New York AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 87 
If we consider only the year 1899, the average increase per acre 
was 15,373 pounds or 102 barrels. 
It will be observed that in 1899 and 1900 even the check plata 
gave a fair yield, showing that the disease was not nearly as 
destructive as it is sometimes. Had there been more smut pres- 
ent the difference between the treated and untreated plats would 
most likely have been greater. 
Since the plats were of fair size (44 acre), very narrow, and 
duplicated five times, and the experiment continued three years, 
with the yield constantly in favor of the treated plats, it appears 
to us conclusively proven that sulphur and lime in the drills is 
an important aid in increasing the yield of onions on smutty 
land. This conclusion is further supported by the results of the 
experiments in 1897 (see page 80) as well as by Thaxter’s 
experiments. 
It is possible that the substances used have some value as 
fertilizer, but judging from the experiments in which sulphur 
and lime were applied broadcast it appears that their fertilizing 
value is at best but trifling. (See page 90.) That the treatment 
does actually prevent smut is shown by the fact that the un- 
treated rows invariably showed a larger percentage of smutty 
plants. 
Series If.—Sulphur and Lime Broadcast. 
Plan of experiment.—This experiment was designed to show 
the effect of applying the sulphur and lime broadcast and also 
the effect of repeated applications. The field used was 340 feet 
long by 81 feet wide. It was divided crosswise into 12 equal 
plats, each 284 x81 feet and having an area of, acre. (See 
diagram on page 85.) There were six treated plats alternating 
with six check plats. 
On three of the treated plats 100 pounds of sulphur and 56 
pounds of air-slaked lime (Same quantity as used in the drills in 
Series I) were applied broadcast and harrowed in two or three 
days before the seed was sown. On one of these three plats the 
chemicals were applied only one year (1898); on one, two years 
(1898 and 1899); and on one, three years (1898, 1899 and 1900). 
