VARIETIES OF OATS. 361 



tury ? We think not ; and whether in detailing the results of 

 an experiment, or in deducing inferences from these results, it is 

 of importance that these circumstances be kept in view. 



In the large heavy-land district of central Ayrshire in which 

 the experiments hereinafter detailed were made, the variety of 

 oats usually grown is the Tam Finlay (which, it will be seen, 

 we have added to the list given by the Highland Society), and 

 the rotation practised is, for the most part, a six shift, viz., green 

 crop; wheat or oats; hay; pasture; pasture; oats. On many 

 farms, however, where green cropping is said to deteriorate the 

 quality of the pastures, two crops of oats are taken after three, 

 four, or five years pasture ; the second crop of oats being sown 

 out with grass seeds. 



The field on which the following experiments were made had 

 been pastured for at least twenty years ; and two crops of oats 

 were taken, each variety being made to occupy the same plot in 

 both seasons. The altitude of the field is 180 feet. It is situated 

 about six miles east of the Frith of Clyde, and about one mile 

 west of the town of Kilmarnock. It is unprotected either by 

 higher land or by trees, and there is no game. The soil is of 

 medium quality, with a number of small stones in it, and is 

 reddish brown in colour. The subsoil is yellow clay, with 

 several thin strata of sand, and many small trap boulders. It is 

 well drained at about 22 inches deep, and 18 feet apart. The 

 following table shews the rainfall and temperature in each week, 

 from March to September, in both years : — 



2a 



