29 



or pasture land, (2) roots or corn and (3) some cereal crop; and for a 

 grain cropping system, the growing of leguminous crops from time 

 to time to be turned under as green manure. 



At the Central Farm, it has been demonstrated by Mr. Grisdale, 

 who was Agriculturist for twelve years, that various combinations 

 may be safely adopted. The natural aim of his experiments has been 

 to determine (i) the comparative values of rotations as soil impro- 

 vers, and (2) their relative suitability for different lines of farming. 



Side by side, year after year, at the Central Farm, various 

 rotations have been followed in plots of equal size. From immediate 



Harvesting oats at the Central Farm. 



crop returns and for other reasons, Mr. Grisdale, after an experience 

 of twelve years, pronounces favourably upon the following five year 

 system : 



First year. Land ploughed in August, well worked, ribbed in 

 October; seeded next spring to oats, and 10 Ibs. clover sown per 

 acre; allowed to grow one year and turned under as a fertilizer for 

 corn. 



Second year. Manure, applied in winter or spring, 25 tons per 

 acre; shallow ploughed, corn planted. 



Third year. Grain, seeded down, 8 Ibs. red clover, 2 Ibs. alsike, 

 10 to 12 Ibs. timothy per acre. 



Fourth year. Clover hay, two crops expected. 



Fifth year. Timothy hay. 



Other rotations tested are almost equally valuable, particulars 

 regarding which are fully given in the Experimental Farms' Annual 

 Reports. 



