82 Report of the Botanist of the 



the experiment at smithtown branch. 



(1) Preparation and planting. — The field, which contained 

 2.15 acres, was prepared as follows: First, a heavy coating of 

 manure was plowed under; then the ground was harrowed four 

 times with an " Acme " harrow, after which one-half ton of fertil- 

 izer (Quinnipiac Market Garden) per acre was applied broadcast. 



The seed (Early Prolific) was planted June 23 in level hills four 

 feet apart each way. Missing hills were replanted June 29. 



(2) Cultivation and spraying. — After the plants were well 

 started they were thinned to three in a hill. The field was culti- 

 vated three times each way and hoed once. 



The vines were sprayed seven times, as follows: July 20 and 

 28; August 5, 13, 20 and 27; and September 9. 



(3) Yield and value of the crop. — The first picking was made 

 August 11. The total yield 20 " of first class pickles from the 2.15 

 acres was 143,600 or 66,790 per acre. These pickles were put 

 into a cooperative pickle house; hence the prices will depend 

 upon the selling price of the pickled goods. Estimating their 

 value at $1.25 per M., the price paid at other salting houses, the 

 value of the crop would be $179.50 or $83.49 per acre. 



The average yield of unsprayed fields in the vicinity of South- 

 town Branch was 23,564 per acre, this being the average yield of 

 the only four unsprayed fields, the product of which was delivered 

 at the Smithtown salting house. 



Therefore, the increase in yield due to spraying was 43,226 per 

 acre. 



SoaDuring the hot weather about September 1, 4,000 pickles turned yellow 

 and had to be thrown away. It was estimated that 10,000 yellow pickles and 

 nubs were left on the field. 



