82 ‘ Report oF THE BoTaANIST OF THE 
THE EXPERIMENT AT SMITHTOWN BRANCH. 
(1) Preparation and planting.— The field, which contained 
2.15 acres, was prepared as follows: First, a heavy coating of 
manure was plowed under; then the ground was harrowed four 
times with an “‘ Acme ”’ harrow, after which one-half ton of fertil- 
izer (Quinnipiac Market Garden) per acre was applied broadcast. 
The seed (Early Prolific) was planted June 23 in level hills four 
feet apart each way. Missing hills were replanted June 29. 
(2) Cultivation and spraying.— After the plants were well 
started they were thinned to three in a hill. The field was culti- 
vated three times each way and hoed once. 
The vines were sprayed seven times, as follows: July 20 and 
28; August 5, 13, 20 and 27; and September 9. 
(3) Yield and value of the crop.— The first picking was made 
August 11. The total yield* of first class pickles from the 2.15 
acres was 143,600 or 66,790 per acre. These pickles were put 
into a codperative pickle house; hence the prices will depend 
upon the selling price of the pickled goods. Estimating their 
value at $1.25 per M., the price paid at other salting houses, the 
value of the crop would be $179.50 or $83.49 per acre. 
The average yield of unsprayed fields in the vicinity of South- 
town Branch was 23,564 per acre, this being the average yield of 
the only four unsprayed fields, the product of which was delivered 
at the Smithtown salting house. 
Therefore, the increase in yield due to spraying was 43,226 per 
acre. 

2%aDuring the hot weather about September 1, 4,000 pickles turned yellow 
and had to be thrown away. It was estimated that 10,000 yellow pickles and 
nubs were left on the field. 
