FIELD CROPS. 



137 



the other with seed grown in 1896. In 1895 the corn had ripened well; 

 in 1896 the crop was not fully as mature. The seed of 1895 produced a 

 total yield of 19,134 lbs. per acre and the seed of 1896, 17,210 lbs. The 

 dry matter produced per acre was 7,749 lbs. and 6,970 lbs., respectively. 

 The difference in favor of seed of 1895 was over 11 per cent. 



In 1896 five plats and iu 1897 four plats were planted to corn, the 

 thickness of planting being different for each plat. The season of 1896 

 was wet, while of 1897 the summer was dry. The distance of planting 

 and the results for the two seasons are given in the following table: 



Yields per acre of fodder corn on thickly sown and thinly planted plats, 1896-97. 



The results obtained at other stations are considered and the com- 

 position of the dry matter of the crops is given. For silage corn 3 J ft. 

 between rows and from 3 to 6 in. between plants in the rows are con- 

 sidered favorable distances. 



Cultivation tests were made on three plats. The corn was planted 

 May 8 and was harrowed and given two cultivations prior to June 25, 

 when the test was begun. Plat 1 was left without cultivation; plat 2 

 was cultivated twice per week up to July 21, and again August 6; and 

 plat 3 was cultivated twice after June 25. On July 22 the weeds were 

 cut from all the plats. From June 25 to the end of August 30 soil 

 samples were taken for determining the water content, the average 

 being given in the following table : 



Water content of three com plats. 



The relative development of ears, stalks, and leaves was studied in 

 1896 and 1897. The composition of these different parts of the plant at 



