Experiments and Investigations. 281 



EXPERIMENTS AND INVESTIGATIONS. 



Work at the Schools of Agriculture and Experiment 

 Stations and Sub-Stations. 



[Note. — In last month's issue the work in hand at Cedara and at Winkelspruil, Natal, 

 was reviewed. — ACTING Editor.] 



III.— AT GEOOTFONTEIN, MIDDELBURG, CAPE. 



(a) xIgricultural, Section. 



Cereals. — The principal experimeuts in the above sectiou are cou- 

 nected with cereals, chiefly wheat. Several hundred varieties, selec- 

 tions, and cross-breds are being tested, and, where found suitable, are 

 issued to co-operative farmers. 



About 100 of the best varieties are kept pure, a true to type 

 selected ear from each being sown each season. Some 360 selections 

 from cross-breds, importations from other countries, and from crops, 

 are also under test. Eighty varieties were received from overseas, 

 some of which are nevr cross-breds. Eighty-three varieties that have 

 been, and still are. showing good qualities are being increased for 

 purpose of distribution to farmers. One hundred and ten varieties 

 were sown in September to test resistance to rust. Forty varieties are 

 undergoing a " smut " resistance test, and twenty varieties from 

 coastal areas to note environment effects under Karroo conditions on 

 colour of chaff and grain. 



Seventeen varieties of oats and eleven oi barley are being grown 

 as pure lines, and two varieties each of rye and emmer to increase seed 

 supply. 



Lucerne. — Eight varieties are being tested for drought resistance, 

 one variety in an inoculation test, and eight new varieties have been 

 received from America and are now producing seed for increased area. 



A variety (Chinese) is being allowed to seed for distribution, as 

 it has shown splendid frost and drought resistance, also an increased 

 area is being sown for production of seed. 



Spi?ieless Cactus. — Thirty varieties are being grown, some of 

 which are giving good results ; about 100 selected leaves showing' 

 variation in growtli and freedom from spines and fruit are now grow- 

 ing in nursery plots. During season 1919, 8500 leaves were sold. 



Other Experiments. — Twelve grasses, thirty-six millets, and kaffir 

 corn, beans, peas, vetches, mealies, mangolds, linseed, etc., are being 

 tested, also foi^r commercial fertilizers on Algerian oats, and a sheep- 

 feeding experiment (grazing) of about twelve acres, consisting of 

 wheats, oats, barle3^ emmer, rye, rape, and kale. 



