11 



Plain Cotton Caps. Hay underneath slightly moist on top and in 

 good condition below, having heated to a very slight extent only. 



Oiled Cotton Caps. The caps themselves were very wet on both 

 sides ; hay at the top also quite wet, and just below, almost too hot to 

 handle ; heat extends nearly to the bottom of the cock. 



^^Symmes' Patent Caps." Hay moist on top, and a little lower 

 hot ; but not as hot as under the oiled caps. 



Conclusions. The condition of the hay under the plain cotton cap 

 (heavy material) was decidedly the best ; but it is recognized that 

 with a heaver rain this might not be found to be the case. The 

 " Symraes" caps are easily put on ; but they are clumsy and heavy 

 and to carry a quantity to a field and distribute them, requires far 

 more labor tlian for the cotton caps. We used them somewhat dur- 

 ing the season of 1889 and did not find them durable, nor sure to 

 remain in place during strong winds. From our single test, the plain 

 heavy cotton cap appears to be best. This experiment will be con- 

 tinued as opportunity allows. 



