AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 



47 



Average. 



In these experiments the Complete Fertlizer or bag No. 4, pro- 

 duced the largest crop. In three experiments none of the fertilizers 

 produced gains large enough to pay for the fertilizers. In seven 

 experiments bag No. 4 caused gains large enough to pay for the 

 fertilizers. In one case, that of the experiment by Mr. Shaw, bag 

 No. 3 was the most profitable fertilizer. 



In general, the complete fertilizers are the most profitable. 

 There are a few cases in which partial fertilizers are more 

 economical for the time being. 



FOODS. 

 general explanations. 



The general object of the analyses and experiments which have 

 been undertaken during 1887 and 1888 was to make progress in 

 ascertaining the comparative composition and digestibility of the 

 cattle foods that are available for the use by Maine farmers, and to 

 test in a practical manner the efficiency and economy of certain 

 combinations of food ingredients in the production of milk and 

 meat. 



The composition of our principal cattle foods of American pro- 

 duction is now quite well known, and yet it is very evident that to 

 this, and especially to the digestibility of our fodder plants, more 

 study should be given. If we except timothy and the clovers, only 

 a few analyses have been made of our hay producing plants, while 



