60 



Experiment icith Special Manures. 



It should be observed that tbe field was as nearly as possible of 

 uniform quality ; and the cultivation, both previous and subse- 

 quent to the sowing, on all parts exactly alike. 



The weight of top and tail per acre may seem small in pro- 

 portion to the weight of roots ; but it must be remembered that 

 the weighing took place immediately after a month's unusually 

 severe weather, the land being at a considerable elevation and 

 very much exposed. The crop was hand-hoed twice, and thrice 

 horse-hoed. 



On all the portions where dissolved bones were used, the plants 

 came forwarder to the hoe than where they were not used ; but 

 beyond this there was not much perceptible difference in the 

 appearance of the different parts, until from a month to 6 weeks 

 had elapsed, when No. 7 began to grow less rapidly than the rest. 

 At the end of between 7 and 8 weeks No. 1 began to fall off ; and 

 in a few days No. 2 followed. Further than this difference, the 

 eye could hardly detect where the separation of each kind of 

 dressing took place. 



It will doubtless be looked upon by some as rather a curious 

 account ; but I am persuaded that it is by making experiments 

 such as these we shall j)ractically arrive at that knowledge so 

 much to be desired, viz. the specific dressing lohich each crop re- 

 quires, and how this shall he varied to suit the different descriptions 

 of soil. 



The crop of turnips, which, by the by, are considered exceed- 

 ingly good, are now being fed off on the land ; after which, it will 

 be sown with barley, cow-grass following. The growth of these 

 crops will be narrowly watched, and any particular effects which 

 may be noticed will be reported at a future period. 



I am, Sir, 

 Your very obedient humble servant, 

 Holmicood Farm, Dorking, Surrey, Thomas Page. 



llth Februarijj 1847. 



V. — On the Management of Wheat. By Edward Roberts, Jun. 

 Prize Essay. 



1 .—Preparation of the Land according to variety of Soils. 



Wheat, the most valuable of grains, is grown upon nearly every 

 description of land ; but the soils best adapted for its culture are 

 those which are more or less clayey : indeed these heavy soils are 

 so peculiary fitted to its production that they are frequently dis- 



