12 HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



generally contain this element in the form of sulfate. Such 

 changes are in the interest of the farmers who use these 

 fertilizers ; and they are in line with suggestions based upon 

 experiments here as well as in other stations. 



The experiments with fertilizers are conducted in three 

 distinct methods, — the plot method in the open field, the 

 plunged cylinder method with equal weights of thoroughly 

 mixed soil to the depth of four feet, and the pot method. 

 The last two are valuable as checks on the results in the 

 field, and in increasing the possible range and scope of 

 inquiry. In our work in the field Ave have employed two 

 hundred and twenty-two plots, we have one hundred and 

 fifty-three of the cylinders in use, while in our pot experi- 

 ments Ave have cared for two hundred and ninety-four pots. 



The results of cylinder and pot experiments, being rather 

 of scientific than of immediate practical interest, will not 

 be presented in this report. Variety tests Avith corn and 

 potatoes have engaged a considerable share of attention, 

 but the varieties under trial have been tested but a single 

 year, and results will not be reported. Our experiments 

 Avith poultry have been directed, as in recent years, to a 

 study of the best methods of feeding for eggs. The results, 

 not being regarded as decisive and in some respects at vari- 

 ance with those of earlier years, will not be discussed in 

 this report. This report, then, will deal only with the 

 results of some of our more important plot experiments. 

 The nature of the subjects of inquiry and the more salient 

 features of our results will be made clear by the following 

 statement : — 



I. — To determine the relative value of barnyard manure, 

 nitrate of soda, sulfate of ammonia and dried blood as sources 

 of nitrogen. The crop of this year, soy beans, gives } r ields 

 on the basis of Avhich the materials rank in the following 

 order : barnyard manure, nitrate of soda, dried blood, sulfate 

 of ammonia. The average to date ranks the materials in the 

 folloAving order : nitrate of soda, barnyard manure, sulfate 

 of ammonia, dried blood. 



II. — To determine the relative value of muriate and high- 

 grade sulfate of potash for field crops, Results of the year 



