, 1876-05-27

proved practically, and, theoretically speak
ing, the soil is in a better state OF commin-
utiOn, in which process it is being enrich
ed from the atmosphere, at the same time
retaining its nutritive elements, it not
having anything growing IN it. TilIage
and manuring ought to go hand in hand,
for they very nearly mean the same; we
could do as we'll without one as the other.
Manure, however, is the great desideratum
for planters of the present day, and Justly
so; but it must not be inferred that be-
cause good results are obtained from high
manuring that nothing is due to tiIIage,
the very act of placing the manure in a
convenient shape (bedding as it is vulgar
ly called) is an important branch of til
lage.
The subject Of manure is a very compre-
hensiye one, aud is taken to mean all sub
stances, whatever their character or origin,
which will have the effect OF causing a
large growth OF vegetation.
Ma0ures may be either mechanical or
chemical in their mode Of action, or they
may partake of both these characters
eIsmp6 gratjd,-0ur homo make or stake
manure is both mechanical and chemical
in its effects. Tn consequence of its bulk
and coarseness, it looSens the soil and
makes it more porous when mixed with
it but to obtain good results from this
kind of manure, we ought to %studiously
avoid corcfiag it too deep in soil, for in
such instances, although it's mechanical in
laence may be of use, its chemical effects
will be entirely lost, at least to the present
Crop,-as no manure can act III the soil,
when placed beyond the wholesome inlu-
enco of the atmosphere when it is bed
drd near the surface of the soil, it modifies
the effect Of drought, it absorbs moisture
from the atmosphere, and its decomposition
produces a slight heat, thus raising the
temperature of the soil to promote yegeta-
ton, which our stiff bottom lands so much
require.
These are for the most part mechanical
effects. On the other hand, it affords to
the roots of plants substances which enter
directly into their structures, as chemical
constituents it also yields various acids,
alkalies, and salts which enter into COM
bination with the constituent parts OF the
soil, and-in one way or another-make
them more available as plant food. These
are chemical effects.
Now I am Of opinion that our practical
planters pay more attention to, or think
more highly Of the mechanical than they
do of the chemical principles Of agricul-
ture, and In so doing [ am not prepared to
say they act an unwise part, for although
one is as necessary as the other, yet the
practical planter, with the use of the
plough and the hoe, is enabled with his
homemade manure to raise fair, if not
heavy crops. The careful mixture and
distribution of the nutritive substances
present in the soil, are the most important
means of rendering them effective. A
piece of bone weighing half announce
placed in a cubic foot of earth, has no
%perceptible influence upon its fertility,
but when uniformly distributed and physi-
cally combined with the minutest parti-
Giles of the same earth, it attains a maxi
mum of efficiency. The influence of the
mechanical operations of agriculture upon
the fertility of a soil, however impertectly
the earthly particles may be mixed by the
process, is remarkable, and often borders
upon the marvellous. The grabber, which
breaks, turns, and mixes the soil, makes
a field much more fruitful than the plough,
which only turns and ~displaces the earth
without mixing it. The effect of both,
hououor 10 ;povoocod hy, fro01onk VIC dino