MASSACHUSETTS PEAT LANDS 45 



2. It would be of special advantage should specific peat mate- 

 rials and field conditions be kept under observation where under- 

 drainage is intended and where changes are being made in the 

 groundwater table, so that the agricultural development may 

 correspond with the existing field conditions and with the ensuing 

 changes in the character of the peat materials. 



3. Information concerning the seasonal variations in the' 

 water table, the nature of the salt constituents, and the circum- 

 stances in the field conditions which lead to the augmentation or 

 diminution of soluble constituents is of prime importance, the 

 effect of any accumulation of iron compounds especially requiring 

 attention in certain cases. 



4. The relation of cropping system to the several kinds of peat 

 lands if ignored would be to the disadvantage of the real agricul- 

 tural value of certain peat lands. Field trials are the more correct 

 means under the existing conditions on the peat lands to determine 

 the choice of crop varieties, seeding mixtures, etc., and the cultural 

 practices to be followed. 



