EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE. ]^27 



Total yiolcl of the herd for 30 days, 4,042 pounds, 12 ounces ; 

 total yield in quarts, reckoning two pounds to the quart, 2,021 — an 

 average of 11 quarts daily per cow. 



In running up the results of this experiment, I can not do better 

 than to use the exact language in the Kei)ort of the Station : 



" 1. From tho experiments it appears, then, that the cows have gained a little in 

 flesh by being fed on this ration, and that their flow of milk has not diminished. 



2 It is fairly proved that the ration saved directly thirt3' per cent, on tho cost of 

 a full ration of clover hay, and still more than this on one of clover and Indian meal. 



3. Tho ration also saved indirectly, by turning to profitable account the straw and 

 coarse products which are ordinarily only used for manure. 



4. The whole experiment shows that the live stock on a farm can bo kopt in good 

 condition, and a much larger amount of its high priced products sold than it is now 

 the practice to sell, or else that a greatly increased amount of live stock can bo 

 profitably kopt while consuming all tho food products." 



This is but a single example of what may be saved in the way of 

 feeding our domestic animals. Other rations could be calculated 

 that would serve the same purpose. And equally good results 

 could be attained in feeding other animals in a rational manner. 



The farmers of Maine can not be urged too strongly to undertake 

 experiments of so simple a nature as the illustrations given in this 

 paper ; for, while they are inexpensive, the probabilities are all in 

 favor of great pecuniar}' advantage being gained by them. The 

 preparation necessary for taking hold of them in a manner to insure 

 success is not great, neither is the information required dillicult or 

 costl}' to obtain. 



In the Report of the Board of Agriculture of this State for 1880, 

 the principles of manuring and cattle feeding are well and ably set 

 forth, and copies of this Report can be had for the mere asking. 

 The infoi-mation given in the articles referred to, is about all the 

 help the farmer can expect from science in its present condition on 

 these topics. It remains for the farmer to determine by experiment 

 to what extent they can be applied to the special conditions under 

 which he is w^orking. 



The farmers of the Eastern States have farmed it with muscle 

 about as long as they can make it profitable ; but let them not say 

 that farming in these States can not be made to pay, until they have 

 farmed it for a time with brains. 



I have indicated the kind of experimental work that is required 

 of farmers in order to turn to good account the information already 

 gained in agriculture from scientific sources. Agricultural science 



