262 



same rate.lialf May 7 and half June 12; (3) at the rate of 160 pounds 

 per acre, on May 7; (4) at the same rate, one-half on each of the two 

 dates mimed ; ><econch in the same quantities and at the same times, 

 but with the addition of muriate of j^otash and bone-black superphos- 

 phate, at the rate of IGO and 320 pounds per acre, respectively. The 

 remaining four plats included one with superphosi^hate and potash 

 salt, one Avith barn-yaixl manure, one with barn-yard manure and a 

 '• complete fertilizer "' mixed, and one without manure. The experi- 

 ment was conducted on the farm of C M. Housell, an experienced 

 and successful market gardener at Dunham's Corners, Middlesex 

 County. The land was considered to be Avell adapted for experi- 

 mental purposes. It consists of a sandy loam, is level, well drained, 

 of uniform quality, and in a good state of cultivation. The plats 

 were laid out and fertilizers apjjlied by the chemist of the Station. 

 The remainder of the work connected with the experiment was care- 

 fully done by Mr. Housell. Full notes were kept by him during the 

 entire season, the Station receiving frequent reports, and the chemist 

 visiting the experimental plats at least tAvice each month. x\n early 

 A'ariety of tomato was used, which had been dcA^eloped by crossing 

 leading varieties. 



Coiiclnsioth^. — The use of a small quantity of nitrate of soda in one 

 application and of a large quantity in tAvo applications increased the 

 yield Avithout delaying maturity. Large quantities in one application 

 also increased the yield, but at the expense of maturity. Nitrate 

 nitrogen is the ruling element in the groAvth of tomatoes, but its best 

 effect is dependent on the method of application, and requires the 

 presence in the soil of a full supply of the mineral elements, phos- 

 phoric acid and potash. The yield was increased from 35 to 60 per 

 cent on the different plats by the use of nitrate of soda. There Avas 

 a large profit in its use in every case, ranging from $17 per acre when 

 it was used alone in the large quantity Avith one application, to $39 

 Avhen it Avas used in the small quantity, in tAvo ap]^lications in connec- 

 tion Avith phosphoric acid and potash. 



2. Consideration of chemical composition. — The marked improA^e- 

 ment in the edible and commercial qualities of the tomato since its 

 introduction as a table food is belieA'ed to be due to changes in its 

 chemical composition. Analvses Avere made of the tomatoes pro- 

 duced by the different methods of treatment to obtain information 

 regarding the effect of nitrate of soda applied under different condi- 

 tions upon the general classes of nutritive ingredients, fat, fiber, 

 protein, and carbohydrates; the place of the tomato among edible 

 products of similar character; and amounts of plant food removed 

 by the tomato as compared Avith other crops. 



The variations in composition of samples from the different plats 

 are noticeable, but indicate the effect of nitrate of soda when used 

 Avith or without the mineral elements, phosphoric acid and potash, 

 rather than Avhen applied at different times and in different quanti- 



