22 EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



inaiun-ial treatment for periods of time ranging from twelve to 

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

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

 ing new lessons yearly as to the ultimate effects of differing 

 treatments. 



These facts are j^ointed out because the development of the 

 institution on its educational side appears to threaten the in- 

 tegrity of important series of 2:)lots. They cannot, of course, 

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

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

 sirability of disturbing them be recognized in all plans for 

 future growth and development. 



Co-operative Experiments with 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. ^Northern-grown seed treated with farmo- 

 germ for inoculation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria was used. 

 The following extract from the directions sent to co-operating 

 farmers will indicate what is believed to be a satisfactory method 

 of j^reparing for the crop : — 



(1) Plow in spring just as soon as possible nftei- the ground can be 

 worked. 



(2) Apply lime at the rate of about IV-i tons to the acre and disk 

 in at once. 



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

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

 500 pounds, and disk that in. 



(4) Thereafter harrow 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 fall months were exceptionally dry and therefore some- 

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



