notwithstanding that in the latter instance the fertilizing
elements in the clover-crop are in part restored in the sheep
excrements, yet, contrary to expectation, this partial restoration of
the elements of fertility to the land has not the effect of producing
more or better wheat in the following year, than is reaped on land from
off which the whole clover-crop has been carried, and to which no manure
whatever has been applied.

"Again, in the opinion of several good, practical agriculturists, with
whom I have conversed on the subject, land whereon clover has been grown
for seed in the preceding year, yields a better crop of wheat than it
does when the clover is mown twice for hay, or even only once, and
afterwards fed off by sheep."

"I do not think," said the Deacon, "that this agrees with our experience
here. A good crop of clover-seed is profitable, but it is thought to be
rather hard on land."

"Such," said I, "is the opinion of John Johnston. He thinks allowing
clover to go to seed, impoverishes the soil."

Charley, continued to read:

"Whatever may be the true explanation of the apparent anomalies
connected with the growth and chemical history of the clover-plant, the
facts just mentioned, having been noticed, not once or twice only, or by
a solitary observer, but repeatedly, and by numbers of intelligent
farmers, are certainly entitled to credit; and little wisdom, as it
strikes me, is displayed by calling them into question, because they
happen to contradict the prevailing theory, according to which a soil is
said to become more or less impoverished, in proportion to the large or
small amount of organic and mineral soil constituents carried off in the
produce."

"That is well said," I remarked, "and very truly; but I will not
interrupt the reading."

"In the course of a long residence," continues Dr. Voelcker, "in a
purely agricultural district, I have often been struck with the
remarkably healthy appearance and good yield of wheat, on land from
which a heavy crop of clover-hay was obtained in the preceding year.
I have likewise had frequent opportunities of observing, that, as a
rule, wheat grown on part of a field whereon clover has been twice mown
for hay, is better than the produce of that on the part of the same
field on which the clover has been mown only once for hay, and
afterwards fed off by sheep. These observations, extending over a number
of years, led me to inquire into the reasons why c