8 June, 1908.] The Heath Land at Portland. 



333 



prejudicial to maximum returns in the first year. The results, however, 

 from some of the crops are distinctly encouraging as under : — 



The Japanese millet apparently is a crop well suited to thtr conditions 

 of the heath land. As it can he fed eithefr as a green fodder, hay, or 

 silage, its growth is to he advocated for the dairv fanner. The vield of 



GROWTH OF MAIZE. 



rape was also satisfactory, the residues of the crop and the droppings of 

 siock fed upon it will do much towards improving the physical condition 

 of the soil. The yields of maize and sorghimi are poor, largely owing 

 to the insufficiency of moisture to support a large growth. As the land 

 improves with cultivation and cropping, fodders will show better returns. 

 The returns from the sugar beet are especially encouraging and point 

 to the possibility of growing this crop on a large scale. The roots were 

 well grown, of good shape, and should show a high sugar content judging 

 by external appearances. 



Potato Yields. — Potatoes consisting of 1.3 varieties gave most satis- 

 factory returns and have clearly indicated the suitability of some varieties 

 and the unsuitability of others which was the principal purpose of this 

 portion of the experiment. 



When the following figures are studied it will be noted that Blue Prolific, 

 The Bruce, Sutton's Abundance, Copperskin, Up-to-date, Black Prince 

 and Orr's Wonder have each given profitable returns. The more familiar 

 varieties — Beauty of Hebron, Brown's River and both kidnev varieties — 

 show inferior yields. It is to be regretted that the yields from Section 



