16G EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



4-5 EDWARD VII., A. 1905 



the lower Fraser and tlie coast soils and those of Vancouver Island. The luxurious 

 crops of clover observable in British Columbia almost everywhere this year convinced 

 me that inoculation was not generally necessary in this province. 



My impression is that the severity of the winter, lack of sufficient moisture, and 

 an uncongenial condition of the soil, or poor seed, will be found to militate more 

 against successful clover growing than any supposed lack of the nodule bacteria, 

 though I would not say that artificial inoculation would not be advantageous in cer- 

 tain districts. 



It would seem from certain inqiTiries received lately from farmers that there is 

 an impression abroad that the benefit to be derived from the nitrogen-fixing bacteria 

 can be obtained directly from inoculation of the soil, i.e.j without the agency of the 

 clover crop. This is, of course, erroneous. It is only through the growth of the clover 

 (or other legume) and the subsequent decay in the soil of its roots (or whole plant) 

 that the soil is enriched in humus and nitrogen. It is obvious, therefore, that where 

 clover grows luxuriantly inoculation is unnecessary. We feel safe in saying that the 

 roots of such clover will be found plentifully supplied with nodules. 



FODDEES AND FEEDIXG STUFFS. 



FODDER CORN^ AS GROWN IN HILLS AND DRILLS. 



The feeding value of the corn crop at various stages of growth was determined 

 in the Farm Laboratories in 1896 and the results published in the report of the Chemical 

 Division for that year. Amongst other interesting facts brought out by that research, 

 it was shown that there was a very large increase of nutrients to be obtained simply 

 by allowing the corn to come to the ' glazing ' condition before cutting for the silo or 

 for curing in the field as a fodder. This condition or stage of growth is not reached 

 when the corn is sown broadcast, and hence the method of planting in hills or drills 

 was strongly recommended. The question has since arisen : Which produces the 

 greater weight per acre of real cattle food, corn planted in hills or drills ? 



To obtain information on this point the investigation now discussed was begun 

 in 1901 and continiied during the seasons 1902 and 1903. We have consequently three 

 years' data from which deductions may be made. Two varieties of Dent corn. Selected 

 Learning and Mammoth Cuban, and a similar number of Flint varieties — the Long- 

 fellow and Canada WTiite — were chosen and planted in hills and drills respectively, 

 tliis part of the investigation being conducted en the experiment<al plots of the Experi- 

 mental Farm at Ottawa. " When the respective corn had reached the ' glazing ' stage, 

 or as near as the season would permit to that condition, it was cut, the weight per 

 acre ascertained and samples taken for analysis. 



The analytical data in detail are given at the close of this article, and are of con- 

 siderable value in showing the variations in composition that may occur from various 

 causes from year to year in the same variety, and in throwing light upon several other 

 matters of equal interest connected with the growth of the plant. For the purpose 

 of our present inquiry, however, the problem will be much simplified if we consider 

 merely the averages obtained from these results. 



♦The drills were 35 inches apart, with 6 to 8 inches between the plants. The hiHa were 

 also 35 inches apart, with an average of four to five kernels in a hilL 



