1909.] Summary of Agricultural Experiments, 491 



The results of a variety test of barley at one centre are also given, 

 Danish Archer gave the best result with 43 bushels. 



Varieties of Oats (Univ. Coll. of North Wales, Bangor. Bull 5, 

 1908). — This bulletin gives the result obtained from twenty-one varieties 

 of oats, grown at one centre. Stable King (87 bus,) gave the best 

 result in the white oats, and Rival (73 bus,) in the black oats. 



Varieties of Oats, Barley, Wheat, and Beans (Northumberland C.C., 

 Guide to Expts. at Cockle Park for 1909)* — The results obtained in 

 1908 are given in continuation of the results of trials in previous years. 



Manuring of Mangolds (Somerset C.C., Rept. on Field Trials of 

 Manures, 1904—8). — Experiments on a systematic plan have been Car- 

 ried out for five years on thirty-five farms in Somerset. Ten plots were 

 arranged at each centre, two plots being unmanured and the remainder 

 receiving various artificials. All the plots received a dressing of from 

 twenty to twenty-five loads of dung per acre, so that the point invests 

 gated was the advantage of applying artificial manures to land that had 

 already received farmyard manure. 



The plots which did not receive any artificials gave an average yield 

 of 28 tons 7 cwt. , and the addition of 2 cwt. nitrate of soda produced 

 4I tons increase at a cost of 225. 63., leaving an estimated profit per 

 acre of 155. 6d. ; 6 cwt. of superphosphate only just paid for itself, but 

 3 cwt. of kainit produced 3 tons 3 cwt. increase, and 3 cwt. common 

 salt produced 4 tons 6 cwt. increase, which were equivalent to a 

 profit of 175. and 295. 6d. respectively, after deducting cost. 



The largest increase (7 tons 13 cwt.) was obtained from 2 cwt. 

 nitrate of soda, 3 cwt. superphosphate, and 3 cwt. salt, and gave a 

 profit of 265. yL, while 2 cwt. nitrate and 3 cwt. salt gave an increased 

 yield of 6 tons 9 cwt., and a profit of 24s. per acre. The mangolds, 

 however, on the plot receiving superphosphate were of better quality. 

 It is considered that the use of artificials, especially nitrate and super- 

 phosphate, with either kainit or salt, assists in giving the crop a start, 

 particularly in an unfavourable season ; and since it is a matter of the 

 greatest importance to secure a regular plant, the use of artificial 

 dressings in some form or another is recommended. 



Experiments with Mangolds and Cabbage (Northumberland C.C., 

 Guide to Expts. at Cockle Park, 1909). — Trials of two varieties of 

 mangolds have been made during the past four years. The average 

 yield of Mammoth Long Red has been 21 tons 19 cwt., and of 

 Prizewinner Yellow Globe 20 tons 19! cwt., with 12*05 P er cent, and 

 10*32 per cent, of dry matter respectively. 



Experiments in the manuring of mangolds have, in addition, been 

 in progress since 1903. In the five years 1903—7, the best result on 

 the average was obtained from 12 tons dung and a dressing of 510 lb. 

 nitrate of soda, 336 lb. superphosphate, and 300 lb. muriate of potash, 

 though the use of the same dressing with 2 cwt. of common salt 

 instead of the dung gave nearly as good results. 



A comparison of the results given by the different plots during 

 the five years shows (a) that nitrate of soda gives better results than 

 sulphate of ammonia, (b) that slag is better than superphosphate, (c) 

 that sulphate of potash is better than muriate of potash, and (d) that 

 common salt greatly increases the crop. In view of these results, the 



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