90 Report of Experiments on the Groicth of Barley^ 
Little less interc^sting would it be, not only to compare tlie 
results obtained with winter-sown wheat and spring-sown barley, 
but to include in the comparison the likewise spring-sown oats, 
the third in importance among the corn-yielding plants of the 
graminaceous family cultivated in temperate climates. But 
the experiments on the continuous growth of oats have, as yet, 
only extended over a very few seasons ; so that at present we can 
only incidentally and imperfec;tly make reference to them. There 
is, however, already sufficient indication that the results will, in 
due time, have considerable, both independent and comparative, 
value. 
The first experimental wheat-crop, in the field in which the 
SOth in succession is now growing, was harvested in 1844 ; and, 
in the spring of 1845, about 10 acres, in an immediately adjoining 
field, were appropriated to somewhat similar experiments on 
barley. Owing, however, to the great amount of labour and 
attention that would be required in following them up with 
sufficient accuracy and detail, it was decided to rest satisfied for 
a time with the first year's clear indications. These were suf- 
• ficient to show the great similarity, in some important respects, 
between the requirements and the conditions of growth of the 
tv/o closely allied crops. But very much still remained to be 
learnt, and especially in regard to the equally important distinc- 
tions between the requirements of the two crops. 
Much also was still wanting in the way of direct experimental 
evidence bearing upon the then opening Mineral Theory " con- 
troversy ; respecting the issues of which very few English agri- 
cultural readers are not, by this time, overwhelmingly satisfied. 
Indeed, the universal practical experience of British agriculture 
during the last quarter of a century of experiment, discussion, 
and geneial improvement, has entirely confirmed the views we 
have held on the subject, and published in this Journal ; whilst 
our distinguished opponent has not only sought to associate with 
the term " Mineral Theorj'," a meaning totally different from that 
which attached to it in the well-known controversy, but, under 
cover of a change of nomenclature, has claimed, as consistent 
with his own theory, views directly at variance with those he 
formerly maintained, and in the main accordant with the facts 
and conclusions which we have brought forward in opposition to 
the distinctive views of his earlier writings. Some illustrations 
bearing upon these points will be incidentally given further on ; 
but considering how settled are the opinions now generally held 
on the subject in this country, and how changed are those of the 
author of the " Mineral Theory," it would be out of place to 
devote so much of either time or space to its discussion in our 
introductory remarks as has been suitable on former occasions. 
