1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31. 15 a 



in 1886 and continuing through 1892: the second beginning 

 in 1892 and continuing through 1918. The field used in both 

 periods consists of 9.6 acres, and Hes on the east side of the 

 pubUc highway. It is divided into a north and a south field 

 by a road leading from the highway to other fields beyond the 

 mowing, while an open ditch at right angles to the road divides 

 it into east and west sections. Previous to 1886 this area was 

 an old worn-out mowing covered with a w^orthless growth on 

 the more elevated portions and a growth of sedges on the 

 lower portions. The work of tile draining the area and pre- 

 paring the seed bed is described in detail by Dr. Goessmann 

 in the eighth and ninth annual reports of the Massachusetts 

 State Experiment Station. 



During the first part of the experiment a study was made of 

 the effect of top-dressing permanent mowings with manure, 

 bone and potash and ashes where each material was used on 

 the same plot year after year. The yields on the different plots 

 for the years 1889 through 1892 are given in the eighth, ninth 

 and tenth reports of the Massachusetts State Experiment 

 Station. The average yield of hay and rowen on the entire 

 area for the year 1889 was 3.67 tons per acre; for the year 

 1892, 3.39 tons per acre. 



In 1893 the plots were rearranged and the following fertilizer 

 schedule adopted : — 



The fertilizers were used in rotation as a top-dressing; that 

 is, the plot that this year received manure will next year receive 

 wood ashes, and the plot receiving the bone meal and potash 

 mixture will next year receive manure, etc. Under this system 

 there is one plot each year top-dressed with manure, one top- 

 dressed with bone meal and potash, and one top-dressed with 

 ashes. 



