LAWES' SUPERPHOSPHATE.

Press, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5704, 31 December 1883, Page 3

LAWES' SUPERPHOSPHATE.

At the invitation of Mr Thomas Acland, a number of gentlemen interested in agricultural matters assembled at his residence on the Riccarton road on Saturday afternoon last, where that gentleman farms a few acres. The object of the visit was to inspect a four-acre paddock, cropped in equal parts with European flax, mangold, -"carrots, and potatoes, all of which had been treated either with Lawes' bone or mineral superphosphate. The first plot inspected was that under flax, which was treated with 2cwt. of superphosphate, the quantity of seed used being 1$ bushels. At one time it seemed probable that the crop would prove a failure, owing to the ravages of the birds. The crop, although thin, is a most excellent one, and promises a return of at least thirty bushels of seed, and 4swt. of dressed fibre. The crop will be ready for pulling in about a fortnight, when it is proposed to plough the land for turnips, thus securing two crops in the season. No. 2 plot was sown with long reds, red globe, orange globe, and ox-heart mangles, from seed obtained from Messrs Sutton and Soub' agent. With the exception of the last named variety there has not been a single failure. This acre plot, received 2cwt. of mineral phosphate and lcwt. of bone phosphate, also lcwt. of Bait. The crop giveß every promise of at least forty-five tons. No. 3 plot is occupied with Belgian long red and intermediate carrots, also obtained from Sutton and Sons' agent. The vegetating quality of this seed has, like the mangolds, proved itself to be exceptionaUy good. The potatoes also promise an abundant crop. They have been treated with superphosphate. A patch of potatoes which had not been treated showed a remarkable contrast when compared with the remainder of the crop. Mr Acland informed his visitors that the whole cost of cropping the four acres referred to, including rent and manure, would not exceed—3o. It was the unanimous opinion of those present that the mangels alone would go far towards recouping all the outlay. Mr Acland contended that the judicious outlay of a moderate amount of capital in the purchase of patent manures was the very best investment' the farmers could make, and certainly his remarks seem to be weU backed up by the experiments he has undertaken. Mr Acland's experiments have a special value, inasmuch as they prove conclusively that the application of stimulating manures w_l certainly pay, particularly now that there is a certain market for fat sheep. Not the least advantage to be derived from tho use of st_aulanto is that the young plants are forced into rapid growth, thereby escaping many dangers, such as the fly, &c., Ac. A plot of Swedish turnips was aLjo inspected, which for. luxuriance of -growth could not be exceeded, many of the bulbs approach—tg half a pound weight, and should they escape the.green fly the crop will be a heavy one. After entertaining his visitors with a sumptuous luncheon, .they were driven into town, having spent a most enjoyable and profitable time. ;.