The Saint Paul globe., 1897-12-06

ground more than half of the nitrogen.
In this manner the crops were dOubly
used and double profit made from
them, while the soil received nearly as
much benefit as it would have received
from green manuring. The roots, Of
course, were left intact, and continued
to grow and absorb the nitrogen of
the air.
81 regard the study and discoveries
of nitrogen absorption by plant roots
as among the scientific marvels of this
century," says the secretary of agri-
culture 1--WE farmer folks do not
make as much noise with our develop
ments as gentlemen do who make dis
coveFies, get patents, and geta rich out
of them. Nevertheless, we are working
out problems in natures laboratory,
which are as marvellous and as import
ant to the human race as the miracles
which are being wrought in electricity.
The gold and silver mines, in various
portions of the earth have been ex
hausted, and they cannot be reple1i-
ished. The soils have been exhausted
in many places. but we are discover
ing how to replenish them. Upon the
soil we depend for our food. All life
depends upon our work"
The study of leguminous crops and the de-
velopments which have been made, indicate
that it is no longer necessary for the farmers
to go on raising meadow hay for coarse fod-
it. The growth of leguminous crops will
furnish the animals all of the nitrogen that
they require at the lowest cost. Common
hay as a food material is far surpassed to-
day by crops of red clover, crimson clover,
cow peas, alfalfa horse bean and serradella.
Corn may be mixed with green crops, and
superior, nutritious nitrogenous food results,
which is palatable and rich.
Only those farmers who are willing to work
for success will take advantage of these sug-
gestons because more work is required in
cultiyating leguminOus plants than in rails
ing grass hay. The point of it all is that by
precaution, prudence and energy the farmers
can make more money and keep their soil
always in good condition. For example, 1T has
been demonstrated that sofa bean meal Is
one of the richest feeding stuffs, and is fully
equal to the cottonseed meal for the produc-
tion of milk and butter. With increased
profit certain, the ambitious farmer will, of
course put forth the additional energy and
care to achieve wealth. The sofa bean may
be threshed out and ground, while the straw
makes splendid coarse fodder, and it is much
richer in food material than good meadow
hay.
It has been claimed by Prof. Allen, of the
department of agriculture. that 100 pounds
of hay from leguminous crops contains about
twice as much protein (nitrogen) as 100 pounds
of hay from grasses. 1t is worth from one
fourth to one-third more for feeding than
common hay.
whether the little tubercles on the roots of
leguminous plants caused by the bacteria
or not. One thing is certain, and that is,
which have been artifcially supplied with
nitrogen. Only on those plants which make
their own struggles for nitrogen do the tuber-
cles appear and the bacteria are always found
with them The Investigators do not seem
to be able to determine minute Details but
they are all well satisfied with the general
results which have been obtained.
When it is remembered that the microbes
are so small that they can only be discovered
with the aid Of a powerful microscope, we
must be satisfied with what has been thus
far accomplished. The exact manner of nitro
gen assimilation is still a subject Of study,
and many men are daily engaged in the fur
ther development of this important discovery
in the vegetable kingdom. All of them are
as enthusiastic and energetic as any of the
star-gazing men in the field Of astronomy,
who are looking for new worlds.
Green manuring enriches the soil with
nitrogen, increases its porosity, adds to its
supply Of humus increases the fodder crop,
repovates barren soils. increases the number
of animals which can be supported, increases
the milk and butter product. doubles the
richness Of coarse fodder. takes the place of
expensive commercial feeds, and decreases the
cost of fertilizing. Therefore, the department
Of agriculture says to the farmers: "GTow
more 1egumnous crops. Give them painstak
ing care Analyze your soil. Grow such
nlants as are best suited to your soil. Also at
tend TO bacterial soil incubation and avoid
wasting valuable fertiliZing material which
nature so abundantly supplies