154 



The nitrate of soda produced a marked effect upon the oats in 

 these experiments, and, except upon land already quite rich, its use 

 in small amount in spring would probably be generally profitable. 



The influence of fertilizer upon the quality of potatoes was 

 studied in connection with the soil tests reported in Bulletin No. 18. 

 A large number of chemical analyses were made for this purpose. 

 The leading indications afforded by these analyses are : — 



First. That nitrate of soda and superphosphate are favorable to 

 starch formation and good quality; 



Second. That muriate of potash is distinctly unfavorable to starch 

 formation ; and 



Third. '1 hat manure will produce tubers of better quality tlian a 

 "complete fertilizer" in whith the potash is in the form of the muriate. 



Seven soil test experiments have been carried out the past sea- 

 son, — two with grass, three with oats, one with corn and one with 

 soya beans. The results are not fully worked up, but the following 

 are the leading points indicated : — 



First. Potash is the controlling element for the beans and curn ; 



Second. Nitrate of soda is beneficial to the oats ; 



Third Nitrate of soda greatlj- increases the yield of grass ; and 



Fourth Muriate of potash causes a remarkable increase in the pro- 

 portion of clover in mowings where timothy, red-lop and clover seeds 

 are sown. 



The experiment of growing corn on manure alone, six cords to 

 the acre, in comparison with corn receiving one-half as much 

 manure and one hundred and twenty-four pounds of muriate of 

 potash per acre, has been continued upon the same land as last 

 year. The results are in favor of the manure alone ; viz. (the 

 average of two experiments), GO. 5 bushels grain for the manure 

 and potash, and 69.0 bushels for the manure alone. The average 

 yields of stover are respectively 4,545 pounds and 5,207 pounds. 

 The money cost of the manure alone was at the rate of S30 per 

 acre; that of the manure and potash, $17.50. There is still a 

 financial advantage (labor not included) of $5.35 in favor of the 

 half manure and potash ; but it is apparently asking too much to 

 expect one hundred and twenty-four pounds of muriate of potash 

 to replace three cords of manure. 



A careful comparison of hill and drill culture of corn has been 

 made, with results slightly in favor of the drill system. 



The comparison of special fertilizers, as generally found in our 

 markets, with a home mixture richer in potash, has been continued 

 upon the same land as last year. One-half acre has been in corn, 



