Report of the Gheinist for Agriculture. 



843 



It will be seen b}^ the plau that the field also included a fertilizer 

 test for each crop. The area naturally, is too small to give an 

 absolutely correct idea of the yields which might be obtained under 

 ordinary field practice. Taking the average, however, of the returns 

 of the various sections of a large number of fields, valuable indications 

 are obtained as to soil deficiencies and special crop requirements, and 

 in this direction nothing more Avas expected from the experiment. 

 The most valuable knowledge, however, which the experiments have 

 furnished, is that of the wonderful adaptability of the soils of 

 Southern Victoria to an extremely wide range of crops of great pro- 

 ductive power. The dairyman has now in his power a selection which 

 will provide a continuous supply of fodder, practically throughout the 

 whole time he will need it. These results can only be properly dealt 

 with in a separate report. The work has necessitated a great amount 

 of labour, both in the field and office. Before sending out, the vitality 

 of all seeds was tested and the weight of the bushel determined. The 

 amount for each plot was accurately weighed, and the di'ill so ad- 

 justed as to complete the exhaustion of the seed box on reaching the 

 last foot of the last row. The ground was well prepared before 

 sowing, and manures carefully applied to line on the different sections. 

 It was the weighing, however, which entailed the heaviest work. On 

 a complete field there were 208 sections. The heavy crops on some 

 of the plots necessitated as many as four and six separate weighings 

 with the Avery scales to a single section. Each field ofiicer engaged 

 in this work was provided with a number of blank forms for filling in 

 returns, and containing the directions t-) be observed. The following 

 applies to some of the earlier maturing crops : — 

 RESULTS FROM EXPERIMENTAL FORAGE CROPS, (Millets and Rape). 



DIRECTIONS TO BE OBSERVED IN WEIGHING. 

 The very greatest care is to be exercised in weighing, as the mistake of i lb. only m 

 weight from such a small area would, calculated on the acre, give very great differences. 

 The weight of the rope used in weighing is to be determined and allowed for. The crops 

 are not to be cut until the dew has left them All the crops are to be cut at an equal 

 distance as low down as possible from the ground, not portions high and others low. 

 The cutting from each section is to be weighed immediately after cutting, and not left 

 to lie for some time on the ground. Three rows are to be cut in each plot and the 

 fourth left standing for seed, which will be harvested later on. This point must be 

 brought under the notice of the farmer. Before cutting commences, the boundaries of 

 the different sections. A, B, and so on, must be clearly defined by measurement and 

 marked off by pegs. Should there be breaks in any of the rows, these must be ac- 

 curately measured and the number of feet actually harvested given in the return. A 

 report on any irregularity in the ground, or other cause affecting the yield of a 

 particular section, must be given under the column remarks. A report must also be 

 given as to other crops which will be worth harvesting later on, and the time about 

 which they will be ready to harvest. Should any farmer object to cutting so much as 

 three rows, representations must be made to him that the crops can be dried and make 

 good hay, and that if cut a second and third crop will be obtained. 



FRED. JNO. HOWELL, Chemist for Agriculture, etc. 



