22 EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



niainirial treatment for periods of time ranging from twelve to 

 twenty-one years. They have taught many important lessons. 

 If undisturbed, they will teach many more. They are teach- 

 ing new lessons yearly as to the ultimate eifects of differing 

 treatments. 



These facts are pointed out because the development of the 

 institution on its educational side a])pears to threaten the in- 

 tegrity of im]^ortant series of plots. They cannot, of course, 

 be niovod, nor indeed, in any true sense, can they be replaced. 

 It is urged, therefore, that their value and the extreme unde- 

 siral)ility of disturbing them be recognized in all plans for 

 future gi-owth and development. 



Co-opc)'ative Experiments u'itli Alfalfa. — During the past 

 year thirty-three experiments with alfalfa have been made in 

 ten different counties. Arrangements were completed for one 

 experiment also in each of the counties Barnstable, Bristol 

 and Dukes, but local conditions prevented the carrying out of 

 the plans formed. Xorthern-grown seed treated with farmo- 

 germ for inoculation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria was used. 

 The following extract from the directions sent to co-o])e.r:iling 

 farmers will indicate what is believed to be a satisfactory method 

 of preparing for the crop : — 



(1) Plow in spring- just as soon as possible after tlie ground can be 

 worked, 



(2) Apply lime at the rate of about IVz tons to the acre and disk 

 in at once. 



(3) About ten days later apply the following mixture per acre: 

 basic slag meal, 1,500 ]iounds, high-grade sulfate of potash, 400 to 

 500 pounds, and disk that in. 



(4) Thei-eafter hari'ow about once in ten to twelve days, until you 

 are ready to sow the seed, which should not be later than about 

 July 27. 



(5) When ready to sow the seed, apply per acre: nitrate of soda, 

 too pounds, basic slag meal, 300 pounds, mixing them, and harrow- 

 ing in lightly. 



(G) Sow 30 pounds of seed per acre, in showery weather if possible, 

 and cover as you would grass seed. 



The fnll mouths were exceptionally dry and therefore some- 

 Avhnt unfavorable, but in most cases the crops made a good start 



