANURE" the nitrogenous or second class of proximates of the digested
food, and the soluble parts of the ash.
THE BREATH contains the first class of proximates, those which contain carbon,
hydrogen and oxygen, but no nitrogen.[W]

FOOTNOTES:
[V] This account of digestion is not, perhaps, strictly accurate in a physiological point
of view, but it is sufficiently so to give an elementary understanding of the character
of excrements as manures.
[W] The excrements of animals contain more or less of sulphur, and sometimes small
quantities of phosphorus.
 CHAPTER III.
WASTE OF MANURE.

What are the first causes of loss of manure?

What is evaporation?

The loss of manure is a subject which demands most serious attention. Until
within a few years, little was known about the true character of manures, and
consequently, of the importance of protecting them against loss.
The first causes of waste are evaporation and leaching.

EVAPORATION.

Name a solid body which evaporates.

What takes place when a dead animal is exposed to the
atmosphere for a sufficient time?
What often assist the evaporation of solids?

Evaporation is the changing of a solid or liquid body to a vapory form. Thus

common smelling salts, a solid, if left exposed, passes into the atmosphere in the
form of a gas or vapor. Water, a liquid, evaporates, and becomes a vapor in the
atmosphere. This is the case with very many substances, and in organic nature,
both solid and liquid, they are liable to assume a gaseous form, and become
mixed with the atmosphere. They are not destroyed, but are merely changed in
form.
As an instance of this action, suppose an animal to die and to decay on the
surface of the earth. After a time, the flesh will entirely disappear, but is not lost.
It no longer exists as the flesh of an animal, but its carbon, hydrogen, oxygen,
and nitrogen, still exist in the air. They have been liberated from the attractions
which held them together, and have passed away; but (as we already know from
what has been said in a former section) they are ready to be again taken up by
plants, and pressed into the service of life.
The evaporation of liquids may take place without the aid of any thing but heat;
still, in the case of solids, it is often assisted by decay and combustion, which
break up the bonds that hold the constituents of bodies together, and thus enable
them to return to the atmosphere, from which they were originally derived.

What is the cause of odor?

When we perceive an odor, what is taking place?
Why do manures give off offensive odors?
How may we detect ammonia escaping from manure?

It must be recollected that every thing, which has an odor (or can be smelled), is
evaporating. The odor is caused by parts of the body floating in the air, and
acting on the nerves of the nose. This is an invariable rule; and, when we
perceive an odor, we may be sure that parts of the material, from which it
emanates, are escaping. If we perceive the odor of an apple, it is because parts of
the volatile oils of the apple enter the nose. The same is true when we smell
hartshorn, cologne, etc.
Manures made by animals have an offensive odor, simply because volatile parts
of the manure escape into the air, and are therefore made perceptible. All organic
parts in turn become volatile, assuming a gaseous form as they decompose.
We do not see the gases rising, but there are many ways by which we can detect
them. If we wave a feather over a manure heap, from which ammonia is
escaping, the feather having been recently dipped in manure, white fumes will
appear around the feather, being the muriate of ammonia formed by the union of
the escaping gas with the muriatic acid. Not only ammonia, but also carbonic
acid, and other gases which are useful to vegetation escape, and are given to the
winds. Indeed it may be stated in few words that all of the organic part of plants
(all that was obtained from the air, water, and ammonia), constituting more than
nine tenths of their dry weight, may be evaporated by the assistance of decay or
combustion. The organic part of manures may be lost in the same manner; and, if
the process of decomposition be continued long enough, nothing but a mass of
mineral matter will remain, except perhaps a small quantity of carbon which has
not been resolved into carbonic acid.

What remains after manure has been long exposed to

decomposition?
What gaseous compounds are formed by the decomposition of
manures?

The proportion of solid manure lost by evaporation (made by the assistance of

decay), is a very large part of the whole. Manure cannot be kept a single day in
its natural state without losing something. It commences to give out an offensive
odor immediately, and this odor is occasioned, as was before stated, by the loss
of some of its fertilizing parts.
Animal manure contains, as will be seen by reference to p. 100, all of the
substances contained in plants, though not always in the correct relative
proportions to each other. When decomposition commences, the carbon unites
with the oxygen of the air, and passes off as carbonic acid; the hydrogen and
oxygen combine to form water (which evaporates), and the nitrogen is mostly
resolved into ammonia, which escapes into the atmosphere.

Describe fire-fanging.
What takes place when animal manure is exposed in an open
barn-yard?
What does liquid manure lose by evaporation?

If manure is thrown into heaps, it often ferments so rapidly as to produce

sufficient heat to set fire to some parts of the manure, and cause it to be thrown
off with greater rapidity. This may be observed in nearly all heaps of animal
excrement. When they have lain for some time in mild weather, gray streaks of
ashes are often to be seen in the centre of the pile. The organic part of the
manure having been burned away, nothing but the ash remains,—this is called
fire-fanging.
Manures kept in cellars without being mixed with refuse matter are subject to the
same losses.
When kept in the yard, they are still liable to be lost by evaporation. They are
here often saturated with water, and this water in its evaporation carries away the
ammonia, and carbonic acid which it has obtained from the rotting mass. The
evaporation of the water is rapidly carried on, on account of the great extent of
surface. The whole mass is spongy, and soaks the liquids up from below
(through hollow straws, etc.), to be evaporated at the surface on the same
principle as causes the wick of a lamp to draw up the oil to supply fuel for the
flame.
LIQUID MANURE containing large quantities of nitrogen, and forming much
ammonia, is also liable to lose all of its organic part from evaporation (and
fermentation), so that it is rendered as much less valuable as is the solid dung.[X]

When does the waste of exposed manure commence?

What does economy of manure require?
What is the effect of leaching?
Give an illustration of leaching.

From these remarks, it may be justly inferred that a very large portion of the
value of solid and liquid manure as ordinarily kept is lost by evaporation in a
sufficient length of time, depending on circumstances, whether it be three
months or several years. The wasting commences as soon as the manure is
dropped, and continues, except in very cold weather, until the destruction is
complete. Hence we see that true economy requires that the manures of the
stable, stye, and poultry-house, should be protected from evaporation (as will be
hereafter described), as soon as possible after they are made.

LEACHING.

The subject of leaching is as important in considering the inorganic parts of

manures as evaporation is to the organic, while leaching also affects the organic
gases, they being absorbed by water in a great degree.
A good illustration of leaching is found in the manufacture of potash. When
water is poured over wood-ashes, it dissolves their potash which it carries
through in solution, making ley. If ley is boiled to dryness, it leaves the potash in
a solid form, proving that this substance had been dissolved by the water and
removed from the insoluble parts of the ashes.

How does water affect decomposing manures?

Does continued decomposition continue to prepare material to
be leached away?
How far from the surface of the soil may organic constituents be
carried by water?

In the same way water in passing through manures takes up the soluble portions
of the ash as fast as liberated by decomposition, and carries them into the soil
below; or, if the water runs off from the surface, they accompany it. In either
case they are lost to the manure. There is but a small quantity of ash exposed for
leaching in recent manures; but, as the decomposition of the organic part
proceeds, it continues to develope it more and more (in the same manner as
burning would do, only slower), thus preparing fresh supplies to be carried off
with each shower. In this way, while manures are largely injured by evaporation,
the soluble inorganic parts are removed by water until but a small remnant of its
original fertilizing properties remains.

What arrests their farther progress?

What would be the effect of allowing these matters to filter
downwards?
What does evaporation remove from manure? Leaching?

It is a singular fact concerning leaching, that water is able to carry no part of the
organic constituents of vegetables more than about thirty-four inches below the
surface in a fertile soil. They would probably be carried to an unlimited distance
in pure sand, as it contains nothing which is capable of arresting them; but, in
most soils, the clay and carbon which they contain retain all of the ammonia;
also nearly all of the matters which go to form the inorganic constituents of
plants within about the above named distance from the surface of the soil. If
such were not the case, the fertility of the earth must soon be destroyed, as all of
those elements which the soil must supply to growing plants would be carried
down out of the reach of roots, and leave the world a barren waste, its surface
having lost its elements of fertility, while the downward filtration of these would
render the water of wells unfit for our use. Now, however, they are all retained
near the surface of the soil, and the water issues from springs comparatively
pure.
EVAPORATION removes from manure—
Carbon, in the form of carbonic acid.
Hydrogen and oxygen, in the form of water.
Nitrogen, in the form of ammonia.
LEACHING removes from manure—
The soluble and most valuable parts of the ash in solution in
water, besides carrying away some of the named
above forms of organic matter.

FOOTNOTES:
[X] It should be recollected that every bent straw may act as a syphon, and occasion
much loss of liquid manure.
 CHAPTER IV.
ABSORBENTS.

What substances are called absorbents?

What is the most important of these?
What substances are called charcoal in agriculture?
How is vegetable matter rendered useful as charcoal?

Before considering farther the subject of animal excrement, it is necessary to

examine a class of manures known as absorbents. These comprise all matters
which have the power of absorbing, or soaking up, as it were, the gases which
arise from the evaporation of solid and liquid manures, and retaining them until
required by plants.
The most important of these is undoubtedly carbon or charcoal.

CHARCOAL.

Charcoal, in an agricultural sense, means all forms of carbon, whether as peat,

muck, charcoal dust from the spark-catchers of locomotives, charcoal hearths,
river and swamp deposits, leaf mould, decomposed spent tanbark or sawdust,
etc. In short, if any vegetable matter is decomposed with the partial exclusion of
air (so that there shall not be oxygen enough supplied to unite with all of the
carbon), a portion of its carbon remains in the exact condition to serve the
purposes of charcoal.
 What is the first-named effect of charcoal? The second? Third?
Fourth?
Explain the first action.

The offices performed in the soil by carbonaceous matter were fully explained in
a former section (p. 79, Sect. 2), and we will now examine merely its action with
regard to manures. When properly applied to manures, in compost, it has the
following effects:
1. It absorbs and retains the fertilizing gases evaporating from decomposing
matters.
2. It acts as a divisor, thereby reducing the strength (or intensity) of powerful
manures—thus rendering them less likely to injure the roots of plants; and also
increases their bulk, so as to prevent fire fanging in composts.
3. It in part prevents the leaching out of the soluble parts of the ash.
4. It keeps the compost moist.
The first-named office of charcoal, i. e., absorbing and retaining gases, is one of
the utmost importance. It is this quality that gives to it so high a position in the
opinion of all who have used it. As was stated in the section on soils,
carbonaceous matter seems to be capable of absorbing every thing which may be
of use to vegetation. It is a grand purifier, and while it prevents offensive odors
from escaping, it is at the same time storing its pores with food for the
nourishment of plants.

Explain its action as a divisor.

How does charcoal protect composts against injurious action of
rains?
How does it keep them moist?

2d. In its capacity as a divisor for manures, charcoal should be considered as

excellent in all cases, especially to use with strongly concentrated (or heating)
animal manures. These, when applied in their natural state to the soil, are very
apt to injure young roots by the violence of their action. When mixed with a
divisor, such manures are diluted, made less active, and consequently less
injurious. In composts, manures are liable, as has been before stated, to become
burned by the resultant heat of decomposition; this is called fire fanging, and is
prevented by the liberal use of divisors, because, by increasing the bulk, the heat
being diffused through a larger mass, becomes less intense. The same principle is
exhibited in the fact that it takes more fire to boil a cauldron of water than a tea-
kettle full.
3d. Charcoal has much power to arrest the passage of mineral matters in
solution; so much so, that compost heaps, well supplied with muck, are less
affected by rains than those not so supplied. All composts, however, should be
kept under cover.
4th. Charcoal keeps the compost moist from the ease with which it absorbs
water, and its ability to withstand drought.

What source of carbon is within the reach of most farmers?

What do we mean by muck?
Of what does it consist?
How does it differ in quality?

With these advantages before us, we must see the importance of an

understanding of the modes for obtaining charcoal. Many farmers are so situated
that they can obtain sufficient quantities of charcoal dust. Others have not equal
facilities. Nearly all, however, can obtain muck, and to this we will now turn our
attention.

MUCK, AND THE LIME AND SALT MIXTURE.

What is the first step in preparing muck for decomposition?

With what proportion of the lime and salt mixture should it be
composted?
Why should this compost be made under cover?
What is this called after decomposition?
Why should we not use muck immediately after taking it from
the swamp?
By muck, we mean the vegetable deposits of swamps and rivers. It consists of
decayed organic substances, mixed with more or less earth. Its principal
constituent is carbon, in different degrees of development, which has remained
after the decomposition of vegetable matter. Muck varies largely in its quality,
according to the amount of carbon which it contains, and the perfection of its
decomposition. The best muck is usually found in comparatively dry locations,
where the water which once caused the deposit has been removed. Muck which
has been long in this condition, is usually better decomposed than that which is
saturated with water. The muck from swamps, however, may soon be brought to
the best condition. It should be thrown out, if possible, at least one year before it
is required for use (a less time may suffice, except in very cold climates) and
left, in small heaps or ridges, to the action of the weather, which will assist in
pulverizing it, while, from having its water removed, its decomposition goes on
more rapidly.
After the muck has remained in this condition a sufficient length of time, it may
be removed to the barn-yard and composted with the lime and salt mixture
(described on page 115) in the proportion of one cord of muck to four bushels of
the mixture. This compost ought to be made under cover, lest the rain leach out
the constituents of the mixture, and thus occasion loss; at the end of a month or
more, the muck in the compost will have been reduced to a fine pulverulent
mass, nearly equal to charcoal dust for application to animal excrement. When in
this condition it is called prepared muck, by which name it will be designated in
the following pages.
Muck should not be used immediately after being taken from the swamp, as it is
then almost always sour, and is liable to produce sorrel. Its sourness is due to
acids which it contains, and these must be rectified by the application of an
alkali, or by long exposure to the weather, before the muck is suitable for use.

LIME AND SALT MIXTURE.

What proportions of lime and salt are required for the

decomposing mixture?
Explain the process of making it.
Why should it be made under cover?
The lime and salt mixture, used in the decomposition of muck, is made in the
following manner:
RECIPE.—Take three bushels of shell lime, hot from the kiln, or as fresh as
possible, and slake it with water in which one bushel of salt has been dissolved.
Care must be taken to use only so much water as is necessary to dissolve the salt,
as it is difficult to induce the lime to absorb a larger quantity.
In dissolving the salt, it is well to hang it in a basket in the upper part of the
water, as the salt water will immediately settle towards the bottom (being
heavier), and allow the freshest water to be nearest to the salt. In this way, the
salt may be all dissolved, and thus make the brine used to slake the lime. It may
be necessary to apply the brine at intervals of a day or two, and to stir the mass
often, as the amount of water is too great to be readily absorbed.
This mixture should be made under cover, as, if exposed, it would obtain
moisture from rain or dew, which would prevent the use of all the brine. Another
objection to its exposure to the weather is its great liability to be washed away
by rains. It should be at least ten days old before being used, and would probably
be improved by an age of three or four months, as the chemical changes it
undergoes will require some time to be completed.

Explain the character of this mixture as represented in the

diagram. (Black board.)

The character of this mixture may be best described by the following diagram:—
We have originally—

Lime Salt
consisting of
Chlorine Chloride
and of
Sodium. Sodium.
—Carbonic Acid
and
—Oxygen in the air.
 Chloride of lime.
Carbonate of Soda.
[Y]

The lime unites with the chlorine of the salt and forms chloride of lime.
The sodium, after being freed from the chlorine, unites with the oxygen of the air
and forms soda, which, combining with the carbonic acid of the atmosphere,
forms carbonate of soda.
Chloride of lime and carbonate of soda are better agents in the decomposition of
muck than pure salt and lime; and, as these compounds are the result of the
mixture, much benefit ensues from the operation.
When shell lime cannot be obtained, Thomaston, or any other very pure lime,
will answer, though care must be taken that it do not contain much magnesia.

LIME.

What effect has lime on muck?

On what does the energy of this effect depend?
Why should a compost of muck and lime be protected from
rain?

Muck may be decomposed by the aid of other materials. Lime is very efficient,
though not as much so as when combined with salt. The action of lime, when
applied to the muck, depends very much on its condition. Air-slaked lime
(carbonate of lime), and hydrate of lime, slaked with water, have but a limited
effect compared with lime freshly burned and applied in a caustic (or pure) form.
When so used, however, the compost should not be exposed to rains, as this
would have a tendency to make mortar which would harden it.

POTASH.

Is potash valuable for this use?

 From what sources may potash be obtained?
In what proportion should ashes be applied to muck? Sparlings?

Potash is a very active agent in decomposing vegetable matter, and may be used
with great advantage, especially where an analysis of the soil which is to be
manured shows a deficiency of potash.
Unleached wood ashes are generally the best source from which to obtain this,
and from five to twenty-five bushels of these mixed with one cord of muck will
produce the desired result.[Z]
The sparlings (or refuse) of potash warehouses may often be purchased at
sufficiently low rates to be used for this purpose, and answer an excellent end.
They may be applied at the rate of from twenty to one hundred pounds to each
cord of muck.

By any of the foregoing methods, muck may be prepared for use in composting.
 FOOTNOTES:
[Y] There is, undoubtedly, some of this lime which does not unite with the chlorine;
this, however, is still as valuable as any lime.
[Z] Leached ashes will not supply the place of these, as the leaching has deprived
them of their potash.
 CHAPTER V.
COMPOSTING STABLE MANURE.

What principles should regulate us in composting?

In what condition is solid dung of value as a fertilizer?
What do we aim to do in composting?

In composting stable manure in the most economical manner, the evaporation of

the organic parts and the leaching of the ashy (and other) portions must be
avoided, while the condition of the mass is such as to admit of the perfect
decomposition of the manure.
Solid manures in their fresh state are of but very little use to plants. It is only as
they are decomposed, and have their nitrogen turned into ammonia, and their
other ingredients resolved into the condition required by plants, that they are of
much value as fertilizers. We have seen that, if this decomposition takes place
without proper precautions being made, the most valuable parts of the manure
would be lost. Nor would it be prudent to keep manures from decomposing until
they are applied to the soil, for then they are not immediately ready for use, and
time is lost. By composting, we aim to save every thing while we prepare the
manures for immediate use.

SHELTER.

What is the first consideration for composts?

Describe the arrangement of floor.
The first consideration in preparing for composting, is to provide proper shelter.
This may be done either by means of a shed or by arranging a cellar under the
stables, or in any other manner that may be dictated by circumstances. It is no
doubt better to have the manure shed enclosed so as to make it an effectual
protection; this however is not absolutely necessary if the roof project far enough
over the compost to shelter it from the sun's rays and from driving rains.
The importance of some protection of this kind, is evident from what has already
been said, and indeed it is impossible to make an economical use of manures
without it. The trifling cost of building a shed, or preparing a cellar, is amply
repaid in the benefit resulting from their uses.

THE FLOOR.

The floor or foundation on which to build the compost deserves some

consideration. It may be of plank tightly fitted, a hard bed of clay, or better, a
cemented surface. Whatever material is used in its construction (and stiff clay
mixed with water and beaten compactly down answers an excellent purpose), the
floor must have such an inclination as will cause it to discharge water only at one
point. That is, one part of the edge must be lower than the rest of the floor, which
must be so shaped that water will run towards this point from every part of it;
then—the floor being water-tight—all of the liquids of the compost may be
collected in a

TANK.

How should the tank be attached?

This tank used to collect the liquids of the manure may be made by sinking a
barrel or hogshead (according to the size of the heap) in the ground at the point
where it is required, or in any other convenient manner.
In the tank a pump of cheap construction may be placed, to raise the liquid to a
sufficient height to be conveyed by a trough to the centre of the heap, and there
distributed by means of a perforated board with raised edges, and long enough to
reach across the heap in any direction. By altering the position of this board, the
liquid may be carried evenly over the whole mass.
The appearance of the apparatus required for composting, and the compost laid
up, may be better shown by the following figure.
Fig. 2. a, tank; b, pump; c & g, perforated board; d, muck; e, manure; f, floor.
Fig. 2.

a, tank; b, pump; c & g, perforated board; d, muck; e, manure; f, floor.

How is the compost made?

The compost is made by laying on the floor ten or twelve inches of muck, and on
that a few inches of manure, then another heavy layer of muck, and another of
manure, continuing in this manner until the heap is raised to the required height,
always having a thick layer of muck at the top.

What liquids are best for moistening the compost?

How should they be applied?
What are the advantages of this moistening?
How does it compare with forking over?

After laying up the heap, the tank should be filled with liquid manure from the
stables, slops from the house, soap-suds, or other water containing fertilizing
matter, to be pumped over the mass. There should be enough of the liquid to
saturate the heap and filter through to fill the tank twice a week, at which
intervals it should be again pumped up, thus continually being passed through
the manure. This liquid should not be changed, as it contains much soluble
manure. Should the liquid manures named above not be sufficient, the quantity
may be increased by the use of rain-water. That falling during the first ten
minutes of a shower is the best, as it contains much ammonia.
The effects produced by frequently watering the compost is one of the greatest
advantages of this system.
The soluble portions of the manure are equally diffused through every part of the
heap.
Should the heat of fermentation be too great, the watering will reduce it.
When the compost is saturated with water, the air is driven out; and, as the water
subsides, fresh air enters and takes its place. This fresh air contains oxygen,
which assists in the decomposition of the manure.
In short, the watering does all the work of forking over by hand much better and
much more cheaply.

Why will the ammonia of manure thus made, not escape if it be

used as a top dressing?
What are the advantages of preparing manures in this manner?
What is the profit attending it?

At the end of a month or more, this compost will be ready for use. The layers in
the manure will have disappeared, the whole mass having become of a uniform
character, highly fertilizing, and ready to be immediately used by plants.
It may be applied to the soil, either as a top-dressing, or otherwise, without fear
of loss, as the muck will retain all of the gases which would otherwise evaporate.
The cost and trouble of the foregoing system of composting are trifling
compared with its advantages. The quantity of the manure is much increased,
and its quality improved. The health of the animals is secured by the retention of
those gases, which, when allowed to escape, render impure the air which they
have to breathe.
The cleanliness of the stable and yard is much advanced as the effete matters,
which would otherwise litter them, are carefully removed to the compost.
As an instance of the profit of composting, it may be stated that Prof. Mapes has
decomposed ninety-two cords of swamp muck, with four hundred bushels of the
lime and salt mixture, and then composted it with eight cords of fresh horse
dung, making one hundred cords of manure fully equal to the same amount of
stable-manure alone, which has lain one year exposed to the weather. Indeed one
cord of muck well decomposed, and containing the chlorine lime and soda of
four bushels of the mixture, is of itself equal in value to the same amount of
manure which has lain in an open barn-yard during the heat and rain of one
season, and is then applied to the land in a raw or undecomposed state.
 In what other manners may muck be used in the preservation of
manures?
How may liquid manure be made most useful?

The foregoing system of composting is the best that has yet been suggested for
making use of solid manures. Many other methods may be adopted when
circumstances will not admit of so much attention. It is a common and excellent
practice to throw prepared muck into the cellar under the stables, to be mixed
and turned over with the manure by swine. In other cases the manures are kept in
the yard, and are covered with a thin layer of muck every morning. The principle
which renders these systems beneficial is the absorbent power of charcoal.

LIQUID MANURE.

Liquid manure from animals may, also, be made useful by the assistance of
prepared muck. Where a tank is used in composting, the liquids from the stable
may all be employed to supply moisture to the heap; but where any system is
adopted, not requiring liquids, the urine may be applied to muck heaps, and then
allowed to ferment. Fermentation is necessary in urine as well as in solid dung,
before it is very active as a manure. Urine, as will be recollected, contains
nitrogen and forms ammonia on fermentation.

Describe the manner of digging out the bottoms of stalls.

It is a very good plan to dig out the bottoms of the stalls in a circular or gutter-
like form, three or four feet deep in the middle, cement the ground, or make it
nearly water-tight, by a plastering of stiff clay, and fill them up with prepared
muck. The appearance of a cross section of the floor thus arranged would be as
follows:
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
The prepared muck in the bottom of the stalls would absorb the urine as soon as
voided, while yet warm with the animal heat, and receive heat from the animal's
body while lying down at night. This heat will hasten the decomposition of the
urea,[AA] and if the muck be renewed twice a month, and that which is removed
composted under cover, it will be found a most prolific source of good manure.
In Flanders, the liquid manure of a cow is considered worth $10 per year, and it
is not less valuable here. As was stated in the early part of this section, the
inorganic (or mineral) matter contained in urine, is soluble, and consequently is
immediately useful as food for plants.
By referring to the analysis of liquid and solid manure, in section V., their
relative value may be seen.
 CHAPTER VI.
DIFFERENT KINDS OF ANIMAL EXCREMENT.

The manures of different animals are, of course, of different value, as fertilizers,

varying according to the food, the age of the animals, etc.

STABLE MANURE.

By stable manure we mean, usually, that of the horse, and that of horned cattle.
The case described in chap. 2 (of this section), was one where the animal was
not increasing in any of its parts, but returned, in the form of manure, and
otherwise, the equivalent of every thing eaten. This case is one of the most
simple kind, and is subject to many modifications.

Is the manure of full-grown animals of the same quality as that

of other animals?
Why does that of the growing animal differ?
Why does not the formation of fat reduce the quality of manure?
What does milk remove from the food?

The growing animal is increasing in size, and as he derives his increase from his
food, he does not return in the form of manure as much as he eats. If his bones
are growing, he is taking from his food phosphate of lime and nitrogenous
matter; consequently, the manure will be poorer in these ingredients. The same
may be said of the formation of the muscles, in relation to nitrogen.
The fatting animal, if full grown, makes manure which is as good as that from
animals that are not increasing in size, because the fat is taken from those parts
of the food which is obtained by plants from the atmosphere, and from nature, (i.
e. from the 1st class of proximates). Fat contains no nitrogen, and, consequently,
does not lessen the amount of this ingredient in the manure.
Milch Cows turn a part of their food to the formation of milk, and consequently,
they produce manure of reduced value.

How do the solid and liquid manure of the horse and ox

compare?
What occasions these differences?

The solid manure of the horse is better than that of the ox, while the liquid
manure of the ox is comparatively better than that of the horse. The cause of this
is that the horse has poorer digestive organs than the ox, and consequently passes
more of the valuable parts of his food, in an undigested form, as dung, while the
ox, from chewing the cud and having more perfect organs, turns more of his
food into urine than the horse.

RECAPITULATION.

FULL GROWN animals not producing milk, and full grown animals fattening make
the best manure.
GROWING ANIMALS reduce the value of their manure, taking portions of their food
to form their bodies.
MILCH COWS reduce the value of their manure by changing a part of their food
into milk.
THE OX makes poor dung and rich urine.

THE HORSE makes rich dung and poor urine.[AB]

NIGHT SOIL.

What is the most valuable manure accessible to the farmer?

What is the probable value of the night soil yearly lost in the
United States?
 Of what does the manure of man consist?

The best manure within the reach of the farmer is night soil, or human
excrement. There has always been a false delicacy about mentioning this
fertilizer, which has caused much waste, and great loss of health, from the
impure and offensive odors which it is allowed to send forth to taint the air.
The value of the night soil yearly lost in the United States is, probably, about fifty
millions of dollars (50,000,000); an amount nearly equal to the entire expenses
of our National Government. Much of the ill health of our people is undoubtedly
occasioned by neglecting the proper treatment of night soil.

Describe this manure as compared with the excrements of other

animals.
Does the use of night soil produce disagreeable properties in
plants?

That which directly affects agriculture, as treated of in this book, is the value of
this substance as a fertilizer. The manure of man consists (as is the case with that
of other animals) of those parts of his food which are not retained in the increase
of his body. If he be growing, his manure is poorer, as in the case of the ox, and
it is subject to all the other modifications named in the early part of this chapter.
His food is usually of a varied character, and is rich in nitrogen, the phosphates,
and other inorganic constituents; consequently, his manure is made valuable by
containing large quantities of these matters. As is the case with the ox, the dung
contains the undigested food, the secretions (or leakings) of the digestive organs,
and the insoluble parts of the ash of the digested food. The urine, in like manner,
contains a large proportion of the nitrogen and the soluble inorganic parts of the
digested food. When we consider how much richer the food of man is than that
of horned cattle, we shall see the superior value of his excrement.
Night soil has been used as a manure, for ages, in China, which is, undoubtedly,
one great secret of their success in supporting a dense population, for so long a
time, without impoverishing the soil. It has been found, in many instances, to
increase the productive power of the natural soil three-fold. That is, if a soil
would produce ten bushels of wheat per acre, without manure, it would produce
thirty bushels if manured with night soil.
Some have supposed that manuring with night soil would give disagreeable
properties to plants: such is not the case; their quality is invariably improved.
The color and odor of the rose become richer and more delicate by the use of the
most offensive night soil as manure.

What is the direct object of plants?

What would result if this were not the case?
How may night soil be easily prepared for use, and its offensive
odor prevented?

It is evident that this is the case from the fact that plants have it for their direct
object to make over and put together the refuse organic matter, and the gases and
the minerals found in nature, for the use of animals. If there were no natural
means of rendering the excrement of animals available to plants, the earth must
soon be shorn of its fertility, as the elements of growth when once consumed
would be essentially destroyed, and no soil could survive the exhaustion. There
is no reason why the manure of man should be rejected by vegetation more than
that of any other animal; and indeed it is not, for ample experience has proved
that for most soils there is no better manure in existence.
A single experiment will suffice to show that night soil may be so kept that there
shall be no loss of its valuable gases, and consequently no offensive odor arising
from it, while it may be removed and applied to crops without unpleasantness.
All that is necessary to effect this wonderful change in night soil, and to turn it
from its disagreeable character to one entirely inoffensive, is to mix with it a
little charcoal dust, prepared muck, or any other good absorbent—thus making
what is called poudrette. The mode of doing this must depend on circumstances.
In many cases, it would be expedient to keep a barrel of the absorbent in the
privy and throw down a small quantity every day. The effect on the odor of the
house would amply repay the trouble.

Should pure night soil be used as a manure?

What precaution is necessary in preparing hog manure for use?

The manure thus made is of the most valuable character, and may be used under
any circumstances with a certainty of obtaining a good crop. It should not be
used unmixed with some absorbent, as it is of such strength as to kill plants.
For an analysis of human manure, see Section V.

HOG MANURE.

Hog Manure is very valuable, but it must be used with care. It is so violent in its
action that, when applied in a pure form to crops, it often produces injurious
results. It is liable to make cabbages clump-footed, and to induce a disease in
turnips called ambury (or fingers and toes). The only precaution necessary is to
supply the stye with prepared muck, charcoal-dust, leaf-mould, or any absorbent
in plentiful quantities, often adding fresh supplies. The hogs will work this over
with the manure; and, when required for use, it will be found an excellent
fertilizer. The absorbent will have overcome its injurious tendency, and it may be
safely applied to any crop. From the variety and rich character of the food of this
animal, his manure is of a superior quality.

Why is the manure from butchers' hog-pens very valuable?

How does the value of poultry manure compare with that of
guano?
How may it be protected against loss?

Butchers' hog-pen manure is one of the best fertilizers known. It is made by

animals that live almost entirely on blood and other animal refuse, and is very
rich in nitrogen and the phosphates. It should be mixed with prepared muck, or
its substitute, to prevent the loss of its ammonia, and as a protection against its
injurious effect on plants.

POULTRY HOUSE MANURE.

Next in value to night soil, among domestic manures, are the excrements of
poultry, pigeons, etc. Birds live on the nice bits of creation, seeds, insects, etc.,
and they discharge their solid and liquid excrements together. Poultry-dung is
nearly equal in value to guano (except that it contains more water), and it
deserves to be carefully preserved and judiciously used. It is as well worth
twenty-five cents per bushel as guano is worth fifty dollars a ton (at which price
it is now sold).
Poultry-manure is liable to as much injury from evaporation and leaching as is
any other manure, and equal care should be taken (by the same means) to
prevent such loss. Good shelter over the roosts, and daily sprinkling with
prepared muck or charcoal-dust will be amply repaid by the increased value of
the manure, and its better action and greater durability in the soil. The value of
this manure should be taken into consideration in calculating the profit of
keeping poultry (as indeed with all other stock). It has been observed by a
gentleman of much experience, in poultry raising, that the yearly manure of a
hundred fowls applied to previously unmanured land would produce extra corn
enough to keep them for a year. This is probably a large estimate, but it serves to
show that this fertilizer is very valuable, and also that poultry may be kept with
great profit, if their excrements are properly secured.
The manure of pigeons has been a favorite fertilizer in some countries for more
than 2000 years.
Market gardeners attach much value to rabbit-manure.

SHEEP MANURE.

What can you say of the manure of sheep?

The manure of sheep is less valuable than it would be, if so large a quantity of
the nitrogen and mineral parts of the food were not employed in the formation of
wool. This has a great effect on the richness of the excrements, but they are still
a very good fertilizer, and should be protected from loss in the same way as
stable manure.

GUANO.

Should the use of guano induce us to disregard other manures?

Where and in what manner is the best guano deposited?

Guano as a manure has become world renowned. The worn-out tobacco lands of
Virginia, and other fields in many parts of the country, which seemed to have
yielded to the effect of an ignorant course of cultivation, and to have sunk to
their final repose, have in many cases been revived to the production of excellent
crops, and have had their value multiplied many fold by the use of guano.
Although an excellent manure, it should not cause us to lose sight of those
valuable materials which exist on almost every farm. Every ton of guano
imported into the United States is an addition to our national wealth, but every
ton of stable-manure, or poultry-dung, or night soil evaporated or carried away
in rivers, is equally a deduction from our riches. If the imported manure is to
really benefit us, we must not allow it to occasion the neglect and consequent
loss of our domestic fertilizers.
The Peruvian guano (which is considered the best) is brought from islands near
the coast of Peru. The birds which frequent these islands live almost entirely on
fish, and drop their excrements here in a climate where rain is almost unknown,
and where, from the dryness of the air, there is but little loss sustained by the
manure. It is brought to this country in large quantities, and is an excellent
fertilizer, superior even to night soil.

How should it be prepared for use?

It should be mixed with an absorbent before being used, unless it is plowed

deeply under the soil, as it contains much ammonia which would be lost from
evaporation. It would probably also injure plants. The best way to use guano, is
in connection with sulphuric acid and bones, as will be described hereafter.
The composition of the various kinds of guano may be found in the section on
analysis.

FOOTNOTES:
[AA] The nitrogenous compound in the urine.
[AB] Comparatively.
 CHAPTER VII.
OTHER ORGANIC MANURES.

The number of organic manures is almost countless. The most common of these
have been described in the previous chapters on the excrements of animals. The
more prominent of the remaining ones will now be considered. As a universal
rule, it may be stated that all organic matter (every thing which has had
vegetable or animal life) is capable of fertilizing plants.

DEAD ANIMALS.

What are the chief fertilizing constituents of dead animals?

What becomes of these when exposed to the atmosphere?
How may this be prevented?

The bodies of animals contain much nitrogen, as well as valuable quantities, the
phosphates and other inorganic materials required in the growth of plants. On
their decay, the nitrogen is resolved into ammonia,[AC] and the mineral matters
become valuable as food for the inorganic parts of plants.
If the decomposition of animal bodies takes place in exposed situations, and
without proper precautions, the ammonia escapes into the atmosphere, and much
of the mineral portion is leached out by rains. The use of absorbents, such as
charcoal-dust, prepared muck, etc., will entirely prevent evaporation, and will in
a great measure serve as a protection against leaching.
If a dead horse be cut in pieces and mixed with ten loads of muck, the whole
mass will, in a single season, become a most valuable compost. Small animals,
such as dogs, cats, etc., may be with advantage buried by the roots of grape-
vines or trees.

BONES.

Of what do the bones of animals consist?

What is gelatine?
Describe the fertilizing qualities of fish.

The bones of animals contain phosphate of lime and gelatine. The gelatine is a
nitrogenous substance, and produces ammonia on its decomposition. This
subject will be spoken of more fully under the head of 'phosphate of lime' in the
chapter on mineral manures, as the treatment of bones is more directly with
reference to the fertilizing value of their inorganic matter.

FISH.

In many localities near the sea-shore large quantities of fish are caught and
applied to the soil. These make excellent manure. They contain much nitrogen,
which renders them strongly ammoniacal on decomposition. Their bones consist
of phosphate and carbonate of lime; and, being naturally soft, they decompose in
the soil with great facility, and become available to plants. The scales of fish
contain valuable quantities of nitrogen, phosphate of lime, etc., all of which are
highly useful.
Refuse fishy matters from markets and from the house are well worth saving.
These and fish caught for manure may be made into compost with prepared
muck, etc.; and, as they putrefy rapidly, they soon become ready for use. They
may be added to the compost of stable manure with great advantage.

Should these be applied as a top dressing to the soil?

What are the fertilizing properties of woollen rags?
What is the best way to use them?

Fish (like all other nitrogenous manures) should never be applied as a top
dressing, unless previously mixed with a good absorbent of ammonia, but should
when used alone be immediately plowed under to considerable depth, to prevent
the evaporation—and consequent loss—of their fertilizing gases.

WOOLLEN RAGS, ETC.

Woollen rags, hair, waste of woollen factories, etc., contain both nitrogen and
phosphate of lime; and, like all other matters containing these ingredients, are
excellent manures, but must be used in such a way as to prevent the escape of
their fertilizing gases. They decompose slowly, and are therefore considered a
lasting manure. Like all lasting manures, however, they are slow in their effects,
and the most advantageous way to use them is to compost them with stable
manure, or with some other rapidly fermenting substance, which will hasten
their decomposition and render them sooner available.
Rags, hair, etc., thus treated, will in a short time be reduced to such a condition
that they may be immediately used by plants instead of lying in the soil to be
slowly taken up. It is better in all cases to have manures act quickly and give an
immediate return for their cost, than to lie for a long time in the soil before their
influence is felt.

What is their value compared with that of farm-yard manure?

How should old leather be treated?
Describe the manurial properties of tanners' refuse.
How should they be treated?
Are horn piths, etc. valuable?

A pound of woollen rags is worth, as a manure, twice as much as is paid for

good linen shreds for paper making; still, while the latter are always preserved,
the former are thrown away, although considered by good judges to be worth
forty times as much as barn-yard manure.
Old leather should not be thrown away. It decomposes very slowly, and
consequently is of but a little value; but, if put at the roots of young trees, it will
in time produce appreciable effects.
Tanners' and curriers' refuse, and all other animal offal, including that of the
slaughter-house, is well worth attention, as it contains more or less of those two
most important ingredients of manures, nitrogen and phosphate of lime.
It is unnecessary to add that, in common with all other animal manures, these
substances must be either composted, or immediately plowed under the soil.
Horn piths, and horn shavings, if decomposed in compost, with substances
which ferment rapidly, make very good manure, and are worth fully the price
charged for them.

ORGANIC MANURES OF VEGETABLE ORIGIN.

Muck, the most important of the purely vegetable manures, has been already
sufficiently described. It should be particularly borne in mind that, when first
taken from the swamp it is often sour, or cold, but that if exposed for a long time
to the air, or if well treated with lime, unleached ashes, the lime and salt mixture,
or any other alkali, its acids will be neutralized (or overcome), and it becomes a
good application to any soil, except peat or other soils already containing large
quantities of organic matter. In applying muck to the soil (as has been before
stated), it should be made a vehicle for carrying ammoniacal manures.

SPENT TAN BARK.

Why is decomposed bark more fertilizing than that of decayed

wood?

Spent tan bark, if previously decomposed by the use of the lime and salt mixture,
or potash, answers all the purposes of prepared muck, but is more difficult of
decomposition.

How may bark be decomposed?

Why should tan bark be composted with an alkali?
Why is it good for mulching?
Is sawdust of any value?
The bark of trees contains a larger proportion of inorganic matter than the wood,
and much of this, on the decomposition of the bark, becomes available as
manure. The chemical effect on the bark, of using it in the tanning of leather, is
such as to render it difficult to be rotted by the ordinary means, but, by the use of
the lime and salt mixture it may be reduced to the finest condition, and becomes
a most excellent manure. It probably contains small quantities of nitrogen
(obtained from the leather), which adds to its value. Unless tan bark be
composted with lime, or some other alkali, it may produce injurious effects from
the tannic acid which it is liable to contain. Alkaline substances will neutralize
this acid, and prevent it from being injurious.
One great benefit resulting from the use of spent tan bark, is due to its power of
absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. For this reason it is very valuable for
mulching[AD] young trees and plants when first set out.

SAWDUST.

Why is sawdust a good addition to the pig-stye?

What is the peculiarity of sawdust from the beech, etc.?
What is a peculiarity of soot?
Why may soot be used as a top dressing without losing its
ammonia?

Sawdust in its natural state is of very little value to the land, but when
decomposed, as may be done by the same method as was described for tan bark,
it is of some importance, as it contains a large quantity of carbon. Its ash, too,
which becomes available, contains soluble inorganic matter, and in this way it
acts as a direct manure. So far as concerns the value of the ash, however, the
bark is superior to sawdust. Sawdust may be partially rotted by mixing it with
strong manure (as hog manure), while it acts as a divisor, and prevents the too
rapid action of this when applied to the soil. Some kinds of sawdust, such as that
from beech wood, form acetic acid on their decomposition, and these should be
treated with, at least, a sufficient quantity of lime to correct the acid.
Soot is a good manure. It contains much carbon, and has, thus far, all of the
beneficial effects of charcoal dust. The sulphur, which is one of its constituents,
not only serves as food for plants, but, from its odor, is a good protection against
some insects. By throwing a handful of soot on a melon vine, or young cabbage
plant, it will keep away many insects.
Soot contains some ammonia, and as this is in the form of a sulphate, it is not
volatile, and consequently does not evaporate when the soot is applied as a top
dressing, which is the almost universal custom.

GREEN CROPS.

What plants are most used as green crops?

What office is performed by the roots of green crops?
How do such manures increase the organic matter of soils?

Green crops, to plow under, are in many places largely raised, and are always
beneficial. The plants most used for this purpose, in our country, are clover,
buckwheat, and peas. These plants have very long roots, which they send deep in
the soil, to draw up mineral matter for their support. This mineral matter is
deposited in the plant. The leaves and roots receive carbonic acid and ammonia
from the air, and from water. In this manner they obtain their carbon. When the
crop is turned under the soil, it decomposes, and the carbon, as well as the
mineral ingredients obtained from the subsoil, are deposited in the surface soil,
and become of use to succeeding crops. The hollow stalks of the buckwheat and
pea, serve as tubes, in the soil, for the passage of air, and thus, in heavy soils,
give a much needed circulation of atmospheric fertilizers.

What office is performed by the straw of the buckwheat and

pea?
What treatment may be substituted for the use of green crops?
Which course should be adopted in high farming?
Why is the use of green crops preferable in ordinary cultivation?
Name some other valuable manures.

Although green crops are of great benefit, and are managed with little labor,
there is no doubt but the same results may be more economically produced. A
few loads of prepared muck will do more towards increasing the organic matter
in the soil, than a very heavy crop of clover, while it would be ready for
immediate cultivation, instead of having to lie idle during the year required in
the production and decomposition of the green crop. The effect of the roots
penetrating the subsoil is, as we have seen, to draw up inorganic matter, to be
deposited within reach of the roots of future crops. In the next section we shall
show that this end may be much more efficiently attained by the use of the sub-
soil plow, which makes a passage for the roots into the subsoil, where they can
obtain for themselves what would, in the other case, be brought up for them by
the roots of the green crop.
The offices of the hollow straws may be performed by a system of ridging and
back furrowing, having previously covered the soil with leaves, or other refuse
organic material.
In high farming, where the object of the cultivator is to make a profitable
investment of labor, these last named methods will be found most expedient; but,
if the farmer have a large quantity of land, and can afford but a limited amount
of labor, the raising of green crops, to be plowed under in the fall, will probably
be adopted.
Before closing this chapter, it may be well to remark that there are various other
fertilizers, such as the ammoniacal liquor of gas-houses, soapers' wastes,
bleachers' lye, lees of old oil casks, etc., which we have not space to consider at
length, but which are all valuable as additions to the compost heap, or as
applications, in a liquid form, to the soil.

What are the advantages arising from burying manure in its

green state?
Which is generally preferable, this course, or composting? Why?

In many cases (when heavy manuring is practised), it may be well to apply

organic manures to the soil in a green state, turn them under, and allow them to
undergo decomposition in the ground. The advantages of this system are, that the
heat, resulting from the chemical changes, will hasten the growth of plants, by
making the soil warmer; the carbonic acid formed will be presented to the roots
instead of escaping into the atmosphere; and if the soil be heavy, the rising of the
gases will tend to loosen it, and the leaving vacant of the spaces occupied by the
solid matters will, on their being resolved into gases, render the soil of a more
porous character. As a general rule, however, in ordinary farming, where the
amount of manure applied is only sufficient for the supply of food to the crop, it
is undoubtedly better to have it previously decomposed—cooked as it were, for
the uses of the plants—as they can then obtain the required amount of nutriment
as fast as needed.

ABSORPTION OF MOISTURE.

It is often convenient to know the relative power of different manures to absorb

moisture from the atmosphere, especially when we wish to manure lands that
suffer from drought. The following results are given by C. W. Johnson, in his
essay on salt, (pp. 8 and 19). In these experiments the animal manures were
employed without any admixture of straw.
PARTS
1000 parts of horse dung, dried in a temperature of 100°, absorbed by
exposure for three hours, to air saturated with moisture, of
the temperature of 62° 145
1000 parts of cow dung, under the same circumstances, absorbed 130
1000 parts pig dung 120
1000 " sheep " 81
1000 " pigeon " 50
1000 " rich alluvial soil 14
1000 " fresh tanner's bark 115
1000 " putrified " 145
1000 " refuse marine salt sold as manure 49½
1000 " soot 36
1000 " burnt clay 29
1000 " coal ashes 14
1000 " lime 11
1000 " sediment from salt pans 10
1000 " crushed rock salt 10
1000 " gypsum 9
1000 " salt 4[AE]
Muck is a most excellent absorbent of moisture, when thoroughly decomposed.
 DISTRIBUTION OF MANURES.

The following table from Johnson, on manures, will be found convenient in the
distribution of manures.
By its assistance the farmer will know how many loads of manure he requires,
dividing each load into a stated number of heaps, and placing them at certain
distances. In this manner manure may be applied evenly, and calculation may be
made as to the amount, per acre, which a certain quantity will supply.[AF]

DISTANCE OF NUMBER OF HEAPS IN A LOAD.

THE HEAPS. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
3 yards. 538 269 179 134 108 89½ 77 67 60 54
3½ do. 395 168 132 99 79 66 56½ 49½ 44 39½
4 do. 303 151 101 75½ 60½ 50½ 43¼ 37¾ 33½ 30¼
4½ do. 239 120 79½ 60 47¾ 39¾ 34¼ 30 26½ 24
5 do. 194 97 64½ 48½ 38¾ 32¼ 27¾ 24¼ 21½ 19¼
5½ do. 160 80 53½ 40 32 26¾ 22¾ 20 17¾ 16
6 do. 131 67 44¾ 33½ 27 22½ 19¼ 16¾ 15 13½
6½ do. 115 57½ 38¼ 28¾ 23 19 16¼ 14¼ 12¾ 11½
7 do. 99 49½ 33 24¾ 19¾ 16½ 14 12¼ 11 10
7½ do. 86 43 28¾ 21½ 17¼ 14¼ 12¼ 10¾ 9½ 8½
8 do. 75½ 37¾ 25¼ 19 15¾ 12½ 10¾ 9½ 8½ 7½
8½ do. 67 33½ 22¼ 16¾ 13½ 11¼ 9½ 8½ 7½ 6¾
9 do. 60 30 20 15 12 10 8½ 7¾ 6¾ 6
9½ do. 53½ 26¾ 18 13½ 10¾ 9 7¾ 6¾ 6 5¼
10 do. 48½ 24¼ 16¼ 12 9¾ 8 7 6 5½ 4¾

Example 1.—Required, the number of loads necessary to manure an acre of

ground, dividing each load into six heaps, and placing them at a distance of 4½
yards from each other? The answer by the table is 39¾.
Example 2.—A farmer has a field containing 5½ acres, over which he wishes to
spread 82 loads of dung. Now 82 divided by 5½, gives 15 loads per acre; and by
referring to the table, it will be seen that the desired object may be accomplished,
by making 4 heaps of a load, and placing them 9 yards apart, or by 9 heaps at 6
yards, as may be thought advisable.
 FOOTNOTES:
[AC] Under some circumstances, nitric acid is formed, which is equally beneficial to
vegetable growth.
[AD] See the glossary at the end of the book.
[AE] Working Farmer, vol. 1, p. 55.
[AF] It is not necessary that this and the foregoing table should be learned by the
scholar, but they will be found valuable for reference by the farmer.
 CHAPTER VIII.
MINERAL MANURES.

How many kinds of action have inorganic manures?

What is the first of these? The second? Third? Fourth?
Do all mineral manures possess all of these qualities?

The second class of manures named in the general division of the subject, in the
early part of this chapter, comprises those of a mineral character, or inorganic
manures.
These manures have four kinds of action when applied to the soil.
1st. They furnish food for the inorganic part of plants.
2d. They prepare matters already in the soil, for assimilation by roots.
3d. They improve the mechanical condition of the soil.
4th. They absorb ammonia.
Some of the mineral manures produce in the soil only one of these effects, and
others are efficient in two or all of them.
The principles to be considered in the use of mineral manures are essentially
given in the first two sections of this book. It may be well, however, to repeat
them briefly in this connection, and to give the reasons why any of these
manures are needed, from which we may learn what rules are to be observed in
their application.

Relate what you know of the properties of vegetable ashes?

 How does this relate to the fertility of the soil?
According to what two rules may we apply mineral manures?
What course would you pursue to raise potatoes on a soil
containing a very little phosphoric acid and no potash?

1st. Those which are used as food by plants. It will be recollected that the ash
left after burning plants, and which formed a part of their structures, has a certain
chemical composition; that is, it consists of alkalies, acids, and neutrals. It was
also stated that the ashes of plants of the same kind are always of about the same
composition, while the ashes of different kinds of plants may vary materially.
Different parts of the same plant too, as we learned, are supplied with different
kinds of ash.
For instance, clover, on being burned, leaves an ash containing lime, as one of its
principal ingredients, while the ash of potatoes contains more of potash than of
any thing else.
In the second section (on soils), we learned that some soils contain every thing
necessary to make the ashes of all plants, and in sufficient quantity to supply
what is required, while other soils are either entirely deficient in one or more
ingredients, or contain so little of them that they are unfertile for certain plants.

Would you manure it in the same way for wheat?

Why?

From this, we see that we may pursue either one of two courses. After we know
the exact composition of the soil—which we can learn only from correct analysis
—we may manure it with a view either to making it fertile for all kinds of plants
or only for one particular plant. For instance, we may find that a soil contains a
very little phosphoric acid, and no potash. If we wish to raise potatoes on such a
soil, we have only to apply potash (if the soil is good in other particulars), which
is largely required by this plant, though it needs but little phosphoric acid; while,
if we wish to make it fertile for wheat, and all other plants, we must apply more
phosphoric acid as well as potash. As a universal rule, it may be stated that to
render a soil fertile for any particular plant, we must supply it (unless it already
contains them) with those matters which are necessary to make the ash of that
plant; and, if we would render it capable of producing all kinds of plants, it must
be furnished with the materials required in the formation of all kinds of
vegetable ashes.
It is not absolutely necessary to have the soil analyzed before it can be cultivated
with success, but it is the cheapest way.

How is the fertility of the soil to be maintained, if the crops are

sold?
What rule is given for general treatment?
Give an instance of matters in the soil that are to be rendered
available by mineral manures?

We might proceed from an analysis of the plant required (which will be found in
Section V.), and apply to the soil in the form of manure every thing that is
necessary for the formation of the ash of that plant. This would give a good crop
on any soil that was in the proper mechanical condition, and contained enough
organic matter; but a moment's reflection will show that, if the soil contained a
large amount of potash, or of phosphate of lime, it would not be necessary to
make an application of more of these ingredients—at an expense of perhaps
three times the cost of an analysis. It is true that, if the crop is sold, and it is
desired to maintain the fertility of the soil, the full amount of the ash must be
applied, either before or after the crop is grown; but, in the ordinary use of crops
for feeding purposes, a large part of the ash will exist in the excrements of the
animals; so that the judicious farmer will be able to manure his land with more
economy than if he had to apply to each crop the whole amount and variety
required for its ash. The best rule for practical manuring is probably to
strengthen the soil in its weaker points, and prevent the stronger ones from
becoming weaker. In this way, the soil may be raised to the highest state of
fertility, and be fully maintained in its productive powers.
2d. Those manures which render available matter already contained in the soil.

How may silica be developed?

How does lime affect soils containing coarse particles?
How do mineral manures sometimes improve the mechanical
texture of the soil?

Silica (or sand), it will be recollected, exists in all soils; but, in its pure state, is
not capable of being dissolved, and therefore cannot be used by plants. The
alkalies (as has been stated), have the power of combining with this silica,
making compounds, which are called silicates. These are readily dissolved by
water, and are available in vegetable growth. Now, if a soil is deficient in these
soluble silicates, it is well known that grain, etc., grown on it, not being able to
obtain the material which gives them strength, will fall down or lodge; but, if
such measures be taken, as will render the sand soluble, the straw will be strong
and healthy. Alkalies used for this purpose, come under the head of those
manures which develope the natural resources of the soil.
Again, much of the mineral matter in the soil is combined within particles, and is
therefore out of the reach of roots. Lime, among other thing, has the effect of
causing these particles to crumble and expose their constituents to the demand of
roots. Therefore, lime has for one of its offices the development of the fertilizing
ingredients of the soil.
3d. Those manures which improve the mechanical condition of the soil.
The alkalies, in combining with sand, commence their action on the surfaces of
the particles, and roughen them—rust them as it were. This roughening of
particles of the soil prevents them from moving among each other as easily as
they do when they are smooth, and thus keeps the soil from being compacted by
heavy rains, as it is liable to be in its natural condition. In this way, the
mechanical texture of the soil is improved.
It has just been said that lime causes the pulverization of the particles of the soil;
and thus, by making it finer, improves its mechanical condition.
Some mineral manures, as plaster and salt, have the power of absorbing moisture
from the atmosphere; and this is a mechanical improvement to dry soils.

Name some mineral manures which absorb ammonia?

4th. Those mineral manures which have the power of absorbing ammonia.
Plaster, chloride of lime, alumina (clay), etc., are large absorbents of ammonia,
whether arising from the fermentation of animal manures or washed down from
the atmosphere by rains. The ammonia thus absorbed is of course very important
in the vegetation of crops.
Having now explained the reasons why mineral manures are necessary, and the
manner in which they produce their effects, we will proceed to examine the
various deficiencies of soils and the character of many kinds of this class of
fertilizers.
 CHAPTER IX.
DEFICIENCIES OF SOILS, MEANS OF RESTORATION, ETC.

As will be seen by referring to the analyses of soils on p. 72, they may be

deficient in certain ingredients, which it is the object of mineral manures to
supply. These we will take up in order, and endeavor to show in a simple manner
the best means of managing them in practical farming.

ALKALIES.

POTASH.

Do all soils contain a sufficient amount of potash?

How may its deficiency have been caused?
How may its absence be detected?
Does barn-yard manure contain sufficient potash to supply its
deficiency in worn-out soils?

Potash is often deficient in the soil. Its deficiency may have been caused in two
ways. Either it may not have existed largely in the rock from which the soil was
formed, and consequently is equally absent from the soil itself, or it may have
once been present in sufficient quantities, and been carried away in crops,
without being returned to the soil in the form of manure until too little remains
for the requirements of fertility.
In either case, its absence may be accurately detected by a skilful chemist, and it
may be supplied by the farmer in various ways. Potash, as well as all of the other
mineral manures, is contained in the excrements of animals, but not (as is also
the case with the others) in sufficient quantities to restore the proper balance to
soils where it is largely deficient, nor even to make up for what is yearly
removed with each crop, except that crop (or its equivalent) has been fed to such
animals as return all of the fertilizing constituents of their food in the form of
manure, and this be all carefully preserved and applied to the soil. In all other
cases, it is necessary to apply more potash than is contained in the excrements of
animals.

What is generally the most available source from which to

obtain this alkali?
Will leached ashes answer the same purpose?
How may ashes be used?

Unleached wood ashes is generally the most available source from which to
obtain this alkali. The ashes of all kinds of wood contain potash (more or less
according to the kind—see analysis section V.) If the ashes are leached, the
potash is removed; and, hence for the purpose of supplying it, they are
worthless; but unleached ashes are an excellent source from which to obtain it.
They may be made into compost with muck, as directed in a previous chapter, or
applied directly to the soil. In either case the potash is available directly to the
plant, or is capable of uniting with the silica in the soil to form silicate of potash.
Neither potash nor any other alkali should ever be applied to animal manures
unless in compost with an absorbent, as they cause the ammonia to be thrown off
and lost.

From what other sources may potash be obtained?

How may we obtain soda?
In what quantities should pure salt be applied to the soil?

Potash sparlings, or the refuse of potash warehouses, is an excellent manure for

lands deficient in this constituent.
Potash marl, such as is found in New Jersey, contains a large proportion of
potash, and is an excellent application to soils requiring it.
Feldspar, kaolin, and other minerals containing potash, are, in some localities, to
be obtained in sufficient quantities to be used for manurial purposes.
Granite contains potash, and if it can be crushed (as is the case with some of the
softer kinds,) it serves a very good purpose.

SODA.

If applied in large quantities will it produce permanent injury?

In what quantities should salt be applied to composts? To
asparagus?

Soda, the requirement of which is occasioned by the same causes as create a

deficiency of potash, and all of the other ingredients of vegetable ashes, may be
very readily supplied by the use of common salt (chloride of sodium), which
consists of about one half sodium (the base of soda). The best way to use salt is
in the lime and salt mixture, previously described, or as a direct application to
the soil. If too much salt be given to the soil it will kill any plant. In small
quantities, however, it is highly beneficial, and if six bushels per acre be sown
broadcast over the land, to be carried in by rains and dews, it will not only
destroy many insects (grubs, worms, etc.), but will, after decomposing and
becoming chlorine and soda, prove an excellent manure. Salt, even in quantities
large enough to denude the soil of all vegetation, is never permanently injurious.
After the first year, it becomes resolved into its constituents, and furnishes
chlorine and soda to plants, without injuring them. One bushel of salt in each
cord of compost will not only hasten the decomposition of the manures, but will
kill all seeds and grubs—a very desirable effect. While small quantities of salt in
a compost heap are beneficial, too much (as when applied to the soil) is
positively injurious, as it arrests decomposition; fairly pickles the manures, and
prevents them from rotting.

What is generally the best way to use salt?

What is nitrate of soda?
What plants contain lime?

For asparagus, which is a marine plant, salt is an excellent manure, and may be
applied in almost unlimited quantities, while the plants are growing, if used after
they have gone to top, it is injurious. Salt has been applied to asparagus beds in
such quantities as to completely cover them, and with apparent benefit to the
plants. Of course large doses of salt kill all weeds, and thus save labor and the
injury to the asparagus roots, which would result from their removal by hoeing.
Salt may be used advantageously in any of the foregoing manners, but should
always be applied with care. For ordinary farm purposes, it is undoubtedly most
profitable to use the salt with lime, and make it perform the double duty of
assisting in the decomposition of vegetable matter, and fertilizing the soil.
Soda unites with the silica in the soil, and forms the valuable silicate of soda.
Nitrate of soda, or cubical nitre, which is found in South America, consists of
soda and nitric acid. It furnishes both soda and nitrogen to plants, and is an
excellent manure.

LIME.

The subject of lime is one of most vital importance to the farmer; indeed, so
varied are its modes of action and its effects, that some writers have given it
credit for every thing good in the way of farming, and have gone so far as to say
that all permanent improvement of agriculture must depend on the use of lime.
Although this is far in excess of the truth (as lime cannot plow, nor drain, nor
supply any thing but lime to the soil), its many beneficial effects demand for it
the closest attention.

Do all soils contain enough lime for the use of plants?

What amount is needed for this purpose?
What is its first-named effect on the soil?
Its second? Third? Fourth? Fifth?
How are acids produced in the soil?

As food for plants, lime is of considerable importance. All plants contain lime—
some of them in large quantities. It is an important constituent of straw, meadow
hay, leaves of fruit trees, peas, beans, and turnips. It constitutes more than one
third of the ash of red clover. Many soils contain lime enough for the use of
plants, in others it is deficient, and must be supplied artificially before they can
produce good crops of those plants of which lime is an important ingredient. The
only way in which the exact quantity of lime in the soil can be ascertained is by
chemical analysis. However, the amount required for the mere feeding plants is
not large, (much less than one per cent.), but lime is often necessary for other
purposes; and setting aside, for the present, its feeding action, we will examine
its various effects on the mechanical and chemical condition of the soil.
1. It corrects acidity (sourness).
2. It hastens the decomposition of the organic matter in the soil.
3. It causes the mineral particles of the soil to crumble.
4. By producing the above effects, it prepares the constituents of the soil for
assimilation by plants.
5. It is said to exhaust the soil, but it does so in a very desirable manner, the
injurious effects of which may be easily avoided.

How does lime correct them?

How does it affect animal manures in the soil?

1. The decomposition of organic matter in the soil, often produces acids which
makes the land sour, and cause it to produce sorrel and other weeds, which
interfere with the healthy growth of crops. Lime is an alkali, and if applied to
soils suffering from sourness, it will unite with the acids, and neutralize them, so
that they will no longer be injurious.
2. We have before stated that lime is a decomposing agent, and hastens the
rotting of muck and other organic matter. It has the same effect on the organic
parts of the soil, and causes them to be resolved into the gases and minerals of
which they are formed. It has this effect, especially, on organic matters
containing nitrogen, causing them to throw off ammonia; consequently, it
liberates this gas from the animal manures in the soil.
3. Various inorganic compounds in the soil are so affected by lime, that they lose
their power of holding together, and crumble, or are reduced to finer particles,
while some of their constituents are rendered soluble. One way in which this is
accomplished is by the action of the lime on the silica contained in these
compounds, forming the silicate of lime. This crumbling effect improves the
mechanical as well as the chemical condition of the soil.
4. We are now enabled to see how lime prepares the constituents of the soil for
the use of plants.

Inorganic compounds?
How does lime prepare the constituents of the soil for use?
What can you say of the remark that lime exhausts the organic
matter in the soil?

By its action on the roots, buried stubble, and other organic matter in the soil, it
causes them to be decomposed, and to give up many of their gaseous and
inorganic constituents for the use of roots. In this manner the organic matter is
prepared for use more rapidly than would be the case, if there were no lime
present to hasten its decomposition.
By the decomposing action of lime on the mineral parts of the soil (3), they also
are placed more rapidly in a useful condition than would be the case, if their
preparation depended on the slow action of atmospheric influences.
Thus, we see that lime, aside from its use directly as food for plants, exerts a
beneficial influence on both the organic and inorganic parts of the soil.
5. Many contend that lime exhausts the soil.
If we examine the manner in which it does so, we shall see that this is no
argument against its use.

How can lime exhaust the mineral parts of the soil?

Must the matter taken away be returned to the soil?

It exhausts the organic parts of the soil, by decomposing them, and resolving
them into the gases and minerals of which they are composed. If the soil do not
contain a sufficient quantity of absorbent matter, such as clay or charcoal, the
gases arising from the organic matter are liable to escape; but when there is a
sufficient amount of these substances present (as there always should be), these
gases are all retained until required by the roots of plants. Hence, although the
organic matter of manure and vegetable substances may be altered in form, by
the use of lime, it can escape (except in very poor soils) only as it is taken up by
roots to feed the crop, and such exhaustion is certainly profitable; still, in order
that the fertility of the soil may be maintained, enough of organic manure should
be applied, to make up for the amount taken from the soil by the crop, after
liberation for its use by the action of the lime. This will be but a small proportion
of the organic matter contained in the crop, as it obtains the larger part from the
atmosphere.
The only way in which lime can exhaust the inorganic part of the soil is, by
altering its condition, so that plants can use it more readily. That is, it exposes it
for solution in water. We have seen that fertilizing matter cannot be leached out
of a good soil, in any material quantity, but can only be carried down to a depth
of about thirty-four inches. Hence, we see that there can be no loss in this
direction; and, as inorganic matter cannot evaporate from the soil, the only way
in which it can escape is through the structure of plants.

If this course be pursued, will the soil suffer from the use of
lime?
Is it the lime, or its crop, that exhausts the soil?
Is lime containing magnesia better than pure lime?
What is the best kind of lime?

If lime is applied to the soil, and increases the amount of crops grown by
furnishing a larger supply of inorganic matter, of course, the removal of
inorganic substances from the soil will be more rapid than when only a small
amount of crop is grown, and the soil will be sooner exhausted—not by the lime,
but by the plants. In order to make up for this exhaustion, it is necessary that a
sufficient amount of inorganic matter be supplied to compensate for the
increased quantity taken away by plants.
Thus we see, that it is hardly fair to accuse the lime of exhausting the soil, when
it only improves its character, and increases the amount of its yield. It is the crop
that takes away the fertility of the soil (the same as would be the case if no lime
were used, only faster as the crop is larger), and in all judicious cultivation, this
loss will be fully compensated by the application of manures, thereby preventing
the exhaustion of the soil.

Is the purchase of marl to be recommended?

How is lime prepared for use? (Note.)
 Describe the burning and slaking of lime.

Kind of lime to be used. The first consideration in procuring lime for manuring
land, is to select that which contains but little, if any magnesia. Nearly all stone
lime contains more or less of this, but some kinds contain more than others.
When magnesia is applied to the soil, in too large quantities, it is positively
injurious to plants, and great care is necessary in making selection. As a general
rule, it may be stated, that the best plastering lime makes the best manure. Such
kinds only should be used as are known from experiment not to be injurious.
Shell lime is undoubtedly the best of all, for it contains no magnesia, and it does
contain a small quantity of phosphate of lime. In the vicinity of the sea-coast,
and near the lines of railroads, oyster shells, clam shells, etc., can be cheaply
procured. These may be prepared for use in the same manner as stone lime.[AG]
The preparation of the lime is done by first burning and then slaking, or by
putting it directly on the land, in an unslaked condition, after its having been
burned. Shells are sometimes ground, and used without burning; this is hardly
advisable, as they cannot be made so fine as by burning and slaking. As was
stated in the first section of this book, lime usually exists in nature, in the form
of carbonate of lime, as limestone, chalk, or marble (being lime and carbonic
acid combined), and when this is burned, the carbonic acid is thrown off, leaving
the lime in a pure or caustic form. This is called burned lime, quick-lime, lime
shells, hot lime, etc. If the proper quantity of water be poured on it, it is
immediately taken up by the lime, which falls into a dry powder, called slaked
lime. If quick-lime were left exposed to the weather, it would absorb moisture
from the atmosphere, and become what is termed air slaked.

What is air slaking?

If slaked lime be exposed to the air, what change does it
undergo?
What is the object of slaking lime?
How much carbonic acid is contained in a ton of carbonate of
lime?
How much lime does a ton of slaked lime contain?
What is the most economical form for transportation?

When slaked lime (consisting of lime and water) is exposed to the atmosphere, it
absorbs carbonic acid, and becomes carbonate of lime again; but it is now in the
form of a very fine powder, and is much more useful than when in the stone.
If quick-lime is applied directly to the soil, it absorbs first moisture, and then
carbonic acid, becoming finally a powdered carbonate of lime.
One ton of carbonate of lime contains 11¼ cwt. of lime; the remainder is
carbonic acid. One ton of slaked lime contains about 15 cwt. of lime; the
remainder is water.
Hence we see that lime should be burned, and not slaked, before being
transported, as it would be unprofitable to transport the large quantity of
carbonic acid and water contained in carbonate of lime and slaked lime. The
quick-lime may be slaked, and carbonated after reaching its destination, either
before or after being applied to the land.

What is the best form for immediate action on the inorganic

matter in the soil?
For most other purposes?

As has been before stated, much is gained by slaking lime with salt water, thus
imitating the lime and salt mixture. Indeed in many cases, it will be found
profitable to use all lime in this way. Where a direct action on the inorganic
matters contained in the soil is desired, it may be well to apply the lime directly
in the form of quick-lime; but, where the decomposition of the vegetable and
animal constituents of the soil is desired, the correction of sourness, or the
supplying of lime to the crop, the mixture with salt would be advisable.
The amount of lime required by plants is, as was before observed, usually small
compared with the whole amount contained in the soil; still it is not unimportant.
OF LIME.
25bus. of wheat contain about 13 lbs.
25 " barley " 10½ "
25 " oats " 11 "
2tons of turnips " 12 "
2 " potatoes " 5 "
2 " red clover " 77 "
2 " rye grass " 30 " [AH]
 What is the best guide concerning the quantity of lime to be
applied?
What is said of the sinking of lime in the soil?
What is plaster of Paris composed of?
Why is it called plaster of Paris?

The amount of lime required at each application, and the frequency of those
applications, must depend on the chemical and mechanical condition of the soil.
No exact rule can be given, but probably the custom of each district—regulated
by long experience—is the best guide.
Lime sinks in the soil; and therefore, when used alone, should always be applied
as a top dressing to be carried into the soil by rains. The tendency of lime to
settle is so great that, when cutting drains, it may often be observed in a whitish
streak on the top of the subsoil. After heavy doses of lime have been given to the
soil, and have settled so as to have apparently ceased from their action, they may
be brought up and mixed with the soil by deeper plowing.
Lime should never be mixed with animal manures, unless in compost with muck,
or some other good absorbent, as it is liable to cause the escape of their
ammonia.

PLASTER OF PARIS.

Plaster of Paris or Gypsum (sulphate of lime) is composed of sulphuric acid and

lime in combination. It is called 'plaster of Paris,' because it constitutes the rock
underlying the city of Paris.

Is it a constituent of plants?
What else does it furnish them?
How does it affect manure?
How does it produce sorrel in the soil?
How may the acidity be overcome?

It is a constituent of many plants. It also furnishes them with sulphur—a

constituent of the sulphuric acid which it contains.
It is an excellent absorbent of ammonia, and is very useful to sprinkle around
stables, poultry houses, pig-styes, and privies, where it absorbs the escaping
gases, saving them for the use of plants, and purifying the air, thus rendering
stables, etc., more healthy than when not so supplied.
It has been observed that the extravagant use of plaster sometimes induces the
growth of sorrel. This is probably the case only where the soil is deficient in
lime. In such instances, the lime required by plants is obtained by the
decomposition of the plaster. The lime enters into the construction of the plant,
and the sulphuric acid remains free, rendering the soil sour, and therefore in
condition to produce sorrel. In such a case, an application of lime will correct the
acid by uniting with it and converting it into plaster.

CHLORIDE OF LIME.

What does chloride of lime supply to plants?

How does it affect manures?
How may it be used?
How may magnesia be supplied, when wanting?
What care is necessary concerning the use of magnesia?

Chloride of lime is a compound of lime and chlorine. It furnishes both of these

constituents to plants, and it is an excellent absorbent of ammonia and other
gases arising from decomposition—hence its usefulness in destroying bad odors,
and in preserving fertilizing matters for the use of crops.
It may be used like plaster, or in the decomposition of organic matters, where it
not only hastens decay, but absorbs and retains the escaping gases. It will be
recollected that chloride of lime is one of the products of the lime and salt
mixture.
Lime in combination with phosphoric acid forms the valuable phosphate of lime,
of which so large a portion of the ash of grain, and the bones of animals, is
formed. This will be spoken of more at length under the head of 'phosphoric
acid.'
 MAGNESIA.

Magnesia is a constituent of vegetable ashes, and is almost always present in the

soil in sufficient quantities. When analysis indicates that it is needed, it may be
applied in the form of magnesian lime, or refuse epsom salts, which are
composed of sulphuric acid and magnesia (sulphate of magnesia).
The great care necessary concerning the use of magnesia is, not to apply too
much of it, it being, when in excess, as has been previously remarked, injurious
to the fertility of the soil. Some soils are hopelessly barren from the fact that they
contain too much magnesia.

ACIDS.

SULPHURIC ACID.

What is sulphuric acid commonly called?

How may it be used?
How does it prevent the escape of ammonia?

Sulphuric acid is a very important constituent of vegetable ashes, especially of

oats and the root-crops.
It is often deficient in the soil, particularly where potatoes have been long
cultivated. One of the reasons why plaster (sulphate of lime) is so beneficial to
the potato crop is undoubtedly that it supplies it with sulphuric acid.
Sulphuric acid is commonly known by the name of oil vitriol, and may be
purchased for agricultural purposes at a low price. It may be used in a very dilute
form (weakened by mixing it with a large quantity of water) to the compost
heap, where it will change the ammonia to a sulphate as soon as formed, and
thus prevent its loss, as the sulphate of ammonia is not volatile; and, being
soluble in water, is useful to plants. Some idea of the value of this compound
may be formed from the fact that manufacturers of manures are willing to pay
seven cents per lb., or even more, for sulphate of ammonia, to insure the success
of their fertilizers. Notwithstanding this, many farmers persist in throwing away
hundreds of pounds of ammonia every year, as a tax for their ignorance (or
indolence), while a small tax in money—not more valuable, nor more necessary
to their success—for the support of common schools, and the better education of
the young, is too often unwillingly paid.

What is the effect of using too much sulphuric acid?

If a tumbler full of sulphuric acid (costing a few cents), be thrown into the tank
of the compost heap once a month, the benefit to the manure would be very
great.
Where a deficiency of sulphuric acid in the soil is indicated by analysis, it may
be supplied in this way, or by the use of plaster or refuse epsom salts.
Care is necessary that too much sulphuric acid be not used, as it would prevent
the proper decomposition of manures, and would induce a growth of sorrel in the
soil by making it sour.
In many instances, it will be found profitable to use sulphuric acid in the
manufacture of super-phosphate of lime (as directed under the head of
'phosphoric acid,') thus making it perform the double purpose of preparing an
available form of phosphate, and of supplying sulphur and sulphuric acid to the
plant.

PHOSPHORIC ACID.

How large a part of the ashes of grain consists of phosphoric

acid?
Of what other substances does it form a leading ingredient?
How many pounds of sulphuric acid are contained in one
hundred bushels of wheat?

We come now to the consideration of one of the most important of all subjects
connected with agriculture, that is, phosphoric acid.
Phosphoric acid, forming about one half of the ashes of wheat, rye, corn,
buckwheat, and oats; nearly the same proportion of those of barley, peas, beans
and linseed; an important ingredient of the ashes of potatoes and turnips; one
quarter of the ash of milk and a large proportion of the bones of animals, often
exists in the soil in the proportion of only about one or two pounds in a
thousand. The cultivation of our whole country has been such, as to take away
the phosphoric acid from the soil without returning it, except in very minute
quantities. Every hundred bushels of wheat sold contains (and removes
permanently from the soil) about sixty pounds of phosphoric acid. Other grains,
as well as the root crops and grasses, remove likewise a large quantity of it. It
has been said by a contemporary writer, that for each cow kept on a pasture
through the summer, there is carried off in veal, butter and cheese, not less than
fifty lbs. of phosphate of lime (bone-earth) on an average. This would be one
thousand lbs. for twenty cows; and it shows clearly why old dairy pastures
become so exhausted of this substance, that they will no longer produce those
nutritious grasses, which are favorable to butter and cheese-making.

How much phosphate of lime will twenty cows remove from a

pasture during a summer?
What has this removal of phosphate of lime occasioned?
How have the Genesee and Mohawk valleys been affected by
this removal of phosphoric acid?

That this removal of the most valuable constituent of the soil, has been the cause
of more exhaustion of farms, and more emigration, in search of fertile districts,
than any other single effect of injudicious farming, is a fact which multiplied
instances most clearly prove.
It is stated that the Genesee and Mohawk valleys, which once produced an
average of thirty-five or forty bushels of wheat, per acre, have since been
reduced in their average production to twelve and a half bushels. Hundreds of
similar cases might be stated; and in a large majority of these, could the cause of
the impoverishment be ascertained, it would be found to be the removal of the
phosphoric acid from the soil.

How may this devastation be arrested?

Is any soil inexhaustible?
What is usually the best source from which to obtain phosphoric
acid?
The evident tendency of cultivation being to continue this murderous system,
and to prey upon the vital strength of the country, it is necessary to take such
measures as will arrest the outflow of this valuable material. This can never be
fully accomplished until laws shall be made preventing the wastes of cities and
towns. Such laws have existed for a long time in China, and have doubtlessly
been the secret of the long subsistence and present prosperity of the millions of
people inhabiting that country.
We have, nevertheless, a means of restoring to fertility many of our worn-out
lands, and preserving our fertile fields from so rapid impoverishment as they are
now suffering. Many suppose that soils which produce good crops, year after
year, are inexhaustible, but time will prove to the contrary. They may possess a
sufficiently large stock of phosphoric acid, and other constituents of plants, to
last a long time, but when that stock becomes so reduced, that there is not
enough left for the uses of full crops, the productive power of the soil will yearly
decrease, until it becomes worthless. It may last a long time, a century, or even
more, but as long as the system is—to remove every thing, and return nothing,—
the fate of the most fertile soil is evident.
The source mentioned, from which to obtain phosphoric acid, is the bones of
animals. These contain large quantities of phosphate of lime. They are the
receptacles which collect nearly all of the phosphates in crops, which are fed to
animals, and are not returned in their excrements. For the grain, etc., sent out of
the country, there is no way to be repaid except by the importation of this
material; but, all that is fed to animals, or to human beings, may, if a proper use
be made of their excrement, and of their bones after death, be returned to the
soil. With the treatment of animal excrements we are already familiar, and we
will now turn our attention to the subject of

BONES.

Of what do dried bones consist?

What is the organic matter of bones?
The inorganic?
What can you say of the use of whole bones?
Bones consist, when dried, of about one third organic matter, and two thirds
inorganic matter.
The organic matter consists chiefly of gelatine—a compound containing
nitrogen.
The inorganic part is chiefly phosphate of lime.
Hence, we see that bones are excellent, as both organic and mineral manure. The
organic part, containing nitrogen, forms ammonia, and the inorganic part
supplies the much needed phosphoric acid to the soil.
Liebig says that, as a producer of ammonia, 100 lbs. of dry bones are equivalent
to 250 lbs. of human urine.

How does the value of bone dust compare with that of broken
bones?
What is the reason of the superiority of bone dust?
How is bone-black made?
Of what does it consist?

Bones are applied to the soil in almost every conceivable form. Whole bones are
often used in very large quantities; their action, however, is extremely slow, and
it is never advisable to use bones in this form.
Ten bushels of bones, finely ground, will produce larger results, during the
current ten years after application, than would ensue from the use of one hundred
bushels merely broken, not because the dust contains more fertilizing matter than
the whole bones, but because that which it does contain is in a much more
available condition. It ferments readily, and produces ammonia, while the ashy
parts are exposed to the action of roots.
 Should farmers burn bones before using them?
How would you compost bones with ashes?
In what way would you prevent the escape of ammonia?

Bone-black. If bones are burned in retorts, or otherwise protected from the

atmosphere, their organic matter will all be driven off, except the carbon, which
not being supplied with oxygen cannot escape. In this form bones are called
ivory black, or bone-black. It consists of the inorganic matter, and the carbon of
the bones. The nitrogen having been expelled it can make no ammonia, and thus
far the original value of bones is reduced by burning; that is, one ton of bones
contains more fertilizing matter before, than after burning; but one ton of bone
black is more valuable than one ton of raw bones, as the carbon is retained in a
good form to act as an absorbent in the soil, while the whole may be crushed or
ground much more easily than before being burned. This means of pulverizing
bones is adopted by manufacturers, who replace the ammonia in the form of
guano, or otherwise; but it is not to be recommended for the use of farmers, who
should not lose the ammonia, forming a part of bones, more than that of other
manure.
Composting bones with ashes is a good means of securing their decomposition.
They should be placed in a water-tight vessel (such as a cask); first, three or four
inches of bones, then the same quantity of strong unleached wood ashes,
continuing these alternate layers until the cask is full, and keeping them always
wet. If they become too dry they will throw off an offensive odor, accompanied
by the escape of ammonia, and consequent loss of value. In about one year, the
whole mass of bones (except, perhaps, those at the top) will be softened, so that
they may be easily crushed, and they are in a good condition for manuring. The
ashes are, in themselves, valuable, and this compost is excellent for many crops,
particularly for Indian corn. A little dilute sulphuric acid, occasionally sprinkled
on the upper part of the matter in the cask, will prevent the escape of the
ammonia.

What is the effect of boiling bones under pressure?

How is super-phosphate of lime made?
Describe the composition of phosphate of lime, and the chemical
changes which take place in altering it to super-phosphate of
lime.
Boiling bones under pressure, whereby their gelatine is dissolved away, and the
inorganic matter left in an available condition, from its softness, is a very good
way of rendering them useful; but, as it requires, among other things, a steam
boiler, it is hardly probable that it will be largely adopted by farmers of limited
means.
Any or all of these methods are good, but bones cannot be used with true
economy, except by changing their inorganic matter into

SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME.

Super-phosphate of lime is made by treating phosphate of lime, or the ashes of

bones, with sulphuric acid.
Phosphate of lime, as it exists in bones, consists of one atom of phosphoric acid
and three atoms of lime. It may be represented as
Lime
Phosphoric acid { Lime
Lime
By adding a proper quantity of sulphuric acid with this, it becomes super-
phosphate of lime; that is, the same amount of phosphoric acid, with a smaller
proportion of lime (or a super-abundance of phosphoric acid), the sulphuric acid,
taking two atoms of lime away from the compound, combined with it making
sulphate of lime (plaster). The changes may be thus represented.

Phosphoric acid
Super-phosphate of lime.
Lime
Phosphate of lime
Lime
Lime Sulphate of lime.
Sulphuric acid
Super-phosphate of lime may be made from whole bones, bone dust, bone-black,
or from the pure ashes of bones.

How should sulphuric acid be applied to whole bones?

 What is the necessity for so large an amount of water?

The process of making it from whole bones is slow and troublesome, as it

requires a long time for the effect to diffuse itself through the whole mass of a
large bone. When it is made in this way, the bones should be dry, and the acid
should be diluted in many times its bulk of water, and should be applied to the
bones (which may be placed in a suitable cask, with a spiggot at the bottom), in
quantities sufficient to cover them, about once in ten days; and at the end of that
time, one half of the liquid should be drawn off by the spiggot. This liquid is a
solution of super-phosphate of lime, containing sulphate of lime, and may be
applied to the soil in a liquid form, or through the medium of a compost heap.
The object of using so much water is to prevent an incrustation of sulphate of
lime on the surfaces of the bones, this must be removed by stirring the mass,
which allows the next application of acid to act directly on the phosphate
remaining. The amount of acid required is about 50 or 60 lbs. to each 100 lbs. of
bones. The gelatine will remain after the phosphate is all dissolved, and may be
composted with muck, or plowed under the soil, where it will form ammonia.

May less water be employed in making super-phosphate from

bone dust or crushed bones?

Bone dust, or crushed bones, may be much more easily changed to the desired
condition, as the surface exposed is much greater, and the acid can act more
generally throughout the whole mass. The amount of acid required is the same as
in the other case, but it may be used stronger, two or three times its bulk of water
being sufficient, if the bones are finely ground or crushed—more or less water
should be used according to the fineness of the bones. The time occupied will
also be much less, and the result of the operation will be in better condition for
manure.
Bones may be made fine enough for this operation, either by grinding, etc., or by
boiling under pressure, as previously described; indeed, by whatever method
bones are pulverized, they should always be treated with sulphuric acid before
being applied to the soil, as this will more than double their value for immediate
use.
Bone-black is chiefly used by manufacturers of super-phosphate of lime, who
treat it with acid the same as has been directed above, only that they grind the
black very finely before applying the acid.
 What other forms of bones may be used in making super-
phosphate of lime?
Why is super-phosphate of lime a better fertilizer than phosphate
of lime?
What can you say of the lasting manures?

Bone ashes, or bones burned to whiteness, may be similarly treated. Indeed, in

all of the forms of bones here described, the phosphate of lime remains
unaltered, as it is indestructible by heat; the differences of composition are only
in the admixture of organic constituents.
The reason why super-phosphate of lime is so much better than phosphate, may
be easily explained. The phosphate is very slowly soluble in water, and
consequently furnishes food to plants slowly. A piece of bone as large as a pea
may lie in the soil for years without being all consumed; consequently, it will be
years before its value is returned, and it pays no interest on its cost while lying
there. The super-phosphate dissolves very rapidly and furnishes food for plants
with equal facility; hence its much greater value as a manure.
It is true that the phosphate is the most lasting manure; but, once for all, let us
caution farmers against considering this a virtue in mineral manures, or in
organic manures either, when used on soils containing the proper absorbents of
ammonia. They are lasting, only in proportion as they are lazy. Manures are
worthless unless they are in condition to be immediately used. The farmer who
wishes his manures to last in the soil, and to lose their use, may be justly
compared with the miser, who buries his gold and silver in the ground for the
satisfaction of knowing that he owns it. It is an old and a true saying that "a
nimble sixpence is better than a slow shilling."

IMPROVED SUPER-PHOSPHATE OF LIME.

What are the ingredients of the improved super-phosphate of

lime?

To show the manner in which super-phosphate of lime is perfected, and rendered

the best manure for general uses, which has yet been made, containing large
quantities of phosphoric acid and a good supply of ammonia,—hereby covering
the two leading deficiencies in a majority of soils, it may be well to explain the
composition of the improved super-phosphate of lime invented by Prof. Mapes.
This manure consists of the following ingredients in the proportions named:—
100 lbs. bone-black (phosphate of lime and carbon).
56 " sulphuric acid.
36 " guano.
20 " sulphate of ammonia.

Explain the uses of these different constituents.

What is nitrogenized phosphate?

The sulphuric acid has the before-mentioned effect on the bone-black, and fixes
the ammonia of the guano by changing it to a sulphate. The twenty pounds of
sulphate of ammonia added increase the amount, so as to furnish nitrogen to
plants in sufficient quantities to give them energy, and induce them to take up the
super-phosphate of lime in the manure more readily than would be done, were
there not a sufficient supply of ammonia in the soil.
The addition of the guano, which contains all of the elements of fertility, and
many of them in considerable quantities, renders the manure of a more general
character, and enables it to produce very large crops of almost any kind, while it
assists in fortifying the soil in what is usually its weakest point—phosphoric
acid.
Prof. Mapes has more recently invented a new fertilizer called nitrogenized
super-phosphate of lime, composed of the improved super-phosphate of lime and
blood, dried and ground before mixture, in equal proportions. This manure, from
its highly nitrogenous character, theoretically surpasses all others, and probably
will be found in practice to have great value; its cost will be rather greater than
guano.
We understand its manufacture will shortly be commenced by a company now
forming for that purpose.

What should be learned before purchasing amendments for the

soil?
 What do you know of silica?

Many farmers will find it expedient to purchase bones, or bone dust, and
manufacture their own super-phosphate of lime; others will prefer to purchase
the prepared manure. In doing so, it should be obtained of men of known
respectability, as manures are easily adulterated with worthless matters; and, as
their price is so high, that such deception may occasion great loss.
We would not recommend the application of any artificial manure, without first
obtaining an analysis of the soil, and knowing to a certainty that the manure is
needed; still, when no analysis has been procured, it may be profitable to apply
such manures as most generally produce good results—such as stable manure,
night soil, the improved super-phosphate of lime; or, if this cannot be procured,
guano.

NEUTRALS.

SILICA.

Silica (or sand) always exists in the soil in sufficient quantities for the supply of
food for plants; but, as has been often stated in the preceding pages, not always
in the proper condition. This subject has been so often explained to the student
of this book, that it is only necessary to repeat here, that when the weakness of
the straw or stalk of plants grown on any soil indicates an inability in that soil to
supply the silicates required for strength, not more sand should be added, but
alkalies, to combine with the sand already contained in it, and make soluble
silicates which are available to roots.
Sand is often necessary to stiff clays, as a mechanical manure, to loosen their
texture and render them easier of cultivation, and more favorable to the
distribution of roots, and to the circulation of air and water.

CHLORINE.

How may chlorine be applied?

Chlorine, a necessary constituent of plants, and often deficient in the soil (as
indicated by analysis), may be applied in the form of salt (chloride of sodium),
or chloride of lime. The former may be dissolved in the water used to slake lime,
and the latter may, with much advantage, be sprinkled around stables and other
places where fertilizing gases are escaping, and, after being saturated with
ammonia, applied to the soil, thus serving a double purpose.

OXIDE OF IRON.

How may the protoxide of iron be changed to peroxide?

Nearly all soils contain sufficient quantities of oxide of iron, or iron rust, so that
this substance can hardly be required as a manure.
Some soils, however, contain the protoxide of iron in such quantities as to be
injurious to plants,—see page 86. When this is the case, it is necessary to plow
the soil thoroughly, and use such other mechanical means as shall render it open
to the admission of air. The protoxide of iron will then take up more oxygen, and
become the peroxide—which is not only inoffensive, but is absolutely necessary
to fertility.

OXIDE OF MANGANESE.

This can hardly be called an essential constituent of plants, and is never taken
into consideration in manuring lands.

VARIOUS OTHER MINERAL MANURES.

LEACHED ASHES.

Why are leached ashes inferior to those that have not been
leached?
 On what do the benefits of leached ashes depend?
Can these ingredients be more cheaply obtained in another
form?
Why do unleached ashes, applied in the spring, sometimes cause
grain to lodge?

Among the mineral manures which have not yet been mentioned—not coming
strictly under any of the preceding heads, is the one known as leached ashes.
These are not without their benefits, though worth much less than unleached
ashes, which, besides the constituents of those which have been leached, contain
much potash, soda, etc.
Farmers have generally overrated the value of leached ashes, because they
contain small quantities of available phosphate of lime, and soluble silicates, in
which most old soils are deficient. While we witness the good results ensuing
from their application, we should not forget that the fertilizing ingredients of
thirty bushels of these ashes may be bought in a more convenient form for ten or
fifteen cents, or for less than the cost of spreading the ashes on the soil. In many
parts of Long Island farmers pay as much as eight or ten cents per bushel for this
manure, and thousands of loads of leached ashes are taken to this locality from
the river counties of New York, and even from the State of Maine, and are sold
for many times their value, producing an effect which could be as well and much
more cheaply obtained by the use of small quantities of super-phosphate of lime
and potash.
These ashes often contain a little charcoal (resulting from the imperfect
combustion of the wood), which acts as an absorbent of ammonia.
It is sometimes observed that unleached ashes, when applied in the spring, cause
grain to lodge. When this is the case, as it seldom is, it may be inferred that the
potash which they contain causes so rapid a growth, that the soil is not able to
supply silicates as fast as they are required by the plants, but after the first year,
the potash will have united with the silica in the soil, and overcome the
difficulty.

OLD MORTAR.
 What are the most fertilizing ingredients of old mortar?

Old mortar is a valuable manure, because it contains nitrate of potash and other
compounds of nitric acid with alkalies.
These are slowly formed in the mortar by the changing of the nitrogen of the hair
(in the mortar) into nitric acid, and the union of this with the small quantities of
potash, or with the lime of the plaster. Nitrogen, presented in other forms, as
ammonia, for instance, may be transformed into nitric acid, by uniting with the
oxygen of the air, and this nitric acid combines immediately with the alkalies of
the mortar.[AI]
The lime contained in the mortar may be useful in the soil for the many purposes
accomplished by other lime.

GAS HOUSE LIME.

How may gas-house lime be prepared for use?

Why should it not be used fresh, from the gas house?
On what do its fertilizing properties depend?
What use may be made of its offensive odor?

The refuse lime of gas works, where it can be cheaply obtained, may be
advantageously used as a manure. It consists, chiefly, of various compounds of
sulphur and lime. It should be composted with earth or refuse matter, so as to
expose it to the action of air. It should never be used fresh from the gas house. In
a few months the sulphur will have united with the oxygen of the air, and
become sulphuric acid, which unites with the lime and makes sulphate of lime
(plaster), which form it must assume, before it is of much value. Having been
used to purify gas made from coal, it contains a small quantity of ammonia,
which adds to its value. It is considered a profitable manure in England, at the
price there paid for it (forty cents a cartload), and, if of good quality, it may be
worth double that sum, especially for soils deficient in plaster, or for such crops
as are much benefited by plaster. Its price must, of course, be regulated
somewhat by the price of lime, which constitutes a large proportion of its
fertilizing parts. The offensive odor of this compound renders it a good
protection against many insects.
The refuse liquor of gas works contains enough ammonia to make it a valuable
manure.

SOAPERS' LEY AND BLEACHERS' LEY.

What use may be made of the refuse ley of soap-makers and

bleachers?
What peculiar qualities does soapers' ley possess?

The refuse ley of soap factories and bleaching establishments contains greater or
less quantities of soluble silicates and alkalies (especially soda and potash), and
is a good addition to the tank of the compost heap, or it may be used directly as a
liquid application to the soil. The soapers' ley, especially, will be found a good
manure for lands on which grain lodges.
Much of the benefit of this manure arises from the soluble silicates it contains,
while its nitrogenous matter,[AJ] obtained from those parts of the fatty matters
which cannot be converted into soap, and consequently remains in this solution,
forms a valuable addition. Heaps of soil saturated with this liquid in autumn, and
subjected to the freezings of winter, form an admirable manure for spring use.
Mr. Crane, near Newark (N. J.), has long used a mixture of spent ley and stable
manure, applied in the fall to trenches plowed in the soil, and has been most
successful in obtaining large crops.

IRRIGATION.

On what does the benefit arising from irrigation chiefly depend?

What kind of water is best for irrigation?
How do under-drains increase the benefits of irrigation?

Irrigation does not come strictly under the head of inorganic manures, as it often
supplies ammonia to the soil. Its chief value, however, in most cases, must
depend on the amount of mineral matter which it furnishes.
The word "irrigation" means simply watering. In many districts water is in
various ways made to overflow the land, and is removed when necessary for the
purposes of cultivation. All river and spring water contains some impurities,
many of which are beneficial to vegetation. These are derived from the earth
over, or through which, the water has passed, and ammonia absorbed from the
atmosphere. When water is made to cover the earth, especially if its rapid motion
be arrested, much of this fertilizing matter settles, and is deposited on the soil.
The water which sinks into the soil carries its impurities to be retained for the
uses of plants. When, by the aid of under-drains, or in open soils, the water
passes through the soil, its impurities are arrested, and become available in
vegetable growth. It is, of course, impossible to say exactly what kind of mineral
matter is supplied by water, as that depends on the kind of rock or soil from
which the impurities are derived; but, whatever it may be, it is generally soluble
and ready for immediate use by plants.

What is the difference between water which only runs over the
surface of the earth, and that which runs out of the earth?
Why should strong currents of water not be allowed to traverse
the soil?

Water which has run over the surface of the earth contains both ammonia and
mineral matter, while that which has arisen out of the earth, contains usually
only mineral matter. The direct use of the water of irrigation as a solvent for the
mineral ingredients of the soil, is one of its main benefits.
To describe the many modes of irrigation would be too long a task for our
limited space. It may be applied in any way in which it is possible to cover the
land with water, at stated times. Care is necessary, however, that it do not wash
more fertilizing matter from the soil than it deposits on it, as would often be the
case, if a strong current of water were run over it. Brooks may be dammed up,
and thus made to cover a large quantity of land. In such a case the rapid current
would be destroyed, and the fertilizing matter would settle; but, if the course of
the brook were turned, so that it would run in a current over any part of the soil,
it might carry away more than it deposited, and thus prove injurious. Small
streams turned on to land, from the washing of roads, or from elevated springs,
are good means of irrigation, and produce increased fertility, except where the
soil is of such a character as to prevent the water from passing away, in which
case it should be under-drained.
Irrigation was one of the oldest means of fertility ever used by man, and still
continues in great favor wherever its effects have been witnessed.

MIXING SOILS.

How are soils improved by mixing?

The mixing of soils is often all that is necessary to render them fertile, and to
improve their mechanical condition. For instance, soils deficient in potash, or
any other constituent, may have that deficiency supplied, by mixing with them
soil containing this constituent in excess.
It is very frequently the case, that such means of improvement are easily availed
of. While these chemical effects are being produced, there may be an equal
improvement in the mechanical character of the soil. Thus stiff clay soils are
rendered lighter, and more easily workable, by an admixture of sand, while light
blowy sands are compacted, and made more retentive of manure, by a dressing
of clay or of muck.

Why may the same effect sometimes be produced by deep

plowing?
What is absolutely necessary to economical manuring?

Of course, this cannot be depended on as a sure means of chemical

improvement, unless the soils are previously analyzed, so as to know their
requirements; but, in a majority of cases, the soil will be benefited, by mixing
with it soil of a different character. It is not always necessary to go to other
locations to procure the soil to be applied, as the subsoil is often very different
from the surface soil, and simple deep plowing will suffice, in such cases, to
produce the required admixture, by bringing up the earth from below to mingle it
with that of a different character at the surface.
In the foregoing remarks on the subject of mineral manures, the writer has
endeavored to point out such a course as would produce the "greatest good to the
greatest number," and, consequently, has neglected much which might
discourage the farmer with the idea, that the whole system of scientific
agriculture is too expensive for his adoption. Still, while he has confined his
remarks to the more simple improvements on the present system of management,
he would say, briefly, that no manuring can be strictly economical that is not
based on an analysis of the soil, and a knowledge of the best means of
overcoming the deficiencies indicated, together with the most scrupulous care of
every ounce of evaporating or soluble manure.

FOOTNOTES:
[AG] Marl is earth containing lime, but its use is not to be recommended in this
country, except where it can be obtained at little cost, as the expenses of carting the
earth would often be more than the value of the lime.
[AH] The straw producing the grain and the turnip and potato tops contain more lime
than the grain and roots.
[AI] See Working Farmer, vol. 2, p. 278.
[AJ] Glycerine, etc.
 CHAPTER X.
ATMOSPHERIC FERTILIZERS.

Are the gases in the atmosphere manures?

What would be the result if they were not so?

It is not common to look on the gases in the atmosphere in the light of manures,
but they are decidedly so. Indeed, they are almost the only organic manure ever
received by the uncultivated parts of the earth, as well as a large portion of that
which is occupied in the production of food for man.
If these gases were not manures; if there were no means by which they could be
used by plants, the fertility of the soil would long since have ceased, and the
earth would now be in an unfertile condition. That this must be true, will be
proved by a few moments' reflection on the facts stated in the first part of this
book. The fertilizing gases in the atmosphere being composed of the constituents
of decayed plants and animals, it is as necessary that they should be again
returned to the form of organized matter, as it is that constituents taken from the
soil should not be put out of existence.

AMMONIA.

How is ammonia used by plants?

How may it be carried to the soil?
How may the value of organic manures be estimated?
What effects has ammonia beside supplying food to plants?
The ammonia in the atmosphere probably cannot be appropriated by the leaves
of plants, and must, therefore, enter the soil to be assimilated by roots. It reaches
the soil in two ways. It is either arrested from the air circulating through the soil,
or it is absorbed by rains in the atmosphere, and thus carried to the earth, where
it is retained by clay and carbon, for the uses of plants. In the soil, ammonia is
the most important of all organic manures. In fact, the value of organic manure
may be estimated, either by the amount of ammonia which it will yield, or by its
power of absorbing ammonia from other sources.
The most important action of ammonia in the soil is the supply of nitrogen to
plants; but it has other offices which are of consequence. It assists in some of the
chemical changes necessary to prepare the matters in the soil for assimilation.
Some argue that ammonia stimulates the roots of plants, and causes them to take
up increased quantities of inorganic matter. The discussion of this question
would be out of place here, and we will simply say, that it gives them such vigor
that they require increased amounts of ashy matter, and enables them to take this
from the soil.

To how great a degree can the farmer control atmospheric

fertilizers?
What should be the condition of the soil?
What substances are good absorbents in the soil?
How may sandy soils be made retentive of ammonia?

Although, in the course of nature, the atmospheric fertilizers are plentifully

supplied to the soil, without the immediate attention of the farmer, it is not
beyond his power to manage them in such a manner as to arrest a greater
quantity. The precautions necessary have been repeatedly given in the preceding
pages, but it may be well to name them again in this chapter.
The condition of the soil is the main point to be considered. It must be such as to
absorb and retain ammonia—to allow water to pass through it, and be discharged
below the point to which the roots of crops are searching for food—and to admit
of a free circulation of air.
The power of absorbing and retaining ammonia is not possessed by sand, but it
is a prominent property of clay, charcoal, and some other matters named as
absorbents. Hence, if the soil consists of nearly pure sand, it will not make use of
the ammonia brought to it from the atmosphere, but will allow it to evaporate
immediately after a shower. Soils in this condition require additions of absorbent
matters, to enable them to use the ammonia received from the atmosphere. Soils
already containing a sufficient amount of clay or charcoal, are thus far prepared
to receive benefit from this source.

Why does under-draining increase the absorptive power of the

soil?
How do plants obtain their carbonic acid?
How does carbonic acid affect caustic lime in the soil?

The next point is to cause the water of rains to pass through the soil. If it lies on
the surface, or runs off without entering the soil, or even if it only enters to a
slight depth, and comes in contact with but a small quantity of the absorbents, it
is not probable that the fertilizing matters which it contains will all be abstracted.
Some of them will undoubtedly return to the atmosphere on the evaporation of
the water; but, if the soil contains a sufficient supply of absorbents, and will
allow all rain water to pass through it, the fertilizing gases will all be retained.
They will be filtered (or raked) out of the water.
This subject will be more fully treated in Section IV. in connection with under-
draining.
Besides the properties just described, the soil must possess the power of
admitting a free circulation of air. To effect this, it is necessary that the soil
should be well pulverized to a great depth. If, in addition to this, the soil be such
as to admit water to pass through, it will allow that circulation of air necessary to
the greatest supply of ammonia.

CARBONIC ACID.

What power does it give to water?

What condition of the soil is necessary for the reception of the
largest quantity of carbonic acid?
May oxygen be considered a manure?
What is the effect of the oxidation of the constituents of the soil?
Carbonic acid is received from the atmosphere, both by the leaves and roots of
plants.
If there is caustic lime in the soil, it unites with it, and makes it milder and finer.
It is absorbed by the water in the soil, and gives it the power of dissolving many
more substances than it would do without the carbonic acid. This use is one of
very great importance, as it is equivalent to making the minerals themselves
more soluble. Water dissolves carbonate of lime, etc., exactly in proportion to
the amount of carbonic acid which it contains. We should, therefore, strive to
have as much carbonic acid as possible in the water in the soil; and one way, in
which to effect this, is to admit to the soil the largest possible quantity of
atmospheric air which contains this gas.
The condition of soil necessary for this, is the same as is required for the deposit
of ammonia by the same circulation of air.

OXYGEN.

How does it affect the protoxide of iron?

How does it neutralize the acids in the soil?
How does it affect its organic parts?
How does it form nitric acid?
How may it affect excrementitious matter of plants?
What effect has it on the mechanical condition of the soil?

Oxygen, though not taken up by plants in its pure form, may justly be classed
among manures, if we consider its effects both chemical and mechanical in the
soil.
1. By oxidizing or rusting some of the constituents of the soil, it prepares them
for the uses of plants.
2. It unites with the protoxide of iron, and changes it to the peroxide.
3. If there are acids in the soil, which make it sour and unfertile, it may be
opened to the circulation of the air, and the oxygen will prepare some of the
mineral matters contained in the soil to unite with the acids and neutralize them.
4. Oxygen combines with the carbon of organic matters in the soil, and causes
them to decay. The combination produces carbonic acid.
5. It combines with the nitrogen of decaying substances and forms nitric acid,
which is serviceable as food for plants.
6. It undoubtedly affects in some way the matter which is thrown out from the
roots of plants. This, if allowed to accumulate, and remain unchanged, is often
very injurious to plants; but, probably, the oxygen and carbonic acid of the air in
the soil change it to a form to be inoffensive, or even make it again useful to the
plant.
7. It may also improve the mechanical condition of the soil, as it causes its
particles to crumble, thus making it finer; and it roughens the surfaces of
particles, making them less easy to move among each other.
These properties of oxygen claim for it a high place among the atmospheric
fertilizers.

WATER.

Why may water be considered an atmospheric manure?

What classes of action have manures?
What are chemical manures? Mechanical?

Water may be considered an atmospheric manure, as its chief supply to

vegetation is received from the air in the form of rain or dew. Its many effects
are already too well known to need farther comment.
The means of supplying water to the soil by the deposit of dew will be fully
explained in Section IV.
 CHAPTER XI.
RECAPITULATION.

Manures have two distinct classes of action in the soil, namely, chemical and
mechanical.
Chemical manures are those which enter into the construction of plants, or
produce such chemical effects on matters in the soil as shall prepare them for
use.
Mechanical manures are those which improve the mechanical condition of the
soil, such as loosening stiff clays, compacting light sands, pulverizing large
particles, etc.

What are the three kinds of manures?

What are organic manures, and what are their uses? Mineral?
Atmospheric?

Manures are of three distinct kinds, namely, Organic, mineral, and atmospheric.
Organic manures comprise all vegetable and animal matters (except ashes)
which are used to fertilize the soil. Vegetable manures supply carbonic acid, and
inorganic matter to plants. Animal manures supply the same substances and
ammonia.
Mineral manures comprise ashes, salt, phosphate of lime, plaster, etc. They
supply plants with inorganic matter. Their usefulness depends on their solubility.
Many of the organic and mineral manures have the power of absorbing ammonia
arising from the decomposition of animal manures, as well as that which is
brought to the soil by rains—these are called absorbents.
Atmospheric manures consist of ammonia, carbonic acid, oxygen and water.
Their greatest usefulness requires the soil to allow the water of rains to pass
through it, to admit of a free circulation of air among its particles, and to contain
a sufficient amount of absorbent matter to arrest and retain all ammonia and
carbonic acid presented to it.

What rule should regulate the application of manures?

How must organic manures be managed? Atmospheric?

Manures should never be applied to the soil without regard to its requirements.
Ammonia and carbon are almost always useful, but mineral manures become
mere dirt when applied to soils not deficient of them.
The only true guide to the exact requirements of the soil is chemical analysis;
and this must always be obtained before farming can be carried on with true
economy.
Organic manures must be protected against the escape of their ammonia and the
leaching out of their soluble parts. One cord of stable manure properly
preserved, is worth ten cords which have lost all of their ammonia by
evaporation, and their soluble parts by leaching—as is the case with much of the
manure kept exposed in open barn-yards.
Atmospheric manures cost nothing, and are of great value when properly
employed. In consequence of this, the soil which is enabled to make the largest
appropriation of the atmospheric fertilizers, is worth many times as much as that
which allows them to escape.

SECTION FOURTH.
MECHANICAL CULTIVATION.
 CHAPTER I.
THE MECHANICAL CHARACTER OF SOILS.

What is the first office of the soil?

How does it hold water for the uses of the plant?
How does it obtain a part of its moisture?

The mechanical character of the soil is well understood from preceding remarks,
and the learner knows that there are many offices to be performed by the soil
aside from the feeding of plants.
1. It admits the roots of plants, and holds them in their position.
2. By a sponge-like action, it holds water for the uses of the plant.
3. It absorbs moisture from the atmosphere to supply the demands of plants.

How may it obtain heat?

What is the use of the air circulating among its particles?
Could most soils be brought to the highest state of fertility?
What is the first thing to be done?
Should its color be darkened?

4. It absorbs heat from the sun's rays to assist in the process of growth.
5. It admits air to circulate among roots, and supply them with a part of their
food, while the oxygen of that air renders available the minerals of the soil; and
its carbonic acid, being absorbed by the water in the soil, gives it the power of
dissolving, and carrying into roots more inorganic matter than would be
contained in purer water.
6. It allows the excrementitious matter thrown out by roots to be carried out of
their reach.
All of these actions the soil must be capable of performing, before it can be in its
highest state of fertility. There are comparatively few soils now in this condition,
but there are also few which could not be profitably rendered so, by a judicious
application of the modes of cultivation to be described in the following chapters.
The three great objects to be accomplished are:—
1. To adopt such a system of drainage as will cause all of the water of rains to
pass through the soil, instead of evaporating from the surface.
2. To pulverize the soil to a considerable depth.
3. To darken its color, and render it capable of absorbing atmospheric fertilizers.
 Name some of the means used to secure these effects.
Why are under-drains superior to open drains?

The means used to secure these effects are under-draining, sub-soil and surface-
plowing, digging, applying muck, etc.
 CHAPTER II.
UNDER-DRAINING.

The advantages of under-drains over open drains are very great.

When open drains are used, much water passes into them immediately from the
surface, and carries with it fertilizing parts of the soil, while their beds are often
compacted by the running water and the heat of the sun, so that they become
water tight, and do not admit water from the lower parts of the soil.
The sides of these drains are often covered with weeds, which spread their seeds
throughout the whole field. Open drains are not only a great obstruction to the
proper cultivation of the land, but they cause much waste of room, as we can
rarely plow nearer than within six or eight feet of them.
There are none of these objections to the use of under-drains, as these are
completely covered, and do not at all interfere with the cultivation of the surface.

With what materials may under-drains be constructed?

Describe the tile.

Under drains may be made with brush, stones, or tiles. Brush is a very poor
material, and its use is hardly to be recommended. Small stones are better, and if
these be placed in the bottoms of the trenches, to a depth of eight or ten inches,
and covered with sods turned upside down, having the earth packed well down
on to them, they make very good drains.

TILE DRAINING.

The best under-drains are those made with tiles, or burnt clay pipes. The first
form of these used was that called the horse-shoe tile, which was in two distinct
pieces; this was superseded by a round pipe, and we have now what is called the
sole tile, which is much better than either of the others.
Fig. 4-Sole Tile.
Fig. 4—Sole Tile.

Why is the sole tile superior to those of previous construction?

How are these tiles laid?
How may the trenches be dug?

This tile is made (like the horse-shoe and pipe tile) of common brick clay, and is
burned the same as bricks. It is about one half or three quarters of an inch thick,
and is so porous that water passes directly through it. It has a flat bottom on
which to stand, and this enables it to retain its position, while making the drain,
better than would be done by the round pipe. The orifice through which the
water passes is egg-shaped, having its smallest curve at the bottom. This shape is
the one most easily kept clear, as any particles of dirt which get into the drain
must fall immediately to the point where even the smallest stream of water runs,
and are thus removed. An orifice of about two inches is sufficient for the smaller
drains, while the main drains require larger tiles.
These tiles are laid, so that their ends will touch each other, on the bottoms of the
trenches, and are kept in position by having the earth tightly packed around
them. Care must be taken that no space is left between the ends of the tiles, as
dirt would be liable to get in and choke the drain. It is advisable to place a sod—
grass side down—over each joint, before filling the trench, as this more
effectually protects them against the entrance of dirt. There is no danger of
keeping the water out by this operation, as it will readily pass through any part of
the tiles.

Fig. 5. Upton tool. Spade and hoe.

Upton tool.
Spade and hoe.

In digging the trenches it is not necessary (except in very stony ground) to dig
out a place wide enough for a man to stand in, as there are tools made expressly
for the purpose, by which a trench may be dug six or seven inches wide, and to
any required depth. One set of these implements consists of a long narrow spade
and a hoe to correspond, such as are represented in the accompanying figure.
With these tools, and a long light crowbar, for hard soils, trenches may be dug
much more cheaply than with the common spade and pickaxe. Where there are
large boulders in the soil, these draining tools may dig under them so that they
will not have to be removed.
When the trenches are dug to a sufficient depth, the bottoms must be made
perfectly smooth, with the required descent (from six inches to a few feet in one
hundred feet). Then the tiles may be laid in, so that their ends will correspond, be
packed down, and the trenches filled up. Such a drain, if properly constructed,
may last for ages. Unlike the stone drain, it is not liable to be frequented by rats,
nor choked up by the soil working into it.
The position of the tile may be best represented by a figure, also the mode of
constructing stone drains.

Why are small stones better than large stones in the construction
of drains?
On what must the depth of under-drains depend?

It will be seen that the tile drain is made with much less labor than the stone
drain, as it requires less digging, while the breaking up of the stone for the stone
drain will be nearly, or quite as expensive as the tiles. Drains made with large
stones are not nearly so good as with small ones, because they are more liable to
be choked up by animals working in them.[AK]
Fig. 6.
a-Tile drain trench. b-Stone drain trench. c-Sod laid on the stone.
a—Tile drain trench.
b—Stone drain trench.
c—Sod laid on the stone.

Describe the principle which regulates these relative depths and

distances. (Blackboard.)
Which is usually the cheaper plan of constructing drains?
The depth of the drains must depend on the distances at which they are placed. If
but twenty feet apart, they need be but three feet deep; while, if they are eighty
feet apart, they must be five feet deep, to produce the same effect. The reason for
this is, that the water in the drained soil is not level, but is higher midway
between the drains, than at any other point. It is necessary that this highest point
should be sufficiently far from the surface not to interfere with the roots of
plants, consequently, as the water line between two drains is curved, the most
distant drains must be the deepest. This will be understood by referring to the
following diagram.
Fig. 7.
aa-5 feet drains, 80 ft. apart. bb-3 feet drains, 20 ft. apart.
aa—5 feet drains, 80 ft. apart. bb—3 feet drains, 20 ft. apart.
The curved line represents the position of the water.
In most soils it will be easier to dig one trench five feet deep, than four trenches
three feet deep, and the deep trenches will be equally beneficial; but where the
soil is very hard below a depth of three feet, the shallow trenches will be the
cheapest, and in such soils they will often be better, as the hard mass might not
allow the water to pass down to enter the deeper drains.
By following out these instructions, land may be cheaply, thoroughly, and
permanently drained.

FOOTNOTES:
[AK] It is probable that a composition of hydraulic cement and some soluble material
will be invented, by which a continuous pipe may be laid in the bottoms of trenches,
becoming porous as the soluble material is removed by water.
 CHAPTER III.
ADVANTAGES OF UNDER-DRAINING.

The advantages of under-draining are many and important.

1. It entirely prevents drought.
2. It furnishes an increased supply of atmospheric fertilizers.
3. It warms the lower portions of the soil.
4. It hastens the decomposition of roots and other organic matter.
5. It accelerates the disintegration of the mineral matters in the soil.
6. It causes a more even distribution of nutritious matters among those parts of
soil traversed by roots.
7. It improves the mechanical texture of the soil.
8. It causes the poisonous excrementitious matter of plants to be carried out of
the reach of their roots.
9. It prevents grasses from running out.
10. It enables us to deepen the surface soil.
By removing excess of water—
11. It renders soils earlier in the spring.
12. It prevents the throwing out of grain in winter.
13. It allows us to work sooner after rains.
14. It keeps off the effects of cold weather longer in the fall.
15. It prevents the formation of acetic and other organic acids, which induce the
growth of sorrel and similar weeds.
16. It hastens the decay of vegetable matter, and the finer comminution of the
earthy parts of the soil.
17. It prevents, in a great measure, the evaporation of water, and the consequent
abstraction of heat from the soil.
18. It admits fresh quantities of water from rains, etc., which are always more or
less imbued with the fertilizing gases of the atmosphere, to be deposited among
the absorbent parts of soil, and given up to the necessities of plants.
19. It prevents the formation of so hard a crust on the surface of the soil as is
customary on heavy lands.

How does under-draining prevent drought?

1. Under-draining prevents drought, because it gives a better circulation of air in

the soil; (it does so by making it more open). There is always the same amount
of water in and about the surface of the earth. In winter, there is more in the soil
than in summer, while in summer, that which has been dried out of the soil exists
in the atmosphere in the form of a vapor. It is held in the vapory form by heat,
which acts as braces to keep it distended. When vapor comes in contact with
substances sufficiently colder than itself, it gives up its heat—thus losing its
braces—contracts, and becomes liquid water.
This may be observed in hundreds of common operations.

Why is there less water in the soil in summer than in winter, and
where does it exist?
What holds it in its vapory form?
How is it affected by cold substances?
Describe the deposit of moisture on the outside of a pitcher in
summer.
What other instances of the same action can be named?
It is well known that a cold pitcher in summer robs the vapor in the atmosphere
of its heat, and causes it to be deposited on its own surface. It looks as though
the pitcher were sweating, but the water all comes from the atmosphere, not, of
course, through the sides of the pitcher.
If we breathe on a knife-blade, it condenses in the same manner the moisture of
the breath, and becomes covered with a film of water.
Stone houses are damp in summer, because the inner surfaces of the walls, being
cooler than the atmosphere, cause its moisture to be deposited in the manner
described. By leaving a space, however, between the walls and the plaster, this
moisture is prevented from being troublesome.

How does this principle affect the soil?

Explain the experiment with the two boxes of soil.

Nearly every night in the summer season, the cold earth receives moisture from
the atmosphere in the form of dew.
A cabbage, which at night is very cold, condenses water to the amount of a gill
or more.
The same operation takes place in the soil. When the air is allowed to circulate
among its lower and cooler particles, they receive moisture from the same
process of condensation. Therefore, when, by the aid of under-drains, the lower
soil becomes sufficiently open to admit of a circulation of air, the deposit of
atmospheric moisture will keep the soil supplied with water at a point easily
accessible to the roots of plants.
If we wish to satisfy ourselves that this is practically correct, we have only to
prepare two boxes of finely pulverized soil, one, five or six inches deep, and the
other fifteen or twenty inches deep, and place them in the sun at mid-day in
summer. The thinner soil will be completely dried, while the deeper one, though
it may have been perfectly dry at first, will soon accumulate a large amount of
water on those particles which, being lower and more sheltered from the sun's
heat than the particles of the thin soil, are made cooler.
With an open condition of subsoil, then, such as may be secured by under-
draining, we entirely overcome drought.
 How does under-draining supply to the soil an increased amount
of atmospheric fertilizers?
How does it warm the lower parts of the soil?

2. Under-draining furnishes an increased supply of atmospheric fertilizers,

because it secures a change of air in the soil. This change is produced whenever
the soil becomes filled with water, and then dried; when the air above the earth is
in rapid motion, and when the comparative temperature of the upper and lower
soils changes. It causes new quantities of the ammonia and carbonic acid which
it contains to be presented to the absorbent parts of the soil.
3. Under-draining warms the lower parts of the soil, because the deposit of
moisture (1) is necessarily accompanied by an abstraction of heat from the
atmospheric vapor, and because heat is withdrawn from the whole amount of air
circulating through the cooler soil.
When rain falls on the parched surface soil, it robs it of a portion of its heat,
which is carried down to equalize the temperature for the whole depth. The heat
of the rain-water itself is given up to the soil, leaving the water from one to ten
degrees cooler, when it passes out of the drains, than when received by the earth.
There is always a current of air passing from the lower to the upper end of a well
constructed drain; and this air is always cooler in warm weather, when it issues
from, than when it enters the drain. Its lost heat is imparted to the soil.

How does it hasten the decomposition of roots and other organic

matter in the soil?
How does it accelerate the disintegration of its mineral parts?
Why is this disintegration necessary to fertility?

This heating of the lower soil renders it more favorable to vegetation, partially
by expanding the spongioles at the end of the roots, thus enabling them to absorb
larger quantities of nutritious matters.
4. Under-draining hastens the decomposition of roots and other organic matters
in the soil, by admitting increased quantities of air, thus supplying oxygen, which
is as essential in decay as it is in combustion. It also allows the resultant gases of
decomposition to pass away, leaving the air around the decaying substances in a
condition to continue the process.
This organic decay, besides its other benefits, produces an amount of heat
perfectly perceptible to the smaller roots of plants, though not so to us.
5. Draining accelerates the disintegration of the mineral matters in the soil, by
admitting water and oxygen to keep up the process. This disintegration is
necessary to fertility, because the roots of plants can feed only on matters
dissolved from surfaces; and the more finely we pulverize the soil, the more
surface we expose. For instance, the interior of a stone can furnish no food for
plants; while, if it were finely crushed, it might make a fertile soil.
Any thing, tending to open the soil to exposure, facilitates the disintegration of
its particles, and thereby increases its fertility.

How does under-draining equalize the distribution of the

fertilizing parts of the soil?
Why does this distribution lessen the impoverishment of the
soil?
How does under-draining improve the mechanical texture of the
soil?
How do drains affect the excrementitious matter of plants?

6. Draining causes a more even distribution of nutritious matters among those

parts of soil traversed by roots, because it increases the ease with which water
travels around, descending by its own weight, moving sideways by a desire to
find its level, or carried upward by attraction to supply the evaporation at the
surface. By this continued motion of the water, soluble matter of one part of the
soil may be carried to some other part; and another constituent from this latter
position may be carried back to the former. Thus the food of vegetables is
continually circulating around among their roots, ready for absorption at any
point where it is needed, while the more open character of the soil enables roots
to occupy larger portions, making a more even drain on the whole, and
preventing the undue impoverishment of any part.
7. Under-drains improve the mechanical texture of the soil; because, by the
decomposition of its parts, as previously described (4 and 5), it is rendered of a
character to be more easily worked; while smooth round particles, which have a
tendency to pack, are roughened by the oxidation of their surfaces, and move
less easily among each other.
8. Drains cause the excrementitious matter of plants to be carried out of the
reach of their roots. Nearly all plants return to the soil those parts of their food,
which are not adapted to their necessities, and usually in a form that is poisonous
to plants of the same kind. In an open soil, this matter may be carried by rains to
a point where roots cannot reach it, and where it may undergo such changes as
will fit it to be again taken up.

Why do they prevent grasses from running out?

9. By under-draining, grasses are prevented from running out, partly by

preventing the accumulation of the poisonous excrementitious matter, and partly
because these grasses usually consist of tillering plants.
These plants continually reproduce themselves in sprouts from the upper parts of
their roots. These sprouts become independent plants, and continue to tiller (thus
keeping the land supplied with a full growth), until the roots of the stools (or
clumps of tillers), come in contact with an uncongenial part of the soil, when the
tillering ceases; the stools become extinct on the death of their plants, and the
grasses run out.
The open and healthy condition of soil produced by draining prevents the
tillering from being stopped, and thus keeps up a full growth of grass until the
nutriment of the soil is exhausted.
10. Draining enables us to deepen the surface-soil, because the admission of air
and the decay of roots render the condition of the subsoil such that it may be
brought up and mixed with the surface-soil, without injuring its quality.
The second class of advantages of under-draining, arising in the removal of the
excess of water in the soil, are quite as important as those just described.

How does the removal of water render soils earlier in spring?

Why does it prevent the throwing out of grain in winter?
Why does it enable us to work sooner after rains?
Why does it keep off the effects of cold weather longer in the
fall?
11. Soils are, thereby, rendered earlier in spring, because the water, which
rendered them cold, heavy, and untillable, is earlier removed, leaving them
earlier in a growing condition.
12. The throwing out of grain in winter is prevented, because the water falling on
the earth is immediately removed instead of remaining to throw up the soil by
freezing, as it always does from the upright position taken by the particles of ice.
13. We are enabled to work sooner after rains, because the water descends, and
is immediately removed instead of lying to be taken off by the slow process of
evaporation, and sinking through a heavy soil.
14. The effects of cold weather are kept off longer in the fall, because the excess
of water is removed, which would produce an unfertile condition on the first
appearance of cold weather.
The drains also, from causes already named (3), keep the soil warmer than
before being drained, thus actually lengthening the season, by making the soil
warm enough for vegetable growth earlier in spring, and later in autumn.

How does it prevent lands from becoming sour?

Why does it hasten the decay of roots, and the comminution of
mineral matters?
How does it prevent the abstraction of heat from the soil?

15. Lands are prevented from becoming sour by the formation of acetic acid,
etc., because these acids are produced in the soil only when the decomposition of
organic matter is arrested by the antiseptic (preserving) powers of water. If the
water is removed, the decomposition of the organic matter assumes a healthy
form, while the acids already produced are neutralized by atmospheric
influences, and the soil is restored from sorrel to a condition in which it is fitted
for the growth of more valuable plants.
16. The decay of roots, etc., is allowed to proceed, because the preservative
influence of too much water is removed. Wood, leaves, or other vegetable matter
kept continually under water, will last for ages; while, if exposed to the action of
the weather, as in under-drained soils, they soon decay.
The presence of too much water, by excluding the oxygen of the air, prevents the
comminution of matters necessary to fertility.
 How much heat does water take up in becoming vapor?
Why does water sprinkled on a floor render it cooler?
Why is not a cubic inch of vapor warmer than a cubic inch of
water?
Why does a wet cloth on the head make it cooler when fanned?
How does this principle apply to the soil?

17. The evaporation of water, and the consequent abstraction of heat from the
soil, is in a great measure prevented by draining the water out at the bottom of
the soil, instead of leaving it to be dried off from the surface.
When water assumes the gaseous (or vapory) form, it takes up 1723 times as
much heat as it contained while a liquid. A large part of this heat is derived from
surrounding substances. When water is sprinkled on the floor, it cools the room;
because, as it becomes a vapor, it takes heat from the room. The reason why
vapor does not feel hotter than liquid water is, that, while it contains 1723 times
as much heat, it is 1723 as large. Hence, a cubic inch of vapor, into which we
place the bulb of a thermometer, contains no more heat than a cubic inch of
water. The principle is the same in some other cases. A sponge containing a
table-spoonful of water is just as wet as one twice as large and containing two
spoonsful.
If a wet cloth be placed on the head, and the evaporation of its water assisted by
fanning, the head becomes cooler—a portion of its heat being taken to sustain
the vapory condition of the water.
The same principle holds true with the soil. When the evaporation of water is
rapidly going on, by the assistance of the sun, wind, etc., a large quantity of heat
is abstracted, and the soil becomes cold.
When there is no evaporation taking place, except of water which has been
deposited on the lower portions of soil, and carried to the surface by capillary
attraction (as is nearly true on under-drained soils), the loss of heat is
compensated by that taken from the moisture in the atmosphere by the soil, in
the above-named manner.
This cooling of the soil by the evaporation of water, is of very great injury to its
powers of producing crops, and the fact that under-drains avoid it, is one of the
best arguments in favor of their use. Some idea may, perhaps, be formed of the
amount of heat taken from the soil in this way, from the fact that, in midsummer,
25 hogsheads of water may be evaporated from a single acre in twelve hours.

When rains are allowed to enter the soil, how do they benefit it?
How do under-drains prevent the formation of a crust on the
surface of a soil?

18. When not saturated with water the soil admits the water of rains, etc., which
bring with them fertilizing gases from the atmosphere, to be deposited among the
absorbent parts of soil, and given up to the necessities of the plant. When this
rain falls on lands already saturated, it cannot enter the soil, but must run off
from the surface, or be removed by evaporation, either of which is injurious. The
first, because fertilizing matter is washed away. The second, because the soil is
deprived of necessary heat.
19. The formation of crust on the surface of the soil is due to the evaporation of
water, which is drawn up from below by capillary attraction. It arises from the
fact that the water in the soil is saturated with mineral substances, which it
leaves at its point of evaporation at the surface. This soluble matter from below,
often forms a very hard crust, which is a complete shield to prevent the
admission of air with its ameliorating effects, and should, as far as possible, be
avoided. Under-draining is the best means of doing this, as it is the best means of
lessening the evaporation.
The foregoing are some of the more important reasons why under-draining is
always beneficial. Thorough experiments have amply proved the truth of the
theory.

What kinds of soil are benefited by under-draining?

The kinds of soil benefited by under-draining are nearly as unlimited as the kinds
of soil in existence. It is a common opinion, among farmers, that the only soils
which require draining are those which are at times covered with water, such as
swamps and other low lands; but the facts stated in the early part of this chapter,
show us that every kind of soil—wet, dry, compact, or light—receives benefit
from the treatment. The fact that land is too dry, is as much a reason why it
should be drained, as that it is too wet, as it overcomes drought as effectually as
it removes the injurious effects of too much water.
All soils in which the water of heavy rains does not immediately pass down to a
depth of at least thirty inches, should be under-drained, and the operation, if
carried on with judgment, would invariably result in profit.

What do English farmers name as the profits of under-draining?

What stand has been taken by the English government with
regard to under-draining?

Of the precise profits of under-draining this is not the place to speak: many of
the agricultural papers contain numerous accounts of its success. It may be well
to remark here, that many English farmers give it, as their experience, that
under-drains pay for themselves every three years, or that they produce a
perpetual profit of 33⅓ per cent., or their original cost. This is not the opinion of
theorists and book farmers. It is the conviction of practical men, who know, from
experience, that under-drains are beneficial.
The best evidence of the utility of under-draining is the position, with regard to
it, which has been taken by the English national government, which affords
much protection to the agricultural interests of her people—a protection which in
this country is unwisely and unjustly withheld.
In England a very large sum from the public treasury has been appropriated as a
fund for loans, on under-drains, which is lent to farmers for the purpose of
under-draining their estates, the only security given being the increased value of
the soil. The time allowed for payments is twenty years, and only five per cent.
interest is charged. By the influence of this patronage, the actual wealth of the
kingdom is being rapidly increased, while the farmers themselves, can raise their
farms to any desired state of fertility, without immediate investment.

How does under-draining affect the healthfulness of marshy

countries?
Describe the sub-soil plow.

The best proof that the government has not acted injudiciously in this matter is,
that private capitalists are fast employing their money in the same manner, and
loans on under-drains are considered a very safe investment.
There is no doubt that we may soon have similar facilities for improving our
farms, and when we do, we shall find that it is unnecessary to move West to find
good soil. The districts nearer market, where the expense of transportation is
much less, may, by the aid of under-drains, and a judicious system of cultivation,
be made equally fertile.
One very important, though not strictly agricultural, effect of thorough drainage
is its removal of certain local diseases, peculiar to the vicinity of marshy or low
moist soils. The health-reports in several places in England, show that where
fever and ague was once common, it has almost entirely disappeared since the
general use of under-drains in those localities.
 CHAPTER IV.
SUB-SOIL PLOWING.

Describe the Mapes plow.

Why is the motion in the soil of one and a half inches sufficient?
How does the oxidation of the particles of the soil resemble the
rusting of cannon balls in a pile?

The sub-soil plow is an implement differing in figure from the surface plow. It
does not turn a furrow, but merely runs through the subsoil like a mole—
loosening and making it finer by lifting, but allowing it to fall back and occupy
its former place. It usually follows the surface plow, entering the soil to the depth
of from twelve to eighteen inches below the bottom of the surface furrow.
The best pattern now made (the Mapes plow) is represented in the following
figure.
Fig. 8.
The Mapes plow and its mode of action. a-Shape of the foot of the plow, b-Its
effect on the soil.
The Mapes plow and its mode of action. a—Shape of the foot of the plow, b
—Its effect on the soil.
The sub-soil plows first made raised the whole soil about eight inches, and
required very great power in their use often six, eight, or even ten oxen. The
Mapes plow, raising the soil but slightly, may be worked with much less power,
and produces equally good results. It may be run to its full depth in most soils by
a single yoke of oxen.
Of course a motion in the soil of but one and a half inches is very slight, but it is
sufficient to move each particle from the one next to it which, in dry soils, is all
that is necessary. Whoever has examined a pile of cannon-balls must have
observed that at the points where they touch each other, there is a little rust. In
the soil, the same is often the case. Where the particles touch each other, there is
such a chemical change produced as renders them fit for the use of plants. While
these particles remain in their first position, the changed portions are out of the
reach of roots; but, if, by the aid of the sub-soil plow, their position is altered,
these parts are exposed for the uses of plants. If we hold in the hand a ball of dry
clay, and press it hard enough to produce the least motion among its particles,
the whole mass becomes pulverized. On the same principle, the sub-soil plow
renders the compact lower soil sufficiently fine for the requirements of fertility.

Why are the benefits of sub-soiling not permanent on wet lands?

Does sub-soiling overcome drought?
How does it deepen the surface soil?

Notwithstanding its great benefits on land, which is sufficiently dry, sub-soiling

cannot be recommended for wet lands; for, in such case, the rains of a single
season would often be sufficient to entirely overcome its effects by packing the
subsoil down to its former hardness.
On lands not overcharged with water, it is productive of the best results, it being
often sufficient to turn the balance between a gaining and a losing business in
farming.
It increases nearly every effect of under-draining; especially does it overcome
drought, by loosening the soil, and admitting air to circulate among the particles
of the subsoil and deposit its moisture on the principle described in the chapter
on under-draining.
It deepens the surface-soil, because it admits roots into the subsoil where they
decay and leave carbon, while the circulation of air so affects the mineral parts,
that they become of a fertilizing character. The deposit of carbon gives to the
subsoil the power of absorbing, and retaining the atmospheric fertilizers, which
are more freely presented, owing to the fact that the air is allowed to circulate
with greater freedom. As a majority of roots decay in the surface-soil, they there
deposit much mineral matter obtained from the subsoil.

Why is the retention of atmospheric manures ensured by sub-

 soiling?
Why are organic manures plowed deeply under the soil, less
liable to evaporation than when deposited near the surface?
How does sub-soiling resemble under-draining in relation to the
tillering of grasses?
When the subsoil consists of a thin layer of clay on a sandy bed,
what use may be made of the sub-soil plow?

The retention of atmospheric manures is more fully ensured by the better

exposure of the clayey portions of the soil.
Those manures which are artificially applied, by being plowed under to greater
depths, are less liable to evaporation, as, from the greater amount of soil above
them, their escape will more probably be arrested; and, from the greater
prevalence of roots, they are more liable to be taken up by plants.
The subsoil often contains matters which are deficient in the surface-soil. By the
use of the sub-soil plow, they are rendered available.
Sub-soiling is similar to under-draining in continuing the tillering of grasses, and
in getting rid of the poisonous excrementitious matter of plants.
When the subsoil is a thin layer of clay on a sandy bed (as in some plants of
Cumberland Co. Maine), the sub-soil plow, by passing through it, opens a
passage for water, and often affords a sufficient drainage.

To how great a depth will the roots of plants usually occupy the
soil?
What is the object of loosening the soil?
How are these various effects better produced in deep than in
shallow soils?

If plants will grow better on a soil six inches deep than on one of three inches,
there is no reason why they should not be benefited in proportion, by disturbing
the soil to the whole depth to which roots will travel—which is usually more
than two feet. The minute rootlets of corn and most other plants, will, if allowed
by cultivation, occupy the soil to the depth or thirty-four inches, having a fibre in
nearly every cubic inch of the soil for the whole distance. There are very few
cultivated plants whose roots would not travel to a depth of thirty inches or
more. Even the onion sends its roots to the depth of eighteen inches when the
soil is well cultivated.
The object of loosening the soil is to admit roots to a sufficient depth to hold the
plant in its position—to obtain the nutriment necessary to its growth—to receive
moisture from the lower portions of the soil—and, if it be a bulb, tuber, or tap, to
assume the form requisite for its largest development.
It must be evident that roots, penetrating the soil to a depth of two feet, anchor
the plant with greater stability than those which are spread more thinly near the
surface.
The roots of plants traversing the soil to such great distances, and being located
in nearly every part, absorb mineral and other food, in solution in water, only
through the spongioles at their ends. Consequently, by having these ends in
every part of the soil, it is all brought under contribution, and the amount
supplied is greater, while the demand on any particular part may be less than
when the whole requirements of plants have to be supplied from a depth of a few
inches.

May garden soils be profitably imitated in field culture?

The ability of roots, to assume a natural shape in the soil, and grow to their
largest sizes, must depend on the condition of the soil. If it is finely pulverized to
the whole depth to which they ought to go, they will be fully developed; while, if
the soil be too hard for penetration, they will be deformed or small. Thus a carrot
may grow to the length of two and a half feet, and be of perfect shape, while, if it
meet in its course at a depth of eight or ten inches a cold, hard subsoil, its growth
must be arrested, or its form injured.
Roots are turned aside by a hard sub-soil, as they would be if received by the
surface of a plate of glass.
Add to this the fact that cold, impenetrable subsoils are chemically uncongenial
to vegetation, and we have sufficient evidence of the importance, and in many
cases the absolute necessity of sub-soiling and under-draining.
It is unnecessary to urge the fact that a garden soil of two feet is more productive
than a field soil of six inches; and it is certain that proper attention to these two
modes of cultivation will in a majority of cases make a garden of the field—
more than doubling its value in ease of working, increased produce, certain
security against drought, and more even distribution of the demands on the soil
—while the outlay will be immediately repaid by an increase of crops.

Is the use of the sub-soil plow increasing?

Will its use ever injure crops?

The subsoil will be much improved in its character the first year, and a continual
advancement renders it in time equal to the original surface-soil, and extending
to a depth of two feet or more.
The sub-soil plow is coming rapidly into use. There are now in New Jersey more
foundries casting sub-soil plows than there were sub-soil plows in the State six
years ago. The implement has there, as well as in many other places, ceased to
be a curiosity; and the man who now objects to its use, is classed with him who
shells his corn on a shovel over a half-bushel, instead of employing an improved
machine, which will enable him to do more in a day than he can do in the "good
old way" in a week.
Had we space, we might give many instances of the success of sub-soiling, but
the agricultural papers of the present day (at least one of which every farmer
should take) have so repeatedly published its advantages, that we will not do so.
In no case will its use be found any thing but satisfactory, except in occasional
instances where there is some chemical difficulty in the subsoil, which an
analysis will tell us how to overcome.
As was before stated, its use on wet lands is not advisable until they have been
under-drained, as excess of water prevents its effects from being permanent.
 CHAPTER V.
PLOWING AND OTHER MODES OF PULVERIZING THE
SOIL.

May the satisfaction attending labor be increased by an

understanding of the natural laws which regulate our operations?
On what depends the kind of plow to be used?

The advantages of pulverizing the soil, and the reasons why it is necessary, are
now too well known to need remark. Few farmers, when they plow, dig, or
harrow, are enabled to give substantial reasons for so doing. If they will reflect
on what has been said in the previous chapters, concerning the supply of mineral
food to the plant by the soil, and the effect of air and moisture about roots, they
will find more satisfaction in their labor than it can afford when applied without
thought.

PLOWING.

What is a general rule with regard to this?

Should deep plowing be immediately adopted? Why?
Why is this course of treatment advisable for garden culture?

The kind of plow used in cultivating the surface-soil must be decided by the kind
of soil. This question the practical, observing farmer will be able to solve.
As a general rule, it may be stated that the plow which runs the deepest, with the
same amount of force, is the best.
We might enter more fully into this matter but for want of space.
The advantages of deep plowing cannot be too strongly urged.
The statement that the deeper and the finer the soil is rendered, the more
productive it will become, is in every respect true, and which no single instance
will contradict.
It must not be inferred from this, that we would advise a farmer, who has always
plowed his soil to the depth of only six inches, to double the depth at once. Such
a practice in some soils would be highly injurious, as it would completely bury
the more fertile and better cultivated soil, and bring to the top one which
contains no organic matter, and has never been subject to atmospheric
influences. This would, perhaps, be so little fitted for vegetation that it would
scarcely sustain plants until their roots could reach the more fertile parts below.
Such treatment of the soil (turning it upside down) is excellent in garden culture,
where the great amount of manures applied is sufficient to overcome the
temporary barrenness of the soil, but it is not to be recommended for all field
cultivation, where much less manure is employed.
 How should field plowing be conducted?
How does such treatment affect soils previously limed?
How may it sometimes improve sandy or clay soils?

The course to be pursued in such cases is to plow one inch deeper each year. By
this means the soil maybe gradually deepened to any desired extent. The amount
of uncongenial soil which will thus be brought up, is slight, and will not interfere
at all with the fertility of the soil, while the elevated portion will become, in one
year, so altered by exposure, that it will equal the rest of the soil in fertility.
Often where lime has been used in excess, it has sunk to the subsoil, where it
remains inactive. The slight deepening of the surface plowing would mix this
lime with the surface-soil, and render it again useful.
When the soil is light and sandy, resting on a heavy clay subsoil, or clay on sand,
the bringing up of the mass from below will improve the texture of the soil.
As an instance of the success of deep plowing, we call to mind the case of a
farmer in New Jersey, who had a field which had yielded about twenty-five
bushels of corn per acre. It had been cultivated at ordinary depths. After laying it
out in eight step lands (24 feet), he plowed it at all depths from five to ten
inches, on the different lands, and sowed oats evenly over the whole field. The
crop on the five inch soil was very poor, on the six inch rather better, on the
seven inch better still, and on the ten inch soil it was as fine as ever grew in New
Jersey; it had stiff straw and broad leaves, while the grain was also much better
than on the remainder of the field.

What kind of soils are benefited by fall plowing?

There is an old anecdote of a man who died, leaving his sons with the
information that he had buried a pot of gold for them, somewhere on the farm.
They commenced digging for the gold, and dug over the whole farm to a great
depth without finding the gold. The digging, however, so enriched the soil that
they were fully compensated for their disappointment, and became wealthy from
the increased produce of their farm.
Farmers will find, on experiment, that they have gold buried in their soil, if they
will but dig deep enough to obtain it. The law gives a man the ownership of the
soil for an indefinite distance from the surface, but few seem to realize that there
is another farm below the one they are cultivating, which is quite as valuable as
the one on the surface, if it were but properly worked.
Fall plowing, especially for heavy lands, is a very good means of securing the
action of the frosts of winter to pulverize the soil. If it be a stiff clay, it may be
well to throw the soil up into ridges (by ridging and back furrowing), so as to
expose the largest possible amount of surface to the freezing and thawing of
winter. Sandy soils should not be plowed in the fall, as it renders them too light.

DIGGING MACHINES.

What is the digging machine?

A recent invention has been made in England, known as the digging machine or
rotary spade, which—although from having too much gearing between the
power and the part performing the labor, it is not adapted to general use—has
given such promise of future success, that Mr. Mechi (an agricultural writer of
the highest standing) has said that "the plow is doomed." This can hardly be true,
for the varied uses to which it may be applied, will guarantee its continuance in
the favor of the farmer.
Already, in this country, Messrs. Gibbs & Mapes, have invented a digging
machine of very simple construction, which seems calculated to serve an
excellent purpose, even in the hands of the farmer of limited means.
Its friends assert that, with one pair of oxen, it will dig perfectly three feet wide,
and for a depth of fifteen inches. An experiment with an unperfected machine, in
the presence of the writer, seemed to justify their hopes.
This machine thoroughly pulverizes the soil to a considerable depth, and for
smooth land must prove far superior to the plow.

THE HARROW AND CULTIVATOR.

 Why is the harrow a defective implement?
Why is the cultivator superior to the harrow?

The harrow, an implement largely used in all parts of the world, to pulverize the
soil, and break clods, has become so firmly rooted in the affections of farmers,
that it must be a very long time before they can be convinced that it is not the
best implement for the use to which it is devoted. It is true that it pulverizes the
soil for a depth of two or three inches, and thus much improves its appearance,
benefiting it, without doubt, for the earliest stages of the growth of plants. Its
action, however, is very defective, because, from the wedge shape of its teeth, it
continually acts to pack the soil; thus—although favorable for the germination of
the seed—it is not calculated to benefit the plant during the later stages of its
growth, when the roots require the soil to be pulverized to a considerable depth.
The cultivator may be considered an improved harrow. The principal difference
between them being, that while the teeth of the harrow are pointed at the lower
end, those of the cultivator are shaped like a small double plow, being large at
the bottom and growing smaller towards the top. They lift the earth up, instead
of pressing it downwards, thus loosening instead of compacting the soil.
Many styles of cultivators are now sold at agricultural warehouses. A very good
one, for field use, may be made by substituting the cultivator teeth for the spikes
in an old harrow frame.
 CHAPTER VI.
ROLLING, MULCHING, WEEDING, ETC.

ROLLING.

Name some of the benefits of rolling?

Rolling the soil with a large roller, arranged to be drawn by a team, is in many
instances a good accessory to cultivation. By its means, the following results are
obtained:—
1. The soil at the surface is pulverized without the compacting of the lower parts,
the area of contact being large.
2. The stones on the land are pressed down so as to be out of the way of the
scythe in mowing.
3. The soil is compacted around seeds after sowing in such a manner as to
exclude light and to touch them in every part, both of which are essential to their
germination and to the healthfulness of the plants.

Under what circumstances should the roller be used?

4. The soil is so compacted at the surface, that it is less frequented by grubs, etc.,
than when it is more loose.
5. When the soil is smoothed in this manner, there is less surface exposed for the
evaporation of water with its cooling effect.
6. Light sandy lands, by being rolled in the fall, are rendered more compact, and
the loosening effects of frequent freezing and thawing are avoided.
Although productive of these various effects, rolling should be adopted only
with much care, and should never be applied to very heavy lands, except in dry
weather when lumpy after plowing, as its tendency in such cases would be to
render them still more difficult of cultivation. Soils in which air does not
circulate freely, are not improved by rolling, as it presses the surface-particles
still more closely together, and prevents the free admission of the atmosphere.
If well under-drained, a large majority of soils would doubtless be benefited by a
judicious use of the roller.[AL]

MULCHING.

What is mulching?
What are some of its benefits?

Mulching (called Gurneyism in England) consists in covering the soil with salt
hay, litter, seaweed, leaves, spent tanbark, chips, or other refuse matter.
Every farmer must have noticed that, if a board or rail, or an old brush-heap be
removed in spring from soil where grass is growing, the grass afterwards grows
in those places much larger and better than in other parts of the field.
This improvement arises from various causes.
1. The evaporation of water from the soil is prevented during drought by the
shade afforded by the mulch; and it is therefore kept in better condition, as to
moisture and temperature, than when evaporation goes on more freely. This
condition is well calculated to advance the chemical changes necessary to
prepare the matters—both organic and mineral—in the soil for the use of plants.
2. By preventing evaporation, we partially protect the soil from losing ammonia
resultant from decaying organic matter.
3. A heavy mulch breaks the force of rains, and prevents them from compacting
the soil, as would be the result, were no such precaution taken.
4. Mulching protects the surface-soil from freezing as readily as when exposed,
and thus keeps it longer open for the admission of air and moisture. When
unprotected, the soil early becomes frozen; and all water falling, instead of
entering as it should do, passes off on the surface.

Why does mulching take the place of artificial watering?

Why is the late sowing of oats beneficial?
From what arises the chief benefit of top dressing the soil with
manure in autumn?

5. The throwing out of winter grain is often prevented, because this is due to the
freezing of the surface-soil.
6. Mulching prevents the growth of some weeds, because it removes from them
the fostering heat of the sun.
Many of the best nursery-men keep the soil about the roots of young trees
mulched continually. One of the chief arguments for this treatment is, that it
prevents the removal of the moisture from the soil and the consequent loss of
heat. Also that it keeps up a full supply of water for the uses of the roots,
because it keeps the soil cool, and causes a deposit of dew.
7. It also prevents the "baking" of the soil, or the formation of a crust.
It is to be recommended in nearly all cases to sow oats very thinly over land
intended for winter fallow after the removal of crops, as they will grow a little
before being killed by the frost, when they will fall down, thus affording a very
beneficial mulch to the soil.
When farmers spread manure on their fields in the fall to be plowed under in the
spring, they benefit the land by the mulching more than by the addition of
fertilizing matter, because they give it the protecting influence of the straw, etc.,
while they lose much of the ammonia of their manure by evaporation. The same
mulching might be more cheaply done with leaves, or other refuse matter, and
the ammonia of the manure made available by composting with absorbents.

Why is snow particularly beneficial?

It is an old and true saying that "snow is the poor man's manure." The reason
why it is so beneficial is, chiefly, that it acts as a most excellent mulch. It
contains no more ammonia than rain-water does; and, were it not for the fact that
it protects the soil against loss of heat, and produces other benefits of mulching,
it would have no more advantageous effect. The severity of winters at the North
is partially compensated by the long duration of snow.
It is a well known fact that when there is but little snow in cold countries, wheat
is very liable to be winter killed. The same protection is afforded by artificial
mulching.
This treatment is peculiarly applicable to the cultivation of flowers, both in pots
and in beds out of doors. It is almost indispensable to the profitable production
of strawberries, and many other garden crops, such as asparagus, rhubarb, etc.
Many say that the best treatment for trees is to put stones about their roots. This
is simply mulching them, and might be done more cheaply by the use of leaves,
copying the action of nature in forests;[AM] for, unless these stones be removed
in spring, they will sink and compact the soil in part during open weather.

WEEDING.

What are some of the uses of weeds? Their disadvantages?

If a farmer were asked—what is the use of weeds? he might make out quite a list
of their benefits, among which might be some of the following:—
1. They shade tender plants, and in a measure serve as a mulch to the ground.
2. Some weeds, by their offensive odor, drive away many insects.
3. They may serve as a green crop to be plowed into the soil, and increase its
organic matter.
4. They make us stir the soil, and thus increase its fertility.
Still, while thinking out these excuses for weeds, he would see other and more
urgent reasons why they should not be allowed to grow.
1. They occupy the soil to the disadvantage of crops.
2. They exclude light and heat from cultivated plants, and thus interfere with
their growth.
3. They take up mineral and other matters from the soil, and hold them during
the growing season, thus depriving crops of their use.
It is not necessary to argue the injury done by weeds. Every farmer is well
convinced that they should be destroyed, and the best means of accomplishing
this are of the greatest importance.

How may we protect ourselves against their increase?

Why is it especially important for this purpose to maintain the
balance of the soil?

In the first place, we should protect ourselves against their increase. This may be
done:—
By decomposing all manures in compost, whereby the seeds contained will be
killed by the heat of fermentation; or, if one bushel of salt be mixed through each
cord of compost (as before recommended), it will kill seeds as well as grubs,—
By hoeing, or, otherwise, destroying growing weeds before they mature their
seeds, and
By keeping the soil in the best chemical condition.
This last point is one of much importance. It is well known that soils deficient in
potash, will naturally produce one kind of plants, while soils deficient in
phosphoric acid will produce plants of another species, etc. Many soils produce
certain weeds which would not grow on them if they were made chemically
perfect, as indicated by analysis. It is also believed that those weeds, which
naturally grow on the most fertile soils, are the ones most easily destroyed.
There are exceptions (of which the Thistle is one), but this is given as a general
rule.

How much salt may be used with advantage?

Why is the scuffle-hoe superior to the common hoe?

By careful attention to the foregoing points, weeds may be kept from increasing
while those already in the soil may be eradicated in various ways, chiefly by
mechanical means, such as hoeing, plowing, etc.[AN]
Prof. Mapes says that six bushels of salt annually sown broadcast over each acre
of land, will destroy very many weeds as well as grubs and worms.
The common hoe is a very imperfect tool for the purpose of removing weeds, as
it prepares a better soil for, and replants in a position to grow, nearly as many
weeds as it destroys.
The scuffle-hoe (or push-hoe) is much more effective, as, when worked by a man
walking backwards, and retiring as he works, it leaves nearly all of the weeds on
the surface of the soil to be killed by the sun. When used in this way, the earth is
not trodden on after being hoed—as is the case when the common hoe is
employed. This treading, besides compacting the soil, covers the roots of many
weeds, and causes them to grow again.

How may much labor be saved in removing weeds?

What is the Langdon horse-hoe?
Describe the universal cultivator?

Much of the labor of weeding usually performed by men, might be more cheaply
done by horses. There are various implements for this purpose, some of which
are coming, in many parts of the country, into very general use.
One of the best of these is the Langdon Horse Hoe, which is a shovel-shaped
plow, to be run one or two inches deep. It has a wing on each side to prevent the
earth from falling on to the plants in the rows. At the rear, or upper edge, is a
kind of rake or comb, which allows the earth to pass through, while the weeds
pass over the comb and fall on the surface of the soil, to be killed by the heat of
the sun. It is a simple and cheap tool, and will perform the work of twenty men
with hoes. The hand hoe will be necessary only in the rows.

CULTIVATOR.

The cultivator, which was described in the preceding chapter, and of which there
are various patterns in use, is excellent for weeding, and for loosening the soil
between the rows of corn, etc. The one called the universal cultivator, having its
side bars made of iron, curved so that at whatever distance it is placed the teeth
will point straight forward, is a much better tool than those of the older patterns,
which had the teeth so arranged that when set for wide rows, they pointed
towards the clevis. It is difficult to keep such a cultivator in its place, while the
"universal" is as difficult to move out of a straight line.

IMPROVED HORSE-HOE.

What is the improved horse-hoe?

The improved horse-hoe is a combination of the "Langdon" horse hoe and the
cultivator, and is the best implement, for many purposes, that has yet been made.
[AO]

Fig. 9
Fig. 9

HARVESTING MACHINES.

Until within a comparatively short period, but little attention has been paid to the
production of machines for harvesting the various crops.
During the past few years, however, many valuable inventions have appeared.
Among these we notice Ketchum's mower, Hussey's mower and reaper, and
Wagener's grain and grass seed harvester. The latter machine gathers only the
grain and seeds of the crop, leaving the straw to be plowed under the soil, thus
maintaining its supply of soluble silicates, and increasing its amount of organic
matter. After taking the seed heads from the standing straw and grasses, it
thrashes them, blows out the chaff, separates the different kinds of seeds, and
discharges them into bags ready for market. It consists of a car containing the
machinery; to this may be attached any required number of horses. The inventor
affirms that it has harvested the grain of two acres in one hour, performing the
work with accuracy.[AP]
There is much truth in the following proverbs:
"A garden that is well kept, is kept easily."
"You must conquer weeds, or weeds will conquer you."

What are the two great rules in mechanical cultivation?

It is almost impossible to give a recapitulation of the matters treated in this

section, as it is, itself, but an outline of subjects which might occupy our whole
book. The scholar and the farmer should understand every principle which it
contains, as well as they understand the multiplication table; and their
application will be found, in every instance, to produce the best results.
The two great rules of mechanical cultivation are—
THOROUGH UNDER-DRAINING.
DEEP AND FREQUENT DISTURBANCE OF THE SOIL.

FOOTNOTES:
[AL] Field rollers should be made in sections, for ease of turning.
[AM] The beneficial effects of mulching is so great as to lead us to the conclusion that
it has other means of action than those mentioned in this book. Future experiments
may lead to more knowledge on this subject.
[AN] It is possible that the excrementitious matter thrown out by some plants may be
sufficiently destructive to other kinds to exterminate them from the soil—thus,
farmers in Maine say that a single crop of turnips will entirely rid the soil of witch
grass. This is, undoubtedly, the effect of the excrementitious matter of the turnips.
This subject is one of practical importance, and demands close investigation by
farmers, which may lead to its being reduced to a system.
[AO] The improved horse-hoe is made and sold by Ruggles, Nourse & Mason, of
Worcester, Mass., and Quincy Hall, Boston.
[AP] This machine is more fully noticed in the advertising pages.

SECTION FIFTH.
ANALYSIS.
 CHAPTER I.

Why does true practical economy require that the soil should be
analyzed?

At the present time, when such marked improvements have been, and are still
being made, in the practice of agriculture, the farmer cannot be too strongly
advised to procure an analysis of his soil, and for obvious reasons.
It has been sufficiently proved that the plant draws from the soil certain kinds of
mineral matter, in certain proportions; also, that if the soil do not contain the
constituents required, the plants cannot obtain them, and consequently cannot
grow. Furthermore, in proportion to the ability of the soil to supply these
materials, in exactly the same proportion will it, when under good treatment,
produce good and abundant crops.

Can each farmer make his own analyses?

Why will not travelling chemists answer the purpose?
How must an analysis be used?

All admit the value and the necessity of manures; they are required to make up
deficiencies in the soil, and consequently, they must supply to it the matters
which are wanting. In order to know what is wanting, we must know the
composition of the soil. This can be learned only by accurate chemical analysis.
Such an analysis every farmer must possess before he can conduct his operations
with true practical economy.
An important question now arises as to whether each farmer can make his own
analyses. He cannot do so without long study and practice. The late Prof. Norton
said that, at least two years' time would be necessary to enable a man to become
competent to make a reliable analysis. When we reflect that a farmer may never
need more than five or six analyses, we shall see that the time necessary to learn
the art would be much more valuable than the cost of the analyses (at $5 or $10
each), setting aside the cost of apparatus, and the fact that while practising in the
laboratory, he must not use his hands for any labor that would unfit them for the
most delicate manipulations.
Neither will travelling chemists be able to make analyses as accurately and as
cheaply as those who work in their own laboratories, where their apparatus is not
liable to the many injuries consequent on frequent removal. The cost of sending
one hundred samples of soil to a distant chemist, would be much less than the
expense of having his apparatus brought to the town where his services are
required.

How may a farmer obtain the requisite knowledge?

When are the services of a consulting agriculturist required?

The way in which an analysis should be used is a matter of much importance. To

a man who knows nothing of chemistry (be he ever so successful a farmer), an
analysis, as received from a chemist, would be as useless and unintelligible as
though it were written in Chinese; while, if a chemist who knew nothing of
farming, were to give him advice concerning the application of manures, he
would be led equally astray, and his course would be any thing but practical. It
is necessary that chemical and practical knowledge should be combined, and
then the value of analysis will be fully demonstrated. The amount of knowledge
required is not great, but it must be thorough. The information contained in this
little book is sufficient, but it would be folly for a man to attempt to use an
analysis from reading it once hurriedly over. It must be studied and thought on
with great care, before it can be of material assistance. The evenings of one
winter, devoted to this subject, will enable a farmer to understand the application
of analysis to practical farming, especially if other and more compendious works
are also read. A less time could hardly be recommended.

Is there any doubt as to the practical value of analysis?

How should samples of soil for analysis be selected?

Where this attention cannot be given to the subject, the services of a Consulting
Agriculturist should be employed to advise the treatment necessary to render
fertile the soil analyzed.
Every farmer, however, should learn enough of the principles of agriculture to be
able to use an analysis, when procured, without such assistance.[AQ]
Nearly all scientific men (all of the highest merit) are unanimous in their
conviction of the practical value of an analysis of soils; and a volume of
instances of their success, with hardly a single failure, might be published.
Prof. Mapes says, in the Working Farmer, that he has given advice on hundreds
of different soils, and not a single instance can be found where he has failed to
produce a profit greater than the cost of analysis and advice. Dr. T. C. Jackson,
of Boston, the late Prof. Norton, of Yale College, and others, have had universal
success in this matter.
Analysis must be considered the only sure road to economical farming.
To select samples of soil for analysis, take a spadeful from various parts of the
field—going to exactly the depth to which it has been plowed—until, say a
wheel-barrow full, has been obtained. Mix this well together, and send about a
quart or a pint of it (free from stones) to the chemist. This will represent all of
that part of the farm which has been subject to the same cultivation, and is of the
same mechanical character. If there are marked differences in the kinds of soil,
separate analyses will be necessary.

Give an instance of the success of treatment according to

analysis?

When an analysis is obtained, a regular debtor and creditor account may be kept
with the soil; and the farmer may know by the composition of the ashes of his
crops, and the manures supplied, whether he is maintaining the fertility of his
soil.
Prof. Mapes once purchased some land which could not produce corn at all, and
by applying only such manures as analysis indicated to be necessary, at a cost of
less than $2 per acre, he obtained the first year over fifty bushels of shelled corn
per acre. The land has since continued to improve, and is as fertile as any in the
State. It has produced in one season a sufficient crop of cabbages to pay the
expense of cultivation, and over $250 per acre besides, though it was apparently
worthless when he purchased it.
These are strong facts, and should arouse the farmers of the whole country to
their true interests. Let them not call the teachings of science "book-farming,"
but "prove all things—hold fast that which is good."

FOOTNOTES:
[AQ] See Author's card in the front of the book.
 CHAPTER II.
TABLES OF ANALYSIS.

ANALYSES OF THE ASHES OF CROPS.

No. I.

Wheat Rye
Wheat. Rye.
Straw. Straw.
Ashes in 1000 dry parts 20 60 24 40
Silica (sand) 16 654 5 645
Lime 28 67 50 91
Magnesia 120 33 104 24
Peroxide of Iron 7 13 14 14
Potash 237 124 221 174
Soda 91 2 116 3
Chlorine 11 5
Sulphuric Acid 3 58 10 8
Phosphoric Acid 498 31 496 38

No. II.

Corn Barley
Corn. Barley.
Stalks. Straw.
Ashes in 1000 dry parts. 15 44 28 61
Silica (sand) 15 270 271 706
Lime 15 86 26 95
 Magnesia 162 66 75 32
Peroxide of Iron 3 8 15 7
Oxide of Manganese 1
Potash 261 96 136 62
Soda 63 277 81 6
Chlorine 2 20 1 10
Sulphuric Acid 23 5 1 16
Phosphoric Acid 449 171 389 31

No. III.

Oat Buck
Oats. Potatoes.
Straw. Wheat.
Ashes in 1000 dry parts 20 51 21 90
Silica (sand) 7 484 7 42
Lime 60 81 67 21
Magnesia 99 38 104 53
Peroxide of Iron 4 18 11 5
Potash 191 87 557
Soda {262} 97 201 19
Chlorine 3 32 43
Sulphuric Acid 104 33 22 137
Phosphoric Acid 438 27 500 126
Organic Matter 750 Water.

No. IV.

Turnip
Peas. Beans. Turnips.
Tops.
Ashes in 1000 dry parts 25 27 76 170
Silica (sand) 5 12 71 8
Lime 53 58 128 233
Magnesia 85 80 48 31
Peroxide of Iron 10 6 9 8
 Potash 361 336 398 286
Soda 91 106 108 54
Chlorine 23 7 37 160
Sulphuric Acid 44 10 131 125
Phosphoric Acid 333 378 67 93
Organic Matter 870 Water.

No. V.

Meadow Red
Flax. Linseed.
Hay. Clover.
Ashes in 1000 dry parts 50 46 60 75
Silica (sand) 257 75 344 48
Alumina (clay) 37?
Lime 148 83 196 371
Magnesia 44 146 78 46
Peroxide of Iron 36? 9 7 2
Potash 117 240 236 267
Soda 118 45 19 71
Chlorine 29 2 28 48
Sulphuric Acid 32 23 29 60
Phosphoric Acid 130 365 58 88

No. VI.

Amount of Inorganic Matter removed from the soil by ten bushels of grains, etc.,
and by the straw, etc., required in their production—estimated in pounds:

1200 1620
lbs. lbs.
Wheat. Rye.
Wheat Rye
Straw. Straw.
Potash 2.86 8.97 2.51 11.34
Soda 1.04 .12 1.33 .20
Lime .34 4.84 .56 5.91
Magnesia 1.46 2.76 1.18 1.58
Oxide of Iron .08 .94 .15 .88
Sulphuric Acid .03 4.20 .11 .05
Phosphoric Acid 6.01 2.22 5.64 2.49
Chlorine .79 .30
Silica .14 47.16 .05 42.25
Pounds carried off 12 72 11½ 66

No. VII.

1620
700
lbs.
Corn. Oats. lbs. Oat
Corn
Straw.
Stalks.
Potash 2.78 6.84 1.69 12.08
Soda 19.83
Lime .12 6.02 .39 3.39
Magnesia 1.52 4.74 .64 1.59
Oxide of Iron .57 .02 .78
Sulphuric Acid .36 .66 1.41
Phosphoric Acid 4.52 12.15 2.80 1.07
Chlorine 1.33 .02 1.36
Silica .06 19.16 .18 20.32
Pounds carried off 9 71 6½ 42

No. VIII.

660
2000
Buck lbs.
Barley. lbs.
Wheat. Barley
Flax.
Straw.
Potash 1.01 1.90 2.57 11.78
Soda 2.13 1.18 .23 11.82
 Lime .78 .96 3.88 11.85
Magnesia 1.20 1.00 1.31 9.38
Oxide of Iron .14 .20 .90 7.32
Sulphuric Acid .25 .01 .66 3.19
Phosphoric Acid 5.40 5.35 1.25 13.05
Chlorine .01 .40 2.90
Silica .09 3.90 28.80 25.71
Pounds carried off 11 14 40 100

No. IX.

1120
1366
lbs. Field
Beans. lbs. Pea
Bean Peas.
Straw.
Straw.
Potash 5.54 36.28 5.90 3.78
Soda 1.83 1.09 1.40
Lime 98.98 13.60 .81 43.93
Magnesia .28 4.55 1.30 5.50
Oxide of Iron .10 .20 .15 1.40
Sulphuric Acid .16 .64 .64 5.43
Phosphoric Acid 7.80 5.00 5.50 3.86
Chlorine .13 1.74 .23 .08
Silica .18 4.90 .7 16.02
Pounds carried off 17 68 16 80

No. X.

635 2000
1 Ton lbs. 1 Ton lbs.
Turnips. Turnip Potatoes. Red
Tops. Clover.
Potash 7.14 4.34 27.82 31.41
Soda .86 .84 .93 8.34
 Lime 2.31 3.61 1.03 43.77
Magnesia .91 .48 2.63 5.25
Oxide of Iron .23 .13 .26 .23
Sulphuric Acid 2.30 1.81 6.81 7.05
Phosphoric Acid 1.29 1.31 6.25 10.28
Chlorine .61 2.35 2.13 5.86
Silica 1.36 .13 2.14 5.81
Pounds carried off 17 15 50 118

No. XI.

2000
2000
lbs.
lbs.
Cabbage
Meadow
Water 9-
Hay.
10
Potash 18.11 5.25
Soda 1.35 9.20
Lime 22.95 9.45
Magnesia 6.75 2.70
Oxide of Iron 1.69 .25
Sulphuric Acid 2.70 9.60
Phosphoric Acid 5.97 5.60
Chlorine 2.59 2.60
Silica 37.89 .35
Pounds carried off 100 45

No. XII.

Composition of Ashes, leached and unleached, showing their manurial value:

Oak Oak Beech Beech

unleached. leached. unleached. leached.
Potash 84 — 158 —
 Soda 56 — 29 —
Lime 750 548 634 426
Magnesia 45 6 113 70
Oxide of Iron 6 — 8 15
Sulphuric Acid 12 — 14 —
Phosphoric Acid 35 8 31 57
Chlorine 2

No. XIII.

Bituminous
Birch Seaweed
Coal
leached. unleached.
unleached.
Potash — 180 2
Soda — 210 2
Lime 522 94 21
Magnesia 30 99 2
Oxide of Iron 5 3 40
Sulphuric Acid — 248 9
Phosphoric Acid 43 52 2
Chlorine — 98 1

No. XIV.

TOBACCO.

Analysis of the ash of the PLANT [Will & Fresedius]—

Potash 19.55
Soda 0.27
Magnesia 11.07
Lime 48.68
Phosphoric Acid 3.66
 Sulphuric Acid 3.29
Oxide of Iron 2.99
Chloride of Sodium 3.54
Loss 6.95
100.00
Analysis of the ash of the ROOT [Berthier]—

Soluble Matter 12.3

Insoluble 87.7
The Soluble parts consist of nearly—

Carbonic Acid 10.0

Sulphuric Acid 10.3
Muriatic Acid (Chlorine, &c.) 18.26
Potash and Soda 61.44
100.00

No. XV.

Composition of some of the more common Compounds of Acids and

Alkalies.

Contain of the Contain of the

100 Parts of
Alkalies Acids
Carbonate of Potash (Pearlash) Potash 68.09 Carbonic 31.91
Bi-Carbonate of Potash (Saleratus) do. 51.62 Carbonic 48.38
Nitrate of Potash (Saltpetre) do. 46.56 Nitric 53.44
Silicate of Potash do. 50.54 Silicic 49.46
Carbonate of Soda Soda 58.58 Carbonic 41.42
Bi-Carbonate of Soda (Common
do. 41.42 Carbonic 58.58
Soda)[AR]
Nitrate of Soda do. 36.60 Nitric 63.40
Sulphate of Soda (Glauber Salts)[AR] do. 19.38 Sulphuric 24.85
Silicate of Soda do. 40.37 Silicic 59.63
Carbonate of Lime (Limestone) Lime 56.29 Carbonic 43.71
Sulphate of Lime (Plaster Paris)[AR] do. 32.90 Sulphuric 46.31
Sulphate of Lime (Burned) do. 41.53 Sulphuric 58.47
Phosphate of Lime do. 54.48 Phosphoric 45.52
Super-Phosphate of Lime do. 28.52 Phosphoric 71.48
Silicate of Lime do. 38.15 Silicic 61.85
Carbonate of Magnesia Magnesia 48.31 Carbonic 51.69
Sulphate of Magnesia (Epsom Salts) do. 16.70 Sulphuric 32.40
[AR]
Silicate of Alumina Alumina 17.05 Silicic 72.95
Oxide of
Sulphate of Iron (Green Vitriol)[AR] 27.19 Sulphuric 31.03
Iron

No. XVI.

Proximate Analyses of Crops, showing the amount of the different Organic

Compounds contained in Grain, Roots, Hay, etc.—estimated in pounds:

Husk or Gluten,
Starch, Gum Fatty
Water. Woody Albumen,
and Sugar. Matter.
Fibre. Legumin.
10 Bushels.
600
Wheat 90 90 330 87 18
lbs.
515
Barley 77 77 309 70 13
lbs.
425
Oats 68 85 255 70 25
lbs.
520
Rye 62 78 312 65 18
lbs.
Indian 600
84 36 420 72 42
Corn lbs.
Buck 425
Wheat lbs. 64 106 212 34 2?

640
Beans 90 61 256 166 16
lbs.
640
Peas 90 58 320 154 14
lbs.
2000 lbs.
Potatoes 1500 80 360 40 6
Turnips 1760 40 180[AS] 30 6
Carrots 1700 60 200[AS] 30 8
Mangold
1700 40 220[AS] 40 ?
Wurtzel
Meadow
280 600 800 140 70
Hay
Clover
280 500 800 186 80
Hay
Pea
250 500 900 246 30
Straw
Rye
270 900 760 26 ?
Straw
Corn
240 500 1040 60 34
Stalks
100 lbs.
Fine
10 79 11
Wheat
Flour
100 lbs.
Wheat 13 55 19 5
Bran

No. XVII.

Amount of Ash left after burning 1000 lbs. of various plants, ordinarily dry—
Wheat 20 its straw 50
Barley 30 " 50
Oats 40 " 60
Rye 20 " 40
Indian Corn 15 " 50
Pea 30 " 50
Bean 30
Meadow Hay 50 to 100
Clover " 90
Rye Grass " 95
Potato 8 to 15
Turnip 5 to 8
Carrot 15 to 20

No. XVIII.

MANURES.

HORSE MANURE.
Solid Dung—
Combustible Matter 19.68
Ash 3.07
Water 77.25
100.00

Composition of the Ash—

Silica 62.40
Potash 11.30
Soda 1.98
Oxide of Iron 1.17
Lime 4.63
Magnesia 3.84
Oxide of Manganese 2.13
Phosphoric Acid 10.49
Sulphuric Acid 1.89
Chlorine 0.03
Loss 0.14
100.00

No. XIX.

NIGHT SOIL.

Solid (Ash)—
Earthy Phosphates and a trace of Sulphate of Lime 100
Sulphate of Soda and Potash, and Phosphate of Soda 8
Carbonate of Soda 8
Silica 16
Charcoal and Loss 18
150
Urine

Urea[AT] 30.10
Uric Acid 1.00
Sal Ammoniac[AT] 1.50
Lactic Acid, etc. 17.14
Mucus .32
Sulphate of Potash 3.71
Sulphate of Soda 3.16
Phosphate of Ammonia[AT] 1.65
Earthy Phosphates 3.94
Salt (Chloride of Sodium) 4.45
Silica 0.03
67.00
Water 933.00
1000.00

No. XX.

COW MANURE.

Solid (Ash)—
Phosphates 20.9
Peroxide of Iron 8.8
Lime 1.5
Sulphate of Lime (Plaster) 3.1
Chloride of Potassium trace
Silica 63.7
Loss 2.0
100.0

No. XXI.
COMPARATIVE VALUE OF THE URINE OF DIFFERENT ANIMALS.

Solid Matter.
Total.
Organic. Inorganic.
Man 23.4 7.6 31
Horse 27. 33. 60
Cow 50. 20. 70
Pig 56. 18. 74
Sheep 28. 12. 40

No. XXII.

GUANO.

Water 6.40
Ammonia 2.71
Uric Acid 34.70
Oxalic Acid, etc. 26.79
Fixed Alkaline Salts.
Sulphate of Soda 2.94
Phosphate of Soda .48
Chloride of Sodium (salt) .86
Earthy Salts.
Carbonate of Lime 1.36
Phosphates 19.24
Foreign Matter.
Silicious grit and sand 4.52
100.00
For the analysis of fertile and barren soils, see page 72.

FOOTNOTES:
[AR] Contain a large amount of Water.
[AS] Pectic Acid.
[AT] Supply Ammonia.
 THE PRACTICAL FARMER.
Who is the practical farmer? Let us look at two pictures and decide.
Here is a farm of 100 acres in ordinary condition. It is owned and tilled by a
hard-working man, who, in the busy season, employs one or two assistants. The
farm is free from debt, but it does not produce an abundant income; therefore, its
owner cannot afford to purchase the best implements, or make other needed
improvements; besides, he don't believe in such things. His father was a good
solid farmer; so was his grandfather; and so is he, or thinks he is. He is satisfied
that 'the good old way' is best, and he sticks to it. He works from morning till
night; from spring till fall. In the winter, he rests, as much as his lessened duties
will allow. During this time, he reads little, or nothing. Least of all does he read
about farming. He don't want to learn how to dig potatoes out of a book. Book
farming is nonsense. Many other similar ideas keep him from agricultural
reading. His house is comfortable, and his barns are quite as good as his
neighbors', while his farm gives him a living. It is true that his soil does not
produce as much as it did ten years ago; but prices are better, and he is satisfied.
Let us look at his premises, and see how his affairs are managed. First, examine
the land. Well, it is good fair land. Some of it is a little springy, but is not to be
called wet. It will produce a ton and a half of hay to the acre—it used to produce
two tons. There are some stones on the land, but not enough in his estimation to
do harm. The plowed fields are pretty good; they will produce 35 bushels of
corn, 13 bushels of wheat, or 30 bushels of oats per acre, when the season is not
dry. His father used to get more; but, somehow, the weather is not so favorable
as it was in old times. He has thought of raising root crops, but they take more
labor than he can afford to hire. Over, in the back part of the land there is a
muck-hole, which is the only piece of worthless land on the whole farm.
Now, let us look at the barns and barn-yards. The stables are pretty good. There
are some wide cracks in the siding, but they help to ventilate, and make it
healthier for the cattle. The manure is thrown out of the back windows, and is
left in piles under the eaves on the sunny side of the barn. The rain and sun make
it nicer to handle. The cattle have to go some distance for water; and this gives
them exercise. All of the cattle are not kept in the stable; the fattening stock are
kept in the various fields, where hay is fed out to them from the stack. The barn-
yard is often occupied by cattle, and is covered with their manure, which lies
there until it is carted on to the land. In the shed are the tools of the farm,
consisting of carts, plows—not deep plows, this farmer thinks it best to have
roots near the surface of the soil where they can have the benefit of the sun's
heat,—a harrow, hoes, rakes, etc. These tools are all in good order; and, unlike
those of his less prudent neighbor, they are protected from the weather.
The crops are cultivated with the plow, and hoe, as they have been since the land
was cleared, and as they always will be until this man dies.
Here is the 'practical farmer' of the present day. Hard working, out of debt, and
economical—of dollars and cents, if not of soil and manures. He is a better
farmer than two thirds of the three millions of farmers in the country. He is one
of the best farmers in his town—there are but few better in the county, not many
in the State. He represents the better class of his profession.
With all this, he is, in matters relating to his business, an unreading, unthinking
man. He knows nothing of the first principles of farming, and is successful by
the indulgence of nature, not because he understands her, and is able to make the
most of her assistance.
This is an unpleasant fact, but it is one which cannot be denied. We do not say
this to disparage the farmer, but to arouse him to a realization of his position and
of his power to improve it.
But let us see where he is wrong.
He is wrong in thinking that his land does not need draining. He is wrong in
being satisfied with one and a half tons of hay to the acre when he might easily
get two and a half. He is wrong in not removing as far as possible every stone
that can interfere with the deep and thorough cultivation of his soil. He is wrong
in reaping less than his father did, when he should get more. He is wrong in
ascribing to the weather, and similar causes, what is due to the actual
impoverishment of his soil. He is wrong in not raising turnips, carrots, and other
roots, which his winter stock so much need, when they might be raised at a cost
of less than one third of their value as food. He is wrong in considering
worthless a deposit of muck, which is a mine of wealth if properly employed. He
is wrong in ventilating his stables at the cost of heat. He is wrong in his
treatment of his manures, for he loses more than one half of their value from
evaporation, fermentation, and leaching. He is wrong in not having water at hand
for his cattle—their exercise detracts from their accumulation of fat and their
production of heat, and it exposes them to cold. He is wrong in not protecting his
fattening stock from the cold of winter; for, under exposure to cold, the food,
which would otherwise be used in the formation of fat, goes to the production of
the animal heat necessary to counteract the chilling influence of the weather, p.
50. He is wrong in allowing his manure to lie unprotected in the barn-yard. He is
wrong in not adding to his tools the deep surface plow, the subsoil plow, the
cultivator, and many others of improved construction. He is wrong in cultivating
with the plow and hoe, those crops which could be better or more cheaply
managed with the cultivator or horse-hoe. He is wrong in many things more, as
we shall see if we examine all of his yearly routine of work. He is right in a few
things; and but a few, as he himself would admit, had he that knowledge of his
business which he could obtain in the leisure hours of a single winter. Still, he
thinks himself a practical farmer. In twenty years, we shall have fewer such, for
our young men have the mental capacity and mental energy necessary to raise
them to the highest point of practical education, and to that point they are
gradually but surely rising.
Let us now place this same farm in the hands of an educated and understanding
cultivator; and, at the end of five years, look at it again.
He has sold one half of it, and cultivates but fifty acres. The money for which the
other fifty were sold has been used in the improvement of the farm. The land has
all been under-drained, and shows the many improvements consequent on such
treatment. The stones and small rocks have been removed, leaving the surface of
the soil smooth, and allowing the use of the sub-soil plow, which with the under-
drains have more than doubled the productive power of the farm. Sufficient labor
is employed to cultivate with improved tools, extensive root crops, and they
invariably give a large yield. The grass land produces a yearly average of 2½
tons of hay per acre. From 80 to 100 bushels of corn, 30 bushels of wheat, and
45 bushels of oats are the average of the crops reaped. The soil has been
analyzed, and put in the best possible condition, while it is yearly supplied with
manures containing every thing taken away in the abundant crops. The analysis
is never lost sight of in the regulation of crops and the application of manures.
The worthless muck bed was retained, and is made worth one dollar a load to the
compost heap, especially as the land requires an increase of organic matter. A
new barn has been built large enough to store all of the hay produced on the
farm. It has stables, which are tight and warm, and are well ventilated above the
cattle. The stock being thus protected from the loss of their heat, give more milk,
and make more fat on a less amount of food than they did under the old system.
Water is near at hand, and the animals are not obliged to over exercise. The
manure is carefully composted, either under a shed constructed for the purpose
with a tank and pump, or is thrown into the cellar below, where the hogs mix it
with a large amount of muck, which has been carted in after being thoroughly
decomposed by the lime and salt mixture.
They are thus protected against all loss, and are prepared for the immediate use
of crops. No manures are allowed to lie in the barn-yard, but they are all early
removed to the compost heap, where they are preserved by being mixed with
carbonaceous matter. In the tool shed, we find deep surface-plows, sub-soil
plows, cultivators, horse-hoes, seed-drills, and many other valuable
improvements.
This farmer takes one or more agricultural papers, from which he learns many
new methods of cultivation, while his knowledge of the reasons of various
agricultural effects enables him to discard the injudicious suggestions of mere
book farmers and uneducated dreamers.
Here are two specimens of farmers. Neither description is over-drawn. The first
is much more careful in his operations than the majority of our rural population.
The second is no better than many who may be found in America.
We appeal to the common sense of the reader of this work to know which of the
two is the practical farmer—let him imitate either as his judgment shall dictate.

FINIS.
 EXPLANATION OF TERMS.
ABSORB—to soak in a liquid or a gas.
ABSTRACT—to take from.
ACID—sour; a sour substance.
AGRICULTURE—the art of cultivating the soil.
ALKALI—the direct opposite of an acid, with which it has a tendency to unite.
ALUMINA—the base of clay.
ANALYSIS—separating into its primary parts any compound substance.
CARBONATE—a compound, consisting of carbonic acid and an alkali.
CAUSTIC—burning.
CHLORIDE—a compound containing chlorine.
CLEVIS—that part of a plow by which the drawing power is attached.
DECOMPOSE—to separate the constituents of a body from their combinations,
forming new kinds of compounds.
DIGESTION—the decomposition of food in the stomach and intestines of animals
(agricultural).
DEW—deposit of the insensible vapor of the atmosphere on cold bodies.
EXCREMENT—the matter given out by the organs of plants and animals, being
those parts of their food which they are unable to assimilate.
FERMENTATION—a kind of decomposition.
GAS—air—aeriform matter.
GURNEYISM—see Mulching.
INGREDIENT—component part.
INORGANIC—mineral, or earthy.
MOULDBOARD—that part of a surface plow which turns the sod.
MULCHING—covering the soil with litter, leaves, or other refuse matter. See p.
247.
NEUTRALIZE—To overcome the characteristic properties of.
ORGANIC MATTER—that kind of matter which at times possesses an organized (or
living) form, and at others exists as a gas in the atmosphere.
OXIDE—a compound of oxygen with a metal.
PHOSPHATE—a compound of phosphoric acid with an alkali.
PROXIMATE—an organic compound, such as wood, starch, gum, etc.; a product of
life.
PUNGENT—pricking.
PUTREFACTION—rotting.
SATURATE—to fill the pores of any substance, as a sponge with water, or charcoal
with ammonia.
SILICATE—a compound of silica with an alkali.
SOLUBLE—capable of being dissolved.
SOLUTION—a liquid containing another substance dissolved in it.
SATURATED SOLUTION—one which contains as much of the foreign substance as it
is capable of holding.
SPONGIOLES—the mouths at the ends of roots.
SULPHATE—a compound of sulphuric acid with an alkali.
VAPOR—gas.
KETCHUM'S
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The price of our machine, with two sets of knives and extras, is $110, cash,
delivered on board of cars or boat, free of charge.
HOWARD & CO.,
Manufacturers and Proprietors, Buffalo, N. Y.
Buffalo, Aug. 1, 1853.

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 NEW AND USEFUL WORKS.
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 The Chemistry of Common Life.
BY JAMES F. W. JOHNSTON, M.A., F.R.S.S. L. & E., &c.
Author of "Lectures on Agricultural Chemistry and Geology," a "Catechism of
Agricultural Chemistry and Geology," &c.

ADVERTISEMENT.
The common life of man is full of wonders, Chemical and Physiological. Most of us pass
through this life without seeing or being sensible of them, though every day our existence
and our comforts ought to recall them to our minds. One main cause of this is, that our
schools tell us nothing about them—do not teach those parts of modern learning which
would fit us for seeing them. What most concerns the things that daily occupy our attention
and cares, are in early life almost sedulously kept from our knowledge. Those who would
learn any thing regarding them, must subsequently teach themselves through the help of the
press: hence the necessity for a Popular Chemical Literature.
It is with a view to meet this want of the Public, and at the same time to supply a Manual
for the Schools, that the present work has been projected. It treats, in what appears to be
their natural order, of THE AIR WE BREATHE and THE WATER WE DRINK, in their relations to
human life and health—THE SOIL WE CULTIVATE AND THE PLANT WE REAR, as the sources
from which the chief sustenance of all life is obtained—THE BREAD WE EAT AND THE BEEF
WE COOK, as the representatives of the two grand divisions of human food—THE
BEVERAGES WE INFUSE, from which so much of the comfort of modern life, both savage and
civilized, is derived—THE SWEETS WE EXTRACT, the history of which presents so striking an
illustration of the economical value of chemical science—THE LIQUORS WE FERMENT, so
different from the sweets in their action on the system, and yet so closely connected with
them in chemical history—THE NARCOTICS WE INDULGE IN, as presenting us with an aspect
of the human constitution which, both chemically and physiologically, is more mysterious
and wonderful than any other we are acquainted with—THE ODOURS WE ENJOY AND THE
SMELLS WE DISLIKE; the former because of the beautiful illustration it presents of the recent
progress of organic chemistry in its relations to comforts of common life, and the latter
because of its intimate connection with our most important sanitary arrangements—WHAT
WE BREATHE FOR and WHY WE DIGEST, as functions of the body at once the most important
to life, and the most purely chemical in their nature—THE BODY WE CHERISH, as presenting
many striking phenomena, and performing many interesting chemical functions not touched
upon in the discussion of the preceding topics—and lastly, THE CIRCULATION OF MATTER, as
exhibiting in one view the end, purpose, and method of all the changes in the natural body,
in organic nature, and in the mineral kingdom, which are connected with and determine the
existence of life.
It has been the object of the Author in this Work to exhibit the present condition of
chemical knowledge and of matured scientific opinion upon the subjects to which it is
devoted. The reader will not be surprised, therefore, should he find in it some things which
differ from what is to be found in other popular works already in his hands or on the
shelves of his library.
The Work is being published in 5 or 6 NUMBERS, price 25 cents each, in the following order,
forming 1 vol. 12mo. of about 400 pages.

1. The AIR we Breathe and

2. The WATER we Drink.
3. The SOIL we Cultivate and
4. The PLANT we Rear.
5. The BREAD we Eat and
6. The BEEF we Cook.
7. The BEVERAGES we Infuse.
8. The SWEETS we Extract.
9. The LIQUORS we Ferment.
10. The NARCOTICS we Indulge in.
11. The ODOURS we Enjoy and
12. The SMELLS we Dislike.
13. What we BREATHE and BREATHE FOR, and
14. What, How, and Why we DIGEST
15. The BODY we Cherish, and
16. The CIRCULATION of MATTER, a Recapitulation.
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Husbandry." 12mo, 50 cts.

THE FARMER'S TREASURE:

Containing "Falkner's Farmer's Manual," and "Smith's Productive Farming,"

bound together. 12mo, 75 cents.

STABLE ECONOMY:

A Treatise on the Management of Horses, in relation to Stabling, Grooming,

Feeding, Watering, and Working. By JOHN STEWART, Veterinary Surgeon. With
Notes and Additions, adapting it to American Food and Climate, by A. B. ALLEN .
12mo, illustrated with 23 Engravings, $1.
"No one should build a stable or own a horse without consulting the excellent directions for
stabling and using the horse, in this book of Stewart's. It is an invaluable vade mecum for
all who have the luxury of a stable."—Eve. Mirror.

THE HORSE'S FOOT;

AND HOW TO KEEP IT SOUND.

With Illustrations by WILLIAM MILES, Esq., from the Third London Edition, with
23 plates. Price 25 cents.
This work has received the unqualified recommendation of the Quarterly, the
Edinburgh, and the Reviews generally, of England. The price of the English copy
is $3.
"It should be in the hands of every owner or friend of the horse."

DOGS: THEIR ORIGIN AND VARIETIES.

Directions as to their general Management. With numerous original anecdotes.

Also Complete Instructions as to Treatment under Disease. By H. D.
RICHARDSON. Illustrated with numerous Wood Engravings. 1 vol. 12mo, 25 cts.
paper cover, 38 cts. cloth.
This is not only a cheap, but one of the best works ever published on the Dog.
 THE BOOK OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE:

A Cyclopædia of Six Thousand Practical Receipts, and Collateral Information in

the Arts, Manufactures, and Trades; including Medicine, Pharmacy, and
Domestic Economy, designed as a compendious Book of Reference for the
Manufacturer, Tradesman, Amateur, and Heads of Families. By ARNOLD JAMES
COOLEY, Practical Chemist. Illustrated with numerous Wood Engravings.
Forming one handsome volume, 8vo, of 464 pages. Price $2 25, bound.

TREATISE ON THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF

LANDSCAPE GARDENING:

ADAPTED TO NORTH AMERICA, WITH A VIEW TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF COUNTRY

RESIDENCES—
Comprising Historical Notices and General Principles of the Art, Directions for
Laying Out Grounds and Arranging Plantations, the Description and
Cultivation of Hardy Trees, Decorative Accompaniments of the
House and Grounds, the Formation of pieces of Artificial
Water, Flower Gardens, etc., with remarks on Rural
Architecture. A new edition, enlarged,
revised and newly illustrated.
By A. J. DOWNING, author of "Designs for Cottage Residences," etc.
A new and improved edition, 8vo., illustrated, $3 50.

"Insult not Nature with absurd expense,

Nor spoil her simple charms by vain pretense;
Weigh well the subject, be with caution bold,
Profuse of genius, not profuse of gold."

RIKER, THORPE & CO., 129 Fulton st., New York.

"There is no work extant which can be compared in ability to Downing's volume
on this subject. It is not overlaid with elaborate and learned disquisition, like the
English works, but it is truly practical."—Louisville Journal.
"Mr. Downing's works have been greatly influential in recommending among us
that life which has always seemed to us the perfection of human existence—the
life of men of education, living upon and cultivating their own farms."—Cour.
and Enq.
"The principles he lays down are not only sound, but are developed on a uniform
system, which is not paralleled in any English work."—Prof. Lindley's
Chronicle, London.

RUGGLES, NOURSE, MASON & CO.,

MANUFACTURERS AT WORCESTER,
And Wholesale and Retail Dealers in
 AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS AND
MACHINES,
Garden, Field and Flower Seeds,

FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, ROSES, VINES AND PLANTS,

GUANO, BONE DUST, PHOSPHATES, POUDRETTE, &c.
Also, Agricultural and Horticultural Publications, and Agents for Principal
Nurseries,
AT THE

QUINCY HALL
AGRICULTURAL WAREHOUSE AND SEED STORE,
OVER QUINCY MARKET, SOUTH MARKET ST.,
BOSTON, MASS.
 WAGENER'S AMERICAN SEED
HARVESTER.

HIGHEST PREMIUMS AWARDED

At the World's Fair Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations, 1853.

ALSO BY THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE, NEW YORK.

VARIOUS OTHER APPROBATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.

This Machine consists of a simple frame and box mounted on wheels, in front of
which is a cylinder, set with spiral knives, acting in concert with curved spring
teeth, in combination with a straight knife, which forms a perfect shear, and
severs the head from the stalk; the heads are at the same time discharged into the
box. The teeth being made to spring and vibrate, not a particle of clover,
however stalky or thick, can possibly escape being cut, or allow the teeth to
become clogged. The Cylinder and Knives are protected by an adjustible guard
plate, thus allowing only the heads to pass to the Knives, retaining the head, and
the head only—thus leaving the stalk to enrich the soil. The machine is so
constructed that it can be made adjustible to the height of the Clover and
Timothy.
To be seen at the Crystal Palace. Price of the machines moderate.
The Farmer will find that by this process, he may save two crops of Timothy per year.
When the seed is ripe the tops can be clipped, and the straw left until fall to mature. You
now have your seed and hay in two crops of equal value; in case of clover, you mow the
first crop for hay, the second for seed; you in both cases get better seed and hay with less
labor and expense than grain crops, at the same time leaving the soil clothed with a coat of
straw, for the coming season, which will increase the value of the soil for crops, make fine
pastures and fine stock, while it fits the land for fine grain. In this way lands in our states
have been raised in production from five to twenty-five or thirty bushels of wheat per acre,
in the course of a few years.
This is within the reach of every farmer, without money or labor, as organic matter
accumulates from the atmosphere and is deposited in the soil.
Manufactured and for sale by the Patentee and Proprietor,

JEPTHA A. WAGENER.
Office 348 West Twenty-Fourth Street, New York.
All orders for Machines this season should be sent in immediately, in order to
have them in readiness for harvest time.
Price of Machines, $100 and $110, two sizes, at the Manufactory.
☞Rights of States and Counties on favorable terms.
"Wagener's Clover and Timothy Seed Harvester has been in successful operation two
seasons, and has received the premium at the World's Fair and at the Fair of the American
Institute, and various other testimonials of superior value. They are manufactured and for
sale by the inventor, Jeptha A. Wagener, at 348 West 24th street, New York."—U. S.
Journal.

The Grain Harvester is in course of preparation, and will soon be offered for
sale.
 THE WORKING FARMER,
PUBLISHED ON THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH,
At 143 Fulton St., (upper side,) a few doors east of Broadway, New York.

TERMS.
One year, payable in advance, $1 00
Clubs of six subscribers, 5 00
Clubs of twelve subscribers, 10 00
Clubs of twenty-five subscribers, 20 00
Single copies, 10
Volume one, in paper cover, 50
Volumes two, three, four and five, in paper cover, each 1 00

Postage on the WORKING FARMER, if paid at the Subscriber's Post Office, is, for
Any distance within the United States, 3000 miles and under, one cent for each
paper. If paid at a Subscriber's Post Office, in advance, 1¾ cents per quarter, or 7
cents per year.
Postage on bound volumes in paper covers, if pre-paid at the New York Post
Office,
Vols. II.,
Vol.
III., IV &
I.
V.
Any distance within cts. cts.
United States, 3000 26 each
22
miles and under volume.
If not pre-paid at the New York Post Office, double the above rates will be
charged.
Subscriptions must commence with the year, namely, March; or the even half
year, September; and for not less than one year.
Remittances can be made, from such States as have no small paper circulation,
in gold dollars, Post Office stamps, or the bills of other States.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
Five lines, one dollar each insertion, and in the same ratio for more lengthy
advertisements.
Post-paid Letters, addressed to the Publisher, will meet with prompt attention.
FRED'K McCREADY,
143 Fulton street, upper side, a few doors east of Broadway.
MAPES'
IMPROVED
SUPER
PHOSPHATE OF LIME
 160 lbs.

FREDK. McCREADY

WHOLESALE AGT. 143 FULTON STREET,

KEEP DRY.
N.Y.
SEVERAL IMITATIONS of this celebrated fertilizer having been introduced
among the dealers since the introduction of the Improved Super-Phosphate of
Lime, I beg to state that all manufactured under the recipe of Prof. J. J. Mapes, is
MARKED ON THE BAGS AS ABOVE,
and each bag contains his certificate of having been made under his
superintendence.
☞Orders for the above fertilizer by mail, from strangers, should be accompanied
with the money, a draft, or proper references. The bags contain exactly 160 lbs.,
which at two and a half cents per pound, amounts to four dollars.
FRED'K McCREADY, 143 Fulton street, New York.
Picture of the universal cultivator
 THE UNIVERSAL CULTIVATOR,
Described on page 254,

Is represented in the above cut. It is manufactured by us, and is sold by all

implement dealers.

OUR
 IMPROVED HORSE HOE,
Of which a cut may be seen on p. 254,

Is now manufactured at our establishment, and is sold throughout the Union. It is

the best implement for weeding, etc. ever made.
 THE SOD AND SUB-SOIL PLOW,
(Sometimes called the MICHIGAN PLOW ,)

Consists of two plows on the same beam. The first inverts the sod to the depth of
a few inches, and the hindmost plow brings up the lower soil, depositing it on
the inverted sod.
FOR DEEP TILLAGE, especially on prairie land, this is superior to any of its
competitors.
RUGGLES, NOURSE, MASON & CO.
Worcester, Mass., and Quincy Hall, Boston.
 TRANSCRIBERS' NOTES
Page 8 Page number added for tables of
analysis
Page 22 Period added after "great brilliancy"
Page 33 seashore standardised to sea-shore;
genii standardised to genie
Page 39 No footnote anchor was in place.
Anchor added after "are formed," as this
seemed most reasonable in context.
Page 52 quanties corrected to quantities;
nutricious corrected to nutritious
Page 53 Footnote marker added for "See
Johnston's Elements, page 41."
Page 55 ? added after "in their composition"
in footer
Page 74 Removed second "the" in "is the the
foundation of Agricultural Geology."
Page 142 pigstye standardised to pig-stye
Page 144 plough standardised to plow
Pages 145, 211 subsoil plow standardised to
sub-soil plow [Note that in line with the more
common usage in this work, the phrases sub-
soil plow and sub-soiling have retained their
hyphens]
 Page 148 Removed second n in mannures
Page 152 postash corrected to potash
Page 157 suplying corrected to supplying
Page 167 carbonia corrected to carbonic
Page 174 buck-wheat standardised to
buckwheat
Pages 196, 232, 234, 235, 237, 238, 241 sub-
soil standardised to subsoil
Page 204 ? Added after Mineral in the
question section
Page 211 water tight standardised to water-
tight
Page 223 Second 6. changed to 7.
Page 232 oxydation standardised to oxidation
Page 266 Period added after lbs in 1620 lbs
rye straw
Page 272 Title No. XVI. added to table
Page 273 10,000 corrected to 100.00
Page 290 accurracy corrected to accuracy
Page 292 Number of pages unclear. 464
Guessed.

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