330 EXPEEIMENT STATION KECOED. 



In testing 14 different rates varying from 2.5 to 25 lbs. of seed per acre, the 

 best yields of alfalfa generally were obtained on the plats where a light rate of 

 seeding was used. From 4.5 to 6 lbs. per acre seemed satisfactory. 



Early spring seeding of alfalfa was more satisfactory than late spring seed- 

 ing, and better results were obtained with a nurse crop than without one. A 

 decided advantage is noted in seeding alfalfa in late summer in grain stubble. 



The net return in 1914 from a 12-acre alfalfa field on gumbo soil, from which 

 the second cutting was made a seed crop, was $37.70 per acre. Experiments in 

 fall irrigation of alfalfa showed a slight difference in favor of the plats not fall 

 irrigated. "As long as the fall irrigation has no detrimental effect on the 

 alfalfa, it appears desirable to irrigate in a dry fall, in order to start the alfalfa 

 early in the spring." 



Variety tests with corn gave yields ranging from 81.5 to 45.4 bu. per acre. 

 Experiments in spacing corn in rows 42 in. apart show that 14 and 17 in. in the 

 row gave more satisfactory results than 7, 10, or 21 in. 



The work of the San Antonio experiment farm in 1914, S. H. Hastings 

 (17. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Plant Indus., Work San Antonio Expt. Farm, 191^, 

 pp. 16, figs. 6). — This reports work in continuation of that previously noted 

 (E. S. R., 32, p. 332), and aside from giving data on the climatic conditions for 

 the year at San Antonio, Tex., data are included on rotation experiments, experi- 

 ments with cotton, milo maize, Canada field peas, Sudan grass, corn, and cow- 

 peas, and experiments in pasturing oats, and brief notes on horticultural work. 



The value of rotation is shown in the higher yields of crops in 2-year rota- 

 tions rather than with the same crops grown continuously, except in instances 

 where cotton followed sorghum. 



"The effect of manure on crop yields at San Antonio under the conditions 

 during the years 1910 to 1914 have not been consistently significant. The yields 

 of cotton, corn, and milo maize have generally been slightly increased by manur- 

 ing. The increases, however, have not been sufficient as yet to justify the ex- 

 pense of the treatment. Manui'e has caused a slight decrease in the yield of oats 

 following manured cotton." 



As a result of testing the single-stalk method of growing cotton (E. S. R., 32, 

 p. 434), it is stated that "in all cases the close-spaced rows gave higher yields 

 than adjoining rows in which the plants were wide spaced, the range of increase 

 being from 88 to 125 per cent in favor of the close-spaced rows. Results with 

 cotton thinned 25, 41, and 51 days after planting were somewhat inconclusive. 

 Planting cotton in rows 4 ft. apart resulted in larger yields than spacing rows 

 3, 5, or 6 ft. apart. 



Results of experiments with Canada field peas, including a test of 70 vari- 

 eties, have shown this crop to be valuable as a green-manure crop and for hay. 



It is noted that " oats can be pastured up to January without seriously injur- 

 ing the hay crop. It is advisable, therefore, to plant early in the fall, at least as 

 early as the first of October. Pasturing the oats severely in the winter and 

 eai'ly spring has a very marked effect in reducing the yields of hay or grain, 

 but this in turn may be offset by returns from the pasture." 



Division of field husbandry. — Summary of results, 1914, W. L. Graham 

 ET AL. {Canada Expt. Farms Bui. 83 (1915), pp. 55). — This bulletin is a general 

 summary of continued work previously noted (E. S. R., 32, p. 530), giving 

 (.lata as to yields, cost of production, rotation of crops, and the results of differ- 

 ent cultural methods obtained on the various experiment farms of Canada. 

 The crops used in these experiments were mangels, turnips, corn, hay, wheat, 

 oats, barley, potatoes, buckwheat, timothy hay, peas, alfalfa, flax, and clover. 

 The cost of production on the various farms is given as follows : Barley $12.78 



