382 Field Fxpeiiments conducted in 1889 and 1890 
on either side. It was impossible to doubt that the absence of the 
dung was closely connected with the failure of plant, and its presence 
with the comparative immunity from failure. As the actual cause 
of the failure was grub, the advantage gained by the dunged plots 
would seem to have been due to the more rapid and vigorous growth 
of the dunged plant, or to the coming up and survival of more 
seedlings. But whether this is to be attributed to a greater power 
of holding moisture in dunged land, or to greater warmth caused by 
fermentation, or to yet other causes, it is difficult to suggest. But 
the experience was so striking as to lead the experimenters to advise 
that, whatever results may be shown by mere artificial manuring, 
no farmer, in the dry climate of Essex, should abandon farmyard dung 
in growing mangel. . The rainfall for the year was only 21 •42 inches. 
The mangel experiments will probably be continued another year. 
II. The Royal Manchester, Liverpool, and North Lancashire 
Agricultural Society. 
{Abstract of Jtejwrt of Mr. Alf. Smetham, F.I.C., &c., Consulting Chemist 
to the Society.) 
The experiments, commenced in 1885, at Saltney, near Chester, and 
in 1886, at Rostherne, on Lord Egerton of Tatton's Estate, have 
been continued on the lines indicated in the Report for 1888.^ 
At Saltney the experiments were devised with a view to deter- 
mine the best and most economical mixture of seeds for one, two, 
and three years' ley, and for permanent pasture. The results of the 
experiments on the plots laid down for one and two years have 
already been described, and for practical purposes need no further 
comment, except it be to note that Plots 8, 9, and 11, sown for two 
years' ley, have stood sufficiently well to serve for three years' ley. 
Two plots only were sown for three years' ley. Plot No. 7 having 
produced the larger crops in the first two years. This superiority 
was fully maintained in the third year, as will be seen from the 
following table :- — 
Dry matter per acre in prodiico. Total liry matter 
per acre in three 
1887 1888 1889 years' produce, 
cwt. qr. lb. cwt. qr. lb. cwt. qv. lb. cwt. qr. lb. 
Plot 6 . . 34 1 0 22 0 22 18 0 22 74 2 16 
Plot 7. . 39 0 0 25 1 9 21 0 0 85 1 *0 
The cost of seeding being the same in both instances, the follow- 
ing mixture (plot 7) stands out as the one that has proved best for 
three years' ley. 
2 lb. timothy. 
1 lb. crested dogstail. 
4 lb. cowpfras.*. 
2 lb. Italian rye-grass. 
5 lb. perennial rye-grass. 
5 lb. cocksfoot. 
3 lb. meadow fescue. 
2 lb. meadow fo.Ytail. 
1 lb. bard fescue. 
Ih lb. white clover. 
1^ lb. alsike clover. 
' See Journal, Vol. xxv„ s.s., 1889, p. 295. 
