216 STATE BOAKD OF AGKICULTURE. 



Mr. Haminoiicl. — Would you sprinkle the lime upon the leaves when they are 

 wet or when dry? 



Prof. Beal. — When wet, so that the lime may adhere to the leaves and young 

 fruit. 



Prof. Tracy. — AVliile I agree with Prof. Beal that there are many difficulties 

 to be overcome in making experiments, and that in many cases valuable results 

 can be obtained only by following up an experiment for a number of years, yet 

 I know from experience that by cultivating the habit of observing valuable 

 results can be reached even in a short time. I once undertook some experi- 

 ments in regard to the effect of different kinds of food in producing milk. I 

 weighed each milking. The cows were drinking a supply of surface water. 

 After a time this well froze up so that I had to water the cows from a cistern 

 iinder my barn. The cistern Avater was much warmer than that from which 

 the cows had previously drank. From using the warmer water the flow of milk 

 was increased, each cow giving from one to three pounds more than when using 

 the colder water. I should not have made the discovery but for the fact that I 

 happened to be Aveighing each milking at the time. 



A single experiment cannot be regarded as conclusive, but if a number of 

 individuals would cooperate by experimenting in the same line under a variety 

 of circumstances, errors would be eliminated and valuable results reached. 

 For instance, if fifty men in a neighborhood should undertake to test the value 

 of plaster, each on a few rows of corn, by a comparison of the results, we would 

 know pretty well what to expect from the use of plaster. 



FOREXOOX SESSIOX. 

 Prof. E. C. Kedzie gave the following address on 



"ILLUMINATING OIL." 



Mk. Chairman : — I desire to say a few words on the subject of kerosene in 

 regard to its illuminating qualities, and especially on the influence of its adul- 

 teration as influencing its burning quality. From all parts of the State I hear 

 complaints that the oil will not burn satisfactorily, and gives very poor light ; 

 and thei'e is a very general feeling that this wretched quality of oil is owing to 

 the high test required by our law. The oil dealers zealously foster this idea and 

 try to make our people believe that the way and the only way to remove the 

 evils complained of is to reduce the test and permit the people to use a lower 

 grade of oil. Petitions are pouring into the Legislature asking a reduction of 

 the flash test to l'^0° Fahrenheit. Perhaps the people here are petitioning for 

 this change. 



Before deciding to make such a change we ought to consider very carefully 

 the following questions: Will the change remove the evils complained of? Is 

 it the only or the best Avay to remove these evils? Will the people be equally 

 safe with this lower grade of oil? The question of safety I have put last, but 

 it is really first in importance. Before our present law in regard to inspection 

 of illuminating oils was enacted and enforced, ''kerosene accidents"' were of 

 almost daily occurrence in our State. You could hardly pick up a newspaper 



