6 The Bulletin. 



crops. We have not yet been able to make any definite arrangements 

 in regard to crimson clover and vetch to send out again this fall, but 

 we are hoping to be able to send out even more than we did last season. 



In addition to the above-named crops, the Division of Demonstra- 

 tion Work has this year (1908) sent improved seed corn to about 175 

 co-operators, and improved cotton seed to about an equal number, 

 embracing every section of the State in which cotton is produced^ in 

 appreciable quantities. Besides, in four counties we are co-operating 

 with Dr. S. A. Knapp, of the United States Department of Agricul- 

 ture, in demonstration work, the State Department of Agriculture 

 ■ furnishing the seed and Dr. Knapp the demonstrators. 



With this nucleus of workers, demonstrators and co-operators scat- 

 tered all over the State, we are expecting reports that will justify an 

 extension of the work until every county in the State will be occupied. 



It has been demonstrated at our test farms that the highest yielding 

 variety of corn will produce almost twice as much corn per acre as the 

 lowest yielding variety tested. Likewise with cotton. At the Edge- 

 combe test farm last year (1907) the best yielding variety of cotton 

 produced $57.71 worth of lint and seed, while the lowest yielding 

 variety tested produetd only $24.25 worth of lint and seed. If we 

 can introduce the best variety of either corn or cotton in the field of 

 a farmer who is planting the lowest yielding varieties, and let him 

 compare the different varieties, he at once becomes a convert to im- 

 proved seed. If it were possible to do this on every farm in the State, 

 we would raise the yield per acre for both of these crops to a point that 

 would mean a very greatly increased profit. But the Department of 

 Agriculture cannot do these things alone. It must have the co-opera- 

 tion of the farmers. We are willing to send the seed as long as our 

 supply will permit, and give any instructions or other information at 

 our command, and the co-operators must do the balance. 



We would like to have in this work as co-operators farmers who 

 really believe there is a future for the farmers and who believe better 

 seed and better methods of preparation and cultivation will result in 

 increased yields, and who will be willing to keep a record of the work 

 and report results for the benefit of his fellow farmer. We should 

 be glad to correspond with those who are interested to this extent. 



The field of demonstration work, or co-operative experiments, is 

 wide and freighted with great possibilities. With the full and hearty 

 co-operation of the State Department of Agriculture and the pro- 

 gressive farmers of the State, our crop yields can be made much larger 

 and farm life much more enjoyable. 



