1889. J PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. 557 



ashes, at the rate of one ton per acre, was the only fertilizer 

 used during the first season. This mode of manuring these 

 lands was adopted for the purpose of assisting in a rapid de- 

 composition of a rank growth, and of bringing the soil, as 

 far as practicable, to a corresponding state of fertilization 

 in the interest of future experiments. A variety of crops 

 was subsequently planted, with the main aim to secure, in 

 every instance, a thorough mechanical working of the soil 

 by drill cultivation or by the use of the hoe. Several 

 varieties of barley and of oats, corn, potatoes, squashes, and 

 a variety of other garden crops, occupied the field. The 

 periodical stirring of the soil promised to free the land from 

 a foul growth, which in the course of time naturally over- 

 runs old grass lands. 



During the month of September about seven acres of 

 the entire cultivated area were prepared for a permanent 

 meadow, and seeded down with a mixture of herd's grass 

 and red-top ; some varieties of clover were added the suc- 

 ceeding spring (1888). 



The southern end of the field, which had still served, as 

 above stated, for the production of hay, was turned over 

 late in the season, to be prepared during the succeeding 

 spring for future experiments in the same manner as the 

 north end. 



1888. — The preparatory work has been contiimed in all 

 parts of this field. The exceptional rainfall has seriously 

 tested the capacity of our drain tiles ; they have stood the 

 test, on the whole, satisfactorily. Needed alterations have 

 been attended to, and the prospects are that no further 

 serious trouble may be expected. No fertilizers but wood 

 ashes have been used thus far. Drill cultivation has been 

 generally adopted, to assist in future cultivation. Several 

 acres of oats, barley and corn have been raised, to assist in 

 the support of feeding experiments. The permanent grass 

 lands have been increased here to j&-om nine to ten acres. 

 Definite grass mixtures have been used as seed, to test their 

 respective merits in our locality. The results will be care- 

 fully watched, from a botanical as well as from an economical 

 stand-point. An orchard will be laid out during the coming 

 year. 



