PROCEEDINGS OF THE CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. 



397 



Experiments made hy Mr. Hope, Fenton Barns, on Dirleton Farm. 



These experiments were made on a field near the sea, very 

 slightly above its level, and with a light sandy soil, which 

 no dodbt had originally been almost pure sea sand. The field 

 had been in pasture for four years, and a crop of oats had been 

 taken from it in 1865. Previous to the last rotation it was 

 taken out of old grass in which it had lain for forty years, and 

 during this rotation it had been clayed at the rate of 200 carts 

 per acre. A piece of land of uniform quality, but superior to the 

 average of the field, was selected for the experiments. The 

 experimental plots were sown on the 14th June, and were 

 arranged as in the subjoined plan : — 



W EST. 



SOUTH. 



At the time of sowing, the ground was not devoid of moisture, 

 but it was clear that more rain would be necessary to ensure a 

 good braird. The next day (15th), and also on the 17th, there 

 were heavy showers, and on the. 21st all the lots were above 

 ground. After this there were some days of extremely hot 

 weather — the thermometer standing at from 80° to 83° in the 

 shade. On the 30th there was rain, and between the 1st and 

 4th of July, 0'35 inches fell. On the 7th all the plants were in 

 rough leaf, and on the 20th they were singled. On the 23rd 

 July the crop was examined, when No. 1 appeared little better 

 than nothing ; No. 2 had grown fairly — the plants being strong 

 and dark ; Nos. 3, 4, and 5 about equal, and rather better than 

 No. 2 ; No. 6 very light in colour, but the plants equal ; Nos. 7 

 and 8 had a few large plants among those of ordinary size ; No. 

 9 about the best ; Nos. 10 and 11 scarcely better than nothing. 

 Rainfall during July, 3*3 inches 



In the beginning of August, Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5 were vigo- 

 rous and dark in colour; Mo. 6 good ; Nos. 7 and 8 quite in- 



ferior ; No. 



9 good 



Nos. 10 and 11 not quite equal to the 



