34 HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



much mixed with weeds, yielding at the rate of 2| tons per 

 acre for the first cutting. The second growth was mostly 

 weeds, and was weighed green, amounting to about 5 tons 

 per acre. 



Conclusion. — The mammoth clover under the conditions 

 of our experiment has shown greater vitality and productive 

 capacity than either of the other sorts. It is worthy more 

 extensive cultivation. » 



Sidpliate V. Muriate of Potash for Glovers. — As stated 

 in our ninth annual report, there were two plots of each of 

 the varieties of clover under comparison, one fertilized with 

 muriate of potash, the other with sulphate of potash. The 

 results in 1896 showed no material difference in yields which 

 could certainly be ascribed to the nature of the potash salts 

 used. The same is true this year. 



The sulphate plots, both of the mammoth and the alsike 

 clovers, yielded most at the first cutting ; the muriate plots, 

 in both cases, yielded most at the second cutting ; but, as 

 stated, the crops secured at the second cutting were largely 

 mixed with weeds. The results, therefore, must be regarded 

 as without especial significance. 



8. Sweet Clover (^Melilotus alba). 

 This crop occupied two plots of two-fifteenths of an acre 

 each, in Field B. The same crop was grown upon these 

 plots in 1896, and the results are fully discussed in our 

 ninth annual report. The growth during that season was 

 for the most i)art small and unsatisfactory, owing apparently 

 to the fact that tlic a})propriate nodular bacteria were not 

 present in sufiicient num])crs to enable the crop to make use 

 of free atmospheric nitrogen. A few of the plants in 1896 

 were found to have abundant nodules upon their roots. 

 These showed a deep-green color and made a vigorous 

 growth. It was judged that, if the land should be thor- 

 oughly worked in various directions, the nodular bacteria 

 would be scattered throughout the soil, and that the second 

 crop upon the same land would be better than the first. The 

 soil was accordingly thoroughly prepared, and the seed for 

 the crop of this year sown at the rate of 10 pounds per acre 

 on July aO, 1896. 



