( 22G ) 



XX. — Experiments icitli Artificial Manure as Top-dressing, used 

 at Wo7iston Manor Farm, Hants. By VV. J. MoKETON 

 POCOCK. 



The experiments which I am about to record will not be open to 

 the objections so often mged against experiments conducted on a 

 small scale, for they each extended over a whole field, and my 

 fields average twenty acres apiece. I left a land undressed in 

 each field, and from this land I cut one-quarter of an acre 

 undressed, for comparison with one-quarter of an acre of the 

 dressed land alongside. These plots were mown separately, 

 carried, thrashed, and weighed separately ; and I feel satisfied that 

 the results were accurately obtained. I had many acres dressed 

 with artificial manure for corn, as well as green crop, besides the 

 experimental fields ; but these I selected as having been pre- 

 viously managed uniformly, and therefore as less liable to give 

 results that might mislead. I used nitrate of soda, and nitrate of 

 soda, salt, and guano mixed, for wheat, with good effect ; I also 

 used 3 cwts. of superphosphate and o cwts. of salt with little 

 apparent benefit in some parts of the same field, and great in 

 others. Believing that without straw it is impossible to make 

 manure, and that without manure satisfactory crops, either green 

 or white, cannot be grown, I endeavoured to raise more straw 

 than heretofore on the farm, hoping that the increased corn would 

 repay my outlay, and that the straw would be my profit. I sent 

 a sketch of my plan to my friend Dr. Voelcker for his approval, 

 and his answer — to the effect that he would have suggested the 

 self-same dressings — encouraged me to carry out my intention, in 

 spite of some kindly-meant remonstrances from dependents and 

 neighbours. 



My farm is in the midst of the chalk-hills of Hampshire. 

 The soil is poor naturally, though capable of bearing very 

 fair crops when in good condition. Sheep are the mainstay of 

 this district, and without them the land could not be kept in 

 cultivation. The farm is, or rather was, in poor order. The 



