The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-04-03

is not lacking that the organisms thus introduced are more efficient as nitro gen gatherers than those normally present in soils. their method of growth accentuating this power.
 In this connection 1t must be men- tioned that cultures are separately pre- pared for each of the common legumes, that for red clover, for instance, not being the same as for alfalfa. With out going into a discussion of the pre- else nature of the organisms concerned, it is sufficient to state that quicker re- suits are obtained by using specific or ganisms for each crop, although cross inoculations are by no means impossi- ble. It must not be expected that in- oculation thus easily accomplished does away with the necessity for properr preparation of soil, lining for acidity. supplying potash and phosphoric acid where deficient, and the various cul" tural practices common to best usage. The nodule organisms are thoroughly efficient in supplying a lack of nitro- gen-indeed, soil rich in nitrogen rem ders them of little effect-but their bencfcent activity cannot replace ra- tional soil treatment or overcome dis tinctly adverse climatic conditions. Neither is 1t to be expected that in soils already adequately supplied with dule-forming bacteria the introduc- tion of fresh supply will materially increase the yield or add to the fertil- ity.
 Furthermore, while no special knowl- edge Is required in handling the cul- lures as sent out, the ability to read understandingly, willingness to com ply with directions and plain common sense are distinct requisites. If the housewife mixes yeast in the sponge and leaves the pan In a chilly part or the room she is not surprised when she finds that the yeast has not worked. If the dry culture is treated with similar disregard for explicit instruc- tions and ordinary prudence the cul- ture must not be held to account when the water fails to become cloudy. The amount of originality exhibited in this connection is remarkable. Using a pickle pail where a clean vessels is required, boiling, or placing the solu- tion on Ice are characteristic speci- mems. As the principles underlying inoculation become better Understood. failures due to such mistakes will be eliminated. Notions of magical power will be replaced by the recognition of logical processes.
 Many reports have found their way into the public press in regard. to the wonderful properties of the ''vest-pock- ct fertilizer" and some wrong impress sions have been made. The great in terest awakened, however. has served to call attention to the importance of conserving the supply of nitrogen in our cultivated soils by the use of le- guminous crops for green manure and forage. The necessity of inoculation is sometimes at once apparent and the means is now provided without the dangerous and costly expedient of soil transfer. Under the provisions of the patent previously mentioned several concerns are preparing to place upon the market inoculating outfits prepared by the dry culture method, and the benefits of the discovery will soon be placed within the reach of all whose soil conditions call for artificial inocu- lation. T. R. Robinson,
 U. s. Department of Agriculture, in
 Southern Planter.