BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY. 329 



soils result in failure here. A careful study has been made of tho 

 experience of hundreds of men who have attempted to farm these 

 sandy soils, and the information obtained in this study indicates quite 

 clearly the method by which certain types of farming can be made 

 successful in the region. Hairy vetch has been found to be eminently 

 adapted to these soils. It promises to become important as a seed 

 crop. We have also ascertained the methods by which red clover can 

 be profitably grown on these soils for the production of seed. This 

 method is outlined in bulletins which are already available for dis- 

 tribution. The sandy soils have proved to be adapted to potata 

 growing when proper methods are followed. 



Diversified farming in North Dakota. — The Ived River Valley of 

 North Dakota has long been known as a region of single-crop farm- 

 ing based on wheat. In recent years weeds have become troublesome 

 and yields are unsatisfactory. Many farmers in that section have for 

 several years been experimenting with other crops and other types 

 of farming. A careful study of the experience of these farmers who 

 have been trying to break away from single-crop wheat growing has 

 shown several lines of departure that promise success. It has been 

 shown that cropping systems involving legumes are well adapted to 

 the region. The cropping systems devised for that region are quite 

 unlike those familiar farther east, and their success shows the impor- 

 tance of working out systems based on experience in the region con- 

 cerned instead of trying to adojDt systems worked out elsewhere under 

 different conditions. 



Study of tytes of farming. — Special attention has been given 

 in a number of States, particularly in Iowa, to the distribution and. 

 adaptation of the various types of farming. In regions where gen- 

 eral farming has long been practiced the farmers have for the most 

 part worked out the main problems involved in practice. In this 

 study it has been possible in many cases to determine the reasons for 

 the distribution of the various types of farming met with in our 

 investigations. For instance, it is well known that a large part of 

 the supply of timothy seed for this country is produced in southern 

 Iowa. Studies in that section have shoAvn that the reason why 

 timothy is so largely confined to a definite region in that section is 

 that the locality is one needing drainage but presenting special diffi- 

 culties in carrying out systems of drainage. The land is too wet ta 

 be well adapted to com and clover. Many farmers in the section 

 have attempted to drain their farms with unsatisfactory results. 

 Evidently drainage is a critical problem in this region. This matter 

 has been brought to the attention of the branch of the Department 

 which has charge of drainage investigations, and is now under 

 investigation by that office. If a satisfactory solution for the prob- 

 lem is found the work of the Office of Farm Management will then 

 be to teach new types of farming in place of the present rather 

 unprofitable one of growing timothy seed for sale. 



Cooperative avork in ISIissourt. — In the State of Missouri a farm 

 management association has been formed with over 200 members. 

 Each member is attempting to revise his system of management 

 along lines suggested by representatives of this office who are Avork- 

 ing in cooperation Avith the agricultural department of the state uni- 

 versity. In several sections of the State careful detailed plans hav^ 



