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additions of Peruvian guano, nor of any other manure, as
has been advised.

This law is correct, that the yield of crops is not in di-
rect ratio to the quantity of any substance either original-
ly existing in the soil or applied to it by a manure, but
on a proper proportion of all the elements of the food of
plants. Crops cannot, therefore, be economically produced
by the application of three or four hundred pounds of Peru-
vian guano, as has been recommended by some who assume,
to direct agricultural improvements, without either practical
experience or scientific knowledge. If we go beyond a cer-
tain quantity, the crop will not be increased in proportion to
the expense of the surplus added, and this large application
will consequently be unprofitable, save to the manure dealers.
The application of 200 pounds of Peruvian guano, containing
compounds capable of forming sixteen per cent of ammonia, is
enough for any soil, and on many soils a less quantity is all
that is required; and the effect of this, if used according to
the directions which we have given, will equal in effect dou-
ble or treble this quantity improperly applied.

This advice has heretofore saved thousands of dollars to
the farmers and planters of our State, and if followed will
save many more thousands. They should not make up for
other deficiencies in the soil by the application of large quan-
tities of a manure so expensive as Peruvian guano.

Nitrate of Soda—Chili Saltpetre—Cubic Nitre.—This is a salt
found already formed in some narrow valleys a short distance
from the sea-coast in the provinces of Peru and Chili in South
America.

It has in some respects the same effects as Peruvian Guano on the
crop in its early growth, but cannot perform all the functions of
that manure, inasmuch as it does not contain any Phosphate of Lime
or any compound analogous to it.

It however has an advantage over Peruvian Guano in being more
efficient when applied as a top dressing, especially when used in
the winter or early in the spring.

Nitrate of Soda is a most valuable application to the wheat
crop; when it seems slow to start, or when the blades are pale,
sickly, yellow or in any manner weak, it gives it a quick growth, turns
the leaves green and at once causes them to assume a healthy ap-
pearance and greatly increases the product.

It also conduces very much to the brightness in color and
strength of the straw. On grass land as a top dressing it is far su-
perior to any other manure that I know of; it greatly increases the
product at the time of mowing and keeps the meadows luxu-
riantly green for a long period afterwards.