1903.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 33. 103 



la connection with lines of inquiry pertaining- to the use 

 of manures and fertilizers and in the other lines of work 

 mentioned below we have cared for 251 plots upon our own 

 grounds and have supervised work upon 20 plots in different 

 parts of the State. In our experiments with mixed soil in 

 enclosed plots (plunged cylinders) we have employed 153 

 cjdinders. In our vegetation experiments we have cared 

 for 278 pots. 



Variety tests also have received considerable attention. 

 The test with corn, which has included 31 varieties, will not 

 be reported, as the grain is not yet dry enough to shell. 

 We have had under careful observation some 70 species of 

 grasses and forage crops, in addition to 18 varieties of mil- 

 lets. In connection with the grasses we are endeavoring to 

 gain some light as to the relative value of the diflerent 

 kinds for pastures as well as for mowings by lawn-mowing 

 one-half of each plot. We have obtained some striking re- 

 sults, but these will not be reported until we have carried 

 the test further. The work with poultry has been for the 

 most part along the lines which have engaged our attention 

 in previous years, viz., a study of the best methods of feed- 

 ing for eggs. In connection with our poultry work we are 

 making comparative trials of various types of incubators 

 and brooders, which are being used in raising the fowls we 

 use in our feeding experiments. We are also making careful 

 records touchino- the food cost of i-aisina: chickens. 



In this report we shall discuss briefly the results obtained 

 in a portion only of the plot experiments pertaining to the 

 use of manures and fertilizers, selecting for this purpose the 

 results which are confirmed b}^ the greatest number of years' 

 work, as well as in many cases by the closed plot and pot 

 experiments. We shall report also the results of the variety 

 test with potatoes, and shall make a brief statement touching 

 the results obtained in experiments with poultry. The 

 nature of the subjects of inquiry and the more important 

 features of our results "svill 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 



