Mr. Hale adds:

"The most of our soil is a sandy loam. We have some heavy loam and a
few acres of clay gravel, and we have always had good results from the
use of bone and potash on all of these soils.

"We have never used lime on our berry fields at the time of planting,
and yet, as you know, all of our New England soils are deficient in
lime. We use some indirectly, as we grow clover to plow under, and
usually give at that time a good dressing of lime. As we try to have a
new clover field every year, we get all around the farm in six or
eight years, and we therefore get a dressing of lime all around once
in that time, and have never been able to see any ill effects from it.
In fact, we believe it a positive benefit in helping to keep down
sorrel, if nothing more."

There would be very few worn-out farms, or poverty-stricken farmers,
if all followed the example of the Hale brothers.

The value of potash and bone meal is thus clearly shown, but the
latter does not contain nitrogen in sufficient quantity. I think Mr.
Hale is correct in the opinion that he can secure better results by
using at the same time some nitrogenous manure, like fish scrap,
guano, etc. If he had heavy, cold, clay land to deal with, it is
possible that he might find the stable manure the cheapest and best in
the long run, even at its increased cost.

Mr. W. L. Ferris, of Poughkeepsie, writes to me that he has found
great advantage in the use of the Mapes & Stockbridge special
fertilizers. "My experience," he says, "is only as to strawberries,