GENERAL RESULTS 181 



the results obtained in the laboratory and the field 

 are also available to the farmer, and the main object 

 of the present book will have been attained if it 

 induces those who alone are in a position to carry 

 out these experiments on a grand scale to extend the 

 scope of our present experience. Three arguments 

 should serve to convince them : The first, that the 

 experiments have proved successful both in the 

 laboratory and market garden ; the second, that the 

 American Board of Agriculture are encouraging the 

 farmers in America to make use of inoculation even 

 on lines only slightly modified from those which a 

 few years ago were partially successful in this 

 country ; and the third, that the use of the bacterized 

 peat, even if it were not to benefit the crop, is 

 incapable of doing it harm. 



For purposes of convenience I have thought it 

 simplest to describe the experiments in alphabetical 

 order, and to save space I have compressed the 

 results into the smallest possible compass. It should 

 be borne in mind that the nature of the treated peat 

 is such as to make it valuable in the case of all plants. 



Except where otherwise stated, control plants 

 have received the manure or fertilizers commonly 

 accepted as suitable for them, while often the best 

 known treatment has been given. 



APPLES. Increased vigour of growth followed 

 treatment. The wood was stronger and riper. The 

 foliage was a rich dark green. There was an average 

 gain of i ounces on each fruit, and the fruit ripened 

 about a fortnight earlier than on untreated trees. 

 In the second year there was no further application 



