10-1: Bulletin 191. 



method herein suggested, which is largely based upon experience 

 gained in growing these crops. 



The area to be devoted to the experiment is immaterial — the 

 grower setting apart such a portion of his regnlar potato field as 

 may suit his convenience. The remainder of the field shonld be 

 prepared and tilled as is the usual custom on the faruL If, how- 

 ever, it is not the custom to " shovel-plow " or " hill " the crop at 

 about the third cultivation, it is desired that a few rows shall be 

 treated this way for comparison. 



A beginning along this line was made during the season of 1899 

 and several hundred farmers signified their desire to cooperate with 

 the Station in the work. Many of these carried the work to a suc- 

 cessful finish and have reported results to this Station. The data 

 obtained are very valuable to the farmers securing the same, as well 

 as to this Station and will appear in bulletin form later on. In 

 many instances the suggestions of the Station were adopted only in 

 part, still in nearly every case some substantial increase of crop is 



reported. 



Experiments Suggested. 



It is thought best to state the suggestions of the Station regard- 

 ing the work under six different heads, so that eacli farmer may 

 readily select one of more of them for experiment according as his 

 circumstances will permit. 



No. 1. Aiihimn vs. sjyring ploioi7ig. — 



There may he soils where autumn preparation will be disadvan- 

 tageous, but it is believed that in many localities where fall plowing 

 is not practiced it will prove to be very beneficial and it is desired 

 to have the exj^eriment tried on small areas and results reported to 

 this Station. 



No. '2. Twice plowing vs. once jp>lowing . — 



As soon as the field is cleared of the previous croj), whether it be 

 in sod, stubble or fallow, plow the land as deeply as the character of 

 the soil will permit, and work it down well with the harrow and 

 roller. If in August, sow crimson clover unless tliis crop is known 

 not to succeed in the locality. If after August sow to rye or wheat. 

 This autumn tillage will develop nnich plant food which the grow- 

 ing plants will take up and hold in readiness for next season's crop. 



