What is the fertilizing value of hog manure, and also what is the best fertilizer to use for potatoes?  Our potatoes are planted early in January.

Hog manure is rather a rank and strong fertilizer, usually very rich, although the quality of it depends upon how well the hogs have been fed - that from grain-fed hogs being notably better.  The valuation of hog manure ranges from $2.50 to $3.25 per ton, according to the feeding as noted, while ordinary stable manure may be worth from $2 to $2.75 per ton.  It is not a good idea to apply these organic manures directly for the growth of potatoes.  It is better to apply them to the land for the growth of a grain or forage crop, plowing in the stubble and using the land for potatoes the following year.  If you wish to fertilize directly for potatoes, the use of a commercial fertilizer containing a good amount of potash would be a better proposition.

Fertilizer for Sweet Potatoes and Melons.

I have sandy soil that has been used for sweet potatoes until it is worn out for that crop, and would like your advice as to the best fertilizer to use.  Also, what fertilizer would be best for melons on land that has been planted to melons for the past three years?

There is not much difference in the plant food required by the two crops you mention, but both evidently need a freshened soil and an increase of humus.  We should apply a half ton to the acre of a complete fertilizer, of which any dealer can give you descriptions and prices.  If you wish to do a good job, start a growth of peas or vetches or burr clover, and sow the fertilizer evenly with the seed.  Plow the growth under in February and roll (as the soil is sandy) to close down and promote the decay of the green stuff, which ought to be so well accomplished by the date that it is safe to plant sweet potatoes or melons that it will give no trouble in summer cultivation.

An Abuse of Grape Pomace.

I got in an argument with a neighbor of mine who stated that grape pomace is not a fertilizer.  Is it so?  My neighbor says that two years ago he had two apricot trees in his yard, and they were fine bearing and healthy trees.  After making his wine he put the pomace on the ground and they died.  Could that be the cause?

Yes, probably.  He used too much fresh pomace and the resulting fermentation of its products may have killed the trees.  But grape pomace, after going through fermentation and in the process of decay, makes humus in addition to giving potash and other desirable substances to the soil.

Manuring Vineyard.

Does barnyard manure have any injurious effect on the vines if applied on my vineyard?  One of my neighbors claims barnyard manure burned his vines so he got no crop wherever he spread the manure, and nothing would now induce him to use it again.

Barnyard manure can be safely used in a vineyard at the beginning of the rainy season, working it in with the plowing, but not using too much.  Wine grapes are sometimes injuriously affected in flavor by the use of such fertilizer, but the growth of the vine itself can be stimulated by the rational use of it.  Your neighbor apparently either used too much or made the application at the beginning of the dry season or made some other mistake.