19211. The Eighth Indian Science Congress. Ix xxiii 
similarly improve the prospects of a change in agricultural 
practice. When it is considered that, until a-few years ago, 
ing farm implements a greater control over the soil has been at- 
tained, and, consequently, a greater possibility of approaching 
more nearly to optimum conditions for crop growing. For 
example, the furrow turning plough has given a vastly increased 
power of turning surface organic matter ino the soil. The 
possession of field cultivators means the possibility of a more 
thorough soil preparation. Drill cultivators and harrows, the 
nitrates, at depths more suitable to the plant. By the use 0 
rollers and soil compressers a more rapid rise, and concentration 
of soluble plant food at higher levels is made possible. Finally 
tlie advent of the ridging plough means, amongst other things, 
the possibility of applying smaller quantities of irrigation water 
per acre and of improving its distribution. 
Thus a combination of implements, likely to give us @ 
much greater control over tillage and irrigation, has been i- 
troduced into the country and opens a new field of usefulness 
for agricultural investigation, new in the sense that there is ia 
on 
before planting and during their growth and should have more 
information about the movement of soil moisture in various 
classes of soil under varying conditions. Closely connected 
with this subject is the question of manures and their applica- 
. 
tion. At present we are hopelessly in the dark with regard 
