91 



By the above system of comparative trial plots not only are the results 

 considered to be infinitely more reliable than a one-plot system, but the 

 time required to ascertain the standing of a given sort is considerably 

 shortened. 



Photo by L. H. N. 



FIG. XX. Sowing large comparative trial plots of wheat on Experimental Grounds, 



Svalof. 



In Denmark the system of determining the yield of sorts under trial has 

 attained its highest development. Each sort occupies not less than six plots, 

 while not infrequently as many as twelve are used. Here, however, only a 

 relatively small number of different sorts are tested at the one time. Between 

 every two plots a standard sort is used for comparison. This system is 

 admittedly more or less complicated, but is considered more reliable where a 

 final decision must be made between sorts of nearly equal value. 



While yield must be one of the leading considerations in sort testing, 

 other characters such as quality, date of maturity, strength of straw and 

 resistance to disease may be of equal if not indeed, even greater importance. 

 The method of recording yields as well as certain other characters is indicated 

 in the following table in which the performance of the first three out of 

 twenty-seven barley sorts is given (76, p. 246) : 



