Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-10-17
THE FARM.
IMPORTATION UPON AGRICULT-
URE AND HORTICULTURE.
The Value and Preparation of Ma
nures-Bird Pests in Vineyards
General Notes of Interest.

There is no subject which has been more
neglected in this State, and which cannot
be much longer ignored without serious
loss TO landowners and agriculturists, than
that of the use of fertilizers to keep up the
strength and productiveness Of our soils.
The thrifty vegetable gardeners around our
cities, and a few others, understand the
value OF manures, and by their use obtain
astonishing returns in products, and at the
same time continually improve the fertility
and value Of their lands. Especially should
all small holders of real estate make their
smaller possessions capable Of producing
as much as possible In fact a small piece
of ground brought to the high state of pro-
duc;ion usually acquired and met with in
France, and some other countries of Europe,
will yield a greater net profit than many of
the large, half-tilled California ranches, of
ordinary land, which are continuously
plowed, and upon which no fertiliziDg
preparations are ever returned to replace
for the constant drain made upon it. of
plant food An Eastern agricultural writer
of experience recently gave the following
concerning liquid manures, and how they
may be prepared for forcing vegetation:
There are several methods by which the
farmers and gardeners can prepare their
liquid manures, with which to force those
plants that are back ward, as well as hasten
ing such as are intended for an early sup
ply OF course this applies to vegetables,
though lawn grass, strawberries and bushes
may be similarly treated. In every family
there is usually quantity of soapsuds that
IS never put to practical use. BY arranging
a water-tight barrel or hogshead, the SOAP
suds may be made to do valuable service as
a chemical re-agent They contain variety
of fat acids, which have the power OF COM
bining with other substances, forming COM
pounds entirely unlike the original ele-
ments of their composition. By forming
such compounds they fix the volatile mat
ter and prevent loss of valuable fertilizing
material. Thus, for instance, take poultry
droppings. If they are kept constantly
damp with soapsuds they will be carefully
preserved in their full strength, as not only
will the fat acids change them in compost
ton, but the moisture itself, being an alb
sorbent of ammonia will assist in prevent
ing loss.
Many farmers pay annually large sums
at home Take bushel of fresh manure
of any kind and mix it with barrel of
water tsoapsuds preferredl, and to the solu-
ton add two pounds of sulphuric acid, the
cost for the two pounds, if bought by the
carboy, not exceeding five cents and you
at once have a solution that is equal to
pure liquid manure, as the acid will COM
pletely decompose the solid matter. Il
however, you will add, in addition to the
manure, for each barrel of water, five
pounds sulphate of ammonia, ten pounds
sulphate of potash, two pounds sulphate
of magnesia, and ten pounds superphos-
phate, no sulphuric acid need be used at
all, and, for every gallon taken out for use,
three gallons OF water may be added as s.
dilutant as the solution will be too strong
for use on tender plants. Sprinkle this
three times week around the roots of the
growing plants and your neighbors will be
surprised to notice how far advanced in
growth your vegetables will be- Con-
sidering the advantages derived, the cost
will be but trifie
Should you object to the use of any
chemicals at all, then add to the barrel of
soapsuds two bushels of fresh manure, and
also bushel Of poultry droppings Let it
stand week, stirring well once 4 day, and
you will have an excellent fertilizer, espe-
cially If the urine from all sources be also
added. In app ying these liquids do not
saturate the tops of the plants, but pour it
around the roots only. The ground should
be kept frequently stirred, in order to pre-
vent baking or the formation of crust
After the plants have begun to make rapid
growth, once a week will answer for the
applications, which should always be done
in the evening, in order to avoid the inju-
rious effects of the sun. The liquids that
,N1t kg,l Al
barnyard are more available than the
solids, and whenever black stream is seen
collect it and empty into your barrel.
To make good solid manure. put into
barrel the same quantity of manure and
other chemicals recommended, or, what is
better, double the quantity of manure, and
stir 1t up in the water till it is all fine.
Then thieken the whole with fine earth
and empty the barrel before keeping it
under cover. If little acid is added to the
water at the beginning it will be better.
You can use this mixture by scattering a
good handful around each plant, and you
will soon see the effects of it after the first
rain that comes.
THE QUAIL AND BIRD PEST.
Mention was recently made in the col
ams of the RECORD MON as to the damage
done by birds to the grape crop in many of
the foothill and mountain vineyards. A
comparison of notes and observations
made by vineyardists discloses the fact that
the ravages upon grapes has largely been
committed by quails. The blue jays and
other classes of birds also assisted in the
destruction. Some vineyards have been
entirely stripped, and not grape left to be
gathered. This is probably largely owing
to the almost entire absence this year of
bird food from woods and fields, caused by
the unusually dry season, but should the
festive quail, after having learned from
do so hereafter, it would no doubt soon re-
suit in the blotting out of this kind of