The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1886-03-20
Concerning Fertilizers.

At q recent meeting of MassaChu-
sets farmers held in Boston, the sub
iect of commercial fertilizers was I'M
der discussion, and we give an ex-
tract of the remarks made at that
time by W. H. Bowker, OF the Bowker
Fertilizer Company. at is urged by
many" said Mr.. Bowker, chat we
apply South Carolina rock in a fine
ground condition directly to the soil.
After a long trial by the leading exper-
imenters they have come to the con
clusion that it is far wiser to dissolve
it, especially for hoed crops, than to
apply it in its raw state, for nearly all
hoed crops make the greater part of
their growth in sixty days, and plant
food, to be Of any valueto these crops
during this PERIOD must be in a con
dition ready for them to absorb.
cit Is important to consider how
many factors farmers may control in
raising their crops. First, they can
control the cultivation; second, the
Seed and third, the cultivators which
they apply. But they cannot control
the weather, which is the most I'M
portant factor with which they have
to deal. II q crop IS stunted for the
first thirty or sixty days, it is stunted
for the balance of its growth. Hence
plant food should be furnished in it's
most favorable condition, so that II
the weather be right the crop will
make the best possible growth during
the first few weeks. This is one rea-
son why commercial fertilizers are de-
sirable.
"Stabie manure is one Of the best
manures it is possible to have. and
farmers should make and save all
they can; yet 1t is not absolutely in
dlspensabe. No market gardener
about here would think of raising his
quick crops on stable manure I'M
compOsted. No farmer would put
potatoes directly on green COW
manure, nor his cabbages on hog
manure. They are not in available
condition to produce quick results,
| but fertilizers, ii properly made, CON
tain the plant food in available form.
! especially phosphoric acid and trio
gen. In this condition they areready
to promote quick growth.
The profits of the fertilizer bust
ness from the manufacturers stand
point are very much over-rated bv
those unaCquainted with the business
Ii any one will guarantee my concern
81 a ton, net profit, for the next ten
| years, on all the output OF our con.
| Germ, | will take the guarantee and
give him the profit which we make.
Sufficient allowance isnot madefor the
labor in working up the raw material.
the slrlnkage, cost OF freight, comm. ..
slons, bags and general business ex.
| penses, nor for bad debts. The curse
OF every business today IS the credit
system, and it Is especially the curse
OF the fertilizer business. Our con.
| Germ IS shipping fertilizers TO the South
to day. the stock for which was bought
last July, and we will not get our nay
until next iall. Add the interest fol
that time, not to speak OF the shrink
age which occurs before the goods srt
delivered to the farmer, and some Of
the expenses of the business NAV be
realized. We are selling fertilizers
here III New England, much of the
stock for which we have carried from
July until now. We have Just com
menced TO ship, and farmers know
well When We begin to receive our pay
/ f'eItii zsfs, IS Il rule, are sold and de