Alfalfa. ^127 



and the farmers' statements in the reports. In both the cases where the 

 soil apphcation did not increase the abundance of the nodules, it is stated 

 that nodules were abundant on the plat sown with plain seed and con- 

 sequently there was no need of inoculation. This makes a record of 

 practically uniform success for soil inoculation and we are of the opinion 

 that this method of inoculation, when needed, will not fail of giving 

 results, unless the soil is in such condition that the bacteria cannot live 

 in it. 



The much lower efficiency of the cotton culture method of inocula- 

 tion as compared with the use of soil (if, indeed. Professor Harding's 

 work does not show the former to be without merit), should leave no 

 question as to which method a farmer should use when he has occasion 

 to attempt inoculation when growing legumes new to his land. It is to 

 be hoped, however, that further investigation and improvement of the 

 method of handling cultures will lead to satisfactory practical results; 

 for the soil method is confessedly somewhat inconvenient and expensive, 

 and involves the risk of introducing insect, weed and fungous pests into 

 localities where they had not before gained a foothold. 



3. Lime for alfalfa 



Seventeen reports state that lime was applied to part of the area 

 sown to alfalfa, and part left without lime for comparison. Of this 

 number ten state that the limed area was distinctly better than the un- 

 limed. Six state that there was no benefit and one reports apparent 

 damage. The marked effect of lime in the experiments conducted on 

 some heavy soil of the College farm, to be described later, taken in con- 

 junction with these results secured throughout the State, indicates that 

 liming takes an important place in connection with alfalfa growing in 

 New York. 



The data regarding the present condition of crop growing on the 



cooperative experiment plats for 1905 is as follows: 



Number of favorable reports received 32 



Number of unfavorable reports received 30 



Number of doubtful reports received 25 



From this showing it is evidently wise for those without experience 

 with the crop, or in localities where its culture has not yet become well 

 established to begin with small areas, so that failure will not mean heavy 

 loss, and increase as their experience and successes seem to indicate. 



II. Alfalfa Experiments on the College Farm at Ithaca 



On the College farm are found some areas having a gravelly or stony 



loam soil with a porous subsoil. On these areas alfalfa may be caused 



,to grow successfully with only ordinary effort. On other areas is found 



