42 SCIENTIFIC REPORTS OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 



supports the theory that the determining factor is a seasonal 

 one. This factor is one not easy of determination unless 

 observations are extended over a series of seasons, but a 

 comparison of the weather records for Peshawar for the 

 seasons of December to March, 1917-18 and 1918-19, shows 

 that the average temperatures were^somewhat higher in 

 the earlier season than in the later, and this would appear 

 to throw out of court any question of temperature as being 

 the real determining cause, although this is probably an 

 important secondary factor. One comparison, however, is 

 very significant and that is the date on which heavy rainfall 

 was first experienced. In 1918 no rain of any meaning fell 

 until the -first week in March, and the canes showed no 

 deterioration up to that time. Analyses made later showed 

 the cane to be inferior. During 1919 a heavy downfall 

 occurred about the first of February followed several days 

 later by another heavy fall, and it is remarkable that this 

 period marks the point at which rapid deterioration sets in. 

 Thus during both years a falling off in the quality of the 

 cane was first noticed during the period immediately follow- 

 ing heavy rainfall, and this may consequently be provi- 

 sionally selected as the seasonal factor which determines the 

 length of the period during which canes may be safely 

 stored by windrowing. 



IX. Paddy manurial experiments. 

 A reference was made in last year's report to certain 

 preliminary manurial experiments with paddy which were 

 instituted in order to determine whether or not they could 

 be successfully carried out under Pusa conditions. No 

 insuperable difficulties were experienced but, as the sequel 

 showed, it was an unfortunate circumstance that long-date 

 South Indian paddies were selected. The paddy grew in a 

 satisfactory manner but, although planted very early in the 

 year, no flowering occurred until the cold weather had well 

 set in, and as a consequence the seed formation was exceed- 

 ingly poor and of no practical value for purposes of com- 

 parison. The vegetative yields were, however, satisfactory 

 and may be utilized for this purpose. 



