FIELD CROPS. 259 



Tn 1903 one acre of beets was grown with the same fertilizer treatment and method 

 of cultivation. The yield obtained was 13 tons 19 cwt., and the results of analyses 

 confirm those of 1902. It is concluded that the West of Scotland can produce as 

 good beets as other parts where beet growing is a regular industry. 



Note on the experimental sugar-cane station at Samalkot, Gddavari Dis- 

 trict, C. A. Barber (Depl. Land Records and Agr., Madras, Vol. //, Bui. 48, pp. 

 $69-272). — This station has been established for the study of cane diseases and of 

 cane cultivation generally. Experiments are being conducted to determine if by 

 any particular method of planting and cultivation healthful canes may be grown, 

 and to test some of the more economical practices in connection with sugar-cane 

 culture in other countries. Directions are given for the culture of the Red Mauritius 

 cane, one of the new varieties distributed by the station. 



Investigation, of the culture of tobacco, <t. Malyetz [Report of the Experiment 

 Tobacco Plantation of the Lokvitz Agricultural Society for the ypars 1898-1902. Ministry 

 of Agriculture and Imperial Domains). 



Report on. experiments on the manuring of turnips in 1900, K. P. Wright 

 [West of Scotland Agr. Col. Rpt. 1900, pp. 63-87). — These experiments have been 

 previously described, and earlier results have been noted (E. S. R., 13, p. 243). 

 The conclusions drawn are similar to those reported for 1901, and given in the fol- 

 lowing abstract. 



Report on experiments on the manuring of turnips in 1901, R. P. Wright 

 ( Wed of Scotland Agr. Col. Rpt. 1901, pp. 55-72). — The results obtained in previous 

 years have been noted (E. S. R., 13, p. 243). This year the experiments were 

 carried out on 21 farms and the objects of the work were mainly to determine the 

 best method of applying nitrate of soda, and the quantities of kainit and superphos- 

 phate most profitably given to the turnip crop. These substances, together with 

 sulphate of ammonia, were applied in different quantities and combinations; and the 

 use of barnyard manure at the rate of 10 tons with 5 cwt. of superphosphate per acre, 

 or at the rate of 20 tons applied alone, was also tried. 



The results obtained indicate that where nitrate of soda is the sole source of nitn »- 

 gen, one-half should be given in the drill and the rest as a top dressing after thin- 

 ning. When the entire quantity was applied either in the drill or as a top-dressing, 

 the results were much less satisfactory; but of the 2 methods, application in the drill 

 seemed preferable. It was found that sulphate of ammonia as the only source of 

 nitrogen was more effective in some seasons than nitrate of soda. The most profit- 

 able returns were obtained where one- half the nitrogen was given in the drills in the 

 form of sulphate of ammonia and the remainder as a top-dressing in the form of 

 nitrate of soda. 



The omission of potash from the fertilizer application caused a great reduction in 

 yield. Kainit at the rate of 2 cwt. per acre in the fertilizer application was sufficient 

 to give a large increase. The maximum quantity to be given profitably with other 

 fertilizers is believed to be about 4 cwt. per acre. It was shown that 4 cwt. of super- 

 phosphate per acre is frequently sufficient for turnips, and that more than 6 cwt. is 

 not likely to be profitable. 



The tests further demonstrated that turnips can be grown with barnyard manure 

 or with commercial fertilizers, but that generally the use of both together is likely 

 to he more satisfactory. The plat receiving 10 tons of manure and 5 cwt, of super- 

 phosphate yielded on an average 23 tons 8 cwt. of good turnips per acre. Applica- 

 tions of commercial fertilizers when not well balanced, and heavy applications of 

 barnyard manure alone, had a tendency to reduce the quality and to render the crop 

 more subject to disease. Where barnyard manure was applied with superphosphate 

 the quality was not so much reduced, and the yield was also greater. 



Report on the relative effects of superphosphate and basic slag upon the 

 feeding quality of turnips, J. W. Paterson (West of Scotland Agr. Col. Bui. 





