The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1853-03-15
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GU9Yl0.


This article is getting to be so extensively
introduced as a manure, and so much interest
is manifested in the frequent enquiries which
we receive, as to its use the modes OF applica.
ton, and quantity necessary, that we feel
we cannot render better service to many OF
our readers, than to give such information as
we NAV have derived from experience or OBJ
servation. We made some small experiments
last wear. which we have given to our readers
in the January number of the Soil Of the
South. These were so favorable as to make
MS almost distrust results conducted under our
own eve: and we could but ascribc much to
the very favorable character of the seasons.
We still think that the circumstances under
which we operated, were more favorable, and
the benefits larger than n. .ht ordinarily be e1-
pected yet our faith is strong, that great bcne-
fits will be realized, by all those who make
iudccus application of it to their crops. The
modes Of using it arc varied, as well as the
results. We think it 4 matter of much i'm
portance to have it well Incorporated with the
earth, and so deep as to prevent loss By evapo-
ration. This is to be done by the use of the
plow. Any time before the planting Of the
crop will do, but our preference would be in
favor of its lying few days or weeks, before
planting. 1t is very unsafe to have it come in
contact with the grain before it is properly d.
luted or incorporated with the earth. The
terminating properties of the grain, are very
certainly destroyed by such contact The
mode of its applications, will of course be
drill or broad casting. For cotton, our present
impressions are in favor of using it in the drill,
as the most economical and efficient method,
one promising the largest return for the small
est outlay. 70 Go this, we would advise the
opening furrow to be deep and wide, in which
the guano should be strewcd, and covered BY
two other burrows, one on each side, forming
the centre Of the bcd in which the cotton seed
are to be planted. At planting time, open the
top of this bed, and the seed will be planted
Immediately over the manure, which will be
penetrated by the tap root, give early vigor
and growth to the plart, and be so far from
the surface as not to be absorbed by the sun
or moved by the hoes, in chopping through the
cotton. In its application to the cotton crop,
there ought to be pretty free admixture Of
Plaster of Paris, or pulverzed Charcoal.
These are both good manures for cotton, and
serve to set the ammonia, and prevent waste
in the guano.
We may very properly here remark, that the
incorporation Of onc Of these substances is
necessary to secure the full benefit Of the guano
in its application TO any of our crops. The
same preparations which we have recommend.
ed, would do also for corn, but sowing broad
cast, and pIowng it thoroughly in the ground
before planting. The difference, We suppose,
would be found mainly in the roots down into
the earth, while the corn spreads ont its thou.
sand rootlets all around, searching out food far
and near, and this general spreading of ma
nure, meets the demand of the plant all
through the season.
We venture to suggest the query, as to
whether all manures intended for Corn, would
not be better to be spread broad cast, rather
than be applied to the hill, feeding bountilulIy
in infancy, and failing in supplies, when coming
to maturity? For wheat AID small grains
generally, the plan Of broad casting must from
necessity, be adopted, and the time Of appli.
cation, we would say, would be before the crop
is sowcd; first blowing in the guano, and then
narrowing Or plowing in the grain.
The quantity to be used, as recommended
bv different cXperimcntcrs. varies from spoon.
full to the hill, to four hu"dled pounds to the
acre. The smallest quantity used is no doubt
n benefit, the largest may involve an expense,
making it impracticabe. We are induced to
think that less than one hundred and twenty
or fifty hounds to the acre will not tell very
bcncGcial!v, in its effects upon the crop. This
0nautity we know by actual experiment. will
.rcatly increase the product OF oar lands in
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