No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 229 



PROF. ROBINSON: Well, of course, we cannot guarantee them 

 any more than we can guarantee their seed. We intend to keep 

 track of these things; so far as our examination has gone up to this 

 time, we have no reason to believe that they are not being properly 

 prepared. 



A Member: Would you expect in growing a leguminous crop 

 upon a fairly fertile soil and where presumably the bacteria were not 

 present that the crop would be benefited from the use of inoculation? 



PROF. ROBINSON: For a leguminous crop? 



A Member : Yes. 



PROF. ROBINSON: I should, yes, other conditions being right. 



A Member: Do you think that the influence of bacteria just at that 

 time is beneficial and likely to increase the crop? 



PROF. ROBINSON: I think that is probably so. 



PROF. SURFACE: Can we get a proper variety of bacteria for 

 inoculating San foin? 



PROF. ROBINSON: We have had a culture for San foin but it is 

 not now active. 



PROF. SURFACE: Will the varieties for red clover, alfalfa and 

 soy beans do for this? 



PROF. ROBINSON: Probably not. A specific culture is much 

 more satisfactory and will give better results within the same length 

 of time. 



MR. M. P. HALLOWELL: Where can alfalfa inoculation be ob- 

 tained and how much is needed per acre? 



PROF. ROBINSON: A gallon of solution will treat about two 

 bushels of seed; a quart of solution will treat enough for one acre 

 at least. It is obtainable from the Department of Agriculture if 

 you apply in time. There are several laboratories sending it out. 



MR. CHARLES MILLER : Describe what specific eliminative effect 

 soil inoculation by bacteria may have, if any, upon acid soils? In 

 other words, will it tend to extinguish sorrel or weeds of a kindred 

 nature? 



PROF. ROBINSON: It will not. In such a case it will be neces 

 sary to correct this condition by some suitable agent, such as lime. 



MR. AGEE : We farmers have learned to look to our experiment 

 stations for tests in the new things. Now in Bulletin No. 214, I 

 see but one report from an experiment station concerning the cul- 

 tures sent out to the various stations. Could you tell us what the 

 reports from the stations were, whether the reports were generally 

 favorable or .unfavorable. 



