1908.] Summary of Agricultural Experiments. 



539 



feeder. When it -has been ascertained by analysis that the Long Red 

 mangold contains more dry matter on the average than the Yellow Globe, 

 the question suggests itself : Is the feeding quality of the mangold in direct 

 proportion to the percentage of dry matter which the roots contain ? If, for 

 example, Yellow Globe mangolds contain 10 per cent, of dry matter and 

 Long Reds 12 per cent., is a 30 ton crop of the latter worth as much to the 

 feeder as a 36 ton crop of the former ? 



To obtain some information on this question, the department has carried 

 out nine experiments at various centres during the past four years, and the 

 results are given in tabular form, together with some observations on each 

 of the experiments, and a criticism of the results. It is considered 

 undesirable to draw definite conclusions from these experiments, but the 

 evidence on the following points is regarded as clear: — (1) Long Red 

 mangolds are superior to Yellow Globes for the purpose of fattening full- 

 grown cattle, where the rations used are similar to those generally employed 

 in the Eastern Counties. This superiority is doubtless due to the higher 

 percentage of dry matter present in the first-named variety ; (2) Yellow 

 Globe mangolds, although containing a smaller percentage of dry matter 

 than Long Reds are equal, or even superior, to the latter for the purposes of 

 fattening yearling cattle, or for feeding store stock. For these purposes the 

 dry matter of the Yellow mangold, probably because of the higher 

 percentage of nitrogenous substance which it contains, is apparently better 

 adapted than the dry matter of the Long Red variety. 



Mcmgolds and Swedes ; Distance Apart (Midland Agric. Coll., BulL 

 No. 6). — These trials were intended to show whether a variation in the dis- 

 tance of the plants apart would make any alteration in the yield or quality 

 of the crop. In ordinary farm practice, it is customary to sow root-crops in 

 drills 24 inches apart on the flat, and 27 inches apart where the soil is 

 thrown into ridges. At the same time a common view prevails, based on 

 competitions, which favours the cultivation of roots at narrower intervals. 

 With regard to distance between the plants in the rows, custom is not quite 

 so definite, but varies within a few inches above or below one foot. The 

 more space given to each plant, the larger the growth, but this increased 

 size is often obtained at the expense of quality, as it is an acknowledged, 

 fact that small and medium sized roots of the same variety have a greater 

 "eeding value than big ones. The plants must also be so arranged that 

 lorse-hoeing can be carried out. 



The trials confirmed these views as regards size of roots and quality,, 

 Dut the total yield did not vary uniformly with the distance apart. All 

 :hings considered it appeared from these trials that mangolds at intermediate 

 1 listances, approaching 24 in. x 12 in., are to be recommended. 



Manuring of Swedes (Univ. Coll. of Wales, Aberystwyth, Agric. Dept. r 

 inn. Refit., 1906). — Experiments were conducted at two centres, and the 

 esults are given in detail. These trials are being continued. 



Manuring of Swedes (Field Exfits., Harper- Adams Coll., 1907). — 

 "rials were conducted at two centres in Staffordshire. At the College Farm, 

 comparison was made between certain nitrogenous manures, but the 

 iififerences shown were unimportant. A purchased compound manure 

 as been compared for several years with home-made mixtures. As 

 he result of five years' trials, it has been found that the average cost 

 >r manures per ton of roots was is. j\d. in the case of the purchased 



