A MAXIMUM PRODUCE. 25 



experiments show that by giving food to the 

 plants, the strongest and best varieties appro- 

 priate what they most need, and by the law of 

 the strongest, put the weakest down. In the 

 best plots the weeds almost disappear, while 

 on one plot, to which no manure is ap- 

 plied, the weeds form 50 per cent, of the 

 produce. 



Besides these experiments on crops, Mr. 

 Lawes has carried out investigations on the 

 feeding of live stock, and on the different 

 values of their food, both as affecting the 

 processes of fattening and the quality and 

 value of the manure. 



The Royal Agricultural Society has com- The 



Woburn 



menced a series of experiments on the growth experi- 

 ments. 



of crops and the fattening of live-stock, with 

 a special relation to the manures applied and 

 the food used, and to the effect of the manures 

 resulting from specific kinds of food. The 

 Duke of Bedford, with great liberality and 

 public spirit, has undertaken the cost of these 

 experiments, and has placed suitable land and 

 buildings at the disposal of the Society, whose 



