17 



there are 5 main series, of 4 plots each, and there are 

 besides, 9 other plots, making in all 29. The descrip- 

 tion of the manuring of each plot, given to the left of 

 the columns of figures, taken together with the foot- 

 notes, shows the manurial history of the plots from the 

 commencement of the experiments in 1852. As in the 

 case of the wheat, the produce on each plot in the 

 immediately preceding season, also the average produce 

 over the first half, the second half, and the total period 

 up to date, is thus annually given. 



In 1857, the results of the first 6 years of the con- 

 tinuous growth of barley, were discussed in the paper 

 numbered 11 in the list (Series 1), and in the same 

 paper the composition of the crops was also considered, 

 so far as the percentages of dry substance, mineral 

 matter, and nitrogen, are concerned. 



In No. 33, published in 1873, the results obtained in 

 each of the first twenty years are recorded and discussed, 

 both so far as the influence of season, and that of the 

 different manures, are concerned. 



The results obtained with barley were also discussed 

 in regard to special points of interest, in No. 35, pub- 

 lished in 1875. Lastly, in 1886, a re'sume' of the results 

 obtained in the 34 years to 1885 inclusive, was given in 

 No. 71, in which tne influences of exhaustion, manures, 

 and variations of season, both on the amounts of produce, 

 and on the composition of the crop, are illustrated. 



The second period of twenty years of the barley 

 experiments will be completed with the harvest of the 

 present year, 1891 ; and the results for that period might 

 suitably be reported upon as soon as the requirements 

 of other subjects on hand will permit. Or some special 

 question may arise requiring partial publication. In the 

 meantime the field results should be annually given in 

 the tabular form in the "Memoranda" as heretofore. 



2. The Composition of the Continuous Barley Crops. 



Samples of the grain and of the straw of the barley 

 from each of the 29 plots in Hoosfield are annually 



B 



