484 Field Experiments on Clover-Seeds. 



it always is when nitrogenous manures are applied to it in con- 

 siderable quantities. 



The most favourable result, it will be noticed, was obtained 

 by the mixture of nitrate of soda and superphosphate on Plot 9. 



In comparing the weights of green clover-seeds in 1865 with 

 those obtained in the preceding year, it appears that, excepting 

 the anomalous result on Plot 10, the general experience gained 

 in 1865 accords well with that of the preceding year. The com- 

 parison, however, brings out some differences, which appear to 

 me to involve points of practical interest. 



In the first place, the unmanured Plot 5, as might have been 

 expected, produced a good deal less seeds in the second than in 

 the first year. 



In accordance with the experience of the preceding year, 

 sulphate of lime (gypsum) had no beneficial effect, the actual 

 weighings, indeed, showed a slight diminution in both years on 

 the plots to which it was applied. It is possible that the em- 

 ployment of so large a dose of gypsum as 1 ton per acre may 

 have had some share in depressing the produce ; but more likely 

 that the differences in the unmanured plots and Plot 8 (gypsum) 

 are not greater than those which would have been exhibited on 

 two separate unmanured portions of the same field. 



At all events the experience with gypsum in both years proves 

 that on the soil of the experimental field it had no beneficial 

 effect. I mention this specially because gypsuin is frequently 

 recommended as a manure for clover, and because this is not a 

 solitary instance in which I have failed to get the least indica- 

 tion of its favourable action on clover-seeds. 



In the next place I would direct attention to the much better 

 effect which superphosphate produced in the second year than 

 in the first. This I believe is attributable to the greater rainfall 

 in 1865, especially in the early part of summer. 



The greater rainfall in 1865 unquestionably explains likewise 

 the differences in the effects produced by common salt and by 

 muriate and sulphate of porash in 1864 and 1865. In the 

 former unusually dry year all three salts actually proved injurious 

 to seeds, whilst in the latter they produced a marked increase, 

 showing plainly the necessity for soluble saline matters becoming 

 much diluted by the rainfall and thoroughly diffused in the soil, 

 before they can exert a beneficial influence on vegetation. 



Clover Experiments made in 1865 at Bourton Grange, Much- 

 Wenlock, by Mr. Charles Selby Biggc. 



Another series of experiments with the same top-dressings as 

 were used by Mr. Wilson, were made on one year's clover-seeds 

 by my friend Mr. Charles Selby Bigge. The soil of the expe- 

 rimental field was a sandy loam, with a fair admixture of clay. 



