262 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



the experimental plats of the former for studying the growth 

 of a variety of fruit and forage plants, it seemed for economi- 

 cal reasons best to secure the crops for the payment of the 

 rents, and to prepare additional plats for field experiments, 

 with reference to the limited financial resources at the dis- 

 posal of the Board. Two and two-tenths acres of corn — in 

 part for ensilage — and about one and one-half acres of a 

 series of prominent forage crops, leguminous plants in par- 

 ticular, for comparative analysis regarding their relative 

 feeding value, comprise the produce of the newly-arranged 

 plats. A description of eleven underdrained plats, with an 

 illustration of the entire work of underdraining, and of 

 grading in a certain section of the farm land, and near the 

 buildings designed for experimental work, will be found in 

 the above stated report of Prof. Miles. 



The same report contains the details of the cultivation of 

 the corn, and of the filling of the silo, and of a feeding ex- 

 periment with pigs, accompanied by the views of Prof. 

 Miles regarding these matters. 



The experiments concerning the efiect of special mineral 

 manures on the growth of fruit-bearing plants, and the char- 

 acter of the fruits produced by their assistance, which were 

 inaugurated about ten years ago, have been continued for the 

 past year. Two additional experimental plats of land were 

 secured for the cultivation of fruit-trees, with the aid of the 

 muriate of potash and the sulphate of potash, for the purpose 

 of ascertaining their respective eflfect, in the interest of 

 economy. 



The cultivation of forage crops has received considerable 

 attention, new varieties having been added to those culti- 

 vated in previous years. Collections at diflferent stages of 

 growth have been made, to ascertain their respective nutri- 

 tive value. A description of the field work in connection 

 with these experiments will be found in the appended report 

 of Prof. S. T. Maynard, in whose particular care the lands 

 occupied by small fruits, fruit trees and forage crops above 

 referred to, have been during past years. Prof. Maynard^s 

 report contains also his experiments regarding the destruc- 

 tion of injurious insects and of fungi growth. His examin- 

 ation regarding the adulteration of field and garden seeds, 



