640 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



texture or on a humus soil, and on calcareous soils from seed obtained 

 from calcareous or humus lands. 



Experiments -with chemical manures, J. E. Bovell and J. P. 

 d'Albuqtjerqtje (Rpt. Expt. Fields Dodd's Reform. [Barbados], 1896, 

 pp. 2-30). — This is a comparison of varieties of sugar cane and a study 

 of the influence of chemical fertilizers on the yield and the chemical 

 composition of the crop. Similar work has been reported in former 

 publications (E. S. II., 8, p. 394). The previous history of the field 

 and the mechanical and chemical analyses of the soils are given. 

 All results are in tabular form. The authors summarize the results 

 obtained in one of the fields as follows: 



"The addition of readily available nitrogen to mineral manures produced a large 

 increase in the weight of canes and in the yield of available sugar in the juice; the 

 most advantageous amount being sulphate of ammonia 60 lbs. per acre of nitrogen; 

 a larger application was followed by a marked diminution of yield. 



"That the application of nitrogen in the form of such slowly decomposing organic 

 matter as dried blood, added to mineral manures, produced a large increase in the 

 weight of canes and yield of available sugar in the juice, and that such application 

 of organic nitrogen (up to the equivalent of 60 lbs. nitrogen per acre) was applied 

 with greatest advantage during the earlier stages of cane growth. 



"That nitrogen in the form of sulphate of ammonia was superior as a source of 

 nitrogen to nitrate of soda. 



"The yield of available sugar was increased by the addition of 100 lbs. phosphate 

 per acre in the form of finely ground basic slag carefully applied during the early 

 stage of the canes' growth. The application of superphosphate led to diminished 

 yields, probably due to the poverty of this soil in carbonate of lime. 



"The addition of sulphate of potash to manuring of nitrogen and phosphates pro- 

 duced large increase in the yield of cane and of available sugar in the juice per acre. 



"An application of sulphate of potash at the rate of 60 lbs. potash per acre 

 applied during the early stage of cane growth produced the best result." 



Lime and liming, H. J. Wheeler {Rhode Island Sta. Bui. 46, pp. 

 85-109). — This bulletin reports the results of experiments conducted at 

 the station during the last 4 years to ascertain the effects of liming 

 upon the growth of various plants, including field, garden, and forage 

 crops. The recent experiences of practical farmers who used lime as a 

 fertilizer and soil improver are given, and the chemical and physical 

 effects of lime when applied to the soil are discussed. The different 

 forms of lime for fertilizing purposes are noted, and methods for their 

 application recommended. 



The author recommends the application of lime to be made in the 

 field by sowing the lime after plowing and then thoroughly incorporat- 

 ing it into the surface soil by means of a harrow. It is regarded best 

 not to lime just before growing a crop of corn, rye, or millet, as lime 

 when first applied is usually more or less caustic, and in this state is 

 liable to injure the crops, especially when the soil conditions induce 

 rapid nitrification of the soil nitrogen or the nitrogen applied in natural 

 and artificial manures. "If the soil is very sour and nitrates are not 

 employed, then the use of lime immediately before these crops may 

 prove of great service. . . . Under all circumstances lime should be 



