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the dislike of many farmers to undertake some unusual op- 

 eration, are influences which will prevent most farmers from 

 employing this method of inoculation. 



There is a cheaper, simpler and more practicable method 

 of inoculation. This consists in using, instead of Nitragir, 

 the earth from about the roots of tubercle-bearing leguminous 

 plants. He who already has even a small area of clover grow- 

 ing in his fields, pastures or lawn can practice inoculation at 

 practically no expense. He can use this clover dirt in inocu- 

 lating any true clover. If he has a plot of vetch he can use 

 the soil from the vetch plot as inoculating material for vetch 

 seed, or he can doubtless use effectively on vetch the earth 

 from a part of his garden where English peas have recently 

 grown and formed tubercles. 



In using earth from the garden one should first make 

 sure that the roots of plants growing in it are not infested 

 with nematode worms. The nematode pest occurs in many 

 localities in the Gulf States and is especially prevalent in gar- 

 dens. Nematode injuries consist of enlargements on the 

 roots of plants which might be confused with the beneficial root 

 tubercles found on all thrifty leguminous plants. Although 

 the two have no connection, they may exist on the roots of the 

 same plant at the same time. They may be distinguished by 

 the fact that generally the nematode worm causes the por- 

 tion of the small root attacked to enlarge equally or nearly 

 equally in all directions. In other words the nematode swell- 

 ing and the small roots are practically concentric, the root 

 having the appearance of growing through the swelling. The 

 small tubercle, on the other hand, is attached to the side or 

 surface of the root. Later stages of the nematode swellings 

 are not so easily described. 



The method of inoculating with soil that is usually 

 recommended consists in scattering broadcast on the plowed 

 ground about one ton per acre of soil from a field of clover, 

 vetch, etc. This earth should be harrowed in promptly and 

 thoroughly. 



Another method which can be used when the supply of 

 earth for inoculation is limited, consists in Stirling the soil 



