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LIBRARY OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL

COLLEGE

CHARLES R. GREEN
Librarian

8tu.tion

BullQtll'b

1-57
lSed-.1894

Amherst,

Hatch

Station

Reports

1-18
Bulletins

1-114

18&d-1905

A|r,>cp.

r, lie
ttitioh

1905 ♦

Rop, 19 *

Bui. 115 ♦

Date Due

cr^i-^

Demco 293-5

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTDRAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN NO. 1.

JULY, 1888.

AMHER.ST, MASS.
J. E. WILLIAMS, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER.

1888.

ION / -Z ^

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachnsetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachus-
etts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural P^xperiment Station, already located on the college
grounds but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodf:ll, . . . Director.

William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynard, .
Charles H. Fernald, .
Clarence D. Warner, .

Agriculturist.
Horticulturist.
Entomologist.
Meteorologist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, is
earnestly requested. Communications may be sent to the Director
or to any of the officers in charge.

Division of Entomology.

CHARLES H. FERNALD.

The work m this division was commenced in April and a series of
experiments and investigations has been ulidertaken, manv of which -
can not be completed before the end of the season, bnt reports will
be made of theni in this Bulletin whenever results are obtained.

Many inquiries have been made by farmers in different parts of the
Commonwealth, concerning insects which have been injuring their
crops, and a large amount of time has been consumed in giving
answers. The following is published here because of its general
interest.

Mr. C. Wasgatt of Lancaster reported that his seed corn was de-
stroyed in the ground before it sprouted, and specimens were sent to
me with an insect which he found eating the kernels to such an extent
as to prevent their growth. The insect was a small, shining, black
beetle, about one-eighth of an mch long, and proved to be the grain
Aphodius (Aphodius granarius, Linn.)

This insect has long been known in America, having found its way
here many years .ago from Europe its native country. The different
species of Aphodius. while in the larva state, feed in stable manure,
and if this be used as a fertilizer in the hills these insects will emerge
at the very place where they can do great damage. They are also lia-
ble to attack the various kinds of seed grain which have been sown
on lands where stable manure is used. In this case, however, the loss
is not so noticeable, since the destruction of a few kernels of wheat
usually provokes only the remark that " it did not come up." But
when the manure infested with these beetles is put into hills, and a
few kernels of seed only, put into each, they may be able to de-
stroy the whole crop.

REMEDIES.

It is recommended, when these beetles are troublesome, to soak
the seed in water for a short time, and then after pouring oft' the
water to stir in with it a mixture composed of one part of Paris
Green to twenty parts of flour. The reason why we recommend flour
instead of plaster or other substances as a diluent, is that flour is at-
tractive as food for the beetles and they will eat the poisonous mix-

ture more readily. This mixture over the surface of the seed corn
will also prove destructive to wire worms and other insects which
might attack it. It is said that crows will not disturb corn which has
been treated with Paris Green. We would very much like to have
farmers who are troubled b}' crows, try this remedy and report the
results to this station.

Blephakida nufus .—a, egg; b, b, egg masses; c, c, c, c, c, larvw; d, cocoon; e, pupa :
f, beetle ; g, It, i, j, /,-, mouth parts of larvae ; I, leg. (After Riley) .

THE JUMPING SUMACH BEETLE.

This insect (Blepharida rhois, Forst.) has not been reported from
New P^ngland before, so far as I can learn, but is common in the
southern and western states where it is said to do very great injury
to the different species of sumach.

In this State they are very destructive to the Smoke-tree or Purple-
fringe (Rims cotinus), in fact they completely destroyed one of these
shrubs on my grounds, giving me every opportunity to study their
habits and experiment on them with insecticides.

The natural history of this species has been admirably presented
by Prof. Riley in his Sixth Entomological Report of Missouri, but as

that paper is uot generally accessible, I give here my own observa-
tions, making use, however, of Prof. Riley's admirable illustration.

The perfect beetles appeared on the wing early in May (from the
10th to the 15th of this year), having come out from their places of
hibernation. They immediately began to pair on the branches of the
Smoke-tree, and soon after each female laid about forty eggs in
masses on the sides of twigs, covering them with a dark smoky brown
substance which quite concealed them from view, fig. l,b. The
eggs, fig. 1, a, are ellipsoidal in form, about one twenty-fifth of an
inch in length and vary in color from white to orange. Some are of
a deep orange color over the entire surface, others are white at one
end shading into orange at the other ; others are pink and still others
are cream colored at one end and shading into salmon color at the
other.

The eggs hatched in fifteen days, giving rise to larvae of the form
shown at c, in fig. 1. These larvae were dull greenish yellow, with
jet black heads and legs and the top of the segment following the
head, black in the young. There were three longitudinal, broken
whitish lines on each side of the body, and the anal proleg was of
the general color of the body. The anus is situated on the top of
the last segment and the excrements are retained upon the back as
shown at c, on the lower leaves in the illustration.

The mature larva is about half an inch long, of a dull greenish
yellow color, with jet black head and legs. The anal proleg is of the
same color as the body and divided in eight or ten lobes. The stripes
ai-e of the same color and in the same position as in the young larva.
When done feeding they descend into the ground where they make a
cocoon of the form shown in fig. 1, d, in which they transform to
pupae, fig. 1, e, and the perfect insects emerge in about two weeks.
A second brood occurs later in the season and the beetles hibernate
during the winter.

The beetles, fig. 1, f, are about one-fourth of an inch long, oval
in outline and convex. The hind thighs are thickened, thus giving
the insect the ability to leap when disturbed, though not to so great
a'distance as the small flea-beetles. The head and thorax are dull
yellow, sometimes reddish yellow. The under side of the abdomen
and the legs are mahogany red and the wing-covers are variously
striped or mottled with mahogany red and yellow. The antennae are
black, except at the base where they are pitchy.

REMEDIES.

At tirsL 1 ti'ied haiKl-i)ickiug bnt soou found tluit this would cost
more than the shrubs were worth. I theu showered them with Paris
Greeu in water in the proportiou of half a pound to fifty gallons of
water which quickly, destroyed all the larvae then on the shrubs. This
remedy should be applied when the eggs first hatch, and again when
the second brood appears. If rains occur it should be repeated.

THE BUD MOTH.

The Bud Moth {Tmetocer a ocellana, Fab.) has been very abundant
this year, and has done a greater amount of injury than I had for-
merly supposed it capable of doing. A careful estimate was made
with several trees and, as nearly as I could judge, more than half of
the flower buds were destroyed by this minute insect ; a very unde-
sirable condition of things in the "off year" for apples. The food
plants of these insects are apple, pear, plum, and laurel oak.

If the trees had been showered with Paris Green in water at the
time the buds began to swell in the spring, and again about ten days
later, these bud-moths would undoubtedly have been destroyed, and
the apple crop nearly doubled on the trees mentioned above. The
same spraying would also have killed the tent caterpillars, canker-
worms and any other leaf-eating insects that might have been feeding
on them at that time.

Severe criticisms have appeared in the Entomological journals on
the kind of work which has been published in some of the Experi-
ment Station bulletins by the entomologists. These criticisms
whether just or not, lead us to consider what is the proper work of
the entomologist, and how he can make his division most useful to
the farmers in his particular state.

Entomologists have already accumulated a vast store of useful
knowledge which is now scattered through the publications of various
scientific societies and not generally accessible. In many cases these
papers are too technical to be of interest except to specialists, but
the facts of general interest to farmers and fruit growers can be se-
lected and given in a popular way so as to be easily understood. It
seems to me that this is perfectly in accord with the language of the
first section of the act establishing these stations, — " to aid in acquir-
ing and dift'usiug useful and practical information."

The second section of the act makes it clear that original investi-
gations are to be carried on, but in my opinion they should be of such
a character that they can be finally reported to the farmers in a tan-
gible and useful form, and all descriptions of species should appear
first in some scientific journal if they are to be recognized and take
priority.

As a matter of interest to the officers of the stations it may be
well to mention the fact that the leading authorities on the different
groups of insects have decided to charge for their services when
called upon to name insects. It seems only fair that these gentlemen
should be paid for such expert services, especially when the value of
the bulletins will be in this way so greatly enhanced.

Horticultural Department.

S. T. MAYNARD, B. Sc.

In presenting the first report of experiments made in this depart-
ment, I wish to call attention to tiie fact that, owing to the limited
time we have" been at work, most of our experiments require further
time and repetition, under the same and varied conditions, in order
to come to positive conclusions. Further reports will be made in
future bulletins, and it is hoped that interested fruit-growers, market
gardeners, etc. will repeat the experiments as fully as possible that
their value may be tested under as many conditions and in as many
localities as possible. We would especially invite information from
all who have well substantiated facts upon any horticultural subject
and also suggestions as to experiments which should be made in the
interest of the Horticulture of Massachusetts.

In most of the experiments made in this department the work is
largely done by students of the College, thus giving them the habit
of close, careful observation and a knowledge of the subjects involved
which they could obtain in no other way, and at the same time encour-

agiog and traiuiug their powers of observation and investigation
which are so much needed in studying the great subjects of plant
growth, the diseases and insect foes we have to contend with in all
agricultural operations.

PLANT BED CLOTH AS A SUBSITTUTE FOR GLASS.

The growing interest in the use of a cheai) substitute for hot-bed
glass, has led to the recommendation and introduction of patent
waterproof cloth for this purpose.

To determine its value, tests were made upon frames as nearly as
possible of the same construction and exposure. The temperature
was registered by government standard soil thermometers placed
within each ))ed.

The period of experiment covered quite a range of temperature,
although at no time did it go below the freezing point. Careful
observations, made later, when the temperature ran lower show the
general results to be the same.

The following tables explain themselves.

TABLE NO. L

Date.

Weather.

Temperature of Air.

Bed No. 1.

Thick Cloth Covers.

Bed No. S.

Glass.

6 AM

IOam

•2 r M

9PM

6 AM

49"
49>^"

46"

47>^"

10am

2 pm

61"

66>^"

82"
72>i

9PM

:

58°
.51"

0 am

10AM

^'

62°

80 J^"
75°

2PM

71"

76"

87"
88 >i"

9PM

May 4.

" 0.

Cloudy.
Cloudy,
Some rain.
Foggy A.M.
Clear v. m.
Plea.sant.

44"

40''

40'^
46°

.54'=
58'^

60"

580

58"

60°

72°
639

48"

50"

56"
46"

57"
56>r

63«"

52"

52"

51°

52>^°

56>^°

58"

04°
56"

TABLE NO. 2.

Date.

Weather.

Bed No. 4.

Thin Cloth Covers-

Bed No. 5.

Glass.

Bed No. 6.

Thick Cloth Cover.

0AM

47°

48°

46"
40°

10AM

57"
59"

08°

2 PM

59°

65}^°

86°
79°

9PM

49°

53"

56"

48"

6AM

48"

oO>i"

50>i°
56"

10AM
64°

62}^°

85>^°
103°

2PM

71°

77°

110°
127"

9 PM
56>i"

57y,"

73°
66°

6 am

49°"

50"

47>i°
49^°

10AM

57°

57°

72}4°
71°

2pm

60°

65°

86"
89°

9 PM

May 4.

" 0.

Cloudy.
Cloudy,
Some raiu.
Foggy A. M.
Clear P. M.
Pleasant.

.57"

.54°

61°
56°

The temperature is registered by Farcnhcit thermometer.

TABLE NO. 3.

Date.

Weather.

Temp.

of Air.

Temp, of Bed No. 1.

Temp, of Bed No. 2.

alas.

s.

Thick Cloth.

<>A.M.

OP.M.

(i A.Jl.

11 1'.JI.

IJA.M.

Dl'.M.

lay 8.

Pleasiuit.

38°

48°

601°

68°

53°

59^

" 9.

Rainy a.m.
Pleasant p.m.

46°

61°

63°

78°

56"

^^{S°

•' 10,

Rainy a.m.
Cloudy p. M.

56°

60°

\S'd°

75°

62|°

67°

" 11.

Cloudy A. M.

58°

681°

63°

The sashes remained on during the day, and were equally covered
at night with mats and shutters.

CONCLUSION.

The conclusions reached in the above exi)eriments are : —
1st. That the glass gives the greatest amount of protection from

cold.
2d. That the heat accumulates most rapidly under glass when the
sun shines, and is best prevented from escaping from the heat-
ing material in the bed at night.
3d. That there is less danger of injury from sun-burning, and of a
too great accumulation of heat with the cloth than with glass,
and consequently less care is needed in using beds covered with
this material during the day. At night, however, more protec-
tion is needed to keep out the cold.
In our experience the cloth sash is especially valuable for beds of
recently transplanted plants, as the light is less intense and the evap-
oration less than with glass.

The cloth frame may be made at a cost of about one-sixth that of
glass.

The details of this cxpcrimeut were carried out by Mr. W. M. Sliepardsou, '88.

PROTECTION OF PEACH BUDS FROM INJURY BY COLD.

For the past five years no peach crop has been grown upon the
College farm. Last year a few buds survived the winter, and gave
us a few specimens of fruit. This spring a few buds only opened,
but perhaps rather more than last season.

During the winter of 1887 the temperature reached 16 below 0°
once or twice. Last winter (1888) it ranged from 28° below 0° on
the low lands to 16° below 0° on higher lands at three separate
times.

10

With this failure of the crop for so many successive seasons,
peach growing has been a very discouraging business and some sure,
cheap, and easily applied protection for the fruit buds has become a
positive necessity if peach growing is to be a successful industry in
New England.

To overcome this ditflculty the following experiments have been
made during the past few years.

EXPERIMENT NO. 1.

1st. In the fall of 188G trees were laid down upon the ground and
covered with soil,* by first loosening the roots on one side and
carefulh' bending those on the other.

2d. The branches were drawn together and tied, 1st without cov-
ering, 2d with a covering of pine boughs, 3d with a covering of
strong matting. The drawing of the branches together on
young trees is easily accomplished by two men standing close
to the trees on opposite sides and clasping hands around them
and drawing them in with a strong steady pressure. Very large
trees could not be very easily drawn close enough to cover
except at a great expense.

Result.
No satisfactory results were obtained from Experiment No. 1, a

few scattering buds only being found ou those unprotected as well

as those covered.

Covering trees bent over on the ground except with soil was not

tried on account of the danger of injury from mice, although in

one or two experiments made several years ago favorable results

were obtained by covering with cornstalks.

A covering of pine boughs is suggested as the least liable to attract

mice.

EXPERIMENT NO. 2.

Following the suggestion that the peach buds might be injured by
the drying out of the moisture during the fall and winter, the follow-
ing materials were applied to the branches early in December of 1887.
Two trees were syringed with

1st. A thin solution of glue.

2d. Turpentine.

3d. Turpentine and benzine.

4th. Benzine and rosen.

4th. 1 " and hard oil finish.

oth. Linseed oil and turpentine.

*The wood was not well matured and many of the branches heated. Tlie ))ranches not
thus injured showed more iminjured buds than those protected in any other way.

11

Result .
All the trees except those treated with ghie, linseed oil luid tur-
peutine were killed. The trees treated with linseed oil and turpen-
tine were badly injured, but are now making a good growth. The
tree treated with glue was wholly uninjured, but showed no more
fruit buds than those unprotected.

EXPERIMENT NO. 3.

To still further extend the last experiment, a single tree which
had a large number of fruit buds upon it was selected. Three
branches of as nearly the same condition as possible were selected,
and treated with each of the following materials applied with a brush.

1st. Linseed oil.

•id. Linseed oil and turpentine.

3d. Linseed oil and benzine.

4th. Benzine and rosin.

5th. Shellac.

6th. Glue.

Result.
Upon examination in March it was found that the buds covered
with linseed oil, shellac and glue were apparently uninjured, but as
the season advanced it was found that the turpentine and benzine
had been applied to branches near the trunk and had spread over it
so much as to kill it, consequently those buds which seemed unin-
jured failed to start.

EXPEPaMENT NO. 4.

Four trees of the same kind were selected and covered with straw
matting. After the mat was bound about the tree, dry sawdust was
poured in at the top of one, moist sawdust into another, and coal
ashes into another, and the fourth contained nothing. After tying
up the ends of the mats, the whole was supported by two strong
stakes.

Result.

The trees covered and protected with dry sawdust show more
uninjured fruit buds than those covered in other ways or unpro-
tected.

The trees protected with wet sawdust and ashes showed no more
uninjured fruit buds than the same kinds unprotected.

This experiment was carried out in detail by Mr. L. F. Kinney of tlie Class of '88.

12

Conclusioii.

Very little satisfactory iuformatiou has beeu obtaiued by the above
experimeuts, but the following facts are as fully demonstrated as is
possible by one series of experimeuts.
1st. That turpentine and benzine will destroy peach trees when

applied to branches or trunk.
2d. That the fruit buds are not protected by the ordinary light

covering of mats, pine boughs, etc.
3d. That the glue solution as applied is of no value in protecting
the buds.
The system of covering trees b}' binding over must be more fully
worked out as to detail, to demonstrate its practicability and economy.
Further experiments are required to demonstrate the value of lin-
seed oil and shellac.

GIRDLING APPLE TREES TO PRODUCE FRUITFULNESS.

In many sections where the soil is moist and rich, fruit trees grow
largely to wood and foliage, and fail to produce fruit until they reach
considerable age and size.

To discover some means of hastening the fruiting of such trees
the following experiments have been made.

A row of crab apple trees of about the same size and condition of
growth were selected and treated as follows.

EXPERIMENT NO 1.

1st. Three trees were girdled by cutting out a ring of bark 1-8, 1-4
and 1-2 inch wide at the ground, July 12th, 21st and 29th.

2d. Three trees were girdled just below the main branches with the
three widths of girdle as in 1st, July 12th, 21st and 2yth.

3d. The same as above was made on one or more main branches
with the three widths of girdle, July 12th, 21st and29th.

Besult.
1st. All the girdles made near the ground healed over readily and

completely.
2d. Those on the main trunk healed less completely, but sufficiently

to ensure a good growth of tree and the covering of the injured

part in another year.
3d. The girdles made in the branches healed less completely than

the last, and in two instances the new growth failed to meet and

* 13

cousequently the branch died soon after starting growth in the

spring.
4th. All showed a marked increase in frnitfulness over those not

girdled.
5th. Little difference was observed in the etfect of the girdling made

at different times or in the various widths of the ring of bark

taken out.

Conclusion.

No definite conclusion can be made at this time as to the effect of
this treatment upon the permaneut health of the tree. Observations
for many years alone can determine the point.

Reasoning from analogy and from the known laws of plant growth
we can only advise this treatment upon trees that are planted too
closely and a part of which must be removed after a time to allow
the full development of others, or those in very rich moist soil which
are long coming into bearing.

GIRDLING THE GRAPE VINE TO HASTEN RIPENING OF
THE FRUIT.

Cutting rings of bark from the canes of the grape vine to hasten
the time of ripening has been practiced more or less for many years
to prepare large specimens for exhibition, but only for the few years
past has it been practiced to hasten the crop for niai'ket.

In a series of experiments made in the college vineyard in 1877
and 1878, and recorded in the Report of the Board of Agriculture of
Mass. for 1878 and 1879, it was found that removing a ring of bark
early in July, 1-4 of an inch wide, resulted in hastening the time of
ripening from one to two weeks.

It was also concluded from very careful tests made at the time
that the increased size and early maturity ivas not at the exjiense of
the quality, and that as far as could be determined at that time, and
which further observations have confirmed, that the vines are not
materially injured by the girdling.

Girdling has been practised in the college vineyard more or less
every year since with favorable results ; the canes that are to be cut
away at the fall pruning only have been girdled, to avoid any possi-
bility of injury to vine or root from stopping the downward flow of
sap by the girdle.

Some seasons the results of this practice have been more marked

14 .

thau in others, but generally the increased price obtained for the
early fruit has much more than paid expenses of the work, and in
seasons of early frost, to which many sections of New England are
liable, it has made the difference between total failure and fair profit.

To save expense in the work, for the past two years the girdling
has been done by twisting a wire very firmly about the canes the last
of June above the point where the cane is to be cut away at the fall
pruning.

About No. 20 wire has been found best, and results obtained have
been more satisfactory when the wires were put on the last of June
or early in July and twisted very firmly about the cane.

Conclusion.
While we have no proof that the vines are in any way injured
(notwithstanding that we have made very careful observations for
many years) , we would not advise girdling the entire vine, but would
treat only those canes to be cut away at the fall pruning, and would
leave about one-half of the vine to grow to a natural condition.

PROTECTING TREES FROM MICE.

During the winter of 1886 and 1887 thousands of fruit and orna-
mental trees were destroyed by mice in Massachusetts ; all of the
ordinary precautions taken to prevent this injury having failed.

To discover some sure and cheap remedy for this condition of
things, the following experiments have been made during the past
two years.

EXPERIMENT NO. 1.

In March, 1887 a row of Transcendent crab apple trees were painted
with linseed oil and Paris green and a mixture of linseed oil, turpen-
tine and Paris Green as follows.

1st. The trunk was painted 15 inches from the ground.
2d. Trunk painted to main branches.
3d. Trunk and main branches painted.

4th. Trunk, main branches and some of the lateral branches were
painted.

Result.

Trees have shown no signs of injury from the paint which still
adheres to the bark.

EXPERIMENT NO. 2.

Having fears of the danger of using Paris green and oil upon

15

3'onng trees, in November of 1887 trees of all kinds were painted
with lime wash, glue and Paris green (1-2 lb. glue dissolved in hot
water and mixed with 10 qts. of lime wash and 1 table-spoonful of
Paris green). This was applied to many hundred trees.
Eesult.
This mixture adhered well to the trees until after several rain
storms and some frost, when it scaled off rapidly so that before win-
ter was over it was entirely washed off. Upon trees so treated very
few were girdled although the deep snow has been favorable for the
working of mice.

EXPERIMENT NO. 3.

To secure some paint that will not injure delicate trees, the follow-
ing mixtures were applied in April, 1888.
Series No. 1.
Lime wash of the consistency of common paint.
" " 10 parts and gas tar 1 part.
'' " 10 parts and asphaltum 1 part.
" "• 10 parts and Morrill's tree ink 1 part.
" " and skimmed milk equal parts.
'•'■ " skimmed milk (equal parts) and gas tar.
" " " L, ^^ ,i tt ■) j^j^(j asphaltum.

'•'■ " " ti (^ n tt ) r^i^f] Morrill's tree ink.

Series No. 2.
Portland cement, of the consistency of common paint.
" " 10 parts, gas tar 1 part

" " 10 parts, asphaltum 1 part.

" " 10 parts, Morrill's tree ink 1 part.

" " and skimmed milk equal parts.

" " " " " " " and gas tar 1 part.

" " " " " " and asphaltum 1 part.

" " " " " " " and Morrill's tree ink

1 part.
The above was applied with a common paint brush.

Besults.
Although these have been upon the trees over two months, most
of them still adhere well. The skimmed milk was found to add but
little to their adhesiveness.

None of trees treated show any indications of injury from the

The details of this experiment were can-led out by Mr. E. P. Felt of the Freshman class.

16

pjiint ; in fact, from the simple nature of the materials we do not
believe it possible that any injury can result.
Conclusion.

By the addition of Paris green to such compositions as the above,
provided they prove upon further trial to be harmless to the trees,
we feel certain some of them will prove an effectual preventive
against depredations by mice, and will be free from danger except
when poultry or small animals may be allowed to remain in the
orchard.

Farther reports will be made upon this subject before the close of
the season, so that anything discovered in this line may be made use
of or thorouohlv tested the Coming winter.

Department, of Meteorology.

C. D. WARNER.

It seems necessary to give only a brief outline of the work to be
done in this department.

We shall so far as possible keep a complete record of all meteoro-
logical phenomena. For agricultural, legal and other purposes, such
a record is of vital importance.

It is intended to note very carefully the direction, velocity and
force of the wind ; the quantity of rain-fall and depth of snow ; the
pressure, temperature, the amount of moisture, and quantity of
ozone in the atmosphere ; to ascertain the quantity of sunlight and
amount of solar radiation.

There will be a record of all electrical phenomena ; the quantity of
electricity in the atmosphere ; magnetic disturbances and the general
appearance of the heavens.

Daily, weekly and monthly records will be kept, and these records
will be bound and placed among the archiv. of ihf Station for
future reference.

So fur as possible, self-registering instrumeui-i will be employed
in making observations.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN NO. 2.

OCTOBER, 1888.

AMHERST, MASS.
J. E. WILLIAMS, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER,

1888.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College,

AMHERST, MASS.

At the orgauization of the Experimeut Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultuval College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the ''Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachus-
etts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell,
William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynard,
Charles H. Fernald,
Clarence D. Warner

Director.

Agriculturist.

Horticulturist.

Entomologist.

Meteorologist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, is
earnestly requested. Communications may be sent to the Director
or to any of the officers in charge.

Division of Entomology.

C. H. FERNALD.

THE GRAPE-VINE LEAF-HOPPERS.

These insects belong to the order Hemiptera or true bugs, and to
the suborder Homoptera. They are of small size, averaging only
about one-tenth of an inch in length, and are exceedingly variable.
They were first mentioned by Harris in his article "Locust" in the
Encyclopaedia Americana, published in 1831, where he gave the
name of Tettigonia vitis to one of the species. He also refers to it
in his "Insects Injurious to Vegetation," and states that it does
much damage to the grape leaves in this country.

In 1856 Dr. Fitch, in his "Third Report on the Noxious Insects"
in New York, described three species and established for them the
genus Erytlironeura. His species are vulnerata, tricincia and vitifex.
Say had previously described a species under the name Tettigonia
hasilaris which has been found on the leaves of the grape at this place.
All these species have been referred to the genus Erytlironeura by
Prof. Uhler, our highest authority on the Hemiptera, but it is
more than probable that some of them are only varieties of others.
Vine growers generally call them thrips, vine-hoppers, leaf-hoppers,
etc. They all have similar habits, and the same remedies may be
used for each.

These insects are believed to pass the winter in the perfect or
adult stage, under bark or leaves, and in the spring deposit their
eggs on the under surface of the tender leaves. These eggs hatch
in June, and the young larvae, which resemble the adult except iu
size and iu having no wings, suck the juices from the leaves, gener-
ally remaining on the underside. During their growth they molt
their skins several times, and these may often be seen on the leaves.
After a time the larvae transform to pupae with the rudiments of wings,
and finally when they reach maturity the wings appear fully devel-
oped.

They are now able to % from vine to vine or even from one vine-
yard to another. Late in October they seek a shelter for the winter,
where they hibernate till the following spring. Leaf-hoppers are
very active in their movements, and hop from one leaf to another or
run sideways, often passing quickly from one side of a leaf to the
other for protection when disturbed.

NATURE OF THEIR ATTACKS.

Le!if-hoi)pers do not consume the substance of the leaves, but,
forcing their tube-like mouth-parts through the epidermis or skin,
suck the sap from the interior. The leaves first indicate the presence
of these insects by becoming yellowish or brownish in small spots
where the sap has been exhausted. As the insects increase in size
and take more sap, these spots grow larger and the whole leaf ap-
pears as though scorched, turning brown and even falling off in cases
where the hoppers are very abundant. The result is that as the
leaves are injured, the growth of the stems is checked, the fruit is
stunted or fails to ripen, and if the ravages of these insects are
not prevented, the vines become entirely ruined in a few years.

Some varieties of grapes are especially liable to suffer from the
leaf-hoppers, as the Delaware, Clinton, and in general all varieties
having thin leaves. The abundance of these insects from year to
year seems to depend in a large degree upon the severity of the
winter and their ability to obtain protected places for shelter.

REMEDIES.

The remedies should vary according to the location of the vines.
If they are in graperies, smoking them with tobacco, taking care to
prevent the escape of the smoke, has been tried with good results.
Similar treatment with Persian Insect Powder poured upon burning
coals carried under the vines is also successful. Syringing with
strong tobacco-water or soapsuds, dusting with lime, sulphur and lime,
hellebore and cayenne pepper have all been recommended but have
not yet been tested at this station.

In vineyards, the treatment is more dificult as the adult insects can
fly away, and thus avoid the fumes of tobacco or insect powder. If
fumigating be attempted in the field, it should be done several times
at intervals of a day or two, and before the hoppers develop their
wings, that is, in this state the last of July or the first of August.
It is always desirable to destroy these insects early, before they are
large enough to greatly affect the vines, and before the energy

of the plant that should be devoted to vipeuing its fruit, is required
to repair the damages inflicted on its leaves.

If fumigation in the field be tried, its success will be much increas-
ed by using a small canvas tent which can be let down over the vines
and kept there for a litttle time to retain the smoke, though entirely
satisfactory results will hardly be obtained in this way. Another
method of some value is to carry lighted torches through the vine-
yard at night, beating the vines lightly at the same time. The insects
will be attracted to the light as they fly from the disturbed vines
and perish in the flames. It is well, also, to remove all rubbish
from near the vines, and frequently rake the ground late in the fall
and early in the spring, to expose the hibernating insects to the
frosts.

About the middle of August the attention of this Division was
called by Hon. J. H. Demond, of Northampton, to the condition of
the grape vines in his grapery. A special agent, sent to examine
them, reported that the leaves were badly discolored, and that leaf-
hoppers were present in large numbers. The remedy used in this
case was that of fumigating with pyrethrum. The grapery was
tightly closed and the powder scattered on burning coals carried
under the vines. The treatment was entirely successful, all the in-
sects being destroyed. A similar experiment tried on a vine in the
open air in Amherst gave much less satisfactory results.

The Glassy-winged Soldier-bug (Hyaliodes vitripennis Say) de-
vours many of these pests, and is their only insect enemy so far as
known. It belongs to the Heteroptera, the other group of the true
bugs, and is rather larger than the leaf-hopper, and when mature is
pale green with a pinkish head and thorax, and the wings are trans-
parent with a pink cross band. This insect should not be destroyed.

ANTS.

Small ant hills in smooth lawns, and in the cracks or along the
edges of walks, much injure the otherwise neat appearance of the
grounds about our houses. During the past year man}- inquiries
how to drive away the industrious nuisances have been made, and a
number of experiments have been conducted, to discover a remedy.

In Bulletin No. 11, of the Division of Entomology of the Depart-
ment of Agriculture is a report of experiments made in Indiana
for the same purpose. These experiments were : 1. Carbolic Acid

and Water ; 2. Copperas Water ; 3. Ammonia Water ; 4. Tar Water.
The last three proving ineffectual were not tried here, but the Car-
bolic Acid was reported as being quite successful and so was repeat-
ed at this Station this summer.

EXPERIMENT I. CARBOLIC ACID.

One part of Carbolic Acid to sixty-four parts of water. About
three table-spoonfuls were applied to each hole.

Result. — One day later no ants could be found and the hills showed
no signs of fresh work. The following day, however, fresh dirt
was present around the holes, and ants were seen at work.

The grass near was killed by the solution.

EXPERIMENT II. CARBOLIC ACID.

One part of Carbolic Acid to thirty-nine parts of water. About
three table-spoonfuls were applied to each hole.

Result. — This stronger solution seemed to have even less effect
than the solution tried in Experiment I. The grass was killed as in
the other case.

Why these experiments, which were a success in Indiana, should
fail here I cannot say. The injury done the grass, however, would
render this an undesirable remed}' even if successful so far as re-
moving the ants is concerned.

EXPERIMENT III. KEROSENE.

The kerosene was poured on in sufficient quantity to moisten the
entire hill.

Result.^'rhe nests were deserted and the ants either destroyed or
driven away.

The grass around was killed, however, which makes this an un-
desirable remedy also.

BISULPHIDE OF CARBON.

This disagreeably smelling chemical may be obtained of any drug-
gist at about fifty cents a pound. The bottle in which it is contained
should be kept tightly stoppered, as it loses its strength if exposed
long to the air. When used, care should betaken to avoid breathing
the fumes, not only, because these are disagi-eeable but also because
when breathed for some time the health is affected. It should also
be kept away from fire as it burns at 107° Far.

EXPERIMENT IV. BISULPHIDE OF CARBON.

Eight or ten drops poured on the top of the hill.

Result. — The ants seemed greatly disturbed, but after a time re-
turned to their work and were apparently unaffected.
The grass around was not killed.

EXPERIMENT V. BISULPHIDE OF CARBON.

About twenty-five drops poured on top of the hill.
liesult. — Same as in experiment IV.

EXPERIMENT VI. BISULPHIDE OF CARBON.

An ant hill nearly six feet square, next to the underpinning of a
house, was doing much damage. The ground was so thoroughly
mined that a person walking over it would sink in quite deepl}',
the grass on the hill was nearly dead. With a small stick, holes
about six inches deep, were made about fifteen inches apart, over the
hill, and two or three teaspoonfulsof the Bisulphide poured into each
hole, after which all the holes were closed up and the earth pressed
down by stepping on them.

Result. — No ants have since appeared there, no fresh earth has
been brought to the surface, and the whole place has formed a good
turf.

It is probable that the method of treatment in this case is the ex-
planation of its success and of the non-success of experiments IV.
and V. Further trials are needed, however, to obtain any final
results, and for that reason this should be considered as a partial
report, only.

ALUM NOT DESTRUCTIVE TO CURRANT WORMS.

The statement was quite widely circulated in the agricultural papers
during the early part of the summer, that alum in solution in water
would destroy the currant worm (Nematus ribesii Sco^.)

To settle the question beyond the shadow of a doubt, a plant
with currant worms upon it was placed in a breeding cage and
showered with a weak solution of alum from an atomizer such as is
used by physicians. The worms showed a little disquiet when the
spra}^ was falling on them, and threw the posterior end of their
bodies back and forth a few times, and then went on feeding as
though nothing had happened. In a few days they were treated
again with a stronger solution but with like results. Finally a sat-
urated solution of alum was made and showered over them and the
leaves of the currant, but they in no case fell from the leaves, and

8

appeared no more disturbed than when clear water was thrown upon
them from the atomizer.

After this the worms under observation were not disturbed, but
continued feeding quite as if nothing had happened, and passed their
transformations in quite as healthy a condition as those which were
not treated.

From these experiments we must conclude that alum as an insecti-
cide for the currant worm is a perfect failure. It is possible that
some one who tried showering currant worms with alum water, did
it just before they were done feeding, and when they went down
into the ground, he supposed his application had destroyed them,
and at once reported his supposed success in the papers.

POISONOUS DOSES OF INSECTICIDES.

We have frequently been requested to give information as to the
quantities of poisonous insecticides in general use, that would prove
fatal or dangerous to man and our domestic animals. It is impos-
sible to be very exact in this matter as Toxicologists differ in their
opinions as to the quantities required to prove fatal. This is un-
doubtedly due to the fact that some persons are not as susceptible to
the action of certain poisons as others, and amounts that would prove
fatal in some cases might not prove seriously injurious in others.

ARSENIC.

Arsenious acid or white oxide of arsenic, known in common lan-
guage as arsenic, is not very much used as an insecticide, but some
of its compounds are the most useful insecticides now known. The
following table of approximately fatal doses may prove useful, and
serve as a basis for calculations on its compounds.

From one to two grains will probably prove fatal to an adult
person.

About one-half as much will probably prove fatal to a person four-
teen years old.

About one-third as much will probably prove fatal to a person
seven years old.

About one-fifth as much will probably prove fatal to a person four
years old.

About one-sixth as much will probably prove fatal to a person
three years old.

About oue-eiglith as much will probivbly jirove fatal to a persoii
two years old.

About one-tenth as much will probably prove fatal to a person
one year old or under.

Blyth in his "Poisons, their Effects and Detection" states that the
following doses of arsenic may be considered as dangerous : two
grains for an adult, thirty grains for a horse, ten grains for a cow,
one-half of a grain to one grain for a dog.

There are numerous cases on recoid of recovery after enormous
doses. In nearly all these cases, however, two conditions are
recorded : first, that the poison was taken after a full meal, and
secondly, that very early and free vomiting occurred. This, indeed,
is doubtless the explanation of many cases which otherwise appear
inexplicable.

TREATMENT FOR ARSENICAL POISONING.

Never neglect treatment because the case seems hopeless. As a
rule vomiting sets in spontaneously, and, if the poison has been
taken on a full stomach, the whole of it may be gotten rid of. If,
however, the poison be taken on an empty stomach, it sticks to the
walls and sets up an intense inflamation.

It should be the endeavor first to get rid of the poison, and to this
end. Woodman and Tidy, in their work on Forensic Medicine and
Toxicology, advise the administering of hot milk and water, and
" emetics of sulphate of zinc or mustard ; at the same time the
throat should be tickled with a feather, but in no case should anti-
mony' be given. After free vomiting, give milk and eggs. Sugar
and magnesia in milk is a good mixture, an insoluble compound with
arsenious acid being in this way formed." Whatever active measures
are taken in case of poisoning, one should not neglect to call a phj'-
sician as early as possible.

PARIS GREEN.

Arsenite of Copper, generally containing an excess of arsenic. It
varies somewhat in composition, hence, no absolute percentage table
can be given, but there is generally over 50 per cent, of arsenic in
that which has not been adulterated. The commercial Paris Green
is undoulitedly more or less adulterated, and that sold in the market
for the destruction of insects probably never contains more than 50
per cent, of arsenic, and may contain no more than 30 per cent. If
the average is between these percentages, a fatal dose would be from

2

10

two to three times as much as of arsenic, and the table given under
that poison can be changed so that it will apply to Paris Green.

The antidotes for Paris Green are given on the packages sold in
this state, or that given for arsenic may be used.

LONDON PURPLE.

This substance is one of the waste products obtained in the manu-
facture of aniline dyes, and, according to an analysis made by Prof.
Collier, contains about 43 per cent, of arsenic. If unadulterated, a
fatal dose would be about the same as that of the commercial Paris
Green. It does not appear to be so generally used as an insecticide
in Massachusetts as Paris Green, for which I cannot find any good
reason, unless the farmers first got accustomed to the use of Paris
Green and are slow to change ; or else because London Purple is sold
in bulk, while Paris Green is put up in more convenient packages.

HELLEBORE.

White Hellebore {Veratruvi album) is in general use for the des-
truction of the currant worm {Nematus Ribesii) , and is the most
poisonous of all the species of Hellebore. Blyth, in his work pre-
viously referred to, states that a dose of "20 grains of powdered root
has caused death, and, on the other hand, ten times that quantity
has been taken with impunity, so that at present, it is quite an open
question just how much may prove fatal." It is probable that the
powdered root loses its active principle with age, and becomes not
only less poisonous, but also less valuable as an insecticide.

Division of Horticulture.

S. T. MAYNARD.

Rejoort on new and standard varieties of fruit.

As each season passes, more positive knowledge as to the value of
the old and new varieties is brought out. Old varieties often devel-
ope some quality either good or bad, not before known, which affect
their value for market or other purposes : diseases or weaknesses
become more marked, or valuable qualities become more noticeable,

11

or the consumer learns more of those qualities and greater demand is
created.

For these reasons, in making this report of the past season's expe-
rience in the college orchards and fruit plantations, we shall not ouh'
sum up the merits of new varieties, but also note any change in the
standing of the older varieties.

This summary will be based principally upon observations taken
on our own grounds, but we may also note the standing of varieties
in other sections of the state.

THE APPLE.

The crop in this state will probably prove one of the largest re-
corded. The fruit is large and fair generally, but less free from
codling moths than for several years. Should the crop in other sec-
tions prove as small as reported, good prices will prevail, if the
growers will not allow themselves to be frightened into putting their
fruit upon the market too rapidly. To obtain the best prices more
care must be given to sorting and packing of the fruit than is usually
given.

VARIETIES.

Yellow Transparent. This is one of the best Russian varieties yet
introduced. In time of ripening it is in advance of the Early
Harvest or Red Astrachan. Its color is against it as a profit-
able market apple, even should it prove as vigorous and product-
ive as the latter varieties. Tree only moderately vigorous. It is
a very promising variety, but further trial must be made to
establish its value.

Early Harvest. The fault of this variety of producing few perfect
specimens in many localities, especially under the "• no care "
system by which a great many of our orchards are managed,
has increased so largely in this state as to seriously injure its
value. Its color and tender flesh are so objectionable that it
can no longer be recommended as a market fruit except in
favored localities. The only way any profit can be expected
from it is to pick it several weeks before the larger and better
varieties like the Astrachan are colored enough to market.

Red Astrachan. This variety, which has always been profitable, is
growing in favor as a cooking apple. It reaches large size early
in the season, and by picking the largest and most colored speci-
mens very early good prices may be obtained.

12

Oldenburg. This variety on account of its vigor of growth, product-
iveness and good qualities for both cooking and the table is
gaining in favor with both grower and consumer.

Early Williams. F'or table use this is by far the best and most prof-
itable variety grown in Massachusetts. The best results can
only be obtained from trees in vigorous condition, in full expo-
sure to sun and wind to cause early coloring of the fruit.

Porter. This once popular and profitable apple seems to be losing
much of its vigor of growth, and many trees are dying, Unless
grown on vigorous trees, the fruit is so small as to be almost
unsalable in many markets.

Gravenstein. Notwithstanding the manj' new varieties introduced
and the numerous valuable older varieties so abundant, this still
holds its own, and even is gaining in popularity in almost every
market. It has scarcely a fault, and is i)erhaps the most prof-
itable variety to grow.

Fall Pippin. The vigor and hardiness of the tree, together with the
large size and good quality of the fruit, make it an apple that
should be more generally grown.

Haas. This has fruited heavily and regularly for several years, and
although it ripens at the same time as many very valuable varie-
ties, its handsome color, good qualit}', and great productive-
ness will probably make it a profitable variety.

Bed Bertiglieimer. The largest and most showy apple of its season.
It is of a good quality, tree vigorous and said to be productive,
although, on the college grounds, the young trees have borne only
a few specimens. It is so large and heavy that, if planted on
high and exposed land, much loss often occurs from heavy winds.
It is colored early and, although not mature,. may be put upon
the market between the first and middle of August. Unless it
developes some failing not at present known, it will prove a
valuable market apple.

Baldwin., R. I. Greening and Huhhardston retain their place of
supremacy as the best varieties well known in the market for
both home use and shipping. It was generally reported during
the past winter that, for some unknown cause, the second variety
kept better than the Baldwin.

13

King. lu sections where the soil is heavy and rich, this apple proves
valuable, but does not generally yield the quantity obtained
from the above mentioned three varieties.

Fameuse. This beautiful apple has failed in many localities to fulfill
the expectations of its growers. Unless the soil and location are
very favorable, it is very irregular and imperfect. It also has
the fault of being attacked by the apple maggot which renders
the fruit useless.

Roxbury Eussett. On heavy, rich soil it has done admirably for the
past few years, but shows the effect of neglect more than many
other varieties.

N. Sjyy- Generally not profitable in New England.

Bed Bussett. This variety is gaining favor where known on account
of its vigor, productiveness, beauty and long keeping qualities.
The tree is as vigorous as the Baldwin, the fruit nearly as large
and keeps about as long as the Roxbury Russett.

Fallaioater. Large, showy, of good keeping qualities, mild subacid
flavor and very productive. The skin is tough and less injured
in shipping than almost any green or yellow apple. For table
use it vrill be valuable, but is not quite acid enough for cooking.

Sutton Beauty. This valuable apple has been a long time in making
its good qualities known. Its principal fault is its medium size,
but its many good qualities of flavor, beauty and productiveness
are being recognized. With so popular a variety as the Bald-
win occupying the field, it will be only by persistent effort on
the part of those who appreciate its merits that it will be largely
planted.

Pewaukee. A seedling of Oldenburg which possesses the great vigor
and productiveness of that variety. The fruit is of good size,
striped and splashed with red and covered with a dee[) bloom.
It is a late keeper, of fair quality and may prove valuable as a
market fruit. It has borne heavily annually on young trees in
the college orchard.

PEARS.

The pear crop in the experiment orchard has been so light, and
so few varieties have fruited, that little extended observation could
be made. The varieties bearing the most fruit are the Bartlett,
Anjou, Lawrence, Belle Lucrative and Louise Bon ; although none
of these have produced a full crop, the Anjou and Bartlett through-
out the country are producing more fruit than any other varieties.

14

Kiejfer. This has failed to make the rapid growth credited to it in
more southern localities, in the orchard, but in the nursery the
growth has been very good.

Le Conte. Notwithstanding the claim that the Le Conte and other
Japanese pears are not subject to the attack of the blight,
this and a seedling Sand pear were destroyed by blight the
past season.

Lawson. A tree of this variety having been planted beside a variety
from Kentucky known as the Early Harvest, it is shown that the
two are very much alike in foliage. The Early Harvest has
fruited with us and answers the description of that of the Law-
son, but it is worthless for any purpose. The table on page 17
shows the condition of the atmosphere and amount of leaf blight
noticed during the months of July and August.

peachp:s.

Owing to the destruction of the fruit buds by the cold during the
winter of '87 and '88, little or no fruit has been produced this season.
The trees are making a fine growth and are generally free from
disease. A few trees standing partly in turf with strips of cultivated
land between the rows, however, have died, while those where all the
land has been cultivated, and where they stand wholly in turf have
escaped.

The early varieties like Amsden, Alexander, Waterloo and Schu-
maker have rotted so badly, except in warm, airy places, as to be
almost worthless. While these and other very early white fleshed
varieties are more hardy than those of the Crawford and Old Mixon
type, this defect of rotting is so serious that, unless some remedy is
found, it will not be profitable to plant such early varieties. It is
hoped that another season experiments may be made to test some of
the well known agents desiructive to such fungus growth as cause
this rotting.

The following varieties are growing upon the grounds, but few of
them have fruited this year. Our data is therefore so small, owing
to the limited fruiting, that we simply give a list of varieties growing
in the orchard without attempting to decide upon their comparative
value for this locality.

Amsden, Alexander, Waterloo, Schumaker, Mt. Rose, Old Mixon,
Stump, Mrs. Brett, Sally Worrel, Arkansas Traveler, Conklin, Red
Cheek, Coolidge Favorite, Morris White, Holland (local seedling),
Wager, Wheatland, Reeves Favorite, Smock, E. Crawford, L. Craw-
ford, Foster.

15

PLUMS.

The plum crop has been small in the college orchard and many
varieties have rotted badly on the tree before fully ripe. Owing to
the cool weather, the quality has not been up to the average of former
years.

The curculio has been more than usually abundant, but notwith-
standing that nothing has been done to destroy it, those trees that
blossomed and set fruit produced a moderate crop. The black wart
upon the branches seems the most serious obstacle to the growth of
the plum. We are making experiments with suggested remedies for
this disease and hope, another season, to report something of value
in this line. In the mean time, every grower should cut away all
warts as soon as they break through the bark and burn them, for,
with every wart destroyed early in the season, millions of spores may
be prevented which, under favorable conditions, would produce warts
upon other branches. Vigorous growth obtained by good cultivation
will, in a measure, prevent the attack of this disease. The following
is a- list of varieties growing upon our grounds. The old varieties
are growing in the college orchard and the newer kinds in the Experi-
ment plot.

Lombard, Washington, Wild Goose, Yellow Egg, Imperial Gage,
Green Gage, Coe's Golden, Smith Orleans, Bradshaw, McLaughlen,
Jefferson, Gen. Hand, Reine Claude de Bary, Prince Englebert,
Pond's Seedling, Victoria, Grand Duke, Niagara, Peach. Ogden or
Ogan, Kelsey, Mariana, Quackenbos, Duanes, Lawrence, Simooni.

CHERRIES.

. Owing to the increase of insect enemies and the ravages of birds
but little success has attended the cultivation of this fruit in New
England. Unless a large number of trees are grown, the
birds get all of the fruit, and should any escape, the larvae of the
plum curculio is so abundant as to render them almost worthless.
The question, how to prevent the ravages of birds is a serious
one, yet, considering the great benefit such birds as the robin, cat-
bird, etc., render in destroying noxious insects, we shall take the
ground that they do more good than harm and urge the planting of
more trees that they may have a due share of the fruit and leave
some for the grower.

The prevention of insect injuries is a more serious problem. The
remedies, applied for the destruction of the curculio on the plum, of

16

jarring of the trees or of planting in poultry yards, cannot be de-
pended upon. It is possible, however, that the use of Paris green
or Loudon purple while the fruit is still quite small may be effectual,
although from the nature of the condition we are unable to see how.
Experiments made at the Ohio Experiment Station seem to indicate
favorable results, and it is to be hoped that so simple and cheap a
remedy may be found successful. Another season this matter will
be fully tested on our grounds. The varieties growing in our orchard
are : Yellow Spanish, Gov. Wood, Black Tartarian, Early Purple,
Royal Duke, May Duke, Early Richmond, Belle Magnifique, Downer's
Cleveland, Tradescants, Black Heart, Downer, Reine Hortense,
Napoleon, Rockland, Bigarreau, Montmorency Ordinaire.

GRAPES.

Owing to the unusually cool summer the grape crop has been very
backward iii ripening, and in man}' localities was cut off entirely by
the early frosts. Where it has escaped however the warm, moist
weather following the frost has caused the crop to mature in a fjlirly
good condition.

Very little mildew has appeared, and only a few cases of serious
rotting of the fruit iiave been reported.

In order to make a careful study of these two diseases a series of
weather observations have been made, taken in the centre of the
vineyard. By this means we hope to become thoroughly familiar
with all the conditions under which they become destructive. It is
proposed the next season to make a thorough test of the numerous
remedies recommended in this couutry and Europe for the destruction
of these most serious obstacles to grape growing in America.

The following table shows the condition of the atmosphere during
the two most critical mouths, together with the amount of mildew
noticed upon the foliage or fruit.

2

8

OO-^---*O2«22J2OOOOOOOOOO002

Ph

•po^wopiuu
S8AU01 odit.io

oooooooooooooooooooooo-Hi-iiM

o.mji;.ia(liu9x
uiiiuiiniK

>q .q

Ni0 05CDC005COOOCDC<lC3 01'*<lr-c005C5--|-M05CO-:fCOrH
CO lO O lO >0 T)! lO "O lO 'O >0 -* lO CO lO CO >0 >0 lO «i lO >0 lO W5 CO

OJinujodiuax
uiniuixx?i\r

>q «= >« "O .q >q
i--(M(Mcooo05coc<>-:oiot-'*(Meocor^c»t-t^c-^c<)'*a200

3iCOQ0COC0t-t-00Q00000Q0t-00001-000CCO00t-00CO0000

•.laxiJVOAV

TJ 't3 t3 . J Ti ^- .J .^ ^ r^ >^>> ::.-.• -• iJ -• J t! tJ

i

•.ia}aiuo.iBa

29.35

29.5

29.5

29.5

29.

29.1

29.4

29.5

29. G

29.7

29.8

29.7

29.6

29.6

29.7

29.55

29.5

29.5

29.7

29.6

29.6

29.75

29.7

29.6

29.4

a-vpt'iaa

.90
.93
.96
97

.755

.915
.93

.915
93

.915
.90
.93
.93

.915

.785
.97
.97
.84
.90
.90

1.00
.93
.93
97
.98

Ci

•jHioj Avaa

issij^i§sss3sissi§S2sgisi^

•finia ?3jW.

>C >0 lO »C Id

CO(M(MlCTtHi:COCOCOC^(N-^OOCOCOtCC3CO^OOOTH«^rH
OCO?DCOt-»OCOCDCO<:OCOCOCO«CCOCOCDCOCOCDCOCOCOCOt-

•qina ^la

iqiqiOiq "^i^ '^"^'^ *". "^

o6cOCflCo"c5<Z)'-l^'oOCO'*'OOt--^OCOOC;CO'-IO-^lOt^(M

COCOCOCOt^lO<X>COCOCOCOCDCOOI:^COt-COCOt-CCCDCO<X>t^

•.lailjBaAV

•S -3 -3 -S ^ .2 ^ .5i ^ -S ii -S -S ^ -S ^ -S ^ ^ -3 ^ ^ ^ ^ -S

•.taiDuto.tBa

r0>OlO>O<M CO>OCOt-OOOOCOCOIr-lOOlOt^COCOI~-l>-COiO

i

SSSSSSg^SSSg^SSSSSSSSf^SSSSS

•^MpiuinH
aAi^wiaa

C0cM-H<MO(M^t^>O-*C0^'*05O01N<MN(M<M«O0000.-c

OOOOOOt^OOQOOOl-r-lOSCXJOSCiOOCCOOODOOOOOOCiOOOOOOOl

CO

n

•luioj Avaa

.-lOOOT:i<OC5000COCO!M^OO'*l:^r-ioOOOO«5»0.-<CO'-l^
OCIr-t~t-OOCOCOt-t-l-t-t-COt-t-t-l^l^t^t^Ot-l-OOCO

•qina ?OAV

W iq «=«=«?
C<l(MOt-(N-^OOOC»^-*»005COC35MO»'-l05l~-COC000 3>T(>5
ooi^cor-oot^t-t-ir-i:-t~t-cot-i~-t~ir-<»i-t-cot-t-cooc

•qina JLia

iq vq vq iq O O «5
iOCOCO'*<r~'OCOCOIM«5t~OOOt^'*Ui^CO^r-lt^CO-HlC^
OOt-t-OOOOt-t-OOQOt-t-t-t^f^OOr-COOOCOOOCOl-OOOOOO

•jamuBAV

•.la^aiuojBa

0^>0'O^C5^incOt-QOOOt~COt-lr-<>'Ot-COCOt-t-l>-CD

i

jnocmosocooioi — c:c>O05a2a>ciC5C5C505csc5ciC5a5
•^^(^^(^^(^^<^^<^^<^^<^^c<lC^^(^^(^^c^c^(^^|^J!^^!^^<^^(^^(^^c^J^<^(^^c^J

-.^^ipiiuuH
aAnttiaa

(J300OTOOOOOC;^CCaiO>OOOC5C005050iOOC»<3500050500

<

^

®

•inioj Avaa

•lO u-5 >0 >0 lO "O lO
iO«300005do6l>^adc505'-CWC5COt^Q005CDCO(N«OCOt^OO
t-COOCOCOCO>OCOCDCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCOCDtCCOCOlOCDCDCO

•qina 10 Ai

cocooo50^0C5000oO(MOooooc;Ooot^c<loor-ooO
I^COCOCOr-COCOCOt-t-l-~COCOl^COCOCOr-COCOCO«5COCDt^

■qiua ^.la

>o o lO lo >q
coOrHco^co.-H"^(?qcqcqo<MSOtMo-HiM(MOotiOcoc5Tt<
t-t-col^t^cDCOt-t-t^t-t-cot-l-lr-t-t-t^Ir^cDcococDt-

•^ITlf

^°°"2::;222:22^22SSSSSSSSj?SSS?;;

^J Ol Ol rf^ CO 1

O <» 00 -a Oi en

August.

-<I-10iOiOO^-^l-JOi^Oi^l-4-1^^0iOiOiOiOi^-^OiOiOJ^~^-505Ci
t003^J^-OO.G04^H-h-'a>tOOCnOOOiOiOi05.— 0iO00O00«0-<ItCOQ0«3

b, bl

Dry bulb.

-4-<OiOi-a-j-4-joiOio>05ai-^^^oiOi0305aiai^iojOJOi--i-405CiOi

h-'OOi«OCC&5C«H-'!X>COOl«D-atO-JCn>*>.t005>-»(^-JOiCO-3000llO«50<^

w bx bl

Wet bulb.

— IOiO5WT^--)^CiCnCi0iOi0i^J--»~4Oi0iOSOiO5Oi~J0iO50i--l--JO5CiO3
H-00>4^00CDbO^O-]00*.-^OiO-IOlOSOCOh-fcOCnrf--JOi^rf^tOOO&oS5
bi bi b.

Dew point.

0

r.^

Relative
humidity.

>

CDOOCOCDCOCOOOCOODOCOOOOOOOCSOtOCOOOCOODOOCOtOOCCtCOODO

29.5

29.6

29.6

29.5

29.45

29.5

29.5

29.6

29.6

29.75

29.9

29.8

29.45

29.65

29.6

29.6

29.5

29.6

29.6

29.55

29.55

29.2

29.55

29.5

29.5

29.5

29.4

29.5

29.5

29.5

29.5

Barometer.

^

Clear.

Smoky.
Cloudy.
Fair.
Cloudy.

Fair.
Clear.
Fair.
Rainy.

Clear.

Cloudy.

Fair

Cloudy.

Fair

Cloudy.

Fair.

Clear.

Fair.
Clear.
Fair.

Weather.

O. CPl

Dry bulb.

^aGo^]C5^50ooo--iCi~aciOD^a.<i^joo^a^OiOiOs^ioo^~aoiOo^oooo^j

Ci>-'0iH^0l*-C000CiO^Ci-40iJ-'Cn-4t0CJl050i^4>-b0C0lX)C«C0h-C0^
b. bl

Wet bulb.

CnCO*-0303-^ODC5£»CDOiCnCiStl—*.CiObOWOlCiOOtOCOOC«OOo3o5
ht bl

Dew point.

CO

I-' >-•

Relative
humidity.

^

'v> OS 'zo lo bo bi '^ '(X OS '^ '^ a^ 'a^ '<xi '^ 'cc '(x> 'cc OS Ci hD 'a:> ^ '^ Id b> lo 'cc b:> ^ cc
i-tooobooo4-iotDOOoooooo..4^0TCciOH-ooa>to-i-JO-ic»cn-aco

1

29.5

29.6

29.6

29.4

29.45

29.5

29.5

29.6

29.6

27.6

29.85

29.8

29.35

29.6

29.75

29.6

29.4

29.6

29.5

29.55

29.4

29.35

29.5

29.5

29.5

29.5

29.4

29.5

29.5

29.5

29.5

2

^G ^ G^2^G^G Gl? G^ ^ G Q^Q^ 9

fi- S ' .^" ' " § ;^" 1 ^' § ?^' p ' § .^' " § !^' ' 5" " § " § 5" S 2 ' " § Weather.

Ci-40>CnOt-a-qOiO<OlOi050i05^00-10iOiOiOiCJ05Ci-<10i-J-<I-.ia50i
WOOH-OiOil— t0O00Q0h-WCi(»t0O^-'O«>H-C0^0iOfcS0i-^O^00rf^

bl bl bl

Dry bulb.

Oi-IOlCJlCnai-JOiOlOiOiOaOiCi-4-4-4 0lCiOiC5 0i050i-JOi^OiOiOiO>

ootoooi^-cooooci-^i— to^^to^oo-aotocoiyioof-oi-a«cDOiOo
bl bl

Wet bulb.

Ci-JOlOlOiCiC50iOiCnCiO50i0i--J^JCiOi0iOiO5in0i0i~4Ci^lO50iC5Ci
OitO-lrf-lNSOO<»-<I,4-ai^>-COOilOOOOOOi<r.--i4^-4l-Ol-100t»0,tO

b. b.

Dew point.

0

K- i-.

Relative
humidity.

oobocoQolococabjOOOoi;crl20olDOco(Xco«DoisoocDOco

tO-a-JWOiOOWOtOOOCOOC.;CO-^**^OCOCOOi-lW05-I^J04-OOK-

?

29.5

29.6

29.6

29.4

29.5

29.5

29.5

29.55

29.6

29.8

29.9

29.7

29.35

29.6

29.7

29.6

29.45

29.55

29.5

29.55

29.2

29.5

29.5

29.5

29.6

29.5

29.5

29.5

29.5

29.5

29.5

Barometer.

^

Clear.

Fair.

Rainy.

Cloudy.

Rainy.
Clear.

Cloudy,

Fair.
Clear.

Fair.

Clear

Fair.

Rainy.

Fair.

Clear.

Fair.

Clear.

Weather.

c»oooo~aooto«oco^a^-aco^jcooocD(»^j^aci-4Qo«o^aoo^Qr:ooDOoQc

OiOfcOtOtOi— ►-Ol— Oit04-CSOOtOtOO«£>tOCn0503H-0005COOOOOC50<

bl bl bl

Maximum
temperature.

OiOitf^.*-oiCiCiOi.f-oioic;i<:j,Oi-JOiOiOiCnOiOioiC50icr50iciCiOiOi05

COOltD-.lhf'Orf^i^-OiCiOiCDOOOiOCiOirf^OiOOCCCi-ltOOl-Iff-OlOtO

bl bl

Minimum
temperature .

Grape leaves
mildewed.

^

OOOOOOOO~a0i0>0l0lCJi0l0i0lif>>f^rf^C00iC0C0K-00<3i.*>.»*-C0t0)

"

Pear leaves
blighted.

^oT

Wll»lOiOlCflOiCnCnOiCS050iQOOOCC000000050i030i-J~^-a^QOC»

r

19

We give u brief account below of tlie behavior of tlie varieties

growing on our grounds.

Agawayn. Mildewed and rotted to some extent ; many vines were
injured last winter by the cold weather. It is too unreliable for
this section.

Amber Queen. This variety shows but little fruit this season. The
foliage is good, but will not withstand the attacks of mildew when
the season is more favorable for its development, than this ha.«
been.

Ann Harbor. Slow in growth, but foliage good. Lacking in vigor
and productiveness.

August Giant. Foliage mildewed badly ; has not fruited enough to
enable us to give a fair judgment of its merits.

Bacchus. Foliage like the Clinton and entirely free from mildew.
Fruit not much better than that variety, but a little larger.

Beauty. Good foliage and no mildew on the leaves, but the fruit has
been attacked by a dry rot that has destroyed it.

Brackman. The foliage very much like the Clinton and entirely free
from mildew. The grapes resemble the lona in size, color and
quality. It is early and from the two seasons' trial we are led
*to believe that it will be one of the best grapes for New England.
It ripens with the Delaware and although not of as sugary qual-
ity, is more vinous and nearer the perfect grape than any
variety, except the lona.

Brighton. An early red grape of some value, but often gives strag-
gling bunches that are not attractive.

Concord. This grape still takes the lead as the "' grape for the mil-
lions." Probably more vines of this variety are planted in the
count}' than all others together. It is, however, too late for
New England, to ensure its ripening every year, and while we
have in the Wordens,a grape in all its important qualities like it,
and one that ripens more than a week earlier, the Concord should
not be planted.

Cottage. Foliage good, ripens early and is of fair quality, but lacks
vigor.

Champion. Very early, but too poor to be recommended for cultivation.

Delaware. One of the most delicate varieties in quality of fruit and
foliage. In warm, sheltered and airy locations with a good
soil it reaches great perfection. It mildews badly in moist,
warm weather, which often destroys all the foliage. If the rem-

20

cdies rc'comuieiideil by the Depurtuient of Agriculture for the
destruction of mildew and rot sliall be proved successful we may
hope to see the Delaware among the most satisfactory varieties
in New England.

Duchess. Foliage poor, and as far as fruited with us, not promising.

Early Victor. Ripens very early, but the fruit is of the same char-
acter ;ts the Telegraph and Champion and of little value.

Eldorado. Vine immensely vigorous and foliage good, but too late
in ripening its fruit for this section.

Empire State. The vine is moderately vigorous and a little inclined
to mildew. In quality the fruit is good and a late keeper, but it
has not shown the vigor and productiveness claimed tor it when
first introduced.

Hayes. Vine perfectly hardy and with good foliage, but of slow
growth. The fruit is rather medium in size of bunch, but ripens
early and is of good quality.

Highland. Vigorous and hardy, but the fruit is too late for any but
warm localities.

Hartford. This old grape is seldom planted on account of the fault
of the fruit in dropping from the bunch, but from its hardiness
and perfect foliage it should be used as a parent for the produc-
tion of hardy and early new varieties.

Io7ia. Vine tender, foliage liable to mildew and the fruit to rot, yet
the fruit is so fine that in favored localities it should l)e planted,
unless the Brackman, which so closely resembles it in fruit,
shall prove to be a success in New England.

Janesville. Another grape with the Clinton foliage and with a fruit
that is much better than its parent, but which has the very serious
fault of dropping from the bunch when ripe. As a parent of
new varieties it may be of value.

Jefferson. Too late to be of any value in this section.

Jessica. Vine of moderate growth and a foliage that has mildewed
badly this season. Fi'uit of good quality.

Lady. One of the most satisfactory early white grapes, although
moderate in growth and not very productive.

Lady Washington. A magnificent growing vine, but too late for this
section.

Martha. An old variety scarcely equaled by any new variety ripen-
ing at the time unless by the Lady ; foliage good, but of very
moderate growth.

21

Moore's Early. Tlie one really good giiipe that is sure to ripen in
Massachusetts when any variety does. The vine is not quite as
vigorous as the Concord, but it is as hardy and the fruit of nearly
as good quality.

Niagara. The most vigorous and productive white grape in cultiva-
tion. It is late in ripening and in unfavorable seasons has
rotted badly, but the foliage has not been injured' by mildew.

Onieda. A red grape of some promise which has thus far failed to
produce a sufficient crop to be profitable.

Pearl. Vine vigorous, but fruit does not ripen here.

PocTclington. ioliage good, vine vigorous and the fruit large, fine
and of good quality, but it is unfortunately late in ripening.

Poughleepsie Red. A promising variety, but has failed to fruit as
abundantly as in other sections.

Prentis. Vine slow in growth, fruit of medium size and good (piality,
late.

Rochester. Foliage good, vine vigorous ; has fruited but little with
us.

Telegj-ajyh. Early, perfectly hardy, but of poor quality.

Ulsters Proliflc. Small red grape of good quality ; we have not fruited
it long enough to test its value.

Vej-gennes. Hardy, vigorous and moderately productive ; a very
promising variety.

Wyoming Red. Good foliage, moderately vigorous and early.
Promising.

Wilder. Rogers" No. 4. One of the best of Rogers' hybrids and
under favorable conditions succeeds well.

Warden. By far the best grape to plant for profit in New England.
It is equally hardy, productive and of as good quality as the
Concord and more than a week earlier. In vine and foliage
almost identical.

RED RASPBERRIES.

Hansel. Hardy, rather weak in growth, foliage good, fruit early,
ripening with the Marlboro and before the Turner. The fruit is
of fine color and good quality, moderate^ fii'm and productive.
In some localities the foliage has mildewed badly ; on the
college grounds it has been injured in this way, but one sea-
son since its introduction four years ago.

22

Bancocas. This variety as we liave it is in every way identical with
the Hansel, although it never has been injured by mildew. It
is possible that we ma}- not have the true variety.

Marlboro. For the past three seasons this variety has fruited with
us and we consider it the most promising variety for profit.
The fruit is large, of light color, firm and of fair quality. It
has proved entirely hardy and moderately vigorous. In some
sections the foliage is reported to burn liadly in dry weather ;
but with good cultivation and liberal manuring in the fall, it has
proved by far the most profitable raspberry.

Cuthhert. This superb variety still heads the list for hardiness, re-
liability under all conditions, and the qualit}' of fruit produced.
With an abundant supply of the earlier varieties in the market it
may not be quite as profitable in the future as in the past, but
can be recommended everywhere for home use.

Turner. Under the ordinary methods of cultivation this variety is
too small to be profitable, especially if such varieties as the
Marlboro, Hansel and Rancocas are grown extensively.

Superb. Truly superb in form and size, but of so poor a quality and
breaks no or crumbles so in picking as to be valueless for mar-
ket. The plants are rather weak in growth.

Shaffer's. A hybrid between the Blackcap and red raspberry. In
vigor it exceeds all of the former, and in size of fruit all of the
latter. Its color is very objectionable as a market berry, being
like that of the old Philadelphia, a reddish purple. In quality
not quite equal to the best red raspberries ; especially valuable
for canning. The canes have not proved quite hardy, but it has
produced a fair crop of fruit for the three years past.

YELLOW RASPBERRIES.

Caroline. A comparatively old variety that is perfectly hardy and
immensely productive, but the fruit is very soft and of only me-
dium quality. It can only be recommended for home use,
where other varieties fail.

Golden Queen. A seedling of the Cuthbert which it resembles in
habit of growth and form of fruit, but the latter is nearly golden
yellow. It has proved hardy for the two winters we have tested
.t and very productive. In quality, to the taste of many it is
very inferior to most of the red varieties. Its value as a market

23

fruit is very iiucertain, for it lias not as yet been grown in suffi-
cient quantities to know how sueli a color will " take ;" we think,
however, that it will not sell as readily and at so good prices as
the bright red varieties.
Several new varieties were planted last spring, but they have not
made gi'owth enough to give any comparative test. They are Ex-
celsior, Thompson's Early Prolific, Thompson's Pride, Crystal
White.

BLACK CAP RASPBERRIES.

Carman. This is of the Doolittie and Souhegan type and has failed
to show the vigor and hardiness of those varieties.

Centennial. A vigorous, rapid growing variety producing large,
shining, black, fine flavored berries in great abundance. It
ripens a little later than the earliest, but much before the Gregg.
The one serious fault noticed is its tenderness, having been in-
jured last winter and during the winter of '86.

Hopkins., Doolittie, Souhegan and Tyler. These are four varieties
that are so nearly identical that we see no reason for giving
them separate names. If there is any difference it may be
shown a little in the Tyler, which may be a little larger and
more productive.

Gregg. In growth, foliage, and color of cane this resembles the
Centennial, but the fruit is thickly covered with bloom. Some-
times a little tender, but is generall}' considered one of the most
profitable.

Ohio. This variety has not fruited with us, but it proves a good
grower and is highly recommended and largely planted in some
sections of the country.
Of the new varieties planted, but not fruited are —

Butler's Seedling. Of the Doolittie type, but very vigorous in growth
with thick, hard foliage.

Crawford. Canes and habit of growth like the Gregg.

Nemelia. Canes and habit of growth like the Gregg.

Hillhorn. Eoliage and habit of growth like the Doolittie, vigorous.

Thompson' s Siveet. Not making very vigorous growth.

Other varieties have been received, but owing to the condition of the

plants failed to grow.

24

BLACKBERRIES.

Agatvam. After another season's trial we can report that it is per-
fectly hardy, very vigorous in growth, productive, and of the
best quality. It is not quite large enough, however, to compete
with such varieties as the lYilson. but for New ELngland no other
variety possesses so many good qualities. It ripens before the
Snyder.

Snyder. Perfectly hardy, vigorous, productive and of good quality.
The fruit is firm but often changes to a reddish color after being
kept a short time.

Taylor's Prolific. The most productive blackberry on our grounds,
but the fruit ripens late and is not of as good quality as the two
previously mentioned.

Wachusett. Hardy, vigorous, moderately productive and of good
quality, but small size. The canes are less thorny than other
varieties, whence the name Wachusett Thornless, often given.
Except on a rich soil the berries are too small to sell readilj' in
market.

Early Harvest, Early Cluster, Wilson and Wilson, Jr., are nW too
tender to grow succe^sfulIy in Massachusetts, except by covering.
From the large size of the berry, the Wilson and Wilson Jr. may
be found profitable by covering the canes to protect them.

Lucretia. The fruit upon this running blackberry was very fine and

of good quality. It ripens its fruit so early that it may become

profitable if covered in winter and if the ground can be mulched

to protect the fruit from coming in contact with the soil.

The new varieties which will fruit next year are Erie, Fred, Min-

newaski, Western Triumph, Thom[)son's Mammoth.

STRAWBERRIES.

The strawberry crop began ripening about one week later than the
average season. In most sections of the State the crop was reported
good, and of large size, but the yield very much below the average. The
price reahzed for the fruit on account of its improved size and scar-
'•ity was much above the average, and we hope growers generally,
will take the lesson of the season and improve their methods of cultiva-
tion and shipping, as an improved condition of the fruit will certainly
increase the consumption and enhance the price.

We must also give more attention to quality, for people are learn-

25

ing, though slowly, that there is n great difference in the varieties, and
are still more positive in their demands for size and appearance.

The following tables give a summary of the characteristics and
qualities of the varieties grown upon the College grounds.

•iimjga "^

■8ZIS

>O0q.-HO00lOC0-^C0C0C»l-'5C0CS0:>OC0'O(Mt-<M00l0?D«D

•aoSiA

10'*<C0Ol0t^-*CCCCi-*"n»-*iC0CDC0e0t^':t<t^-*»0>0CDt>

■ssauaAi

00— O>O00^Tj<TtH-*<-:i<0i>0C0e0iO(M00t-C000iX>00Ol0l^

'Aiti:n5

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26

The new varieties planted last spring gave no fruit, consequently
we report only upon the vigor and character of foliage and growth.
In this table 1 means perfect as to qualities under each heading,
while 10 stands for the lowest condition of same.

VARIETIES PLANTED IN SPRING OF 1888.

VARIETY.

Vigor.

Foliage.

Beseck,

8

8

Cardinal,

3

4

Carmicliael,

8

8

Eva,

9

8

Excelsior,

6

6

Fansworth,

5

5

Gold,

9

8

Haverland,

4

4

Itaska,

G

5

Katie,

4

4

Leroy,
Logan,
Norman,

0

6
6

G

4

Auger's No. 70,
Photo,

3

9

3
3

Warfield,

3

G

It may be said in connection with the test of the new varieties
l>lanted this spring that the soil has not received quite 'as much
manure as 1886 and 1887.

THE EFFECT OF THE DIFFERENT FERTILIZING ELEMENTS UPON THE TIME
OF MATURING OF CROPS.

The time of ripening of most of our farm and garden crops often
makes all the difference bet\yeen profit or loss on them ; and it is very
important that we know what agencies we may employ to hasten
ripening.

In order to test the effect of the various essential elements of plant
food, we have conducted a series of experiments with several kinds of
crops.

27

The elements employed are as follows :
Nitrogenous. Sulphate of Ammonia, Nitrate of Potash, Nitrate

of Soda and Dried Blood.
Potash. Sulphate Potash, Nitrate of Potash and Muriate of Potash.
Phosplioric Acid. Dissolved Bone Black.

In order to make the test a fair one the plots were arranged with the
nitrogenous alternating with the. mineral elements and with sufficient
space between each.

To prevent any uncertainty as to the varying nature of the soil,
the plots were duplicated three times in different parts of the field.

The first experiment extended across a field in which there were
planted cabbages, peas and potatoes for annual crops, and three
varieties of red raspberries and three of blackberries for perennial
crops. The application of fertilizer was made early enough to in-
fluence the annual crops, but not so materially that of the perennials,
yet, as some results are shown, we give in the following tables, the
crops resulting in the order of maturing,

PEA PLOT.

Planted April I7th. Harvested June 29th.

Condition of Maturity

at Harvesting. 1* 5

Quantity. ■ 3 lbs. 4 lbs.

7 oz.

we do not feel we that have results that might not have come
from natural causes. In fact we do not hope to establish any
facts until the experiments have been repeated several years and
under many varying conditions.

*Marked on scale ot 1 to 10; 1 etiualing perfect maturity, 10 nothing mature.

Sul. Potas
Nitrate So

S

3.(

5

3 4

2

4

5

4 lbs. 4 lbs.

5 lbs.

3 lbs.

4 lbs.

12 oz. 3 oz.

1-2 oz.

14 oz.

8 oz.

of planting

and harvestim

rthat

28
CABBAGE PLOT.

NUMBER OF HEADS MATURING.
July M. Potash S. Am. Sul. Potash N. Soda B. Black N. Potash D. Blood

9030 2 027

14 5974776

18 5 3 1 2 2 0 0

27 11 7 7 12 13 9 8

Aug.

10 3 2 9 4 2 6 3

Total.

, 24

24

24

WEIGHT

24

OF HEADS.

24

24

24

July.

lbs. oz.

lbs. oz.

lbs. oz.

lbs. oz.

lbs. oz.

lbs. oz.

lbs. oz

9

0

12 6

0

10 7

0

11 7

18

14

25 2

23 8

16

20 8

16 8

19 6

8 8

18

18 8

12

3 8

12 8

8 8

0

0

27

41 8

51 8

32

74

62 8

57 8

57 8

1o^-

16

12

62

31

10

18

22

Total, 101 2 111 113 8 148 7 97 8 106 4 106

AVERAGE WEIGHT PER HEAD.

lbs. oz. lbs. oz. lbs. oz. lbs. oz. lbs. oz. lbs. oz. lbs. oz.

43 4 10 4 11 62 41 47 47

Total average per head, 4 lbs. 9 oz.

RASPBERRY PLOT.

July

Muriate Potash

S. Am.

S. Potash

N. Soda

B. Black

N. Potash

D. Blood

oz.

oz.

oz.

oz.

oz.

oz.

oz.

10

3

6

4

4

4

4

3

12

3

14

6

6

9

7

4

14

12

17

15

18

13

18

12

16

12

16

15

20

16

17

14

18

10

11

17

16

13

13

12

21

36

38

48

48

56

36

62

24

76

72

62

76

62

64

30

26

50

48

48

38

31

30

39

28

36

44

30

32

34

34

33

31

48

42

46

40

40

32

36

Aug.

2

28

24

29

28

15

20

25

4

22

20

15

16

12

14

10

7

19

22

16

16

26

8

20

10

10

10

22

13

9

4

14

Total

365

384

373

381

340

296

314

lbs. oz.

lbs.

lbs. oz.

lbs. oz.

lbs. oz.

lbs. oz.

lbs. oz.

22 13

24

23 5

23 13

21 4

18 8

19 10

29

POTATO PLOT.

Wt. of 24

wt. of

wt. of

wt.

Per cent, of

hills.

Large.

Small.

per hill.

Large.

lbs. oz.

lbs. oz.

lbs. oz.

oz.

Muriate Potusli,

19 8

11

8 8

13

56

Sulphate Auiinonia,

28

20

8

27

71

Sulphate Potash,

23 8

14 8

9

15

65

Nitrate Soda,

29

17 8

11 8

19

60

Bone Black,

26 8

19 8

7

17

74

Nitrate Potash,

31 8

24

7 8

21

77

Dried Blood,

31 8

23 8

8

21

75

Unfertilized (Ave.)

21

14

7

14

65

BLACKBERRY PLOT.

Lug.

2

M. Potash
oz.
2

Sul. Am.
oz.

4

Sul. Potash

oz.

6

N

. Soda
oz.

9

li.

Black
°3

N. Potash
oz.
5

D.

Blood
oz.

2

4

2

1

1

2

6

1

1

7

1

1

1

2

4

3

2

10

2

3

2

3

2

1

2

Total, 7 9 10 16 15 10 7

The blackberry crop was very small, but enough fruit was given to

make a fairly accurate test.

In the following two plots, wood ashes and four grades of bone

were added :

Aug. 9.
" 17.
Sept. lO.t

Total.
Amt. Ears.

Sept. 10.
Amt. Stover.

Sept. 10.

14

54

446

513

162 lbs.

160 lbs.

2

16
395

413

117 lbs.

106 lbs.

495
534

165 lbs.

145 lbs.

2
22

430

454
132 lbs.
137 lbs.

5

55
451

511

166 lbs.

157 lbs.

12

30

305

347

145 lbs.

140 lbs.

24

62

480

566

140 lbs.

145 lbs.

17

54

405

476

130 lbs.

143 lbs.

21

73

430

524

134 lbs,
175 lbs.

21

67

415

503

129 lbs.

185 lbs.

11

65

415

491

130 lbs.

170 lbs.

11

58

450

519

140 lbs.

170 lbs.

>
9

>
"^ 1

1

4-^

Q 2". Sulphate Ammouia.

4^
O
O

ss 1

, o Sulphate Pota.sh.

4^

o Nitrate potash.

CO
to

£. 1

o Muriate Potash.

CO

as

*- CO

__ o Nitrate Soda.

CO

"*" ^ Bone Black.

o

^ o Dried Blood.

o

_^ o Wood Ashes.

4-

o

^ o 1 Hargraves' Bone.

o

^- 1

to GO 1 Bovvker's
o Special Boue.

to

o

Q Acidulated Bone.

^ ^•' Pine Ground Bone.

31

LIQUID MANURE FOR PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

In the growth of plants in green houses and in the sitting-room,
the plant food in the limited amount of soils that can be used, often
becomes exhausted or rendered unavailable to the plant, and to over-
come the difficulty the application of liquid manures is resorted to
as the best means of giving the plants a rapid and vigorous growtii.

The use of some liquid food is also necessitated by the small pots
that must be used to insure an abundance of bloom.

To test a liquid plant food under the name of" Flora Vita" sent
for comparison with otber liquids, twenty-eight Bon Silene rosebushes
were selected. Fourteen of these were potted in soil made very light
with sand, and the remainder were put in a good rose soil, made of
roited turf and manure.

These plants were divided into four lots of seven each. Two of
these lots, seven in sandy soil and seven in good soil, were watered
with a liquid manure made by placing stable manure in a tub and fill-
ing up with water, and the other two lots were watered with " Flora
Vita." The first liquid was diluted to the color of weak tea.

RESULTS.

The results of this experiment show : —

First. That the liquid called " Flora Vita " gave as good growth
as the ordinary liquid manure.

Second. That the roses potted in a soil composed largely of sand
made as good growth and gave more buds than those in soil with
little or no sand in it.

In regard to the above liquid sent for trial we know nothing of its
composition ; but its liquid form and perfect solubility make it espec-
ially easy of application and free from the objections to other plant
foods for the sitting-room, since it is odorless and free from dust.

We hope to give an analysis of " Flora Vita" in our next Bullitin.

PROTECTING YOUNG TREES FROM MICE.

In our last Bulletin we reported experiments made for the
purpose of finding some simple and harmless mixture which could be
used to hold Paris Green to the bark of young trees during the win-

32

ter. It will be seen by referring to this report that the simple mix-
ture of lime, aud lime and glue were very soon washed off.

The condition of the various mixtures applied in April, 1888, the
results of which were also reported in this same Buletin have been
carefully observed during the summer, the result of which we give
below.

For the benefit of those who may not have the last Bulletin at
hand we repeat the series :

Series No. 1.

1. Linio wash of the consistency of common paint.

2. " " 10 parts, 1 part gas tar.

3. " " " " " " asphaltum.

4. " " •' " '• "■ Morrill's tree Ink.

5. " •' and equal parts skimmed milk.

6. " " " " " * " " , gas tar 1 part.

7. " " " " " " " , asphaltum 1 part.

8. " '• '' " " " " Morrill's Tree Ink 1 part.

Series No. 2.

1. Portland Cement wash of the consistency of common paint.

2. " " 10 parts, gas tar 1 part.

3. '' " '' " asphaltuin 1 part.

4. " " " " Morrill's Tree Ink 1 part.

5. " '' and skimmed milk, equal parts.

6. •' " "• " " " " gas tar 1 part.

7. " " " " " " " asphaltum 1 part.

8. " " " " " " " Morrill's Tree Ink

Series No. 1.

1. Nearly all washed off. Sept, 22d.
2.

3. " " "

4. Washed off but little.

5. " •' " "

6. " " "

Series No. 2. Sept. 22d.

1. Nearly perfect.
2.
3.

4.

5. Nearly all washed off.

6. " " '* 4. .

7. " " " "

8. " " "

CONCLUSION.

It will be seen by the above that in the first series the addition of
the skimmed milk rendered the paint more permanent while in series
No. 2 it had the opposite effect. From the present appearance of
the trees panited we feel confident that No's 1, 2, 3, and 4 of tlie 2d
series will adhere snfliciently long to hold the Paris green during the
winter and that there can be but little, if any, danger from their use.

NEW VARIETIES OF APPLES AND OTHER FRUITS.

In every locality there are found growing local varieties of fruits
of more or less merit, which are known only to those sections, and
as most of our best varieties in cultivation are chance seedlings we
feel hopeful that among the great number there ma}- be many of
value.

For this reason we would urge every one who may have sucli va-
rieties of promise, to make careful observations as to their qualities.
One of the great advantages of such varieties is that they are mature
trees or plants and their merits are more or less known. There is
need of improved varieties of all of our fruits, yet no variety sliould
be introduced unless it has decidedly superior qualities to those al-
ready in cultivation.

In order to aid in this matter, we would ask all growers who have
any varieties of fruit of merit to send a sample to the Horticultural
Department of the College Experiment Station for comparison and
test. Named varieties of which the owner may have lost the name
will be received and named if possible.
5

34

SULPHUR AS AN INSECTICIDE AND FUNGICIDE.

The fumes of sulphur are well known to be destructive to both
plant and animal life, but in its crystalline or "brimstone" form it is
wholly insoluble and therefore inactive as an agent of destruction to
either plants or animals.

Almost every season the report comes to us through the agricultu-
ral journals or from other sources, of experiments made with the in-
soluble form of sulphur for the prevention of insect injuries to the fo-
liage of fruit or other trees.

The most common method of application is to insert the sulphur
in holes bored in the trunks of the trees, with the idea that it will be
dissolved by the sap of the tree and carried to the foliage or fruit in
such quantities as to render it offensive to insects. No longer ago
than the past spring it was reported that the Forester of the city of
Boston had bored large holes in many of the large elms within the
city limits, and had inserted sulphur to prevent the elm beetle from
injuring the foliage.

Now, it has been found upon cutting down trees that have been
plugged with sulphur that the material remains unchanged for many
years, and from the very nature of these conditions it is absurd to
suppose any good result can come from this practice. We have in
the Botanic Museum a specimen of a tree cut down and split open, in
which is found a mass of sulpiiur wholly unchanged. It had been
inserted m an inch augur hole twenty-five years before the tree was
cut down. See Hovey's Magazine of Hort. No. CCLXXX, P. 182.

It is hoped that at the close of the coining season some of the trees
thus treated by the city of Boston may be cut down and examined,
and the results made public, for, while we spend so much time in
trying to prevent injury to our trees from borers, we certainly ought
not to make holes in them many times larger than those of any
known species of insect borers.

While we would discourage anything that may be of such serious
injury to the tree as the above, the suggestion comes to us that sul-
phur in a soluble form may be introduced into a tree in sufficient
quantity to affect fungus growths which cause the rusts, blights,
mildews, etc.

In order to test this matter, a lot of rose bushes of large size,
which were badly mildewed, were selected and the following solu-
tions inserted by boring a hole with a small gimlet and forcing
the liquid into the opening with a medicine dropping tube.

1. Potassium Sulphide, saturated solution.

2. Hydrogen " " "

3. Ammonium " " •'

After forcing in all the liquid the plant would take (about a tube-
ful) the holes were plugged with hard grafting wax.

Observations were made from time to time with the following re-
sults : At first a slight improvement was noticed in the amount of
mildew upon the foliage, but as the season advanced, the effect of
the holes made in the trunk became more apparent, so that Sept.
22d, all the bushes were dead except one of those treated with am-
monium sulphide.

This experiment was made in part to demonstrate the great
injury that must result in making large incisions in the trunks
of trees or shrubs, and that while there is some promise that the in-
troduction of antiseptics into the circulation of the sap may prevent
the growth of injurious fungi like the blights, mildews, etc., we
must find other means of introducing the solutions.

From the ver}' nature of the case presented, it seems hardly possi-
ble to introduce any substance into the circulation of a plant in suffi-
cient quantities to affect insect life, and no experiments were under-
taken in this line.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN NO. 3.

JANUARY, 1889.

The Bulletins of this Station will he sent free to all newspapers in
the State and ^ '■ to such individuals actually engaged in farming as
may request the same."

AMHERST, MASS. :

J. E. WILLIAMS, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER.

1889.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College,

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," iu order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Statit)n, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.
Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell, . . Director.

William P. Brooks, . . Agriculturist.

Samuel T. Maynard, . . Horticulturist.

Charles H. Fernald, . . Entomologist.

Clarence D. Warner, . . Meteorologist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and ail interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, is
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Tuberculosis.*

This disease has been Icnown by various names, as consmription,
pulmonary consumption, tuberculous consumption, consumption of
tlie bowels, phthisis, pulmonary phthisis, tuberculous phthisis, pul-
monary ulceration, pining, wasting of the luugs, pearl disease,
perlsucht, nymphomania, satyriasis, knots, kernels, grapes, angle-
berries, human tuberculosis, bovine tuberculosis, tubercle, miliary
tubercle, tubercular disease and tuberculosis.

The last name is more widely used at the present time than any
of the others, and it is adopted in this [mper for a general tei-m ; but
I make use of the name human tuberculosis for the disease in man,
and bovine tuberculosis for the disease in other animals.

Tuberculosis has been observed to attack nearly every organ in the
body, but the lungs and lymphatic glands appear to be particularly
subject to it.

The tubercles in the lungs at first are small, semi-transparent,
grayish, or colorless grains, varying from one-sixteenth to one-half
an inch in diameter. Tliese gradually increase in size and become
yellowish or opaque. Several unite and form larger masses of a pale
yellow color, and of a cheesy consistency, which finally soften and
liquefy. These masses, often as large as a grape and sometimes even
much larger, are more or less globular, and may fill the entire diseased
portion of the lung, and exhibit a series of hemispherical elevations
over the surface.

The lining membranes of the thorax and abdomen, and also the
membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, are subject to tuber-
cular growths which appear Irke the pile on velvet, or wart-like
growths over the surface.

Not uufrequently joints become diseased, and, when opened, dis-
charge a pale yellow granular matter. I recently examined a cow
that had died with tuberculosis, and besides the characteristic tuber-
cles in the lungs, the caul was so thoroughly affected as to be one
mass of putrefaction. This same animal had tlie fetlock joint on one
hind leg badly affected with tuberculous matter, and there were also a
few tubercles in the liver.

*Prepare(l by Charles H. Fernald, at the request of the Director, in response to the
many demands from all over the state for information on the subject.

ANIMALS ATTACKED BY TUBERCULOSIS.

Man, — Tuberculosis is very prevalent in the liuoian family, and was
estimated by Dr. Robert Koch of Berlin to be the cause of one-
seventh of all tlie deaths of the human race, while fully one-third of
those who die in middle age are carried off by the same disease.

Dr. Edward Hitchcock of Amherst College informs me that there
were 38,049 deaths reported in the State of Massachusetts for the
year 1885. and 5,955 of these were reported as caused by consump-
tion. This is a larger proportion than that given by Dr. Koch, but it
is probably onl}' an average percentage for people living under the
weakei.ing influences of our modern civilization.

Travelers tell us that consumption is entirely unknown among many
of the savage tribes. This may be due to their life in the open air,
and freedom from the conventionalities of dress, or to the fact that
the disease has never been carried to them so as to gain a foot-hold.

Ox. — The bovine race shows a strong tendency to tuberculosis,
especially in confinement, but far less when at large.

Sa,vink. — These animals are without doubt very susceptible to the
disease, notwithstanding the opinion so frequently expressed to the
contrary. The number of cases on record and the circumstances
surrounding them, place the Jiiatter beyond all doubt.

Horse. — This animal appears to possess an almost al)Solute immuni-
ty from tuberculosis, and many believe that it never has the disease,
but there are several cases on record. Gerlach states that he had
known of four cases. Tuberculosis in the horse was reported by
Gotti in the Journal of Anatomy of Pisa for 1872, and also by
BruckmuUer and others. Some doubt, however, has been expressed
about these cases, and many tliink they were only cases of chronic
glanders.

Dr. J. Mc Fadyean reported two cases in the Journal of Compar-
ative Pathology and Therapeutics for March, 1888, in which the lungs,
spleen and other organs contained a large number of tubercles char-
acteristic of this disease, and stained sections of the diseased organs
revealed enormous numbers of the bacilli of tuberculosis. Tliis, of
course, settles the question, and we can no longer doubt that the horse
may have this disease.

Sheep. — The existence of tuberculosis in sheep is not yet well
established. The descriptions thus far published by observers are of
such a nature as to leave doubt whether thev reallv had cases of tu-

berculosis or some other disease. Villemin, Roll and others did not
succeed in producing the disease in sheep, by inoculation, while Co-
lin and Zlirn state that the majority of their experiments in this
direction failed, though they succeeded in a very few cases.

Goat. — Tuberculosis has been found in this animal in a few in-
stances.

Hens. — Dr. Ribbert of Bonn states that tuberculosis sometimes
attacks hens, and may even become epidemic in a flock. He found
the bacilli of tuberculosis in abundance in the walls of the intestine,
and also in the spleen and liver.

Mr. Sutton of the London Zoological Garden, who made an ex-
amination of more than a thousand birds of various species, informs
us that those most commonly affected by this disease are the graniv-
orous birds, and those which feed on fiuit. Those most liable to the
disease are the hen, peacock, grouse, guinea-fowl, pigeon and part-
ridge.

Rabbits and guinea-pigs are very susceptible to the disease, proba-
bly nearly as much so as the bovine race. Other animals in which
tuberculosis has been found are cats, dogs, mice, rats, also caged
lions, monkeys, kangaroos, deer and gazelles in a zoological garden,
and a rhinoceros in Barnum's Museum. According to .Satterthwaite,
frogs are subject to miliary tuberculosis, but this seems almost in-
credible.

HISTORY OF TUBERCULOSIS.

This disease under one name or another has been known from the
earliest times. According to ancient authors on medicine as Hippoc-
rates, 400 B. C, Aristotle, 330 B. C, Galen, 180 A. D., and others,
it consisted of abscesses or ulcers in the lungs. The term ''tuber-
cle," as meaning a solid node, is first met with in the works of those
who paid especial attention to the anatomy of the human body.
Silvius, in 1695, first advanced the idea that phthisis sometimes re-
sulted from larger or smaller nodes which finally led to abscesses and
the formation of cavities in the lungs. Manget, in 1700, stated that
in the dissection of a person who had died of phthisis, he discovered
small nodes of the size of a millet seed in the lungs, liver, spleen and
kidneys. These small bodies are now called miliary tubercles,
wherever fouud. He also described the cheesy structure of these
nodes, but supposed them to be minute lymph glands. Other writers
of that date held similar views.

Stfirk, in 178f», gave a very complete description of the miliary
tubercles, and Reid, in the same year, advanced the idea that the}'
were not enlarged lymphatic glands, but independent formations in
the substance of tiie lungs. He denied that there were any lymphatic
glands in the substance (parenchyma) of the lungs ; but his contem-
poraries did not agree with him, but h6ld to the opinion that the tu-
bercles in the lungs were glands, viz. : scrofulas, that owed their
existence to the influence of a so-called scrofulous acid that had been
secreted by pre-existing lymphatic glands in the lungs. Baillie, in
1794, opposed the idea that scrofulous nodes were of the same char-
acter as tuberculosis, and claimed that the large nodes in the lungs
were caused by the union of two or more of the smaller ones (miliary
tubercles).

At the beginning of the present century, Bayle gave an exact de-
scription of the miliary tubercles and all the phases of their develop-
ment, as well as the part they play in forming larger tubercles. He
also recognized the relation existing between the tubercles in the
different organs of the body, and considered tuberculosis to be a gen-
eral disease whose origin was a tuberculous tendency. Laennec
adopted the same view in his work on the diseases of the heart and
lungs, published in 1818. He described the development of tubercu-
losis very clearly and accurately, but classed every chees}' deposit,
wherever found, as tuberculous, making cheesy degeneration the prin-
cipal characteristic of tuberculosis, a theory which was accepted by
many of his contemporaries.

Vircliow has done much towards bringing order out of this chaos of
ideas. He proved that cheesy deposits were not characteristic of
tuberculosis alone, but that they might occur in all possible forma-
tions of an inflammatory nature under certaui conditions of nutrition.
He thus separated from the genuine tuberculous formations, all those
cheesy deposits that appear under certain inflammatory conditions, as
the scrofulous tumors of the lymph glands, in caseous pneumonia or
even in tumors of different kinds.

Virchow believed in the infectious property of tuberculosis. He
claimed that the infectious element was dispersed over the organism
either by means of the blood-vessels, or by the extension of the dis-
ease by the development of new tubercles in the immediate vicinity
of older ones, the latter infecting the tissues in their immediate
vicinity.

In 1857, Buhl advanced a new theory of tuberculosis, which had

many of tlic most coinpeteut observers among its advocates. Ac-
cording to this theory, tuberculosis is a specific infectious disease,
caused by a particular poison called "tubercular virus," which is
formed in cheesy matter of every description. If this virus be ab-
sorbed into the blood, it can generate miliary tubercles in all predis-
posed organs.

Previous to this time, various experiments had been made by intro-
ducing tuberculous matter into the lower animals for the purpose of
determining whether they could be infected with the disease ; and
these experiments proved so successful that, in 1864, Villemin ex-
pressed the belief that tuberculosis is a specific infectious disease,
independent of other internal and external circumstances, and can
only be caused by the introduction of tuberculous matter into the
body, and that it can be transferred from animal to animal, or from
man to animal by vaccination. It is seldom that so startling an
assertion has given greater impulse to scientific labors in the field of
experimental pathology than this doctrine of Villemin. The most
prominent men of science exerted their utmost powers to prove or dis-
prove the new doctrine. The experiments made with tuberculous
matter for the purpose of infecting other animals were by inoculation,
inhalation or by feeding.

Innumerable experiments of almost every form and variety were
made by inoculation. Tuberculous material from men and the lower
animals was introduced under the skin, into the abdominal cavity,
the larger blood-vessels, the anterior chamber of the eye, and even
into the lungs themselves.

Toussaint concluded from the experiments which he made that no
disease is more infectious than tuberculosis, and that all the fluids of
the body, the blood, nasal secretion, saliva, the juices of the tissues,
the urine, and even the lymph from the vesicles of the inoculated
variola (vaccine matter) are all able to convey the infectious material
of tuberculosis. These experiments were made upon cows, calves,
goats, swine, rabbits and dogs, and almost invariably led to the de-
velopment of miliary tuberculosis.

Ziirn, in 1871, observed micrococci in the blood of a cow that had
died of tuberculosis, and Chauveau made similar observations in the
following year, and the opinion prevailed to some extent that the mi-
crococcus was the real cause of this disease.

On the 24111 of March, 1882, Dr. Koch read a paper before the
Physiological Society of Berlin, which was as remarkable as it was

uuexpocted. It was his aim to determiue the precise character of the
contagious matter which previous experiments had proved to be ca-
pable of indetinite transfer and reproduction. He examined the
diseased organs of mau and the lower animals microscopically, and
found the tubercles infested with a minute rod-like parasite which he
called Bacillus tuberculosis. These rods vary from one seven-thou-
sandth to one ten-thousandth of an iuch in length, and their diameter
is about one-tenth as much. Within these rod-like plants more or
less globular spores are formed, which, under favorable cu-cumslan-
ces, after the disintegration of the parent plant, will develop into new
plants.

Koch first discovered this parasite by staining the thinnest possible
slices of the diseased tissues with methylene blue in alcohol, fol-
lowed by a solution of vesuvin. By this method the tissues are
slightly colored with brown, while the Bacillus stands out clearly of a
bright blue color. This method of staining has been improved upon
by Ehrlich, Baumgarten and others. These bacilli were separated
and cultivated on specially prepared blood-serum for more than six
months in some cases, and then these purified bacilli were inoculated
into healthy animals of various species, and in every case there was
a multiplication of the parasite and a reproduction of the original
disease. Since that time the greatest activity has prevailed in exper-
imentation ; and with new and improved methods, the conclusions
of Koch have been tested and verified again and again, till the facts
are now placed beyond all doubt.

DISTRIBUTION OF TUBERCULOSIS.

Tuberculosis occurs in cattle wherever they are kept in domestica-
tion, but seems to be most prevalent where consumption is most
common in the human family. It is almost unknown in Iceland, and
is very rare in Polar countries generally, but increases as we approach
warm climates. It appears to be very common in Italy and Algeria ;
and, according to Fleming, it is becoming more common in England.
I am not able to give any estimate of the prevalence of this disease
among the herds of Massachusetts, but my attention has been called
to it so frequently during the past two years, that I am inclined to
believe that the disease is more common than is generally supposed.
On two occasions I visited one of our large city meat marketS;, and
examined the lungs still attached to the livers offered for sale, and

the supcrliciul examination wiiich I was able to make led me to eon-
elnde that nearly half of them showed traces of the disease.

It seems from all we can learn that a cold climate is less favorable
to the development and propagation of tuberculosis than a warm
or tropical one. Veith states that the disease does not occur in
animals living in a wild condition, nor even in those which are in a
serai-savage state. Spinola confirms this statement, and adds that
the affection is unknown in the Russian steppes, and is rare in ele-
vated regions. According to Zippelius, tuberculosis is most fre-
quently developed in deep and narrow valleys, or in densely populated
localities. The disease causes the greatest ravages in damp and
dark dwellings with imperfect ventilation and drainage.

IS HUMAN TUBERCULOSIS CONTAGIOUS?

A careful research into the literature of the subject shows that
nearl}' all the celebrated medical writers from the earliest times
believed in the contagiousness of human tuberculosis, among whom
may be. named Aristotle, Hippocrates, Galen, Morton, Valsalva,
Morgagni, Riverius and many others equally noted in the annals of
medicine.

About a hundred years ago. however, a reaction set in against this
almost universal belief, in central and northern Europe, and also
in America, while the old opinion still prevailed in Italy and other
parts of Southern Europe. Within a comparatively short time, how-
ever, the leading physicians of Europe and America have been chang-
ing back to the old opinion, and so many observations on this point
have been published in the medical journals during the last few years,
that we are forced to accept the view that the disease is really conta-
gious. The word contagious is used in this paper in its widest sense,
as -synonymous with communicable, transmissible or "catching." I
must leave further discussion of this question, and also whether the
disease is hereditary, to the medical profession ; but the following
cases are of so great interest in this connection that I venture to give
them. Eisenberg of Warsaw reports a case where tuberculous in-
fections followed the Jewish custom of circumcision, and the appli-
cation of the lips to the wound to stop the bleeding. In this case the
contagious matter was transferred from the lips of the operator to the
wound. Several other similar cases are on record.

Tascherning reports in the Progress of Medicine for 1885, the

10

case of a young woman who wounded her finger with tlie broken edge
of a vessel containing sputa (the substance raised from the lungs in
coughing) rich in bacilli from a consumptive patient. In a short time
there was a swelling as large as a pea beneath the skin. Several months
later the trouble had increased to such an extent that the finger was
useless, and at the same time the lymphatic glands were more or less
swollen. The finger was amputated, and in various places within the
tissues were found numerous miliary tubercles which contained the
characteristic Bacillus tuberculosis.

Demet, Paraskev,a and Zallonis, in Syra, Greece, had succeeded to
their satisfacti©n in producing tuberculosis iu rabbits by inoculating
them with sputa and blood from a man sick with consumption, but
they felt that the demonstration would be more complete and convinc-
ing, if they could operate on man himself. They therefore selected
a patient who was suffering from gangrene in a toe, and whose death
was inevitable because of his persistent refusal to allow the diseased
member to be amputated. An examination showed that the lungs of
the man were perfectly sound and healthy, and that he had not the
least tendency to tuberculosis. A quantity of sputa from a consump-
tive patient was injected into the upper part of the left thigh. In
three weeks an examination of his lungs gave evidence that they
were becoming diseased, and at the death of the man, in thirty-eight
days, seventeen tubercles were found iu the upper lobe of the right
lung, and two in the left lung.

Dr. E. J. Kempf gives an account, in the London Medical Record,
July 15, 1884, of an outbreak of consumption in a Convent in the
village of Ferdinand. The inmates had been entirely free from con-
sumption up to 1880, but lived a very secluded life, taking very little
exercise. The Convent was situated on high, dry ground and was
well drained and ventilated, In fact, the hygienic conditions were all
that could be desired. In the autumn of 1880, Dr. Kempf was called
to attend one of the inmates, a girl eighteen years of age on ac-
count of a cough, pain in the chest, and a feeling of general indispo-
sition. The girl came from a family which could not be called
healthy, and from which a brother of the patient had previously died
with consumption. An examination of the girl showed difficult breath-
ing, hacking cough, loss of appetite, sleepless nights, weary limbs, a
daily fever and difficulty in the apices of both lungs as if from tuber-
cular deposits. The patient was not isolated, but slept in the general
dormitory with the other inmates. In a short time one after another

11

l)egan to show siuiihu' symptoms, and in fonr months after the first
one was seized by the disease, there were nine cases of consumption
in the Convent, some of them among those who were formerly
thought to be exceptionally healthy. Fonr of the inmates died of the
disease, and the others were lingering along with the chronic form.
The director of the Convent then took energetic measures to isolate
the sick and send away the ailing and the epidemic was stopped.

IS BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS CONTAGIOUS?

Veterinary surgeons have for a long time insisted that bovine tuber-
culosis is contagious, and the veterinary journals are teeming with
cases pointing unmistakably to its contagious character.

The experiments of Villemin, Cohnlieim, Toussaint, Koch and
others leave no possible doubt of the contagiousness of the disease.
Dr. Koch inoculated the tuberculous matter from diseased animals
into healthy ones, and reproduced the disease in every case.

To prove that it was the parasite itself that caused the disease and
not some virus in which it was imbedded in the diseased tissue, Koch
cultivated his bacilli artificially for a long time, and through many
successive generations, by a very ingenious and novel method. Be-
fore this time, bacteria had been cultivated on slices of potato,
beet, etc., or in liquid substances, as beef tea. It is a well known
fact as stated by Tyudall, that there are many species of bacteria
differing from one another in the effects which they produce in the
medium in which they are cultivated. Like other plants, they "ex-
haust the soil " as it were. It is also known that bacteria are so
universally distributed that the examination of any natural medium
attacked by them is almost sure to yield evidence of the presence of
more than one species, the various species being grouped together in
inextricable confusion. On this account it has been extremely diffi-
cult to determine what effects are due to one species of bacterium
and what to another. It has often been impossible to determine in
such a mixture of forms, one species from another.

Dr. Koch cultivated the Bacillus of tuberculosis on a thin layer of
blood-serum spread on a glass microscope slide. This blood-serum was
prepared by allowing fresh blood to remain in a vessel until it had
clotted, and the clot had separated from the serum. This serum was
then put into test-tubes and closed with a plug of cotton to exclude
all germs floating in the air. It was then exposed to a temperature

12

of 136.4° ¥. ouc hour daily, for a i)eriod of six days. This method
insured the destruction of all living germs in the serum, without co-
agulating the albumen. Finally the blood-serum was subjected to a
temperature of 149° F. for several hours which gave a solid, trans-
parent jelly upon which Koch made his cultures. This was protected
from every |)Ossible source of contamination, and kept at the proper
degree of temperature and moisture. It was then inoculated by dip-
ping the point of a needle into the diseased tissue of the lung and
drawing it across the surface of the blood-serum, making :i long shal-
low streak. The bacilli which adhered to the point of the needle
were in this way dropped at intervals along tlie streak, but in such a
way that the subsequent growtli of each one could be seen under the
microscope.

When these grew and multiplied, the point of the needle was
touched to them, and the adhering bacilli were transferred to another
layer of blood-serum for a new generation. Each bacillus grew and
multiplied at the point wliere it left the needle, producing around it a
little spherical nest of its own kind.

By this method, Koch and his assistants were able to obtain gener-
ation after generation without the intervention of disease. At the
end of the process, which sometimes embraced successive cultivations
continued for six months or more, the purified bacilli were introduced
into the circulation of healthy animals of different species, and in
every instance was followed by the reproduction of the disease, while
other animals kept under precisely the same conditions except that
they did not receive the tubercle bacilli, remained perfectly healthy.

Koch has shown, in his experiments; that this parasite requires tor
its development a temperature between 86° and 104° F,, and a
period of two weeks, so that it is only within the animal organism
that suitable conditions occur ; yet, as has been shown by numerous
observers, these plants or their spores retain their vitality outside of
a body, for a long time.

Galtier made a series of experiments on the resisting power of this
parasite, and demonstrated that it retained its activity after being
subjected to temperatures ranging from 18° below freezing up to 108°
F. ; that it also resisted the action of water, and the dessicating pro-
cess, as well as strong pickle, so that the use of corned or salted beef
from animals affected by tuberculosis is dangerous.

Lydtin states very positively that the virus may be taken into the
lungs through the inspired air, or into the digestive system with the
food or water, or in copulation. If this statement be true, and there

13

tH)j)eai's to be abiiudant i)foof of it, a single iiifoctccl animal l)roiig"ht
into a held of cattle may communicate the disease to every animal
in the herd. Infection by the generative organs has been doubted,
but Zippelius and others state, however, that they have observed
instances in which the infection could not have occurred by any other
means. Bollinger produced tuberculosis in pigs, by Jeeding thrm for
a long time on milk from tuberculous cows.

A large percentage of the animals suffering with tuberculosis are
most seriously affected in the lungs, and it seems probable that these
were infected b}' the bacilli which gained access with the inspired air.

In the winter of 1885-6, an outbreak of tuberculosis occurred in
the herd of fifty-one animals on the State College farm at Orono,
Maine. There had been an occasional case in the herd for eight or
ten years previous to that time, but it was uot then known to be
tuberculosis. Late in the autumn of 1885, a cow was attacked with
a husky cough which increased in severity, and becoming much
emaciated she was killed about the last of January, when her lungs
were found to be badly diseased. About the same time three others
were •' affected with slight husky cough, and, by the end of February,
most of the aaimals in the herd commenced coughing almost simul-
taneously." In fact the disease had become epidemic in the herd,
and an examination made by Drs. Michener and Bailey revealed tiic
fact that nearly all the animals in the herd were more or less affecti'd
with tuberculosis. By order of the Cattle Commissioneis the entire
herd was then slaughtered and buried.

Such epidemics are apparently uncommon, and it is impossible to
say what caused the sudden and general outbreak at that time. The
feeding, as reported by Dr. Michener, was judicious in every sense,
and the hay and grain of the best quality. The history of this out-
break, from the time when the disease first appeared until the animals
were slaughtered, proves conclusively that tuberculosis is both con-
tagious and hereditary. The animals were watered from a tub into
which the water was pumped from a cistern in the cellar of the barn,
and any discharges from the lungs of an infected animal could very
easily have fallen into the water, and been taken up by the others
drinking from the tub. It is quite certain, however, that many of
these animals )-eceived the disease by inheritance, while others prob-
ably inhaled it. It is a noteworthy fact that four horses were kept in
the barn with some of the worst cases, and did not take the disease,
which simply indicates that the horse is much less susceptible to it
than the bovine race.

14

IS HUMAN TUBERCULOSIS COMMUNICABLE TO LOWER
ANIMALS ?

The experiments of Villeinin, Chauveivu, Klebs, Orth, Koch and
others prove beyond all doubt that if the sputa of consumptive per-
sons be injected into the tissues of our domestic animals, it is sure
to induce tuberculosis in them ; and if they be conftued in an atmos-
phere more or less saturated with such sputa in water, they may also
take the disease ; or if fed on the diseased tissues of the lungs, the
same result follows.

Dr. E. G. Janeway reports a case iii the Archives ot Medicine, of
a cousnmptive young man who allowed his pet dog to sleep with him
nights, nestling in his arms. The dog became affected with a cough
and died. Another dog shared the same fate, and a third began to
cough, when its owner died, and the dog subsequently recovered.

Several cases are on record of cats and hens eating the sputa of
consumptive patients, and thus taking the disease.

Dr. E. De Renzi found that the blood of tuberculous patients in-
jected into the tissues of rabbits would produce the disease, though
not as certainly as the sputa. This seems to indicate that the bacilli
are in the blood, but not so numerous as in the sputa.

Koch made experiments on guinea-pigs with tuberculous sputa
which had been kept dry for two weeks, for four weeks, and for
eifht weeks, and in each case it was found to have retained its full
virulence, and induced the disease as certainly as fresh sputa. It is
therefore safe to assume that the sputa of consumptive persons, even
when dried on linen, or distributed in the dust of a room, or in a
barn, may prove a source of infection to both man and beast.

IS BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS COMMUNICABLE TO MAN?

From the nature of the case, we cannot expect direct experiments
to be made on man with tuberculous matter from other animals, but
so many cases are on record which seem to prove that human beings
are frequently infected with tuberculosis, through the milk or flesh of
cows, that it seems like madness to disregard them. It is more than
probable, that when children are fed with milk from tuberculous cows,
serious intestinal disturbances or even tubercular meningitis may
occur.

15

Dr. Anderson of Seeland reported a case of a calf which received
tuberculosis from the milk of a cow witli the disease in the udder.
The wife of the owner, who had previously beeu considered healthy,
soon developed a cough, with the other symptoms of the disease.
Her child, born before the appearance of the disease, was fed with
milk from a tuberculous cow, and died with tiie disease within six
mouths. Dr. Anderson believed that both the mother and child con-
tracted the disease from the cow's milk.

Dr. Bang, in a paper before the Medical Congress at Copenhagen,
in 1S84, said tnat the danger of transmission of tuberculosis from the
lower animals to man lies chiefly in the use of milk from diseased
cows, because it is largely used in an uncooked condition. lu one
case which he examined, he estimated that the bacilli of tuberculosis
were so abundant, that in drinking a glass of such milk, a person
would introduce into his system millions of these disease-producing
germs.

Dr. Nocard read a paper on the " Danger of Tuberculous Meat
and Milk" before the Medical Congress held in Paris in July, 1888,
in which he said that " so far as milk is concerned, everybody agrees.
The milk is not virulent except when the mammary gland is tubercu-
lous, but the diagnosis of this localization is difficult, and often impos-
sible, and one must treat all tuberculous cows as if the gland was
always invaded."

Prof. Walley stated, at a recent meeting of the British Medical
Association, that if there was no direct evidence of the transmission
of tuberculosis from animals to man, there was a vast amount of
indirect evidence. He said he had not the slightest hesitation in say-
ing that it was communicable from animals to man, and back again
from man to animals, in every possible shape and form. He also
expressed the opinion that it might be transmitted from tuberculous
hens through their eggs.

ARE HUMAN AND BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS IDENTICAL?

The numerous experiments which have been performed thus far
prove that when lower animals are inoculated with the tuberculous
products of man, the results are precisely the same as when the prod-
ucts of other animals are used, and stained sections of the diseased
parts exhibit the same bacilli in each case.

Dr. Bizzozzera read a paper before the International Congress held

16

in Turin, in which he gave it as his opinion that human and bovine
tuberculosis are identical, because they have the closest anatomical
affinity ; and Dr. Johne states that nearly all the authorities admit the
identity in construction of the tubercles in man and the lower animals.

IS BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS HP:REDrrARY?

From the earliest times many have believed that bovine tuberculosis
is hereditary, while others have strongly doubted it. It has been
repeatedly observed that calves and ^)igs born of tuberculous parents
became affected sooner or later with the disease, and many cases have
been reported of persons suffering heavy losses because of employing
tuberculous animals for breeding purposes, and finally getting rid of
the scourge, by disposing of all their infected animals, and obtaining
others which were free from all suspicion of taint.

In the outbreak of tuberculosis in the herd on the State College
farm in Maine, already referred to, there were calves slaughtered,
which were scarcely a month old, but which were plainly affected with
the disease.

Zippelius, in 1876, published a remarkable case proving the trans-
mission of the disease by the male. He states that a stock-breeder
wliose herd had shown no signs of tuberculosis for more than twelve
vears, purchased a bull that proved to be affected with this disease,
and was therefore killed, and all the animals sired by this bull had
to be slaughtered when they reached adult age, because of tuberculo-
sis which developed in them at that period.

The writings of Chauveau, Esser, Semmer and many others give
numerous cases illustrating the heredity of this disease.

Dr. Johne, of the Dresden Veterinary School, found an eight
months foetus taken from a tuberculous cow, to be affected with the
disease. The placenta and uterus showed no visible signs of the
disease, but in the lower lobe of the right lung a tubercle as large as
a pea was detected containing the characteristics of the disease. The
bronchial glands and also the liver were affected, and microscopical
examinations revealed the tuberculous bacilli. This case puts the
question of inheritance beyond all doubt.

It is a notable fact that tuberculous cows are very liable to abortion,
and it is quite probable that, in such cases, the foetus is attacked and
killed by the disease, and the abortion is the consequence.

An opinion prevails very generally that animals descended from

17

tuberculous parents inherit a special predisposition to tiie disease. A
similar opinion is entertained by many of the medical profession, but
the celebrated Prof. Cohnheim, in his work on tuberculosis, published
in Berlin in 1880, denies that man is ever born with a predisposition
to tuberculosis any more than to other contagious diseases, as syph-
ilis, sniall-pox, or yellow fever. He claims that the "hectic state" is
one of the symptoms of the individual already diseased, and not that
of one who " may bo." The hereditary transmission of tuberculosis
is nothing more than the infection of the ovum or foetus through the
medium of one or both of the parents. The germs of tiie disease
(spores of Bacillus tuherculosis) may be received into the ovum from
the mother, or through the spermatozoids from the father, and these
germs may cause the disease in the young, or it may fail to appear
till the second generation. It seems to require some peculiar physical
condition, not well understood, to cause these oerms, which may have
lain dormant through an entire generation, to germinate finally and
produce the disease.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS?

It is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, in many instances, to
recognize bovine tuberculosis in its earliest stages, especially when
the disease is located in other organs than the lungs. When, how-
ever, the lungs are diseased, or the malady is somewhat advanced, it
is not so difficult a matter. The safest way for our farmers is to ac-
cept the contagious and hereditary character of the disease, and weed
out from a herd every suspected animal, bearing in mind that the
owner himself and his family are in the greatest danger of becoming
contaminated with this terrible disease.

The best series of symptoms that I have anywhere seen, are given
in the Swiss Archives of Veterinary Medicine, published in Zurich,
which, translated into as simple language as is consistent with accu-
racy, are as follows :

Tuberculous animals very often have a short, interrupted and dry
cough which is most apparent in the morning, at the time of feeding,
and sometimes after active exertion. At the commencement of the
disease, the animals are often in good condition, and, with good care
and feeding, they may even gain during the earlier stages of the dis
ease. As it progresses, however, the animals grow poor, the hair
becomes dull, erect and matted, losing its healthy appearance ; the

18

skin becomes tender and appears very pale over the udder and other
parts not covered with hair. The eyes are dull and sunken in their
orbits because of the wasting away of the fatty cushions upon which
they rest. The cough grows more frequent, but it is seldom accom-
panied by any nasal disciiarge. The animal becomes more and more
emaciated, notwithstanding the fact that the appetite may be good
and the food of the best quality, and supplied in abundance. As
these changes go on, the quantity of milk diminishes in milch cows,
and the animal has a general unhealthy appearance.

There is sometimes an unusual sensitiveness and flinching exhib-
ited when the sides of the chest or the breast are pressed, and this sen-
sitiveness is sometimes present from the very commencement of the
disease ; and in the more advanced stages, the animal tries to avoid
the pressure, or indicates the suffering it causes by groans. The
disease may nevertheless be present without these symptoms.

Nymphomania is also occasionally observed in tuberculous cows.
In this case they exhibit all the symptoms of being in heat, as inqui-
etude, indocility, etc., but as nymphomania sometimes occurs in other
diseases, it cannot be regarded as positive evidence of the presence
of tuberculosis.

When the lungs are diseased with tuberculosis, the movements of
the ribs and wings of the nostrils are normal, unless the disease is in
a very advanced stage ; but if the animal is forced to move quickly,
the breathing becomes laborious or disturbed. In cases where the
disease is not so advanced, the difficult breathing is scarcely noticed
during repose ; but if the lining of the thorax (pleura) is affected, it
is more apparent and ma}' be so pronounced as to assume the abdom-
inal character. When this occurs there is more than ordinary sensi-
tiveness exhibited on pressure, especially above and behind the
shoulders, along the back and in the costal region.

I would add that when the tubercles are on the membranes of the
brain, the animal is liable to have a stiff neck or carry its head to one
side. When the disease is located in the liver, spleen, mesenteries or
other organs, the animal will give more or less evidence of suffering
in these organs, or may flinch and give other evidences of pain when
the parts over the affected organ are pressed. The presence of nym-
phomania undoubtedly indicates a diseased condition of one or both
of the ovaries, and this might be sufficient to destroy the ova and
cause sterility. When the disease attacks the udder it frequently
causes a very diffuse painless swelling of a portion of the organ,

19

most frequently one of the posterior quarters, aud a considerable
swelling may occur in a few days. It is a remarkable fact that the
uddei' swollen with this disease may yield the usual quantity of appar-
ently healthy milk, whicli is not the case when the swelling has a
different origin.

IS BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS CURABLE?

From the nature of the disease it does not seem possible to destroy
the bacilli in the body, so that the malady may not make its appear-
ance again under favoring conditions ; and when we recall the ex-
treme danger there is to the whole herd, and to man also, from a
single infected animal, it seems neither wise nor prudent to retain an
animal which is suspected of being contaminated in any waj' with this
disease. This same idea is expressed by Dr. Law in his most excel-
lent '^ Farmer's Veterinary Adviser."

WHAT MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID THE
CONTAGION?

It is believed that if living bacilli of tuberculosis be received into
the body, by whatever means, or from whatever source, they will be
liable to cause the disease, especially in those organs which contain
stagnant or nearly stagnant fluids, such as mucus, lymph, etc. The
bacillus which causes tuberculosis is a plant, and within it are devel-
oped seeds (spores), and any consideration of it must recognize this
fact. These spores require suitable conditions for germination and
growth, such as a suitable " soil." moisture, and temperature, as
surely as corn or the seeds of other plants. Koch fouud in his ex-
periments that these spores would develop in a temperature ranging
between 86° and 104° F., and this condition is furnished within the
bodies of warm-blooded animals. The time required for these plants
to germinate — the period of incubation as it is called — is not very
accurately established, but according to the experiments of Koch, it
is probably about two weeks. It is therefore necessary for the germs
to remain fixed in the nutritive material for a protracted period ni
order to germinate and produce the well-known results.

The bacilli, as has already been stated, may gain entrance into the
body through the inhaled air, with the food and drink, or with the
genital organs, and in the case of man, it may be inoculated into the
body with vaccine matter, if this, by any chance, be taken from an
infected animal. This fact suggests that the utmost care should be
used in selecting vaccine matter.

Tuberculosis can be successfully combated only by destroying the
means of infection, and, as Dr. Johue says, we must look upon the

20

sputa of consumptive persons, as well as substances polluted by the
same, and animals having the disease, as the centers of infection.

The Council of Hygiene of the Department of the Seine published
the following rules for preventing the propagation of Tuberculosis,
in the Medical Gazette of Paris, Feb. 27, 1886.

" The most active agent in the transmission of tuberculosis is the
sputum which should therefore never be deposited on the floor or on the
linen where it may be converted into a dangerous element.

" The patients in question must be instructed to expectorate into
vessels containing sawdust, the contents of which must be daily
thrown into the fire, and the vessels themselves washed in boiling
water at least once a daj'.

" The furnished apartment of a consumptive patient, especialh' in
case of death, must be thoroughly disinfected, together with all bed-
ding, and the clothing of such a patient must not be used until it has
been subjected to the action of steam.

" Since sheep are far less susceptible to tuberculosis than cattle, it
would be far safer to recommend the rare flesh of that animal for
sickly children and adult invalids, than rare beef."

Dr. Johne give the following very sensible recommendations which
may prove useful to farmers and stock-breeders, in stamping out this
disease in their herds.

" All tuberculous animals or those with tuberculous tendencies
must be unconditionally excluded from breeding.

" All animals diseased with tuberculosis must be separated from
healthy ones, and immediately slaughtered. Suspected ones should
be treated in the same manner.

'■'■ Stables in which such animals have been kept must be thorough-
ly cleansed and disinfected.

" Everything tending to cause a predisposition to disease must be
carefully avoided, and great care given to ventilation, diet, exercise
and exposure."

There ought to be a careful and critical supervision, at the public
expense, of all slaughter houses and of the meat offered for sale in
our markets, and also frequent examinations of the herds kept for sup-
plying the public with milk, butter and cheese ; but as this will not
probably be secured immediately, it is a wise precaution adopted in
many families to boil all the milk and to cook thoroughly all the meat
used. Even then we shall have to take our chances on the butter and
'•heese used, since it is impracticable to boil the milk before the man-
ufacture of these products.

It has been shown that boiling or roasting in the ordinary way is
not sufficient to destroy the germs in the center of large pieces of
meat, and that the bacilli will not be destroyed unless the heat is
sufficient to change the color of the animal juices. It has also been
shown that a temperature of 185' F. is sufficient to destroy the
virulence of tuberculous milk, and that this temperature will not
change its taste.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN NO. 4.

APRIL, 1889.

The Bulletins of this Station will he sent free to all newspapers in
the State and '•'' to such individuals actually engaged in farming as
may request the same."

AMHERST, MASS. :

J. E. WILLIAMS, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER.

1889.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College,

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.
Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell, . . Director.

William P. Brooks, . . Agriculturist.

Samuel T. Matnard,
Charles H. Fernald,
Clarence D. Warner,
William M. Shepardson, .
H. E. Woodbury,
The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, is
earnestly requested. Communications maj' be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass,

Horticulturist.
Entomologist.
Meteorologist.
Assistant Horticulturist.

Division of Horticulture.

S. T. MAYNARD.

EXPERIMENTS IN HEATING GREENHOUSES.

STEAM HEAT versus HOT WATER.

During the past few years much attention has been given to the
subject of economy iu heating greenhouses, and the manufacturers
of steam heating apparatus have made great efforts to supplant the
long established system of hot water heating.

In order to get at some facts in regard to this subject, so impor-
tant to the grower of plants under glass, and gain some positive
knowledge as to the relative value of the two systems, two houses
were constructed during the summer of 1888, 75x18 feet, as nearly
alike as possible in every particular. Two boilers of the same pat-
tern and make* were put in, one fitted for steam and one for hot
water ; the steam for heating the east house, and hot water for the
west and most exposed one. The boilers were completed and ready
for work in November and were tested until January 9th, 1889, when
these experiments began.

Records of temperature of each house were made at 7-30 and
9 a. m., and 3, 6 and 9 p. m. Sufficient coal was weighed out each
morning for the day's consumption and the balance not consumed
deducted the next morning. The two boilers and fittings were put in
so as to cost the same sum and w^ere warranted to heat the rooms
satisfactorily in the coldest weather.

The following tables give the maximum, minimum and average
daily temperatures for the months of January and February, with the
amount of coal consumed. The average daily outdoor temperature
is given in the second column for comparison.

^. W. Foster, Manufacturer, 51 Charlestown St., Boston, Mass.

JsLicixxaLT-y, ISS©.

HOT

■WALTER.

STEA^isa:

-

|l|

111

33. 7«

Lettuce and Carnation Room.

Lettuce and Carnation Room.

'C

3

a

si

41. "

.4

§2 2

■a s

4

III

ill

51. °

III

H

43.8^

n

a

1

53. o

45.8^

*

38. "

*

2

35.2

43.

49.

45.2

41.

49.

44.6

3

38.

42.

52.

44.8

41.

53.

44.

4

39.

40.

54.

46.

39.

53.

44.4

5

37.

41.

47.

43.4

39.

46.

42.6

6

36.

42.

43.

42.4

40.

42.

41.

7

37.2

43.

48.

45.4

42.

45.

43.6

8

39.

43.

53.

47.6

41.

52.

45.4

9

41.8

46.

58.

49 4

45.

58.

49.2

10

38.

42.

51.

44.6

42.

53.

44.6

11

34.3

40.

54.

45.

39.

48.

42.6

12

31.

40.

53.

44.8

36.

53.

42.8

13

33.

38.

56.

46.8

36.

56.

44.8

14

30.3

42.

55.

48.

41.

52.

46.6

• 15

25.7

45.

55.

48.6

45.

53.

49.

16

36.3

44.

56.

48.8

44.

47.

45.4

17

50.

50.

55.

51.8

48.

55.

51.2

.18

37.3

46.

59.

49.8

41.

51.

47.4

19

18.6

42.

52.

46.6

45.

55.

48.4

20

17.3

45.

58.

50.4

42.

58.

49.2

21

27.

39.

48.

44.2

37.

45.

42.6

22

22.

41.

54.

45.8

41.

56.

44.6

23

23.

42.

58.

49.2

40.

60.

48.4

24

39.

47.

58.

50.8

42.

48.

45.

25

34.3

42.

68.

54.

38.

69.

48.4

26

29.3

44.

66.

52.6

42.

64.

50.4

27

32.6

45.

49.

47.2

40.

44.

42.8

28

33.6

45.

62.

49.8

42.

55.

45.8

29

17.3

39.

54.

43.6

40.

59.

45.6

80

21.3

42.

67.

51.6

42.

67.

51.6

31

33.3

43.

65.

51.

43.

64.

49.6

Total

Total

Av'ges

29.1

42.7

55.1

47.5

2532 lbs.

41.0

55.1

45.9

3220 lbs.

^The daily consumption of coal was not taken until Feb. 1st.

F'e'tor-u.a.ry.

HOT

-W^TER,.

STEA-lVt

III

oil-

S2

Lettuce and Carnation Room.

Lettuce and Carnation Room.

OS

1

lis

1

ill

iil

ill

S
ill

■3 S
o a

8

1

22.3*

44. ^'

66. ^'

50.4"

250 lbs.

41. "

64. *

47. ''

245 lbs.

2

18.

40.

67.

48. 6

50

42.

67.

48.8

70

3

25.3

41.

59.

47.2

140

39,

58.

45.4

150

4

12.3

39.

66.

49.8

104

37.

69.

48.2

111

5

29.7

49.

61.

52.

109

46.

61.

50.4

90

6

16.3

42.

59.

48.4

200

41.

55.

44.6

290

7

14.7

47.

63.

52.8

158

47.

61.

52.2

202

8

23.7

43.

59.

51.

47

46.

58.

51.6

66

9

27.

35.

65.

47.

31

41.

62.

48.4

49

10

25.

40.

61.

49.6

102

38.

66.

47.

150

11

21.

41.

60.

50.2

70

39.

57.

46.

104

12

20.

45.

68.

52.

80

42.

69.

49.

154

13

11.3

40.

60.

46.8

140

40.

55.

44.8

194

14

21.

46.

70.

53.

72

43.

73.

53.8

103

15

25.

44.

65.

55.6

78

42.

68.

52.4

118

16

30.

48.

64.

53.8

32

44.

53.

50.4

60

17

39.3

46.

60.

52.2

24

44.

57.

49.

55

18

34.

45.

52.

47.4

36

42.

54.

47.4

81

19

25.7

40.

68.

50.8

56

38.

71.

51.

130

20

32.

40.

68.

48.2

94

40.

67.

47.

121

21

25.7

40.

70.

51.4

35

38.

72.

49.6

63

22 -

34.

41.

52.

45.4

117

41.

56.

45.2

67

23

2.

38.

50.

42.8

117

39.

46.

42.

183

24

8.7

37.

56.

46.2

139

37.

55.

47.4

167

25

15.7

41.

65.

49.0

192

42.

55.

47.

127

26

17.3

41.

62.

49.4

150

38.

53.

46.2

61

27

29.7

42.

58.

47.4

61

40.

48.

43.8

29

28

30.7
23.1

40.

60.

50.8
49.6

43
2642-^°^,^

39.
40.9

56.
60.2

45.6
47.9

110

Av'ges

41.9

58.4

3362'r°lL.

UNCONSDMED COAL IN ASHES.

As far as we could determine by close examination and weighing,
there was about the same proportion of unconsumed coal as of that
consumed in the ashes from each boiler.

The following table shows the record of the week ending Feb. 26.

=i

-i

i

1

Average daily
indoor temperature.

Fuel consumed.

Ash.

i

Hot water.

Steam.

Hot water.

Steam.

Hot water.

Steam.

20th

32.^

48.2°

47.°

94 lbs.

121 lbs.

20 lbs.

33 lbs.

21st

25 7°

51.4°

49 6°

35

63

17

21

22d

34.0

45.4°

45.2°

117

67*

6.5

11

23d

2.°.

42.8°

42.°

117

183

16

26

24th

8 7°

46.2°

47.4°

139

167

26

45

25th

15.7°

49.6°

47.°

• 92

127

17

25

26th

17.3"

49.4°

46.2°

150

61*

25

16

Average.

17.9°

47.6°

46.3°

T'l744

789

127.5

177

*These two are the only days of the whole month in which tlie amount of coal consumed
in the steam boiler was materially less than that consumed in the hot water boiler, and
any other week would show much more marked difference in favor of the latter.

RESULTS.

It will be seen by the foregoing tables that the hot water boiler
consumed 720 lbs. less coal than the steam boiler in February, and
688 lbs. less in January, a saving of nearly 20 per cent.

At the same time the temperature of the room heated by hot water
averaged 1.7*^ higher than that heated by steam.

The temperature was more even where heated by hot water, and
consequently there was less danger from sudden cold weather. This
was strikingly shown on the night of February 22d.

The average outside temperature for the day was 34*^.

At 9 p. M. it was above 32° and proper precautions not having been
taken for so sudden a change as followed, at 6 o'clock on the morn-
ing of the 23d, the temperature of the room heated by steam was 29",
while in that heated by hot water it was 35°.

CONCLUSION.

While this test is conclusive for the two boilers employed in these
two houses as constructed and for this unusual winter, in a larger
house and in a winter where the temperature runs lower and with
greater extremes, different results might possibly be obtained, but

1

this can only be settled by carefully made and accurately recorded
tests which we hope another year to make.

We would suggest that if those who have kept accurate records of
tlie temperature of their greenhouses, together with the amount of
coal consumed, will send us the figures, giving size of house and kind
of heating apparatus, we shall be glad to put them on record in our
bulletins for the benefit of those who are thinking of building new
houses or refitting old ones.

GREENHOUSE WALLS.

The comparative protective value of different materials for construction.

To determine the value of greenhouse walls constructed of differ-
ent materials as a protection against the weather, four sections, six
feet long by four high were constructed in the new greenhouse
recently erected.
Section 1. Concrete, (Roslindale cement, one part to three parts of

sand).
Section 2. Hollow brick, nine inches thick.

Section 3. Framed hollow wall covered with lining boards, building
paper and sheathing on the outside, and the same with-
out the paper on the inside.
Section 4. Same as section 3, but the space vs^as filled withdi-y pine
shavings.

In each of these walls was made a space five inches wide and one
foot long running to the center, in which were placed thermometers
so protected as not to be affected by the inside temperature of the
house. Other thermometers were placed on the inside surface of the
walls similarly |)rotected from inside temperature.

The temperature of each kind of wall, both inside and surface,
was recorded at 7-30 a. m., 3 p. m. and 9 p. m.

The results are stated in the following tables, in which will be
found the daily average temperature of both the interior and inner
face of the walls from Jan. 9 to March 1st.

The outdoor temperature for the same time, is given in the central
column, for comparison.

6j

O

•I

(05
(0

H

ft'

a I

d i

n

m

■sSniA'uqg
pnb sp.itiog

'*ICOCOCO-.+ICOCOCO-.*-*CO-*COCO^'+i^'+i-#COCO-*COC<5COC<:iC<3-*

pais sp.n!oa:

O . .*^ .'^COCOt-:t- _t-;COt-;CO .t~; .t^O; , .^^CO .CO ^CO

cqr-^i>^iOi--<i>Idt-l'--H.-Hi>^cO'-Hdcoi--HQ6a5do6>c>-Hddt^t-^'--ib-

^CO-*?:-*(!OCOCO'*<^COTjHCOCO-*^^Tt<^C<5CO-*COCOCOC<3'*-*

■5[0ua

jAonoH

38*

37.3

39.3

30.7

34.3

28.

24.7

32.

34.

35.7

34.7

36.

26.3

30.

34.7

37.3

45.7

41.

36.3

32.7

30.7

39.7

27.7

26.7

30.7

30.

35.

43.7

•inaiuoo

40.3°

38.

37.3

32.3

34.7

34.3

27.7

32.3

33.7

35.

34.

39.7

31.7

31.7

38.3

37.3

46.

41.7

38.3

36.

35.7

41.3

33.7

27.7

32.7

32.

35.7

44.7

nooa-iiio

CO.e0C0lr-COt-;l- CO CO t- t-. l>.COI>;t-;

Noo>dc^dd-*coi-^io^d^'.-<odd'*>oci'o^ ."^lot-lcio

<MC^<Mrt<MrH,-l<N(MC<IC<)(M.-H(M(MCOI0CCC^CO<MeO<N0OrHrt<NeO

•sSniAL'iis
pui; sp-iKoa

ocot-cot-co.t-t-t- CO i-t-co «^t^..t-:..i>:.eo_

cDiodt-lo6oidi-lda6iodcoo5ddddddco'^'o5(Ncoco^t-

pm; spjBoa:

CO CO t-; t- CO ^ t- _ CO !>; I- CO l>; CO CO CO CO t-._ CO CO CO CO »-_ t~, .

dcoH^iodd^<»dd>odcqo6a3coddd^'cq«sd.--(NcO'*co

■j[oua

AVOTiOH

M CO t^ , ^ CO CO t- . . COCOt^t^l- , t- . . . t- t~

coddddr-^ddddd?^o6^(Nco'dTj^c^^*d>-it-t-^t^t-^deo

^-*'^CO-*^COTt<^':t<-*<-*CO':l<'*'^^^ThTl<CO^COCOCOCOCO'*'

•juaraao

cot-; . »>; . , _ .CO . . . .CO . . CO t- CO . CO CO t- t~ CO CO

<>io6ciooc5do50o6c>5deod-H'c^(jqio^co3^d-^coddt-^o6d

^COC0COCOTHCO-*CO^'^TH0O^-^Th-*T(<-*^-*M<C0^COC0COTH

■aiUQ

-o.co^oor^coc=o^2 2:i:22^22gsj?^g5^^SS^?5

•sSuiAT3l[g

pni3 sp.ii;oa:

CO CO CO _ .«3cococo .cococo .cocococo .coeocoo

(M-H(Mot^O<N — dcOOt-Irfn'ot-^NtMN-Hr-^lOCO.-;
Tt<Tt<.*COCO'i<^Tf-*^COCO^COCO^-*'*<Tt<-*COCO-*

■goudS .IIV
piiu spjuog

CO . . .^=9 .'^. . t-; "^ «5 . . .coco .CO . CO «D o
^q.-Hc^doocJdNt^codoot-^ddc^'i^co.-^cJddd

'iH^':t<COCO'*<'*<T*<^^COCOCOCOCO-*Ti<-*^^COCO^

•Jioua;

41.3»

37.3

35.3

37.6

37.3

39.3

36.3

38.3

46.6

40.6

34.

30.6

32.

32.6

32.3

38.3

42.

40.3

38.3

.39.

34.6

31.3

35.6

•^U3lU93

.-iOOt-iOOO-H050505(N^r-i(MCOQOODCOOQOO^lNt-
-*COCOCOCO'*COCO'*-*COCOCOCOCOCO^^CO^COCOCO

aooaxao

41.8^
38.
37.3
31.
33.
30.3
25.7
36.3
50.
37.3
18.6
' 17.3
27.
22.
28.
39.
34.3
29.3
32.6
33.6
17.3
21.3
33.3

•sSaiAUqs
paij spj^'og

qCOCO. COCOOCO , .OCOCOCO .CO .CO .«2C0 . .CO
00-*C0OC0t-b-t~eqc0t-00>C^W300Ci^«0t-^>0C0

•aoL'ds -IIV
pnt' spjuofT

50C050COCOCDCOCOCD CO ^CO

locorHooNdioirai-Hd-^dcos^-^ict-^dddc^s^-*

•j[oi.ta:

o CD CO CO CO o CO eq 5D .CO .so . CO CO CO .coco .CO .

COrHoioJoicOtN'HdlO.-Hi— 10505d'-5.^>0(>3cOC5dO
^-i<COCOCOTj<^^^-*-*-*COCOCO'*'*^-*'*COCO'*

•jnauiao

42.°

41.

38.

37.

38.3

41.6

40.

39.6

48.3

43.6

39.3

39.

36.

36.3

37.

38.3

41.3

42.3

40.3

41.6

38.3

38.

38.3

•aii?a

OiOi— lcqc0-ti'CCDt^Q0CT>O.-l(MC0^>l0C0t^Q0C»O.-l 1

Much has been said and written as to the protective vahie of the
building materials commonly used in the construction of greenhouse
walls, but generally without facts or figures to substantiate the state-
ments.

After the extended observations recorded above, we feel that we
have facts and figures which lead to the following

CONCLUSIONS.

1st. That on the inside of the wall, the lined board walls, filled
with shavings, give the best results, that with the hollow space being
but little less valuable.

2d. That hollow brick and concrete walls are about equally valua-
ble in protecting from cold, but not equal to the framed and board
walls.

REMARKS.

As to the cost of construction there can be but little difference, and
the important question of durability can only be determined after ten
or fifteen years' service.

GLAZING EXPERIMENT.

Zinc /Strips hetioeen the joints in glazing Greenhouses.

In tlie construction of a new greenhouse for experimental pur-
poses, a portion of the house was glazed with Gasser's Patent Zinc
Joints. These joints consist of zinc strips about one-half inch wide,
bent in form of the letter a*"Z"*b, the ends of the lights of glass
coming together on the opposite side of the vertical part of the letter,
as at a and b. This allows the glass to be laid flat on the sash bars,
with little or no cnance for the frost to act upon the putty as in
Inpped glass. No water can enter between the laps of the glass to
start it from place when frozen, and no air can possibly enter no
matter how strong the wind may blow.

In glazing, the strips were simply dipped in linseed oil, and the
glass tacked in place with ordinary zinc points ; large points not
being needed as with lapped glass. As no laps were made there is a
saving of from 1-8 to 1-4 inch with each light of glass used. The
drip of water that runs down the glass inside was found to be no
more than with lapped glass.

CONCLUSIONS.

1. By the use of these strips there is a saving in glass.

2. The glass is more easily laid.

10

3. Less putty is needed.

4. The frost csiuiioL git iiiider the glass as readily as when lapped.

5. The glass does not slip down if the lower light is well fixed
in plac*'.

6. No air can penetrate between the joints.

7. No more drip was observed than with the lapped glass.

^ EVAPORATED SULPHUR,

For the destructio)i of Mildeios and Insects in Greenhouses.
In the growth of plants under glass we meet with many parasitic
fungous growths and minute insects that are very destructive. Hav-
ing made some extended experiments with Evaporated Sulphur for
the destruction of mildews and leaf blights on the rose, lettuce, and
violets, and the minute insect known as the red spider, so injurious
to the leaves of roses and other plants, we give the following results.

ROSE LEAF-BLIGHT.

(Actiiionema rosea) .

During the fall, the roses in the Durfee Plant-House were seriously
injured by large, dark brown or nearly black spots on the leaves,
covering in many cases the entire leaf, and soon causing it to wither
and fall. Upon investigation and inquiry it was found to be the rose
leaf-blight, Actinonema rosea, which was described and illustrated in
the report of the Section of Vegetable Pathology of the Agricultural
Department for 1887.

To overcome the injury we began the use of evaporated sulphur,
which we had previously used for the destruction of the common rose
mildew and red spider.

RESULTS.

After a few weeks' use, no new spots developed on the leaves and
none have since appeared.

THE REMEDY.

This remedy consists in keeping a kettle or basin of sulphur (brim-
stone) heated to neai'ly the boiling point, in the room for three or
four hours twice or three times a week. The apparatus used was a
Florence or Monarch hand-stove with the sulphur in a thin iron ket-
tle. Enough sulphur must be evaporated to fill the room with the
vapor, so that it will be visible and give something of the odor of
sulphur.

11

Caution. It is well kuowu that burning sulphur is quickly destruc-
tive to all plant growth, and every precaution should be taken that it
is not heated so hot as to take fire, or that the kettle does not get
upset. The lamp or stove should have a broad base or the kettle be
placed on a tripod with feet well spread. It should be placed under
the bench where it can be readily seen, but where the clothes of a
person passing by may not catch upon it and upset it.

ROSE MILDEW.

Erysiphe {Sphaerotheca) pannosa.

Another very common difficulty we have had to contend with in
our greenhouses, which are not properly constructed for successful
rose culture, is the rose mildew.

Careful observations lead us to the conclusions : (l)That this dis-
ease may be brought on by the exposure of the plants to draughts of
extremely cold air when they are growing rapidly, (2) by high tem-
perature running the same both night and day, (3) by watering or
syringing just before night, (4) by too little water, (5) by extreme
dryness, (6) by poor drainage, and (7) by a deficiency in plant food.
In fact anything that may in any way weaken the plant.

REMEDIES.

Since the use of evaporated sulphur was begun in the house it has
l)een almost impossible to find enough mildew on the plants to afford
specimens for examination in the laboratory.

LETTUCE MILDEW.

( Peronospora gangliformis.)

Perhaps the greatest obstacle to the growth of good lettuce under
glass, and which causes the greatest loss to our market gardeners,
is that of the lettuce mildew.

By observations made in the growth of lettuce in our greenhouses
for the past ten years, we conclude that this disease may be brought
on by the following conditions :

1. A temperature ranging from 45° to 50° at night, especially if
following a cloudy day, when it has not been above 55°. In sunny
days, if the temperature runs up to 66° or 70°, the night temperature
may run up to 45°, and perhaps higher, without injury, if the house
and beds are not very moist.

2. Want of proper plant food in the soil.

3. Too much moisture in the soil.

12

4. Sudden and extreme changes in the temperature when the
plants have been growing inpjdly and are soft and tender.

0. The same temperature both day and night.

1. In our experience the best results have been obtained where
tlie temperature runs as low as 35° and 40° at night, and not higher
than 65° to 70° during the day, and where but little outside air is
admitted lo the house, unless the out-door temperature is as high as 40°.

On the nights of Feb. 4th, 5th and 7th, the temperature ranged
from 4(S'^ to 52°, and our records show that the mildew developed
rapidly during that time, while on the nights of Feb. 19th, 20th and
21st the temperature stood below 40*, and during this time there was
no perceptible increase.

2. All the elements of plant food must be supplied in abundance
and especially, in a quickly soluble form. In an experiment made
with Sulphate of Potash, Muriate of Potash, Nitrate of Soda, Nitrate
of Potash, Sulphate of Ammonia, Bone Black, Dried Blood, and
seven other mixed fertilizers, it was found that the Nitrates of Soda
and Potash, applied to a soil liberally supplied with stable manure,
produced a vigor of leaf that was much less injured than where the
other elements were used.

Of two soils, one made of rotted sods and old compost taken fi'om
a hot bed, and the other of the sods and freshly-composted stable
manure, it was found that the first gave by far the best results.
Equal quantities of each material were used as nearly as could be
determined in both cases.

3. While lettuce cannot be grown under glass without an abund-
ance of water, it has been found best to apply it only in the morning.
It is a settled fact that the lettuce mildew, like most plants of its
kind, can only grow under conditions of a close moist atmosphere
and a high temperature, and if the watering is done in the morning,
and especially on sunny days, the moisture gets dried from the leaves
before night and the mildew is less liable to grow.

4. As with the rose mildew, a sudden chill, wheu the lettuce plants
are growing rapidly, will check their growth and so weaken them that
the cells develope food in the proper condition for the rapid growth
of such parasitic plants. That a plant in a vigorous, healthy condi-
tion will resist the attack of the mildew longer than a sickly one, is
shown by the fact that the weakest plants are always first injured
by it.

Under proper conditions of soil, temperature and moisture, the
lettuce crop can be successfully grown, but if the plants become

13

weakened from any cause, they are likely to be attacked when the
temperature is allowed to go above 40^ at uight.

5. In order to have perfect assimilation and growth in plants
under glass, that temperature must be provided under which they
grow most vigorously out of doors. In the garden we find the night
temperature averaging from 15° to 25° lower than that of the day.
In the summer when the temperature is high and ranges about the
same, night and day, mildew, blight, rust, smuts, and all manner of
parasitic plants grow rapidly. Now, if in our greenhouses we venti-
late during the daytime, and at night start up the fires so that the
temperature is as high at night as during the day, we have just the
conditions under which mildews develope outside, and if a record of
the temperature were kept I am confident that in those houses most
afflicted with mildew this condition of things would be found.

PREVENTIVES.

Before looking for remedies we should take advantage first of such
preventive measures as are effective, and experience has shown that:

1. Lettuce must be grown at a low temperature, ranging from 35°
to 40*^ at night to 50° to 70° during the day to escape the mildew.

2. An abundance of plant food must be supplied at all times.

3. Nitrate of Soda and Potash are valuable in developing a vigor
of leaf that will tend to resist the attack of the mildew.

4. An abundance of water must be used, but the drainage should
be good and the watering done in the morning and on bright days only.

5. Sudden extreme changes of temperature must be avoided.

REMEDIES.

Evaporated Sulphur. To test the value of this remedy for lettuce
mildew, the tem[)erature of the house on the nights of March 12th,
13th, 14th, and 15th was allowed to run up to 50°, 56°, 47°, and 51°
respectively. Most of the crop had been cut for market, but what
remained was badly mildewed. Two kettles of sulphur were kept
running from 6 to 9 o'clock in each evening, the vapor being very
abundant. Except where the vapor could not penetrate among the
leaves the mildew was certainly very much checked and no new growth
appeared on the exposed surface of the leaves.

From this trial and the continued use of it for several weeks pre-
vious, although not as thoroughly made, we feel convinced that
evaporated sulphur will largely prevent the development of mildew,
but when it has once become established it will not entirely destroy
it.

14

Sunlight. This is one of nature's greatest antiseptics and in the
construction of houses for the growing of lettuce, as much sunlight
must be admitted as possible.

RED SPIDER.

{Tetranychus telarius.)
Tills minute insect is often very destructive in greenhouses, es-
pecially where the air is kept dry and at a high temperature. It is
so small, and under favorable conditions it increases so rapidly, that
serious harm is often done before it is discovered. In our rose room
and other rooms where the sulphur has been evaporated regularly,
scarcely a specimen can be found, and if at any time we find them
upon plants, an exposure of a few hours in the room where the sul-
phur is used will exterminate them.

Experiments of Hon. E. W. Wood., West Newton, Mass.

In connection with our report of the use of evaporated sulphur as
a fungicide and insecticide, we are pleased to report the results of
experiments made by Mr. Wood, who, with the late John B. Moore
of Concord, Mass., first suggested its use to us. He writes as follows :

" In answer to your inquiry as to my experience with evaporated
sulphur as a fungicide and insecticide in the cold grapery, I would
say that in 1884 the red spider appeared on two of my eighteen vines,
the first week in August, and so injured the foliage that the fruit
ripened but imperfectly. The following year the spiders appeared
on all the vines the last of July, the foliage commenced turning
brown and their webs covered the under side of the leaves. I pro-
cured some flowers of sulphur, and using an ordinary sauce disli of
glazed granite ware, put in the sulphur to the depth of one and one-
half to two inches and placed it over the blaze of the second size
Summer Queen Oil Stove and boiled the sulphur three and one-half
hours, filling the room with the vapor. The next morning by the
most careful examination with a microscope I could not find a live
spider in the house. From that time on the new foliage was as clean
and bright as in the early part of the season and the fruit ripened
perfectly. I have found the evaporated sulphur equally effectual in
destroying mildew which occasionally appears in most cold grap-
eries."

Mr. Wood also finds this remedy effectual in preventing the fungous
growth that causes the dropping of the leaves of the chrysanthemums
after they have been taken from the ground in the fall.

15

CONCLUSIONS.

From out- own experiments and the reports of those who have used
the evaporated sulphur we can recommend its use for the destruction
of rose leaf blight, rose mildew, grape mildew, chrysanthemum leaf
blight and the red spider. It is certainly an aid also in preventing
mildew on the lettuce. Further experiments however begun earlier
in the season may give more positive results, but our main dependence
in the growth of lettuce under glass must be the proper conditions
of temperature, moisture and plant food.

I would again advise caution in the use of sulphur, and that every
precaution be taken to avoid its taking fire, for the fnmes of burning
sulphur will quickly destroy all plant life, and even five minutes of
burning might destroy hundreds and perhaps thousands of dollars
worth of plants,

THE PLUM WART.

(Sphoeria morbosa.)

The plum is easily grown and would be a profitable crop in Mas-
sachusetts were it not for the black wart so common on the branches
of the old trees, and the plum curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar.)

A means of overcoming the latter has been found by planting the
trees in poultry yards, and by recent experiments it is believed that
syringing the trees with paris green at the time when the curculios
are working will prove effectual. The black wart however has not
been so successfully controlled. The wart, which every plum grower
is familiar with, and which is also found on the old sour garden
cherry and the wild choke cherry, often more abundantly even than
upon the plum, is due to a parasitic fungous growth, the spores of
which germinate in moist weather on the bark, and penetrating it,
feed upon the soft inner tissues of the branch. The growth of the
fungus and that of the tree in its effort to overcome the injury, causes
this enlargement which is known as the black wart or the black knot
of the plum.

To determine if there is not a more effectual and satisfactory
remedy than that of cutting off and burning the warts (which is in
part effectual) the following liquids were applied.

1. Linseed Oil.

2. Turpentine.

3. Kerosene.

These remedies were applied with a small brush as soon as the

16

warts began to appear. As they do not all come out at once, ex-
amination and application of the remedies were made three times
during the summer, all warts being painted over each time.

RESULTS.

In three examinations made with the microscope during the fall
and winter, no spores, (ascospores) were found in the warts. In fact
none of the sacks (perithecia) were developed enough to produce
them before the warts were destroyed by the remedies. In some
cases where the kerosene and turpentine were applied in so large
quantity as to spread around the branch or to run down it, the
branches were killed. No such injury occurred where the linseed oil
was used.

CONCLUSIONS.

1. Linseed oil, turpentine and kerosene all effectually destroyed
the plum wart.

2 Turpentine and kerosene must be used with great care.

3. Examinations should be made at least three times during the
summer, from June 1st to August 30th.

4. Enough of the liquids must be applied to saturate the wart.

5. As the plum wart is readily propagated on the wild clioke
cherry all such trees sliould be destroyed, and all of the v^^arts upon
the trees of the garden (morello) cherry should receive the same
treatment as those on the plum trees.

SUGGESTION.

While the above remedies have proved effectual it is suggested
that possibly a more harmless remedy may be found in the use of
sulphate of copper, although no experiments have been made with it
to our knowledge. Applied with the hand pump in the spring, be-
fore the leaves have unfolded, it would probably destroy all spores
lodged in the crevices of the bark ; and used in concentrated solu-
tions with the brush it would probably destroy all warts that might
start later in the season from the mycelium or spores remaining in
the tissues during the winter.

TESTING NEW VARIETIES.

Owing to the lateness of the season when the Hatch Appropriation
was available, our plans for experimentation with varieties of fruits,
vegetables, flowers, etc., were not matured in time to do much satis-
factory work.

17

A few especially promising varieties were purchased and others
were sent in by the originators or introducers. The latter were given
as careful treatment as our circumstances would allow and the results
are given as follows.

POTATOES.

The varieties sent in for testing, one of each kind, were cut into
pieces of single eyes, one piece being planted in each hill, fifteen
inches apart. The land on which they were planted was naturally
rather heavy and wet and the abundance of rain made it almost
im[)Ossible to properly cultivate them. A mixed fertilizer was applied
containing an abundance of plant food. Although the crop was
almost a failure, the conditions being the same for all varieties, we
give the record of the yield of each in the following table, to show
their comparative behavior under equally unfavorable conditions.

SeedliniT,

Rural New Yorker,
Chas. Downing,
Early Oxford,
Delaware,
Seedling,
Scotch Magnum,
Beauty of Hebron.

E. A. Everett, Indianaj^olis, Ind.
J. M. Thornburn, New York City
J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, Ms

Imported,

Northern New York,

Amherst,

o .

■S>H

o

10

lb. oz.
3 4

12

10 4

4

7 0

6

9 12

11

18 8

8

21 4

10

7 10

8

11 0

7

12 0

Small, decayed.

Good.

Very good.

Good.

Good.

Very good.

Small, poor.

Medium.

Good.

BEANS.

The varieties of beans in the following table were sent in for trial
and all received the same treatment, as to soil, time of planting,
fertilization, and cultivation.

Boston Favorite,
Early Carmine, 1
Podded Horticul'l, j
New Prolific

Black Wax,
Snow Flake,
Champion,

J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead,

to

«-

s

S3

M^

•sg

o

^^

'A

lb. OZ.

19

3 4

16

1 6

24

2 0

58

5 12

20

2 13

Good, late.

Showy, extra

early.

Good.

Fair.

Fair.

18

LIST OF FRUITS.

The following varieties of fruits are now growing for experinaental
purposes in the grounds of the Horticultural Department.

Alexander,

American Beauty,

Baldwin,

Ben Davis,

Benoni,

Brilliant,

Carolina Red June,

Chenango Strawberr

Congress,

Delaware Winter,

Early Harvest,

Early Strawberry,

Fallawater,

Fall Pippin,

Fameuse,

Garden Royal,

Blue Anis,
Enormous,
Hibernal,

APPLES.

Gilliflower,
Gravenstein,
Grimes Golden,
Greening R. I.,
Haas,

Hubbardstou,
Hurlbert,
y, King of T. Co.,
Lady Apple,
Ladies' Sweet,
Leicester Sweet,
Mann,
Minister,
Mother,
Northern Spy,
Oldenburg,

Hyslop,

Andre Desportes,

Anjou,

Ansault,

Bartlett,

Belle Lucrative,

Beurre Gris d' Hiver,

Bosc,

Buffum,

Boussock,

Pewaukee,

Porter,

Pound Sweet,

Primate,

Red Astrachan,

Red Pietigheimer,

Red Russett,

Roxbury Russett,

Stump,

Summer Extra,

Summer Rose,

Tetofski,

Wealthy,

Williams,

Willow Twig, [ther.

Westfield Seek-uo-fur-

RUSSIAN APPLES.

Lord's Apples, Switzer,

Red Anis,
Repka Malenka

White Russet,
Yellow Transparent.

CRAB APPLES.

Lady Elgin, Transcendent,

Yellow Siberian.

PEARS.

Piaster Beurre,
Early Harvest,
Edmonds,
d' Ete,

Flemish Beauty,
Frances Dana,
Frederic Clapp,
Golden Beurre,
Giffard,

Mt. Vernon,

Nouveau Poiteau,

Onondaga,

Osbands,

Pratt,

Pi'es. Clark,

Rostizer,

Seckel,

Sheldon,

19

Clapps,

Clairgeau,

Columbia,

Congress,

Crumbs,

Dana's Hove}',

Dearborn,

Duchess,

Howell,

Japanese Sand Pear,

Keiffer,

Lawrence,

Lawson,

Louise Bonne,

Le Coute,

Merriam,

Student,

Superfine,

Tyson,

Urbaniste,

Volga,

Vicar,

White Doyenne,

Winter Nelis.

Botang,
Bradshaw,
Coe's Golden,
Damson,
Duane's Purple,
Grand Duke,
German Prune,
Gen. Hand,
Green Gage,
Gueii,
Imperial Gage,

PLUMS.

Italian Prune,

Jefferson,

Kelsey,

Lawrence,

Lombard.

Mariana,

Manitoba,

McLaughlin,

Niagara,

Ogon,

Peach Plum,

Prince Englebert,
Pond's Seedling,
Quackenbos,
Shipper's Pride,
Simonii,

Smith's Orleans,
Victoria,
Washington,
Wild Goose,
Wild American,
Yellow Egg.

CHERRIES.

Black Tartarian, Early Richmond,

Belle Magnifique, Elton,

Cleveland's Bigarreau, Gov. Wood,
Downer's Late, May Duke.

Rock port Bigarreau,
Royal Duke,
Transcendent,

Arkansas Traveler,

Alexander,

Arasden,

Chair's Choice,

Conklin,

Coolidge,

Early Crawford,

Foster,

Globe,

Hale's Early.

PEACHES.

Honest John,
Holland,
Jennie Worthen,
Late Crawford,
Morris White,
Mrs. Brett,
Mountain Rose,
North Russian,
Old Mixon,

Red Cheek,

Reeve's Favorite,

Schumnker,

Sally Worrell,

Smock,

Stump,

Waterloo,

Wager,

Wheatland,

20

Albert dn Montagnet,

Alexander,

Alexis,

Agawam,

Ann Ai'bor,

Amber Queen,

Arnold'8 No. 1,

Arnold's No. 2,

August Giant,

Bacchus,

Barry,

Beauty,

Berckman,

Brighton,

Black Delaware,

Catavvba,

Caywood's No. 50,

Centennial,

Champion,

Clinton,

Concord,

Concord Chtisselas,

Cottage,

Creveling,

Croton,

Delaware,

Diana,

Vites labrusca,
Vites Mexicaua,

Belle Fontaine,
Brandywine,
Cuthbert,
Crimson Beauty,

APRICOTS.

Catherine,

Elureka,

Gibbs.

GRAPES.
Dutchess,
J^arly Victor,
Eaton,
p]ldorado,
Empire State,
Eumelan,
Ester,
Excelsior,
Goethe,
Golden Drop,
Hartford,
Hayes,
Highland,
lona,
Isabelle,
Isarella,
Ives,

Janesville,
Jefferson,
Jessica,
Jewell,
Lady,

Lady Washington,
Lindley,

Wyoming Red.

SPECIES.

Vites cardifolia,
Vites Arizonica,

RASPBERRIES—

Excelsior,
Hale's Early,
Highland Hardy,
Hansel,

Improved Russian,
Common Russian,

Martha,

Massasoit,

Mills,

Moore's Diamond,

Moore's EarU',

Naomi,

Nectar,

Niagara,

Norwood,

Oneida,

Oriental,

Pearl,

Pocklington,

Poughkeepsie Red,

Prentis,

Rochester,

Salem,

Secretary,

Telegraph,

Ulster Prolific,

Victoria,

Vergennes,

Wilder,

Worden,

Vites riparia,
Vites Californica.

Marlboro,
Rancocas,
Superb,
Thompson's Pride,

Thompson's Early Prolific,

Turner

21

YELLOW VARIETIES.

Curoliue,

Golden Queen,

BLACK CAPS.

Crystal White.

Butler's Seedling,

Gregg,

Ohio,

Carman,

Hopkins,

Sqhaffer's,

Centennial,

Hilboru,

Souhegan,

Crawford,

Mammoth Cluster,

Springfield,

Doolittle,

Neraeha,

BLACKBERRIES.

Thompson's Sweet.

Agawam,

Lucretia,

Western Triumph,

Erie,

Minniwaski,

Wachusetts,

Early Harvest,

Snyder,

Wilson,

Early Cluster,

Taylor's,

Wilson Jr.,

Fred,

Thompson.
GOOSEBERRIES.

Ashton,

Downing,

Ironmonger,

Champion,

Houghton's Seedling,

Mountain Seedling,

Crown Bob,

Industry,

Whitesmith.

CURRANTS.

Smith's Improved,

Black Naples,

Fay's Prolific, White Seedling (Caywood's)

Cherry,

La Versaillaise, White Grape,

Crandall's,

Ruby Castle, Victoria.

STRAWBERRIES.

Ada,

Garreck's Seedling,

No. 29, (M. A. C),

Atlantic,

Gold,

No. 12, (M. A. C),

Belmont,

Golden Defiance,

Leroy,

Beseck,

Gandy's Prize,

Logan,

Bid well.

Hampden,

Norman,

Buback,

Haverland,

Ohio,

Cardinal,

Henderson,

Old Iron Clad,

Carmichael,

Hervey Davis,

No. 70, (Augers),

Chas. Downing,

Itaska,

Ontario,

Cohanzic,

Jersey Queen,

Pansy,

Cornelia,

Jessie,

Photo,

Covin's Early,

Jewell,

Piper's Seedling.

22

Crescent,
Crimson Cluster,
Crystal City,
Daisy,

Daniel Boone,
Eva,

Excelsior,
Emerald,
Earns worth,
Garibaldi,

Jumbo,
Katie,
Kentucky,
Lida,

Mammoth,
May King,
Miner's Prolific,
No. 23 (M. A. C),
No. 24 (M. A. C),
No. 26 (M. A. C),
Woodhouse.

Prince of Berries,

Pioneer,

Seth Boyden,

Sharpless,

Sucker State,

Summit,

Sunapee,

Triomphe de Gand,

Wilson,

Warfield,

NEW VARIETIES OE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

We would again invite all who may have valuable or especially
interesting new varieties of fruits, vegetables, trees, shrubs or flowers,
to send them to us that they may be tested side by side and under
the same conditions, with other new and the standard older varieties.
We are now situated so that we can give all such the best of atten-
tion, and shall make very careful observation and give unprejudiced
reports of their behavior and merits.

We would urge that especial attention be given to promising local
seedling apples that have not been propagated and disseminated. On
almost every farm may be found numerous chance seedlings, and as
most of the standard varieties now in cultivation have originated in
this way, all seedlings that have the valuable qualities of size, beauty,
flavor, vigor and freedom from disease should be further tested.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN NO. 5.

JULY, 1889.

The Bulletins of this Station will he sent free to all news^mpers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :
J. E. WILLIAMS, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER.

1889 .

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Rill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College." in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Director.
Agriculturist.
Horticulturist.
Entomologist.
Meteorologist.
Assistant Horticulturist.

Henry H. (tOodell,
William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynard,
Charles H. Fernald,
Clakence D. Warner,
William M. Shepardson,
Herbert E. Woodbury,
The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, is
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Division of Entomology.

C. II. FEUNALD.

HOUSEHOLD PESTS.

Diiriug the past year many demands have been made on this Divi-
sion for information concerning insects wliich are tronblesomo, to
houseiteepers. As similar inquiries are being made almost daily, as to
the habits and the best methods of destroying these pests, it seems
to be an economy of time to publish an account of them in the Bul-
letin.

Fig. 1. Anthrenus scrophularia! Linn. «, larva; 6, skiuof a larva;
All much enlarged. (After Eiley.)

pupa ; d, beetle.

THE BUFFALO CARPET BEETLE.

Anthrenus scrophularicp. Linn.

This insect is exceedingly destructive to all kinds of woolen mater-
ials and also to collections of insects and plants. The opinion that
it injures cotton or silk goods, lace curtains, etc., must be erroneous,
for I have repeatedly put the larvae or young of this beetle into bot-

ties with various substances for them to feed upon, and when fur-
nished with cotton and wool mixed goods, they invariably ate the
woolen fibres, leaving the cotton intact ; but when I gave them only
cotton, silk, or pieces of newspaper, they as invariably died without
eating any of these substances. The injuries reported to have been
done to silk, lace curtains, etc., must have been done by some other
insect.

So far as my observations extend, the liuffalo beetles and their
larvae are much more abundant in rooms on the second and third
floors than below, and during the month of March, in rooms that have
been kept warm, the beetles emerge and fly to the windows where
they may be taken and destioyed. It is probable that these early
beetles pair and lay eggs, which produce the first generation of larvse,
for early in April very small larvae are found, while later in the
month larger ones, and early in May, full grown larvae occur. About
the middle of May, or about two months later than their first appear-
ance, the beetles appear on the windows a second time. This leads
me to believe that there is more than one generation in a year, and
perhaps a succession of them during the summer. It is certain, how-
ever, that the}' pass the winter in the pupa stage, and that the beetles
emerge in March as already stated.

The larvae are very often found feeding upon the woolen lint that
has accumulated in the cracks of the floor, and unless this is care-
fully cleaned out or covered with paper under the carpet, they may
come up and eat the carpet along the line of the crack, cutting it as
completely as could have been done with scissors. It is desirable,
therefore, before putting down a carpet in a badly infested room, to
saturate the lint in the cracks of the floor with benzine or kerosene,
and cover the floor very carefully and fully with carpet paper, or
even with newspapers, in such a way that the larvae cannot find ac-
cess to the carpet from beneath.

The beetles usually lay their eggs, and the larvae attack the carpets
under their exposed edges, and these parts may be protected by
washing over the edges and a few inches of the underside with a so-
lution of corrosive sublimate in alcohol, in the proportion of sixty
grains to one pint. The alcohol quickly evaporates, leaving the cor-
rosive sublimate over all the fibres of the carpet where the applica-
tion has been made, and when the larvae eat it they are quickly de-
stroyed.

It must be remembered tliat coirosive sublimate is a rank poison,

and caunot be safely used where children play upon the carpet, lest
thoy might get some of the poisoned portions in their mouths and thus
be poisoned.

The larvie of the Buffalo beetles appear to be attracted to the bright
rod figures of a carpet more than to any other color, and some people
have found it very useful to spread pieces of carpeting in which red
was the prevailing color, on the bare floors of the closets, and then
take up and shake these pieces every few days, and kill the larvae
found under them. It might be well to wet these pieces of carpet
with the solution of corrosive sublimate in alcohol, to poison the lar-
V£e as soon as they attack it.

It has been recommended to spread wet cloths along the edge
of an infested carpet, and to pass a hot flatiron over them. If this be
properly and frequently done, the steam will be forced down through
the carpet and will kill the larvae. Naphthaline and gasoline have
been recommended for the destruction of the carpet beetles, but they
are so volatile, and the danger of explosion which might cause fire, so
great that insurance companies will not give permission to use them.

This insect was named by Linneus more than one hundred and thir-
ty years ago, and he stated that the adult insect was found feeding
upon Scro2Jhularia, probably in the flowei's, for they are known to
feed on many different kinds of flowers, and are frequently brought
into houses in them.

The insect destroys woolen fabrics only while in the larva stage,
and when it is ready to transform into the pupa stage, it is nearly a
quarter of an inch in length, and covered with coarse brown hairs
which are arranged somewhat in tufts on the head and along the sides,
while at the posterior ends, they are extended into a tail-like appen-
dage. (Fig. 1, a.)

Late in the autumn the larva transforms to a pupa, c, which, how-
ever, is retained within the skin of the larva until its transformations
are completed, and the perfect beetle emerges through a rent along
the middle of the back as shown in Fig. b.

The perfect beetle, d, is ovate and moderately convex. The head
is black with a few orange red scales around the eyes and above the
mouth. The antennee are black, eleven-jointed, terminated by a
broadly oval three-jointed club, which is as long as all the preced-
ing joints united. The thorax is black, with the sides and base more
or less covered with white and orange scales. The wing-covers are
black, but the suture along the back is broadly red, with three cqui-

distant, lateral projections of the same color, the first two of which
join sinuous, white, imperfectly defined bands The posterior is ob-
scurely connected with a red spot at the end of the wing-covers, and
there is usually a small white spot at the base. The under side of the
body is black, more or less covered with red and white scales.
Length, from one-seventh to one-eleventh of an inch. The colors
are subject to considerable variation. The red band along the middle
of the back is sometimes replaced by white, and the first two bands
of white on the wing-covers run together, forming one broad, white
band.

THE PITCHY CARPP:T BEETLE.

Attagenus piceus Oliv.

The larva of this beetle is often found feeding on carpets in the
same manner as the Buffalo ca)[)et beetle, and sometimes associated
with it. The full-grown larva is about one-third of an inch in length ;
of a brownish color, ringed with whitish between the segments, larg-
est near the head, and tapering towards the posterior extremity,
which is provided with a long pencil of diverging hairs. The whole
surface of the body is covered with short, coarse, brown hairs, which
are so arranged as to give a smooth and somewhat glossy appearance
to the larva, which is quite hard and wiry. It crawls quite rap-
idly, with a peculiar gliding movement.

The perfect beetle is from one-fifth to one-seventh of an inch in
length, more elongated than the Buffalo carpet beetle, black, and
clothed with minute yellowish or brownish hairs, giving the beetle a
general brownish color, varying from light brown to dark pitchy
brown. There is but one generation in a year, as indicated by those
which I have bred, for larvae found in June did not transform to the
perfect beetle until the following May.

The remedies for this pest are the same as for the Buffalo beetle.

THE LARDER OR BACON BEETLE.

Derrtiesies lardarius Linn.

This beetle belongs to the same family as the two carpet beetles
already described, and often proves a great pest in our houses. The
larvae attack all kinds of food that contain fat, as roast-beef, hams,
bacon, old cheese, etc., also feathers, skins, hair, bees-wax, and

often prove a greut jinnoyance to the entomologist, since they jire as
fond of the batlies of dried insects as of any of the above named
snbstances.

Fig. '2. Dermcstcs lardarius Linn, a, larva; h, one o( its barbed hairs ; c, beetle.
(After Riley).

These pernicious little beetles make their way into our houses in
May or June, and at once deposit their eggs on their favorite food if
they can obtain access to it, or, if they find this impossible, they
frequently lay their eggs near small openings or crevices so that the
young when hatched may make their way in to the coveted articles of
food.

The full-grown larva (Fig. 2, a) is about one-third of an inch in
length, of a brownish color, tapering somewhat from the anterior to
the posterior extremity. It is clothed with long rough hairs (Fig, 2,
6), and has a pair of short curved spines on the top of the last
segment.

The perfect beetle (Fig. 2, c), is from one-third to one-fourth of
an inch in length, black, with a broad gray band across the base of
the wing-covers, upon each side of which are three .small black spots.
The under side is black with a yellowish tinge.

Dr. Hagen states that if pieces of old cheese be placed in favorable
situations, the beetles will be attracted to them, and may then be very
easily destroyed.

CLOTHES MOTHS.

There are three different species of clothes moths in this country,
all of which were undoubtedly imported from Europe, where they
have been known from the earliest times.

The first of these moths {Tinea tapetzella Linn.) is quite rare in

8

this country. I have seen but two or three specimens in our collec-
tions, and have never seen the larva. The moth is about three-fouvths
of an inch between the tips of its expanded wings. The head is
white; the forewings are black on the basal half and white on the
outer portion, but more or less clouded with dark gray, with a small
black spot on tlie anal angle, and two or three similar spots on the
apex of the wing. The hind wings are pale gray. The larva in
Europe feeds upon animal matters, pelts, felts, carpets and also on
dried plants. It makes a gallery on the substance on which it feeds
but forms no case.

The second moth {Tinea j^ellionella hum.) expands about one-half
of an inch. The head is of a dull ochre -yellow color, and the fore-
wings are dark gray with three dark brown spots, one on the end of
the cell, one ne:u- the middle of the cell, and the third below it.
The hind wings are silky gray, and lighter than the forewings.

The larva of this species constructs a cylindrical case of the
materials on which it feeds, binding it together and lining it with silk.
This case is enlarged as the insect grows, by splitting it on one side
from the middle to one end, and filling in a new piece of the material,
then it splits the opposite side and puts in a piece in a similar manner,
after which the other end of the case is enlarged in the same way.
I took a pair of moths of this species, male and female, and put them
into a glass jar with a piece of blue flannel. The female laid her
eo-gs which were so small that they were overlooked, but in a short
time there were about sixty minute larvae, each with its tiny case,
crawling about and feeding upon the flannel. When these larvae were
about three-fourths grown, I removed the blue flannel and put in a
piece of a scarlet color ; and when they enlarged their cases the scarlet
stripes which they had pieced in were plainly visible.

These moths may be seen from the last of May until August flitting
about in our houses in the evening, avoiding the light, but seeking
the darker portions of the rooms. Those small moths that are
attracted to the light are not clothes moths, but some species which
live upon plants out of doors. The clothes moths pair and lay their
eggs in the night, but rest quietly on the walls of the rooms, or in
some concealed place during the day.

This species feeds upon all kinds of woolen clothing, carpets, furs,
feathers, etc. The larva is dull whitish with the head and upper
part of the next segment of a reddish brown color, but it never leaves
its case unless forced to do so.

g

The third species of clothes moth (Tineola hiselliella Linn.) ex-
pands about half an inch. The head is of a dull ochre-yellow color,
and the forewings are pale ochre-yellow without any spots. The
hind wings are a shade lighter than the fore wings.

The larva is white with a light-brown head. It does not construct
a case, but before transforming into a pupa, it forms a kind of loose
cocoon from portions of the substance upon which it feeds : — woolen
stutfs, Furs, feathers, horse-hair, linings of furniture, dried animals
and plants.

REMEDIES.

Reaumur, more than one hundred and fifty years ago, made quite
extensive researches on clothes moths ; and, observing that they
never attacked the wool and hair on living animals, he inferred that
the natural odor of the wool or of the oily matter in it was distasteful
to them. He, therefore, rubbed various garments with the wool of
fresh pelts, and also wet other garments with the water in which
wool had been washed, and found that they were never attacked by
moths.

He also experimented with tobacco smoke and the odors of spirits
of turpentine, and found that both of these were destructive to the
moths, but it was necessary to close the rooms very tightly and keep
the fumes very dense in them for twenty-four hours, to obtain satis-
factory results.

I have always found that any material subject to the attacks of
moths may be preserved from them if packed away with sprigs of
cedar between the folds. The odor of cedar is so disagreeable to
them that they will not deposit their eggs where this odor is at all
strong. Chests of cedar or closets finished in the same wood will
protect clothing from moths as long as the odor is strong, but this is
lost with age, and then they are no protection. It must be remember-
ed that the odor of cedar, camphor, etc., only prevents the moth from
laying her eggs on the fabrics, but if the eggs are laid before the
garments are packed away with cedar, etc., the odor will not prevent
the hatching of the eggs nor the destructive work of the larvje after-
wards.

Clothing may also be protected from moths by packing it in bags
made of either stout paper or cotton cloth, if made perfectly tight,
but this must be- done before the moths appear on the wing in the
spring.

10

ANTS.

lu the second Bulletin issued by this Station, an account was given
of experiments made for the destruction of ants in lawns and walks,
but no methods were given for those that tind their way into houses
and become an intolerable nuisance because of their desire for sugar
and other sweets. These are more frequently the small species, but
what they lack in size the}'^' usually make up for in numbers. I am in-
clined to the opinion that they enter the houses and discover the covet-
ed articles by chance ; that their scouts, in exploring, find these arti-
cles, not by keen sight or smell, but by mere accident. When one has
found some choice dainty, she — these wingless workers are undevel-
oped females, not neuters as some have supposed — sips her fill and at
once starts for home, where, by some moans, she communicates the
information of the locality of untold treasures to others, which return
with her, and they in turn appear to spread the information on their
return home, and soon the throngs that come and go are sufficient to
disturb the most amiable of housekeepers. Various remedies have
been suggested, one of which is to draw a chalk mark on the floor
around the sugar barrels or other articles to be protected from tbem.~
It is undoubtedly true that ants travel in a regular beaten track, as
it were, by tlie sense of smell, and if this be removed from the ground
over which they travel, they are at a loss, and oft(Mi wander around
for some time before they find the trail again. They may he thrown
off the trail by drawing a chalk mark or even the finger across it. This
is only a temporary protection, however, for sooner or hiter they will
find their way across and then travel goes on as uninterruptedly as
before.

It has been recommended to sprinkle sugar into a sponge and place
it in their path, and as it fills up with ants several times a day, im-
merse it in hot water to kill those adhering to it. This will un-
doubtedly prove successful if carefully followed up for some time ;
but when we remember that the females are constantly laying eggs
to produce workers which will take the places of those already de-
stroyed, the task seems almost hopeless.

There can be no doubt that a better method would be to follow the
ants carefully, and discover, if possible where their nest is, and then
destroy the entire community by making one or more holes down
through the nest, and then pouring in a teaspoonful of bisulphide of
carbon, carefully stamping down the ground afterwards to close the
holes. The fumes of this substance will penetrate the nest in all di-
rections, and destroy the entire community.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN NO. 6.

OCTOBER, 1889.

The Bulletins of this Station will be sent free to all newspajjers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MAS.S. :

J. E. WILLIAMS, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER.

18 8 9.

Wliile we do not wish to enter into any controversy as to tlie merits
of the different kinds of steam or hot water boilers, so many of which
possess sucli valuable qualities, we hope to further experiment on
this question by replacing the boileis in use last winter with others,
and make most careful records of the results.

HOT WATER.

STEAM.

oQS

o «

LETTUCE AND

CARNATION ROOM. |

LETTUCE AND CARNATION ROOM.

§£2
lift

si

1

III

--<£

.si

ji
i

III
"^1

5

1

32. G

43

67

53.

99 lbs.

44

55

49.

72 lbs.

2

34.

46

71

56.3

8 "

41

55

47.3

9 "

3

40.

47

55

50.

37 ''

45

55

48.6

56 -

4

39. G

49

56

51.6

37 ''

45

57

50.

84 "

5

38. G

47

58

51.6

50 "

45

57

50.3

78 "

G

39.3

48

58

51.3

57 "

46

61

52.3

74 -

7

35.

42

59

49.2

40 "

41

54

46.7

50 "

8

28.6

41

61

48.5

74. "

38

57

44.5

125 "

9

29.3

43

54

47.7

74 "

40

55

46.

107 "

10

30.

42

59

48.5

72 "

41

64

49.

125 "

11

31.3

45

56

48.5

63 "

40

57

47.5

95 "

12

38.

45

75

55.2

37 "

42

67

51.

91 "

13

44.3

50

59

55.2

31 "

49

61

54.

88 "

U

35.6

45

65

52.

44 "

47

60

52.2

94 4'

15

37.

51

76

59.

42 "

46

77

56.2

■ 80 "

16

43.3

47

58

52.2

49 "

44

58

49.2

63 "

17

37.3

48

59

51.7

25 -

45

55

48.5

76 "

18

42.3

51

69

57.

69 "

45

59

51.5

65 "

19

42.3

50

67

' 57.2

32 "

46

67

53.7

60 "

20

37.3

47

63

, 53.2

49 "

44

59

49.

• 72 "

21

40.

47

56

51.

31 '^

42

51

46.5

46 "

22

46.3

45

67

54.7

61 "

41

65

53.

94 •'

23

48.6

47

65

55.2

. 33 "

45

68

54.7

60 •'

24

53.3

53

67

! 57.5

10 -

51

70

60.7

GG '•

25

42.

46

57

•19.5

79 "

45

56

49.7

113 "

2G

36.

43

59

49.7

26 "

46

56

51.5

128 "

27

43.

50

55

51.7

41 "

49

54

52,

64 -

2S

39.

45

53

49.5

66 "

44

49

47.5

100 "

29

43.3

47

58

52.2

81 "

47

60

54.

117 "

30

^1.3

44

60

52.

121 "

48

62

52.2

147 "

31

29.3

49
46.5

59

53.5

60 "
51.5"

47
44.4

65
59.5

55.2
50.7

149 "

Ave.

38.3

61.3

52.4

85.4"

1 Total

1598Ibs.

Total

2643 lbs.

HOT WATER.

STEAM.

1

LETTUCE AND CARNATION ROOM.

LETTUCE AND CARNATION ROOM.

►4
S

III

2
§11
1||

H

52.5

ll

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64 lbs.

III

46

.si
tan

2 3

H

59

III

52.2

li

o

1

34.

47

60

100 lbs.

2

38.3

46

77

56.2

54 "

45

76

56.

80 -

3

36.6

47

55

50.7

65 "

45

51

47.7

87 "

4

44.

47

65

53.5

39 "

45

64

52.

60 "

5

41.

51

66

56.5

21 "

44

59

50.

63 -

6

43.

49

60

53.7

50 "

42

61

51.

61 '^

7

42.6

50

58

53.5

63 "

46

57

51.2

73 "

8

48.6

52

67

61.5

27 "

44

66

57.2

27 '•■

9

50.

58

82

68.

40 "

52

76

62.

15 ''

10

48.3

56

75

64.5

50 "

48

71

59.2

68 "

11

54.3

59

77

67.

57 '•

54

76

64.2

22 "

12

56.

60

67

63.5

28 ''

56

64

59.2

48 •'

13

45.3

54

65

61.2

56 "

45

64

56.

3S -

14

45.6

56

77

66.2

81 "

44

69

59.2

82 -

15

50.

58

76

68.7

45 ''

47

72

61.7

14 -

16

50.3

56

73

64.5

10 •'

48

71

58.2

31 '^

17

49.6

56

70

61.

23 ''

54

72

59.

33 -

18

57.6

64

74

67.

17 "

57

71

63.

4 "

19

68.

64

85

72.2

24 "

59

88

70.5

0 "

20

64.3

68

76

72.5

2 "

65

78

71.2

2 "

21

63.6

62

81

74.

90 "

60

83

73.5

84 /'

22

44.3

56

75

64.7

90 "

50

70

60.5

69 "

23

47.3

58

71

65.

68 "
46.2"

50
49.8

67
68.9

60.7

51 "

Ave.

48.8

55.3

70.9

62.5

58.7

48.3'-

Total

1064 lbs.

Total

1112 lbs.

Summary for Hot Water Boiler.
Total coal consumed by Hot Water boiler from Dec. 23, 1888, to
April 24, 1889, 4 tons, 1155 lbs. Average daily temperature for
the four months, 53.5°.

Summary for Steam Boiler.
Total coal consumed by Steam boiler from Dec. 23, 1888, to April
24, 1889, 5 tons, 1261 lbs. Average daily temperature for the four
mouths, 51.2''.

STRAWBERRIES.

The strawbeiTj crop in Massachusetts, this season, has been much
smaller than for the past ten years. The causes that have contributed
to this failure are in part the cold, wet summer of 1888, which pro-
moted a late growth in which the fruit buds were not matured suffi-
ciently to withstand the winter, — the long, open winter in which the
plants were not well protected, and the continued wet weather of the
past spring preventing perfect fertilization.

NEW VARIETIES.

Many of the new varieties not previously fruited, produced some
fruit this season, and not having been as much injured in the
plots as in the field, we give the results in the following tables.

For economy of space we have recorded the various qualities on
the scale of one to ten. One indicating the earliest blossoming and
ripening and the greatest perfection in quality, size and yield.

Ada,

Atlantic,

Auger,

Belmont,

Beseck,

Bidwell,

Buback,

Cardinal,

Carmichael,

Chas. Downing,

Cohanzic,

Cornelia,

Corville's Early,

Crescent,

Crimson Cluster,

Crystal City,

Daisy,

Daniel Boone,

Emerald,

Eva,

Excelsior,

Earns worth.

Gaudy's Prize,

Garrick's Seedling,

Gold.

Golden Defiance,

Hampden,

Oo

M

9
10

7
9

10
8
9
8

10

9
10
2
2
9
2
4
7
4
8
7
4
10
10
9

10
6

C £

3

8

2

10

4
7
G
5

^

Haverland,

1

6

2

3

4

4

Henderson,

3

10

8

6

10

1

Heivey Davis,

8

10

6

8

9

1

Howard's No. 5,

1

4

7

5

5

5

Howard's No. 6,

]

3

7

5

7

8

Itaska,

1

9

4

5

6

4

Jersey Queen,

4

5

3

6

6

4

Jessie,

2

3

2

2

2

3

Jewell,

3

9

4

1

2

2

Jumbo,

4

7

3

6

5

G

Katie,

1

8

5

G

5

2

Kentucky,

8

4

6

3

8

3

Leroy,

1

8

6

5

5

4

Lida,

2

8

5

5

3

4

Logan,

1

8

2

2

2

5

Mammoth,

2

9

2

4

5

3

Manchester,

3

7

6

5

8

8

May King,

4

3

3

5

4

2

Miner's Prolific,

8

2

2

5

4

4

Monmouth,

3

8

2

4

4

6

Mrs. Garfield.

3

8

G

6

7

4

Norman,

1

!)

5

8

9

4

Ohio,

2

9

6

8

5

7

Old Iron Clad,

4

7

3

■ 5

5

5

Ontario,

2

9

9

8

5

7

Parry,

3

«

3

6

G

4

Photo,

1

7

4

2

2

4

Pioneer,

5

4

2

6

8

2

Piper's Seedling.

4

2

2

5

5

8

Prince of Berries,

;^

8

4

3

9

1

Seedling,

4

1

5

3

3

4

Seth Boyden.

5

2

4

7

9

4

Sharpless,

8

8

6

1

6

3

Sucker State,

4

10

6

7

4

7

Summit,

2

10

10

7

7

6

Sunapee,

2

5

2

6

7

6

Triumph,

10

9

4

5

8

5

Warfield,

1

8

3

5

3

7

Wilson,

15

2

2

6

4

8

Wood House,

2

2

3

5

3

9

No. 1 Seedling

5

4

3

G

2

5

No. 6

5

3

5

5

4

. 5

No. 11

5

2

2

5

1

5

No. 12 -

5

3

2

6

4

2

No. 21

5

5

2

5

1

9

No. 23 ^'

5

1

1

4

5

1

No. 24 ''

5

8

9

1

2

9

No.. 28 "

0

r,

2

5

5

1

No. 29 "

5

5

2

7

5

5

No. 31 "

4

7

5

8

7

5

REMARKS.

The position of many of tlie old varieties reniains nncliauged, and
few, if any, of tiie new varieties liave shown qualities which make
them superior to those already in general cultivation. The tendency
of tlie market has been to demand large berries at the expense of
quality. Such berries can only be grown under the highest state of
cultivation, which many of our growers have not yet learned is a
necessity to the profit;. ble growth of the strawberry. We mention a
few varieties which have done the best with us the past season.

OLD VAKIKTir.S.

The position of tlie old standard kinds, which are still cultivated,
may be summed u}) in a few words, and I will take them in their
order of rii)euing.

Crescent. — This variety is still largely grown and proves profitable
although the quality is such, that, as people become familiar with the
better and larger varieties, it cannot long be grown profitably.

May King. — Although not quite as early or as productive as the
Crescent, its good size, beauty, and good quality have proved it a
profitable variety.

/Sharjyless. — The large size of this berry and its vigor of giowth
still keep it as one of the leading varieties. Grown on a medium,
light soil, with an abundance of plant food, and with the plants not
too thickly set, it produces a good crop of fine, well-colored fruit,
but in a heavy soil, less fruit is produced, and it is of poor shape and
quality.

Belmont. — Almost as large as the Sharpless, of more perfect form
and better quality, this variety gives more satisfactory results than
the latter and is more profitable when well grown.

Miner's Frolijic. — This variety, although rather soft and of daik
color, on account of its hardiness and productivenebs, is still a
profitable variety to grow, when given good cultivation.

VARIETIES TESTED TWO Olt THREE YEARS.

Jessie. — This variety, on our grounds, has given good promise. Jt
is vigorous, productive, of good size, form, color, and good quality.

Buback. — A pistillate variety of great vigor and productiveness.
Berries of large size, good form and color, but not of the best quality.
Certainly promising.

Gandifs Prize. — A very late variety of the largest size, vigorous,
moderately productive and of fair quality. The most promising late
variety.

VARIETIES TESTED ONLY ONE SEASON.

Of the new varieties that were especially promising are the Logan,
Photo. Haverland, Warfield. Howard's No. 6, and Cardinal. INlany
other varieties have developed remarkable qualities, and another
season may develop others that would render them worthy of a higher
place in the list than is at present indicated.

Division of Vegetable Pathology.

JAMES ELLIS HUMPHREY.
Prof, of Vef/etuhle Physiology, State Agricultural Experiment Station.

FUNGOUS DISEASES OF PLANTS.

Various rusts., smuts, mildews, blights, and similar diseases of cul-
tivated plants have been generally known and dreaded since plants
began to be cultivated. Any understanding of the cause of these
troubles, of the conditions of their occurrence, and of their relations
to each other and to the plants they infest is a matter of compara-
tively recent acquisition even among botanists. Among American
farmers and gardeners, it is only recently that intelligent inquirv and
thought regarding these important sources of loss has been awakened,
and they are but just beginning to be popularly spoken of as fungous
diseases. With this increased popular interest has naturally arisen
an increased interest in their scientific investigation, which is as yet
but fairly begun, and in the practical application of our technical
knowledge in devising ways and means for checking the spread and
preventing the ravages of the pests. It is, doubtless, true that to
the average reader the term fungus carri'js with it no definite idea.
This is due partly to the newness of the popular use of the term and
the meagreness of generally accessible sources of information con-
cerning the fungi, and partly to the inherent difficulty and technical-
ity of the subject. To obtain a clear notion of organisms so small
as to be barely lecognizable by the naked eye and requiring high
powers of the microscope for their study, yet with such apparently
disproportionate capacities for mischief, is not easy. It is, for this
very reason, all the more important that, in a discussion of fungous
diseases intended for popular information, an attempt should be
made at the outset to remove, so far as may be, this i'undamental
difficulty.

In the first place, then, a fungus is -a plant, as truly and essentially
a plant as the corn-stalk or rose-bush on which it grows. Yet it is
not only much smaller, but also much simpler than these. While the
plant-body of the corn or rose shows much specialization of structure,
having the various vegetative functions of the i)lant performed by

10

distinct organs, tiie root, stem, uiid leaves, very many plants show
no such specialization, but have all tlieir vegetative; functions per-
formed by the whole plant-body, which then needs no variety of
organs. Of the latter class of plants are the rockweeds and sea-
mosses, the fresh-water jJoiid-scums and the fungi, which are obvi-
ously much simpler and n)ore primitive plants than those with roots,
stems, and leaves. In all true fungi the plant-body consists of numer-
ous simple or branching white threads which spread over the surface
or through the substance of the object on which the fungus grows.
These threads constitute the so-called mycelium of the fungus, and
are comparable with the more elaborate plant-body of other plants,
since they perform all its vegetative functions.

Equally important with its own healthy growth is the provision by
any plant or animal for the perpetuation of its kind, and to this end
it develops organs of reproduction. In many of those plants provided
with root, stem, and leaf, these reproductive organs are grouped into
a structure called a flower, and such plants are known as Flowering
Plants. They all produce, by the further development of certain
parts of their flowers, structures known as seeds, which can, under
favorable conditions, develop into new plants similar to that which
produced them.

Fungi do not produce flowers, and they vary greatly in their repro-
duction, but they all agree in producing bodies called s2yores, much
simpler than seeds, as would be expected, Init analogous to seeds in
their ability to develop, under favorable conditions, into plants simi-
lar to those which produced them. These spoies are usually produced
on special fruiting or reproductive threads which grow from the veg-
etative threads of the mycelium of the fungns. The reproductive
threads may remain separate, thus producing their spores free in the
air ; or they may become interlaced or consolidated into a complicated
fruiting structure, on which the spores are produced either superfic-
ially or in cavities from which they finally escape into the air.
The spores of fungi, being so small and light, are readily taken up
and widely spread by currents of air, and are easily carried by
insects from plant to plant. In such ways a fungous disease may
spread from a single insignificant case until it becomes epidemic over
a large area.

In the course of its life-cycle the ordinary foivering ■pkud passes
from the seed, through the seedling, to the adult plant bearing flowers
and then seeds like that from which it grew. Many of the fungi,

11

however, pass through a much more complex life-cycle, during which
a given fungus may produce several kinds of spores and assume
several forms so unlike each other that they can be recounized as
different stages of the same plant only by careful, patient cultivation
and study. It is convenient to select some one stage of such a varia-
ble fungus us its perfect or adult form, and it is natural and logical
to regard as such that stage in which the fungus shows the greatest
elaboration of structure, while the simpler stages through which it
passes are commonly called imperfect form,s. This tendency of fungi
to variety in form, or pleomoi-phism, as it is called, greatly increases
the difficulty of their study and complicates those problems which
concern the successful combating of fungous diseases.

A question which very naturall}' suggests itself is : Why do fungi
attack and cause diseases of other plants, instead of living independ-
ly? This question involves matters of the greatest interest and of
fundamental importance and significance. It is well known that all
gi'een plants owe their characteristic color to the presence of a defin-
ite pigment known as leaf-green or chlorophyll, which is so generallv
present among the higher [)lants, that to most minds the very word
plant carries with it the idea of greenness. Now the possession of
chlorophyll is the preeminent feature which gives to plants their all-
important place in the economy of nature. No living thing can con-
tinue to live on inorganic substances, but all require as food some
of those materials of comparatively complex chemical composition,
known as organic substances. The materials furnished by the earth,
the air and water are all of simple composition and unorganized, but
in leaf-green we have the connecting link, the means of bridging the
interval between the inorganic and the organic. We need not here
discuss the process in detail. It is sufficient for our present purpose
to say that in Nature's laboratory of the leaf, some of the simple con-
stituents of air and water are combined, by the action of leaf-green in
the sunlight, into the complex organic compounds which serve the
plant as food. The chemistry of this remarkable process is not well
understood, but the commonest permanent form in which these
food materials appear is that of starch.

Now, as was noticed above, the threads of the fungi are white,
uncolored ; that is, they contain no leaf-green. Consequently, the
fungi cannot elaborate their own food material, but must obtain it
ready elaborated, from some other source. Evidently the available
sources of organic food-supply fall under two heads, living organisms^

12

and dead organic matter, commonly decaying. And, on this basis, we
may divide the fungi into two classes, those which derive their nour-
ishment from other livmg things, and those which live on the remains
of dead organisms. The latter, known as corpse-plants ov saprophytes ,
include the moulds, toad-stools and many other fungi. But the
first named group is that which at present interests us. since it con-
tains the various groups mentioned at the beginning of this sketch,
which live on or in tiie bodies of other living plants at their expense,
and cause extreme weakeningor even the death of the affected plants-
Such fungi are known as parasites, and the plants they attack are
called their Jiosts. This distinction between saprophytic and para-
sitic fungi is a very useful one, but no sharp line can be drawn
between the two groups, since some fungi seem to be able to live
either as parasites or as saprophytes, while it is probable that very
many pleomorphic fungi are parasites in some of their forms, and
saprophytes in other stages of their life-cycle.

Finally, we may notice the interesting fact that any given para-
sitic fungus is usually restricted in its capacity for harm to a single
host-i)lant or to a few closely related ones ; though, on the other
hand, closely related fungi may attack plants of widely different
relationships. Thus, the mildew of the lettuce and that of the onion
are very closely related fungi, yet neither mildew can attack the host-
plant of the otlier, since the structural resemblances are few and the
relationship remote between the lettuce and the onion.

From the above facts we may derive a few important piinciples for
our guidance in attempts to avoid or check the ravages of fungi
among plants cultivated for use or beauty. Since the mycelium of a
parasitic fungus grows usually within the tissues of its host-plant, it
is too late to try remedies after a plant is once infected. It is true
that a few fungi are superficial in growth, and a treatment may per-
haps be found which shall destroy such parasites without harm to the
host. But in most cases our aim must be to fortify exposed plants
against infection by the timely application of protective solutions or
mixtures, which shall prevent the germination of the spores which
fall upon the plant so treated. Some progress has been made in
this direction and some results have been reached which justify
hopes of ultimate general success in largely avoiding the present
enormous annual losses resulting from fungous diseases.

The treatment which now gives promise of most general applica-
bility and efficiency is the spraying of the plants with a solution of

13

sulphate of coi)i;er (blue stone) or with one of the preparations in
which it is the important ingredient, known as Eau celeste, Bordeaux
mixture, etc. It seems very possible, too, that plants may be forti-
fied against the attacks of [):irasitic fungi, or their susceptibility to
such attacks be largely diminished, by special fertilization, for the
purpose of introducing into the plant substances which, while not
interfering with its growth, shall ma!<e it a less congenial soil for the
growth of fungi. The line of investigation here suggested, has not
yet been followed out, altliough it offers an opportunity for chemico-
physiological work which may yield important results. It is obvious,
also, that a vigorously healthy plant will resist the fatal influence of
parasites far better than a poorly nourished one.

Much may be done, after a plant is too far gone to be saved;
to prevent further spread of the disease, by removing and
destroying the diseased parts. It is not sufficient, however, to tlirow
the portions removed into the rubbish heap ; the spores must be act-
ually destroyed and this can be effectually done only by burning. A
considerable number of fungi produce, in the plants on which they
live, resting-spores which ordinarily remain on or near the ground in
dead leaves or stubble, survive the winter, and, germinating in the
spring, infect the new growth. In these cases the danger of a severe
attack in the following year can be greatly lessened by clearing up
and burning all such sources of infection.

Numerous instances can be cited of more or less common weeds
or wild plants so closely related to certain cultivated plants that they
are liable to the attacks of the same fungi, and so serve to perpetuate
those fungi and to infect the related cultivated plants when growing
near. Evidently, then, such plants should be carefully and thoroughly
exterminated wherever they may prove a source of danger.

We may pass, now, to the application of the foregoing facts and
principles in the consideration of a few particular fungous diseases.

THE BLACK-SPOT OF ROSE LEAVES.
Actinonema rosae Fr.
In December, 1887, my attention was called by Piof. S. T. May-
nard to a disease which considerably affected the leaves of roses
cultivated in the Durfee Plant House, and vs^hich he desired me to
investigate. The leaves presented all the external characters usual
to the disease which examination showed to exist, namely, the so-called
Black-Spot, caused by a parasitic fungus known as Actinonema rosae.

14

This is probably the commonest and most troublesome disease of
cultivated roses, whether of out-door or greenhouse cultivation, in
both Europe and America. It first appears in the form of dark dis-
colorations of the upper surfaces of the leaves, which spread outward
and often show a yellow band surrounding the dark spot. Often
the discoloration begins at the tip of the leaf and spreads downward.
The centres of the spot frequently become dry and brown, indicating
the complete death of the tissue. In consequence of the attack of
the fungus, the leaves fall from the stem and may be replaced by a
new crop if the weather be favorable. The loss of the functional
activity of the leaves at a time when their work is most needed, not
to mention the waste involved in producing an extra investment of
foliage, must greatly weaken the plant and lessen the amount and
vigor of its bloom, as well as seriously impaii- the ability of out-door
roses to resist the following winter.

The mycelium of the fungus develops in the leaf, chiefly just below
its surface layer or cuticle. From this principal mass threads pene-
trate deeper into the interior of the leaf and absorb its fluids for the
nourishment of the fungus. Other threads grow upwards and
produce the spores, which, as they grow, make room for themselves
by forcing up the cuticle, which finally bursts open, allowing the ripe
spores to escape through ragged openings. The spores germi-
nate promptly on a moist surface, and readily infect fresh leav^.
It is probable that this parasite of the rose is merely an imperfect
stage in the life-history of a fungus, whose perfect stage is very
probably, or at least possibly, saprophytic and serves an important
purpose in carrying it through the winter. In the lack of definite
knowledge on this subject, however, we can deal only with the para-
sitic or Actinonema form.

In combatting the disense it is essential to begin early, for leaves
once penetrated by the mycelium of the fungus are irretrievably lost.
All efforts must be directed toward preventing infection, by the
application of some protective compound. For this purpose it is
recommended that the bushes be sprayed shortly before the unfolding
of the leaves, again as soon as they are fairly opened, and at intervals
of three or four weeks until the flowers begin to open, especially
after heavy rains which may wash off the protecting substance from
the leaves, with blue-water or Eau celeste, prepared as follows :
Dissolve 1 pound sulphate copper
in 4 gallons warm water ;
when cool, add 1 pint commercial ammonia,
and 18 oallons water.

15

Any leaves on which the spots may appear should be promptly cut
off and burned.

When the autumn is long and mild, plants which have lost their
leaves from Black-Spot during the summer often put out fresh
shoots from the terminal buds of their branches. This process
exhausts the plant and lessens its ability to withstand the winter, and
should be prevented by clipping off the terminal buds, leaving those
lower down to make the next season's growth. There is no advan-
tage in spraying the already affected plants in summer and fall, but
the " spotted" leaves should be collected and burned, as they drop,
to prevent further mischief as far as possible.

THE BLACK-KNOT OF THE PLUM.

Ploiorightia morbosa 8 ace.

This wide-spread and fatal disease, so common on cultivated plums
and cheriies and on some species of wild cherries, is peculiar to
America, being, as yet, unknown in Europe. Jts characteristic
elongated, black, knot-like excrescences are too well known in
Massachusetts to require detailed description, since its attacks have
practically put an end to the culture of plums in many parts of the
state.

The disease is caused by a fungus, Sphaeria or Ploiorightia morbosa,
which attacks the branches of the trees and whose mycelium lives in
the swollen tissues of the knots. One of these may often extend
nearly or quite around the branch, girdling it and causing the death
of all above the knot. When this is not the case, the tree is greatly
weakened and soon ceasts to produce fruit, while the knots increase
rapidly and finally kill it.

Besides reproducing itself by spores, the fungus spreads within
the branch by the growth of its mycelium and the consequent gradual
extension of the knot. Thus it is common to find, in the spring, a
new knot immediately adjoining the remains of that of the preceding-
year.

The fungus produces two chief forms of spores. In spring and
early summer the surface of the young knot becomes covered by a
"bloom," composed of short threads which bear what we may call
the summer spores. These germinate promptly and can probably
produce fresh infections at once, though our suppositions on this
point are based rather on analogy than on direct evidence. Later in

16

the season the black surface of the knot shows to the naked eye, on
close examination, a division into many minute facets or regions,
separated by slight furrows. Microscopic study shows that each of
these facets corresponds to a cavity which finally communicates with
the exterior by a pore at the middle of its facet. In these cavities
are developed the tointer spores^ which become ripe and are set free
in late winter and early spring, and, presumably, produce the begin-
nings of new knots at that time.

Nearly all our knowledge of this fungus is due to the admirable
account of it in Part V. of the Bulletin of the Bussey Institution, by
Prof. W. G. Farlow, of Harvard University; but further study is
needed of the manner in which the infection of the branches of the
host by the spores of the fungus is accomplished, and of the early
history of the development of the knots. When a tree has become
badly infested with the knots not much can be done except to prevent
its continuance as a spreader of contagion, by cutting it down and
hurtling it. Simple cutting down is not sufficient, for Dr. Farlow has
shown that knots on a tree, cut down in summer and allowed to lie
through the winter, developed their winter spores as if the tree had
been standing.

The treatment which has been recommended is that the knots be
cut off and burned, as fast as they appear. This often leads, how-
ever, to very serious disfigurement of the tree, and a less heroic
remedy is much to be desired. A treatment similar to that recom-
mended in Bulletin No. 4, of this Station, namely, the painting of
the knots with a mixture of red oxide of iron in linseed oil, has given
very good results in case of young trees on the private grounds of
Dr. C. A. Goessniann, Director of the State Experiment Station.
This preparation seems to stop the development of the fungus so that
the knots crumble and fall away, with the least possible injury to the
branch. Even were its effects not so complete, such an application
would be useful in preventing the dissemination of the spores of the
knot-fungus. In connection with this painting of the knots, special
fertilizers have been applied to the soil about the trees, with the
object of lessening their susceptibility to the attacks of the fungus.

A very serious difficulty in dealing with a disease of this sort is
presented by the fact that one man who is intelligently and persist-
ently fighting it by destroying all his old trees and carefully treating
the young ones, may be surrounded by and constantly exposed to old
trees belonging to neighbors, who have too little energy or public

17

spirit, or too little faith in "new-fangled notions" to coiiperate in
an}' systematic attempt to conquer the trouble. General cooperation
over a considerable area is an important prerequisite to success,
especially in dealing with diseases of long-lived plants, like trees.
But unfortunately, there is found in almost every community, the
slip-shod man who reasons that, because his trees have suffered so
long from black-knot, they always must, and whose simple laziness
and conservatism lessen the results of the intelligent efforts of his
progressive neighbors.

But attention must be paid, in fighting the black-knot, to otiier than
cultivated trees, merely. Since, as stated above, the disease attacks
some of our common species of wild cherry, care should be taken to
destroy ail such trees within a considerable distance of the cultivated
trees, for the}' may serve, as well as any others, to spread the infec-
tion. Since one species of wild cherry, the black rum-cherry, is said
not to he attacked by the black-knot, it would be safe to destroy those
wild trees seen to be affected and keep all others in the neighborhood
under careful observation.

THE POTATO BLIGHT AND ROT.

Phytoplithora infestans deBy.

The combined warmth and moisture of the season justplosing have
been very favorable to the development of fungi, whose attacks have
consequently been, in many instances, unusually severe. Probabl}-
no one disease has been more generally prevalent or more disastrous
in its eff'ects throughout the state than the blight or rot of potatoes.
It may be worth while, though it may seem like guarding the barn
door after ihe horse is stolen, to discuss briefly our knowledge of its
cause and to give some hints as to treatment which gives promise of
usefulness in aiding to ward off threatened attacks in future years.

The potato rot is caused by the development within the potato plant
of a fungus closely related to. these which cause the mildewing of
grape leaves, of lettuce, etc. The threads of the fungus grow in the
tissues of the stems and leaves of the host and send out fruiting
threads, through tiny openings or pores which exist in the surface,
into the outer air, where they produce the spores. These spores
germinate readily in a warm, moist place, and give rise to new threads
which, when produced on the surface of a fresh potato leaf, make
their way into its interior and quickly spread throughout the plant.

A striking feature of this fungus is that it causes the complete
breaking down of the infested tissues of the host-plant into a slimy,
putrescent, ill-smelling mass. Most fungi weaken or kill by gradu-
ally sapping the vitality of their hosts, but here is no half-way work,
no uncertainty as to whether fungus or host will win in the struggle.
The development of the fungus and accompanying death of the
tissues of the host is usually quite rapid, and in very violent cases
most astonishingly so, forty-eight, or even possibly twenty-four, hours
being sufficient to convert an apparently flourishing field into a putrid
mass. This destruction of the " tops " is commonly known as the
blight. Extreme cases like this can only occur, however, when
atmospheric conditions are very favorable, in wet, sultry weather,
with a wind which serves to carry the spores freely and in the right
direction. At best, however, the rapidity of its development is the
one element which makes this fungus ver}' difficult to deal with.

But while the killing of the potato tops while in vigorous growth, and
the securing of a much reduced crop would be a sufficiently serious mat-
ter, the trouble does not stop there. After killing the tops the fungus
penetrates through the stems to the tubers and causes a similar rapid
decay in them also. It is to this destruction of the tubers that the
name rot is commonl}' applied, and the belief is quite general that
the blight and the o'ot are due to different causes. This, however, is
not the ca^e, and it is as well to designate both by the name rot.
The only hope of saving the tubers when the tops begin to show 'the
disease, is to dig them at once, which can often be done before the
fungus reaches them, when the progress of the disease is not extremely
rapid. It should be said, however, that many writers believe tliat
the parasite can reach the tubers through the medium of the soil,
as well as through the stems.

In mild forms of the disease, the tubers often become infected by
the threads of the fungus without suffering much decay. If such
tubers are stored in a comparatively warm place for the winter, the
fungus may continue its destructive development within them and even
infect neighboring tubers. Frequent picking-over and a cold place
for storage are the chief preventives of loss from this source.
Infected tubers, planted in the spring, are very likely to produce
diseased plants, from which a whole field may become diseased.
Care should, therefore, be exercised in selecting "seed" potatoes,
that none of them bear the brown decayed spots which indicate the
presence of the rot fungus, though it is irue that sound crops have
been raised from infected " seed".

19

This brings iis to the least definite feature in our knowledge of this
parasite. Since its summer spores cannot live long or endure cold,
how does it survive the winter? Doubtless, b}' the hibernation of its
threads in potato-tubers, as just described ; but this method alone
seems hardly certain enough to constitute the sole reliance of the
plant, or sufficient to account for the phenomena of its sudden and
abundant appearance. Most of Ihe mildews, the nearest relatives of
our plant, produce, in the stems and leaves of their host plants, pecu-
liar resting spores which can live and resist cold or dryness for a long
time and finally germinate and reproduce their respective fungi when
warmth and moisture return. But, although certain botanists have
stoutly claimed that the potato fungus produces such spores, their
existence has never been satisfactorily proved.

A preparation which has given remarkable results in the preven-
tion of grape-vine mildew, when sprayed upon the vines, would
probably prove equally efficacious in protecting potato plants against
the rot, if it can be applied in time. This is the so-called Bordecmx
mixture, prepared as follows :

A. Dissolve 6 lbs. sulphate of copper in 16 gals, water.

B. Slake 4 lbs. lime with 6 gals, water.

C. When cool, mix A and B, stirring thoroughly.

As the preparation is a mixture and not a solution, some form of
spraying apparatus with an attachment for keeping it thoi'oughly
stirred is required for its application. But few attempts at fighting
the potato-rot have been made, and it is impossible to say how
effectual the above treatment will be ; but, as it has proved so valu-
able in other related diseases, a thorough trial of it is earnestly
recommended. The chief difficulty will be in making the application
promptly enough. To ensure this, the materials should be kept on
hand, and* the mixture applied on the first signs of the trouble in any
part of the field, or in any field in the neighborhood. To determine
the utility of the application, a j)artof the field should be left untreated
as a " control-experiment." A comparison of results on the treated
and untreated plants will show the efficacy of the treatment.

The writer wishes to render all possible service to the farmers,
horticulturists, and florists of Massachusetts, in dealing with fungus
diseases of plants, and will be glad to answer all requests for infor-
mation and advice as promptly and as fully as possible.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

OK THE »

M A 8S ACH LT8ETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 7.

JANUARY, 1890.

The Bulletins of this Station loill be seat free to all newspapers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :
J. E. WILLIAMS, BOOK AND JOB PRINTER.

1890.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell, . . Director.

William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynakd,
Charles H. Eernald,
Clarence D. Warner,

Agriculturist.
Horticulturist.
Entomologist.
Meteorologist.

William M. Shepardson, . Assistant Horticulturist.
Herbert E. Woodbury, . '' '■'

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, is
sarnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Division of Horticulture.

Samuel T. Maynakd.

SMALL FRUITS.

RASFBKRRIES AND BLACKBERRIES.

Tlie ci'op oil the College grounds the past season was unusually
good, but reports come to us of a light and poor crop in many sec-
tions.

Under good cultivation both the raspberry and blackberry are
profitable and the demand for choice fruit is increasing.

We give in the following tables a summary' of the qualities of
those varieties, both old and new, which have been tested here two
or more years.

The tables are arranged on a scale of 1 to 10; 1 indicating the
greatest perfection.

RED RASPBERRIES.

S .'^ 73 o

-3 ^
P

Rancocas 6 1

Herstine 10 4

Brandy wine o 3

Belle de Fontaine. 7 6

Highland Hardy... 8 1

Crimson Beauty... 5 4

Cuthbert 1 5

Superb 4 5

Hansel 1 2

Marlboro 2 5

Golden Queen ... 5 7

Caroline 4 3

Turner o 6

Thompson's E.

Prolific 3 3

Thompson's Pride, o 7

0-= ■» s

40

80

23.3

13.2

15.0

28.2

9
58.9
35.5
52.1

Very good.
Not profitable.
Good.

Standard market berry.

Crumbles.

Soft, but profitable.

F'irm, profitable, requires

high culture.
Soft.

Too soft for market.
Small and crumbles.

2 4 2 41.6 Not fully tested.
2 5 1 62.5 ■■

i i = -2 li ?'2''t REMARKS.
I S I ■"' ^« l-l
^ ^

BLACK-CAP RASPBERRIES.

Cannim 8 5 2 5 3 0 Weak in growlh.

Butler's Seedling,

(Cromwell) .... I 7 1 2 I 0 Strong and vigurous.

Neuieha 4 7 9.') S 7S./) Vigorous.

Crawford 2 3 3 4 2 0 l^romising. vigorous.

Hilborn 1 2 8 3 2 0 Not snfficienlly tested.

Tlioinpson's Sweet 6 7 4 ;') G 0

Ohio 3 7 ;> 2 7 16.6 Vigorous.

Sprvugtield 5 7 3 5 2 54.0 Weak in growth.

Gregg 1 3 10 1 10 39.3 Tender.

BLACKBERRIES.

Erie 5 6 5 2 8 16.5 Continued fruiting till

Aug. 28.
Fred 2 7 4 3 4 0 Continued fruiting till

Sept. 5.
No. 1 7 S 3 4 7 21 Continued fruiting till

Sept 20.

Early King 6 3 4 4 4 0

Thompson's Mam-
moth 2 3 3 2 6 42.8

Wilson, Jr 2 8 3 2 2 25.8

Wilson's Early ... 3 7 2 2 2 48

Earlv Harvest 15 15 3 62.3

"' Cluster 5 6 1 4 1 21. s '

Agawam 1 1 2 3 2 5 Sweet and moderately

firm .
Taylor's Prolific. 1 3 9 3 10 10

Waehusett 4 4 5 5 5 8

Snyder 3 3 5 4 6 9

IMinniwaski 5 7 4 5 3 20

Excelsior 8 6 5 8 6 50

Lucretia 3 8 2 2 2 14.5 Productive, good.

GIRDLING THE GRAPE VINE.

The practice of girdling the grape vine to hasten the time of
ripening of late varieties, has attracted much attention during the
past year or two, and has led to the statement by some prominent
grape growers, that the increased size of the fruit was nt the expense
of quality.

To settle this matter beyoud dispute, in 1888 we suggested to Dr.
Jabez ITishei', of Fitchburg, the father of grape growing in northern
Massachusetts, that he make careful experiments in girdling, noting
accurately the results, and that the Hatch Station would make chem-
ical analyses of such girdled specimens as he should provide.

Viues were carefully treated in his vineyard in 1888, but the frost
of Sept. 6th destroyed the crop. Again, the past season vines were
girdled and samples sent to the station for analysis, the results of
which are shown in the following report in Dr. Fisher's own words
and in the table o( analysis furnished by Dr. Goessmann.
i)K. fisher's kkpokt.

At the suggestion of Prof. Maynard, I give you the details of
an experiment that I made during the past season, to determine the
influence exerted by girdling the grape vine.

July 5, 1 girdled one of the two bearing arms on each of sixty Con-
cord grape vines by taking out a ring of bark half an inch long near
the trunk of the vine. As a result ihese gra|)es showed color August
12th, six days before those on the opposite half of the same vines.
They were fit for market September 20th, the berries being then
from 30 per cent, to 40 per cent, larger and much sweeter than the
others. October 1st they still were sweeter than those not treated,
which latter were then ripe, but the first had a somewhat insipid
taste without the refreshing sparkle of the others.

An analysis 'was made by Dr. C. A. Goessmann, chemist of the
station, which is here given :

September aoth. Girdled. Kot Girdled.

Moisture at 100°C 83.00 per cent. 84.69 i)er cent.

Ash 42 ••

Sugar ... 8.13 '^ 6.24

Soda Sol. required to neutralize

acid 84.4 C.C. 75 C.C.

October Ist.

Moisture at lOO'^C .. 82.69 '' 85.51

Ash 37 " .53

Sugar... 8.50 '' 6.09

Soda Sol. required to neutralize

acid 50 C.C. 48 C.C.

The loss of acid at the si'cond period, is the only explanation of
the increased sweetness evident to the palate, particularly in those
not girdled and unpleasantly in those girdled.

The results, so far as they are apparent from this trial, show a
gain of ten days in fitness for market, with largely increased size of

berries. The drawbacks are, in a season as'wet as tlie past, a loss
of from 20 per cent, to 40 per cent, of the berries by cracking open,
and the production of berries too soft to bear carriage. Both of
these drawbacks would be lessened in a drier seasoii, though not
overcome in my experience, and there would be a decided diminu-
tion in quality for connoisseurs. Add to this, the harm which may
come to the vine from the operation repeated year after year, but
which is not yet settled.

I propose to repeat the experiment upon the same vines another
season. Yours truly,

Jabez Fisher.

conclusion .
It will be seen by this report, as in our previous reports, that there
is a decided gain in the time of ripening of the fruit which will ena-
ble us to grow many late varieties not possil)le without it ; that a
gain of ten d:iys would make a great difference in the price of the
fruit; that there is no loss of sugar, and the increased size of the
fruit would make it very attractive and more than make up for the
softness of the berry. This latter condition can be of little ol)jec-
tiou, as most of the grapes grown in New England are sold in local
markets.

REPORT UPON VEGETABLES.

TOMATOES.

In preparing for this ex[)eriment, no special effort was made to
obtain every variety in the trade catalogues, but more especially,
those of some value to the grower.

They were planted on soil in every way as nearly alike as possible,
four perfect plants beinu set in each plot and with several varieties
duplicate plots were set out.

The fruit was gathered each week as soon as fully ripe, and a
careful examination made of the various qualities, a summary of
which is given in the columns of the following table :

VAKIKTIES.

Alpha

Arlington

Atlantic Prize,

Bay State

Boston Market,

Canada Victor,

Cardinal,

Cheswick Red,

Conqueror,

Dwarf Champion,

Early King Humbert,

Essex Hybrid,

Essex Hound Red Smooth,

Extra Large,

Faultless,

Fulton Market,

Genet-al Grant,

(jolden Rod,

Green Gage,

Haines No. 64,

Hathaway 's Excelsior,

Hubbard's Curled,

Ignotum,

Large Round Red Smooth,

Little Gem,

Livingston's Acme,

Livingston's Beauty,

Livingston's Favorite,

Livingston's Perfecton,

Lorillard

Mayflower

McCullum's Hybrid

New Bronzed Leaf,

New Jersey,

New Queen,

New White Apple,

Optimus,

Paragon,

lied Pear Shaped

Shah,

The Mikado

'I'ilden's New,

Trophy Selected

Volunteer,

Yellow Fig

Yellow Victor

1

3

a:

ill

"A

|s1

ill

1

R

14

200

68

7

(

8

8

8

R

93

125

120

9

6

7

10

9

R

5

105

18

6

7

6

8

8

R

0

95

92

8

9

9

8

9

R

8

133

74

8

9

8

9

9

R

10

145

42

6

6

7

7

7

R

0

77

86

8

8

8

8

8

R

17

93

39

8

9

9

8

8

R

4

176

38

7

6

6

5

7

P

1

39

96

7

9

9

9

9

R

0

232

200

5

7

7

6

7

P

1

157

40

6

<)

9

9

8

R

1

214

112

/

8

8

8

9

R

16

45

34

9

/

7

9

8

R

9

162

31

6

/

7

7

6

R

20

173

7

6

7

7

8

8

R

2

130

82

6

7

8

7

7

Y

13

125

100

8

8

8

9

9

Y

0

322

200

4

9

8

7

9

P

0

202

107

7

9

9

9

10

R

0

196

75

6

9

8

8

9

R

60

232

20

5

5

5

6

6

R

0

87

43

9

8

9

8

9

R

4

146

90

7

9

9

9

8

R

7

466

0

4

9

8

8

7

P

4

102

36

6

9

9

7

8

P

I

134

60

8

9

9

9

9

R

0

HI

44

8

8

8

9

9

R

2

95

40

8

8

8

9

9

R

1

139

100

7

9

9

8

10

R

3

136

116

7

8

8

8

9

R

0

100

110

8

8

8

8

9

R

137

lis

22

8

/

8

9

9

R

1

121

126

9

9

9

10

10

R

1

185

132

7

9

9

9

8

Y

0

265

357

4

9

9

7

7

R

0

149

61

6

9

9

8

8

R

0

63

104

8

9

9

10

10

R

0

380

0

3

5

7

2

6

Y

29

104

30

9

7

7

9

8

P

31

128

27

9

8

8

10

9

R

0

194

44

6

8

8

8

8

R

18

109

68

9

8

8

10

8

R

2

196

77

8

9

9

8

9

Y

0

280

0

4

4

6

4

6

Y

15

156

86

6

7

7

7

7

Column No. 1 refers to color; all of a distinctly red or scarlet
hue are designated by the letter U ; those of the Acme color by P,
and those vellow or oreenisb white bv Y.

8

* Column No. 2 refers to the Double Blossoms found ou the four
plants iu each plot.

Column No. 3 gives the number of tomatoes which ripened up to
the time of the last picking October 2nd.

Column No. 4 gives the number of green tomatoes at the last pick-
ing on October 2nd.

Column No. 5 gives the size ; 1 indicating the smnllest ai>d 10 the
largest.

Column No. 6 gives the form marked on the same scale; perfect
form being round, smooth and without ridges or deep grooves.

Column No 7 gives the beauty according to color, smoothness of
skin, and the amount of cracks, or green centres.

Column No. 8 refers to solidity, or the per cent, of the fleshy por-
tion ; 1 indicating a very large per cent, of seeds and i)ulp, while
10 is almost solid.

Column No. 9 gives quality. This most difficult test was made
by several persons carefully testing specimens picked each week.

Not less than five tests were made of eacli variety.

Column No. 10 gives the order of ripening ; 1 indicating lateness,
while 10 is the earliest.

EASTERN VS. WESTERN SEED SWEET CORN.

At the suggestion of some of the seed growers and dealers of
Massachusetts, the following experiments were made to test the
comparative value of seed sweet corn grown in New England and
that grown in the Western States.

All varieties were planted May 11th, 1889. The ears for analysis
were taken when the kernels were just passing from the milk, or in
the best condition for the table, and specimens were taken from
dui)licate plots for each test.

Columns No. 1 and 2 give size of ear and kernel on the scale of
1 to 10, 1 indicating smallest, 10 the largest. The other headings
are sufficiently explanatory.

*We wish growers of fruit and seeds to note the fact tliat the varieties producing the
most double flowers, were the most irregular in form. In every case they produced very
irregular fruit, and the more double the flower, the more imperfect the fruit. Tliisf.ict
was suggested to us by Mr. A. B. Howard, of Belchertown, Mass., the originator of the
Bay State Tomato, and will be of vast importance to the grower of choice fruit; for by
discarding those plants having double blossoms— and very few plants are set out in the
field until some blossoms open -much of the irregular fruit will be avoided. This fact
should also be borne in mind by seed growers, for by the careful selection of plants, much
waste may be saved, and a more perfect strain of seed obtained, than by the usual
method of setting out any and all plants, and then selecting the specimens of fruit. In the
latter case the seeds having been fertilized by the pollen of the double flowers, would be
more likely to produce plants with double flowers, than if they were fertilized by pollen
from single blossoms.

Corey, Eastern. 7 —

Crosby, Eastern

Crosbv, Minnesota

Stowell's Evergreen, No. 1, Eastern
Stowell's Evergreen, No. '2, Eastern.

Corey, We.-tesn

Crosby, Nebi-aska

Crosby, Ohio

Stowell's Evergreen, Michigan

Stowell's Evergreen, Minnesota...

Stowell's Evergreen, Nebraska

Stowell's Evergreen, Nebraska

Stowell's Evergreen, Ohio

Stowell's Evergreen, Western

Ale.\an<ler's Pride of America —

Burlington Hybrid

Cleveland's Colossal

Extra Earlv Dwarf, Crosby

Marbleliead, No. 1

Marblehead, N'o. '2 ..

Ne Plus Ultra

Northern Petligree

Potter's Excelsi.'r Sweet

Roslyn's Hybrid Sugar Corn

Stabier's Early Sugar Corn

ITnderbluff Sweet Corn —

Golden Sweet

£

a

o

H

^

i1«

o

^

i*

j^

'A

M

fi

10

11

(i

■25

H

2i)

7

•2i)

Id

!1

■2a

(i

10

13

■2!)

r

1

•24

9

10

•2;)

10

s

;iu

^

il

■At

ii

!)

28

s

Ill

30

10

s

27

10

9

(i

7

13

7

7

•21

«

7

11

10

23

6

10

24

y, 6

31

11

8

7 13

6 H

(J 1-2

8

10 -21

'

6

19 1

^^

9
Ills
133-^

10^^
15'^

14'-.

11 '2

5!,;

12

Hi,

lOj
14',

8 '2

1-2 ..
1' =
1.5
10'.

0)05

31bs.

8
8

July
Aug.
.July
Sept.
Aug.
■July
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Sept.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
July
Aug.
Aug.
July
July
Jufy
Aug.
July
Aug.
July
Aug.
July
Aug.

^ISr^I_.YSI3.

VARIETIES.

Corey, Eastern

Crosby, Eastern

Crosby, Minnesota

Stowell's Evergreen, No. 1, Eastern.
Stowell's Evergreen, No. 2, Eastern..

Corey, Western

Crosby, Nebraska

Crosby, Ohio

Stowell's Evergreen, IMichigan
Stowell's Evergreen. Minnesota . .
Stowell's Evergreen, Nebraska • . -

Stowell's Evergreen, Nebraska

Stowell's Evergreen, Ohio

Stowell's Evergreen, Western

Alexanders Pride of America

Bnrlintrton Hybrid

Cleveland's Colossal

Extra Earlv Dwarf, Crosby

Marbleheacl, No. ) , Eastern

Marblehead, No. 2, Eastern

Ne Plus Ultra

Northern Pedigree

Potter's Excelsior Sweet

Roslyn's Hybrid Sugar Corn

Stabier's Early Sugar Corn

Underbluflf Sweet Corn

Golden Sweet

Total

Dry

Moisture.

Matter.

82.40

17.00

77-67

22.33

82.18

17.82

7207

27.93

76.47

•23.53

81.32

18.68

77.68

22.32 i

79.04

20.96

76.67

'23.33

78.00

■22.00 1

79.07

20.93

82 24

17.76 1

7.5.96

24.04 1

79.48

20.52

73.05

26.95

81.96

18.04

81.94

18.06

84 96

15.04

83.10

16.90

73.11

26.89

78. '25

21.75

84.83

15.17

87.54

12.46

80.92

19.08

81.82

18.18

77.72

•22.28

IN AIR-DRY KERNELS.

Moisture.

Glucose.

Cane
Sugar.

Total
Sugar.

10.60

1.22

3.84

5.06

8.31

1.92

2.14

4.06

7.15

1.45

3.39

4.85

8.66

2.18

4.76

6.94

9.28

1.83

3.96

5.79

11.15

.82

3.20

4.02

8.44

173

3.13

4.86

8.30

1.64

2.17

3.81

9.40

2..59

4.51

7.10

9.44

2.40

4.63

7.03

8.82

2.93

5.60

8.53

9.34

2.18

4.22

6 40

9.22

1.48

3.71

5.19

9.49

2.57

4.08

7.25

11.19

.97

3.08

4.05

9.11

1.32

2.27

3.59

9.55

1.57

3.18

4.75

7.79

.76

2.31

3.07

10.51

1.71

2 48

4 19

10.79

1.39

3.17

4 56

9.80

2.26

373

5.99

10 21

1.40

2.76

4.16

9.20

1.87

4.64

6.51

9.02

2.09

.78

2.87

9.10

1.69

4.82

6.51

8.59

.69

3.81

4.50

9.00

2.78

3.87

6.60

10

To give each variety a fair test tiiey were planted iu soil of as
nearly the same character as possible and duplicates made in differ-
ent parts of the plot.

Seed of the three varieties, Corey, Crosby and Stowell's Ever-
green, was obtained from various sources, both east and west ; the
other varieties reported were sent in for testing, but no attempt at
a comparative test was made, except that the soil was of as nearly
the same character as could possibly be provided.

CONCLUSION.

The results of this test lead us to no very definite conclusion.

In the corn varieties thi^'e is a decided increase of sugar in the
Eastern grown over that ia the Western, but in the other varieties
the results seem to be in favor of the Western grown seed. Such a
test, however, as the above requires several years repetition before
we can feel that we have reat-hed conclusive results.

One element in this experiment which perhaps makes the results
uncertain, and yet which we know little about, is the influence the
pollen of one variety may luive U[)on the variety fertilized by it, yet
as all were equally exposed, we feel that the results are more con-
clusive than if each variety was isolated and planted in widely dif-
ferent soils.

LETTUCE.

The varieties tested were largely obtained from seed dealers of
Massachusetts, but some were sent us for testing.

In the following table 1 indicates the least and 10 the greatest
perfection. In column 4 FI stands for head, C for curled and F for
fringed lettuce.

11

VARIETIES.

All-the-vear-round

Bath Co.'s White Seeded

Bhick Seeded Simpson

Bhick Seeded Tennis Ball

Brown Genoa

Buttercup

California All Heart

Deacon

Defiance

Drumhead

Dwarf Green Early Black Seeded . . .

Early Butterhead '

Early Curled Silesia

Early Curled Simpson

Early Prize Head

Golden Ball

Green Fringed

Hanson

Henderson's Lettuce

Henderson 's New York

Improved Spotted

Lacineated Beauregard

Large Princess Head

Marblehead Mammoth

Market Gardener's Private Selected. .

Neapolitan Cabbage i

New Whit e Russian

Oak Leaved

Perpignan

Red Besson

Satisfaction

Sugar Loaf.

Sure Head Golden Yellow

True Boston (^urled

Versailles Cabbage

Ward's Improved W hite Tennis Ball

White Paris Co.'s

White Tennis Ball

H

H

C

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H

H
C &H

H

C

H

F
C& H

C

H

H

F

H
C &H

H
0 &H

H

F

H

H

H

C

H

F
C &H

H

H

H

POTATOES.

Twenty-four varieties of potatoes were sent to the station tiie past
season for testing.

They were planted in plots oC four rows, each row containing five
hills.

The soil was of the same character throughout, and fertilized and
prepared in the same way. The potatoes were cut to single eyes
and planted May 16th, one piece in each hill.

12

Where the seed did not produce enough eyes for four rows, only
one or two were planted.

The Ibllowino; table oives the results :

-?

■r^m

2^=6

Si-

VARIETIES.

P

sS

ISl

15

^^

5

^=^^

^^

o

■^ O

o

2511

o

Boley's Spy.

12 oz.

20

olbs 7.5oz.

)S. lloz.

Crown Jewel.

10

19

10.5

25

4

Early Elaine.

13

20

13.5

36

10

Earlv Market,

9

16

12

11

1

Early No. 1. -

12

20

9

29

5

Early Puritan,

lib. 2.5

19

9 5

30

3

Fearnaught,

8

20

2 5

16

9

Hampshire County,

13

20

9.5

30

15

New Queen,

12

20

12.5

33

9

Ohio Junior,

10

20

1

20

7

Pearl of .Savoy.

13

13

U

45>

4

Pootatuck. -

9

19

1.5

18

15

Summit, -

7 0

18

5 5

23

2

Thorburn,

11

17

5.5

19

11

Toole's Seedling No. 1,

11

20

5 5

24

12

No. 2,

12

19

14.5

19

3

No. 3,

9

20

1

2.5

25

11

Ben Harrison,

7.0

7

5.5

4

6

Mrs. Foraker. -

3.5

9

7

6

7

0. H. Alexander's No. L*

7

5

6

5

8

No.2,*

7.5

5

7

8

12

No. 3.*

5.5

2

6

1

No. 4.*

' 5.5

5

4

2

11

No. 5.*

6

5

8.5

3

13

*Seriously injured by drying before planting.

COMBINED FUNGICIDES AND INSECTICIDES IN
POTATO GROWING.

For the past two years the potato crop in Massachusetts has been
seriously injured by blight and rot caused by the minute parasitic
plant (Phytophlhora infestans) the history of the development of
which was given by Prof. J. E. Humphrey in Bulletin No. 6. To
overcome this injury and to make a success of the crop in our ex-
periment plot, the following experiments were made :

The land containing the twenty-four varieties reported above
was divided into two plots — No. 1 including the first three hills
of each row, and No. 2 the fourth and fifth hills.

To plot No. 1 was applied Paris green and plaster, one part of the
former to five hundred of the latter by weight.

To plot No. 2 was applied Paris green in water, one teaspoonful
to two gallons, and one-fourth ounce of sulphate of copper.

In both plots the potato beetle larva were effectually destroyed.

13

In plot No. 2 the growth of foliage was slight Iv checked, but the
blight did not strike it quite as soon as that in plot No. 1.

The injury to the foliage may have been due in part to the Paris
green as in other tests made with the water solntiou, similar results
were noticed.

Beneficial results were found upon digging- the tubers. In plot
No. 1 where no sulphate of copper was used, we found 74 rotten
tubers, while in plot No. 2 only IG rotten ones were found. This
result may be accounted for perhaps on the theory that the spores or
germs of the disease were destroyed when they reached the ground
where the copper solution had been retained by the soil, for with
tubers near the surface of the soil it is probable that the spores would
reach them before the threadlike growths of the blight could pass
through the stem and roots.

While this experiment gives no very conclusive results, it outlines
a method, which we shall develop further, by which we may hope
to overcome many insect and parasitic enemies to both our farm and
fruit crops at a minimum cost.

We cannot grow potatoes without the use of Paris green, and if at
the time of its application we can combine an effectual fungicide,
our crop may be made certain with little or no increased cost.

PROTECTION OF FRiriT TREES FROM MICE, RABBITS
AND WOODCHUCKS.

Another season's test has confirmed the results of our experiments
of previous years in protecting trees from injury by girdling, and as
numerous letters of inquiry for means of protection from girdling
by mice, rabbits and woodchucks have been received, we give the
results of our experiments up to date.

In addition to the simple mixture of lime, cement and Paris o-reen
wash, we have found if the above be mixed with skim milk it adheres
better than if mixed with water ; in some cases adhering firmly for
six months or more.

Portland cement adheres more firmly than the RoslyndaJe and is
more satisfactory when not mixed with milk than the latter.

Several reports have come to us of young trees having been in-
jured by woodchucks during the Summer, a^nd in one case we can
report that out of more than 1,000 trees treated with cement, milk
and Paris green, not one was injured during the past Summer, while
many not painted were serionsl}' injured.

The amount of Paris green used was one tableppoonful to each
two gallon pail full of paint, mixed so as to easily apply with a paint
brush.

Division of Agriculture.

William P. Bkooks.

GENERAL RESULTS OF A TRIAL OF A FEW JAPAN-
ESE CROPS.

At the time of leaving Japan in October of last year 1 was una-
ware that I should be placed in charge of a department of the Hatch
Expei-iment Station, and did not, therefore, make arrangements for
the forwarding of any considerable amount of seed of any kind. 1
had been located in a section of that country, however, with a cli-
mate having essentially the same range of temperature as that of
Massachusetts ; and had become convinced by observation that
some of the crops there cultivated were of peculiar value. 'I, there-
fore, on my own account liad the seeds of a few varieties colle'cted,
and left them to be forwarded with shrubs and trees which were to
be taken up after the fall of their leaves.

I have thought it best to make these statements in explanation
of the fact that the quantities of some of the seeds were so small,
and I must add further that, since the living plants could not safely
be sent across our continent in winter, an arrangement was made
to have them started so that they would reach San Francisco in early
Spring. It was not anticipated that the package would be so long
on the road between that city and here as proved to be the case.
By " fast freight" it required thirty days ! This explains the late-
ness of planting which was about two weeks after the proper season.
Our results were possibly unfavorably influenced bv this ; but since
frosts held off late, the effect was probably not great.

All these crops were planted .June 3d on a light loam which had
been some years in grass, the soil before planting receiving a light
dressing of a complete fertilizer partly broadcast and partly in the
furrow.

15

I. MIlvLE I' — Panicum crus-coroi. Jap. Hiye. This was sown
in drills two and a half feet apart and rather thickly, as it was sup-
posed the seed might be injured. It however, apparently all came,
and we thinned it so that about four plants only remained to the
linear inch of a rather broad row. It was kept free from weeds by
the use of a liund cultivator, but grew so rapidly that not much labor
was required. It was in blossom Aug. 23d, and was cut with seed
"in the dough'' ou Sept. 21st. When in blossom it stood sis and
a half feet high ; later, as the heads fill they droop. The plants had
an abundance of large leaves which remained green up to the time
of harvest.

The promise of seed was enormous: but the sparrows found it,
and we saved very little. Nothing that we were able to devise served
to keep them off ; which fact, considering that there were several
other varieties of millet in the same field, sufficiently indicates the
quality of this. This species furnishes an unusually large and beau-
tiful seed, which must [)rove excellent either for poultry or cage-
birds.

As a fodder crop the species may prove of value, though the
stems are harsh and coarse. For ensilage it will probably prove
better suited than for feeding either green or dry. Our yield was
large. On 616 sq. ft. of land we had 98 lbs. of dry straw, which is
at the rate of rather more than three and one-half tons per acre.

II. MILLET — Setaria Italica or Panicum Italicum, Red Headed
Variety. Jap. Mochi Awa. The Japanese name means Glutinous
Millet, this variety being much used by them for making a kind of a
tough dough-cake which is allowed to dry, and then often toasted in
small bits over the fire, when it swells up and tastes not unlike pop-
corn. The seed was planted in the same manner as the preceding.
It appeared above ground on June 12lh, and was in flower Aug. 6th.
The heads were very long and full and as they filled drooped heavily,
but there was no lodging. Many heads, by actual measurement,
were found to be a foot long*. When straightened up the plants
were from five to six feet high. The birds showed their appreciation
of this variety also, and, it is judged, took fully half the seed. We
got 23 lbs. seed and 64 lbs. dry straw. The area was 616 sq. ft.,
so that these yields are at the rate of 1,702 lbs. (about 28 bush.) of
seed and 4,736 lbs. (a little more than 2 1-4 tons) per acre.
This variety gave every indication of proving a valuable one ;
it is earlier than the preceding, but later than the next described.
The seed was fully ripe about the middle of September.

16

III. MILLET — Setaria Italica, or Panicum Italicum, Jap. Awa.
This variety in appearance resembles our ordinary millet, but seems
much more vigorous and productive. It was planted in the same
manner as the others and was similarly treated. It was in blossom
July 27th, and the seed in the large drooping heads was perfectly
ripe Sept. 7th. when it was cut. The height is not quite equal to
that of the preceding variety, neither are the heads as large. The
area was 616 sq. ft., the yield of seed 45 lbs. and of dry straw 50
lbs., being at the rate of about fifty-five bushels of seed and nearly
two tons of straw to the acre. Both this and the preceding variety
give promise of proving very valuable either for seed production or
for fodder.

IV. VARIETIES OF BEANS— All of these were planted
thinly in rows two feet and a half apart. In the furrow before
planting a small quantity of a fertilizer containing available nitrogen,
potash and phosphoric acid, was scattered. All varieties came up
quickly and grew rapidly, i>i-eseutiug a remarkably health}' appear-
ance throughout the season.

SojA Bean, Medium Early — Glycine liispida, Jap. Daidzu..

This variety showed its first flowers July 28th, and the crop was
fully mature Sept. 25th, when it was pulled. The area was 880 sq.
ft. and the yield 30 lbs. of cleaned beans, which is at the rate of 25
bu. per acre. Should this class of beans prove desirable here this
variety will be superior to most of the kinds offered under the same
name because so much earlier. It is well known that the beans of
this class are of remarkable richness, containing a very unusual
proportion of nitrogen, and it certainly seems desirable to give them
a fair trial.

SojA Bean No. 2, Very Early Variety. — Glycine hispida. Jap.
Kurakake Maine.

The Japanese name means '' Saddled Bean," and is given because
of the peculiar disposition of black .-iround the eye and on the sides
of the bean, for all the world to their I'tuicy like a saddle on the back
of a horse. The first blossoms were noticed July lOth and the crop
was pulled fully ripe on Aug. 31st. The weather was thereafter for
some weeks so bad that a large share of this seed was damaged. The
yield was good, but not as heavy as was that of the preceding variety.
In Japan I have cultivated this variety side by side with soihe of our
earliest sorts and found it to excel them in earliuess, but no com|)ar-
ative test was made here this year.

17

Red Beans. — Phaseohts radiatus.

A peculiarity both of this and the following variety in germination
may be of interest. They "■ come up"' like peas, the bean remaining
wholly underground. The pods of both are unusually long, contain-
ing eight to ten small beans, which are characterized by a vei'y
thin and tender skin. This variety blossomed about the end of July,
and was well ripened Sept. 25th, when it was pulled. The area was
440 sq. ft., and the yield was 2.3 lbs. of dry beans, or at the rate of
about 38 bu. per acre. These beans present an unusually handsome
appearance and bid fair to piove an acquisition.

White Beans. — Phaseolus radiatus.

This variety was in full blossom July 27th, and was ripe Sept. 25th,
when it was pulled. The area under cultivation, 440 sq. ft., gave 21
lbs. dry beans (weight taken, as in case of all crops si)oken of, Dec
21st) which is n\ the rate of about 35 bu. per acre. This variety ex-
cept in color closely resembles the preceding ; but is not as handsome.
The amount of seed now on hand is insufficient for a trial of their
food qualities, l)ut another season, if successful in securing crops, we
shall make such a trial.

Division of Entomology.

C. H. Fernald,

' A DANGEROUS INSECT PEST IN MEDFORD.
The Gipsy Moth. {Ocneria dispar L.)

Ou the 27th of hist Juue. during 1113- absence in Europe, several
caterpillars were received at the Station, from Hon. William R.
Sessions, Secretary of the Board of Agriculture, with the request
for information as to what they were, and the best methods of
destroying them. These caterpillars were brought into the Secretary's
office by Mr. John Stetson of Medford, Mass., who stated that they
were very destructive in that town, eating the leaves of fruit and
shade trees. Mrs. Feruald, who had charge of the Entomological
work during my absence, determined the insect to be the Gipsy-moth
{Ocneria cUs2)ar Linn.) of Europe, but as the moths were emerging
and laying their eggs for next year's brood, there was nothing to
recommend at that time except to destroy the motiis and their eggs
as far as possible, and prepare for the destruction of the caterpillars
when they first appear next spring.

FIRST IMPORTATION INTO AMERICA.

There is a statement in the 2d volume of the American Entomolo-
gist, page 111, published in 1870, and also in Riley's 2d Missouri
Report on Insects, page 10, that ''only a year ago, the larva of a
certain Owlet moth {Hypogymna dispar), which is a great pest in
Europe both to fruit trees and forest trees, was accidentally intro-
duced by a Massachusetts entomologist into New England"

These are the only notices I have thus far been able to find of the
introduction of this insect into America. Mr. Samuel Henshaw and
Dr. Hagen of Cambridge have both informed mo that the entomolo-
gist who introduced this insect was Mr. L. Trouvelot, now living in
Paris, but at that time living near Glenwood, Medford, where he
attempted some experiments in raising silk from our native silk
worms, and also introduced European species for the same purpose.
Dr. Hagen told me that he distinctly remembered hearing Mr.
Trouvelot tell how the\ escaped from him after he had imported them.

It seems, then, that this was an accidental introduction, but that
they have now become acclimated, and are spreading and doing so
much damage as to cause very great alarm.

19

DISTKIBUTION.

Tlie Gipsy-moth is abundant in nearly all parts of Europe,
Northern and Western Asia, and it even extends as far as Japan.

In this country it occurs only in Medford, Mass., and so far as I
could learn at the time of my first visit to that place, it occupied an
area in the form of an ellipse about a mile and a half long by half a
mile wide.

This represents the territory where the outbreak occurred and
where the insects were very abundant; but, without doubt, they are
distributed in smaller quantities outside of this ellipse, but how far
it is now impossible to tell.

FOOD PLANTS.

This insect was reported as feeding upon the leaves of apple,
cherry, quince, elm, linden, maple, balm of Gilead, birch, oak, willow,
wisteria, Norw^ay spruce and corn.

The food plants given in Europe are apple, pear, plum, cherry,
quince, apricot, lime, pomegranate, linden, elm, biich, beech, oak.
po|)lar, willow, hornbeam, ash, hazfl-nut, larch, fir, azalea, mvrtle,
rose, cabbage and many others. Curtis, in his British Entomology,
states that they are sometimes very destructive in gardens. Prof.
W. P. Brooks reported this insect as very abundant in Sapporo,
Japan, in 1883, and gave strawberry as a food plant in addition to
those mentioned above.

DANGKR OF SPREADING.

' The fact that this insect has now been in this country for the last
twenty years, and has not only held its own. but has multiplied to
such an extent as to cause the entire destruction of the fruit crop
and also to defoliate the shade trees in the infested region, is suffi-
cient cause for alarm. ' ' The citizens of Medford are immediately
interested, but the entire Commonwealth and country are threatened
with one of the worst insect pests of all P^irope. In 1817, the cork-
oaks of Southern France suffered severely from the attacks of this
insect. One of the papers of that time stated that the beautiful
cork-oaks which extended from Barbaste to the city of Podenas wei-e
nearly destroyed by the caterpillars of the Gipsy-moth. After having
devoured the leaves and young acorns, they attacked the fields of
corn and millet, and al^o the grasslands and fruit trees.

In 1878, the plane trees of the public promenades of Lyons were
nearly ruined by this same insect. Only last summer I saw the
moths in immense numbers on the trees in the Zoological gardens of
Berlin, where the caterpillars had done great injury ; and the European
works on Entomology abound with instances of the destructiveness
of this insect. When we consider its long list of food plants, we can
see how injurious this insect may become if allowed to spread over
the country, and become establi«hed.

20

The opiuiou was expressed to me by promiueut P^utomologists in
Eui'ope, ihat if tlie Gipsy-moth should gel- a foothold in ihis country,
it would become a far greater pest than the Colorado potato beetle,
because it is so prolilic, and feeds on so n)any different plants, while
the potato beetle confines itself to a small number.

KNEMIES OF THE GIPSY MOTH.

In Europe eleven species of the Iclineumonidm and seven species
of flies (Tachvta) have been known to attack the eggs and cater-
pillars ot this moth, but it is not known that there are any parasitic
insects in this country that destro}' it. Undoubtedly our piedaceous
beetles and bugs destroy more or less of them, and mud-wasps and
spiders are also to be counted among their enemies.

HOW TO DESTllOY THEM.

All the masses of eggs should be scraped from the trees and other
places where the females have deposited them, and burned. Crushing
is not sufficient, as possibly some might escape uninjured. This
should be done in the fail, winter or eai-ly spring before the eggs
hatch. It is not at all probable that one will find all the egg-masses
even with the most careful searching on the trees in a small orchard ;
but when one remembers that this insect deposits its eggs on all
kinds of shade and forest trees also, it appears a hopeless task to
exterminate this pest by an attempt to destroy the eggs. It is a
habit of these eaterpilfars, after they have emerged, to cluster
together on the truidxs or branches of the trees between the times of
feeding, and this affords an opportunity of destroying vast numbeis
by crushing then) ; and after they have changed to pupae they may
be destroyed wherever they can be found. The female moths are so
sluggish in their flight, and so conspicuous, that they may be easily
captured and destroyed as soon as they emerge ; yet any one or all
of these methods which have been emi)loyed in Europe are not
sufficient for their extermination. At best they will only reduce the
numbers more or less according to the thoroughness with which the
work has been done. I could not learn that any attempts have ever
been made in Europe to destroy this insect by means of poisonous
insecticides, and it is to this method that we may look for positive
results in this country.

If all the trees in the infested region in Medford be thoroughly
showered with Paris Gieen in water (1 lb. to loO gallons), soon after
the hatching of the eggs in the spring, the young caterpillars will
surely be destroyed, and if any escape, it will be because of some
neglect or ignorance in the use of the insecticide. It will be abso-
lutely necessary to shower every tree and shrub in that region, for, if
a single tree be neglected, it may yield a crop sufficiently large to
eventually restock the region.

I can hardly feel confident that all these insects can be extermi-
nated in one year, but if this work of showering the trees be

21

continued during the months of April and May for two or three years
under competent direction, I have no doubt but that they may be
entirely destroyed.

This is, in my opinion, the cheapest and surest method of extermi-
nating this pest, but its effectiveness depends entirely upon the
thoroughness and carefulness with which it is done, and those who do
the work must liave authority to shower the trees not only on public
but on private grounds.

As this insect was introduced into this country by an entomologist
who carelessly allowed it to escape, the same thing may occur else-
where, if the i)eople of Mcdford allow the eggs or caterpillars to be
sent out of the town. The only proper thing to do with such a
dangerous and destructive enemy is to burn it.

Already applications have been made to me for specimens of this
insect in its different stages, but I have declined to furnish them
because of the great danger of their escaping into other parts of the
country.

This insect was first described by Linneus in 1758, in the tenth
edition of his Systema Naturse, Vol. 1, page 501, under the name of
Bombyx dispar, and, while it has retained the specific name of dispar,
the European entomolooists, since the time of Linneus, have given
several different generic names, as Liparis, Hypogymiia^ Porthetria,
Ocneria and Psiha-a, but I have adopted that given by Staudinger in
his Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Europe : — Ocneria disjmr.

Several different common names have also been given to it in
Europe, as the sponge-moth, the Gipsy-moth, the great-headed-moth,
the fungus-moth and others, but I have adopted the one used by the
English entomologists : — the Gipsy-moth.

Fig. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INSECT.

The males, fig. 1, are of a yellowish brown color, with two dark
brown lines crossing the forewings, one at the basal third, the other on
the outer third, somewhat curved, and with teeth pointing outwards on
the veins. The outer end of all the wings is dark brown. A curved
dark brown spot (reniform) rests a little above the middle of the
wing, and a small round spot of the same color (orbicular) is situated

22

between this and the base of the wing, just outside of the inner cross-
line. A similar spot rests near the middle of the base of the wing.
The fringes on the forewings are dull yellowish, and broken by eignt
brown spots. The antennae are strongly bipectinated, or featlier-like.
The fore wings expand about an inch and a half.

Fig. 2.

The females, fig. 2, are pale yellowish white, with dark brown
cross-lines and spots similar to those of the males. The cross-lines
in both sexes are much darker and more prominent on the forward
edge of the wings (costa) than elsewhere. In some specimens there
is a faint stripe of brown across the middle of the wing {median
shade), and a toothed line across the wing near the outer edge
{suUerminal line). The fringes of the forewings have eight dark
spots between the ends of the veins, as in the males, and similar but
fainter spots often occur in the fringes of the hind wings. The body
is much stouter than in the males, and the antennae are not so heavily
feathered. The expanse of wings is from one and three-fourths to
two and three-fourths inches.

The eggs are globular, about one-eighteenth of an inch in diameter,
nearly salmon colored and with a smooth surface. They are laid on
the under side of the branches, on the trunks of the trees, often below
the surface of the ground where the latter has shrunk away from the
tree, and not unfrequently on the fences or on the sides of buildings.
They are laid in oval or rounded masses, often to the number of 400
or 500, and covered with ocher yellow hairs from the abdomen of the
female. The eggs are laid in the early j)art of July, but do not hatch
till the following spring. The caterpillars remain together, feeding
upon the leaves, and when not feeding they habitually rest side by
side on the branches and trunks of the trees.

The full grown catev})illar, fig. 3. is about an inch and three-fourths
in length, very dark brown or black, finely reticulated with pale
yellow. There is a pale yellow line along the middle of the back and

2$

Fig. 3.

a similar oue along each side. On the first six segments following
the head there is a bluish tubercle armed with several black spines
on each side of the dorsal line, and on the remaining segments, these
tubercles are dark crimson red. On the middle of the 10th and 11th
segments there is a smaller red tubercle notched at the top. The
whole surface of the body is somewhat hairy, but along each side the
hairs are long and form quite dense clusters.

Fig. 4.

The pupa, fig. 4, is from three-fourths of an inch to an inch in
length, and varies in color from chocolate to reddish brown. On
each side, at the base of the wing-covers is a dark reddish brown,
oval, velvety spot. The wing-cases are quite broad and reach to the
posterior third of the fifth segment. The antennae cases are strongly
curved, and are quite wide in the middle. There are a few yellowish
brown hairs on the face and head, also on the first five segments,
arranged in broken circles or clusters, which are in longitudinal and
transverse rows. The cremaster or spine at the posterior end is
flattened, rounded at the outer end, grooved longitudinally, and has
twelve or more minute hooks at the end.

The moths emerge from the pupae from the first to the middle of
July.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 8.

APRIL, 1890,

The Bulletins of this Station will he sent free to all newspapers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF THE AMHERST RECORD.

1890.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell,
William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynard,
Charles H. Fernald,
Clarence D. Warner,
William M. Shepardson
Herbert E. Woodbury,

Director.

Agriculturist.

Horticulturist.

Entomologi.it.

Meteorologist.

Assistant Horticulturist .

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, du-ectly or indirectly in agriculture, is
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Division of Horticulture.

S. T. MATNARD.

j:xpp:riments in greenhouse heating.

STEAM VS. HOT WATER.

Much discussion having been provoked relative to the results of
our experiments with steam and hot water for heating greenhouses,
reported in Bulletins No. 4 and 6, especially as to the a'-curacy of the
results, we have the past winter made a careful repetition of the
experiments to correct any errors that might be found and to verify
previous results.

The boilers having been run with the greatest care possible from
Dec. 1st, 1889, to the present date, March 18th, and every precau-
tion having been taken that no error should occur, we give the
results in the following table :

liOT- -^^T-A-TEI^.

STE^A^IvI,

Lettuce and Carnation Room.

Lettuce and Carnation Room,

MONTH.

ill

III

III

o a'^

47.59°
51.41
52.54
47.44

■3 S
5|

g

1505
2304
1704
1085

§£2

III

.11

ll

I

December,
January.
February,
March, 11 days.

34.99°
33.27
32.04
29.75

41.52°
44.35
43.67
39.94

42.37°

57.°
62.48
65.96
58.83

40.21°
42.72
42.42
39.16

41.12°

51.69°
61.
66.32
58.11

.59.28°

46.39°
49.45
51.01
46.73

2350
3202
2540
1692

Averages,

32.51°

61.06°

49.74°

Tot.
6598

48.39°

Tot.
9784

SUMMARY FOR HOT WATER BOILER.

Total coal consumed from Dec. 1st, 1889, to March 18, 1890,
6598 lbs. Average daily temperature for the time, 49.74°.

SUMMARY FOR STEAM BOILER.

Total coal consumed from Dec. 1st, 1889, to March 18, 1890,
9784 lbs. Average daily temperature for the time, 48.39°.

REMARKS.

The foUowiug criticisms have been made by parties not conversair.
with the facts of the case :

1st. That the piping and ciieck valve were not arranged so as to
get the most perfect circulation of steam without a great loss of fuel.

2d. That the flues from the two boilers entered the chimney in
such a way as to give a better draft to the hot water boiler.

3d. That the exposure of the two houses was such that the house
heated by hot water received more sun-heat than the one heated by
steam.

These criticisms we think we can answer to the entire satisfaction
of all fair-minded readers.

PIPING AND CHECK VALVE.

By numerous test examinations we have found that the circulation
of steam through all the pipes, above the water line of the boiler, is
perfect whenever there is fire enough to create steam in the boiler, —
that the check valve must consequently work easily and that there is
never any standing water in the return pipes above the water line of
the boiler.

FLUES.

The flues are arranged so as to give as nearly equal draft to the
boilers as is possible and have them enter the same chimney and
enter at the same point, and if there is any difference in the draft of
the two it is in favor of the steam boiler.

EXPOSURE TO SUN-HEAT.

It was suggested by the late Mr. Geo, Hills of Arlington, that,
perhaps, from their location, the steam-heated house received less
sun-heat than that heated by hot water.

To test this matter two standard thermometers were placed in each
house so that the sun's rays should fall upon them equally in both
houses at the same time, one on the eastern and one on the western
exposure.

Records were made three times each day for twenty days, ending
March 18th, the results of which are shown in the following table.

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REMARKS.

Of these twenty days about eleven clays were cloudy and nine clear
and probably the period of time under observation was long enough
to show that the amount of sun -heat received by each house is so
nearly equal as to, in no ivay^ change the results given in the temper-
atures of each house.

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON PEACH-YELLOWS.

That healthy and vigorous peach trees can be grown to the age of
six to ten years in New England needs no demonstration, but we
seldom find healthy treqs of a greater age on account of the destruc-
tion resulting from the cold and by the disease called the " yellows."

In this bulletin we shall discuss the causes of this short life and
the "yellows," that disease which has been so destructive to the
peach tree in all sections of the country.

THK " YELLOWS."

The symptoms of this disease are as follows : —

1. A sickly yellowish green color of the foliage.

2. Small leaves, often clustered and tinged with red. with a small
amount of chlorophyll in the cells.

o. The new shoots are small and wiry and grow in clusters or
tufts, especially if they come out on the trunks or main branches,

4. The fruit ripens prematurely, is small and of a high color and
insipid or bitter to the taste.

Trees may present the yellow sickly appearance from want of food
or from injury, but if the fine wiry siioots, the prematurely ripened,
high colored and bitter fruit are present, the trees have the " yel-
lows."

It is stii! an open question whether there is a specific germ or
microbe which develops at the expense of the tissues of the tree un-
der favorable conditions, as in the diseases of a similar nature attack-
ing other plants and animals but, from the development of the dis-
ease, it is reasonable to suggest that it may be of a similar nature to
tlie pear blight, and other kindred diseases.

Tiie same disease, apparently, although we have n)ade no careful
study of the tissues, often destroys the wild cherry, the wild plum,
the sweet birch, (Betula lenta) and other trees.

In 1869 a small orchard of 100 peach trees wa^ ])'auted on a light
giavelly piece of laud on the College grounds. Ti)ese, after gome
years of indifferent culture, reached the bearing s.tage. In 1873 many
of ihem showed signs of the disease, but after a severe heading back
and special manuring they were brought into a healthful condition
and bore fruit. These were the trees which Professor Goessmann, a
few years later, treated with special manures and upon which Profes-
sor Peuhallow made at the same time extensive microscopic examina-
tions, publishing the results.

The writer having the above trees under his care then and up to

tbe present time, and having made a careful study of the peach for
nearly twenty years, can say positively that many of the trees were
badly diseased with the "yellows," notwithstanding the statement by
parties not conversant with the facts, " that it was doubtful if the
true ' yellows' had made its appearance in this section at that time."
Many visitors familiar with the disease also pronounced it the typical
" yellows."

The results of Professor Goessmann's experiments made in 1875
as well as those of the writer, who carried out most of the details of
the field work of the above experiments, proved conclusively to us
that the disease is curable, many of the diseased trees having been
restored to health and borne several crops of perfect fruit.

The causes which are productive of this disease we believe to be
as follows : —

FOOD SUPPLY.

1. In almost every case investigated, where the trees are neglected
and the food supply is small, the trees soon die : many of them show-
ing unmistakable signs of the yellows, while where the food supply
is abundant and of a kind suited to perfect development, the growth
is vigorous and healtliy, and the trees live often from fifteen to twen-
ty years.

Too large an amount of nitrogenous manure, especially if applied
so that the trees do not get the benefit of it early in the season, results
in a late, immature growth of wood that is often seriously injured by
cold during the winters, and this is followed the next season by signs
of the yellows.

The fertilizers that will be found to produce a very vigorous yet
healthy growth are, equal quantities of muriate of potash and nitrate
of soda with about four times the weight of fine ground bone, ap[)lied
in March or April, from 5 to 10 lbs. to the tree, according to size.
Wood ashes, 5 pounds, ground bone, 2 pounds, with from i to 1 lb.
of nitrate of soda to each medium sized tree will also prove very sat-
isfactory. If the land is poor, containing little organic matter, a
liberal dressing of stable manure may be applied in the fall, but if
the land is not -uer?/ poor, chemical manures will give better results.
All manures or chemical fertilizers should be applied so that the trees
may get the benefit of them early in the season. If very soluble
they should be put on in March or April, but stable manure or ground
bone shou.d be put on in the fall.

INJURY BY COLD.

2. When a late growth of the trees occurs from any cause, as from

s

too iDucli liiLiogeiious iiiaiuire applied late iu the season, or from a
warm late (mH, the action of frost during the winter often breaks the
tissues in such a manner that they cannot be repaired dnring the next
season's growth and dead places are fonnd, often on the trnnk and
main branches.

A A— ^ "'^^^

FIG. I. FIG. 2. FIG.3.

This is sliowu in Figs. 1 and 2, which represent cross sections of
the trimks with the injured parts at A, in V\g. 1, and B. in Fig. 2,
with two annual la\ ers of wood over the injured part, and Fig. 3, an
injured i)lace in the fork of the tiee.

These conditions are very common to trees from eight to ten years
old in most orchards of New England.

INJURY BY BORERS.

Injuries as great and often presenting a very similar appearance
more frequently occur than that caused by cold, and are the results
of a decay of the tissues about the holes made by the peach borer,
{^geria exUiosa) . This insect generally works near the gronnd,
but may be sometimes found in the forks of the main Ijranches.

INJURIES BY ACCIDENT.

If an injury to the peach tree by cold or bj' a borer will bring on
a condition rendering it liable to the yellows, the question is suggested
will not other injuries result iu a like condition.

An illustration of this was pieseuted in some experiments made to
test the value of adhesive mixtures to cover the buds to protect them
from injury by cold, during the winter of 1887 and 1888.

Among other solutions used was that of linseed oil and turpentine
in varying proportions. This was applied to six trees in the same
row and in as nearly the same condition as possible, and resulted iu
killing five out of the six trees. The sixth tree upon which a thin
solution was used, was seriously injured, many of the branches being

killed, hut the remainder started into growth, with Ihnt sickly
yellow appearance ot foliage and tlie tufty, wiry shoots indicative of
the '' yellows," and was pronounced by many experts as a case of
the typical "yellows."

Ill the same row and witli the same exposure, soil, etc., were
twenty or more other trees of the same variety (Coolidge's Favorite)
not treated with the oil and turpentine, all of which have remained in
perfect health np to the present time.

FIG. 4.

Fig. 4 is engraved from a photograph of the

ee and is correct

10

most particulars, but the engraver has uot brought out the fine tufted
wiry shoots as distinctly as is shown in the pliotograph.

FIG. 5.

Fig. 5 is an illustration from a photograph of a tree near the original
orchard of 100 trees.

11

Jt'IG. 6.

Fig. 6 shows a, perfectly healthy tree.

PERCENT. OF INMUKY TO TKUNKS AND BLANCHES OK DISEASED TREES.

Ill the college orchaid of some niue hundred tiees careful exami-
nation of all the trees was made during the past season. Of these,
about fifty in different parts of the orchard gave unmistakable evi-
dence of the '\vellows," and in every case the trunks or main branches
were found to be injured from 10 to GO percent.

In no case coiild we find any indications of the disease wliere the

12

braiiclies or trunk were not iiijuied in some way. Figs. 1, 2 and 3
illustrate some of the injuries.

CONCLUSION.

While we do not know the exact nature of the disease called the
" yellows " and cannot wholly control the atmospheric causes, the
other causes we can largely control and by careful cultivation in the
spring and early summer only, by the use of complete fertilizers in
the fall or early in the spring we can largely prevent this destructive
disease. It may not be profitable to try to save diseased trees, and
it w^ould be advisable to destroy them as a matter of safety, although
we have no evidence that the disease is contagious ; for upon the
college grounds more or less diseased trees may be found at all times
and young trees are planted where old trees have died and with an
abundance of plant food have grown in perfect health for six years.

HOW FAR MAY A COW BK TUBERCULOUS BEFORE

HER MILK BECOMES DANGEROUS AS AN

ARTICLE OF FOOD?*

By Harold C. E^knst, A.M., M.IJ)., of Boston.

The change of opinion in regard to the infections natnre of tuber-
culosis has been very marked in the last few years, not among the
scientists, but among the people at large. Of course tiie medical
world lias, as a rule, accepted the conclusions to be drawn from
Villemin's work of twenty-five years ago, and the discovery of the
specific cause of the disease by Koch has only added strength to the
theories advanced in certain quarters Jjef ore that time.

The change of opinion spoken of is, after all, hardly a change, but,
more properly, an acceptance of the knowledge gained in regard to
the disease by the more recent and exact methods of research, and a
much wider dilTusion of that knowledge. More and more is it the
rule that the knowledge of the transmissibility of tuberculosis by
means of infected material is recognized among those whom it con-
cerns the most, and nothing but good can come from the diffusion of
that knowledge.

It is hardly too much to say that proper methods of management
of tuberculosis, both in human beings and in animals, involve more
important interests — pecuniary as well as vital — than any other sub-
ject that engages the attention of medical men. It is well known
that one-seventh of the human race, approximately, perish from this
disease, and when we acknowledge to ourselves, as a fair review of
the evidence at hand must force us to do, that most, if not all, of this
loss is preventable our duty is plain before us. That is, never to
cease speaking of it, never to give up trying to reconcile the money
interests of man with his own welfare, and to do all in our power, by
the collection of clinical and experimental evidence, to make the case
complete.

The work showing the etiological relationship of the bacillus of
tuberculosis to the disease was, to all intents and purposes, complete
upon the publication of Koch's monograph upon the subject. Nothing
more in the way of proof was actually needed, and, indeed, very

♦Preliminary results of experiments undertaken under the auspices of the Massachu-
setts Society for Promoting Agriculture.

14

little has been furnished. At the same time, contirraatory evidence
was demanded by some who had, and many, who had not access to
the original details, and this confirmatory evidence has been
furnished in sueli overwhelming amount tliat it is to-day but
a waste of time to repeat, wliat is accepted the scientific world over,
that in the organism described by Koch we have the specific cause of
this pathological change, and that without its activity we do not liave
tuberculosis in any form or under any conditions.

An imperfect understanding of the nature of bacteria in general,
and of this organism in particular, has led to many attempts to
arrest the pulmonary form of the disease it produces, by therapeutic
measures, most of which would have been seen to be useless at the
outset, if a knowledge of the problem had been complete. It is not
upon drugs or mechanical means that our reliance should be placed
in attempting to stamp out this scourge of civilized man. Our atten-
tion must be turned in the direction of proper preventive measures
and until the necessity for this is impressed upon physicians in gen-
eral, and by them upon the people at large, so thai tlie preventive
measures suggested after mature deliberation will be complied with,
but little can be effected, and the knowledge gatheic d after so muoli
hard labor must be considered as wasted, for the time being.

In order to the suggestions upon which the stamping out of tuber-
culosis must depend, there is necessary a large amount of investigation
into the methods by which it spreads and by which the virus is carried
from person to person. Among these methods are undoubtedly the
excreta — more especially the sputum — from persons affected with the
disease ; the excreta are carelessly treated and scattered broadcast
to the injury of persons susceptible but not previously affected. The
methods of distribution in this way, and the behaviour of the bacillus
of tuberculosis outside of the body, have been well and recently
treated by Cornet {Zeit. f. Hyg., Bd. v. S. 191, 1888).

Other methods of distribution are of importance, however, and until
within a few years have not received attention from the medical
profession at all commensurate with their value. These methods of
infection are those arising from the ingestion of food materials coming
from the domestic animals, especially the flesh and milk of cattle.

InKoch's Etiology of Tuberculosishe uses the following expressions :

•' Since by far the greatest number of cases of tuberculosis begin in the lungs, u
is to be supposed that the infection in all these cases has taken place in the manner
just suggested — by the inhalation of phthisic sputum dried and made into dust.
The second principal source for the tubercle-bacilli, viz., tuberculosis of the domes
tic animals, appears not to have anything like the importance of the phthisic
sputum. The animals, as is well known, produce no sputum, so that during
their life no tubercle-bacilli get from them into the outer world by means of the

15

respiratory passages. Also in the excrement of tuberculous animals the bacilli
appear to "be only exceptionally present. On the contrary, it is a fact that the milk
of tuberculous animals can cause infection.

" With the exception of this one way, therefore (i e.. through milk J, the tuber-
culous virus can only have effect after the death of the animal, and can only cause
infection by the eating of the meat. The same conditions hold for the milk of cows
suffeiing fi-om ' perlsucht.' Before all things, if infection is to take place, it is
necessary that the milk contain tubercle-bacilli ; but this appears to be the case
only when the milk-glands themselves are affected Avith the disease. This explains
at once the contradictions in the statements of various authors, who have made
feeding experiments with the milk from cows suffering from ' perlsucht.' If infec
tion from tuberculous animals does not appear to be frequent, it must by no mcaas
be underrated."

Tliis caiitiou is one which was necessary at the time it was written,
and its repetition is as necessary now. as ever. What conchisions
may be readied in regard to its extreme, importance, are well shown
by the statistics collected and presented by Dr. Brush before the New
York Academy of Medicine, on April 29, 1889 {Boston Med. and
Surg. Journal, cxx. p. 467 et seq.). In this paper the siuthor states
that after several years of close study of the affection, including a
consideration of all accessible statistics, and the habits of the people
among whom it prevails, he has arrived at the conclusion that the only
constantly associated factor is found in the in-bred bovine species.
If a community was closely connected with in-bred dairy cattle,
tuberculosis prevailed, and, vice versa, if there were no in-bred dair}'
cattle there was no tuberculosis. In the discussion following this
paper many objections were raised. Dr. Brush went on to say that
he believed that the disease was originally derived from the bovine
species. He did not believe that less than fifty per cent, of all dairy
cattle were affected by it, while the statistics he had qnoted showed
that wherever there was a race of people without cattle phthisis was
unknown. He believed, furthermore, that if all the cattle in this
country were to be killed, the disease would finally die out entirely
here.

Such statements as these are a revelation to the generality of practi-
tioners, and may seem to be somewhat forced, but they certainly
indicate, together with the statistics upon which they are based, the
existence of a greater danger than has been fairly realized. That the
danger from the consumption of milk coming from cows affected with
tuberculosis has been understood by individuals at least, and that,
too, before the auuoiuicement of Koch's discovery, is very well shown
by extracts from a letter which I take the liberty of quoting here.
The gentleman writing it is a veterinaria'i in practice in Providence,
R. I., and the observations were made and the advice given more
than ten years ago. That portion of his letter bearing upon the
subject in hand is as follows :

16

"Mr. W., June 15, 1878, called me to see a white and red cow. Coughs and is
short of breath and wheezes. Pulse 60 ; respiration 14, and heavy at the flanks;
temperature 104". Diminished resonance of right lung, but increased in part of
the same. Emphysematous crackling over left lifng and dulness on percussion.
Diagnosed a case of tuberculosis and advised the destruction of the iinimal.

" Dec. 12. Cow in a cold rain a few days ago for about two hours Milk still
more diminishe 1 than at a visit made on September 25th. Again advised the
destruction of the cow. Family still using the milk. Respiration 20 ; pulse 85 ;
temperature 104.6°.

" Fe6. 22, 1879. Temperature 104.8"; respiration 26; pulse 68. Losing flesh
fast. Milk still in small quantities. Advised, as before, to destroj' the animal and
not to use tnilk.

" May 30. Called in a hurry to see cow. Is now as poor as could be. No milk
for a week. Pulse 80; respiration 40; temperature 106''. The cow died in about
three hours. Autopsy made fourteen hours after death : Lungs infiltrated with
tuberculosis deposit. Weight of thoracic viscera 43.5 pounds. Tuberculous
deposits found in the mediastinum, in the muscular tissues, and in the mesentery,
spleen, kidneys, udder, intestines, pleura, and one deposit on the tongue. The in-
side of the trachea was covered with small tubercles.

'•In August, 1879, the baby was taken sick, and died in about seven weeks.
On post-mortem of the child there was found meningeal tuberculosis — deposits all
over the coverings of the brain and some in the lung.

" In 1881 a child, about three years old, died with, as it was called, tuberculous
bronchitis. And in 1886, a boy, nine years old, who for three or four years had
been delicate, died with consumption — ' quick,' as it was called.

" So far as known, the family on both sides have never before had any trouble
of the kind, and the parents were both rugged and healthy people, and so were the
grandparents — one now being aliv-^ and sixty-eight years old, and the other dead
at seventy-eight."

Of course there is much room for criticism, if tliese cases be quoted
as carrying out an exact clinical experiment, and no one can say that
the occurrence of the three deaths in the same family was anything
more than a coincidence. At the same time it must be acknov^ledged
that they offer very solid suggestions for consideration, jind that the
light thrown upon the disease by the investigations of recent years
makes the advice of the veterinarian to "• kill the covi^ and stop using
the milk " much more sound than it appeared to the minds of the
medical gentlemen who " laughed " at him at the time it was given.

It is my hope within the coming year to collect a series of clinical
observations which will be of interest and some service in elucidating
the question of how many cases of tuberculosis occur wliich produce
suspicion in the-minds of medical or veterinary attendants of having
an origin in the milk from infectious cows.

It is upon this question of pus.^ible danger from the domestic
animals — especially cattle — that much recent work has been done,
but the subject has been by no means exhausted.

If there is danger to human beings from the wide spread existence
of tuberculosis among cattle, some sort of restrictive measures must
be taken, by means of which this danger can be lessened. At tlie
same time legislation calling for so much pecuniary loss as would be
the case if the present supply of tuberculous cattle were to be

17

destroyed, cau only be asked for with a backing of as much carefully
gathered scientific evidence as can be obtained, and it is the p.nrt of
preventive medicine and the experimental method to furnish some of
this evidence.

Through the liberality and broad-mindedness of an association of
gentlemen in Boston, it is possible to present the results of certain
experiments undertaken to determine the question which is expressed
in the title of this paper. " How far may a cow be tuberculous
before her milk becomes dangerous as an article of food?" is an
extremely important point to decide. If it be considered already
settled and Koch's dictum be accepted, that there.is no danger in the
milk, if the mammary glands lie not affected, then there remains only
for the veterinary surgeon to determine the existence of such lesions,
and restrictive measures can go no further. If, however, the milk
from cows with no visible lesion of the lacteal tract be shown to con-
tain the specific virus of the disease in a not inconsiderable number
of cases, and if this milk be shown to possess the power of producing
the tuberculous process upon inoculation in small quantities and in
feeding experiments carried out with every possible precaution, then
restrictive measuies must have a far wider scope, and be carried on
from an entirely dift'ereut standpoint than has heretofore been con-
sidered necessary.

It is familiar to most of us that little importance has been attached
to this question — the danger of milk from tuberculous cows with no
lesions of the udder — for the reason that many experiments have been
made with negative results, and because a priori reasoning would
seem to indicate the absence of such danger ; because tuberculosis is
not a disease like anthrax, in which the specific poison is to be found
in all parts of the system and is carried from one place to another by
the blood-stream. Koch's assertion that the milk from cows affected
with tuberculosis is dangerous only when the udder is involved,
appears to be based upon theoretical considerations rather than prac-
tical work in this especial direction. It has been widely accepted,
however, and the weight of his name has caused the assertion to be
repeated many times with but few attempts to verify its correctness.

The increased attention that has been paid to the disease among
cattle, and the suspicions that have been aroused that tuberculosis
among the domestic animals is a more frequent cause of its appear-
ance among men than has been supposed, have made a caivful inves-
tigation of this point imperatively necessary. With the exception of
a few successful experiments by BoWmgev^Deutsch. Zeit. f. Thiermed.,

18

Bd. XIV. S. 264) and Bang (/Md.,Bd. 11,8. 45, 1885), no evidence
of great value is to be adduced. These authors, as well as Tschokke
(quoted by Bollinger), bring out isolated cases showing successful
inoculation experiments with the milk from tuberculous cows with no
disease of the udders, but the experiments are so few in num' er that
they cannot be accepted as furnishing more than a probability, and
extremely critical persons might be justified in ascribing the results
to contamination.

Bang {Congres pour V(tude de la Tubercidose, 1, p. 70, 1888) gives
new results. Examining twenty-one cases of cows affected with
general tuberculosis but with no signs of disease in the udder, he
found but two whose milk showed virulent qualities upon inoculation
in rabbits. He concludes that since the cows experimented with were
in advanced stages of the disease and yet showed such slight virulent
properties in their milk, the danger from cows in less advanced stages
is much less. And this conclusion he thinks is borne out by experi-
ments with milk drawn from eight women affected with tuberculosis ;
specimens were used from all for inoculation and none were found to
be virulent. He draws the conclusion, thei'efore, that it is not neces-
sary to consider all milk dangerous coming from tuberculous cows,
but that it should always be suspected^ because no one can say when
the udder will be diseased, and because, without this, the milk from
tuberculous cows contains the virus in rare cases.

I shall endeavor to show that it is not at all rare for such milk to
contain the virus.

Galtier also {loc. cit., p. 81) has given the result of certain exper-
iments with milk coming from tuberculous cows, but he says that
"certain experimenters claim to have established the virulence of milk coming
from animals whose udders appeared to be normal and free from any lesions ; the
greater number, and I am one of them, liave merely encountered a virulence in milk
after the udder had become tuberculous. However, as a beginning tuberculosis of
the udder is an extremely difficult thing to recognize, especially during the life of
the animal, the milk should be considered dangerous which comes from any animal
affected, or suspected of being affected, with tuberculosis."

I shall endeavor to show that this view of the case is justified by
something more than probabilities.

In the Deutsch. Arch, far Min. Med., Bd. xliv. S. 500, Hirschberger
reports the results of an experimental research upon the infectious-
ness of the milk of tuberculous cows, in which — following out Bollin-
ger's work — he attempts to settle, 1st, whether the cases are rare in
which tuberculous cows give an infectious milk ; and 2d, whether the
milk is infectious only in cows with general tuberculosis, or whether
it is also infectious when the disease is localized. He made the trials

19

of the infected milk by injectiou iuto the abdominal cavity of guinea-
pigs with the usual precautions. His results were as follows :

1. Milk was used five times from cows affected with a high degree
of general tuberculosis in all the organs.

2. Milk was used six times from cows with only a moderate
degree of disease.

8. Milk was used nine times fiou) cows in which the disease was
localized in the lung.

From these twenty cases the milk was proven to be infectious in
eleven. The percentage of positive results in the animals when ar-
ranged in accordance with the three groups above given was 80 per
cent, in the first group (milk from cows in a very advanced stage of
the disease), 66 per cent, in the second group, and 33 per cent, in the
third. He found the bacilli in only one of the specimens of the milk,
and considers that this, therefore, shows that the inoculation exper-
ime.its are the more certain guide as to whether the milk is infectious
or not.

These results are extremely interesting, although they do not lay
as much stress as do mine upon the presence or absence of lesions of
the lacteal tract.

The experiments which I am able to report* have been made pos-
sible by the liberality of the Massachusetts Society for Promotino-
Agriculture, which became interested in the question some time ago,
and has put it in my power to carry them on. They have given
everything in the way of pecuniary and moral support that the work
has required ; my own part has been that of general director, and I
liave had associated with me during the whole time the Society's vet-
eiinarian, Austin Peters, U.V. 8. For the last year I have also had the
very valuable aid of Dr. Henry Jackson and Langdon Frothinoham,
M. D. V.

All of the inoculation experiments and most of the microscopic
work have been done in the bacteriological laboratory' of the Harvard
Medical School, some of the microscopic work at the Society's labo-
ratory in Boston, whilst the feeding experiments have been done and
the experimental animals have been kept at a farm in the country
devoted to this especial purpose, and situated among the healthiest
possible surroundings. Nothing has been set down as the result
of microscopic observation that I have not myself verified, and
every portion of the work has been carried out under the most

* The full notes of these experiments will be found in the Transactions of the Associa-
tion of American Physicians, vol. iv., 1889.

20

exacting couditious aud with every possible piecautiou agaiust con-
tamiuatiou.

Before tlie farm buiidiugs were used at ail they were thoroughly
cleaned from top to bottom. Every portion of old manure was
carted away, as well as all the old earth. The whole of the wood-
work was scrubbed aud then washed with corrosive sublimate solution
(1 : lOUO) and liuaily whitewashed, aud every care was taken to
secure good drainage and free ventilatiou. The result and effective-
ness of all this have been best demonstrated by liie fact that every
animal brought to the place made a most marked improvement in its
general coudiLiou, wliile some of them even went so far as to appear
to get well.

In deciding whether the milk from any cow affected with tubercu-
losis is dangerous, when the udder shows no lesion, the first point is
to see whether the milk contains the infectious principle or not. In
thi« case, of course, that infectious principle is the bacillus of tuber-
culosis, aud attention was turned to that for some time. The obser-
vations have l)een carried ou over a long space of time, and were
made as follows : The milk was taken Irom the cow in the morning
— or evening, as the case might be — the udders and teats having just
been thoroughly cleaned. The receptacle was an Erlenmeyer flask,
stoppered with cotton-wool and thoroughly sterilized by heat. The
specimen was taken at once to the laboratory, there placed in conical
glasses, with ground-glass covers — the whole of these having been
carefully cleansed beforehand — and then allowed to stand in a clean
refrigerator for twenty-four to forty-eight hours, aud sometimes for
seventy-two hours.

At the end of that time from ten to twenty cover-glass prepara-
tions were made from various parts (;f the milk or cream. These
were stained after Ehrlich's twenty-four hour method, with fuchsin
and methylene blue as a contrast color, and then searched with an
immersion lens.

We prepared for examination in the wa}' spoken of above, one
hundred and seventeen sets of cover glasses from as many different
samples of milk. Of these specimens three spoiled, i. e., turned
sour or acid before the examination was completed, aud must be
rejected, leaving, therefore, one hundred and fourteen samples of
milk of which the examination was completed. These samples were
obtaiued from thirty-six different cows, all of them presenting more
or less distinct signs of tuberculosis of the lungs or elsewhere,
but none of them having marked signs of disease of the udder of
any kind.

Of these samples of milk there were found seventeen in which the
bacilli of tuberculosis were distinctly present ; that is to say, the
actual virus was seen in \0-\- per cent, of the samples examined
(17 : 114=10-^). These seventeen samples of infectious milk came
from ten different cows, showing a percentage of detected infectious-
ness of 27.7 per cent. (10 : 36=27.7). These results are exceedingly
interesting, it seems to me, aud I confess I am surprised at the size

21

of the percentage named. Not because I had not expected to find
the bacilli — I have been convinced for several years that persistent
search would show their presence in such cases as those that are here
recorded — but because the amount of dilution to which the organ-
isms must be subjected diminished immensely the chance of their
being found at all. In no case have they been seen in large num-
bers, but equally in no case has a diagnosis been made where there
was the slightest doubt of the appearance under the microscope.

The large number of cases in which these organisms have been
found seem to me to indicate their presence in a still greater propor-
tion of cases, if only a sufficiently thorough examination of all the
milk could be made. This of course is out of the question, but the
results here given seem to establish, beyond a doubt, the fact that
milk coming from cows with no definite lesion of the udder may
contain the infectious principle of tuberculosis, if the disease be
present in other portions of the body of the animal. Also, that this
presence of the infectious principle is not merely a so'\eut[fic possibility
but an actual probability , which we should be thoroughly aware of and
alive to.

Other interesting facts shown are these : that the cream after rising
is quite as likely to be infectious as the milk, because the bacilli were
foun'i in the milk nine 'times after the cream had risen, and in the
cream eight limes after it had separated from the milk.

In regard to the constancy of the occurrence of the bacilli in the
milk, in two of the ten cows in whose milk the bacilli were found, but
one sample of the milk was examined ; and the bacilli were found in
one sample out of several examined at different times, in two cases
In the remaining six cows, bacilli were found two or more times in
different samples of milk. So that, as far as they go, these results
seem to indicate that the bacilli are present with a fair degree of
constancy. At the same time it should not be surprising if one
examination was successful and others failed, because of the
chances against success, owing to dilution, which were spoken of
above.

In nine of the seventeen cases the time of the milking and the por-
tion of the milk used were noted ; that is to say, a sample was taken
from the first of the milking, or the last of the milking, and then
cover-glasses made from the milk or cream. In these cases bacilli
were found in the cream three times, and in the milk four times, from
the first of the milking ; in samples from the last of the milking, in
the cream no times, and in the milk four times ; and this too seems
to show an interesting point, viz., that the bacilli, if present at all in
the udder, are not washed out entirely b}^ the first manipulations of
the teats, but may be supposedly present in any portion of the milk.
The converse is also indicated, that the manipulation of the udder in
the process of milking does not express the bacilli from the tissue into
the latter portion of the milk, but that, as before, they may be sup-
posed to be pretty evenly distributed in all parts of the udder if they
be present at all.

22

Before going on to consider the results of the inoculation experi-
ments made with various specimens of milk, it may be well to glance
at the condition of the cows that have been under our control from
the time of the beginning of the experiments until they were killed,
or until the date of preparing this paper.

The history of each cow, as far as we have been able to secure it,
bears out our assertion — as far as the examinations have gone, that
none of the udders were affected with tuberculosis — certainly so far
as gross appearances were concerned. This was true, also, in the
microscopic appearance of every case but one (No. 6, cow F). In
this case the gross appearances in the udder were healthy, except
that one quarter seemed to be slightly fibrous, and there wefe one or
two yellow spots which were seen to be. made up of fat under the
microscope. With a low power lens only a slight increase of fibrous
tissue was observable, and the oil-immersion was put on merely as a
matter of routine. One giant cell was discovered, containing a num-
ber of bacilli, but a careful search failed to i^how any others, or
any signs ol change, except the increase of fibrous tissue noted
above. So that the assertion is still true, that we have failed to dis-
cover any signs of tuberculosis that were easily recognizable in any
of the cows here recorded, and these include all we have had under
close observation.

Those from which milk was used for inoculations that are not here
given had no signs that permitted of even a probable diagnosis by
skilled veterinarians.

We also made an interesting series of experimental inoculations in
rabbits and guinea pigs with milk or cream from various cows, in
varying quantities and at different times. Of rabbits there were used
fifty-seven animals. Of these, five were inoculated with milk which
had turned sour, two died of intercurrent diseases in a few days
(coccidium oviforme), and of one the material was lost before the
microscopic examination was completed — so that eight animals are
to be rejected, leaving forty-nine upon which the results can be based.
Out of these, five were made more or less tuberculous, as proven by
microscopic examination, and in forty-four the results were negative
— that is to say. we obtained 5 : 49, or 10.2 per cent, of successes out
of all inoculations in rabbits.

There were used thirty-three different spceimens from thirteen dif-
ferent cows— that is, there were 2o per cent. (3: 13) successful re-
sults from the cows used, and 15.15 per cent. (5 : 33) successful re-
sults from the specimens used.

Positive results were obtained from
Cow P twice (at different times).
Cow L once.
Saunders cow twice (at different times).

The results of the inoculations of guinea-pigs are more striking.
There were sixty-five animals used in all. Of these, nine were inoc-
ulated with sour" milk or cream, and two died in a day or two of other

23

diseases (peritonitis and pleurisy). There are, therefore, but fifty-
four that should be counted. In them, there were twelve positive
results, or -28.57 per cent. (12 : 42) successes out of all the inocula-
tions. There were used thirty-two specimens from fourteen different
cows, and the successful results came from six different cows — that
is, 42.8 per cent. (G : 14) of the cows were shown in this way to have
infectious milk, and 37.5 per cent. (12:32) of the specimens used
were shown to have active infectious properties.
J^ositive results were obtained from

Cow P (three times in two different inoculations).

Cow D (three times in three different inoculations) .

Cow F (ouce) .

Slocum cow (once).

Saunders cow (once).

Mayhew cow (three times in two different inoculations).
The combining of the results obtained from both rabbits and
guinea-pigs shows the following : Successful results were obtained in
milk from cow P three times (two diff'ereut specimens) in guinea-
pigs, and twice in rabbits (two different specimens) ; from cow L
ouce in rabbits ; from cow O three times (three different specimens)
in guinea-pigs ; from cow F once in guinea-pigs ; from the Slocum
cow once in guinea-pigs ; from the Saunders cow once in guinea-pigs,
and twice in rabbits (two different specimens) ; and from the May-
hew cow three times in guinea-pigs (two different specimens) — that
is to say, out of fourteen cows used the milk was shown to be infec-
tious in seven, or 50 per cent, by inoculation experiments.

An interesting fact is also shown, and that is, that bacilli were
found in the milk or cream, and successful inoculation experiments
made in animals with the same specimen in five different cases (in-
cluding eight of the successful ones') as follows :

Compariso?i of the dates when Bacilli tvere found in the Milk and the same Milk
was used for successful inoculation experiments.
Cow. Positive. Positive. Positive.

Cover-glass. Guinea pig. Rabbit.

P- Cream, A. M. Cream, A. M., March 9, 1889 Cream, a. m., Marcii 9, 1889

r',.oorv. D iv« \ Cream, P. M., March 9, 1889 Cream, P. m., March 9, 1889

uream, p. m. j Cream, p. m., March 9, 1889

O. 1st of milking, cream, Pirst of milking, cream,
March 9, 1889. March 9, 1889.

Slocum. Last of milking. Last of milking.

June 10, 1889
Mayhew. Last of milking, milk. Last of milking, milk,
June 21, 1889

The inoculation experiments, above detailed, seem to me to be
deserving of consideration because they were done under the most
careful precautions that could be devised. In all cases the experi-
ment animals were kept under observation long enough to determine,
so far as could be seen, that they were in good health, and after the
inoculations they were separated and kept under close watch, but in
healthy surroundings. Some of those that were used were inoculated
immediately after purchase, because of a scarcity of the supply at
the farm, and were not in good condition. But as no sign of tuber-

24

culosis appeared in any of these, their ill health cannot come in as a
disturbing factor in the results.

The results obtained from certain feeding experiments with calves
show that there were thirteen calves used, and fed for varying lengths
of time with milk from cows affected with tuberculosis, but not of the
udder. Of these, the material was thrown away from one before the
microscopic examination, and this should be rejected in the final
results. Of the remainder, there were five positive results obtained
and one suspicious. The latter is counted as negative, for the reason
that, although giant cells and granulation tissue were seen, no bacilli
were found. There were, therefore, five out of twelve positive re-
sults, or 41.66 per cent. It should also be said that of those counted
as negative three sets of specimens were suspicious, but were hastily
examined for the purpose of this paper, so that a more careful search
may very probably increase the percentage of successes.

In the series of feeding experiments on one set of pigs, the milk
being given to them from the same cows as before, there were seven
pigs used in all, from one litter and healthy parents. Of these,
examination showed negative results in two, positive results in two,
one was subjected to a very hasty microscopic examination, and the
material from two was thrown away— a mistake, as was shown by the
results of the microscopic examination of the material from No. 3.
There are to be counted, therefore, only five, giving as successful
results 40 per cent.

By the cover-glass examinations we have shown that the milk con-
tains infectious material in ten cows out of thirty-five from which the
milk was examined for bacilli — that is, in 28.57 per cent. We have
also shown that the milk was infectious, by inoculaton experiments, in
seven out of fourteen of the cows from which the milk came — that is,
50 per cent. And we have shown the infectious nature of the milk by
ocular demonstration and successful inoculation from the same speci-
mens in five cows out of fourteen used — or, 35.7 per cent.

These Results are, to a certain extent, preliminary — that is to say,
they are but part of the work upon this subject which is being done
under the auspices of the Massachusetts Society for the Promotion
of Agriculture. The work will not be completed, at any rate, until
next year.

They show, however :

1st, and emphatically, that the milk from cows affected with tuber-
culosis in any part of the body may contain the virus of the disease.

2d. That the virus is present whether there is disease of the udder
or not.

3d. That there is no ground for the assertion that there mnst be a
lesion of the udder before the milk can contain the infection of tuber-
culosis.

4th. That, on the contrary, the bacilli of tuberculosis are present
and active in a very large proportion of cases in the milk of cows
affected with tuberculosis but with no discoverable lesion of the
udder.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 9.

MAY, 1890,

The Bulletins of this Station will be sent free to all newspapers in
the State and to sxi,ch individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1890.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricnltural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell, . . Director.

William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynard,
Charles H. Fernald,
Clarence D. Warner,

Agriculturist.
Horticulturist.
Entomologist.
Meteorologist.

William M. Shepardson, . Assistant Horticulturist.
Herbert E. Woodbury, . " '•'•

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, is
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Division of Agriculture.

Wm. p. Brooks.

SOIL TESTS WITH FERTILIZERS.

In Febrnjirj of last year Prof. W. O. Atwater, Director of the office
of Experiment Stations of the United States Department of Agricul-
ture, issued a call for a conference of Directors of Experiment Sta-
tions and-^others interested in field and plot experimentation, to be
held in the library of the Department of Agriculture on Tuesday and
Wednesday, March 5 and 6, 1889, for the purpose of adopting, if
practicable, a uniform method of conducting such expei'iments. It
was decided by Director Goodell thnt I should attend this conference,
as it was supposed that such experiments, if decided upon, would be
carried on under my immediate supervision.

This conference in which twelve stations were represented, decided
upon recommending a plan of experiments of whicli the following are
the chief features :

1. Tliat in each state, soil-tests with fertilizers, with a view to
finding out the requirements of soils in different parts of the state for
tiie most economical production of different crops be made a leading
feature of the work.

2. That uniform kinds and quantities ot fertilizing materials be
used.

3. That the experiments be continued throughout a series of years,
when practicable, and that the fertilizers be repeated on the same
plots year after year ; but that the particular crops used be left to the
discretion of the stations.

4. That both manured and unmanured plots be duplicated to as
great an extent as may be found practicable.

5. That in the distribution of such experiments regard be paid to
the surface geology of the state.

6. That reports U|)ou such expei-imonts should contain as full in-
fonnatioii as can be furnished respecting the geological origin and
history of the soil on which Ihey may be made, its physical and chem-
ical condition, and its fauna and flora, and also as full meteorologi-
cal data as can be obtained.

Some of the more important details settled upon by the conference
will be of interest.

1. Shape and Size of Plots. It was the sense of the conference
that plots should be long and narrow in order to avoid as far as pos-
sible, the disturbing influence of the inequalities in the natural fertil-
ity of the soil in different parts of the field. Evidently a long and
narrow plot, extending wholly across a field, is less likely to lie wholly
within an area naturally either richer or poorer than the average soil
of the field than is a square plot which might, for example, chance
to fall where sometime in the past a pile of manure had stood. In
width these plots should be adapted to accommodate an even number
of rows of the crop to be cultivated. Thus for corn or potatoes,
(the distance between the rows being quite commonly 3| feet) some
multiple of this number such as 10 feet 6 inches would be suitable.
To prevent the roots of one pUt feeding upon materials in an ad-
joining one, it was decided to recommend that the plots be sepa-
rated by alley-ways not less than three feet wide ; and the majority
were in favor of planting a row iu the middle of this strip which
should be cultivated precisely like the plots but should not be
included in the harvest. This row should be harvested and carried
off before the harvest of the plots proper be commenced. The size
of plot recommended was one-twentieth of an acre.

2. Methods op Applying Fertilizers. It was the general sense
of the conference that the larger portion, at least, of the fertilizers
used should be applied broadcast and that the nitrate of soda be
used in the spring rather than in the fall. It was thought best not
to make specific recommendations as to the time and manner of
applying fertilizers ; that these points had better be left to the judg-
ment and discretion of the officers of the several stations.

3. Kinds and Quantities of Fertilizers. The following quan-
tities of fertilizeis were recommended for general adoption :

As a source of nitrogen, nitrate of soda, 160 pounds per aci-e,
containing 16 per cent, nitrogen.

As a source of phosphoric acid, dissolved bone-black, 320 pounds
per acre, containing 16 percent, soluble phosphoric acid.

As a source of potash, muriate of potash, 160 pounds per acre,
containiug 50 per cent, potash.

As a source of sulphate of lime, 160 pounds of high grade gvpsum
per acre.

As a source of lime, 160 pounds quick lime per acre. In tdl cases
multiples of 16 were recommended on account of the manifest con-
venience of being able to apply a whole number of pounds for each
square rod. The use of gypsum was recommended in order that the
sulphate of lime in it might offset that in the superphosphate, and
also because of the general fertilizing action of gypsum.

3. It was recommended that the outside corners of sections or
series of plots be marked with sections of gas pipe driven to or below
the surface and that at least one stake be driven along each side of
the section.

4. It was voted to recommend that when practicable missing hills
be replanted (in order to equalize conditions of light, soil, space, etc.)
but that in computing results re-plants be rejected from the com-
putation.

5. The importance of duplication of both fertilized and unfertilized
plots to as great an extent as feasible was unanimously agreed upon ;
and it was the general opinion that in computing results fertilized plots
should be compared with contiguous or nearest unfertilized plots
rather than with the average of all the unfertilized plots.

6. The plots should extend north and south whenever the contour
of the land will permit. They should extend up and down i-ather
than across the line of greatest slope of the field.

7. The importance of analyses of the produce and of care in sam-
pling for such work was discussed at length ; and it was decided to
be desirable that the amount of nitrogen, at least, in the soil be
determined.

The convention voted to ask Prof. Atwater to prepare explanations
of the experiments and directions for carrying them out, and in ac-
cordance with this decision he prepared such explanations and direc-
tions, which were published by the Department of Agriculture and
furnished in such numbers as the several stations required.

Being deeply impressed with the general excellence and many
advantages of the proposed plan of experiments, and fully convinced
of its importance as a step towards the more rational and economical
use of fertilizers by the farmers of the state, I decided with the
approval of our Director upon adopting it on such a scale as our

finances would permit. I accordingly sent a copy of tlie following
letter to the President of each of the following County Agricultural
Societies: Rarnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin. Hamp-
shire, Hampden, Middlesex, Plymouth and Worcester :

"I am desirous of inaugurating this year a system of local soil tests
with fertilizers, to be carried out under ray supervision by selected
farmers in the different counties. Similar tests have been carried
out in several states, and a conference of experiment station workers
in Washington in March of this year, which was called to consider the
subject, unanimously decided in favor of inaugurating such soil tests
upon one uniform plan in as many states as possible.

Without at this time entering into details, I may say that the object
especiall}' aimed at in these tests is to find out the particular fertilizer
requirements of the soils of diffei-ent localities. It is recognized that,
however valuable the results obtained in experiments of this particu-
lar kind at this station may be for this locality, such results may be
inapplicable to other localities.

It is proposed for this year at least that this station shall pay all
expenses of such tests, furnishing fertilizers, seeds and whatever else
may be necessary, and paying a fair price for the work of carrying
them out. The station, through myself or m}' assistant, will super-
vise the experiments and we reserve control of the results ; all rights
of publication and discussion shall be ours.

The area required for each test is one acre ; tiie crop pro[)osed for
this year is corn. The harvest with the exception of such small
samples as we may take is to belong to the farmer.

The best soil for the purpose is one which represents best the
average conditions in your county, which is level or of uniform
moderate slope, of uniform and low fertility and now in grass. Upon
the proper selection of the locality and the soil and still more upon
the selection of the man to carr3' out the work our success depends ;
and believing that your society will be willing to co-operate in this
work I have addressed you this note which I send also to the presi-
dents of the other county societies.

The funds available will allow me to undertake but one experiment
in each county and I shall be pleased to hear what you think of the
plan. In the event of your favorable consideration, my assistant
will soon visit you to co-operate in the selection of the place and the
man and to arrange the necessary details."

This letter elicited a favorable response from every man addressed ;

and the men aud localities for experiments were selected by^my assis-
tant, Ml. F. S. Coolej', acting in co-operation with the presidents of
societies addressed. In a number of cases these gentlemen expressed
a willingness to undertake the experiment upon their own farms and
whenever these were found to contain suitable soil selection was made
accordingly. In every case except two, Mr. Cooley had the opportu-
nity to make a personal inspection of the land before selection was
made, and the further very important advantage of personal explana-
tion of the objects and methods of the experiment to the party selected
to carry it out. The following is a complete list of the localities and
owners of farms on which an experiment was undertaken : Yarmouth,
John Simpkins ; fittsfield, O. T. Benedict; Lexington, A. G. Doug-
las; Marblehead, VVm. S. Phillips, Jr. ; Shelburne, Dole Bros. ; West-
field, C. F. Fowler ; Hadley, L. W. West ; Freetown, S. P. Richmond ;
West Bridgewater, J. C. Swan ; and Worcester, Pliny Moore.
Besides these a similar experiment was carried out upon the station
grounds in Amherst.

In accordance with the conclusions of the conference already
briefly stated, the plan of experiment was as follows :

1. Area occupied by each 1 acre; if circumstances permitted of
the following dimensions.: length 213 feet 4 inches, width 204 feet.

2. Plots — fifteen in number, each 204 feet long and 10 feet and
8 inches wide, containing one-twentieth of an acre. In each plot
three rows.

3. Strips between and also outside experimental plots — length,
204 feet ; width 3 feet 4 inches. In the middle of each strip one row.

These fifteen plots and the strips make within 10 square feet of an
exact acre. As a matter of fact few of the experiments were laid
out exactly upon these dimensions ; but the principle of arrangement
was the same in all and most approached these proportions quite
closely.

4. The treatment of the several plots was as follows :
No. 1. Nothing.

" 2. Nitrate of soda.

" 3. Dissolved bone-black.

" 4. Nothing.

" 5. Muriate of potash.

" 6. Nitrate of soda and bone-black.

" 7. Nitrate of soda and muriate of potash.

" S. Nothing.

8

No. 9. Bone-black and muriate of potash.
" 10. Nitrate of soda, bone-black and muriate of potash.
" 1] . Land plaster.
" 12. Nothing.
" 13. Barnyard manure.
" 14. Lime.
" 15. Nothing.

To each plot where used the following quantities were supplied:
nitrate of soda, 8 pounds ; dissolved hone-black, 16 pounds ; muriate
of potash, 8 pounds; land plaster, 8 pounds; lime, 8 pounds; barn-
yard manure, 32 cubic feet.

The composition of the barnyard manure used was of necessity
unknown at the time of use. It was, however, carefully sampled
by throwing one side every tenth fork-full in loading, thoroughly
mixing what was thus thrown out, and taking in each case about a
solid cubic foot for analysis. The results of each analysis so far as
samples have been secured will be found under the appropriate
experiment. The weights-^used were not determined as facilities for
weighing were not available in most cases. The manure was used
at the rate of five untrodden cords per acre.

The fertilizers used were carefully sampled and analyzed with
results shown in the tables below :

Nitrate of Soda.
Moisture at 100° C, 3.22 per cent.

Nitrogen, 15.03

Sodium oxide, 53,44 "

Insoluble matter, .19 "

Dissolved Bone-black.
Moisture at 100° C,
Organic and volatile matter,
Total phosphoric acid,
Soluble,

Reverted " "
Insoluble " "
Insoluble matter,

Muriate of Potash.
Moisture at 100° C,
Potassium oxide,
Sodium oxide.
Chlorine,
Insoluble matter,

17.41

43.81

21.70

15.60

6.02

0.08

3.99

4.01

45.16

2.88

45.87

l.Ol

14.05

per

cent.

41.90

'

'

32.65

'

'

2.22

'

'

74.79

per

cent.

0.77

Gypsdm.
Moisture at 100° C,
Calcium oxide,
Sulphuric acid,
Insoluble matter,

LIME.

Calcium oxide,
Insoluble matter,

It will be seen that the ascertained composition was found to be so
near the proposed that the amounts of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and
potash supplied per acre were not essentially different from the
amounts fixed upon in the convention as appropriate. The exact
figures per acre are as follows : Nitrogen, 24 pounds ; available phos-
phoric acid, 69.2 pounds ; and potash, 72.3 pounds.

In all cases fertilizers and manures were evenly spread broadcast
upon the ploughed land and harrowed in just previous to planting
the seed.

5. The selection of seed was left to the individual experimenters,
as it was felt that success would be more certain with varieties suited
to the several localities and familiar to the cultivators. In every case
a variety of yellow flint corn was selected. The rows were in all
cases three and a half feet apart and hill planting was generally
adopted.

6. Pvach experimenter was furnished with a standard maximum
and minimum thermometer and a lain gauge ; and, although acciden-
tal breakages of instruments caused some irregularities, observations
were generally kept up from about the middle of June to the time of
harvest. A summary of the record of each observer will be found
under the account of his experiment.

7. Each experiment was visited once by myself during July and
once by Mr. Cooley during August, and the latter gentleman assisted
in the harvest, weighed the crops on the several plots and took a
sample from each in every experiment.

These samples will be analyzed as rapidly as our resources permit
and the results, if deemed of sufficient importance, will be hereafter
published.

8. A large number of systematic measurements were taken by
several of the experimenters. These were advised with a view to a
study of the effects of the several fertilizers during different stages
of the growth of the crop. The general method of measurement was

2

10

to take every sixth to tenth hill (varying according to length of row)
in the middle row of each plot. The leaves were straightened to the
highest possible point, and from the highest tip to the ground was
the height recorded. The records will be found under the appropriate
experiments.

Before giving a detailed account of these experiments a few gen-
eral explanations are necessary. In each experiment the weight of
the entire product of eacli plot was taken, hard corn, soft corn, and
stover separately*. In converting hard corn into bushels 75 pounds
of ears are considered equal to one bushel of shelled corn ; and in the
case of soft corn, 90 pounds. In obtaining the value of the crop,
hard corn is estimated at forty cents and soft corn at twenty cents
per bushel, and stover at $4 per ton. The bare cost only of fertil-
izers is taken into consideration in calculating profit or loss. No
account is made of the labor of applying. Nitrate of soda is esti-
mated at $50 per ton ; Dissolved bone-black, at $30 ; Muriate of
potash, at $40 ; Plaster, at $9 ; Lime, at $12 ; and barn-yard manure
at $5 per cord.

In determining gain or loss for any plot it is compared with the
average of the two nearest nothings, with one or two exceptions which
will be especially pointed out and the reasons for the exception given.
Each of the nothings in these calculations has been given equal weight ;■
no allowance for varying distance from the plot under comparison
being made.

In the determination of the effect of each of the ingredients of
plant-food — nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash-^four comparisons
are made. For example in the case of nitrogen :

1. The crop where nitrogen alone is applied is compared with the
average of the two nearest nothings.

2. The increase (or decrease) where nitrogen and phosphoric acid
are used is compared with the increase (or decrease) where phos-
phoric acid onlv is used.

3. The increase (or decrease) where nitrogen and potash are used
is compared with the increase {or decrease) where potash only is used.

4. The increase {or decrease) where nitrogen, phosphoric acid
and potash are used is compared with the increase {or decrease)
where the two latter only are used.

5. The results of these four comparisons are added, the sum
divided by four ; and the result is considered the average increase
{or decrease) due to nitrogen.

*To this statement there are two exceptions which will be explained later.

11

Upon this average the profit or loss from the use of nitrogen is
calculated, no allowance being made for unexhausted residue.

Similar comparisons and calculations are made for phosphoric acid
and potash. The results for all three ingredients are shown in tabu-
lar form under each experiment.

For convenience of comparison with each other and with the results
just mentioned the net results of the use of "complete fertilizer",
barn^'iird manure, plaster and lime are shown in another table,
although this plan involves the repetition of some of the figures given
in the general tabular view of the entire experiment. Below this
table will be found a calculation as to financial result of the use of
each. In this calculation no allowance is made for unexhausted res-
idue of either manure or fertilizer. This omission undoubtedly
makes the showing for manure more unfavorable than it should be.
If we make the usual allowance of one-half, the manure will come
much nearer to paying for itself and for the labor of application
which, it should be remembered^ has not been charged. The expres-
sion " complete fertilizer" is used in the ordinary sense, to designate
a mixture which supplies nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash.

The Pittsfield experiment wafi ruined by crows which pulled the
young plants, and the results in West Bridgewater aud Lexington
were affected by so many accidental conditions that it is not deemed
best to publish them. An account of each of the others follows :

12

YARMOUTH.

son. TEST WITH FERTIFJZERS ON CORN.

]>v J. Brvden.

FERTILIZERS.

Yield

1-20

per riot
acre.

Yield per Acre.

Gain or loss com-
pared with

1

—

Shelled Corn

...

Notlinig riots

Ears.

busliels.

per acre.

-^

Shelled Com

.

pli

KIND.

1

S

»

^

bushels.

^

"^

u

■^

T3

.

a

tf

^

iJ

167

23

*

^

M

W

S

1

1

Nothing,

44.5

5.1

*

*

2

Nitrate of Soda,

160

168

18

44.8

4.

! 4.3

-12

3

Dissolved Bone-black,

320

127

16

33.9

3.6

i-6.7

-1.6

4

Nothing,

137

24

36.5

5.3

—5.3

5

Muriate of Potash,

ir,o

129

19

34.4

4.2

1 —5.3

—1.6

6

j Nitrate of Soda,

1^ Dissolved Bone-black

160 \
320/

160

18

42.6

4

2.9

-1.8

7

J Nitrate of Soda,
\ Muriate of Potash,

160 1
160 J

158

25

42.1

5.6

t 2.4

—2

8

Nothing,

161

28

42.9

6.2

1

9

f Dissolved Bone-black
\ Muriate of Potasli,
f Nitrate of Soda,

320)
160 5
160)

170

21

45.3

4.7

1..5

— .9

10

■ Dissolved Bone-black
Muriate of Potash,

320
160)

182

13

48.5

2.9

i 15.7

—2.7

11

Land Plaster,

160

95

23

25.3

5.1

i —7.5

— .4

12

Nothing.

85

22

22.7

4.9

13

Barnyard Manure.

t5

246

19

65.6

4.2

i 40.1

—1.2

U

Lime,

160

106

21

28.3

4.7

J 4.

— .8

15

Nothing,

98

27

26.1

6.

!

The field selected for this experiment, on the farm of John
Simpkins, President of the Barnstable Agricultural Society, is a part
of a nearl}' level tract quite near the sea. The soil is composed of
very fine sand and proved to vary considerably in fertility in different
parts. It had never received ranch manure, was cultivated last, seven
years ago, and subsequently had been used as a pasture. The seed
came up nicely, and the stand was good, scarcely a plant missing.

The field was visited in July and the following notes were made :

Plot 13. Much better than any other.

Plot 10. Ranks next to 13 but considerably inferior.

Plots 2, 6 and 7. Rank next in the order named.

Plot 11. Slightly better than nothing plots near it.

Plot 8. Includes the back furrow and is better than neighboring
nothings.

In August no striking differences were noted except in the case of
Plot 13. which showed a marked ^superiority to all others.

*AU weights of stover are omitted on account of accidental mixture in part of the plot*.
Average of all the nothings, hard corn, 34.7 bu. ; soft corn 5.6 bu.

iverage i
tCords.

13

RKSULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.
of

FERTILIZER USED.

Average of Measurements.

Plot.

July 19.

July 30.

Aug. 10.

Aug. 21.

1

Nothiij<4'

Indies.
44.6
43.8
41.2
37.2
41.9
43.7
40/2
42.3
36.9
38.5
32.9
29.3
48.6
31.3
26.1

Inches.
62.3
60.3
57.8
53.5
57.8
57.3
55.0
56.8
51.4
52.1
44.3
38.3
64.8
42.5
36.6

Inches.
75.2
75.8
73.9
70.3
73.4
73.8
68.8
73.7
69.3
70.2
59.7
52.7
79.5
58.1
50.9

Inches.
78.2

9.

Nitrate of Soda, ...;'....

77.2

Dissolved Bone-black,

75.3

4
5
6
7

Notiiiiig,

Muriate of Potash

Nitrate and i^one-black,

Nitrate and Potasli,

76.1
76.4
76.3
74.6

8

Nothino-. . , .

80.8

9
10
11

Bone-black and Potash,

Nitrate, Bone-black and Potash,
Laud Plaster,

75.1
75.1
66.6

1-^

Nothiu"-, .

61.0

13

81.3

14

Lime. . ...

65 3

Ifi

Nothino",

62.6

These measurements indicate that the superiority early shown by
the plots which received nitrate of soda was not maintained through-
out the season. Thus on July 19, No. 2 is considerably better than
No. 5, but by Aug. 21, this difference has nearly disappeared; and
again on the earlier date No. 7 is better than No. 9, but on the latter
date No. 9 is the better.

COMPOSITION OF MANURE.

Moisture at 100° C,
Organic and volatile matter,
Ash,

Phosphoric acid.
Calcium oxide,
Magnesium oxide,
Potassium oxide.
Nitrogen,
Insoluble matter,

70.160 per cent.

86.553 "

13.447 "

0.553 "

0.323 "

0.271 "

0.614 "

0.486 "

11.991 "

This manure is in composition considerably superior to most of the
others used in our experiments which undoubtedly accounts for its
relatively better effect on the crop.

14

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

June 12 — Nov.

1889.

Temperature in open air in degrees Fahrenheit.

is,

a

Month.

Means of Daily.

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest daily
range.

Rain
fall

Min.

Max.

Rnge.

16.4
14.1
9.7

12.4
12.4

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

inch's

June.

July.

August.

September

October.

59.7

62.

67.4

57.3
45.6

67.6

76.1
76.1

77.1
69.7
58.

-,r

84.
84.
84.

77.
70.

21st.
1st.
23d.

7th 16th
5th.

50.
56.
55
41.
37,

19th.
16th.
27th.
23d.
11, 24.

26.
23.
19.
20.
24.

23d.
18th.
23d.
4, 22.
nth.

34.
28.
29.
36.
33.

.64
4.12
6.04
3.14
5.71

Season 142
days.

13.4

84.

37

26.

36.

19.65

The comparative equability of temperature at this station is [)artie-
ularly noticeable. Both the average and absolute range are much
less than at other stations. The thermometer registered 84 degrees
only three times during the season, and the first frost was re-
corded Nov. 6.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN.

Hard corn, bush, per acre,
Soft corn, " " "

1
1

it

n

ill

4.3
-1.2

9.6
— .1

7.7
1.3

3.2
— 1.8

6.2
—.4

Value of the net average increment,
Result,

$2.40
$1.60 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID.

b'r

ll

1 ^

II

N

O

a ^

s a

a a

o

g '

g^

Hi

03

< '"

Hard corn.

bush

per acre.

—6.7

—1.3

17.9

13.3

5.8

Soft corn.

"

" "

—1.6

— .6

.7

-2.4

-1.

Value of the net average increment.
Result,

$2.12
1.68 loss.

15

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH.

11

1!
^'1

li

Hard coin, liusli. per acre,
Soft corn, •• " "•

-5.3
—1.6

—1.9
1

19.2
.8

12.8
— .9

6.2
— .2

V;ihie of tlie net avenige increment,
Result,

$2.44
.76 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

1 i
5^

II

Oh

I

Hard corn, bush, per acre,>

15.7

40.1

—7.5

4.

Soft corn, " " ''

—2.7

—1.2

— .4

— .8

Value of net increment due to fertilizer.

$5.74

Financial result,

6.26 loss.

Value of net increment due to manure.

$15.80

Financial result,

9.20 loss.

Value of net decrease due to plaster,

$2.92

Financial result,

3.64 loss.

Value of net increment due to lime.

$1.44

Financial lesult,

.48 g

\in.

The results of this experiment are, on the whole, not veiT conclu-
sive as to the requirements of the soil. The evident difference in
natural fertility complicates matters. The fertilizers used on the
poorer side of the field evidently stood a better chance to make their
influence felt than those used on the other side. The average net
increase caused I)y each of the ingredients, nitrogen, jihosphoric acid
and potash is about equal; but it is noticeable that nitrogen causes a
smaller increase over nothing, than either of the otheis. It is impor-
tant to bear in mind, however, in this connection that the element
nitrogen was furnished by the amount of fertilizer used in a much
smaller proportion of the total taken by the crop than were the phos-
phoric acid and the potash. Thus Prof. Levi St(ickbridge, in the

16

Report of the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture for 1875-6,
states (by inference) that fifty bushels of shelled corn and the natural
proportion of roots, stalks, leaves and cobs contain : nitrogen, 64
pounds ; phosphoric acid, 31 pounds, and potash 77 pounds. These
figures were the result of actual determination of the proportion
existing between grain and all other parts of tiie plant and calculations
based on average statements of composition. Figures obtained by
myself by calculations based upon more recent American analyses
applied to the proportion existing in most of our experiments between
grain and stover show the amounts of these ingredients in fifty
bushels of grain and the usual amount of stover to be about as follows :
nitrogen 91 pounds, phosphoric acid 29 pounds, and potash 63 pounds.

Though these two sets of figures are not alike there is a general
agreement in the relative proportions of the three ingredients. The
differences are in part due to the fact that I allowed a smaller propor-
tion of stover to grain ; in part to the fact that different analytical
results were used.

Now as has been stated the fertilizers used in tliese experiments
supplied per acre: nitrogen, about 24 pounds; phosphoric acid, 69
pounds and potash, 72 pounds. Here then is nitrogen enough
according to Prof. Stockbridge for only about 19 bushels of corn,
phosphoric acid enough for about 110 bushels, and i)otash enough for
about 47 bushels ; or according to my figures respectively, for about
13, 119 and 57 bushels. It would evidently, then, be unreasonable to
expect as large an increase from the relatively small application of
nitrogen as from the larger applications of phosphoric acid and potash.
It is significant, however, that in no case in this experiment was the
increase in crop large enough to account for all of either of the
ingredients under consideration. The largest increase seemingly due
to nitrogen, 9.6 bushels, is considerably under the lowest estimate of
quantity of crop for which the supply of this element is adequate,
viz. : 13 bushels.

Jt is evident that we recovered in the increase of the crop only a
comparatively small proportion of the nitrogen applied and the same
is true of phosphoric acid and potash in whatever manner used. The
result with nitrate of soda might very likely have been better had it
been applied in fractional dressings during growth instead of all
before planting ; but it cannot be supposed, in view of what is known
of the behavior of potash and phosphoric acid in the soil that any
considerable loss occurred through applying all of the fertilizers con-
taining them before planting.

17

The result of the use of fertilizers in this experiment is an apparent
loss in all cases. This is no doubt absolute in the case of nitrate of
soda, for experience teaches that this cannot be recovered in subse-
quent years. The phosphoric acid and potash, on the other hand,
ma}' make themselves felt in later years. The omission of the stover
of course makes the loss apparently greater than was actually the case.

The loss is least on the potash and the greatest actual increase due
to it exceeds the greatest due to either nitrogen or phosphoric acid,
though the average as stated is nearly the same. A part of this
ap[)arent superiority, however, may be due to the fact that phos-
phoric acid and potash are compared to a lower average for nothings
than phosphoric acid alone.

The conclusions which I draw from a study of the results are briefly
as follows :

1. Nitrogen if used in soluble form should be applied to this soil
in fractional dressings.

2. All three ingredients are needed in about equal degree.

3. Potash seems most likely to aiford a chance for profit; but
should be used with small quantities of phosphate and nitrogen.

4. Plaster appears to do no good. The actual decrease may be
due to the fact that the comparison is influenced by Plot No. 8, which
was unusuallv good while the plaster plot lies near Plot 12 which was
the poorest.

5. Lime appears to have been beneficial.

18

FREETOWN.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS ON CORN.

By S. p. Richmond.

FERTILIZERS.

Yield
1-2C

Ear

perPlotl
acre.

Yield

peracre.

Gain or loss compared

with

Nothing Plots

per acre.

-s

KIND.

3.

1
69

Shelled Corn
bushels.

i

CD

Shelled Corn,
bushels.

o

1
72

1
1

26

i

1

5

1

1

en

1

Nothing,

19.2

5.8

1380

2

Nitrate of Soda,

87

28

73

23.2

6.2

1460

5.9

.7

170

3

Dissolved Bone-bliick,

83

25

64

22.1

5.6

1280

4.8

—1.1

—10

4

Nothing,

58

25

60

15.5

5.6

1200

5

Muriate of Potash,

1 49

22

55

13.1

4.9

1100

—2.3

-1.7

— 130

6

r Nitrate of Soda,

\ Dissolved Bone-black,

94

2.

76

25.1

4.7

1520

9.7

—1.9

290

7

f Nitrate of Soda,
t Muriate of Potash,

76

21

76

20.3

4.7

1520

4.9

— 1.9

290

8
9

Nothing,

f Dissolved Bone-black,
\ Muriate of Potash,
r Nitrate of Soda,

57
94

34
25

63
91

15.2
25.1

7.6
5.6

1260

1820

10.7

—2.

570

10

J. Dissolved Bone black.
Muriate of Potash,

115

20115

30.1

4.4

2300

16.3

—3.1

1050

11

Land Plaster.

68

29' 69

18.1

6.4

1380

3.7

—1.1

130

12

Nothing,

51

34l 62

13.6

7.6

1240

13

Barnyard Manure,

150

35 148

40.

7.8

2960

24.5

.4

1560

14

Lime,

65

34 65

! 17.3

7.6

1300

1.9

.2

—100

15

Nothing

65

32 78

1 17.3

7.1

1560

Quantities per plot same as in Yarmouth.

The average of all the nothing plots is : — hard corn, 16.2 bushels ;
soft corn, 6.7 bushels; stover, 1328 pounds.

The field for this experiment was level ; the soil a gravelly loam. It
had been in grass for five years without manure, and the crops had
been light. It was poor, as is shown by the average yield of the un-
manured plots ; and what is more important it was apparently of
nearly even fertility throughout the field though plot No, 1 showed
traces of the influence of a former manure heap. In July the follow-
ing notes were made : —

Plot No. 13, decidedly best ; color particularly good.
No. 10, ranks next, but clearly inferior.
No. 2, shows a distinct superiority over No. 1.
Nos. 11 and 14, appear a trifle better than Nos. 12 and 15.
It is worthy of note that the crop lay nearly flat at the time when
these notes were made, having been blown down by a storm. In
August the relative rating of the plots was substantially the same.

19

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZERS USED.

Nothing,

Nitrate of Soda,

Dissolved Bone-black,

Nothing,

Muriate of Potash, . .

Nitrate and Bone-black,

Nitrate and Potash,

Nothing,

Bone-black and Potash,

Nitrate, Bone-black and Potash,

Land Plaster,

Nothing,

Barnyard Manure,

Lime

Nothing,

Average of Measurements.

July ^0.

Aug. 1.

Aug. 12.

Inches.

Inches.

Inches.

35.9

44.9

54.5

41.7

42.9

63.2

42.4

54.3

59.2

37.7

48.9

54.8

36.7

45.9

55.3

46.1

56.6

61.8

41.6

51.

57.2

41.5

52.7

60.3

46.2

61.2

67.4

50.7

63.7

68.9

42.1

53.

60.8

39.2

52.4

57.

57.3

73.2

76.5

43.3

55.5

61.3

41.9

54.4

61.1

These measurements show that the estimates of relative standing
above noted were generally correct. They do not show a relative
falling off in the plots which received nitrate, with the advance of the
season. This soil had apparently good retentive power.

COMPOSITION OF BARNYARD MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C, 73.570 per cent.

Organic and volatile matter, 93.087

Ash, 6.913

Phosphoric acid, 0.189

Calcium oxide, 0.185

Magnesium oxide, 0.158

Potassium oxide, 0.487

Nitrogen, 0.338

Insoluble matter. 6.038 ,

This manure was poorer than that used in most of our experiments ;
and yet it caused a comparatively large increase in the crop. Thus
the average crop ©n unmanured plots stands sixth in eight experi-
ments, while the crop on barnyard manure stands fifth. The average
increase in hard corn in all the experiments due to barn-yard manure
was 22.4 bushels; the highest in case of Yarmouth, 41.1 bushels;
next in this experiment, 24.5 bushels. This large increase from
manure perhaps indicates a need of other elements of plant food than

20

those furnished by all the fertilizers used, or it may be that the
organic matter of the manure is especially useful here.

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS,
June 15— Oct. 18, 1889.

Temperature in Open Air in Degrees Fahrenlieit.

11

^^

Month.

Means of daily.

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
daily range.

r

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.i Date.

June.

July.

August.

Sept'rub'r.

October.

82.

79.6

77.4

70.8

59.

55.8
58.9
55.5
54.2
39.4

26.2
20.7
21.9
16.6
19.6

90.

89.
83.
82.
71

30th

14th

4,7,20th

6th

4th

43
41
42
34
30

24th
17th

27 th

28 th
18th

36
43

37
30
34

23d
17th
7th
23d
2d

47
48
41
48
41

.43
7.52
4.67
3.88
3.27

Season.*

74.3

53.8

20.5

90

June 30

30

Sept. 18

43

July 17

60

19.77

*126 days.
This summary appears to present no peculiarities worthy of

note.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITIONS OF NITROGEN TO

.5
1

I'

1
p-i

III

° ^ ft

u "3

Hard Corn, bushels

per acre,

5.9

5

7.2

5.6

5.9

Soft "

(C (I

.7

-1.8

—.2

—1.1

—.6

Stover, pounds

u t;

170

300

410

480

342.5

Value of net average increment,
Financial result,

$2.93
1.07 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Hard Corn, bushels per acre,
Soft «' " " "

Stover, pounds " "

Nothing.
1

Nitrate
of soda.

Potash.

Nitrate of
soda and
potash.

4.8

3.9

12.9

11.4

—1.1

—2.4

—.3

— 1.2

—10

120

700

760

8.2
— 1.
392.5

Value of net average increment,
Financial result.

$3.

.93 loss

21

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

.9

11

1 d

T3 O

Ill

Hard Corn, bushels per acre,
Soft " '• " "
Stover, pounds " "

2.3
—1.7
—130

— .9

—2.4

120

5.9
— 1.9

580

6.5

—1.2

760

2.3
—1.8
332.5

Value of uet average increment, $1.23

Financial result, 1.97 loss

RESUI/r OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Hard Corn, bush, per acre,
Soft Corn, '' " "
Stover, pounds, " "

5g

16.3

—3.1

1050

24.5

.4

1560

3.7
-1.1
130

1.9

.2

—100

Value of increment due to complete fertilizer $8.00

Financial result, 4.00 loss

Value of increment due to barn-3'ard manure, 13.00

Financial result, 12.00 loss

Value of increment due to plaster, 1.52

Financial result, .80 gain

Value of increment due to lime, .60

Financial result, .36 loss

The results of this experiment show that phosphoric acid was the
most useful of the single ingredients. It caused the greatest average
and the greatest absolute increase in the crop ; and, though the result
of its use either singly or in combination is invariably a money loss,
this loss is upon the average small, and if the phosphoric acid, doubt-
less remaining in the soil is taken into account the result will be a
gain. It is judged that this gain might have been made absolute
"with complete fertilizer " by using a very small proportion of
nitrate and potash.

Here (the same is true of all the experiments and the statement
will not be repeated) as in the Yarmouth experiment it is noticeable

22

that, as a rule, we recover in the increase in the crop but a small
part of the plant food applied in the fertilizers used. One exception
is to be noted ; in the increase due to the use of "complete fertilizer"
we recover as much nitrogen as is used, except in two cases, viz. :
Hadley and Westfield. In view of the small increase generally
caused by the addition of nitrate to phosphate and potash, however,
we must conclude that the soil furnished much of this nitrogen.

The chief conclusions from the study of the results of this experi-
ment are : —

1 . Potash seems to have done very little good.

2. Nitrogen, though more beneficial than potash, seems to be
required in but small quantity.

3. Phosphoric acid should be abundantly supplied together with
smaller proportions of potash and nitrogen.

4. The differences apparently caused by the use of plaster
and lime are too small to be significant, although plaster seems to
have been slightly beneficial and its use seems to have paid.

MARBLEHEAD.

SOIL TEST VTITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

By Wm. S. Phillips, Jr.

FERTILIZERS.

Nothing,
Nitrate of Soda,
Dissolved Bone-black,
Nothing,
Muriate of Potash,

f Nitrate of Soda,

\ Dissolved Bone black,
/ Nitrate of Soda,
\ Muriate of Potash,
Nothing.

f Dissolved Bone black,

{ Muriate of Potash,
Nitrate of Soda,
Dissolved Bone-black,
Muriate of Potash ,
Land Plaster,
Nothing,

Barnyard Manure,
Lime,
Nothing,

Yield
J -20

per Plot
acre.

Yield

per acre.

Ears.

CO

Shelled
bush

Corn

3ls.

i

i

1

2

1

S

CO

a

1

>
1

49

30

105

13.1

6.7

2100

69

35

151

18.4

7.8

3020

60

31

108

16.

6.9

2160

33

12

93

8.8

2.7

1860

.95

25

221

25.3

5.6

4420

100

28

165

26.7

6.2

3300

100

27

171

26.7

6.

3420

49

17

130

13.1

3.8

2600

74

22

180

19.7

4.9

3600

65

28

199

17.3

6.2

3980

37

19

110

9.9

4.2

2200

68

23

128

18.1

5.1

2560

116

U

206

30.9

2.4

2120

47

23

111

12.5

5.1

2220

21

14

83

5.6

3.1

1660

Gain or loss compared

with

Nothing Plots

per acre.

Shelled Coi-n i

bushels.

7.5
5.1

14.4
15.7

15.7

19.1

.7

1040
180

2190
1070

1020

-380

2010
110

23

Average of uothing plots; hard corn, 11.7 bushels; soft corn 4.3
bushels; stover, 2156 pounds.

The field selected for this experiment was a higb-h ing piece of
laud just south of Forest river, near the place where it empties into
Salem harbor. It had a considerable slope towards the river, i. e.,
towards the north. The soil was a fine gravelly loam, and proved to
vary considerably in natural fertility in different parts of the field.
The greater part had been in grass and unmanured for ten years, a
small portion had ))ceu cultivated within five years ; but had received
little manure. Since that time it had been iu grass unmanured.

In this experiment, which in almost all respects was excellently
carried out, the fertilizer used on plots 6 to 10 inclusive was not
applied exactly acording to stakes. The growth of the crop showed
that it was put in general, one row too far to the east. It was, how-
ever, thought best to weigh the crop according to the plots as staked,
and to publish the results, although this accident, in a measure,
obscures the eiTect of the fertilizers.

In July the following notes were made : Plot No 10 best as a
whole ; No 7, second ; No. 13, third ; No. 9, fourth ; No. 5, fifth. It
will thus be seen that potash appeared at this time most effectual
among the ingredients of the fertilizers used ; and the differences up
to this pomt were decided. Between the other plots and the nothings
the differences were much less noticeable.

In August the barn-yard manure was showing better, Nos. 10 and
9 were still showing well while No. 5 had relatively fallen back.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.
of

FERTILIZERS USED.

Average of Measurements.

Plot.

July 3.

July 17.

Aug. 10

1

Nothing,

12.6

25.4

23.

18.4

22.6

26.2

36.2

17.4

30.4

30.8

20.6

15.

30.4

11.4

11.

23.7

35.3

35.1

36.4

42.6

38.4

45.

27.1

41.3

40.1

29.

26.6

42.1

24.6

25.1

58.4

9,

Nitrate of Soda,

65.3

8

Dissolved Bono-black,

61.

4

Nothing,

65.3

0

Muriate of Potash,

74.2

6

7
8

Nitrate and Bone-black,

Nitrate and Potash,

Nothino-

76.7
84.7
56.6

9

77.

10
11

Nitrate, Bone-black and Potash,

Land Plaster,

74.3

58.6

1^

Nothino", . ....

66.6

13

Barnyard Manure

83.

14

62.1

15

Nothing,

57.

24

These measuremeuts seem to indicate uo relative falling off in the
plots receiving nitrate of soda with the advance of the season. They
further serve to confirm the favorable estimate placed upon the plots
receiving potash.

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C. 56.710 per cent.

Organic and volatile matter, 87.526 " "
Ash, 12.474 " "

Phosphoric acid, 0.399 '^ "

Calcium oxide, 0.386 '■'■ '•

Magnesium oxide, 0.223 " "

Potassium oxide, 0.489 " "

Nitrogen, 0.419 " "

Iiisoluble matter, 9.873 '' "

Thift is a little below the average of manures used and the increase

in hard corn is likewise below the average, viz. : 19.1 bushels, while

the average is 22.4 bushels per acre.

SUMMARY OF WEATHP:R OBSERVATIONS,

June 9,— Nov. 1, 1889.

Temperature

u Op

in Air in

Degrees Fahrenheit

^6

IS

Mouth.

Monthly means of

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
daily range.

P

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

June.

July.

August.

September

October.

82.

84.8

83.8

78.1

63.4

59.

60.8
53.
54.8
40.

23
24

28.8
23.3
23.4

93
99.5
94
91.5
98.

30th
21st

23d
13th

4th

46
51.5
49
41
31

18th
15th
27th
27, 28th
21st

29.5
28.5
32.

18th

17th

28th

1st

47
48
45
50.5
67

1.03
6.35
5.85

2.98
3.86

Season.*

78.3

53.6

24.7

99.5

July 21

31

Oct. 21 1

68.5

20.07

*145 days.

This summary shows that at this station the temperature is more
variable than at any other. It has the highest absolute maximum,
99.5 degrees; the lowest minimum, 31 degrees; the highest average
daily range, 24.7 degrees, and the highest total range 68.5 degrees.

25

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

p
1

II

111

II

Hard Coru, bushels per acre,

7.5

10.7

1.3

—2.4

4.3

Soft " " - -

3.1

.9

.4

1.3

1.4

Stover, pounds " "

1040

890

—1000

380

327.5

Value of net average increment,
Financial result,

$2.66
1.34 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF BONE-BLACK TO

Hard Corn, bushels per acre,
Soft " " ^' "

Stover, pounds " "

5.1
2.2

180

8.3

—.2

30

3 S

—10.3

—1.9

—1170

14.

210

—2.7

—.2

--187.5

Value of net average decrease,
Financial result,

$1.50
6.30 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

o

>« o

be

S ci

■s

o

sS o •

5

o

.^ g

g-l

Ph

14.4

8.2

—.9

— 14.

2.3

—.3

—1.8

— 1.2

2190

150

840

330

Hard Corn, bushels per acre.

Soft "

Stover, pounds " '•

1.9
—.3

877.5

Value of net average increment,
Financial result.

$2.46
.74 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION

TO NOTHING OF

1 s

n

i

3

Hard Corn, bushels per acre,

Soft " " - " _

Stover, pounds " "

1.7
1.8
1400

19.1

—1.7

2010

—5.6

—.2

—380

.7
1.
110

26

Value of increment due to Fertilizer, $3.84

Financial result, 8.16 loss

Value of increment due to Manure, $11.32

Financial result, 13,68 loss

Value of increment due to Lime, .70

Financial result, .26 loss

Value of decrease due to Plaster, 3.20

Financial result, 3.92 loss

The effect of the fertilizers was so obscured by the misapplication
already mentioned that it seems hardly worth while to discuss the
results. Especially does the fact that one entire row which received
"complete fertilizer" stood outside the stakes bounding the plot
affect the results.

The figures appear to indicate that potash was the ingredient which
this soil most needed.

SHELBURNE.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

By Dole Bros.

FERTILIZERS.

Nothing,

Nitrate of Soda,

Dissolved Bone-black,

Nothing,

Muriate of Potash,

f Nitrate of Soda,

\ Dissolved Bone-black,

j Nitrate of Soda,

1 Muriate of Potash,

Notmng,

f Dissolved Bone-black,
\ Muriate of Potash,

(Nitrate of Soda,
Dissolved Bone-black,
Muriate of Potash,
Land Plaster,
Nothing,

Barn-yard Manure,
Lime,
Nothing,

Yield per Plot
1-20 acre.

Yield

per acre

Ears.

1

1

136

Shelled Corn
bushels.

1

1

i

w

|101

1
24

1

1

26.9

5.3

2720

116

20

162

30.9

4.4

3240

136

17

148

36.3

3.8

2960

102

20

124

27.2

4.4

2480

148

15

161

39.5

3.3

3220

il46

26

168

38 9

5.8

3360

168

17

196

44.8

3.8

3920

84

33

113

22.4

7.3

2260

142

15

178

37.9

3.3

3560

161

14

216

42.9

3.1

4320

83

29

118

22.1

6.4

2360

72

24

104

19.2

5.3

2080

163

14

183

43.5

3.1

3660

1 96

25

134

25.6

5.5

2680

[ 88

21

150

23 5

4.7

3000

Gain or loss compared

with

Nothing Plots

per acre.

Shelled Corn
Bushels.

3.9
9.2

14.7
14.1

17.1

22.1

1.3

22.1
4.3

—2.6
— .1

-3.2

.1

— 1.9
.6

640
360

850
990

1550

2160
190

1120
140

27

Average of the nothing plots ; hard corn, 23.8 bushels ; soft corn,
5.4 bushels ; stover, 2508 pounds.

The field for this experiment was upon an elevated tract in a hilly
district, but was nearly level. The soil was a good medium loam
and had been in grass without manure for five years. It appears to
have been of tolerably even quality throughout the field.

When visited in July Nos. 13 and 10 appeared best and were about
alike.

No. 9 was about as large as No. 10 but its paler color was very
noticeable.

Between the other plots the differences were not striking, except in
the case of No. 7 which appeared nearly as good as either 10 or 13.

Potash seemed, therefore, at this time to be producing the most
marked results.

In August the relative standing was similarly judged.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.
of

FERTILIZER USED.

Average of Measurements.

Plot.

July 22.

Aug. 3.

Aug. If).

Aug. 26.

1

Nothing,

Inches.
44.4

46.

44.

38.4

48.3

49.2

52.8

37.8

51.2

53.4

43.3

34.6

53.1

41.5

42.6

Inches.
58.9
59.1

59.2
54.4
62.7
63.6
66.2
46.1
66.4
69.8
53.5
43.5
67.3
52.4
55.6

Inches.
70.7

76.5

74.5

72.9

74.8

76.8

78.2

66.2

78.2

81.

66.9

60.

75.4

69.3

71.8

Inches.
71.7

9.

Nitrate of Soda,

73.5

3

Dissolved Bone-black,

76.6

4

Nothing,

71.8

5

Muriate of Potash,

72.2

, 6

7

Nitrate and Bone-black,. .

Nitrate and Potash,

74.7

77.2

8

Nothing

70.

9
10
11

Bone-black and Potash,

Nitrate, Bone-black and Potash,
Land Plaster, .

82.1
73.4
72.5

^'>

Nothino-, .

67.9

13

Barnyard Manure,

81.1

14
15

Lime,

Nothino",

72.3

74.5

These measurements show no falling off in the relative standing of
nitrate of soda ; and confirm the estimate placed upon the plots which
received potash.

28

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C,

Organic and volatile matter,

Ash,

Phosphoric acid.

Calcium oxide,

Magnesium oxide.

Potassium oxide,

Nitrogen,

Insoluble matter.
This manure on the whole stands first among all those used. It
contains the highest percentages of both potash and nitrogen while
phosphoric acid is about the average. It does not, however, cause
an increase in proportion to its quality. This is almost exactly the
average, viz. : 22.1 bushels of hard corn.

WEATHER OBSERVATIONS,

June 16— Sept. 25, 1889.

76.160 per cent.
95.915

4.085

0.218

0.304

0.180

0.804

0.570

2.131

Temperature in Open Air in Degrees Fahrenlieit.

II

^~M

Month.

Means of daily.

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
daily range.

ii

Max.

Mln.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

June.
July.
August.
Sept'm'r.

76.3
77.0
72.3
69.2

73.6

55.5
59.2
54.6
53.2

20.8
15.8
17.7
16.

84.5
85.
81.
82.

29th
1st, 8th
3d, 30th
1st, 6th

41
50
43
35

18th
17th
28th
22d

43.5
35.

38.
47.

1.18
7.16
4.03
3.79

Season.*

55.8

17.8

85.

July 8th

35

Sept. 22

50.

16.16

*102 days.

These figures seem to present no particulars worthy of especial note.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

^

O A

2d

Bi

I.I

^s

t

%<

£

g 1

II

Hard Corn, bush, per acre,

3.9

4.9

5.3

5.1

4.8

Soft Corn, " '^ ''

— .5

1

.4

— .2

.2

Stover, pounds, "■ "

640

630

700

760

682.5

Value of average net increment,
Financial result.

$3.33
.67 loss.

29

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

1

o

S o

o .

II
1^

Is
'•A

Average
Results.

Hard Corn, bush, per acre,
Soft Corn, " " "
Stover, pounds, " "

9.2

—1.1

360

10.3

.3

350

2.4

— .5

540

2.1

—1.1

600

6.
.6

462.5

Value of average net inciement, $3.21

Financial Result, 1.59 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

11

1^

1-S

li

1

;2i

1-^
p-(

gPn

1^

Hard Corn, bush, per acre.

14.7

16.1

8

8

11.6

Soft Corn, " ^' "

-2.6

— 1.7

—1.9

—3

—2.5

Stover, pounds, " "

850

910

1030

1160

987.5

Value of average net increment,
Financial result,

$6.16
2.96 profit.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Hard Corn, bush, per acre.
Soft Corn, " " ''
Stover, pounds, " "

22.1
—3.2
2160

a 9

22.1

—1.9

1120

1.3

.1

190

4.3

.6

140

Value of net increment due to fertilizer, $12.52

Financial result, .52 gain.

Value of increment due to manure, $10.70

Financial result, 14.30 loss

Value of increment due to plaster, .92

Financial result, .20 profit

Value of increment due to lime, 2.12

Financial result, 1.16 profit

30

These comparisons make it evident that in tliis soil potasli was the
ingredient most needed. Alone and iu all combinations it produced
a profitable increase. The net average increment is sufficient to pro-
duce a profit of S2.96 while the result for both nitrogen and phosphoric
acid is a loss. The " complete fertilizer" produces a more valuable
crop than barnyard manure, and affords a profit, which might have
been considerably larger had a part of the nitrate and bone-black
been left out.

Both plaster and lime prove slightly beneficial and their use results
in small apparent profit.

WESTFIELD.

SOIL TEST W^ITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

By Chas. F. Fowler.

FERTILIZERS.

Nothing,

Nit' ate of Soda,

Dissolved Boue- black,

Nothing,

Muriate of Potash,

f Nitrate of Soda,

\ Dissolved Bone black.

( Nitrate of Soda,
\ Muriate of Potash.
Nothing,

f Dissolved Bone-black,
\ Muriate of Potash,

(Nitrate of Soda,
Dissolved Bone-black,
Muriate of Potash,
Land Plaster,
Nothing,

Barn-yard Manure,
Lime,
Nothing,

Yield per Plot
1-20 acre.

Yield

per acre.

Ears.

M

M

Shelled (Jorn
bushels.

a

's 1

1

5

1

1

12

7

24

3.2

1.6

480

23

9

32

6.1

2.

640

20

15

30

5.3

3.3

600

11

9

26

2.9

2.

520

19

f)

35

0.1

1.1

700

35*

9

62

gr.3

2.

1240

25

7

39

6.6

1.6

780

21

7

32

5.6

1.6

640

45*

7

53

12.

1.6

1060

60*

6

71

16.

1.3

1420

24

9

37

0.4

2.

740

14

9

29

3.7

2.

580

SO*

5

106

21.3

1.1

2120

17

9

28

4.5

2.

560

26

3

26

6.9

.7

520

Gain or loss compared

with

Nothing Plots

per acre.

Shelled Corn

Bushels.

3.
2 2

5.1

11.3

1.7
16

140
100

120
660

200

450

810

130

1570
10

*Estimated; part of ears stolen.

Average of nothings, hard corn, 4.4 bussels ; soft corn, 1.6 bush-
els ; stover 550 pounds.

This experiment was located on the so-called "plain-land" of the
Connecticut valley. It is an old alluvial soil consisting of fine sand.

It is of great depths, and lies at sucli an elevation that it usually
appears drv, though it does not have the reputation of drying badly
in time of drought. The portion selected had lain fallow four years.
It was very poor, but not apparently even in quality, nothing plots 8
and 15 were much better than the others. It should be stated that
some ears of corn were stolen from this field. The percentage of loss
was determined as closely as possible and corrections made accord-
ingly on plots 6, 9, 10 and 13.

At the time the crop was visited in July the following notes were
made :

No. 13 much better than any other.
No. 10 much better than any other except 13.
Nos. 6 and 9, though much inferior to No. 10, considerably
better than the others, between which the differences are not very
marked.

The observations in August though taken by another party rated
the plots in precisely the same order.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZERS USED.

Average of measurements.

1 Nothing,

2 Nitrate of 8oda,

Dissolved Bone-black,

Nothing,

Muriate of Potash,

Nitrate and Bone-black,

Nitrate and Potash,

Nothing,

Bone-black and Potash, . .

Nitrate, Bone-black and Potash, ,

Land Plaster,

Nothing,

13 jBarn-yard Manure,.

14 iLime, '

15 Nothing-,

July

23.7

28.3

29.4

23.2

28.3

36.5

35.7

27.3

37.8

43.

30.4

24.1

57.5

29.3

25.3

Aug. 9.

33.
44.9
46.3
34.5
43.2
59.8
44.5
•38.5
54,8
60.5
51.8
40.5
74.2
43.4
39.4

These figures show a due agreement with the judgment of the rela-
tive standing of the plots recorded above. They seem to indicate
especial benefit from the use of nitrogen and phosphoric acid and
that the nitric acid is tenaciously held by this soil.

The barn-yard manure used in this experiment was not sampled;
and we, therefore, have no analysis.

32

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

June 12— Nov. 1, 1889.

Temperature in open air in degrees Fahrenheit.

11

Month.

Means of Daily.

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest tlaily
range.

Rain
fall

Max.

Min.

Riige.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

inch's

June.

July.

August.

September

October.

79.

79.1

74.3

71.4

56.5

71.5

56.6

60.6

54.

53.4

37.2

22.4
18.5
20.3
18.0
19.3

88.
88.
82.
83.
71.

30th
8th.
31st.

7th.
1st, 20th

46.
50.
44.
37.

24,

18, 23.
24th.
28 th.
23d.
21, 22.

28.
28.
33.
30.
32.

20th.
24 th.
30th.
5th.
18th.

41.

38.
38.
46.
47.

1.67

7.72
1.89
4.68
3.87

Season 142
days.

52.

19.5

88.

June 30
July 8.

24.

Sept. 22

33.

Aug. 30.

64.

19.83

This summary shows a lower temperature at this place than at any
other station except Yarmouth and the minimum recorded is below
even that station.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

1

.2

fl

1^

Hard Corn, bush, per acre,
Soft corn, " " "
Stover, pounds, " "

3

.2
140

2.8

—1.3

560

1.6
.5

80

4
— .2
360

2.9
— .2

285

Value of net average increment,
Financial result,

$1.76
2.24 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Hard Corn, bush, per acre.
Soft Corn, " " "
Stover, pounds, '' "

si)

si
ll

o

II

2.2

2.0

6.3

8.7

1.6

0

.4

.2

100

520

330

610

Value of net average increment,
Financial result,

$2.78
2,02

4.8

.4

390

. 33

RESULTS OF THK ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Hard Corn, bush, per acre,
Soft Corn, " " "
Stover, pounds, " "

.a

-0.2

he

s

o

g*.

io^

?

m

m

1^;

K

m

.8

-.8

4.8

6

— .7

— .4

—1.8

— .7

120

60

350

150

Si

2.8

— .9

170

Value of average net increment,
Financial result.

$1.28
1.92 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

II

li

II

1

ci

3

Hard Corn, bush, per acre,

11

16

1.7

— .8

Soft Corn, '' '' "

— .4

2

.2

.7

Stover, pounds, " "

810

1570

130

—10

Value of increment due to fertilizer,

Financial result,

Value of increment due to manure,

Financial result,

Value of increment due to plaster,

Financial result.

Value of decrease due to lime,

Financial result.

$5.94

6.06 loss.
$9.50
$15.50 loss.
$ .98

.26 profit.
$ .18
1.14 loss.

The differences brought out by these comparisons result in ranking
the three ingredients of the fertilizers about as estimated during the
period of growth. Phosphoric acid produces the largest increase,
then come nitrogen and potash in the order named. The differences
are, however, small ; and the increase is, in no case, sufficient to pay
for the fertilizer. Barn-yard manure does much better than " com-
plete fertilizer" which indicates either a more general exhaustion than
the latter can meet or a beneficial physical or chemical effect from the
manm-e.

Plaster appears to be somewhat beneficial and produces an apparent
small profit ; but the diflJ"erence is too small to have any special signi-
5

34

ficaiice. It is very likely accidental aud due to auother cause. So
also of the small apparent decrease where lime is used.
HADLEY.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN,

By L. W. West.

FERTILIZERS.

Yield per

Plot 1

Yield

per Aci-e. 1

Gain or loss com-

1-20 acre. |

1

pared with
Nothing Plo

Shelled Corn

s

Ears.

bushels.

per acre.

■M

Shelled Corn

.

KIND.

M

5

£

bushels.

.2

^

^

;.

l^

o

V,

*r

^

"2

J,

>

"E

>

^

Nothing,

60

*

S

CO

81

o
en

i

1

1

16.

*

1620

2

Nitrate of Soda,

72

87

19.2

1740

3.

*

140

3

Dissolved Bone-black,

70

77

18.9

1540

2.6

-60

4

Nothing,

61

79

16.3

1580

5

Muriate of Potash,

90

100

24.

2000

10.4

650

G

( Nitrate of Soda,

\ Dissolved Bone-black

65

81

17.3

1620

3.7

270

7

) Nitrate of Soda,
\ Muriate of Potash,

79

104

21.1

2080

7.5

730

8

Nothing,

41

56

10.9

1120

9

f Dissolved Bone-black
\ Muriate of Potash,
? Nitrate of Soda,

67

85

17.9

1700

7.3

540

10

4 Dissolved Bone-black
(_ Muriate of Potash,

65

93

17.3

1860

68

700

11

Land Plaster,

40

'65

10.7

1300

.1

140

12

Nothing.

38

60

10.1

1200

13

Barnyard Manure,

83

128

22.1

2560

12

820

14

Lime,

50

82

13.3

1640

1.5

-100

15

Nothing,

51

114

13.6

2280

1

*Hard and soft corn were weighed together in this test. Average of nothing plots,
shelled corn 13.4 bushels; stover, 1560.

In explanation of the very low yield in this experiment it is pertinent
to state that the planting was done very late. The acre for this
experiment lies in the large tract of plain land which is found north
of the Holyoke range and is about two miles from the mountains.
The soil is a heavy loam with clay subsoil. It had been in grass for
eight years without manuie. Except for the traces of the influence
of a former pile of manure near one end, the soil proved tolerably
even in quality. In July the appearance of the crop indicated that
potash was proving much the mo^t useful ingredient of the fertilizers.
Then No. 10 was judged to be a little better than No. 13 ; No. 9 about
as good as No. 10 ; and Nos. 7 and 5 very little inferior to 9 and 10.
The other plots were considerably below those mentioned, but those
which had received i)hosphoric acid seemed to promise a little better

35

than the others. In August the relative standing was substantially
unchanged, except for the barnyard manure plot which had outstripped
the " complete fertilizer."

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZERS USED.

Nothing,

Nitrate of Soda,

Dissolved Bone-black,

Nothing,

Muriate of Potash,

Nitrate and Bone-black,

Nitrate and Potash

Nothing,

Bone-black and Potnsh,

Nitrate, Bone-black and Potash,

Land Plaster,

Nothing,

Barn-yard Manure,

Lime,

Nothing,

Average of Measurements.

July 27. Aug. 5. Aug.l5. Aug.26. Sept 5

38.1

40.4

35.5

34.3

36.4

35.6

36.4

27.3

38.2

38.6

29.

34.8

42.2

30.4

35.6

44.3

49.9

47.2

47.3

43.3

44.2

44.5

34.

44.

53.1

34.7

39.4

51.3

40.4

45.0

51.4

57.

55.8

54.

55.5

54.5

54.7

41.7

56.4

60.6

39.7

47.2

66.3

48.8

49.6

64.

65.

62.

61

62.

57.

68.6

43.7

65.2

65.1
66.7
75.6
63.4
66.7
65.7
66.9
52.7
66.6
71.9
52.7
63.7
72.8
58.5
61.5

These on the whole make evident the substantial accuracy of the
estimates of relative standing above recorded.

ANALYSIS OF BARN-YARD MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C, 73.470 per cent.

Oi-ganic and volatile matter, 96.671 "

Ash, 3.329 "

Phosphoric acid, 0.247 "

Magnesium oxide, 0.124 "

Calcium oxide, 0.322 "

Potassium oxide, 0.484 "

Nitrogen, 0.471 "

Insoluble matter, 2.285 "

This manure is very near the average composition of all those used
in our experiments, the element nitrogen only standing higher among
the important ingredients, and phosphoric acid and potash a little
lower.

36

WEATHER OBSERVATIONS,

June 16— Sept. 25, 18S9.

Temperature in Op

en Air in Degi

ees Fahrenheit

= ai

Month.

Monthly means of

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
daily range.

'$

Max.

Min.

Range. Beg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

June.
July.
August.
Sept'mb'r.

78.9
80.5
81.1
78.6

57.7
59.2
55.4
57.3

21.2 ! 89

21.3 1 90
25.7 1 86
21.3 85

29th
1st

30th
6th

43

48
46
36

18th
24th
28th
28th

28
32
31
31

23d

7th

30th

2nd

46
42
40
49

3.66
8.48
3.44
7.03

Season.*

79.9

57.4

22.5

90

July i

36

Sept. 28

32

July 7

54

22.61

*114 days.

Tliis shows a c<)mparati\*ely high degree of variability for every
month ; and a high absolute range of temperature for the season.
This peculiarity on a soil as cold as the one used must have proved
quite unfavorable to the crop.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN

1 1

—2.9
80

ill

ell

— ci

Corn, bush. per acre,
Stover, pounds, " "

3.0
140

1.1

330

160

.2
177.5

Value of the net average increment,
Financial Result,

$ .44
$3.56 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID

oj-

H

s ■

2 =i

N

o

5 Z

£ a

(> QJ

^

g °

g-s

g1

< ^

Corn, bush.

per acre,

2.6

.7

—3

—.7

—.13

Stover, pounds,

" "

—60

130

—110

—30

—20

Value of the net average decrease,
Fiuancial Result,

$ .09
4.89 loss.

37

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH

^

2 .
2 ^

2 1

lii

t3

•s 5

=^ .2

s

g

g °

^1

^11

lOA

4.4

4.8

3.

650

590

600

430

Corn, bush. per acre,
Stover, pounds, " "

5.6

567.5

Value of the net average increment,
Financial Result,

$3.37

.17 profit.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Corn, bush, per acre,
Stover, pounds, " "

2 S5

■II

11

t 6

^1

i
5

6.8

12

.13

1.5

700

820

140

—100

Value of increment due to fertilizer.

Financial result,

Value of increment due to manure.

Financial result,

Value of increment due to lime,

Financial result,

Value of increment due to plaster,

Financial result.

$4.12
7.88 loss
$5.72
19.28 loss
$ .40

.56 loss
$ .33

.39 loss

These comparisons make it evident that potash is the only impor-
tant ingredient of the fertilizer which did any appreciable good ; but
tiie increase caused by this is exceedingly small. A much smaller
application must have proved equally eflScacious.

The use of the complete fertilizer was very unprofitable, and
resulted in a considerably smaller crop than that i)roduced on barn-
yard manure. Neither lime nor plaster did any appreciable good on
this soil.

38

WORCESTER.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

B}' Pliny Moore.

FERTILIZERS

Nothing,
Nitrate of Soda,
Dissolved Bone-black,
Nothing,
Muriate of Potash.

C Nitrate of Soda,

( Dissolved Bone-black.

( Nitrate of Soda.
\ Muriate of Potash,
Nothing,

r Dissolved Bone-black
\ Muriate of Potash,

I Nitrate of Soda,
Dissolved Bone black
Muriate of Potash.
Land Plaster,
Nothing,

Barnyard Manure,
Lime,
Nothing,

Yield per plot
1-20 acre.

Yield

per Acre. |

Ears.

a

1

Shelled Corn
bushels.

i
1

1

i

2
^

1

202

24

158

53.9

5.3

3160

200

34

163

53.3

7.6

3260

179

32

148

47.7

7.1

2960

178

33

139

46.1

7.3

2780

177

32

147

47.2

7.1

2940

195

23

152

52.

5.1

3040

190

2.

168

50.7

5.6

3360

169

37

157

45.1

8.2

3140

192

38

144

51.2

8.4

2880

210

18

177

56.

4.

3540

146

29

144

38.9

6.4

2880

154 20

135

41.1

4.4

2700

212: 21

178

56.5

4.7

3560

1581 33

146

42.1

7.3

2920

111

41

120

29.6

9.1

2400

Gain or loss com-
pared with
Nothing Plots
per acre.

stieiied corn 1
bushels. 1

t

OS

m

3.3

1.2

—2.3

.8

1.6

-.7

6.4

—2.7

5.1

—2.2

8.1

2.1

12 9

-2.3

—4.2

.1

21.2

—2.1

6.8

.6

290
-10

400

-40

620

-40

1010
370

Average of nothings, liard corn 43.1 bushels ; soft corn 6.9 bush-
els ; and stover 2836 pounds.

The field selected for this experiment was a rather elevated southern
slope with very moderate pitch. The soil was good medium loam.
It had been in grass four years without manure, but proved to be very
fertile. Unfortunately, however, it turned out to be quite uneven in
quality ; apparently deteriorating steadily from one side (Plot No. 1)
to the other, as shown by the diminishing yield of the nothing plots.
The effect of this inequality shows. itself chiefly in the comparison of
barn-yard manure with complete fertilizer ; and is favorable to the
former. It does not, I believe, materially influence the comparisons
between nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash.

In JuW, Plot No. 10 was judged to be superior to No. 13, and no
striking difference was noted between the other plots. The influence
of the fertilizer was apparently less noticeable here than in any other
experiment, and quite naturally since the soil was already compara-

39

lively rich. The estimate of tlie relative staudiug and general effect
of the fertilizers made in Augnst was precisely the same.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZERS USED-

Nothing,

Nitrate oi Soda,

Dissolved Bone-black,

Nothing,

Muriate of Potash,

Nitrate and Bone-black,

Nitiate and Potash,

Nothing,

Bone-black and Potash,

Nitrate, Bone-black and Potash,

Laud Plaster,

Nothing,

Barn-yard Manure,

Lime,

Nothing,

Average July '
Inches.

52.6

53.8
54.9
44.7
56.0
52.9
56.1
49.0
5'5.7
54.7
52.1
45.1
53.1
46.3
45.5

The experimenter in this case made but one set of measurements,
of which the above are the averages. These appear to indicate that
potash more than any other ingredient of the fertilizer was making
itself felt at this time.

The manure used in this experiment was not sampled.

WEATHER OBSERVATIONS,

June 16— Sept. 28, 1889.

Temperature in Open Air in Degrees Eahrenheit.

Bm

Month.

Monthly means of

Highest.

T c^a^t ' Greatest
Lowest. ^^.^jjy j.,^^gg

II

a a

Max.

77.7
77.G
74.6
70.6

Min.

56.3
60.2
57.0

5a.i

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.| Date. .Deg.

Date

June.
July.
August.
Sept'mb'r.

21.4
17.4
17.6
17.5

85
80
83
83

29th
1st

31st
5th

49
52

47
37

24th
16th
28th
23d

26

27
25
28

22d
15th
12th

4th

36
34
36
46

.64
8.25
3.11
3.18

Season.*

73.9

55.9

18.0

86

July 1

37

Sept. 23! 28

Sept. 4

49

15.18

*105 days.

This table shows a very light rain-fall for the latter half of June,
and a very heavy one for July. The total for the season is smaller
thnn at any other station. This, however, is in part accounted for

40

by the fact that observations ended here earlier than at most stations.
As a rule the rainfall in the eastern portion of the state was more
evenly distributed throughout the season than at the stations in the
western portion. All the latter were characterized by a very heavy fall
in July.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Hard Corn, bush, pei acre,
Soft Corn, ^' " "

Stover, pounds, " "

bo

•s

'S "m

c

2-c

S^S

2S|

1

o<

1-

11

3.3

8.6

3.5

4.8

1.2

—3.4

—1.6

— 4.4

290

90

420

660

<^

5
—2
365

Value of average net increment,
Financial result,

$2.33
1.67 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

bb

o

o .

5^

S=i

o

1"

1^

u

z

^^

Hard Corn, bush.

per acre,

—2.2

3

6.5

7.9

3.6

Soft Corn,

.8

—3.8

2.8

— .1

—1.1

Stover, pounds.

i( (I

—10

—210

—20

220

—5

Value of average net increment,
Financial result.

$1.21
3.59

loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

ti

o .

•s

il^

§,i

rCC

Ojr-H

1

p

^<

!§<:

i?£

Hard Corn, bush

. per acre.

1.6

1.9

10.4

6.5

5.1

Soft Corn.

tt a

— .7

—3.4

1.3

.3

— .6

fStover, pounds,

" "

-20

110

—30

540

150

Value of average net increment,
Financial result,

$2.22
.98

loss.

41

KESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

<B '^

-p .

^

%%

^l

51

%

S

5

Hard Corn, bush, per acre,

12.9

21.2

—4.1

6.8

Soft Corn, " " '^

—2.3

—2.1

.1

.6

Stover, pounds, " "

620

1010

—40

370

Value of increment due to fertilizer

Financial result,

Value of increment due to manure,

Financial result,

Value of decrease due to plaster,

Financial result,

Value of increment due to lime,

Financial result,

$5.94

6.06 loss.
$10.08
14.92 loss.
$1.70

2.42 loss.
$3.5.s

2.62 profit.

From these comparisons we see that none of the fertilizers used
appear to have caused much increase in crop. Between nitrogen,
phosphoric acid and potash there is no essential difference. This soil
appears to have required one about as much as another; but gave a
profit on none, whether used singly or in any combination. Both
"complete fertilizer" and barn-yard manure gave considerable
increase in crop ; but in neither case in paying quantities. Even if
we consider the manure as only half exhausted, we shall still have a
loss on its use at the price allowed.

Lime alone, in this experiment, appears to have caused a paying
increase ; but this is small. Plot 14 was undoubtedly better naturally
than plot 15. Still the yield on 14 was compared not with 15 but
with the average product of 12 and 15. It, therefore, appears quite
certain that the lime was moderately beneficial. This, indeed, we
might naturally expect on a good soil rich in organic matter as this

4-2

AMHERST.

son. TESTS WITH fp:rtilizers for corn.
Station Grounds.

FERTILIZERS.

Yield per Plot 1
1-20 acre. |

Yield per Acre.

Gain or loss com-
pared with
Nothing Plots

Shelled Corn

Ears.

bushels.

E

KIND.

S

w

2

bushels.

£

^

Ph

h

■^

o

'p

^

t

>

-a

^

>

o

»5

91

O

34

83

OS

<?

o
1660

B

eg

H

]

Nitrate of Soda,

24.3

7.6

2.7

3.6

220

2

Dissolved Bone-black,

91

29

97

24.3

6.4

1940

2.7

2.4

500

:^

Nothing,

81

18

72

21.6

4.

1440

4

Muriate of Potash.

177

20

149

^7.2

4.4

2980

25.6

.4

1540

0

Lime,

99

24

87

26.4

5.3

1740

4.8

1.3

300

fi

Nothing.*

72

22

70

7

Barn-yard Manure,

205

25

210

54.7

5.6

4200

23.2

—.9

2120

8

( Nitrate of Soda,

\ Dissolved Bone-black

128

20

105

34.1

4.4

2100

2.7

—2.

20

9

Nothing,

118

29

104

31.5

6.4

2080

10

( Nitrate of Soda,
\ Muriate of Potash,

187

25

151

49.9

5.6

3020

19.5

.1

930

11

( Dissolved Bone-black
\ Muriate of Potash,

206

2(3

198

54.9

5.1

3960

24.5

.4

1870

12

Nothing,

110

20

105

29.3

4.4

2100

13

Land Plaster,
r Nitrate of Soda,

100

25

94

26.7

5.6

1880

—2.7

1.1

220

14

} Dissolved Bone black
I Muriate of Potash,

221

25

209

58.9

5.6

4180

29.6

1.1

2080

*About one-fourth of Plot 6 pulled up by crows.

Average of nothings 27.5 bushels of hard corn ; 5.1 bushels of soft
corn and 1880 pounds of stover.

The ncre for this experiment is on the old alluvial soil of the
Connecticut valley. The field has a very slight slope south and west
and is of such form that the arrangement of plots adopted was
different fiom that followed in the other experiments. The plots
were in two series, in each 150 feet long, and five rows in each.
There were seven plots in each series and four in place of the usual
five nothing plots. In each series the plots were numbered from the
east side ; the first in one series being No. 1 and in the other No. 8.
It will thus be seen that the nothing plots in the different series were
not opposite eacii otlier. The field had been in grass without manure
for the past five years, and had been pastured the preceding year.

The soil is a fine yellow loam, underlaid, at the depth of a few feet
by gravel or sand, and with perfect natural drainage. It proved to
vary to a considerable degree in natural fertility in the two series ;
but such are the methods of comparison adopted that it is not believed

43

this difference materially Jiffects our conclusions. Each plot when
between two nothings is c(Miiparcd with the average of the two. In
other cases it is compared with the nearest nothing. No use is made
of plot 6 in these comparisons.

This experiment was under our immediate observation throughout
the season, and from a very early period it became evident that potash
was proving much more beneficial than either phosphoric acid or
nitrogen.. No difference in relative standing of plots could be detected
with advance in si'asou. The plots which were ahead at the time of
the first measurement ended ahead.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

Of
Plot.

FERTILIZER USED.

Nitrate of Soda,

Dissolved Bone-black,

Nothing,

Muriate of Potash,

Lime,

Nothing,

Barn-yard Manure

Nitrate and Hoiie-black . ......

Nothing ,

Nitrate and Potash,

Bone-black and Potash,

Nothing,

Plaster,

Nitrate, Bone-black and Potash

Average of Measurements.

June 26.

12.6

13.4
12.0
15.6
12.8
11.8
21.4
15.8
15.6
20.0
21.8
14.4
17.6
24.2

July 5.
25.4

25.0
21.0
27.8
22.8
23.4
35.8
28.8
28.2
33.8
34.0
24.2
25.4
37.4

July 15.

38.1
39.5
35.5
44.6
34.4
35.8
50.0
37.2
39.0
48.6
51.1
34.2
36 0
54.2

July 25.

58.3

52.2
48.2
55.5
44.6
50.7
69.4
57.5
55.4
69.4
71.2
68.7
50.5
72.6

These figures are the averages of a very large number of actual
determinations of the height of individual plants. They are chiefly
interesting in that they make it evident that any slight advantage
which the nitrate of soda gave was well sustained throughout the
season. I judge that we should have obtained no better results had
this fertilizer been applied in fractional dressings. This point will
be tested hereafter.

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C.

73.470 per cent.

Organic and volatile matter,

85.900 " ''

Ash.

14.100 - "

Phosphoric acid,

0.133 - "

Calcium oxide,

0.264 " "

Magnesium oxide.

0.182 " -

Potassium oxide,

0.615 " '•

Nitrogen,

0.362 " "

Insoluble matter,

12.657 " -

44

This manure contains a little more potash and less phosphoric acid
and nitrogen than the average of those used in our experiments. It
should have proved exactly suited, as will be seen, to the require-
ments of tliis soil.

WEATHER OBSERVATIONS,
June 1— Nov. 1, 1889.

Temperature in Ojien Air in Degrees Fahrenheit.

•S m

Month.

Monthly means of

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
daily range.

II

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

June.

July.

August.

Sept'm'r.

October.

76.2

77.9

76.5

70.

55.

71.1

57.

59.

54.

52.8

36.2

19.2
18.9
22.5
17.2
18.8

88.5
86
84
82.5
69.5

30th
8 th

31st
6th
1st

38
46.5
40.5
34.5

21

7th
16th
29th
'23d
24th

33

30

35.5

45.5

33.5

7th
22d
30th
29th
19th

50.5
39.5
43.5
48.0
48.5

3.85
8.35
2.69
2.90
4.10

Season.*

51.8

19.3

88.5

June 30

21

Oct. 24

45.5

Sept. 29

67.5

21.89

*153 days.

These figures are the result of observations taken at the State
P^xperiment Station, the instruments of which are on the same level
as our field and quite near it. We also determined rainfall by means
of a gauge placed within a few yards of our field. Tiie results agree
substantially with those of the above table.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

bio

a

i

2 .-:

ii

111

H

Hard Corn, bushels per acre,

2.7

0

—6.1

5.1

.4

Soft '' " " "

3.6

-4.4

—.3

.8

—.1

Stover, pounds '' "

220

—480

—610

210

—165

Value of average net decrease,
Financial result.

$ .19
4.19

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Hard Corn, bushels per acre,

Soft '^

Stover, pounds " "•

Nothing.
1

Nitrate
of soda.

Muriate of
Potash.

Nitrate and
potash.

2.7

0

—1.1

10.1

2.4

— 6.

—.1

1.

500

—200

330

1150

2.9

—.6

445

Value of average'net increment,
Financial result.

$1.93
2.87 loss

45

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

o

•a

2 .-;

1 2 "

1-

ll

Hard Corn, bushels per acre,
Soft " '• " ''
Stover, pounds " "

25.6

.4

1540

16.8

—3.4

710

21.9

—2.1

1370

26.9

3.1

2060

22.8
—.5
1420

Value of average net increment, $11. 86
Financial result, 8. 66 profit

RESULT OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Complete
Fertilizer.

Is

II

S
3

Hard Corn, bush, per acre.
Soft Corn, " '^
Stover, pounds, " "

29.6
1.1

2080

23.2
—.9
2120

—2.7
1.1

—220

4.8
1.3
300

Value of increment due tu fertilizer,

Financial result,

Valne of increment due to manure,

Financial result,

Value of decrease due to plaster,

Financial result.

Value of increment due to lime,

Financial result.

$16.22

4.22 profit
$13.34
11.66 loss
% .86
1.58 loss
$2.78
1.82 profit

These comparisons make it evident that this soil needed potash.
Neither alone nor in any combination did nitrogen or phosphoric acid
appear to do much good, and in some cases the result of their use was
an apparent decrease in crop. In both cases with a single exception
the results of their use were invariably a financial loss. This excep-
tion is plot 14 where the addition of bone-black appears to have
caused an increase sufficiently great to pay for its use. From the
fact, however, that the addition of bone-black to potash on plot 11
was not beneficial, it may be concluded that the increase apparently
due to phosphoric acid in plot 14 was produced by accidental causes.

46

Potash, on the other hand, appears to have been always and every-
where greatly beneficial. Whether used alone or in any combination
it invariably caused a large increase in crop and its use was always
exceedingly profitable.

The lesson of this experiment is plain. For our soil, potash should,
for the present, be the most prominent ingredient of every fertilizer
used.

Lime appears lo have caused a profitable increase in crop ; but the
gain is small and perhaps* rather apparently than actually due to
lime, for the product of plot 5 was compared with that of plot 3 which
was the poorest nothing on the field.

The manure caused a large increase in crops, and allowing for
unexhausted residue, its use proved profitable.

GENERAL SUMMARY.

Results of the Use of Potash: This ingredient has produced an
average increase of crop varying from 1.0 bushels of hard corn per
acre in Marblehead to 22.8 bushels in Amherst ; and from 150 pounds
of stover per acre in Worcester to 1420 pounds in Amherst. It has
proved more useful in its average effect upon the production of hard
corn than either nitrogen or pliosphoric acid in four out of the eight
experiments, viz. : Amherst, Shelburne, Hadley and Worcester, and
in another it stands on an equality with nitrogen in this respect, viz. :
Yarmouth. It has proved most effective in its effect upon the pro-
duction of stover in four experiments, viz. : Amherst, Shelburne,
Marblehead and Hadley.

Results of the Use of Phosphoric Acid: This ingi-edient has proved
most effective in its average influence upon the production of hard
corn in two experiments, viz. : Freetown and Westfield, and it has
proved quite beneficial in two more, viz. : Shelburne and Yarmouth.
In its average influence upon stover, it has proved most beneficial in
one experiment, Freetown. Its average effocts upon production of
hard corn and stover vary respectively from a decrease of 2.7 bushels
per acre in Marblehead to an increase of 8.2 bushels in Freetown for
the former, and from a decrease of 187 pounds per acre in Marble-
head to an increase of 462 pounds in Shelburne for the latter.

Results of the Use of Nitrogen : This element has in one case
proved most beneficial in its average effect upon the production of
hard corn, viz. : Marblehead. In one, it stands on an equality with
potash, viz. : Yarmouth, and in three more it has proved quite bene-
ficial in its average effect, viz : Freetown, Worcester and Shelburne.

47

lu its average effect upon production of stover it stands first in Wor-
cester and it has produced a comparatively large effect in Shelburne
and Freetown. The average eff'ect per acre for this element is as
follows: hard corn from .2 to 6.2 bushels increase, stover from 165
pounds decrease to 682 pounds increase.

Comparative Effect of Potash, Nitrogen and Phosphoric Acid upon
Production of Grain and Stover. \s bearing upon the relative effect
upon grain and stover production respectively of these ingredients of
the fertilizers used, our figures afford some interesting data. We
find that the grand average increase in hard corn and stover per acre
taking all our experiments into account is as follows :
For potaBh, hard corn, 6.51 bushels; stover, 643.3 pounds.

For phosphoric acid, " 3.56 " " 211 "

For nitrogen, " 3.72 " " 287.6 "

Potash, then, gave an average increase over nitrogen as follows:
Hard corn, 1.73 times; stover, 2.24 times. Over phosphoric acid,
the average increase was respectively : hard corn, 1.83 times ; stover,
3.05 times. It thus becomes evident that potash produces relatively
more effect upon the yield of stover than upon that of grain, and
that it greatly exceeds either nitrogen or phosphoric acid in this
respect. Next to potash in its effect upon stover ranks nitrogen.

CONCLUSIONS.

1. The results of our experiments bring out in a striking manner
the fact that soils vary widely in their requirements. They therefore
confirm t!ie position taken in my circular letter that results obtained
in one k^cality, may be inapplicable in another ; and appear to estab-
lish the wisdom of the policy of local soil tests.

2. It is evident that only when the farmer knows what his soil
requires can he produce the best economical results. It is folly to
continue the indiscriminate and blind use of fertilizers.

3. The best method of ascertaining what is needed in any given
case to produce a particular crop is to put the question to the soil
itself; and this method, though requiring care at all points, and
caution in forming conclusions, is not in reality difficult. Such exper-
iments should abundantly repay the investigator in the practical
money value of the results.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. lO.

Report on Special Fertilizers for Greenhouse Crops.
Report on Small Fruits.

OCTOBER, 1890,

The Bulletins of this Station ivill he sent free to all newsjMpers in
the State and to such individuals i.yiterested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1890.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

HeXRY H. CtOODELL,

William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynard,
Charles H. Fernald,
Clarence D. Warner,
William M. Shepardson,
Herbert E. Woodbury,
Frank O. Williams, .

Director.

Agriculturist.

Horticulturist.

Entomologist.

Meteorologist.

Assistant Horticulturist.

Assistant Agriculturist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, is
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

DIVISION OF HORTICULTURE.

samup:l t. maynard.

SPECIAL FERTILIZERS FOR GREENHOUSE CROPS.

The question of the use of special fertilizers under glass is becom-
ing one of great importance, and is attracting nnich attention among
practical gardeners and scientific men.

Even the best and most skilled gardeners sometimes find that their
soil, made up after the best formulas, fails to give the results expected.
The plant food seems to be unavailable or the plant lacks the vigor
to make use of it, and something more active is needed to give it
a start.

To determine what special fertilizers will give the best results
applied to crops under glass, a series of experiments were started in
the winter of 1888 — 89, the results of which are deemed of sutficient
value for publication, although a longer series of tests may somewhat
modify the results thus far obtained.

The following experiments were made in two houses built side by
side as nearl}^ as possible alike, one heated with steam and the other
with hot water. The space was divided into plots of equal size in
each house with the same number and kind of plants in each, the
aggregate number of blossoms from both plots being given with the
kind of fertilizer used.

CARNATIONS— 1888 AND 1889.

Six beds of thirty plants each were set in each house, the same
kinds in each and all as nearly the same size and vigor of growth as
possible. The soil was made moderately rich with stable manure and
fine ground bone, and the special fertilizer applied in liquid form by

dissolving one tnblespoonf ul in a two-gallon can of

water. The results

are shown in the following table :

Plot No. 1. Muriate of Potash,

gave 276 blooms.

" " 2. Sulphate of Ammonia

" 314

" " 3. Nitrate of Soda

" 309

" " 4. Sulphate of Potash

" 356

" '• ;'). Bone Black (Dissolved)

'' 378

"• " G. Ordinary Liquid Manure

. " 195

SUMMARY OF RESULTS.

These results are very much in favoi

• of bone black and sulphate

of potash.

LETTUCE— 1888 AND 1889 {First Croj^.)

Five plots of Lettuce were planted on the side benches of each of
the above mentioned houses and the same fertilizers applied. The
results are as follows :
Plot No. 1. Muriate of Potash, growth medium, some mildew.

" " 2. Nitrate of Soda, growth small, badly mildewed.

" " 3. Sulphate of Ammonia, growth large and nearly free
from mildew.

" " 4. Sulphate of Potash, growth fair, a little mildew.

" " o. Bone Black (Dissolved), growth medium, some mildew.

In this case the results were the best when the Sulphate of Ammo-
nia was used.

1888 AND 1889 {Seco))d Crop.)

After the first crop was harvested the plots were planted again
with the same kind of Lettuce, and the same fertilizers were used
with the following results :
Plot No. 1. Muriate of Potash, growth medium, some mildew.

" " 2. Nitrate of Soda, growth small and badly mildewed.

" " 3. Sulphate of Ammonia, growth small and badly mildewed.

" " 4, Sulphate of Potash, growth fair, some mildew.

" " 5. Bone Black (Dissolved), growth fine, free from mildew.

In this crop the sulphate of ammonia seemed to have lost its force,
while the bone black that is perhaps not so quickly soluble gave the
best results, Avith sulphate of potash second. The crop treated with
nitrate of soda in both cases gave the poorest results and had the
most mildew, which may perhaps be accounted for by the fact that

nitrate of soda has the [)o\ver of absorbhig moisture from tht' atmos-
phere, and the increased amount of moisture in contact with tlu;
leaves may have caused a more rapid development of mildew.

18«y AND 1890.

In the same houses was planted another crop in new soil with
twelve plots, fertilized and unfertilized alternating. The following

fertilizers were used :

Scale of Excellence of Crop.

Plot No. 1. Sulphate' Potash, 5

" " 2. Nothing, 3

" " 3. Sulphate of Ammonia, 1

" '' 4. Nothing, 3

" " 5. Nitrate of Potash, 2

" " 6. Nothing, 3

" " 7. Nitrate of Soda, 3

" " 8. Nothing, 3

" " 9. Muriate of Potash, 4

" " 10. Nothing, 3

" " 11. Bone Black, 6

" " 12. Nothing, 3
In this scale 1 indicates the greatest perfection of growth.

EXPLANATION.

In the houses where the above was grown an attempt was made
to grow carnations and lettuce at the same time and the result w:is
that the temperature was kept too high for the lettuce, more or less
mildew having developed on all of the plots, but where the fertilizer
was most active there was much less, and in the first and last experi-
ment, that treated with the sulphate of ammonia, and in the second
test, the bone black, gave the best results.

TOMATO PLANTS.

When the second crop of lettuce was taken off, the soil was care-
fully worked over in such a manner as to leave that of each plot in
its respective place, and tomato seeds were sown.

Scale of Excellence of Crop.

Plot No. 1. Sulphate of Potash, 2

" 2. Sulphate of Ammonia, 3

" 3. Nitrate of Potash, 4

" 4. Nitrate of Soda, 6

" 5. Muriate of Potash, 5

" 6. Bone Black, (dissolved) 1

RESULTS.

Ill this test there was u very marked difference between the plants
treated with bone black and those treated with nitrate of soda, the
former being fully six inches higher at the time the comparison was
made, and much more advanced toward blossoming.

PANSIES.

To compare the effects of muriate of potash with the sulphate,
thirty-six plants of a choice strain of pansies were set in two beds
and treated by mixing the fine fertilizer with soil so as not to bring
it in contact with the leaves. The result is as follows :
Plot No. 1. Treated with Muriate of Potash gave 806 blooms.
Plot No. 2. Treated with Sulphate of Potash gave 1363 blooms.

CARNATIONS

WITH COMIUNED FERTILIZERS.

To learn the best combination for the carnation 13 plots were made,
each of 10 of the same kind of plants. Using four pounds ground
bone to each plot mixed with a well enriched soil as a basis, other
fertilizers were applied as follows :

Plot. No. of Blooms.

No. 1. ^ lb. Muriate of Potash, ^ lb. Sul. Ammonia, 130

No. 2. i " " i lb. N. Potash, 124

No. 3. I " " ilb. N. Soda, 124

No. 4. i " "2 ^^' BoneBlack (dissolved) 154

No. 5. i '' " i lb. Dried Blood, 134

No. 6. i " " lib. M. Potash (excess), 118

No. 7. I lb. Sul. Potash, 132

No. 8. ^ " " A lb. Sul. Ammonia, 163

No. y. I " " i lb. Nitrate Potash, 110

No. 10. 1 " " 1 lb. N. Soda, 133

No. 11. 1 " " 1 lb. Bone Black (dissolved) 161

No. 12. 1 " " i lb. Dried Blood, • 113

No. 13. A " " I lb. Sul. Potash (excess), 128

In this test, the Sulphate of potash with the Sulphate of ammonia
gave the best results, closely followed bj^ the same form of potash
combined with bone black ; with the latter, and Muriate of potash
third, while the poorest results were from Sulphate and Nitrate of
potash, Sulphate of potash and dried blood and Muriate of potash in

GENERAL SUMIMAHY.

Summing up the results we find that of the nitratt's the Nitrate of
potash has given the best results, but that the Sulphate of ammonia
gives better results than either, especially in the production of a
foliage crop.

Of the potash salts the sulphates give better results than the
muriate.

Bone black shows a marked effect in increasing the number of
blossoms.

IN.TITRY TO TFIE PEACH BUDS.

In New England the great question to be solved in the cultivation
of the peach is the protection of the buds from injury from the cold
during the winter.

To learn when the buds were destroyed, observations of their con-
dition were made every week from Dec. 1st, 1889, to March 13, 1890,
and at each observation 500 buds were cut open and examined. On
Dec. 21st the first buds were found injured. On Dec. 28th, 6% had
been destroyed. Erom this time up to Jan. 22nd, no larger percent,
was found to be injured, the lowest temperature up to this time being
11° above 0°. On the 23rd of Jan. the temperature dropped to 8°
above 0°, and Jan. 2oth to 7° above 0°, but the evidence of injury
did not show itself until Eeb. 1st, when 14 9^ were found injured.
This state of injury remained until March 27, when 52'/:^ were found
destroyed. Then on March 7th the temperature dropped to 6° below
0° and held nearly at 0° the following night, after which about 80%
of the buds were found to be injured. This was the average of all
the varieties examined, but some were more injured than others, and
at the time of blossoming the average remained about the same.

The following table may be of interest as showing the amount of
blossoms that opened on each variety :

Amsden & Alexander,

89.5%

Mrs. Brett,

10 %

Coolidge Favorite,

30 "

Reeves' Favorite.

1 '^

Crawford's Early,

2 "

Red Cheek Melocton,

25 ''

Crawford's Late,

2 '•

Sally Wond,

20 ''

Excelsior,

90 "

Schumaker,

80 ''

Foster,

2 "

Stump,

25 "

Hale's Early,

70 "

Waterloo,

75 "

Large E. York,

75 "

Wager,

30 "

Morris White,

15 "

Wheatland,

40 "

Old Mixon,

3 "

PROTECTION OF TEACH BUDS.

After auother year of earnest effort to find soiuetbiug to protect
the buds from the eft'ects of the cold we must again acknowledge our-
selves baffled. We have demonstrated that large peach trees can be
loosened at the roots and laid down on the ground for winter protec-
tion and be again set up successfully, but we have thus far failed in
saving the buds. We shall continue our efforts and if any grower can
suggest any way that offers even the slightest hope of success, we will
carefully test it ; for the peach tree can be grown successfully in all
parts of Massachusetts, and if some means could be found to save the
buds from winter's cold, peach growing would be a profitable industry,
supplying our markets with one of the choicest and most healthful
of fruits.

THE PLUM CURCULIO ATTACKING THE PEACH.

When the young peaches hatl reached the size of small hickory
nuts they began to drop from the trees in great numbers, and upon
careful examination it was found that every one contained the larvae
of the plum curculio, or some species closely related.

This trouble has been reported to us from several localities and
should receive prompt attention from all fruit growers.

The ordinary method of destruction upon the plum trees by jarring
should be tried. on young trees, and paris green upon large ones soon
after the fruit has set. As the peach foliage is easily injured not
more than one pound of paris green should be used to 300 to 400
gallons of water.

STRAWBERRIES.

The strawberry crop for the past year was very variable. Some
varieties that gave great promise in previous seasons doing poorly,
while many that gave little promise before were very good. On the
whole the crop was good, the berries averaging larger than for two
years but the quality was rather below the average.

The following tables, arranged on the scale of from one to ten,
give the results of our test. 1 represents the greatest degree of
perfection :

S

t,

60

3

i

be

c
a

ii)

3

03

f^3

VARIETY.

1

1

si

VARIETY.

Q

=1

>i

o

i

i^*-i

>,

g

=

i^

1

2

3

^

I

?

g

5
2

s

0"

O

5

^

^

<5

^

5

5

n

*-(

•5

Ada

5

5

3

4

9

8

Katie

5

4

3

8

9

9

Arlington

5

6

()

4

7

Kentucky

4

3

5

4

(j

Augur's No. 70

•6

4

4

6

5

8

King of tiie Earliest

5

2

4

6

8

10

Belmont

3

5

8

4

4

C>

Lady Ilnsk

6

2

5

4

8

3

Beseck

5

4

5

7

9

8

Lennig's White

2

4

5

9

10

6

Biclwell

4

5

5

4

10

5

Lida

4

5

7

7

6

6

Bomba

7

2

3

4

7

3

Long John

7

4

3

5

8

5

Bubach

(i

4

1

5

2

1

Logan

6

3

5

6

5

5

Burt

()

4

3

4

4

2

Louise

4

3

6

5

8

8

Cardinal

5

4

fi

6

9

7

MacMahon

6

4

7

5

9

9

Caruiichael

5

4

3

6

5

7

Manchester

9

5

7

4

8

8

Champion

1)

3

6

5

7

fj

May King

2

3

5

7

5

5

Chas. Downing

4

4

3

(i

9

5

Miami

3

2

5

5

9

4

Clara

8

8

6

4

9

9

Miner's TrolKic

5

5

3

5

7

6

Cliugto

7

2

3

4

5

1

Monmouth

4

8

2

6

8

8

Cloud's Seedling

1)

5

3

5

5

4

Mrs. Garfield

6

7

3

5

8

7

Cornelia

7

7

3

3

7

7

Nigger

8

3

3

6

9

6

Corville's Early

8

6

2

6

9

.5

Ohio

9

4

3

5

7

6

Crawford

5

3

4

4

10

9

Old Iron Clad

7

5

6

6

9

7

Crescent

10

6

3

6

6

c

Ontario

5

6

6

4

8

7

Crystal City

3

1

5

10

8

Parry

5

4

3

8

9

9

Daisy

4

8

3

5

9

10

Pearl

6

2

3

6

8

6

Daniel Boone

6

5

6

6

8

9

Photo

6

4

4

6

10

8

Emerald

8

4

7

5

9

10

Pineapple

3

3

4

4

10

8

Eureka

8

2

5

4

9

8

Pioneer

1

8

6

5

9

8

Eva

5

5

5

5

10

9

Piper's Seedling

7

7

3

5

8

9

Excelsior

7

2

4

5

10

9

Porter's Seedling

8

4

3

5

6

3

Farnsworth

4

3

4

6

6

9

Prince of Berries

5

7

7

5

8

8

Candy's Prize

5

4

4

3

5

7

Puritan

4

9

10

4

10

10

Gipsy

6

3

0

5

8

6

Seth Boyden

4

5

6

5

10

10

Glendale

8

4

6

5

9

7

Sharpless

5

9

7

3

9

9

Gold

4

5

7

5

10

10

Stay man's No. 1

8

2

4

5

5

4

Golden Defiance

5

8

7

5

9

6

Stayman's No. 2

7

2

5

5

7

7

Great American

5

3

4

5

9

6

Sucker State

9

7

4

7

8

6

Hampden

5

2

5

4

8

7

Summit

8

6

7

8

7

10

Hatfield

6

4

4

6

8

7

Sunapee

8

5

3

8

7

7

Haverland

4

3

5

5

6

5

Tippecanoe

5

8

5

8

8

8

Henderson

1

7

5

7

9

10

Triumph de Gaud

2

7

7

7

9

10

Hervy Davis

1

6

7

7

10

10

Viola

2

6

4

9

9

Hoffman's Seedling

4

4

5

5

8

3

Warfield

9

2

4

6

5

3

Howard's No. 5

3

2

4

4

7

6

Wilson

9

4

2

5

5

9

Howard's No. 6

4

3

6

9

4

8

Wood House

10

3

1

5

7

6

Indiana

5

7

4

4

3

1

No. 11 Seedling

8

3

5

7

6

3

Itaska

4

4

3

8

10

10

" 12

4

4

4

6

8

8

James Vick

8

2

5

6

9

9

" 23

2

1

1

10

9

9

Jersey Queen

(
'

8

3

5

8

3

" 24

4

4

4

4

9

8

Jessie

3

4

4

8

5

" 28

3

7

5

7

4

4

Jewell

4

4

7

2

7

8

" 29

5

3

2

5

8

7

Jumbo

5

1 3

6

8

9

10

REMARKS.

Space will not allow of extended remarks on all the varieties of
promise that have been tested, but we will mention some of the most
desirable.

Augtcr's No. 70, {Middlejield). This variety is very vigorous in
growth producing large berries of perfect form and color. It is only
of fair quality, but far superior to the Crescent class, and moderately
productive. Another season is needed to fix its value, either for
market or home use.

Belmont. A superb berry, but requires high culture, under which
conditions it is profitable. The quality is good.

Bubach. This promises to be the most profitable variety. The
plant is vigorous, having large, finely formed berries. It is very pro-
ductive and as yet entirely free from rust. Quality only medium,
but far better than the Crescent, Wilson or Warfield.

Gandy. For home use and a fancy market this variety is valuable
on account of its large size and good quality and lateness in ripening,
but it yields only a small crop.

Haverland. A variety of fine color, form and (|uality but seems
deficient in vigor.

Jessie. Of fine quality and large size, but only moderately pro-
ductive.

Warfield. Immensely vigorous and productive of medium sized
berries, possessing a large amount of acid. The color and form is
good, but on account of its size and the predominance of acid it will
not be a general favorite in our markets. In quality it is equal to
the Crescent and equally productive.

STRAWBERRIES IN HILLS.

The summers of 1888 and 1889 were so wet as to produce weeds
in lai'ge quantities in most strawberry fields and the crop of weeds
the past season has been so abundant that we can only conclude that
clean cultivation was the exception rather than the rule.

We believe this condition of things can be remedied by growing
the strawberry in hills, and that the crop would be much superior in
size and quality, that the cost of thorough cultivation would be less,
and that there would be less of the deterioration in varieties, than at
present if the hill system were practiced.

To grow strawberries or any other fruit profitably, the labor of
cultivation must be done in the most thorough and economical way^.
We now have cultivators and horse hoes by which cultivation of the

11

soil can be doue close up to small plants without injury and the
removal of all runners can be quickly effected by running the wheel
edge grass shears both ways of the rows. Even by hand, the expense
cannot be much more than that of pulling out the small weeds from
between the runners after they have so spread that the cultivator or
hoe cannot be used, i. e. from Sept. 1st, to Nov. 1st. Another
advantage of the hill system is that the soil can be more thoroughly
stirred close up to the plant, which cannot be done if the runners are
matted together.

It is hoped that growers who have practiced hill culture of the
strawberry will give the results to the public, and that others may
make a careful comparative test of the two systems. During the
present season one half of each experiment plot has been grown in
hills while the other is in the matted row. We hope to report the
results next summer, and the comparative yield of each variety under
both systems.

raspbp:rrip:s and blackbp:rries.

The following varieties of raspberries have fruited this season,
the results of which are given in the the following tables :

NAMES OF VARIETIES.

.»

'3

^

>>

o

s

^

O"

i

^

<

7

5

10

7

1

5

9

6

2

5

3

3

3

5

8

4

7

5

10

10

8

3

5

1

8

3

4

1

2

3

5

2

3

7

10

10

1

0

8

6

8

2

5

1

1

6

7

5

4

4

9

10

5

5

10

7

5

3

8

5

6

7

9

2

4

5

7

8

4

7

5

4

4

4

10

10

Belle de Fontaine

Brandy wine

Caroline

Crimson lieauty

Crystal White

Cuthbert

Golden Queen

Hansel

Hastine

Highland Hardy

Marlboro

Rancocas

Scarlet Gem

Stayman's No. 5

Superb

Thompson's Early Prolillc

Thompson's Pride

Turner ....••

White Mountain

12

The crop has not been large the past season owing to dronth in
July, but it was of good (jfuality and almost totally uninjured by long
or frequent rains as in some previous years.

REMARKS.

Of the very new varieties the yield of fruit was not suHicient to
enable us to judge fairly of their merits for market or home use.
Of the older varieties the

Hansel was the first to ripen. The fruit is medium in size, of fine
color and quality and moderately productive, especially valuable for
home use.

Marlboro. This variety has again (under good cultivation) proved
very profitable for market. The berry is very large, of light color,
is firm and very productive. It is not of as good quality as the
Hansel or the wild red raspberry but is a sweet berry of fair quality.

Cuthbert. While this is not a first class berry in quality, its vigor,
size and productiveness makes it the most reliable raspberry for
market^or home use.

BLA(JK-CAP RASPBP:RR1ES.

Owing to the wet weather of last year the Anthraxnose* devel-
oped in large quantities on the canes and so injured them that in
many localities the crop has been nnich less than in previous years,
but prices ruled higher and the amount of money received from the
crop has probably been up to the average.

Young plantations are not as liable to this disease as those that
have fruited several years.

The following table gives the comparative merits of the different
varieties : —

*Anthraxnose is a disease caused by a parasitic fungus growtli on the canes near the
ground. It appears in round dark brown or reddish patches, sometimes completely cov-
ering the cane and destroying it.

13

NAMES OF VAIUETIES.

Ada

Carman

Cromwell

Crawford

Carhart

Gi-egg

Hale's Pearly . . . . .

Hilborn

Naomi

Nemeha

Ohio

Palmer

Shaffer's Colossal.

Springfield

Thompson's Sweet

i

1

S

f^

<H

>->

"s

o

"S

S

1

£

■-I

"

o-

CO

>^

<!

o

°

5

7

8

7

8

5

4

2

4

5

1

1

5

1

3

9

1

1

4

3

5

3

4

G

6

3

4

6

2

1

8

2

6

4

3

T)

4

4

10

8

2

3

5

4

6

1

3

1

3

2

9

6

4

1

7

1

3

1

4

6

8

2

6

2

1

1

5

5

9

9

3

2

3

2

2

2

10

9

2

4

7

3

1

1

2

3

9

4

6

4

BLACKBERRIES.

It is often a wonder to those who know the valuable qualities of
the blackberry, and how easily it is grown that it is in so little
demand for market and home use. It will thrive on the poorest soil
with proper cultivation, the suckers may be easily kept from growing
between the hills or rows by the plow, and it requires but little time
and skill to so train and prune that the bushes may be kept in a
compact form.

The foUowino- table gives the results of the varieties tested :

14

NAMES OF VAEIETIES.

Agawam ,

Early Cluster • • ,

Early Harvest

Early Kiug

Erie

Fred

Lucretia *

Minnewaski

Snyder

Stone's Hardy

Taylor's Prolific

Thompson's Mammoth .

Wachusett

Western Triumph

Wilson's Early

Wilson Jr

.■«

ci

6

O"

w

1

5

4

5

8

6

[)

6

7

1

7

5

5

4

7

2

9

5

8

4

3

4

G

4

3

6

5

3

8

2

8

3

^

r%

c

g

g

W

h

id

<

o

1

1

2

10

2

8

6

10

1

10

9

6

1

3

3

10

3

1

4

2

1

10

10

10

2

4

0

10

1

6

3

6

I?

g (X)

IS

*Being a variety of the runiiiug BlackbeiTy or Dewberry this ripened more than a weelj
betore the Agawam.

Agcmam. This is early, productive and of the finest quality. Its
medium size is the only objection to it, but unless the larger varie-
ties like the Erie and Minnewaski shall prove hardy and productive,
this is by far the most satisfactory variety for market or home use.

Erie. The fruit is of large size, fine form and fair quality. Thus
far it has proved hard}'^ and fairly productive. It promises to be very
valuable.

Minneivaski. Similar to the Erie and equally promising.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

OF THE

M AS8 ACH U 8ETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 11.

Report on Srength of Rennet.

Report on Hay Caps.
Report on Flandres Oats.

Report on Prevention of Potato Rot.
Report on Fungicides and Insecticides on Fruits.

JANUARY, 1891.

The Bulletins of this Station will be sent free to all neivsjxipers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MAS.S. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE

18 9 1.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultui'al P^xperiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell,
VfiLLTAM P. Brooks,
Samxjel T. Maynard,
Charles H. P>>rnai.I),
Clarence D. Warner,
William M. Siiepardson
Herbert E. Woodbury
Frank O. Williams,

Director.

Agriculturist.

Horticulturist.

Eniomologist.

Meteorologist.

As.nstant Horticulturist .

As.v'stant Agriculturist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fni it-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, is
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Division of Agriculture.

William P. Brooks.

CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE STRENGTH OF THE
STOMACH OF THE CALF FOR RENNET.

The investigation the results of which are stated in the following
pagps, was undertaken soon after the inanguratiou of work in the
Agricultural Department of this Station, with the object of deter-
mining primarily the influence, if any, of length of time after eating
upon the strength of the calf's stomach as a rennet. As the stock
upon our own grounds was all pur? bred and the calVes therefore val-
uable for raising. It was considered best to purchase animals as
opportunity offered from farmers in the neighborhood ; and it was
further decided to take them directly from the farms where purchased
to the place of slaugliter, a butcher's establishment near our station.
It may be thought that an element of uncertaint}' as to conditions was
thus introduced ; but it is not thought that such was the case, for the
calves were in all cases looked up by my assistants some time before
slaughter, and the conditions under which, and the time when an
animal would be taken explained. Every calf was taken from the
farm to the butcher's by the assistant who was in all cases present
when it was slaughtered, and superintended the taking of the rennet,
which was immediately carried with all its contents (both ends being
tied) in a clean covered pail to the laboratory. This work in 1889
was done by Mr. F. S. Cooley, and this year by Mr. F. O. Williams,
Assistant Agriculturists respec'.ively in these years. The descrip-
tion of the laboratory management by the chemist, Dr. C. A. Goess-
mann, is here inserted :

'•The rennets, as soon as received, were emptied, turned inside
out, and cleaned by placing in a large dish of water and allowing it
to float therein for a few moments. lu no case was water forced into
the stomach, but particular care was taken to perform the washing
as gently as possible, to prevent the loss of the delicate lining mem-
brane which contains the curdling principle.

The stomachs were then reversed, filled with air to their full capacity
and hung up to dry iu a well ventilated room.

All the rennets received uere successfully cured except No. 4,
which was so badly cut that it was impossible to stretch it properly
and it partially spoiled. It was sprinkled with salt to prevent
further decomposition. A considerable portion remained sound and
this served for the test recorded below.

Before the tests were made the rennets were taken down, stripped
of fat and worthless parts and cut into small strips. In this condition
they were spread out in a well ventilated room and allowed to air
dry several days.

The rennet solutions were prepared by the Blumenthal process.
In every case the same weight of rennet was taken and the final solu-
tion raised to the same volume, great care being taken to secure, as
far as practicable, identical conditions in all cases. The results were
obtained with fresh whole morning's milk."

While, as previously stated, the prfmary object was to determine
the influence of the length of time between the last meal and slaughter
upon the strength of the renuet ; it was decided also to note the
influence, if any, of age and breed ; and averages designed to bring
out differences due to those peculiarities will be later given. In
respect to breed, however, it should be stated that all were grades.
The individual proportion of the blood of the breed, under which an
animal appears is a variable and in many cases an uncertain quantity.
No attempt is made to state it.

I am aware of the fact that these averages are less satisfactory
than they would be were the number of each breed, and of each age
in each breed identical in each of the classes compared ; and it was
the original intention to continue the work until five animals of each
age in each breed had been included ; but in view of the fact that the
work thus far done indicates chiefly a wide individual variation
apparently without reference either to feeding, breed or age, it is not
deemed best to continue the work. The individual differences within
the classes are far greater than the. differences between classes.

On similar grounds the results for breeds and for animals of
different ages are not entirely satisfactory. All other conditions
except the particular under comparison are not alike in each class,
still it is deemed best to publish the results as they are and to
discontinue the work as it does not promise to be sufficiently valuable
to warrant its continuance.

The results of the laboratory examination of the rennets with par-
ticulars of age, breed, etc., are shown in the following tables :

CALVES SLAUGHTERED 1 HOUR AFTER EATING.

Parts of Milk

at37°C.,cur-

Age in

Date of

Date of

Moisture

died by 1 pa
in iO minutes

t of Reuuet

Breed.

Days.

Slaughter.

Reuuet Test

per cent.

Air Dry.

Water free.

1889

1889

I

Holsteiu

29

Apr. 25

Sept. 4

7.20

7300

7974

4

Shorthorn

5

May 17

Sept. 4

7.56

lOoOO

11359

5

.Jersey

5

May 22

Sept. 4
1890

7.80

28600

31019

9

Holstein

5

Sept. 21

Jan. 27

6.75

25380

27217

8

Shoi'tiiorn

30

Jan. 27

6.17

18600

19823

17

Hereford

37

Oct. 29
1890

Feb. 3

7.11

13620

14663

20

Jersey

42

April 28

Nov. 12

7.60

1 0400

11255

28

Jersey

0

Aug. 30

Nov. 14

10.23

33300

37092

29

Jersey

5

Sept. 10

Nov. 17

7.76

36360

39418

Average: Air-dry, 1 part rennet to 20451 parts millc. Water
free, 1 part rennet to 22091 parts milk.

CALVES SLAUGHTERED 5 HOURS AFTER EATING.

Parts of Milk

at3T''C.,cur-

Age in

Date of

Date of

Moisture

died by 1 pa

•t of Kc-uuet

Days.

Slaughter.

Rennet Test

per cent.

in 10 minutes

Air Dry.

Water free.

1889 ■

1889

6

Shorthorn

30

June 13

Sept. 1 1

8.50

11800

12896

7

Shorthorn

42

June 21

Sept. 11
1890

7.72

20000

21673

10

Holstein

0

Sept. 26

Jan. 28

7.60

15090

16331

11

Jersey

5

Oct. 5

Jan. 28

8.56

17570

19215

13

Hereford

35

Oct. 22

Jan. 29

6.19

23200

24731

15

Shorlhorn

35

Oct. 26

Feb. 3

5.20

14810

15622

16

Hereford

42

Oct. 26

Feb. 3

6.52

18600

19897

18

Holstein

28

Nov. 11
1890

Feb. 3

7.63

19740

21371

19

Jersey

5

Apr. 12

Nov. 12

9.85

39000

43261

21

Holstein

5

Julv 7

Nov. 12

9.91

32000

35520

22

Holstein

5

July 7

Nov. 12

9.09

19000

21993

30

■Jersey

42

Sept. 10

Nov. 17

8.99

25000

27469

Average: Air-dry, 1 part renuet to 20484 parts milk. Water
free, 1 part rennet to 23315 parts milk.

CALVES SLAUGHTERED 18 HOURS AFTER EATING.

No

Breed.

Again
Days.

Date of
Slaugliter.

Date of
Rennet Test

Moisture
per cent.

Parts of Milk at 37° C, cur-
dled by 1 part of Rennet
in 10 minutes.

Air Dry.

Water frea.

2

Holstein

29

1889.

Apr. 30

1889.

Sept. 4

7.47

14300

15454

3

.Shorthorn

5

May 4

Sept. 4

1890.

Jan. 29

7.45

14800

15991

12

Holstein

5

Oct. 9

6.74

18600

19944

14

Hereford

35

Oct. 22

Jan. 30

7.24

19740

21281

23

Holstein

5

July 18

Nov. 14

10.12

47000

53404

24

.Jersey

28

July 18

Nov. 14

8.35

33300

36549

25

Holstein

42

July 26

Nov. 14

8.17

16000

17424

26

Holstein

42

Aug. 8

Nov. 14

8.86

14000

15251

27

Holstein

42

Aug. 15

Nov. 14

8.26

14300

15696

31

Jersey

42

Sept. 26

Nov. 17

8.08

30800

33616

32

Holstein

42

Sept. 26

Nov. 17

9.42

30800

34113

Average : Air dry, 1 part rennet to 23058 parts milk,
free, 1 part rennet to 25338 parts milk.

CALVES slaughtered 30 HOURS AFTER EATING.

Water

No.

Breed.

Age in
Days.

Date of
Slaugliter.

Date of
Rennet Test

Moisture
per cent.

Parts of Milk
died by 1 part
10 minutes.
Air Dry.

It 37* C, cur-
of Rennet in

Water Free.

33
34

Jersey

28'
42^

1890.

Oct. 10
Oct. 10

1890.

Nov. 17
Nov. 17

10.00
9.67

17400

8300

19333

9188

Average : Air-dry, 1 part rennet to 12850 parts railk. Water
free, 1 part rennet to 14261 parts milk.

These results indicate a progressive increase in the strength of the
rennet due to fasting in the three classes from one hour up to eigh-
teen. The average number of parts of milk curdled by one part of
water free rennet is : after one hour's fast, 22,091 ; after five hours,
23,315, and after eighteen hours, 25,338. The number of animals
fasted thirty hours is too small to justify any comparison. The
average for one part of water free rennet is 14,261 parts of milk.
This though smaller than any other average is larger than the average
of the first two animals in the first class and does not differ very
materiully from similar averages in the other two classes. We are
not, therefore, justified in concluding that a fast of thirty hours is
prejudicial to the strength of rennets.

The average amount of milk curdled by one part of water free
rennet from the annuals of the different breeds is as follows : Jersey,
27,945; Holstein, 22,665; Hereford, 20,143, and Shorthorn, 16,348.
These figures appear to indicate a considerable difference in strength
of rennet due to breed ; and although the numbers of the different
ages and for different lengths of fast in the breeds compared are not
identical, yet it is not believed any injustice is done to either breed
in respect to these points. This is made evident from the following
tal)ular view showing the standing of the breeds in these respects. It
will be seen that they are fairly well distributed as to length of fast
and aoe.

LENGTH OF FAST.

JERSEY.

nOI.STEIN.

HEREFORD.

SHORTFIORN.

1 hour

4

2

1

2

5 "

3

4

2

3

18 "

2

7

1

1

30 "

2

AGE IN DAYS.

5 days.

5

6

2

28 to 30 "

2

3

2

35 to 42 ''

4

4

4

2

The differences within each of the breeds, as may be seen by refer-
ence to the tables indicating the strength of the i*ennets, are, however,
larger than the difference between the breeds. Thus the extremes
for Jerseys are 9188 and 43261 ; for Holsteins, 7974 and 53,404 ; for
Herefords, 14,663 and 24731, and for Shorthorns, 11,359 and 21,673.
Further, the average for the lowest five Jerseys is 17,292; for the
highest six it is 36,826. The latter is more than twice the former,
thus exceeding it in far greater proportion than this breed appears to
excel the Shorthorn, which stands as the lowest breed. Similar
averages in other breeds will show about equally great variations.
It must be concluded, therefore, that our results are not such as to
warrant any positive deductions as to differences in rennet strength
due to breed.

The averages for the different ages are as follows : Parts milk
coagulated by one inirt v:ater free rennet:

From Calves 5 days old, 28,597.

" " 28 to 30 " " 19,057.

" 35 " " 19,084.

" " 42 " " 20,558.

The range for these ages is as follows : For calves 5 days' old,
11,359 to 53,404 ; 28 to 30 days' old, 7974 to 36,549 ; 35 days' old,
14,663 to 24,731, and 43 days' old, 9188 to 34,113. Thus it appears
that in each class there is a greater difference between the lowest and
the highest than between the lowest and the highest classes. We
must be cautious then, in drawing deductions from these figures ; but
it seems not unreasonable to conclude that the rennet is strongest in
the calf under one week old, as indicated by the above averages.

Conclusions. First : Individuality aj>pears to be the strongest fac-
tor in determining the strength of the rennet.

Second: Our average results indicate that fasting up to eighteen
hours increases the strength of the rennet; but the variations in each
cla^s are so large that loe are not luarranted in considering our experi-
ments a proof of the fact.

Third : That breed influences the strength of the rennet has not been
established ; though averages show a considerable variation which places
those compared in the following order : Jersey, Holstein, Hereford and
Shorthorn.

Fourth: The rennet of the calf under one iveek old is apparently
stronger than that of an animal four weeks or more old.

TREATMENT OF POTATOES WITH LIME FOR THE
PREVENTION OF ROT.

When our potatoes, after being dug, were found to be rotting
badly, it was determined to try spriukling thoroughly with lime, a
method of treatment often advised. With this object in view four
samples of a bushel each, of apparently sound tubers were selected
from a pile which was rotting badly. These were placed in bushel
baskets, and two baskets were put into a dry cellar and two into a
well lighted and drj' granary. The tubers put into one basket in
each lot were thoroughly sprinkled with air-slaked lime, as they were
put in ; the other basket was untreated. This work was done on
Sept. 17th ; and the tubers lemained undisturbed until Dec. 3d, when
they were carefully examined. The results are shown in the follow-
ing table :

TREATMENT WITH LIMK FOR POTATO ROT.

Potatoes kopt in Cellar,
Sept. ITth to Dec. .3rcl.

Potatoes kept in Granary,
Sept. 17th to Dec. 3rd.

i

Q

541
55f

11"

T

Limed,
Untreated,

6

53'

40|
40

6
6i

4

421
40

5i

7|

Conclusions : The differences in the amount of rot are very small.
In the case of the cellar samples, the tubers untreated have kept
sliglitly better than those which were limed ; in the granary samples,
the difference is in favor of liming. We are not justified in pro-
nouncing either for or against the treatment.

It appears to me not unlikely that the quantity of lime used was
too small, and when opportunity offers, the experiment will be
repeated with varying amounts of this substance.

VARIETY TESTS OF OATS.

The seeds for these tests were sent on by the U. S. Department of
Agriculture, with the request that we give them a trial. They
arrived much too late in the season for planting, (May 21st) as was
recognized by the Department officials, who, never-the-less-, urged
that we try them. All the seed received was sown May 24th, upon
a medium loam, which had been in grass and pastured for three years,
and which was in a fair state of fertility. It was ploughed in early
spring and just before seeding it received at the rate of nitrate of
soda, 160 lbs. : dissolved bone, 240 lbs. ; and muriate of potash,
160 lbs. per acre spread broadcast and harrowed in. The seed was
sown broadcast and harrowed in.

DES FL ANDRES OATS.

The seed (9 qts.) was sown as above described upon one-fifth of
an acre. The blades appeared above ground June 1st, growth was
fair until about the time of blossoming when the crop became consid-
erably rusted. It was cut and stooked Sept. 2d, and threshed in
good condition Sept. 10th. It yielded 34 quarts of light oats and
270 lbs. straw.

10

JAUNE (yellow) DE FLANDRES OATS.

The seed (7 qts.) of this variety was sown upon one-seventh of
an acre. Germination, growth and rnst as in the first variety. It
was harvested and threshed on the same dates, and yielded 28
quarts light oats and 250 lbs. straw.

Conclimons : No particular difference between the varieties was
noticed. The crop of both was, of course, miserably small; but
from the lateness of the season when they were planted, it would be
unfair to compare them with common and standard sorts. Any
variety would probably give a light crop planted as late as these
were ; and further it is pertinent to add that the past season was a
very poor one, even for early planted oats in this section of the state.
Rust in the early stages of the growth of the crop was very abundant.

COMPARATIVE TEST WITH HAY CAPS.

It was the purpose of the station to make an extended series of
comparative trials of a few varieties of hay caps, during the past
season ; but the season was almost unparalleled in its freedom from
rain and but a single opportunity to tiy the caps was afforded. The
caps tried were of three varieties, viz. : Cotton caps untreated with
any preparation for water-proofing; cotton caps, oiled; and
"Symmes Patent Hay and Grain Cap," which is made of wood pulp
and apparently oiled. This cap is stiff and in shape like a well flared
bowl (spread 56 in. depth 18 in.) with fluted sides. There are eye-
lets in the edge ; but it is claimed thatthis cap needs no fastening on.
It is further claimed that its peculiar (fluted) form allows ventilation
and that partly cured hay is less likely to heat under it than under
ordinary water-proof caps.

The gi-ass which was used for this test was cut on the morning of
July 14ih ; it was nearly cured when cocked in the afternoon, and as
the weather vras threatening, a number of cocks were covered with
each of the three kinds of caps, the cotton ones being held in place
with wooden pins in the ordinary way. On the 15th, there was a
thunder shower, the amount of precipitation being .03 inches. On
the morning of the 16th, the caps were removed and the following
observations recorded :

11

Plain Cotton Caps. Hay underneath slightly moist on top and in
good condition below, having heated to a very slight extent only.

Oiled Cotton Caps. The caps themselves were very wet on both
sides ; hay at the top also quite wet, and just below, almost too hot to
handle ; heat extends nearly to the bottom of the cock.

^^Symmes' Patent Caps." Hay moist on top, and a little lower
hot ; but not as hot as under the oiled caps.

Conclusions. The condition of the hay under the plain cotton cap
(heavy material) was decidedly the best ; but it is recognized that
with a heaver rain this might not be found to be the case. The
" Symraes" caps are easily put on ; but they are clumsy and heavy
and to carry a quantity to a field and distribute them, requires far
more labor tlian for the cotton caps. We used them somewhat dur-
ing the season of 1889 and did not find them durable, nor sure to
remain in place during strong winds. From our single test, the plain
heavy cotton cap appears to be best. This experiment will be con-
tinued as opportunity allows.

Division of Horticulture.

Samuel T. Matnaud.

Another season has demonstrated how dependent we are for profit-
able crops upon the absence of fungous diseases and injurious insects,
and the necessity of safe and easily applied remedies. The apple
crop though small would have been a very valuable one in Mas.-achu-
setts but for the ravages of the codling moth and the appple scab,
which have rendered thousands of barrels worthless. The pear crop
has been seriously injured by the codling moth and pear or ap[)le
scab. The plum crop was almost a total failure on account of
the ravages of the plum curculio and the black wart.

The grape crop, although on the whole oue of the best ever har-
vested in New England, was in many sections seriously injured by
the grape rot which injured the fruit, and the mildew which destroyed
the foliage or so injured it as to retard ripening.

It is the belief of many practical fruit growers and market garden-
ers that from one-third to one-half of the entire products of the
orchards and gardens of the state are destroyed by insects and fun-
gous diseases.

During the season of 1889 experiments were carried on with fun-
gicides and insecticides, the results of which were reported in Bulletin
No. 7. Again the past season more extensive tests have been made
which have given more marked results than those of 18S9.

FUNGICIDES AND INSECTICIDES ON THE
APPLE, PEAR AND PLUM.

For the past three seasons the apple scab (Fusicladium dendriti-
cum) and the codling moth have rendered the small crop of apples
in most parts of New England almost a total failure. The remedies
suggested for the first, that of solutions of copper ,have been favora-
bly reported upon in various sections of the country, while after the
use of many suggested remedies it has become the general opinion
among fruit growers that we must depend upon arsenical poisons to

18

destroy insect pests. Both of these remedies are best applied in
water, and as the expense of application must be reduced to the
minimum the use of the two remedies combined seemed advisable.
For this reason a series of experiments was undertaken to test the
value of the various forms of copper solutions combined with Paris
green (London purple having been found more injurious to the foliage
of plants than Paris green, and white arsenic being thought too dan-
gerous on account of its inconspicuousness.)

EXPERIMENT NO. I.

AMMONIACAL CARBONATE OF COPPER AND PARIS GREEN.

Formula: — 3 oz. precipitated carbonate of copper dissolved in 1 qt. aqua
ammonia (22° Baume) diluted with 28 gallons of water and one pound of
Paris green to 500 gallons of the mixture.

The following diagram will illustrate the arrangement of tlie plots :

DIAGKAM OF PLOTS.

I o Anjon

^"^^ ^\ oBartlett
I o Clapp's
I

! o R. I. Gi

No. 1-1

o Baldwin

\1.

I o Anjou
J o Anjou
No. 2-] o Barilett
I o Clapp's

I

o R. I. Greening

No. 2-]

I o Baldwin

No. 3-

o Anjou

o Anjou

o Bartlett

j o Clapp's

I o R. I. Greeninc

No. 3-1

I o Baldwin

No.

I

I o Anjou
4 I o Anjou
! o Bartlett

L°J

Clapp's

No. 5-

o Anjou
o Anjon
o Bartlett
o Clapp's
I

No. 4-

No. 5-

o R. I. Greening
o Baldwin

o R. I. Greening
j o Baldwin

I [Small, no fruit.]

14

Mode of application.

The mixtures used in these experiments were applied with a " Field
Force Pump" with a "cyclone" nozzle. This pump is strongly
made and has stood the use of two summers very well. It was attached
to a cask holding about 50 gallons. This was fastened to a stone-
boat so as not to rock or roll, and when used was drawn about among
the trees by one horse. This seems a better arrangement than to
place the cask on a wagon, as it can be drawn in among closely
planted trees and vines.

It required two men to work it, one to do the pumping and the
other to direct the spray. To reach all parts of the tree without much
loss of the liquid, the nozzle was attached to a pole about ten feet
long.

When the Bordeaux mixture was used with this pump it was found
necessary to strain the liquid to take out the coarse particles of lime,
which clogged tiie nozzle and rapidly wore out the packings of the
pump. Applications were made as follows :

April 24th. Sprayed branches of trees in Plots Nos. 1, 3 and 5
with carbonate of copper solution. Plots Nos. 2 and 4 containing the
same kind of trees were left as a check on the experiment.

This it will be observed was before the leaves were unfolded, the
object being to destroy any spores at that time on the branches.

May 17th. Sprayed with Paris green, 1 lb. to 500 gallons of water.

As the Fusicladium (apple scab) was supposed not to develop
until after the fruit was set, only Paris green was used for the purpose
of destroying the codling moth.

May 21st. The application of May 17th was repeated as a heavy
rain occurred on the previous day. May 20th.

May 29th. As the foliage was found very seriously injured, a
precipilat'ebf carbonate of copper was obtained of Prof. Charles Wel-
lington from the college laboratory, which was thought to be a little
less acid. The solution made from this is designated A. 1., while
that made from the carbonate of copper obtained in the market is
A. 2. Plots 1 and 3 were sprayed with A. 1., and Plot 5 with A. 2.
Both were used with the ammonia and Paris green as per formula.

June 7th. Repeated spraying as on May 21st on the same plots.

June 17th. Sprayed apple trees in Plot No 5 with mixture A. 1.
,and pear trees in same plot with A. 2.

July 1st, Plots No. 1 and No. 3, apple sprayed with A. 2. Plots
Nos. 1 and 2, pear sprayed with mixture A. 2.

15

July 31st. Sprayed both apple aud pear trees in Plots No. 1 and
No. 3 with A. 2 ; aud Plot No 5 with mixture A. 1.

In the following table giving the results the pears are left out, "as
the trees fruited so uuequally it was impossible to make any compar-
ison. The foliage, however, was seriously injured upon all of the
pear trees as well as the apple trees.

This injury was especially noticeable during moist cloudy weather
from June 12th to the 24th, in which time many light showers occurred
which, with the cloudy weather kept the foliage almost continually
wet. No difference was noticed as to the amount of injury from
solutions A. 1. and A. 2.

NAMES OF VARIETIES.

No. 1
No. 2
No. 3
No. 4
No. 5

Greening-
Baldwin
Greening
Baldwin
Greening
Baldwin
Greening
Baldwin
Greening
*Bal(lvvin

H ^

343

166G

172

580
382
215
177
349
102

SO 1^

189

1197

17

183

2H7

154

469

155

397

95

82 133

15 162

50 299

49 53

1^

2 -3
<w to

1

If

^ -1

45

266

7

70

2

28

1431

4

231

3

90

148

2

22

1

68

396

7

177

1

25

328

10

44

3

62

164

5

46

2

92

144

3

30

2

86

239

2

108

7

52

54

4

44

4

♦Tree small, no Fruit.

RESULTS.

It will be seen by comparing the per cents given in this table that
in Plot No. 1 vphich was treated there was only 38% of wormy apples,
while in Plot No. 2 which was not treated there was 79%, and taking
the average of the three plots treated we have only 43% of wormy
apples where the applications were made, while in the plots untreated
we have 84%, a saving of 41% by the use of the Paris gre(en.

The use of the fungicide, however, has given us no results, although
the same solution applied without the Paris green is reported to have
given remarkable results at other stations the previous season.

16

EXPERIMENT NO. 2.

BORDEAUX MIXTURE AN1> PARIS GREEN.

Formula: — 6 lbs. of Coppei" Sulphate dissolved in 16 gals, of water, to
which is added 4 lbs. of fresh lime slacked in 6 gallons of water. To this
mixture add Paris green in the proportion of 1 lb. to 500 gals.

To test the efficacy of the above mixture combined with Paris
green, three large trees were selected that had blossomed abund-
antl}', and one-half of each tree was carefully treatpd.

Several applications were made, beginning May 29lh, at intervals
of about two weeks, varying more or less with the condition of the
weather.

In the following table are oiven the results :

NAMES OF VARIETIES.

Red Russet,
Red Russet,
Red Astrachan,
Red Astrachan,
Roxbury Russet,
Roxbury Russet,

1-2 Sprayed,
1-2 Unsprayed,
1-2 Sprayed,
1-2 Unsprayed,
1-2 Sprayed,
1-2 Unsprayed,

.-s

g

'U

^^

II

>.b

ti-

fa

1^

II

o

^1

11

311

117

194

62

13

60

238

19

711

424

287

40

392

81

238

11 1

405

365

40

10

73

332

258

208

50

1-9

108

150

979

469

510

52

730

44

205

5 i

913

541

872

41

631

31

251

3

RESULTS.

In this experiment no favoiable lesults were obtained, either in the
use of the Paris green or the Bordeaux mixture. This may be
due in part to the lateness in the season when the tests began, but it
is thought best to make record of the work for future reference and
comparison with the results of others.

EXPERIMENT NO. 3.

AMOUNT OF INJURY TO FOLIAGE BY DIFFERENT PERCENTAGES OF
PARIS GREEN.

In the experiments of previous years much injury had been done
by the Paris green in burning the foliage. Similar reports were also
received from other stations and the following experiments were
instituted to determine, if possible, the quantity that might safely be
used. For this purpose seven trees were selected.

No's 1, 2 and 3 of the variety known as Westfield-seek-no-further,
No's 4 and 5, R. I. Greening and No's 6 and 7, Natural Fruit.

17

To No. 1 was applied the ammouiacal carbonate of copper mix-
ture, as given in the previous (bruuihi, with 1 part of Paris green to
200 of the mixture.

To No. 2 was applied the same copper solution and 1 lb. of Paris
green to 300 parts of the mixture.

No. 3. Check tree.

To No. 4 was applied the ammoniacal carbonate of copper solu-
tion and 1 lb. of Paris green to 400 gals, of the mixture.

No. 5. Check tree.

To No. 6 was applied a mixture composed of one ounce of carbon-
ate of copper, 4 lbs. of quick lime and 22 gallons of water. With
this mixture Paris green was used in the proportion of 1 lb. to 500
gallons.

To No. 7 was applied simply the ammoniacal carbonate of copper
solution without any Paris green.

The above trees were sprayed May 29th, June 7th, June 17th,
July 1st and July 31st. The last time no Paris green was used.
The results are shown by the following table.

NAMES OF VARIETIES.

k

i

1

II

ft

If

|1

Westtleld Seek-no-furtlier, No. 1,

992

823

1G9

17

925

4

68

1-2

6

Westtielcl Seek-no-further, No. 2,

591

418

173

29

509

5

77

1

13

WestfleldSeek-uo-further, No. 3*

.519

198

321

62

335

7

177

1

34

Greening, No. 1,

2208' 1524

G84

31 '1779

37

392

2

17

Greenina;, No. 5,*

24371071

1466

60 2130 102

205

4

8

Natural Fruit, No. 6,

1746il052

694

40 |143l| 16

299

1

17

Natural Fruit, No. 7*

2G0

30

230

88

239

1

20

1-2

7

*Check trees.

RESULTS.

Again the same results with the Paris green are obtained, as in the
first experiment, reducing the injury from the codling moth to 29J%,
while where no Paris green was used the per cent of wormy fruit
was 70.

No beneficial results were obtained from the use of carbonate of
copper or Bordeaux mixture. In fact, in every case the amount of
scab is larger where the fungicides were used than where not used.

This result may be in part due to the injury resulting from the
Paris green, which was especially noticeable where it was used at
the rate of 1 lb. to 200 and 300 gallons of the liquid.

18

Where 1 lb. of the Paris green was used to 500 gallons of liquid,
little or no injury to the foliage was noticed.

The effects of the above injury to the foliage must be to seriously
weaken the vigor of the tree and it is probable that the scab fungus,
under the same conditions of moisture and temperature, would
develop most rapidly where the trees have the less vigor.

EXPERIMENT NO. 4.

KEROSENE FOR THE PLUM WART.

For several years past experiments have been made in this division
to find a remedy for thc^^lum wart (Plowrightia [Sphoeria] morbosa)
and we have reported in previous bulletins on the efficacy of
kerosene.

The past season a more extensive use of this remedy has been
made and we are able to report our trees which have been treated, as
almost entirely free from this pest.

In its application we have found that unless used with great care,
the smaller branches were destroyed. The past season we have
overcome this difficulty by applying the kerosene mixed with some
pigment to form a thin paste so that it would not spread over the
branches. If some bright colored pigment be used for this purpose
it enables the person making the application to see at a glance,
whether the wart has been previously painted or not and whether the
remedy has been effectual.

When applied in the earlier stages of growth the wart is stopped
at once and no disfigurement of the tree is noticed, while, at the same
time, none of the summer spores are scatteied, but when the wart
becomes fully grown, the disfigurement will not be removed by the
treatment, and the early summer spores will have already been
scattered to other branches.

To he effectual, tiiis application must be made as soon as the wart
begins to enlarge, which is shown by a swelling on or under the bark,
generally of a light browu color when the bark first bursts open, but
becoming darker as it increases in development.

The kei'osene paste is best applied with a small pointed paint brush
and should be used on the wart only.

Examination of the trees must be made at intervals of from two
to four weeks, according to the state of the weather.

If the weather be dry and clear few warts will be started, while if
moist and warm they develop more abundantly.

19

SULPHATE OF COPPER FOR THE PLUM WART.

While the kerosene paste has proved satisfactory in tlie destruction
of the plum wart, it requires close personal examination of every
branch of every tree in order to destroy them all. This mode
of treatment is not expensive but is one that few growers will take to
kindly and some method requiring less close application has been
sought in the various solutions suggested for other fungi.

Sulphate of Copper. To destroy all spores that might be attached
to the branches, some of the trees in the station and college orchard
were sprayed April 19th with sulphate of copper, 1 lb. to 22 gals, of
water. All parts of these trees were thoroughly wet with the solution.

While it is difficult to determine positively, if the spores existing
on the branches of tl:e trees were destroyed by this a[)plication, from
the small number of warts developed on the trees sprayed, we think
that it was decidedly beneficial.

To destro}' the plum curculio and the black wart atone operation,
a second application of the same solution was made May 17th, to
which Paris green was added at the rate of 1 lb. to 500 gals, of the
solution.

This application so injured the foliage thai subsequent applications
of Sulpiiale pf copper and Paris green were made in the form of the
Bordeaux Mixture. This mixture was applied May 21st, May 29th,
June 7th and 17th and July 19th and 29th. No injury could be
discovered from the Paris green, even when the amount was as large
as 1 lb. to 200 gallons.

Owing to the destruction of the fruit and the foliage by the first
application, positive results could not be determined as to the effect
of the Paris green upon the curculio, but in the case of trees that
were treated with the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green only, a very
large crop of fruit was matured while other trees not treated, lost
all their fruit from the attacks of the curculio. The number of
warts was t'er?/ decidedly less where treated with the copper mixtures,
than where untreated.

One thing our experiments have demonstrated beyond a question
i. e., that plum trees, leaves and branches, may be kept covered with
mixtures of sidphate of copper., lime and Paris green for nearly the
entire season without noticeable injury and we believe that both the
plum wart and plum curculio may be held in check by this remedy.
Another season it is hoped that experiments may be made on a laro-e
soale in different localities throughout the state, to settle the question

20

of the destruction of the plum curculio. The application of this
remech' was made with the Field pump as upon the apple and pear trees.

ROTTING OF THE FRUIT.

In the above experiments no special application was made to pre-
vent the rotting of the fruit, but a close comparison of the fruit of
trees treated with the Bordeaux mixture, with those untreated, would
indicate that the application of the above mixture was decidedly
beneficial.

EXPERIMENT No. 5.

BORDEAUX MIXTURE FOR GRAPE MILDEW AND ROT.

In the station plots are planted two vines each, of about 100 varie-
ties of grapes. Of these vines one of each variety was treated with
the above mixture and the other left as a check vine by whicli to
judge of the effects of the application. vSome of these varieties have
not fruited but those that produced fruit m sufficient quantity for
comparison are given in the table below^.

To destroy all germs that might be adhering to the canes before
the leaves unfolded, all parts were thoroughly painted with a strong
solution of sulphate of copper, April 2d and 3d.

As soon as the foliage was fully developed an application of sul-
phate of copper, one pound to twenty-two gallons of water, was
made. This was on May 29th. Soon after this application it was
found that the foliage was seriously injured and the next application
made June 20th, was of the Bordeaux mixture. As the rose bugs
were beginning to work, one pound of Paris green to 500 gallons of the
mixture was added to this and other applications made July I9th
and 28th.

The Paris green had no effect upon the rose bug, and hand picking
was resorted to, to save the crop, but the effect of the Bordeaux
mixture was so marked that at a long distance it was visible, not
only preventing the mildew on the leaf but the rot of the berry, to
which some varieties are almost invariably subject. The last appli-
cation of this mixture was made July 28th, and yet at the time of
ripening more or less of it was plainly visible on the foliage and the
berry. In some cases enough remained on the berries to injure them
somewhat for market

21

To determine if enough of the copper, which is more or less
poisonous, remained upon the berries and stems to prove harmful,
ten pounds of stems and ti-n pounds of detached berries were selected
where it vvas most aWundant, and analysis gave the following results :

Copper Oxide. Sulphate Copper.
10 lbs. .Stems contain .00996 lbs. = .0200 lbs.

10 lbs. berries contain .00031 lbs. — .0006 lbs

As the berry is the edible portion and as this result was obtained
by selecting the fruit with the greatest amount of the mixture adhering
the amount of copper oxide on the average fruit treated in this way
cannot be seriously objectionable, except from its appearance.

The following table, giving the various qualities of the different
varieties, is based upon careful comparison of each with such varie-
ties as the Concord and Delaware, and shows fairly how they have
behaved in our plots the past season.

In this table 1 indicates the highest degree of excellence.

22

NAMES OF
VARIETIES.

Amber Queen, Sept.

Ann Arbor, . . -

Augusta { ■•

Bacchus,

Beauty, \ ■■

Berkman, '; "

Centennial, I ♦•

Champion,

Concord,

Cottage, I '•

Delaware, ' ''■

Dutchesse, ! '•

Early Victor, "

Eaton, I ■'

Eldorado Oct.

Empire State. Sept.

Faith, : "

Hayes, ''

Highland, Oct.

Janesville, 1 Sept.

Jefferson, ! "

Jessica, "

Lady, "

Lady Washington, .. "

Lee's ProlificT J "

Lindlev, I '■

Martha, | "

Moore's Diamond, ..; "

Moore's Early, I "

Niagara,

Oneida,

Pearl, j "

Pocklington, j' "

Poughlceepsie Red

Prentis,

Eochester,

Telegraph,

Ulster Prolific, ••

Veritennes

Wilder,

Worden,

Wyoming Red, . .

25 W

B
B
B
R
W
B
B
W
W

w
w

B
B

R
W
W
W
R
R
W
W
B
W
R
W
W

' '■ 20

R :

- 28j W

•• 20

R

9

B

- 27

R

■• 18

R

■• 12

B

•• 12

B

'• 10

R

P3

3

o-

>>

o
1

O

'ao

3

5

9

6

7

6

9

5

5

3

3

4

5

6

10

5

6

5

3

4

2

2

7

3

4

2

5

3

6

5

5

3

4

1

2

1

7

5

4

6

1

1

8

8

3

1

8

2

^

5

6

3

6

1

1

2

5

2

5

2

4

2

5

3

6

8

3

6

2

3

5

5

8

2

1

1

6

3

.'4

5

7

2

B

2

4

7

f)

7

3

2

4

5

7

1

3

1

4

8

3

7

2

8

3

5

3

4

5

5

5

4

8

3

5

3

1

3

5

1

2

1

3

2

1

3

! 5

4

4

5

3

1

1

2

2

4

8

5

5

3

4

5

1

-1

2

2

7

2

4

4

4

5

3

4

i 3

3

2

3

1 3

1

1

1

1 3

1

2

2

; 5

3

4

5

sg

o a '

*Ouly one vine in plot.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTDRAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 12.

icB^r»oi«'r oiv iJ«SE>CTrs,

APRIL, 1891.

The Bulletins of this Station zvill be sent free to all neiospapers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHEKST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1891.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the orgauizatiou of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell,
William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynard,
Charles H. Fernald,
Clarence D. Warner,

Director.

Agriculturist.

Ilorticulttirist.

Entomologist.

Meteorologist.

William M. Shepardson, . Assistant Horticulturist.
Herbert E. Woodbury, . " "

Frank O. Williams, . . Assistant Agriculturist.
The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, is
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Division of Entomology.

C. H. Fernald.

Tlie history of the following insects and the methods of destroying
or holding them in check, have been worked out at this Station or
compiled from the most reliable sources. This last has been done
because there have been so many demands for information about the
common insects, as to cause the expenditure of a large amount of
time in answering inquiries about Ihem.

I have frequently been asked to recommend some plain, practical
work on common insects, and take this opportunity to call the atten-
tion of our fruit growers to Saunders' Insects Injurious to Fruits,
published by J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia, Penn., from whom
it may be obtained by mail at $2.00 a copy. This valuable work
contains a popular account with numerous illustrations of the insect
enemies to our fruit trees, and the best methods of contending with
them.

Numerous experiments on insecticides have been conducted during
the past two years, but with such results that we do not feel ready
to report them as yet.

"We earnestly desire that all the farmers and fruit growers of the
Commonwealth should write informing us what insects are most
numerous and troublesome in their respective localities, and about
what species they desire information.

4

THE BUD-MOTH.

Tmetocera ocellana (S. V.)

Fig. 1.

This insect, Fig. 1, is very abundant in some parts of Massachus-
etts, and has done a vast amount of damage to our fruit trees, much
more than has been generally supposed. The minute brownish cat-
erpillars eat out the inside of both leaf and flower buds, and not
unfrequently those of grafted scions, and the failure of those grafts
has generally been thought to have been caused by imperfect grafting.

These caterpillars make their appearance about half grown in early
spring, when the buds of our fruit trees are beginning to swell, and
eat their way into the bud thus destroying it. If one bud does not
suffice they go to a second, and so on. When a terminal bud is
destroyed, the growth is continued from a lateral one ; and, as often
occurs, the terminal bud of this lateral branch is destroyed by these
minute caterpillars, thus giving a peculiar appearance to the older
trees of an orchard, so that one can easily recognize the work of the
bud moth by the irregular growth of the branches.

The moths emerge during the latter part of June or early in July
and lay their eggs on the leaves of apple and various other trees.
The young, as soon as hatched, feed on the leaves, and are about
half grown when the cold weather comes on, and they hibernate in
that stage.

To destroy these caterpillars it is desirable to gather all the leaves
from under the infested trees in the fall and burn them, and also to
shower the trees with one pound of Paris Green in one hundred and
fifty gallons of water, in the spring when the buds first begin to
swell.

This application will also prove valuable for the destruction of tent
caterpillars and other early leaf eating insects.

The following technical account is prepared for those who desire a
more complete history of the insect than is given above.

This species was first described briefly by the authors of the Vienna

Verzeichniss ia 1776, page 130, under the name of Tortrix ocellana,
and in the Supplement to the same report, page 318, they state that
the larva feeds on horn-beam ( Carpinus hetulus) . Fabricius described
the moth more fully in his Mantissa Insectorum, Volume 2, page 228,
(1887), and in 1794, in Part 2, Volume 3, of his Entomologica Sys-
tematica, page 255, he described the moth again under the name of
Pyralis luscana. Why he changed the name is not apparent.

Hiibner, sometime before 1811, in his Sammlung europaischer
Schmetterlinge, figured this species on plate 3, figure 16, and gave it
the name of Tortrix comitana, and in his Geschichte europaischer
Schmetterlinge, Tortrices, gives on plate 3, fig. 1, a. the larva; and
b, the pupa, on apple blossoms.

Bechstein, in his Naturgeschichte der schndlichen Forstinseckten,
Part 3, page 774, (1805), describes the moth and says that it is seen
rarely in forests in Germany in the month of June ; and that the
Vienna Verzeichniss states that the larva feeds on the white beech,
(Fagus sylvaticus), thus making a mistake in the food plant by a
misquotation.

Haworth, in his Insecta Britannica, Part 3, page 334, published in
1811, adopts Hiibner's name and describes six different varieties of
the moth, but makes no allusion to the early stages and food plants,
which he would have done if he had known them, for, on the title
page, he states that all known facts on the early stages are given.

Froelich, in his Enumeratio Tortricum, published in Germany in
1828, describes the moth but makes no allusion to the early stages.

Treitschke, in Die Schmetterlinge von Europa, Volume 8, page 40,
(1830), describes this moth under the name o^ Penthina ocellana,
and in the Supplement, Part 3, page 51, (1835), it is stated by Herr
Moritz that there are two varieties ; one with the middle of the fore
wing wholly white, the caterpillar of which lives in Sorbiis aucuparla.
It is pale reddish gray, with black head and thoracic shield. Of the
darker variety, the pupae have been found only on alder, but they
probably live on other kinds of trees. In July the moths are fre-
quently found in larch forests.

Stephens, in his Illustrations, Volume 4, page 92, (1834), describes
this moth under the name of Spilonota comitana. He states that it
is extremely abundant in the vicinity of London, and not uncommon
in other parts of the country. The caterpillar feeds on the hornbeam,
and the moth appears on the wing about the middle of June.

Duponchel, in the Histoire naturelle des Lepidopt^res, Tome 6,

page 203, (1834), described the moth under the name Penthina lus-
cana, and referred to the account of the food plant given in the Vienna
Verzeichniss, ah'eady mentioned.

Schmidberger, in KoUar's Insects Injurious to Fruit Trees, page
234, (1840), describes this insect under the name of Tortrix (Penthi-
na) ocella7ia, but gives no description of the larva. He states that
the eggs are laid singly on the fruit buds or leaf buds, during the
month of June [in Austria], and that they do not hatch till the fol-
lowing spring, when the larva reaches its full size in four or five
weeks, then pupates and emerges in May as a moth.

Gu^nee, in his Index Methodicus, page 20, (1845), in a foot-note,
says the larva is brownish with a black head and shield, and that it
Jives in the month of May in the topmost leaves of Alnus, twisted
and drawn together.

Zeller, in Oken's Isis for 1846, describes the full grown larva very
briefly, and states that it feeds on oak and alder.

Herrich-Shaffer, in his Schmetterlinge von Europa, Volume 4, page
234, (1849), says that it is on the wing at the end of June, and that
the large light examples are from fruit trees, and that the smaller
darker ones are from larch, the larvae being between the leaves,

Staintou, in his Manual of the British Butterflies and Moths, Vol-
ume 2, page 219, (1859), describes the moth under the name of
liedya ocellana, and says the larva is brown with the head and sec-
ond segment black, and feeds "on various trees," *' very common in
the South of England but scarcer towards the North." Wilkinson,
in his British Tortrices, published in the same year, describes it
under the same name, and says the imago emerges in June and July,
frequenting hedges and woods around London ; and that the larva
feeds on hornbeam, alder, mountain ash and probably on whitethorn.
He repeats the description of the larva given by Gu6ne(j.

Lederev, in 1859, in his Revision of the European Tortricids, page
367, established the generic name Tmetocera for this species, because
of the notch in the upper side of the base of the antennae of the male.

Heinemann, in his Tortriciua of Germany and Switzerland, page
206, (1883), after describing the moth, states that the larvae occur
in May and June, on fruit and other deciduous trees, and the variety
laricana, between the needles of larch.

Zeller, in the Entomologische Zeitung for 1873, page 129, describes
his variety laricana, but gives nothing new of the larva of Tmetocera
ocellana or of the larva of this variety.

I have two examples of the European variet}' larkana in ray ^col-
lection, but have never seen anything like them taken in this country,
nor have I heard that any one here has bred T. ocellana larva or any
variety of it from larch.

Tascheuberg, in his work on Entomology for gardeners, published
in Bremen in 1874, page 306, says that this species is very abundant
everywhere, on the wing from June to August, and further says the
caterpillar has sixteen feet, is reddish brown with the head blackish,
in early spring upon the buds of different kinds of deciduous trees,
and also upon apple and pear trees. In his further account he follows
the statement of Schmidberger in Kollar's Insects, given above, and
adds a list of five different species of Hymenopterous parasites that
prey upon it.

The first account given of it in this country, so far as I can learn,
was that by Harris in his Insects Injurious to Vegetation, First Edi-
tion, page 349, (1841), where he describes it under the name of
Penthina oculana^ but he does not give the early stages.

In 1860, Clemens describes this species in the Proceedings of the
Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, page 357, under the
name Hedya Pyrifoliana. His description of the moth and also of
the larva is very good, and he says " it inhabits the pear and plum
trees."

Since that time many persons have written about it more or less
fully, but nothing new has been given on its habits, so far as I have
seen, and it has generally been supposed to pass the winter in the
egg state. Mr. James Fletcher, in his Report for 1885 as Entomo-
logist to tlie Department of Agriculture of Canada, page 24, writes,
"I do not know for certain the life history of this little moth, but
believe it passes the winter as a larva on the branches of apple trees,
protected by a covering of silk."

For some years past I have observed the habits of this insect, and
have been able to carry it through its transformations. The moths
emerge between the last of June and the middle of July, though
belated specimens are sometimes taken on the wing as late as the
middle of August, and one was taken at this place August 25, 1889.

The fore wings expand about three-fifths of an inch. The head,
thorax, and basal third of the fore wings, and also the outer edge and
fringe are dark ash gray, the middle of the fore wings is cream white,
marked more or less with costal streaks of gray, and in some speci-
mens this part is ashy gray, but little lighter than the base. Just

before the anal angle al-e two short horizontal black dashes followed
by a vertical streak of lead-blue, and there are three or four similar
black dashes before the apex, also followed by a streak of lead-blue.

The hind wings above and below and the abdomen are ashy gray.
The under side of the fore wings is darker, and has a series of light
costal streaks on the outer part.

The moths pair and the female lays her eggs, when in confinement,
in clusters of from four to ten or eleven, often overlapping each
other. They are oval, flattened, four-fifths of a millimeter long, and
half as wide, sordid white with a narrow border of clear and trans-
parent white, while the center of the eggs is one complete mass of
minute granules. In about three days the center of the egg has
grown darker, and the granules larger ; and on either side there is a
clear, white, oval space about one-third the length of the egg. In
about two days more the outer edge of the center is the same color as
in the last stage, and inside this is a narrow, lighter band, while in
the center is seen the form of a cylindrical larva larger at one end,
and both ends slightly curved towards each other; and in one or two
days more the whole form of the larva is visible, the head, thoracic
and anal shields being l)lack. The egg stage lasts from eight to
eleven days.

When the young larva hatches it does not eat the shell of its egg,
but goes on to the tenderest leaves and almost immediately begins
spinning a microscopic layer of silk, under which it eats the outer
layer or epidermis of the leaf. The larva is then about three milli-
meters in length, of a creamy white color, with head, thoracic and anal
shields blackish brown, and a few minute pale hairs on the body ; the
head is very large for the rest of the body. In a week the larva is
nearly four millimeters long, light yellowish brown, with the head,
thoracic and anal shields dark brown, and it eats minute holes
through the leaf, its silken web now being visible to the naked eye.
The larva gradually becomes a trifle more brownish, increases in size
and enlarges its web along the side ol the midrib.

Late in the fall the silken web is quite heav}' and thick, and the
larva deposits its excrements in little black pellets in the form of a
tube, under the web, within which it hibernates during the winter.
Not unfrequently two leaves are fastened together by the silk of the
web, and sometimes a leaf is secured to a branch of the tree in the
same manner.

About the first of May the larva measures seven millimeters when

resting, and eight when in motion. It is cylindrical, in form, with
the head dark brown and of medium size. The body is dark yellowish
brown, and the head, thoracic and anal shields very dark, polished
brown. There are ten ligliter brown protuberances on each segment,
from each of which arises one pale hair. On the upper surface of
the ninth segment is seen the double undeveloped reproductive organ
of a light brown color. The legs are dark brown and the prolegs
yellowish brown. About the first of June the larva is from ten to
twelve millimeters in length, and the body has changed to a cinnamon
rufous color. From the middle to the last of June it curls or draws
together several leaves which it lines with silk, and in which it trans-
forms to a pupa.

The pupa is seven millimeters long, brownish yellow, tapering from
the head to the posterior end, with the wing cases dark brown.
There are two rows of dark brown spines pointing backwards, across
each abdominal segment. The spiracles and anal segment are dark
brown. It remains in the pupa stage about two weeks and then the
moth emerges.

Some years ago I found a most curious parasite attacking the larva
of this species. It was a Hymenopterous insect of a pea green color,
and was attached to the top and across the second segment of the
larva, on the outside and entirely out of the way of harm, and there
it grew fat at the expense of its host which died a lingering death.
The parasite was determined for me by Mr. E. T. Cresson as PTiyto-
dictxis vulgaris Cr.

The following food plants are reported for this country : apple,
pear, plum, cherry, laurel-oak, and Prof. Harvey informs me that
he has bred it from black-berry.

The food plants given in Europe are apple, pear, quince, Carpinus,
Crataegus, Sorbus and Quercus.

SPITTLE INSECTS.

The frothy spittle-like masses — called frog-spittle, toad-spittle,
snake-spittle, etc. — are formed by small insects belonging to the
family Hemiptera or true bugs, and are seen adhering to the twigs
and branches of shrubs and trees, and also to the stems of grasses
and otlier plants.

During the early stages of its life, by means of special glands, this
insect secretes an albuminous liquid and discharges it from the pos-
2

10

terioi- end of the body, forcing bubbles of air into it after it has been
used in respiration, probably. Fig. 2 shows a portion of a grass
stem with the young insect in the frothy mass, magnified. At a, the
insect is shown reaching out the hinder part of the body to secure a
bubble of air. At b, the insect is allowing the bubble of air to escape
in the fluid. At c, the mouth parts are shown like a sting piercing
the grass. Fig. 3 represents the grass with two masses of froth on
it at a, a, and a young insect exposed at b. These illustrations are
from Morse's First Book of Zoology, and I am indebted to the pub-
lishers of that w(>rk for the use of them.

Fig. 2. Fig. 3.

Two different species of spittle-insects are common on grass in
Massachusetts, Philaenus spuinarius (Linn.) and Philaenus Uneatus
(Linn.), and they also occur in Europe from which country the}' were
probably introduced. Although these two insects feed on many
different species of plants, it is said that they are strictly attached to
grasses and low plants, and that they never occur on trees and shrubs
except by accident.

It is not known where they lay their eggs, but as the females are
provided with saw-like appendages connected with the ovipositor, it
is probable that they cut slits in the stems of the plants near the
ground, in whicli to deposit their eggs. I incline to the impression

11

that they hibernate during the winter in the perfect state, and lay
their eggs in early summer. This is true of the allied Proconia
costalis, and Heliochara communis^ which I have often found fully
developed in early spring, just emerging from their winter quarters.
The eggs are very large as compared with the size of the insect, and
as but very few are laid, these pests are never liable to become
excessivel}' abundant. This insect remains in the frothy secretion
during the early stages (nymph) , but, after reaching the adult stage,
does not make this secretion, and becomes very active. Although
the wings are well developed it does not fly any great distance, but
makes long leaps, and runs quickly, often with a peculiar sideways
motion to the opposite side of the plant from the observer.

The Spume Spittle-insect, (Philaerms spumarius Linn.) is very
variable in color, about one-fourth of an inch in length, of a clay-
yellow color, and sprinkled more or less with brown, but some varie-
ties are almost entirely brown. The female of this species lays from
eight to ten long whitish eggs.

The Liued Spittle-insect, (Philaenus Imeatus Linn.) is about one-
fourth of an inch long, of an ochre yellow color, with a whitish stripe
on the costa or outer edge of the wing covers, and a brownish stripe
within and parallel to it. Some of the varieties are dark brown with
a whitish costal stripe.

Although the mass of froth on the stems of grass is quite large it
usually contains but a single insect which is so small, that it can
injure the plant but very little, and it is very seldom that the pest is
abundant enough to make any material difference in the hay crop.

Besides the above named species of Spittle-insects in Massachu-
setts, we have Clastoptera proteus, a common species on cranberry
and blueberry bushes, Clastoptera obtusa, on the leaves and twigs of
alder, Apliropliora parallela, on the twigs, and smaller branches of
pine, A. quadrinota, and A. signoreti on the grape vine, and A.
quadrangular is, on grasses, weeds and blackberry twigs.

THE SQUASH BUG.
Anasa tristis (De Geer).

About the last of June or the first of July, when a few young
leaves of the squash have started, the bugs come out of their hiding-
places, in crevices of walls or fences, where they have passed the
winter. The insects pair and the females lay their eggs in little

12

patches on the under-side of the leaves, fastening them to the leaf
with a gummy substance. The eggs are rounded oval in form, about
one sixteenth of an inch long and about one twenty-fifth of an inch
wide, somewhat flattened on the portion attached to the leaf, and of
a reddish or resin color.

The young bugs soon emerge, and are slaty gray above with
several small black warts on the surface, and there is a greenish
tinge to the under surface. As they grow older, they are more of a
yellowish green color with the head slaty black. The young will be
found of different sizes all summer, as the female does not lay her
whole stock of eggs at one time.

Fig. 4.

About the last of September, the bugs have attained their full
growth. Fig. 4, about three-fifths of an inch long, and are ochre yellow
with so many small punctures that it gives a dusky hue to the body.
The full grown bugs when handled, and especially if crushed, give off
a very strong odor.

In order to check the ravages of these insects, they should be
sought for and killed when about to lay their eggs ; but if any have
escaped detection, the eggs may be discovered and crushed. Water
drained from a barn yard is a good remedy as it tends to promote
the vigor and luxuriance of the plants, thus rendering them less
liable to suffer as much from the punctures of the bug.

The plants should be visited daily and searched, as the bugs
remain quiet in the daytime on the stems, or on the ground under the
leaves. Shingles, strips of board or other similar objects may be
laid on the ground for the bugs to hide under, when they may be
captured and destroyed. Experiments with kerosene emulsion have
not thus far proved very successful.

13

THE PEA WEEVIL.

Bruchus pisi Linu.

Fig. 5.

This insect, Fig. 5, natural size, enlarged at a, and an infested pea at
6, is a native of this country, but is now common to nearly all parts of
the world. It is easily distinguished from the other species of its
family, by having a depressed head, a very short snout, and the
antennae eleven jointed, straight and slightly thickened at the end.
On the tip of the abdomen, which is somewhat longer than the wing
covers, are two oval black spots which cause the remaining white
portion to look something like a letter T.

It is about one-fifth of an inch long, of a rusty black color with
more or less white on the wing covers, and a distinct white spot on
the hinder part of the thorax.

The beetles begin to appear as soon as the peas are in blossom,
and when the young pods form, the females lay their eggs on the
outside of them, and as soon as the eggs hatch, the larvae, or grubs,
— which are of a deep yellow color and have a black head, — make
their way through the pods and into the nearest peas. Only one
grub can be fully developed in each pea, and this one will not destroy
the germ for peas will grow if they are infested, but the plant will
be feeble, and the weevils will increase rapidly.

After the grubs are fully grown, they eat a circular hole out to
the shell of the pea, and then complete their transformations. Some
of the beetles emerge from the peas in the fall of the same year that
they were hatched, if the summer has been long and hot ; but as a
general rule they remain in the peas during the winter, and do not
issue till the new vines are growing.

The weevils can be killed by taking the peas that are to be kept
for seed, and enclosing them in tight vessels with camphor ; also by
keeping the peas two years, taking care that the beetles do not

14

escape. A good plan is to tie the peas in tight bags and hang them
in an airy place till Christmas, and then, in order that they may not
become too dry, put them in tighter vessels. The best way is to
plant only sound peas.

THE BEAN WEEVIL.

Bruchus ohsolelus Say.

Fig. 6.

The general color of this weevil. Fig. 6, natural size, and enlarged
at a, is tawny gray marked more or less with dull yellow, and it is
less than a fourth of an inch long. Sometimes over a dozen are
found in a single bean. Fig. 6, 6. The female lays her eggs on the
outside of the young pods, and as soon as they hatch, the young
larvae, or grubs, bore through the pods and into Uie beans. They
rarely injure the germ, and the beans will doubtless grow when only
a few occur in a bean ; but when the substance of the bean is
destroyed, even though the germ is not touched, the bean either will
not grow, or will produce only a feeble plant.

Before the larvae are transformed into beetles, they cut a circular
hole out to the shell of the bean and can be easily seen in white or
light-colored beans, after the final changes. Some of the beetles
emerge in the fall, and the remainder in the spring ; therefore the
beans intended for seed should be lightly tied up in stout paper bags,
so that the beetles cannot escape, and kept over till the second year
when they will all be dead. It is better, however, to plant sound
seeds only, and destroy all that contain the weevils.

THE MAY BEETLE.

Lachnosterna fusca (Frohl.)
This insect. Fig. 7, 1, pupa ; 2, larva ; 3 and 4, the beetle, is common-
ly known as the May-beetle, June-beetle, dor-bug, etc. and is very
common, making its appearance early in May or June. The body is

15

oblong, oval, and from three-fourths to an inch in length, about one-
half an inch in diameter, and of a dark chestnut-brown color, while
the head and thorax are sometimes almost black, and the breast is
covered with pale yellow hairs. These beetles remain at rest during
the da}' and eat at night, feeding upon the fruit and leaves of different
trees, often doing much damage. After living for about three weeks
the female lavs her eggs and then dies.

Fig. 7.

The eggs, from forty to fifty in number, are deposited among the
roots of the grass in a ball of earth. They hatch iu the course of a
month, and the young larvae, or grubs, feed upon the rootlets of
various plants. They are soft and white, with a horny head of a
brownish color, and have six legs. When cold weather approaches,
they burrow deeply in the ground and remain till spring. The grubs
do not reach their full size till the third year, when they are about
the size of a man's little finger. They rest on one side, slightly
curved, and near the hinder end the contents of the digestive system
are visible. They then construct an oval shaped cocoon, in which
they change into pupae.

In the spring the perfect insects emerge, live about three weeks
and then die. In the grub state they are very injurious to lawns,
grass lands, and meadows, eating the roots of the grass and causing
it to turn brown and die. They are also injurious to strawberries,
eating the roots and destroying the plants.

On account of the underground life of the larvae, or grubs, of these
beetles, they are hard to destroy. They have their natural enemies.

16

but these are not sufficient, and other means must be employed to
get rid of them. Various animals, — shrews, moles and others that
burrow, destroy many. Certain birds, — robins, crows, blue-jays,
black-birds, etc. also eat them, and the tiger beetles kill them. There
is also a white fungus which sometimes grows in two long processes
from the grubs, one on each side of the head, which destroys them.

Various artificial remedies have been suggested, as the mixing of
wood ashes with the soil, which makes it very unpleasant for the
grubs, and in some cases has proved very efficient. Shaking the
beetles from the trees on to sheets and then burning them is recom-
mended. This can be done best early in the morning. Late fall
plowing has also been recommended, but to reach the grubs it must
be deep, for they burrow down a considerable depth in order to pass
the winter. Swine and domestic fowls are fond of the grubs, and
will destroy them when allowed to have access to the infested field.

From experiments made by Mr. W. B. Alwood, it is probable that
kerosene emulsion may be used successfully for the destruction of
this insect wliile in the ground, but it is necessary to thoroughly
drench the ground, for the purpose of reaching the grubs. This plan
is well worth a trial on lawns, but it is doubtful if it would pay in
fields.

THE PLUM CURCULIO.

Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst.)

The plum curculio belongs to the group of snout-beetles or weevils,
and is very injurious to cherry, quince, peach, and apple trees, as
well as plum trees. The perfect beetle, fig. 8, c, is about one-fifth
of an inch long, grayish-brown or black in color, while on the wing

17

covers is a black shining hump behind which is a dull yellow band
and a few white markings. The thorax and wing covers are rough-
ened and uneven, and the snout is about as long as the thorax.

There is only one brood in a year. The beetles pass the winter in
the perfect state, hiding under the loose bark of trees, rubbish, and
in other convenient places ; and are first seen in May or June when
the fruit is fairly set. The female at once lays her eggs, from fifty
to a hundred in number, in the young fruit, making a small hole with
her snout, and depositing only one egg in a single plum. She then
cuts a crescent shaped slit in front of the hole, fig. 8, d, thus under-
mining the egg and preventing the growing fruit from crushing it.
The eggs are of an oblong-oval form, pearly white, and can be
plainly seen with the naked eye. If the weather is warm, the eggs
will hatch in three or four days, but if cold and rainy, they will
remain sometimes over a week before hatching.

The young larvae, or grubs, fig. 8, a, are gmall, white and foot-
less, and as soon as hatched eat their way to the centre of the fruit
causing it to fall before it is ripe. The grubs are fully grown in
from three to five weeks, being about two-fifths of an inch long, with
a brownish head and a yellowish white body, with a pale line on each
side, and a few minute black bristles. They now leave the fruit,
burrow into the ground, pass into the pupit state, fig. 8, &, and in six
weeks emerge as perfect beetles. These insects are natives of this
country, and when first discovered fed on wild plums, and are now
sometimes found upon them. As the insect feigns death when dis-
turbed, by jarring the trees under which a sheet has been spread, a
great many may be captured and destroyed. It has been recom-
mended to allow poultry to run under the trees as they will eat the
grubs and beetles, and thus hold them in check. It has also been
recommended by some to shower the trees with Paris green in water
as soon as the fruit is fairly set, and before the eggs are laid, so that
the beetles in feeding on the leaves may be destroyed. Others claim
that this is of no value, but my experiments thus far have not settled
the point either wa}'.

THE ONION MAGGOT.

Phorbia ceparum (Meig.)
Early in June a somewhat hairy fly. Fig. 9, may be seen flying
about, and depositing its eggs on the leaves of the young onion plants,
near the roots. Fig. 10.
3

18

Fig. 9. Fig. 10.

Dr. Fitch describes this fly as follows : "It has a considerable
resemblance to the common house fly, though when the two are placed
side by side, this is observed as being more slender in its form. The
two sexes are readily distinguished from each other by the eyes which
in the males are close together, and so large as to occupy almost the
whole surface of the head, whilst in the females they are widely separ-
ated from each other. These flies are of an ash gray color, with the head
silvery, and a rusty black stripe between the eyes, forked at its hind
end. And this species is particularly distinguished by having a row
of black spots along the middle of the abdomen or hind body, which
sometimes run into each other, and then forming a continuous stripe.
This row of spots is quite distinct in the male, but in the female is
very faint, or is often wholly imperceptible. This fly measured 0.22
to 0.25 inches in length, the females being usually rather larger than
the males." The eggs are white, smooth, somewhat oval in outline,
and about one twenty-fifth of an inch in length. Usually not more
than half a dozen are laid on a single plant, and the young maggot
burrows downward within the sheath, leaving a streak of pale green
to indicate its path, and making its way into the root devours all
except the outer skin.

The maggots reach their full growth in about two weeks, when
they are about one-third of an inch long, white and glossy, tapering
from the posterior end to the head, which is armed with a pair of
black, hook-like jaws. The opposite end is cut otf obliquely, and
has eight tooth-like projections around the edge, and a pair of small
brown tubercles near the middle. Fig. 11. shows the eggs, larva,
and pupa, natural size and enlarged.

^^

19

^ao

Fig. 11.

They usually leave the onions and transform to pupae within the
ground. The form of the pupa does not differ very much from the
maggot, Dut the skin has hardened and changed to a chestnut-brown
color, and they remain in this stage about two weeks in the summer,
when the perfect flies emerge. There are successive broods during
the season, and the winter is passed in the pupa stage.

The following remedies have been suggested :

Scattering dry unleached wood ashes over the plants as soon as
they are up, while they are wet with dew, and continuing this as often
as once a week through the month of June is said to prevent the
deposit of eggs on the plants.

Planting the onions in a new place as remote as possible from
where they were grown the previous year has been found useful, as
the flies are not supposed to migrate very far.

Pulverized gas lime scattered along between the rows has been
useful in keeping the flies away.

Watering with liquid from pig pens collected in a tank provided
for the purpose, was found by Miss Ormerod to be a better preven-
tive than the gas lime.

When the onions have been attacked and show it by wilting and
changing color, they should either be taken up with a trowel and
burned, or else a little diluted carbolic acid, or kerosene oil, should
be dropped on the infested plants to run down them and destroy the
maggots in the roots and in the soil around them.

Instead of sowing onion seed in rows, they should be grown in hills
so that the maggots, which are footless, cannot make their way from
oue hill to another.

THE CABBAGE BUTTERFLY.

Pieris rapae (Linn.)

In the New England States there are three broods of this insect in
a year, according to Mr. Scudder, the butterflies being on the wing
in May, July and September ; but as the time of the emergence varies,
we see them on the wing continuously through the season.

20

Fig. 12.
Tlie expanded wings, Fig. 12, male, measnre about two inches,
are white above with the base dusky. Both sexes liave the apex
black and a black spot a little beyond the middle, and the female,
Fig. 13, has another spot below this. The under side of the fore
wings is white, yellowish toward the apex, and with two black spots
in both sexes corresponding to those on the upper side of the female.
A little beyond the middle of the costa, on the hind wings, is an
irregular black spot on the upper surface, while the under surface is
pale lemon yellow without marks, but sprinkled more or less with
dark atoms. The body is black above and white beneath.

Fig. 13.

The caterpillars of this insect feed on the leaves of cabbage, cauli-
flower, turnip, mignonette, and some other plants.

The female lays her eggs on the under side of the leaves of the
food plants, generally, but sometimes on the upper sides or even on
the leaf stalks. They are sugar-loaf shaped, flattened at the base,
and with the apex cut off square at the top, pale lemon yellow in
color, about one twenty-fifth of an inch long and one-fourth as wide,
and have twelve longitudinal ribs with fine cross lines between them.

The eggs hatch in about a week, and the young caterpillars, which
are very pale yellow, first eat the shells from which they have
escaped, and then spin a carpet of silk upon which they remain
except when feeding. They now eat small, round holes through the
leaves, but as they grow older change to a greenish color with a pale

21

3'ellow line along the back, and a row of small yellow spots along the
sides, and eat their way down into the head of the cabbage.

Fig. 14.

Having reached its full growth, the caterpillar. Fig. 14, a, which
is about an inch in length, wanders off to some sheltered place, as
under a board, fence-rail, or even under the edge of clapboards on
the side of a building, where it spins a button of silk, in which to
secure its hind legs, then the loop of silk to support the forward part
of the body.

It, now casts its skin changing to a chrysalis, Fig. 14, b, about
three-fourths of an inch in length, quite rough and uneven, with
projecting ridges and angular points on the back, and the head is
prolonged into a tapering horn. In color they are very variable,
some are pale green, others are flesh colored or pale ashy-gray, and
sprinkled with numerous black dots. Tlie winter is passed in the
chrysalis stage.

After the caterpillar changes to a chrysalis, their minute parasites
frequently bore through the outside and deposit their eggs within.
These hatch before the time for the butterflies to emerge, and feed-
ing on the contents, destroy the life of the chrysalis.

Birds and spiders are of great service in destroying these insects.

The pupae should be collected and burned if the abdomen is flexi-
ble ; but if the joints of the abdomen are stiff and cannot be easily
moved, they should be left, as they contain parasites.

Several applications of poisons have been used, the best results
being obtained from the use of pyrethrum as a powder blown on to
the plants by a hand bellows, during the hottest pait of the day, in
the proportion of one part to four or five of flour.

As the eggs are laid at different times, any application, to be thor-
oughly tested, must be repeated several times.

22

THE APPLE-TREE TENT-CATERPILLAR.

Clis io campa am er tea wa JH arr .

Fig. 15.

Large, white, silken web-like tents. Fig. 15, are noticed by the
roadsides, in the early summer, on wild cheiry trees, and also on
fruit trees in orchards, containing numerous caterpillars of a blackish
color with fine gray hairs scattered over the body.

This well known pest has been very abundant throughout the state
for several years past, and the trees in many neglected orchards have
been greatly injured by it, some being entirely stripped of their
leaves. The trees in these orchards and the neglected ones by the
roadsides form excellent breeding places for this insect, and such as
are of little or no value should be destroyed. If this were well done,
and all fruit growers in any given region were to destroy all the tents
on their trees, even for a single season, the work of holding them in
check or destroying them in the following year would be compara-
tively light.

The moths. Fig. 16, appear in great numbers in July, their wings
measuring, when expanded, from one and a quarter to one and a half
inches or more. They are of a reddish brown color, the fore-wings

23

being tinged witli gray on the base and middle, and crossed by two
oblique whitisli stripes.

Fig. 16.

The females lay their eggs, about three hundred in number, in a
belt, Fig. 15, c, around the twigs of apple, cherry and a few other
trees, the belt being covered by a thick coating of glutinous matter
which probably serves as a protection against the cold weather during
winter.

The following spring, when the buds begin to swell, the eggs hatch
and the young caterpillars seek some fork of a branch where they
rest side by side. Tiio}' are about one-tenth of an inch long, of a
blackish color, with numerous fine gray hairs on the body. They feed
on the young and tender leaves, eating on an average two apiece
each day, therefore the young of one pair of moths would consume
from ten to twelve thousand leaves ; and it is not uncommon to see
from six to eight nests or tents on a single tree, from which no less
than seventy-five thousand leaves would be destroYed, a drain no tree
can long endure.

As the caterpillars grow, a new and much larger skin is formed
underneath the old one which splits along the back and is cast off.
When fully grown, Fig. 15, a and b, which is in about thirty-five to
forty days after emerging from the eggs, they are about two inches
long, with a black head and bod}', with numerous yellowish hairs on
the surface, with a white stripe along the middle of the back, and
minute whitish or yellowish streaks which are broken and irregular
along the sides ; and there is also a row of transverse, small, pale
blue spots along each side of the back.

As they move about they form a continuous thread of silk from a
fleshy tube on the lower side of the mouth, which is connected with
tlie silk producing glands in the interior of the body, and by means of
this thread they appear to find their way back from the feeding
grounds. It is also by the combined efforts of all of the young from
one belt of eggs that the tents are formed.

These caterpillars do not feed during damp, cold weather, but take
two meals a day when it is pleasant.

24

After reaching their full growth, they leave tlieir tents and scatter
in all directions, seeking for some protected place where each one
spins its spindle shaped cocoon of whitish silk intermingled with
sulphur colored powder, Fig. 15, d. They remain in these cocoons,
where they have changed to pupae, from twenty to twenty-five days,
after which the moths emerge, pair, and the females lay their eggs
for another brood.

Several remedies have been suggested, a few of which are given
below. Search the trees carefully, when they are bare, for clusters of
eggs ; and, when found, cut off the twigs to which they are attached,
and burn them.

As soon as any tents are observed in the orchard they should be
destroyed, which may be readily and effectually done by climbing the
trees, and with the hand protected by a mitten or glove, seize the
tent and crush it with its entire contents ; also swab them down with
strong soap-suds or other substances ; or tear them down with a
rounded bottle-brush.

Burning with a torch not only destioys the caterpillars but injures
the trees.

It should be observed, how^ever, since the caterpillars are quite
regular in taking their meals, in the middle of the forenooa and after-
noon, that they should be destroyed only in the morning or evening
when all are in the tent.

Another remedy is to shower the trees with Paris green in water
in the proportion of one pound to one hundred and fifty gallons of
water.

THE FOREST TENT-CATERPILLAR.

CUsiocampa disstria (Hiibiier.)

Fig. 17.

This species, commonly known as the Forest Tent-Caterpillar,

25

closely resembles the Apple-tree Tent-caterpillar, but does not con-
struct a visible tent. It feeds on various species of forest-trees, such
as oak, ash, walnut, hickory, etc., besides being very injurious to
apple and other fruit trees. The moth. Fig. 17, 6, expands an inch
and a half or more. The general color is brownish yellow, and on
the fore-wings are two oblique brown lines, the space between them
being darker than the rest of the wing. The eggs. Fig. 17, c and d,
which are about one-twenty-fifth of an inch long and one-fortieth
wide, are arranged, three or four hundred in a cluster, around the
twigs of the trees. Fig. 17, a. These clusters are uniform in diame-
ter and cut off squarely at the ends. The eggs are white, and are
firmly fastened to the twigs and to each other, b}' a brown substance,
like varnish, which dries, leaving the eggs with a brownish covering.
The eggs hatch about the time the buds burst, or before, and the
young caterpillars go for some time without food, but they are hardy
and have been known to live three weeks with nothing to eat, although
the weather was very cold.

'ib//^

Fig. 18.

As soon as hatched they spin a silken thread wherever the}' go,
and when older wander about in search of food. The caterpillars are
about one and a half inches long when fully grown. Fig. 18. The
general color is pale blue, tinged with greenish low down on the
sides, and everywhere sprinkled with black dots or points, while
along the middle of the back is a row of white spots each side of
which is an orange yellow stripe, and a pale, cream yellow stripe
below that. These stripes and spots are margined with black. Each
segment has two elevated black points on the back, from each of
which arise four or more coarse black hairs. The back is clothed
with whitish hairs, the head is dark bluish freckled with black dots,
and clothed with black and fox-colored hairs, and the legs are black,
clothed with whitish hairs.

At this stage the caterpillars may be seen wandering about on
fences, trees, and along the roads in search of a suitable place to
spin their cocoons, which are creamy white, and look very much like
those of the common tent-caterpillar, except that they are more
loosely constructed.
4

26

Within the cocoons, in two or three davs they transform to pupae
of a reddish brown color densely clothed with short pale yellowish
hairs. The moths appear in two or three weeks, soon lay their eggs
and then die. The insects are not abundant many years in succes-
sion, as their enemies, the parasites, increase and check them.

Many methods have been suggested for their destruction, but the
most available and economical are to remove the clusters of eggs
whenever found, and burn them, and to shower the trees with Paris
green in the proportion of one pound to one hundred and fifty gallons
of water.

THE STALK-BORER.
Gortyna nitela Guen.

Fig. 19.

The perfect moth, Fig. 19, 1, expands from one to one and a half
inches. The fore-wings are of a mouse-gray color tinged with lilac
and sprinkled with fine yellow dots, and distinguished mainly b}' a
white band extending across the outer part. The moths hibernate in
the perfect state, and in April or May deposit their eggs singl}- on
the outside of the plant upon which the young are to feed. As soon
as the eggs hatch, which is in about a month, the young larvae, or
caterpillars, gnaw their way from the outside into the pith.

The plant does not show any sign of decay until the caterpillar is
fully grown, when it dies. The caterpillar. Fig. 19, 2, is about one
and one-fourth inches long, of a reddish-brown color with whitish
stripes along the body. The stripes on the sides are not continuous,
and the shading of the body varies, being darker on the anterior than
on the posterior portion. "When fully grown. Fig. 20, the color is
lighter and the stripes are broader. At chis stage of life it burrows
into the ground just beneath the surface, and changes into the pupa
state. The pupa is three-fourths of an inch long, and of a mahogany
brown color. The perfect moth appears about the first of September,
and there is only one brood in a season.

The caterpillars feed in the stalks of corn, tomatoes, potatoes,
dahlias, asters, and also in young currant bushes, besides feeding on

27

manv species of weeds. By a close inspection of the plants about
the beginning of July, the spot where the borer entered, which is
generally quite a distance from the ground, may be detected, and the
caterpillar cut out without injury to the plant. This plan is imprac-
ticable for an extensive crop, but by destroying the borers found in
the vines that wilt suddenly, one can lessen the number another year.

THE PYRAMIDAL GRAPE-VINE CATERPILLAR.

iropMla pyramidoides (Guen.).

Fig. 21.

This caterpillar, Fig. 21, is generally found on grape vines early in
June, but also feeds on apple, plum, raspberry, maple, poplar, etc.
It is about an inch and a half in length, with the body tapering towards
the head ; of a whitish green color, darker on the sides ; with a longi-
tudinal white stripe on the back, broader on the last segments. Low
down on each side is a bright yellow stripe, between this and the one
on the back is another less distinct, and the under surface of the body
is pale green.

The caterpillar is fully grown about the middle or the last of June,
when it descends to the ground, draws together some of the fallen
leaves, and makes a cocoon in which it soon changes to a mahogany-
brown pupa.

Fig. 22.
In the latter part of July the perfect moth, Fig. 22, emerges, meas-
uring, when its wings are expanded, about one and three-fourths
inches ; the fore wings are dark brown shaded with lighter, with dots
and wavy lines of dull white. The hind wings are reddish, or of a
bright copper color, shading to brown on the outer angle of the front

28

edge of the wing, and paler toward the hinder and inner angle.

The under surface of the wings is lighter than the upper, and the
body is dark brown with its posterior portion banded with lines of a
paler hue.

This pest may be destroyed by hand-picking, or by jarring the
trees or vines on which they are feeding, when they will fall to the
ground and may be crushed or burned.

THE GRAPE-BERRY MOTH.

Eudemis botrana (S. V.).

Fig. 23.

The moths emerge and fly early in June, and are quite small,
measuring, when the wings are expanded, only two-fifths of an inch,
Fig. 23, a, enlarged. The fore wings are purplish or slate brown
from the base to the middle, the outer half being irregula-rly marked
with dark and light brown.

These insects are two brooded and the first brood feeds not only on
the leaves of the grape but on tulip, sassafras, vernonia and rasp-
berry. The caterpillars of the second brood emerge when the grapes
are nearly grown, and bore in them a winding channel to the pulp,
continuing to eat the interior of the berry till the pulp is all consumed,
Fig. 23, d, when, if not full grown, they draw one or two other berries
close to the first and eat the inside of those.

The mature caterpillar, Fig. 23, b, measures about half an inch in
length, is dull greenish with head and tiioracic shield somewhat
darker : the inteinal organs give the body a reddish tinge. It then
leaves the grape and forms its cocoon by cutting out a piece of a leaf
leaving it hinged on one side ; then rolling the cut end over fastens
it to the leaf, thus making for itself a cocoon in which to pupate.
The pupa is dark reddish brown.

The second generation passes the winter in the pupa state, attached

29

to leaves which fall to the ground ; therefore, if all the dead and dried
leaves be gathered in the fall and burned, also all the decayed fruit,
a great many of these insects would be destroyed. As the cater-
pillars feed inside of the berry, no spraying of the vines with poisons
would reach them. The caterpillar makes a discolored spot where it
enters the berry. Fig. 23, c, therefore the infested fruit may be easily
detected, and destroyed.

There is a small parasite that attacks this insect and helps to keep
it in check. The insect has been known in Europe over a hundred
years. It is not certain when it was introduced into America, but
it is now found from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, and from the
Atlantic to the Pacific ocean.

THE CODLING MOTH.

Carpocapsa pomonella (Linn.)
This well known insect has a world wide reputation, and is now
found wherever apples are raised.

Fig. 24.
The moths are on the wing about the time the young apples are
beginning to set, and the female lays a single egg in the blossom end
of each apple. The Core wings of the moths when expanded, Fig.
24, g, if, with the wings closed,) measure about half an inch across,
and are marked with alternate wavy, transverse streaks of ashy gray
and brown, and have on the inner hind angle a large, tawny-brown,
horseshoe shaped spot streaked with light bronze or copper color.
The hind wings and abdomen are light brown with a lustre of satin.

30

Each female lays about fifty eggs which are minute, flattened,
scale-like bodies of a yellowish color. In about a week the eggs
hatch and the tiny caterpillar begins to eat through the apple to the
core, Fig. 24, a, pushing its castings out through the hole where it
entered. Fig. 24, b. Often-times these are in sight on the outside in
a dark colored mass, thus making wormy apples plainly seen at quite
a distance.

The caterpillar is about two-fifths of an inch in length, of a glossy,
pale yellowish white color, with a light brown head. The skin is
transparent and the internal organs give to it a reddish tinge.

When mature the caterpillars. Fig. 24, e, top of head and second
segment, h, emerge from the apples and seek some sheltered place,
such as crevices of bark, or corners of the boxes or barrels in which
the fruit is stored, where they spin a tough whitish cocoon. Fig. 24,
I, in which they remain unchanged all winter, and transform to pupae.
Fig. 24, d, the next spring, the perfect moths emerging in time to lay
their eggs in the new crop of apples.

One good remedy is to gather all the fallen apples, and feed them
to hogs ; another is to let swine and sheep run in the orchard, and
eat the infested fruit.

It has been recommended to place bands of cloth or hay around
the trunks of the trees for the caterpillars to spin their cocoons
beneath, and to remove them at the proper time, and put them in
scalding water to destroy the worms.

By far the most successful method as yet adopted is to shower the
apple trees with Paris green in water, one pound to one hundred
and fifty gallons of water, when the apples are about the size of
peas, and again in about a week.

THE CABBAGE LEAF-MINER. t

Plutella cruciferarum Zell.

The cabbnge leaf-miner is not a native of this country, but was
imported from Europe.

The perfect moth, Fig. 25, /, with the wings expanded, (h, with
the wings closed, g, a dark variety,) measures three quarters of an
inch. The fore wings are ashy gray, and on the hinder margin is a
white or yellowish white stripe having three points extending into the
gray, thus forming, when the wings are closed, three diamond
shaped white spots. Generally there is a dark brown stripe between
the white and the gray. There are also black dots scattered about
on the anterior part of these wings.

31

f"

m

i

Fig. 25.

The hind wings are leaden brown, and the under side of all the
wings is leaden brown, glossy, and without any dots.

The antennae are whitish with dark rings, and the abdomen white.
There are two broods of this insect in this region, the moths of the
first appearing in May, and those of the second in August. They
hibernate in the pupa stage.

The caterpillars, Fig. 25, a, (6, the top and c, the side of a seg-
ment,) appear in June or July and September; they are small and
cylindrical, tapering at both ends, pale green, and about one-fourth
of an inch long. The head has a yellowish tinge, and there are
several dark, stiff hairs scattered over the body.

When ready to transform, this caterpillar spins a delicate gauze-
like cocoon. Fig. 25, e, made of white, silken threads, on the under
side of a cabbage leaf. The pupa, Fig. 25, cZ, and i', the end of a
pupa, is commonly white, sometimes shaded with reddish brown,
and can be distinctly seen through the silken case.

The first brood is more injurious than the second, as it feeds on
the young cabbage leaves before the head is formed, and this must
surely stunt the growth and make weak, sickly plants ; while the
second brood feeds only on the outside leaves. The caterpillars are
very active, wriggling violently when disturbed, and falling by a
white silken thread.

Hot dry weather is favorable to them and enables them to multiply
rapidly. Advantage has been taken of this fact, and spraying the
plants thoroughly with water is strongly recommended. Prof. Riley
states that the insects are very readily destroyed by pyrethrum.
There are two species of spiders and a species of Ichneumon fly that
destrov them.

32

THE GARTERED PLUME-MOTH.

Oxyptilus periscelidactylus (Fitch) .

Fig. 26.

The caterpillars of this species draw together the young grape
leaves, Fig. 26, a, in the spring, with fine silken threads, and feed
on the inside, thus doing much damage in proportion to their size.
These caterpillars, Fig. 26, a, and e, a segment greatly enlarged, are
full grown in about two weeks, when they are about one-fourth of an
inch long, pale green with whitish hairs arising from a transverse
row of warts on each segment.

Early in June they transform to pupae. Fig. 26, &, which are pale
green at first and change to dark brown. The surface is rough and
the head is cut off obliquely, while on the upper side near the middle
are two sharp pointed horns, Fig. 26, c. They remain in this stage
from a week to ten days, when tlie moths emerge.

The moths. Fig. 26, d, belong to the family commonly known as
plume-mulhs or feather-wings, (PTEROPHOPaDAE) , from having their
wings divided into feather-like lobes. When the wings are expanded
they measure about seven-tenths of an inch across. They are
yellowish brown with a metallic lustre, and have several dull whitish
streaks and spots. The fore wings are split down the middle about
half way to their base, the posterior half having a notch in the outer
margin. The body is somewhat darker than the wings.

It is not known positively in what stage the winter is passed, but
it is supposed to be the perfect or imago stage. The unnatural
grouping and spinning of the leaves together leads to their detection,
and they can be easily destroyed by hand picking and then crushing
or burning them.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN NO. 13.

Diiectis for i Use o! Fynpides and InsucticidGS.

APRIL, 1891.

The Bulletins of this Station ivill be sent free to all newspapers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1891.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Ag'ricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.
Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell, . . Director.
William P. Brooks, . . Agriculturist.
Samuel T. Maynard, . . Horticulturist.
Charles H. Fernald, . . Entomologist.

Clarence D. Warner, . . Meteorologist.
William M. Shepardson, . Assistant Horticulturist.
John S. Loring, " "

Frank O. Williams, . . Assistant Agriculturist.
The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, is
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Notice. Will the neivspapers receiving this bulletin please iwint it
in full, that the matter may he brought to the attention of the people as
early as possible.

Division of Horticulture.

S. T. Maynard.

The destruction of our fruits to so large au extent for the past few
years by fungous pests and insects, shows us the necessity of using
every remedy that we know of for the destruction of the causes of
this loss.

The many letters received at this Station asking for specific instruc-
tions relating to the use of the best known fungicides and insecticides
have led to the issue of this bulletin.

Our information is based upon the experiments made at this Sta-
tion, those of the Department of Agriculture at Washington, the
work of many other Stations of the country, and the practice of the
large orchardists and vineyardists of the country, who have made
successful use of the remedies.

The time which experiments have been carried on in this line, has
not been sufficient to decide in every case and under all conditions,
what may be the most economical and the safest remedy or mode of
application, but enough has been learned to warrant the recommen-
dation of the use of a few of the best known remedies, and we feel
confident that if the directions are carefully followed and no
unusual conditions present themselves, great benefit may be derived
from their use.

FUNGOUS PESTS.
The fungous pests which the fungicides described are intended to
destroy, the characteristics of which have been given in previous
bulletins and in the agricultural press generally, are the Apple Scab
{Fusicladium dendriticum) , Pear Leaf Blight {Entomosporium
maculatum), — which also causes the cracking of the fruit, — Plum
Wart {Plowrightia [_Sphoeria'] morbosa), Rot of tlie Plum, Peach,
and Cherry {Monilia fructigena) , Downy Mildew and Brown Rot of
the Grape {Peronospora viticolor), Black Rot of the Grape {Laesta-
dia Bidioellii), Anthracnose of the grape vine (Phaceloma ampelina).
Leaf Blight of the Strawberry {Sphoerella fragariae) and the Potato
Leaf Blight and Potato Rot {Peronospora in]

INSECT PESTS.

The insects most injurious that can be destroyed by combined
fungicides and insecticides are the codling moth {Carpocapsa
pomonella). Tent Caterpillar {Glisiocampa americana) , Canker
Wovm {Anisopteryx vernaia) , VlumCurcuVio (Conotrachelus nenuphar)
Rose Beetle (Macrodactylus sub-spinosus) , the Fotato Beetle {Dory-
phora decem-Uneata) , and the Strawberry' Crown Borer ( Tylodenna
fragariae) .

FUNGICIDES {Fungous Destroyers).

Of the many substances suggested for the destruction of the above
mentioned fungous growths, we recommend only those that are com-
paratively safe to use, and that have given decidedly beneficial
results.

Sulphate of Copper, Blue Vitriol.

Formula. Dissolve 1 lb. of copper sulphate in 25 gallons of water.
Used for spraying trees and vines before the leaves unfold only.
Sulphate of Iron, Copperas.

Formula. Dissolve 1 lb. of iron sulphate in 2 gallons of water.

Used for spraying trees and vines before the leaves unfold.
Bordeaux Mixture.

Formula. Dissolve G lbs. copper sulphate in two or three gallons
of hot water. (If in a powdered form it will dissolve readily in cold
water.) Slake 4 lbs. of fresh caustic lime in water enough to make a
thin whitewash. When both are cool, pour the two mixtures together,
stirring thoroughly, then add water enough to make 25 gallons of the
mixture. Strain through a fine wire or cloth strainer before using.

This is used for the destruction of all the fnngi mentioned, and
may be applied before the leaves unfold, and to the foliage at any
time without injury. It has been found that Paris green can be
used, without injury to tlie foliage in this mixture, many times stronger
than if used in water alone.

Ammoniacal Carbonate of Copper.

Formula a. Dissolve 6 oz. copper carbonate in 3 pints of liquid
ammonia, strength 22^. Dilute with 25 gallons of water.

This is a cheap and easily applied liquid and is not injurious to the
foliage used alone but Paris green should not he used in this mixture.,
as the ammonia will dissolve the arsenic and injure the foliage, even
when used at the rate of 1 lb. to 500 gallons.

It is the best preparation to apply later in the summer, when the
Bordeaux mixture would injure the appearance of the fruit by
adhering to it.

Formula b. Mix thoroughly 6 oz. powdered ammoaia carbonate
and 1 oz. copper carbonate. Keep in air-tight vessels, and dissolve
in 10 gallons of water when used.

This has the advantage of being quickly prepared and is inexpen-
sive. It has not been so well tested in New England as formula a,
and should be tried on a limited scale first before making the general
application. Never use Paris green with this mixture, and applica-
tions slionld not be made until the Paris green in the Bordeaux mix-
ture has been washed out somewhat bv rains.

INSECTICIDES {Insect Destroyers).
We recommend but one insecticide in these instructions for the
reason that we have had very unsatisfactory results from the use of
the other arsenites, and others report much uncertainty in their
results from the use of London purple and white arsenic.

Fig. 1,

METHODS OF APPLICATION.

Our cuts,* Figs. 1, 2 and 3, represent three forms of pumps that

Fig. 2.

are the most useful under different conditions. Fig. 1 for the garden
of a few vines or trees, Fig. 2, the Knapsack pump for the small
vinej'ard or a few fruit trees, and Fig. 3, the pump for the large
orchard or vineyard, where the liquid is to be carried some distance.
The cask may be mounted either on end or on its side, on a stone-
boat or wagon. These pumps may be obtained from dealers in agri-
cultural implements and garden supplies.

Two kinds of nozzles are shown, the " Vermorel nozzle" attached
to the Knapsack pump, which is one of the best, and the adjustable
one attached to the large pump. Both give a fine spray, which is
necessary for economy and success in the use of fungicides.
TREATMENT FOR THE APPLE.

1. Apply either the sulphate of copper, sulphate of iron, or the
Bordeaux mixture before the leaves unfold to destroy any spores or
germs of the apple scab that ma}' adhere to the branches.

i cuts were kindly loaned us by W. & B. Douglas of Middletown, Conn., and are
not inserted here to advertise their pumps as the best, although we believe them to be
thoroughly made and eflacient for the work.

,f^^

'k'^'

;||l||;i;iflliP"tlJ3i||.'

W-i

2. As soon as the petals have fallen, spray with the Bordeaux
mixture and Paris green, 1 lb. to 200 gallons, of the mixture, for the
insects and apple scab.

3. Apply the same mixture again in 8 or 10 days. Should it have
rained hard within a few days of either spraying, another application
must be made at once.

4. In about two weeks spray again with the same mixture.

5. Spray again in from two to four weeks, according to the
weather, with the ammoniacal carbonate of copper, formula b, if it is
found not to injure the foliage in a trial test, otherwise use formula a.

Note. Should the weather be clear with only light dews, one
application of the Bordeaux mixture will remain effective for at least
four weeks.

TREATMENT EOR THE PEAR.

For the leaf blight and the codling moth, the two most injurious
pests attacking the pear, apply :

1. Bordeaux mixture, sulphate of iron, or sulphate of copper,
before the leaves appear.

2. When the fruit has set, i. e., the petals have fallen, spray with
the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green.

3. Repeat the spraying in eight or ten days.

4. Spray again with same mixture in two weeks.

5. Spray with ammoniacal carbonate of copper two or three weeks
later.

The same care must be used in case of heavy rains in the use of
Paris green as with the apple.

TREATMENT FOR THE PLUM.

To destroy the plum wart, the leaf blight, the rotting of the fruit,
and the plum curculio, spra}' as follows :

1. Before the leaves unfold apply the same mixtures as for the
apple and pear.

2. As soon as the petals have fallen, use the Bordeaux mixture
and Paris green.

3. Spray again in eight or ten da3"s.

4. Spray again in two weeks.

5. Use ammoniacal carbonate of copper, in about two weeks.

6. Apply same at intervals of two or three weeks, until the fruit
begins to turn color.

TREATMENT FOR THE PEACH.

The peach crop is injured, when we are fortunate enough to have
one in New England, by the plum curculio and the rotting of the fruit.
The first spraying should be as for the other large fruits, but as the
foliage is more easily injured than that of any other fruit, begin the
application c>f the mixture recommended for the 2d and 3d spraying
one-half strength, increasing to full strength if no injury occurs.

The 4th and 5th applications need be made only to the early varie-
ties, as those ripening the last of August or September are seldom
injured by the rotting of the fruit.

TREATMENT FOR THE CHERRY.

The plum curculio and rotting of the fruit are treated the same as on
the peach, but the 5th applicatiou will not be needed, as the fruit
ripens so early, and the 4th may be omitted with the very early
varieties, should there be little rain.

TREATMENT FOR THE GRAPE.

1. Apply either preliminary mixture, though perhaps the Bor-
deaux mixture is preferable, before the leaves unfold.

2. Just before the blossoms open, use the Bordeaux mixture and
Paris green for the " Rose Beetle."

3. Use the same mixture eight or ten days later, or as soon as
the fruit has set.

4. Use the Bordeaux mixture without the Paris green, at intervals
of about two weeks, up to August 1st.

5. Then make one or two applications of the ammoniacal carbon-
ate of copper, according to the weather.

TREATMENT FOR THE STRAWBERRY.

1. Apply the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green as sopn as the
leaves begin to grow vigorously.

2. Use the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green just before the first
blossoms open.

3. After the fruit has been gathered, if the bed is to be continued,
make one application of the above mixture. The Paris green is
included to deslroy the " Crown Borer" vrhich is injurious in some
sections.

TREATMENT FOR THE POTATO.

To destroy the potato beetle and the blight and rot, apply the
Bordeaux mixture and Paris green at intervals of about two weeks.
Should heavy rains follow the application, it must be repeated, as is
the case with the use of Paris green and plaster or water.

Should none of the potato beetles or their larvae appear, use only
the Bordeaux mixture.

PREPARATION AND MIXING.

For the greatest econom}^ three casks (kerosene or linseed oil
barrels are good) are used. One cask is cut in two in the middle,
the tubs made from the halves being used for dissolving the copper

10

and lime. The second cask is used for stirring together the two
mixtures, and the third cask for the attachment of the pump.

In the use of the Bordeaux mixture the liquid must be strained
thoroughly, a cloth strainer being put over the barrel when the lime
and the copper mixtures are poured together, and then again strained
when poured into the pump cask.

CAUTION.

Animals should not be allowed under the trees or vines for a short
time after the use of the Paris green mixture, although no proof has
ever been found that they would be injured unless an unnecessary
amount of the mixture was used. Chickens and young poultry
might be injured by picking up the particles of lime and Paris green,
but grown poultry have received no injury when allowed to run in the
college vineyard and orchard where the trees were sprayed with the
above mixtures, and the trunks painted with Portland cement and
Paris green.

Paris green and all other arsenites should be kept out of the reach
of children, irresponsible persons, and domestic animals.

We would advise the trial of the mixtures, on a small scale, if a
larger amount of Paris green is used than is here recommended.
We believe, however, that more frequent applications will give better
results than an increased strength of the mixture.

NOTICE TO EXPERIMENTERS.

No experiment will be of any value unless some trees or vines of
the same kind and in the same condition are left untreated, as check
trees. Two or three trees under each treatment, a few grape vines,
one or two rows of strawberries or potatoes, untreated will be suffi-
cient, but such checks must be provided or it will be impossible to
judge of the value of any application.

The season is advancing so rapidly that if the buds have burst
and the leaves begin to show, use only the Bordeaux mixture for the
first application. While it is not positively known that the sulphate
of Copper and iron solutions will injure the foliage at this stage it is
best to be on the safe side and use only the Bordeaux mixture
which is certainly harmless, using the two other solutions on a few
trees or vines only.

The top branches of high trees are best reached by using longer
hose and fastening the nozzel at an angle of about 45^ to a light pole
10 or 12 feet long, winding the hose around the pole a few times to
better enable the operator to get around with it.

11

GIRDLING GRAPES.

BY JABEZ FISHER.

I send you the details and results of a repetition of the experiment
furnished a year ago in girdling grapes. The same vines were
treated as last year with some additional ones. The operation was
performed July 18th and 19th, when the berries were as large as
peas. The tool used was the small blade of an ordinar}' jackknife
and it required fourteen hours' service by a fifteen years old boy to
complete 648 girdles, the particular spots being marked in advance.
A part of them were upon one of the two arms forming each vine,
but the larger portion included both arms, leaving a few central
shoots only, untreated. The ring of bark removed was from one-
half to three-fourths of an inch in length.

The girdled grapes showed color Aug. 17th, and the ungirdled
Aug. 25th. Those girdled were first sent to market Sept. 22d, and
the others Oct. 3d, eleven days later, against ten days in 1889.

The analysis as made by Dr. C. A. Goessmann is here given :

Gathered Sept. 22d. Girdled. Not Girdled.

Moisture at 100° C, 84.93 86.49

Ash, .48 .47

Grape sugar, 9.29 7.36

Acid (Tartaric), 1.17 1.15

At this time the girdled grapes were fairly vrell ripened, very
nearly as good as they became a week later, and better than those
gathered Oct. 8th. They were sweet with about the right propor-
tion of acid, while those not girdled were quite sour and uneatable.

The second gathering took place Oct. 8th near the close of the
harvesting and the analysis follows :

Gathered Oct. 8th. Girdled. Not Girdled.

Moisture at 100° C, 85.16 85.38

Ash, .54 .59

Sugar, 9.12 6.65

Acid (Tartaric), .74 .51

At this date the girdled grapes had lost a little of their sparkle,
and the others had attained an apparently satisfactory amount of
sugar with very little undue acid, and yet the analysis tells us that
while the former had lost two per cent, of sugar with thirty-seven
per cent, of acid, the latter had lost nearly ten per cent of the sugar
that they held Sept. 22d when uneatable, but had also lost more than
fifty per cent, of their acid. This would indicate that the absence
of acid* is of more importance in rendering grapes palatable than
the presence of sugar in excess, and it would seem that the ripening

12

process involves more the lessening of acid than the increase of
sugar.

The enlargement in size of berries from girdling was from twenty-
five to forty per cent, and although upwards of five inches of
rain fell between Sept. 6th and 18th, which caused many of the
berries to split open and threatened destruction to the whole, the
more favorable weather which followed suspended this result and
they went to market in good condition and were all sold before the
others were ready to follow.

The fruit remaining on the vines of which one arm had been
girdled was decidedly inferior to that on ungirdled vines, both in
earliness of ripening and quality, insomuch reducing the advantages
of the operation, while the fruit on the two to four central shoots
between two girdled arms on the same vine was worthless, showing
that there is some robbing of Peter to pay Paul and suggests whether
it is possible to long continue the operation without injury to the
ripening of the roots of the vine. The three years in which this
treatment has been carried out has not developed as yet an answer
to this question.

The Use, of Sulphate and Muriate of Potash.

Upon one of three contiguous vineyards of an acre each, the form
in wliich potash is applied has for four years been different from the
others. A formula is compounded which is intended to supply 25
lbs. of phosphoric acid, 30 lbs. of nitrogen and 75 lbs. of potash
to the acre, annually. Two of these vineyards have been furnished
with potash in the form of muriate, and the other as a higher grade
sulphate. Fruit was gathered from each of these vineyards Oct. 8th,
the analysis of which is here given :

Muriel te of Potash. Sulphate of Potash.

Moisture at 100^ C. 85.38 85.11

Ash, .59 .53

Sugar, 6.65 7.67

Acid, .51 .71

The analysis of the ash follows :

Muriate of Potash. Sulphate oF Potash.

In dry matter. In ash. In dry matter. In ash.

Potas.sium Oxide, 1.55 42.61 1.68 46.28

Phosphoric Acid, .34 8.63 .30 8.26

Nitrogen, .78 .80

The fruit was equally ripe in the two vineyards and while there
appeared to be about the same proportion of sugar and acid, there
was to the taste a slight preference for those treated with sulphate
of potash, as if the vines in the other case had been somewhat over-
loaded, which was not the case.

*Thia is sliown by the analysis of the lona grape whicli most persons will pronounce
an acid grape but which really contains more sugar than the Delaware.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 14.

FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

MAY, 1891.

The Bulletins of this Station loill be sent free to all newsjiapers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1891 .

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the ' ' Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodet.l,
William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynard,
Charles H. Fernald,
Clarence D. Warner, .
William M. Shepardson,
John S. Loring,
Frank O. Williams, .

Director.

Agriculturist.

Horticulturist.

Entomologist.

Meteorologist.

Assistant Horticulturist.

Assistant Agriculturist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, dkectly or indirectly in agriculture, are
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Division of Agriculture.

William P. Brooks.

SOIL TESTS WITH FERTILIZERS.

During the season of 1890 Soil Tests with Fertilizers have been
carried out under my supervision in the counties of Essex, Middlesex,
Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Worcester, Hampshire, Hampden,
Franklin and Berkshire. Besides these we have had two acres in a
similar experiment with corn upon our own grounds and several vol-
unteer workers in different sections of the state. In the following
pages will be found an account of the experiments in the several
counties above named as well as of those on our own grounds and of
one by a volunteer worker whose crop was more or less directly under
our eyes during growth and which was weighed at harvest by my
assistant.

The plan of exi)eriment was similar to that followed in 1889 and it
is described in detail in Bulletin No. 9 of this Station. One acre
was used in each experiment and the crop was corn. In each acre
were laid out fifteen plots (with one exception where there were four-
teen) of one-twentieth of an acre each : and the fertilizers used were
nitrate of soda, dissolved 'bone-black, muriate of potash, land plaster,
lime and barn-yard manure. The first three mentioned fertilizers were
selected as sources respectively of nitrogen, phosphoric acid imd pot-
ash which are recognized to be essential elements of all fertilizers and
manures, — often indeed they appear to be the only essential elements.
The reason for selecting these materials is that they allow us to fur-
nish essentials of plant food singly or in any desired combination.
Other materials might serve the farmer's purpose equally well ; but
for our purpose we must have forms of fertilizers which enable us to
trace results to definite causes.

In these experiments we, in effect, ask the soil: — " What must
you have to enable you to produce a crop," and in proportion as nat-
ural inequalities of the soil and accidental causes of variation are
avoided the answers are definite and valuable. Our experiments
might be regarded as complete without the plots on which barn-yard
manure, Ii?i3e and plaster are used, in so far as affording an answer to
the above question is concerned : but, for purposes of comparison,
these extra plots are introduced.

The materials used were each applied at the following rates wher-
ever employed : —

Per acre, Pounds.

Nitrate of soda, 160

Dissolved bone-black, 320

Muriate of potash, 160

Lime, 160

Land plaster, 160

Barn-yard manure, 5 cords

The materials were all sampled and analyzed and the manure used
was weighed, so that we are able to calculate the amounts of the
essentials — nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash — applied to the
plots receiving this material, and thus to institute interesting com-
parisons with the plot receiving the same elements in the form of
fertilizers. These comparisons will appear under the several
experiments.

The fertilizers used : —

Nitrate of Soda.

Moisture at 100° C,

.90 per cent.

Nitrogen,

15.70 ''' "

Sodium oxide.

34.66 '' "

Dissolved

Bone-black.

Moisture at 100° C,

15.96 per cent,

Organic and volatile matter,

31.79 - "

Total phosphoric acid.

15.06 " "

Soluble "

14.19 " "

Reverted " "

.18 " "

Insoluble " "

.69 " "

Insoluble matter,

7.27 " "

Muriate of Potash.

Moisture at 100° C,

.43 per cent.

Potassium oxide,

50.97 " "

Chlorine,

48.64 " "

Insoluble matter.

.11 " "

Calcium Sulphate.

Moisture at 100° C,
Calcium oxide,
Sulphuric acid,
Insoluble matter.

14.05 per cent.
32.65 " "
41.90 " "
2.22 '• "

Lime.

Calcium oxide,
Insoluble matter,

74.79 per cent,

0.77 " "

The following comparison between the amounts of the essentials
furnished by the fertilizers used and the amounts found in fifty bush-
els of corn and its usual proportion of stover and cobs is of interest :
Furnished pounds. Required 'pounds.

Nitrogen, 25.12 91

Phosphoric acid, 48.19 29

Potash, 81.55 63

It will be noticed that nitrogen is applied in far less amount than
the crop requires, while phosphoric acid is applied in large and
potash in moderate excess of the requirements of the crop.

The manures used in the several experiments varied widely ; but
all supplied far more nitrogen than the fertilizers, while the potash
was in a number of cases much less. Herein, perhaps, lies, at least
in part, the explanation of the fact that of the different elements of
plant food potash seems to be more often proportionally deficient in
soils than either phosphoric acid or nitrogen.

In all cases fertilizers and manures were evenly spread broadcast
upon the ploughed land and harrowed in just previous to planting
the seed.

The selection of seed was left to the individual experimenters, as
it was felt that success would be more certain with varieties suited
to the several localities and familiar to the cultivators. In most cases
a variety of yellow flint corn was selected. The rows were in all cases
three and a-half feet apart and hill planting was generally adopted.

Each experimenter was furnished with a standard maximum and
minimum thermometer and a rain guage ; and, although accidental
breakages of instruments caused some irregulaiities, observations
were generallj' kept up from the time of planting to the time of
harvest. A summary of the record of each observer will be found
under the account of his experiment.

Each experiment was visited twice either by myself or by my
assistant, Mr. F. 0. Williams, and the latter gentleman assisted in
the harvest, weighed the crops on the several plots and took a sample
from each in every experiment.

A large number of systematic measurements were taken by most
of the experimenters. These were advised with a view to the study
of the effects of the several fertilizers during different stages of the
growth of the crop. The general method of measurement was to
take every sixth to tenth hill (varying according to length of row) in
the middle row of each plot. The leaves were straightened to the
highest possible point, and from the tip to the ground was the height
recorded. The records will be found under the appropriate
experiments.

Before giving a detailed account of these experiments a tew general
explanations are necessary. In each experiment the weight of the
entire product of each plot was taken, hard cor/i, soft corn, and
stover separately. In converting hard corn into bushels 75 pounds
of ears are considered equal to one bushel of shelled corn and in the
case of soft corn, 90 pounds. In obtaining the value of the crop,
hard corn is estimated at seventy-five cents and soft corn at thirty
cents per bushel, and stover at $5 per ton. The bare cost only of
fertilizers is taken into consideration in calculating profit or loss
No account is made of the labor of applying. Nitrate of soda is
estimated at $50 per ton ; Dissolved bone-black at $30 ; Muriate of
potash, at $40; Plaster, at $9; and Lime at $12: and barn-yard
manure, at $5 per cord.

In determining gain or loss from any plot it is compared with the
two nearest nothings, each being given n weight inversely propor-
tional to its distance from the plot under comparison.

In the determination of the effect of each of the ingredients of
plant-food — nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash — four comparisons
are made. For example in the case of nitrogen :

1. The crop where nitrogen alone is applied is compared with the
average of the two nearest nothings.

2. The increase (or decrease) when nitrogen and pliosphoric acid
are used is compared with the increase {or decrease) where phospho-
ric acid only is used.

3. The increase {or decrease) where nitrogen and potash are used
is compared with the increase {or decrease) where potash only is used.

4. The increase {or decrease) where nitrogen, phosphoric acid
and potash are used is compared with the increase {or decrease)
where the two latter only are used.

5. The results of the four comparisons are added, the sum divided
by four, and the result is considered the average increase {or decrease)
due to nitrogen.

Upon this average the profit or loss from the use of nitrogen is cal-
culated, no allowance being made for unexhausted residue.

Similar comparisons and calculations are made for phosphoric acid
and potash. The results for all these ingredients are shown in tabu-
lar form under each experiment.

P'or convenience of comparison with each other and with the results
just mentioned the net results of the use of "complete fertilizer,"
barn-yard manure, plaster and lime are shown in another table,
although this plan involves the repetition of some of the figures given
in the general tabular view of the entire experiment. Below this
table will be found a calculation as to financial result of the use of
each. In this calculation no allowance is made for unexhausted res-
idue of either manure or fertilizer. This omission undoubtedh' makes
the showing for manure more unfavorable than it should be. If we
make the usual allowance of one-half, the manure will come much
nearer paying for itself and for labor of application which, it should
be remembered, has not been charged. The expression "complete
fertilizer " is used in the ordinary sense, to designate a mixture which
supplies nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash.

MARBLEHEAD.

SOIL TESTS WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

By William S. Phillips, Jr.

FERTILIZERS.

Yiel.

per plot 1

Yield per acre. |

Gain

or loss com-

1-24 acre.

She

Co

busl

, , 1

pa

Not
P

i-ed with

!-i

rn
els.

aj

ling Plots
er acre.

Eai

s.

^

Shelled Corn

KIND.

^

1

M

a

^
C

bushels.

xi

^-

o

"S

^

t

1=

« •

"E

>

^

S

g

$

m

W

s.

CO

OS

1

. 1

1

Nothing

66

101

104i

21.1

2.9

2502

2

Nitrate of soda

IGO

99

4

1.36

31.7

1.1

3264

11.

—1.1

532

3

Dissolved bone-black

320

66

54

154+

21.1

1.4

3702

.7

—.4

740

4

Nothing

62*

3

1.33

20.

.8

3192

5

Muriate of potash

160

97

H

2021

31.

.9

4866

9.5

.3

1660

6

f Nitrate of soda '
1 Dissolv'd bone-bl'ck

160
320

87

4

142

27.8

1.1

3408

4.9

.6

189

7

f Nitrate of soda
t Muriate of potash

160
160

114

2*

154*

36.5

.7

3708

12.1

.4

475

8

Nothing

80*

h.

135.i

25.8

.1

3246

9

/ Dissolv'd bone-bl'ck
\ Muriate of potash
f Nitrate of soda

320
160
160

97

1*

212*

31.

.4

5100

3.4

.3

1924

10

J. Dissolv'd bone-bl'ck
( Muriate of potash

320
160

135

2

192

43.2

.5

4608

13.7

.4

1503

11

Land plaster

82

1

123

26.2

.3

2952

—5.1

.2

—83

12

Nothing

*5

103*

*

123*

33.1

.1

2964

13

Barn-yard manure

146

A

215

46.7

.1

5160

15.1

0

2268

14

Lime

160

70*

h

m

22.6

.1

2382

—7.4

0

—438

15

Nothing

89

h

114*

28.5

.1

2748

*Cords.

8

Average of nothing plots ; hard corn, 25.7 bushels ; soft corn, 0.8
bushels ; stover, 2930 pounds.

The field selected for this experiment adjoined that used last year.
It lies just south of Forest river, near Salem harbor and has a consid-
erable slope towards the river, i. e., to the north. The soil is a fine
gravelly loam for a long time in grass without manure.

The upper ends of the plots which run up and down the slope
varied in natural fertility so much that we threw them out, taking
the lower five-sixths of each plot only into account. The vai'iety
planted was eight-rowed yellow flint corn. The field was planted
May 23d ; stooked, Oct. 4th and 5th and husked Oct. 31st. It was
well cared for throughout the season. In Jul}', plot No. 10 appeared
to be the best, while No. 13 was nearly equal to it. In August the
position of these plots was reversed. Throughout the season Nos.
9, 7, 6, 5, and 2 were nearly even.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.
of
Plot

FERTILIZER USED.

Average of Measurements.

Nothhig 3.5

Nitrate of soda 4.2

Dissolved bone-black [ 3.6

Nothing 3.5

Muriate of potasli 3.4

Nitrate and bone-black 3.5

Nitrate and potash 3.8

Nothing 3.1

Bone-black and potasli 3.7

Nitrate, bone-black and potasli 3.8

Land plaster 3.8

Nothing I 3.5

Barn-yard manure j 4.5

Lime \ 3.2

Nothing I 3.3

June 19

July 1

July 14

July 25

8.3

16.1

37.1

53.2

8.3

16.9

42.1

58.9

7.3

14.5

36.5

53.8

6.3

13.2

34.5

49.6

7.5

15.

37.7

54.

7.3

15.6

40.5

56.5

8.2

17.4

40.5

57.7

6.8

13.9

37.7

55.5

8.3

16.7

40.

57.5

8.8

18.4

43.7

62.5

7.3

14.5

36.5

56.

7.6

16.

33.3

53.2

9.4

19.

43.7

61.7

6.8

14.5

34.3

53.

7.

14.6

33.9

54.4

75.3

72.8

75.7

71.9

76.9

77.4

78.

77.

79.8

85.4

74.3

74.8

85.9

77.6

74.1

No important falling off in the condition of the plots receiving the
fertilizers with the advance of the season is shown. The effect was
early shown and well maintained in most cases.

Mr

ANALYSIS OF THE MANURE USED

Moisture at 100° C,
Potassium oxide.
Phosphoric acid,
Nitrogen,
Insoluble matter,
Phillips used 1376 lbs. of manure

67.28 per cent.

.387 "

.289 "

.388 "
14.481 "
At this rate per acre, the

manure would supply : — nitrogen, 106.8 pounds ; phosphoric acid,

79.5 pounds ; and potash, 106.5 pounds. Plot 13 was manured at
this rate, while plot 10 received chemicals, furnishing : nitrogen,
25.1 pounds, phosphoric acid, 48.2 pounds and potash, 81.6 pounds
— one-quarter as much nitrogen, but little more than one-half as much
phosphoric acid and four-fifths as much potash ; and yet plot 10 gave
a larger crop than thirteen, though not quite so large an increase
over the neighboring nothings.

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

May 1 to Sept. 1, 1890.

Temperature in open air in

Degrees Fahre

nheit

.1

S

S

Month.

Means of Daily.

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

||

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

K

May,
June,
July,

August,

70.2

78.7
86.5
86.8

44.6
52.6
58.6
56.

25.6
26.1
28.
30.8

89
97
103
98

31st
25th
16th
15th

36

45
47

47

11th
9th
21st
24th

36
36
39

.47

16th
18th
11th
15th

53
52

56
51

6.83
4.20
2.39
3.67

Season,*

80.6

.53.

27.6

103

July 16

36

May 11

47

Aug. 15

67

17.09

*124 days.

This year, as last, this station shows a wide degree of variability.
It has the highest maximum and the greatest range for the months
under observation.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Muriate Phosphoric

Phosphoric
Nothing. Acid.

of
Potash.

Acid and
Potash.

Average
Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 11 4.2

2.6

10.3

7.0

Soft corn, " " -1.1 1.

1.

1.

.0

Stover, pounds " 532 -551

-1185

-421

-406

Value of net average increment,

$3.88

Financial result,

.12 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC

A.CID TO

Nitrate
Nothing, of Soda.

Muriate

of
Potash.

Niti-ate

and
Potash.

Average
Result.

Hard corn, bu.shels per acre, .7 -6.1

-6.1

1.6

-2.5

Soft corn, " " -.4 1.7

0

0

.3

Stover, pounds " 740 -343

264

1028

422

Value of net average increment,

$ .60

Financial result,

5.40 loss

Nitrate

of
Soda.

Niti-ate
Phosphoric and Phos- Average
Acid. ph'ricAcid. Result.

1.1

2.7 8.8 5.5

1.5

.7 -.2 .6

-57

1184 1314 1025

10

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nothing

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 9.5

Soft corn, " " .3

Stover, pounds " 1660

Value of net average increment, $6.59

Financial result, 3.39 gain

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Complete Barnyard Land

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 13.7 15.1 -5.1 -7.4

Soft corn, " " .4 0 .2 0

Stover, pounds '^ 1503 2268 -83 -437

Fertilizer Manure Plaster Lime

Value of increment due to $13.47 $16.24

Value of decrease due to $3.72 $6.28

Financial result. 1.47 gain 8.76 loss 4.44 loss 7.24 loss

The results of the use of nitrogen and potash are quite similar in
kind, though potash causes the larger and the only profitable increase.
It is noticeable that both appear to cause a large increase over
nothing, i. e., where used alone ; but little increase where used with
either of the other elements alone ; and a large increase where used
with both the others. This indicates, to my mind, a considerable
degree of general exhaustion. The addition of nitrogen to potash
alone could not increase the crop much because phosphoric acid was
wanting ; neither could a similar addition to phosphoric acid produce
much increase because potash was wanting : but add nitrogen to both
phosphoric acid and potash and the result is a considerable increase.
Similar reasoning applies to potash. True, the large increase over
nothing in the case of the use singly of either nitrogen or potash is
inexplicable on this theory. I can but conclude that this increase
was due to natural inequalities in tlie soil rather than to the fertilizer
used.

Phosphoric acid does not appear to have been as much required as
either of the other elements. That it decreased the crop as indicated
in two cases is not supposed to be the case. This result must have
been due to accidental causes. It is noticeable that the largest
increase was where phosphoric acid was added to nitrogen and potash.

u

Complete fertilizer caused an increase sufficient to pay for itself
an'i a little more, while both lime and plaster were used at a loss.

For this soil I should advise for corn a fertilizer rich in potasJi,
containing materials to furnish per acre about: — potash^ 80 pounds,
nitrogen, 25 pounds, and phosphoric acid, 25 pounds.

With such manure as was used, I should advise the application of
materials to furnish about 40 powids of available potash x>er acre, say
80 pounds of muriate of x>otash.

CONCORD.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

By Frank Wheeler. ,

FERTILIZERS.

Yield per plot
1-20 acre.

Yield per acre.

Gain

or loss com-
ired with

Shelled
Corn

t

Ears.

bushels.

per acre.

Shelled Corn

KIND-

P.

5

.s

S

bushels.

S

c

;S

S

o

1

a

eg

5

m

1

Nothing

244

1

335

65.1

.2

6700

2

Nitrate of soda

160

2624

14

345

70.

.3

6900

2.6

.1

153

8

Dissolved bone-black

320

255.4

1

34]

68.1

.2

6820

-1.6

0

27

4

Nothing

270

1

342

72.

.2

6840

5

Muriate of potash

160

27U

1

4164

72.3

.2

8325

1.4

0

1622

6

f Nitrate of soda

\ Dissolved bone-bl'cli

160
320

2624

2

3184

70.

6365

.1

.2

—200

7

f Nitrate of soda
\ Muriate of Potash

160
160

2931

2

4591

78.3

9195

9.5

■2

2767

8

Nothing

254

1

3144

67.7

6290

9

f Dissolved bone-bl'ck
\ Muriate of potash
( Nitrate of soda

320
160
160

275i

2

4004

73.4

8005

7.

.1

2317

10

\ Dissolved bone-bl'ck
( Muriate of potash

320
160

2944

2

441

78.5

8820

13.4

— .1

3735

11

Land plaster

160

2394

44

3154

63.9

6310

.2

.4

1827

12

Nothing

234

3

194

62.4

3880

13

Barnyard manure

*5

2754

n

3664

73.5

1.6

7325

11.3

.3

2727

14

Lime

160

2094

5

341$

55.8

1.1

6835

-6.1

—.7

1518

15

Nothing

23U

11

3011

61.7

2.4

6035

Average of the nothing plots ; hard corn, 65.8 bushels ; soft corn,
0.7 bushels ; stover, 5949 pounds.

The field used for this experiment is nearly level ; the soil a good
sandy loam, with a smooth fine, almost loamy, sandy subsoil, chang-
ing to clear sand at a depth of 2^ to 3 feet, except in one corner

12

where it is more compact or clayey, which probably affected in a
slight degree unfavorably, one end of plots 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.
The land was in pasture until about twenty years ago. Since that
time it had been alternately under the plough and in hay and had
been ploughed once in from three to five years. For the last eight
years it had been under high culture, being ploughed once in four
years with a good dressing of manure and chemicals for sweet corn,
and in hay the other three years with a yearly dressing of either
manure or chemicals. It had been top-dressed the preceding fall
and was in condition to bear a good crop without further manuring,
as will be seen by reference to the yield of the nothing plots.

The experiment was admirably managed in every respect, not
being hand hoed at all, and yet being kept almost perfectly free from
weeds. The variety of corn was an eight-rowed, yellow flint. It
was planted May 16th and 17th, in hills 3 feet 4| inches apart each
way, and three stalks were left in each hill. It was stooked Sept.
25th, and husked Nov. 20th.

Notwithstanding the high condition of the soil, the potash where-
ever used produced a very perceptible improvement from the first.
The nitrate of soda also showed itself, though to a less extent. Both
in July and in August when visited. No. 10 was the best plot in the
field. Next in order were 13, 9, 7, 6, and 5.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZERS USED.

Averages of Measurements.

July 2 July 16 July 31 Aug.30

Nothing,

Nitrate of soda,

Dissolved bone-black^

Nothing,

Muriate of potash,

Nitrate and bone-black,

Niti'ate and potash,

Nothing,

Bone-black and potash,

Nitrate, bone-black and potash.

Land plaster,

Nothing,

Barn-yard manure,

Lime,

Nothing:,

33.
36.
34.
35.
36.
33.
35.
34.
35.
37.
30.
29.
36.
30.
32.

57.
61.
59.
59.
62.
69.
62.
57.
62.
64.
55.
53.
62.
54.
55.

80.
79-
80.
78.
80.
72.
82.
84.
75.
69.
83.
72.
69.

90.

These figures afford no positive evidence of a comparative falling
off in the plots receiving fertilizer with the advance of the season,
except possibly in the case of plot 2, where nitrate of soda only was

13

applied. This, considerably better than No. 1 July 16th, is but
little superior in height, two weeks later.

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C.,. 55.22 per cent.

Potassium oxide, .346 ''

Phosphoric acid, .211 "

Nitrogen, .290 "

Insoluble matter, 28.528 "

The load used weighed 1550 pounds. This furnished at the fol-
lowing rates, per acre ; nitrogen, 89.9 pounds ; phosphoric acid, 65.4
pounds and potash, 107.3 pounds. This causes an increase of only
11.7 bushels of hard corn per acre.

SUMMAKY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

June 1st to Sept. 21st, 1890.

Temperature in open ail- in Degeees Fahrenlieit.

§

CO

Month.

Monthly Means of

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Dai]y Range.

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Oeg.

Date.

June,
July,
August,
Sept.,

76.3
83.4
79.4
74.1

51.3
55.1
54.9
55.4

25.0
28.3
23.5

18.7

87
94
88
84

11&30
31st
17th
5th

40
40
46
45

3rd-
20th
31st
19th

40
39
37
30

10th
22d
17th
19th

47
54
42
39

3.64
2.01
4.31
4.61

Season,*

78.

53.8

24.2

04

July 31

40

June 3d
July 20

40

June 10

64

14.57

*112 Days.

These records show a comparatively wide range of temperature at
this station ; and, as compared with most, low mimimums for June
and July, while in August the thermometer did not fall as low as at
many of the stations.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Phosphoric

Nothing. Acid.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 2.6 1.7

Soft corn, " " .1 .2

Stover, pounds " 153 -227

Value of average net increment,

Financial result,

Muriate Phosphoric

of
Potash.

Acid and Average
Potash. Result

8.1

6.4 4.7

.2

-.2 .1

1145

1418 622

$4.89

.88 gain

14

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, -1.6
Soft corn, " '' 0

Stover, pounds " 27

Value of average net increment,

Financial result,

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nitrate Niti-ate

of Pliosph'ic and Phos- Averaj

Nitrate
of
Soda.

Muriate

of
Potasli.

Nitrate

and Average
Potash. Result.

-2.5

5.6

3.9 1.4

'.1

.1

-.3 0

-353

695

968 334

$1.82
2.98 loss

Nothing.

Soda. Acid.

ph'icAcid

. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 1.4

6.9 8.6

13.3

7.6

Soft corn, " "

0

.1 .1

-.3

.0

Stover, pounds "

1622

2614 2290

3935

2615

Value of average net

increment,

$11.86

Financial result,

8.66 gain

RESULT OF THE ADDITION

TO NOTHING

OF

Complete
Fertilizei

Barnyard
Manure.

Laud
Plaster.

Lime.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 13.4

11.3

.2

-6.1

Soft corn, " "

-.1

.3

.4

-.7

Stover, pounds "

3735

2727

1827

1518

Fertilizer.

3Ianure. Plaster. Lime.

Value of increment due to

$18.69

$14.82 $4.83

Value of decrease due to

S .

68

Financial result,

6.69 gain

10.18 loss 4.

1 1 gain 1

.64 loss

These comparisons make it evident that on this soil potash was
the ingredient most needed ; but it produces its most marked increase
when used with nitrogen and phosphoric acid, and more when used
with either of these singly than when used alone. A large share of
the profit on its use is due to the increase in stover.

Nitrogen proves moderately beneficial, especially when added to a
plot which had received also potash. It is probable that this influence
is due to the quicker start which it gives to the crop, sustained by the
potash later in the season.

It should be noticed that the " complete fertilizer " produces a
much larger increase than the manure, although it furnishes less tlian
one-third the nitrogen, only about two-thirds the phosphoric acid and
four-fifths the potash supplied by the latter.

15

The " complete fertilizer" gives a considerable profit on its use;
but in view of the facts that phosphoric acid seems to do very little
good in any plot and that nitrogen causes but a comparatively small
increase, it appears probable that a fertilizer differently compounded
would have proved more profitable.

For this soil I sJiould recommend fertilizers like tJiose recommended
for Marblehead, page 11, whether to be used alone or with manure
such as was lised here.

BRIDGEWATER.

SOIL TEST VTITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

By A. D. Copeland.

FERTILIZERS.

Yield per plot

Yield per acre.

Gain

No

r

or loss

coni-

1

Shelled

Corn

bushels.

Ears.

hiug Plots

ei acre.

Shelled Corn

o

KIND.

Ph

if

1

.8

o

CO

2.7

s

680

bushels.

J

s

3
^1

1

^
w

1

1

Nothing

3

12

34

2

Nitrate of soda

160

8

18

42

2.1

4.

840

1.2

1.1

133

3

Dissolved bone-black

320

10

17

45

2.7

3.8

900

1.7

.7

167

4

Nothing;

4

15

38

1.1

3.3

760

5

Muriate of potash

160

21

17

47

5.6

3.8

940

3.6

0

120

6

j Nitrate of soda

\ Dissolved bone-bl'ck

160
320

12

17

89

3.2

3.8

700

.2

—.4

—100

7

r Nitrate of soda
\ Muriate of potash

160
160

48

32

70

12.8

7.1

1400

8.9

2.4

460

8

Nothing

18

23

50

4.8

5.]

1000

9

j Dissolved bone-bl'ck
\ Muriate of potash
r Nitrate of soda

320
160
160

52

29

S5

13.9

6.4

1700

9.

1.1

670

10

\ Dissolved bone-bl'ck

320

75

36

115

20.

8.

2300

15.

2.5

1240

11

i Muriate of potash
Land plaster

170
160

24

33

63

6.4

7.3

1260

1.4

1.7

170

12

Nothing

19

26

56

5.1

5.8

1120

13

Barn-yard Manure

*5

72

41

117

19.2

9.1

2340

11.5

2.8

993

14

Lime

160

30

32

65

8.

7.1

1300

—2.2

2.1

—273

15

Nothing

48

33

90

12.8

7.3

1800

Average of the nothings: hard corn, 4.9 bushels ; soft corn, 4.8
bushels ; stover, 1072 pounds.

This experiment was located upon a level piece of land ; the soil,
a very poor, gravelly loam which had been in grass many years with-
out manure. It was planted rather late, owing to illness, with an

16

early variety of Dent corn. The arrangement was perfect and the
field well adapted for the purpose ; but germination was uneven and
squirrels did considerable damage. There were many vacant hills,
especially in plots 1 and 2. We, however, report the actual yield.
The date of planting was June 9th ; the crop was stooked Sept. 27th
and husked Oct. 11th. Plot No. 15 was benefited by manure used
on the land adjoining it.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZER USED.

Average of Measurements.

July 3 July 17 July 29 Aug. 9 Aug. 21 Sept,

Nothing,

Nitrate of soda,

Dissolved bone-black,

Nothing,

Muriate of potash,

Nitrate and bone-blaclc,

Nitrate and potash,

Nothing,

Bone-black and potash,

Nitrate, bone-black and potash

Land plaster,

Nothing

Barn-yard manure

Lime,

Nothing,

G.7
8.4
8.9
7.9
8.6

11.

12. G
8.1

10.1

13.5
8.7
7.3

13.

10.9

12.

15.8

10.6

19.

17.

20.6

14.8

19.

22.5

16.8

12.6

21.9

12.8

16.2

19.7
24.3
28.3
20.2
24.7
31.3
27.5
24.8
42.5
58.8
35.1
32.6
48.9
36.1
35.8

34.3

40.1

48.3

36.7

39.8

52.5

60.4

48.

53.

68.

42.5

42.8

65.

42.6

43.8

51.6
65.1

58.1

47.3

53.

50.2

64.7

57.5

68.6

77.7

55.

64.5

76.5

55.4

58.7

57.5

65,

59.3

78.4
69.6
78.7
88.2
67.5
74.8
83.5
69.2
67.8

In this experiment, too, nitrate of soda excels the adjacent nothings
more in mid-season than at the close, indicating either that it had
been washed away or entirely used up before the end of the season.
We must be cautious about drawing deductions here, however,
because the plants measured were not the same each time.

ANALTSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C, 76.37 per cent.

Potassium oxide, .370 "

Phosphoric acid, .368 "

Nitrogen, .420 "

Insoluble matter, 7.835 "

This manure weighed 43 pounds to the cubic foot, 1376 pounds
were used on the plot. This amount furnishes, per acre : nitrogen,
115.6 pounds; phosphoric acid, 101.3 pounds, and potash, 101.8
pounds. Yet on this poor land it increased the crop only about
fourteen bushels per acre. The poorness of this result was doubtless
largely due to the lateness of planting and the many vacancies in the
field.

17

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

June 12 to September 29, 1890.

Temperature in open air in Degrees Fahrenheit.

¥

1

^

Mohth.

Means of Daily.

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

II

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

«

June,
July,
August.
Sept.,

75.8
83.3
81.2
74.2

50.5
55.5
54.4
50.1

25.4
27.7
23.9
24.2

87
93
93
86

19th
17tli
1st
"th

42
43
42
33

16th
19th
26th
24th

35
40
36
35

12th
10th
16th
22d

45
50
51
53

60

1.99
1.33
2.38
3.77

Season,*

79.1

53.9

25.2

93

July 17
Aug. 1

33

Sept. 24

40

July 10

9.47

*109 days.

These observations indicate an unusually low range of temperature
and a very light rainfall, conditions which must have seriously aggra-
vated the other unfavorable conditions already mentioned.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Phosphoric

Nothing. Acid.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 1.2 -1.5

Soft corn, '^ " 1.1 -1.1

Stover, pounds, " 133 -267

Value of average net increment,

Financial result,

Muriate Phosphoric

Acid and Average

of
Potash.

5.3
2.4

340

Potash.
6.
1.4
570
$2.75
1.25 1

ige
Result.

2.8

1.

194

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing,

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 1.7
Soft corn, " " . .7

Stover, pounds " 167

Value of average net increment.

Financial result,

Nitrate

of

Soda.

1.

-1.5
-233

Muriate

of
Potash.

5.4
1.1

550

Nitrate

and Average
Potash. Result.

6.1 3.1

.1 .1

780 316

$2.99

1.81 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nothing.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 3.6
Soft corn, " " 0

Stover, pounds " 120

Value of average net increment,

Financial result,

Nitrate
of
Soda.

1.3
327

Phospho-
ric Acid.

7.3

.4

503

Nitrate

and
Phospho-
ric Acid.

14.8

2.9
' 1340
$7.67
4.47 gain

Aver.
Result.

8.4

1.2
573

18

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Complete Barnyard Land
Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Hard corn, bushels per acre. 15. 11.5 1.4 -2.2

Soft corn, ^' '' 2.5 2.8 1.7 2.1

Stover, pounds " 1240 993 170 -278

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Value of net increment due to $14.35 $11.37 $1.92
Value of decrease due to $1.59

Financial result, 2.35 gain 13.63 loss 1.20 gain 2.55 loss

These comparisons make it strikingly evident that this soil, almost
exhausted as it was, was to a large degree specially exhausted. It
needed nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash : but the latter to a far
greater degree than either of the others. They, if potash also was
present, produced a considerable increase ; but if it was absent, only
a very small one. The two together are almost powerless to increase
the crop. Potash, on the other hand, even alone causes considerable
increase : with either nitrogen or phosphoric acid, the increase due
to potash is doubled : with both of them and potash, the increase due
to the latter is doubled yet again, amounting to no less than about
seventeen bushels of corn per acre.

The "complete fertilizer" yields a sraaW profit; and though
furnishing but little more than one-fifth the nitrogen, but one-half the
phosphoric acid and but four-fifths tiie potash contained in the
manure used, gives a larger apparent increase than the latter. The
real effect of the manure was, however, probably rather greater than
the figures indicate, since one of the nothings with which it was com-
pared, as already stated, felt the effect of the manure applied to the
adjoining field.

For this soil, I should recommend a similar use of fertilizers to that
suggested for Marblehead, page 11, hut in larger aviounts and with a
somewhat larger proportion of phosphoric acid.

19

FREETOWN.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

By Silas F. Richmond.

FERTILIZERS.

Yield per plot
1-20 acre.

Yield per acre.

Gain or loss com-
pared with
Nothing Plots
per acre.

i

Shelled

Corn
bushels.

«

Ears.

Shelled Corn
bushels.

o

KIND.

r/,

i

1

^

J

■3

'£

_:

■^

V

Z;

£

24

8

1

29

B
6.4

1
1.8

S
580

1

1

1

Nothing-

'^

Nitrate of soda

160

73

12

35

19.5

2.7

700

11.4

.8

—40

3

Dissolved bone-black

320

61

12

40

16.3

2.7

800

6.4

.7

—100

-t

Nothing-

43^

n

53

11.6

2.1

1060

5

Muriate of potash.

160

53^

44i

48

14.3

3.2

960

2.1

.6

—100

6

f Nitrate of soda

I Diss-olved bone-bl'ck

160
320

m

m

45

19.3

3.

900

6.5

--

—160

7

( Nitrate of soda
\ Muriate of potash

160
160

87

13

52

23.2

2.9

1040

9.9

—.6

—20

8

Nothing

52

18

53

13.9

4.

1060

0

f Dissolved bone-bl'ck
\ Muriate of potash
^ Nitrate of soda

320
160
160

83^

9i

50

22.3

2.1

1000

8.9

—1.5

—20

10

< Dissolved bone-bl'ck
( Muriate of Potash

3201

146.^

4i

96

39.1

1.

1920

25.7

—2.1

940

160

11,

Land Plaster

160

78

12

51

20.8

2.7

1020

8.5

0

80

12

Nothing

44

10

45

11.7

2.2

900

13

Barn-yard manure

5*

288

7

135

76. S

1.6

2700

68.5

-.8

1800

14

Lime

160

73.-^

12=1

50

19.6

2.8

1000

14.6

■2

100

15

Nothing

6 1

12.i

45

1.6

2.8

900

The average of all the nothing plots is : hard corn, 11 bushels;
soft corn, 2.6 busiiels ; stover, 900 pounds.

The field is the same used last year for a similar experiment, when
the 'nothings averaged: hard corn, 16.2 bushels; soft corn, 6.7
bushels, and stover, 1328 pounds.

• The variety of corn selected was an eight-rowed yellow flint. The
field was planted, May 13th, stooked Sept. 20th, and husked Nov.
3d. By mistake of Mr. Ricl.moud the rows intervening between the
plots were stooked one with each plot. This lessens the apparent
effect of the fertilizers. Otherwise the experiment was correctly
carried out, and all the work well done.

All through tbe season the plots were rated in the order of excel-
ience shown at the harvest. 13 was from the first best, followed by
10, below which in the order named ranked 7, 9, 6 and 5.

20

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZERS USED.

Nothing,

Nitrate of soda,

Dissolved bone-blacli;

Notliing,

Muriate of Potash,

Nitrate and bone-black,

Nitrate and potash,

Nothing,

Bone-black and potash,

Nitrate, bone-black and potash,

Land plaster,

Nothing,

Barn-yard manure,

Lime,

Nothing,

Average of Measurements.

June 28

July 10

July 33

Aug. 6

8.9

16.6

23.3

42.7

11.2

20.6

30.4

48.2

10.7

19.9

25.4

41.6

7.2

12.9

23.4

43.9

7.4

12.6

27.1

36.5

12.5

28.5

34.6

51.

12.6

24.5

36.9

51.5

9.1

17.3

32.

45.7

12.9

27.1

42.1

50.7

15.6

31.8

45.2

58.3

14.7

27.7

3.86

48.4

13.4

22.1

30.3

45.3

24.

46.4

57.3

70.8

15.4

27.

34.2

49.

13.1

25.5

35.3

43.4

These figures indicate no considerable falling off in the plots
receiving fertilizer with the advance of the season.

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C, 72.53 per cent.

Potassium oxide, .356 "

Phosphoric acid, .226 "

Nitrogen, .260 "

Insoluble matter, 6.735 "

The manure (32 cu. feet) used on the plot weighed 1850 pounds.
At this rate it would supply, per acre : nitrogen, 96.2 pounds ; phos-
phoric acid, 83.6 pounds, and potash, 131.7 pounds. It caused an
apparent increase of about 69 basliels-per acre, far greater than was
produced by equally good manure on land as poor in other experi-
ments. This very large increase may be in part due to the unex-
hausted residue of the manure applied to the same plot last year;
but we have four other experiments affording similar conditions, viz.
Worcester, increase about 21 bushels ; ^Vestfield, increase about 30
bushels; Amherst, increase about 26 bushels; and Shelburne, in-
crease about 9 bushels. These differences are the more inexplicable
in view of the fact that the manure used in Freetown last year was
poorer than that used in most of our experiments, while that used in
Shelburne was best. Under Freetown last year, I wrote the manure
" caused a comparatively large increase in the crop. * * * This
large increase from manure, perhaps, indicates a need of other ele-
ments of plant food than those furnished by all the fertilizers used,

21

or it may be that the organic matter of tlie manure is especially useful
here." In view of the result of the use of manure this year these
remarks seem doubly pertinent now.

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

April 10th to Nov. 1st.

Temperature in open air in Degi-ees Fahrenheit.

>3

f

3

Month.

Monthly Means of

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

a'"

Max. 1 Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

M

April,

57.8

34.6

23.2

75

25th

24

18th

33

22d

51

3.35

May,

64.3

45.7

18.4

74

15 & 20

34

12th

30

10th

40

5.79

June,

72.5

53.2

19.2

84

26th

41

3rd

36

10th

48

3.26

July,

78.8

58.4

20.4

91

17th

45

21st

34

10th

46

2.34

August,

77.4

58.9

18.6

88

1st

52

31st

33

16th

36

4.46

Sept.,

71.3

52.9

18.3

82

7th

34 |25 & 30

32

19th

48

7.23

October,

58.2

40.2

18.

74

2d

29 22 & 23

31

2d

45

8.48

Season,*

69.2

49.9

19.3

91

July 17

24

Apr. 18

36

June 10

67

34.91

*205 days.

The chief peculiarity brought out by these figures is the abundant
rainfall, which, especially for the month of June, is much above that
for most stations, especially those in the western portions of the
state. Can this have been more favorable for the action of the
manure and less so for the fertilizers than conditions prevailing in
Worcester, Shelburne and Amherst?

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Nothing,

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 1 1.4
Soft corn, " " .8 •

Stover, pounds " -40

Value of net average increment,

Financial result,

Phosphoric
Acid.

Muriate Phosphoric
of Acid and

-1.2

-60

Potash.
7.8

-1.2

80

Potash
16.8

-.6
960
$6.83
2.83 sain

Average
Result.

9.

-.2

235

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 6.4
Soft corn, " " .7

Stover, pounds " -100

Value of net average increment.

Financial result,

Nitrate

of
Soda.

-4.9

.9

-120

JIuriate

of
Potash.

6.8

-2.1

Nitrate

and
Potash.

15.8

-1.5

960
$4.41
.39 loss

-1.

205

22

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nitrate
of
Nothing. Soda.

Phosphoric
Acid.

Nitrate
and Phos-
ph'cAcid.

Average
Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre,

2.1 -1.5

2.5

19.2

5.6

Soft corn, " "

.6 -1.4

-2.2

-2.

-1.3

Stover, pounds "

-100 20

80

1100

275

Value of net average increment,

$4.22

Financial result,

1.02 gain

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO

NOTHING

OF

Complete
Fertilizer.

Barnyard
Manure.

Plaster

Lime.

Hard corn, bushels per acre,

25.7

68.5

8.5

14.6

Soft corn, " "

-2.1

-.8

0

.2

Stover, pounds "

940

1800

80

100

Fertilizer. Ma

nure. Plaster.

Lime.

Valueof net increment due to $19.71 $52.21 S6.15

$10.53

Financial result, 7.71 gain 27.21 gain 5.43 gain 9.57 gain

The teaching of these comparisons is that this soil needed nitrogen,
phosphoric acid and potash in about equal degrees. In the case of
each the largest increase is produced when it is added to the two
others. If either is withheld the full effect of no one is possible.
Probably by selection of cheaper sources of nitrogen and phosphoric
acid, corn could be produced by fertilizers on this land at a still
larger profit. The phenomenal yield due to the manure has already
been discussed.

It is noticeable that both lime and plaster produce a profitable
increase in the crop. This is a surprise to me, and I can offer no
explanation, unless it be due to the long continued action of the lime
and plaster applied last year to the same plots. A similar result is
found in Westfield ; but not in Worcester, Shelburne or in Amherst,
under similar conditions. I do not feel that I should be warranted
in advising the use of either lime or plaster alone on this land in the
hope of a profitable return. With other fertilizers or manures they
would, I should think, prove profitable.

23

YARMOUTH.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

By James Brydon.

FERTILIZERS.

Yield per plot i
1-20 acre.

Yield per acre.

Gain or loss com-
pared with
Nothing Plots
per acre.

i

Shelled

Corn
bushels.

Ears.

^

Shelled Corn

•

5

KIND.

2

a

.§

2

2

busl]

els.

£

o

rt

"S

^

^

1^

^

g

s

^

>

o

!2,

(S

5

S

C3

5

S

CO

K

^

2

1

Nothino:

964

1174

25.7

2350

2

Nitrate of soda

160

109

1124

29.1

2230

4.1

—65

3

Dissolved bone-black

320

76A

1041

20.4

2095

—3.8

—145

4

Nothing

88^

109^

23.5

2185

0

Muriate of potash

160

112$

105$

30.1

2115

6.7

95

'

J Nitrate of soda

L Dissolv'd bone-bl'ck

160
320

76

lUh

20.3

2290

—3.

435

/ Nitrate of soda
\ Muriate of potasli

160
160

111

lUh

29.0

2290

6.5

600

8

Nothing

86i

76i

23.

1525

9

/ Dissolv'd boue-bi;ck
\ Muriate of potash
r Nitrate of soda

320
160
160

73$

116i

19.7

2325

— 2.3

709

10

< Dissolv'd bone-bl'ck
. Muriate of potash

320
160

116

136i

30.9

2625

9.9

1017

11

Land plaster

84

107

22.4

2140

2.5

341

12

Nothing

5*

71

944

18.9

1890

13

Barn-j'ard manure

95

119^

25.3

2390

! 6.8

250

14

Lime

160

81

844

21.6

1690

3.5

—700

15

Nothing

66i

132

17.7

2640

Average of uotliiug plots: hard corn, 21.8 bushels; stover, 2118
pounds. There was no soft corn on any of the plots in this experiment.

The field selected for this experiment on the farm of John Siinp-
kins, President of the Barnstable Agricultural Society, is a part of a
nearly level tract quite near the sea, another portion of which was
used last year. The soil is a fine sand}' loam, and varied consider-
ably in fertility, steadily improving from one side to the other, as
shown by the progressive increase in the yield of the nothing plots
from 17 bushels at one extreme to 25 at the other. So far as known
this field had never received much manure ; it was cultivated last
eight years ago and subsequently had been used as a pasture. The
variety of corn selected was an eight- rowed, yellow flint. It was
planted May 23d; stooked, Sept. 29th; and husked, Now. 4th. It
was planted in hills 3| feec apart, and three stalks were left to a hill.
The crows pulled some so that there were a number of missing hills.

24

These were, however, quite evenly distributed in the different plots,
and the vacancies cannot sensibly have affected the comparative yield.
In July I ranked the plots as follows : 10, 13, 9, 2, 6, 5 and 7, basing
my judgment on growth of stalk and leaf. In August they were
judged by my assistant to rank in the following order: 10, 2, 9, 7,
5, 6, 13 and 4 — the others considerably poorer. This crop suffered
some from drought, especially in July.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZER USED.

June 18^ July 3 July 16 July 30 Aug. 13

Nothing

Nitrate of soda

Dissolved bone-black

Nothing

Muriate of potash

Nitrate and bone-blaclv

Nitrate and potasli

Nothing

Bone-black and potash

Nitrate, bone-black and potash.

Land plaster

Nothing

Barn-yard manure

Lime

Nothing

Average of Measurements.

18.1
17.4
16.2
13.9
16.2
19.
18.1
UA
19.6
22,3
12.
10.6
23.
12.4
9.2

32.9

36.5

29.7

32.2

38.

35.8

35.5

29.6

37.

37.9

25.6

20.9

36.

30.6

24.7

51.6

50.8

45.

49.7

47.8

54.4

47.2

43.8

47.2

56.

42.7

36.9

46.5

40.3

33.5

61.7
67.3
52.3
63.4
66.8
59.9
56.6
52.6
59.9
65.6
55.6
47.2
53.2
51.5

The figures confirm the substantial accuracy of my judgment of the
plots ; and they do not indicate any relative falling off with advance
in season of the plots receiving nitrate of soda, as was the case last
year on similar land. This difference is probably due to the fact that
in July, 1889, there were 4.12 inches of rain at this station, and in
August, 6.04; while in 1890 the rainfall for July was 1.23 inches,
and for August, 3.33 inches.

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100" C, 74.09 per cent.

Potassium oxide, .089 "

Phosphoric acid, .184, "

Nitrogen, .412 "

Insoluble matter, 7.495 "

This manure weighed 2970 pounds to the load of 32 cu. ft. used
on plot 13, and applied at this rate it would furnish to the acre:
nitrogen, 244.7 pounds; phosphoric acid, 89.3 pounds; and potash,
52.9 pounds. In view of its composition and the results of this
experiment it cannot be doubted that it would be good policy to use

25

this manure in small quantities in eonnection];witb potash. Though
very rich in nitrogen it gave a small increase in crop, apparently
because there was not potash enough present.

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

June 1st to Nov. 1st, 1890.

Temperature in open air in

Degrees Fahrenheit

r

.s

Month.

Monthly Means of

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

11

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

M

June,

72.7

51.1

21.6

85

26th

44

16th

38

10th

41

4.68

July,

79.8

59.8

20.

94

17th

62

20th

37

10th

42

1.23

August,

78.1

59.7

18.4

88

16th

49

25th

28

8 & 16th

39

3.33

Sept.,

72.4

56.1

16.2

86

7th

39

30th

26

24th

47

6.43

Oct.,

58.

45.3

12.7

74

3d

35

29th

26

2d

39

0.00

SeasoH,*

72.2

54.4

17.8

94

July 17

35

Oct. 29

38

June 10

59

15.67

*1.53 Days.

As last year, the temperature at this station is more equable than
at our others. The thermometer runs neither so high nor so low as
at most. The smalluess of the rainfall is very noticeable during July
and August, — the most critical mouths for the crop — and especially
damaging upon a soil of this sandy character.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Muriate Phosphoric

Phosphoric of
Nothing. Acid. Potash.
_ 9

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 4.1 .8

Stover, pounds " -65 580

Value of net average increment,

Financial result,

Acid and Avera;
Potash

505

age
ult.

1-2.2 4.2

308 332

$3.77
.23 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, -3.8
Stover, pounds " -145

Value of net average decrease,

Financial result,

Nitrate
of Soda.

Muriate

of
Potash.

Nitrate

and
Potash.

Average
Result.

-7.1

-9.

3.4

-4.1

500

614

417

$2.00

347

6.80 loss

26

RESDLTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nitrate Niti-ate

of Phosphoric and Phos- Average

Nothing Soda. Acid. ph'rio»Acid. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 6.7 2.4 1.5 12.9 5.9

Stover, pounds " 95 665 854 582 549

Value of net average increment, S5.50

Financial result, 2.30 gain

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Complete Barnyard Land

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 9.9 6.8 2.5 3.5

Stover, pounds "- 1017 250 341 -700

Fertilizer Manure Plaster Lime

Value of net increment due to $9.47 $5.39 $2.60 .70
Financial result, 2.531oss 19.61 loss 1.88gain .26 loss

In studying the corapaiisons brought out by the first three of the
above tables, it becomes evident that this soil was to a large degree
generally exhausted. Nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash were all
needed. Each when used with the two others gives a larger increase
than when used alone or with either one of the others. All are not
equally deficient, however, but in order of necessity rank : potash,
nitrogen and phosphoric acid. The paucity of the results due to
manure used as shown by the last table is very striking. With only
about one-tenth the nitrogen ; a little more than one-half the phos-
phoric acid, and one and three-fifths times the potash in " complete
fertilizer," we produce a much larger yield. P^specially small is the
increase of stover due to manure which, in view of the fact brought
out by the experiments of both last year and this, that potash affects
the growth of stem and leaf to a remarkable degree, I have no doul)t
was due to the deficiency of this element in both soil and manure.

For this soil I should advise a fertilizer strong in potash and nitro-
gen. The increase apparently due to lime I do not regard as of much
significance, although since it was the same on an adjoining field last
year, it perhaps indicates that it will pay to use a little.

27

WORCESTER.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

By Pliny Moore.

FERTILIZERS.

Yield per plot
1-20 acre.

Yield per acre.

Gain or loss

pared w

Nothing F

com-
ith

Shelled
Corn

li

S

Ears.

lots

si

bushels.

pel acr^^.

-"

Shelled Corn

.

o

KIND-

1

'6

1

a

g

bushels.

s

1

■d

i

S
1

151

8

1

loot

40.3

1

S

CO

2015

1

CD

1

Nothing

2

Nitrate of soda

160

138

66*

37.

1330

—2.2

—465

8

Dissolved bone-black

320

140

60.i

37.5

1205

— .6

-370

4

Nothina:

138

m

37.

1355

5

Muriate of potash

160

169

1085

45.1

2175

8.5

770

6

f Nitrate of soda

\ Dissolved bone-bl'ck

160
820

153i

77h

40.9

1550

4.6

95

7

r Nitrate of soda
\ Muriate of Potash

160
160

158^

1241

42.3

2495

6.4

990

8

Nothing

133

771

35.5

1555

9.9

9

f Dissolved bone-bl'ck
\ Muriate of potash
( Nitrate of soda

320
160
160

170i

97f

45.5

1955

379

10

^ Dissolved bone-bl'ck
(_ Muriate of potash

320
160

191

131

50.9

2620

15.3

1022

11

Land plaster

160

136^

80$

36.4

1615

.7

—4

12

Nothing

134

82

35.7

40

18

Barnyard manure

*5

208

125

55.5

00

20.7

913

U

Lime

160

182

9U

5.2

1 30

1.2

297

15

Nothing

124

74

33.1

80

*Cords.

Average of all the nothing plots : hard corn, 36.3 bushels ; stover,
1609 pounds. There was no soft corn in this experiment.

This test was on the sanae acre as last year ; a rather elevated
southern slope with very moderate pitch. The soil is a good medium
loam and previous to last year had been four years in grass without
manure. Yellow flint corn was selected ; ])lanted in hills, May 16th ;
stooked Sept. 20th, and husked Nov. 5th. The yield of the nothing
plots last year was quite variable ; this year it was comparatively
uniform and the average about 13 bushels less. Both in July and
August plot 13 was judged to be the best, followed closely by 10, 9,
and 5.

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C, 69.37 per cent.
Potassium oxide, .443 "

Phosphoric acid, .187 "

Nitrogen, .309 "

Insoluble matter, 1.468 "

28

This manure weighed 50 pounds per cubic foot, and at the rate
used furnished 1600 pounds to the plot. This rate of application
would supply, per acre: nitrogen, 98,9 pounds; phosphoric acid,
59.8 pounds; and potash, 141.7 pounds. It is noticealjle that it
produced a large increase both of corn and stover ; that this soil needs
potash, and that tlie manure is unusually rich in this element. '

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

June 7tli to Sept. 21st, 1890.

Temperature in open air in Degrees Fahrenheit.

to

1

i

Month.

Monthly Means of

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

«

June,
July,

August,
Sept.

73.9
74.4
76.6
71.3

53.5
54.4
57.2
54.9

20.2
20.
19.4
16.4

84
91
91
81

26th

8 & 15th

1st

6th

44
46
49
46

10&13
9th
31st
20th

34
34
25
24

10th
9th

31st
1st

40
55
42
35

2.46
3.23
6.63
4.70

Season,*

76.1

56.4

19.7

91

Jul 8,15
Aug. 1

44

June

10 & 13

34

June 10
July 9

57

17.02

*]06 days. J. L. Ellsworth, Observer.

The temperature shows no striking peculiarities ; but the rainfall
was small both in June and July, and the crop suffered to some extent.
When visited in July much of it was badh' rolled.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Hard corn, bushels per acre
Stover, pounds "

Value of average net increment,

Financial result,

Phosphoric
Nothing. Acid.

Muriate Phosphoric

of Acid and Average
Potasli. Potash. Result

-2.2 5.2

-2.1 5.4 1.6

-465 465

220 643 126

rement,

$1.66

2.34 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, -.6
Stover, pounds " -370

Value of average net increment,

Financial result,

J itrate
of
Soda.

Muriate Nitrate

of and
Potash. Potash.

Average
Result

6.8

1.4 8.9

4.1

560

-391 32
$2.76

-42

2.04 loss

29

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH aO

Nitrate Nitrate
of Phosph'ic and Phos- Average

Nothing. Soda. Acid. ph'icAcid. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 8.5 8.6 10.5 10.7 9.6

Stover, pounds " 770 1455 749 927 975

Value of average net increment, $9.16

Financial result, 5.96 gain

RESULT OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Hard corn, bushels per acre,
Stover, pounds "

F<

Value of increment due to $13.27
Financial result.

The striking benefit of potash as compared with nitrogen and phos-
phoric acid is clearly brought out by these comparisons ; although a
considerable degree of general exhaustion is indicated by the com-
paratively large increase due to adding either nitrogen or phosphoric
acid to both the other elements.

Here, as shown by the last of the above tables, the manure pro-
duced a larger increase than "complete fertilizer." It supplied
about four times the nitrogen ; one and a fourth times the phosphoric
acid, and one and three- fouMhs times the potash furnished by the
latter. That its richness in potash as 'ompared with manure used
by other experimenters makes it especially suited to this soil has been
pointed out.

For corn on this soil I should recommend the use of fertilizer rich in
potash and phosphoric acid and with a small x>ercentage of nitroge^i.

Complete Barnyard
Fertilizer. Manure.

Land
Plaster.

Lime.

15.3 20.7

.7

1.2

1022 913

-4

297

lizer. Manure. Plaster.

Lime.

.27 $16.77

.48

$1.58

7 gain 8.23 loss

.24 loss

.62 gain

30

HADLEY.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZER FOR CORN.

By L. W. West.

FERTILIZERS. |

Yield per plot

Yield per acre.

Gain or loss com-
pared with
Nothing Plots
per acre.

-s

g

Ears.

Corn

OS

u

Shelled Corn

o

KIND.

t

ffi

.o

5

bushels.

s

a
p

-2
a

1

1

1

1

i

OS

1

1

1

i

i
1

1

Nothing-

71

30

148

18.9

6.7

2960

9

Nitrate of soda

160

57

23

131

15.2

5.1

2620

—2.5

—1.2

—253

8

Dissolved bone-black

320

49

21

110

13.1

4.7

2200

—3.3

—1.3

—587

4

Nothing

57

25

135

15.2

5.6

2700

5

Muriate of potash

160

198

27

229

52.8

6.

4580

39.

1.

2057

6

J Nitrate of soda

\ Dii^solved bone-bl'ck

160
320

82

24

145

21.9

5.3

2900

9.5

.9

555

7

/ Nitrate of soda
\ Muriate of potash

160
160

269

16

378

71.7

3.6

7560

60.7

—.2

5392

8

Nothing

36

14i

99*

9.6

3.2

1990

9

( Dissolved bone-bl'ck
\ Muriate of potash
( Nitrate of soda

320
160
160

226

9

317

60.3

2.

6340

44.1

—1.

3932

•

10

-^ Dissolved bone-bl'ck
[ Muriate of potash

320
160

281

12

349*

74.9

2.7

699U

52.1

— .1

4165

n

Land plaster

160

45

13

87

12.

2.9

1740

-17.4

.4

-1503

]?

Nothing

134*

10*

183

35.9

2.3

3660

18

Barn-yard Manure

*5

253

5

289

67.5

].l

5780

35.7

—1.8

2393

14

Lime

160

88

14

146

23.5

3.1

2920

—4.2

—.5

—193

15

Nothing

88i

19

142

23.6

4.2

2840

*Cords.

Average of nothing plots: hard corn, 20.6 bushels; soft corn,
4.4 bushels ; stover, 2830 pounds.

The acre for this experiment is a part of the same large tract of
plain land in which our experiment in Hadley was located last year,
but it lies a little higher and is much better corn land. It is a heavy
loam with clayey subsoil ; and most of it had been several years in
grass without manure. A small portion had more recently been
ploughed, but it had also been in grass for about two years. The
field proved uneven in quality, as shown by the wide variation in the
yield of the nothing plots ; but the variation occurs in such part of
the field that the comparison of the nitrogen, phosphoric acid and
potash is comparatively little affected. The seed, eight-rowed yellow
flint corn, was planted May 22d ; the crop was stooked Sept. 25th,
and husked Oct. 16th. The stooks on plots 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were
in part blown down by a storm and were not as dry as in other parts

31

of the field. All through the season it was evident that the growLl
was far more benefited by potash than by any other element.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

of FERT'ZEEUSED

Plot

Nothing,

Nitrate of soda,
Dis. bone-black.

Nothing,

Mur. of potash,
Nit. & bone-bl'k.
Nitrate fepot'sh.

Nothing,

B'ne-b'k & pot'sh
Nit. b.-b. &pot'h
Land plaster, . .

Notliing,

Barn-y'd manure

Lime,

Nothing,

Average of Measurements.

July 4 July 14 July 25 Aug. 4 Aug. 14 Aug. 25 Sept. 4 Sept. 14

17.3
19.7
17.5
15.0
19.3
21.5
32.8
23.1
32.5
34.5
22.5
22.2
34.1
20.6
19.3

23.

24.

22.

18.6

25.

26.6

39.2

28.6

39.]

41.6

28.5

28.1

42.8

25.8

24.1

34.8

34.3

30.3

30.5

37.5

37.6

55.3

39.6

53.6

55.1

31.

43.

51.6

34.

32.

54.6

54.1

54.5

52.

69.6

53.3

86.1

54.

86.1

89.

53.6

67.5

86.3

62.5

56.8

59.8
62.8
58.8
61.5
84.0
60.8
93.3
62.1
89.6
92.5
56.8
67.8
89.6

72.1

59.8
59.6
62.6

52.8
76.5
65.8
91.0
57.5
89.5
94.1
57.3
78.0
88.8
63.5
70.8

These figures make evident in a striking manner the beneficial
effects of potash. They do not indicate any progressive falling off"
where nitrate of soda was used with the advance of the season.

ANALYSIS OF

Moisture at 100* C,
Potassium oxide,
Phosphoric acid,
Nitrogen,
Insoluble matter,

MANURE USED.

78.83 per cent.

.327 "

.184 "

.345 "

3.139 "

The 32 cubic feet used weighed 1121 pounds and furnished at the
rate, per acre : nitrogen, 77.4 pounds ; phosphoric acid, 41.3 pounds,
and potash, 73.3 pounds. The phosphoric acid and potash are in
nearly the same proportion as in "complete fertilizer" and but little
less in amount, while there is nearly three times as much nitrogen as
in the fertilizer ; and yet the total crop, as well as the apparent
increase where manure was used was less than with the " complete
fertilizer "; less also thati where nitrate of soda and potash were
used ; and but little greater in amount and less in apparent increase
than where potash alone or potash and bone-black were used.

32

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

Mav 18— Oct. 1, 1890.

Temperature in open air in Degrees Fahrenheit.

i

o

2

S

Month. .

Monthly means of

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

Max.

Min.

Range-

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

«

May,
June,
July,

August,
Sept.,

72.4

77.6

81.9

79.

70.7

45.4
53.2

57.5
57.8
50.4

27.

24.4

24.4

21.2

20.3

81
89
92
90
80

25th
25th
31st

1st

3cl

36
40
42
43
31

23d
3d
21st
25tli
25tli

43
37
36
37
35

23rd
10th
10th
16th
3d

45
49
50
47
49

2.66
1.66
5.00
5.08
6.08

Season,* 1 76.8

53.8

23.

92.

July 31

31

Sept 25

43

May 23

61

20.48

*136 days.

Cold nights, as shown by the low minimums in every month and a
very light rainfall in June are the most striking points brought out
by these observations. The comparatively low temperature undoubt-
edly accounts for the somewhat large proportion of soft corn in this
experiment ; for the soil is naturally rather cold.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Phosphoric of
Nothing. Acid.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, -2.5 12.8
Soft corn, " '' -1-2 2.2

Stover, pounds, " -253 1142

Value of average net increment,

Financial result,

Muriate Phosphoric

Acid and Average

Potash.

Potash. Result.

21.7

8. 10.

-1.2

.9 -.2

3335

233 1114

$9.73

5.73 gain

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing

Hard corn, bushels per acre, -3.3
Soft corn, '' '' -1-3

Stover, pounds, " -587

Value of average net increment

Financial result,

Nitrate

of
Soda.

Muriate

of
Potash.

Nitrate

and
Potash.

Average
Result.

12.

5.1

-8.6

1.3

2.1

-2.

.1

.3

808
nent.

1875

-1227

$1.54

217

3.26 loss

Nitrate

of
Soda.

Phosphoric
Acid.

Nitrate
and Phos-
ph'icAcid.

Average
Result.

63.2

47.4

42.6

48.1

1.

.3

1.0

.3

5645
nent,

4519

3610

$43.66

3958

40.46 gaiu

33

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nothing.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 39.
Soft corn, " " 1.

Stover, pounds, " 2057

Value of average net increment,

Financial result,

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Hard corn, bushels per acre.
Soft corn, " "

Stover, pounds *■'

Fertilizer.

Value of increment due to $46.85

Value of decrease due to $15.82 $3.57

Financial result, 34.85 gain 5.43 gain 16.54 loss 4.53 loss

The above comparisons shed no uncertain light upon the question,
" What did this soil need to produce corn ? " Alone and in every
combination, potash produces a remarkable increase; but nitrate of
soda, too, seems to have been required, for the combination of this
with potash produces a much larger crop than potash alone. Phos-
phoric acid, on the other hand, does comparatively little good how-
ever used.

The manure produces a large increase ; but I cannot doubt that a
considerably lighter application with potash would have produced a
far larger profit.

For this soil I am confident that the most profitable results would he
attained by using light dressings of manure with a little quick-acting
nitrogenoiis fertilizer and a considerable amount of potash.

Complete
Fertilizer.

52.1

Barnyard
Manure.

35.7

Land
Plaster. Lime.

-17.4 -4.2

-.1

-1.8

.4 -.5

4165

2393

-1503 -193

Manure.

$30.43

Plaster.

Lime.

34

WESTFIELD.

sou. TKST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

By Charles F. Fowler.

FERTILIZERS.

Ylelc
Eai

1 per plot

Yield per

acre.

Gain

Noi

1

or loss
red \vi

com-
th

i

t

s.

' Shelled
Corn

hing Plots
er acre.

p.

B

slielled Corn

KIND.

%■

^

.S

S

bushels.

o

to

~

J

.-

.^

■r^

s

1

1

o

1

1

1

5

i

1

1

Notliina;

54

44

28

1.4

.9

560

2

Nitrate of soda

100

215-

5i

354

5.8

1.2

705

4-

.3

175

•6

Dissolved l)one-l)laclv

320

3C4

3^

47*

'J. 8

.8

950

7.5

450

4

Notliimr

10

u

23.-^

2.7

1.

470

5 Muriate oi" potash

160

lOi

5

m

4.4

1.1

810

.9

.1

259

G

( Nitrate of soda

\ Dissolved 1)one-brclv

160
320

921

H

67^

24.7

1.2

1350

20.5

.2

717

7

) Nitrate of soda
1 Muriate of potash

160
160

28i

51

54

7.7

1.3

1080

2.7

.3

366

8

Notiiin-

2U

4i

3n

5.7

1.

795

9

( Dissolved bone-brck
(.Muriate of potasli
Nitrate of soda

320
160
160

70h

3

75

18.8

.7

1500

12.9

—.5

711

10

■( Dissolved Ijoiie-ljl'ck
Muriate of Totash

320
160

nsh

11

1034

31.6

.4

20G5

25.6

—.9

1292

11

Land Plaster

160

474

74

56*

12. G

1.6

1130

6.4

.1

354

12

Nothing-

23^

74

38*

G.3

1.6

770

la

Baru-vard manure

135

31

151$

36.0

.8

3035

30.6

— .7

2303

14

Lime

160

374

6

55$

9.9

1.3

1115

5.3

—.1

422

15

Nothins;

131

51

32$

3.7

1.3

655

1

Average of the nothing plots : hard corn, 3.8 bushels*; soft corn,
1.2 bushels, and stover, 650 pounds.

This experiment was on the same acre as in 1SS9. I wrote of it
then : It is the '' so-called plain land" of the Connecticut valley. It
is an old alluvial soil consisting of fine sand. It is of great depth,
and lies at such an elevation that it usually appears dry, though it
does not have, the I'eputation of drying badly in time of drought.
The portion selected had lain fallow four years. It was very poor,
but not apparently even in quality; nothing plots <S and ].'> were
much better than the others." This year nothing plot 12 also pro-
duces a yield considerably above 1 or 4 ; while 15 falls a little below
8 and 12.

Yellow flint coin was planted, in hills 4 feet apart in rows at the
usual distance (3^ ft.). Three stalks were left to the hill. The crop
was planted May 14th— 16th, and husked Oct. 22d.

35

When visited in July the plots which appeared to have benefited
much by the application made stood in the following order: 13, 10,
6, 9, and 3.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of
Plot,

FERTILIZERS USED.

Notluiiii",

Nitrate of soda,

Dissolved bone-black;

Nothing,

Muriate of Fotasli,

Nitrate and bone-black,

Nitrate and potasli

Notliing

Bone-black and potash,

Nitrate, bone-black and potash,

Land plaster,

Notliing,

Barn-}'ard manure, I 54

Lime

Nothing,

Average of Mea.surements.

July 9

July 28

Aiiir.T

17.5

17.8

21.8

22.4

24.8

44.1

27.8

31.7

62.3

16. fi

20.1

30.1

24.1

25.1

29.9

.'?7.3

44.2

63.

23.7

28.6

43.3

1!).4

23.2

33.6

34.7

42.4

64.5

39.3

43.3

72.1

24.2

32.4

46.8

19.2

22.7

38.8

54.3

G6.6

81.2

28.2

28.8

49.8

19.2

22.7

31.1

E^ven on this sandy soil the effect of the nitrate of soda appears to
be well maintained til' the end of the season.

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100" C, 78.82 per cent.

Potassium oxide,
Phosphoric acid,

Nitrogen,
Insoluble matter.

.16<S
.193
.398
4.541

The amount (32 eu. ft.) applied weighed 1720 pounds; and tliis
application supi)lied at the rate : nitrogen, 136.9 pounds ; phosi)horic
acid, 66.4 pounds, and potash, 57.8 pounds.

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

June 1st to Nov. 1st, 1890.

Temperature in open air in Degrees Fahrenheit.

i

MoiUli.

Monthly Means of

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

Max. [ Min.

Range.

Ui:g.

Date.

Deg.

Uate.

Deg.

Date.

-

June,

July,

August,

Sept.,

October,

77.9
80.2
78.9
71.2
59.4

87
92
SO
81
73

25th
31st
4tli
1st
4 and 5

2.30
G.35
6.09
9.59
6.34

Season,*

73.5

92

July 31

30.67

*205days.

Phosphoric
Acid.

Muriate

or
Potash.

Phosphoric
Acid and Average
Potash. Result.

13.

1.8

12.7 7.9

.4

.2

-.4 .1

267

Qt,

107

.581 283
S6.27
2.27 gain

36

This record is incomplete on 'account of the breakage of the mini-
mum thermometer, of which I was not notified. The rainfall here
was comparatively heavy, which on such a soil must have proved an
advantage to the crop.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Nothing

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 4.
Soft coi-n, " " .3

Stover, pounds " 175

Value of net average increment,

Financial result.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 7.5
Soft corn, " " -.2

Stover, pounds '' 450

Value of net average increment,

Financial result,

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Niti-ate Nitrate

of Phosphoric andPhos- Average
Nothing. Soda. Acid. ph'cAcid. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, .9 . -1.3 5.4 5.1 2.6

Soft corn, " " .1 0 -.3 -1.1 -.3

Stover, pounds " 259 191 261 575 322

Value of net average increment, $2.54

Financial result, .66 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

^ Complete Barnyard

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster Lime.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 25.6 30.6 6.4 5.3

Soft corn, " " -.9 -.7 .1 -.1

Stover, pounds " 1292 2303 354 422

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Valueof net increment due to $20.88 $26.77 S5.40 $4.74

Financial result, 8.88gain 1.97gain 4.68 gain 3.78gain

Nitrate

of
Soda.

Muriate

of
Potash.

Nitrate

and

Potash.

Average
Result.

16.5

12.

22.9

14.7

-.1

-.6

-1.2

-.5

542

452

926
$11.62

590

6.82

gain

37

Last year I wrote : " Phosphoric acid produces the largest increase
then come nitrogen and potash in the order named. The differences
are, however, small ; and the increase is, in no case, sufficient to pay
for the fertilizer. Barnyard manure does much better than 'complete
fertilizer', which indicates a more general exhaustion than the latter
can meet, or a beneficial physical, or chemical effect from the
manure." These statements, except as to the amounts of the " dif-
ferences " and the failure to "pay for the fertilizer" are exactly
true of the results of this year. Phosphoric acid and nitrogen, how-
ever, produce larger increases than last year, and more than enough
to pay for the material used. The influence of potash upon the yield
of stover is marked. With a far smaller increase in corn from use of
potash than is due to use of nitrogen^ we find a larger increase in
stover.

Both lime and plaster, this year, appear to have produced a
profitable increase in crop. This was not true last year. The simi-
larity of these results to those obtained in Freetown, also upon a very
poor soil, has been already pointed out.

In view of the results of our two years' work upon this soil, it may
be doubted whether a very profitable culture of corn upon it with
fertilizer is possible. Still by introduction of clover in rotation, as
a conserver of nitrogen, and the use of bone meal, fish, or similar
materials with a little lime and potash to help out the clover as well
as the corn, I should try it, were the land my own.

With such barnyard manure as was used in this experiment I think
it would pay to use a plain super-phosphate on this soil ; and for
stover a little potash should be added.

SHELBURNE.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

Bv G. F. Dole.

FERTILIZERS.

Yield per plot i
1-20 acre.

Yield per acre.

Gain or loss com-

pai-ed with

Nothing Plots

per acre.

Shelled

Corn
bushels.

Ears.

Shelled Corn

=

KIND.

i

1

i

i

1

bushels.

J

p^

^

1

■d"

-_

"d

^

a

^

f^

3

^

,-p

u

>

z,

£

5-

1

S

1

1

B

1

1

1

Nothing

721

m

861

19.4

2.3

1735

2

Nitrate^of soda

160

791

11

107i

21.3

2.4

2145

2.

0

42

3

Dissolved bone-black

320

102i

5.^

944

27.3

1.2

1885

8.1

—1.4

—587

4

Nothing •

711

12i

142

19.1

2.7

2840

5

Muriate of potash

160

84i

9^

1364

22.5

2.1

2725

4.2

— 1.

159

6

( Nitrate of soda

t Dissolv'd bone-brct:

160
320

110

4i

135<^

29.3

1.

2710

11.7

—2.5

417

7

/ Nitrate of soda
i Muriate of potash

160
160

884

71

129

23.5

1.7

2580

6.7

—2.1

561

8

Nothing

60

181

87i

16.

4.2

1745

9

f Dissolv'd bone-bl'cl?:
\ Muriate of potash
f Nitrate of soda

320
160
160

98i

m

12U

26.2

2.3

2425

9.8

—1.7

'661

10

\ Dissolv'd bone-bl'clv
( Muriate of potash

320
160

.90^

Uh

122

24.1

3.2

2440

7.3

—.6

657

11

Land plaster

41i

m

884

11.0

4.3

1765

-6.1

.7

-36

12

Nothing

5*

65^

15h

91

17.5

3.4

1820

13

Barn-yard manure

97i

H

1244

25.9

2.1

2485

9.1

—1.3

685

14

Lime

160

.53^

m

88

14.3

4.1

1760

—1.8

.7

—20

15

Nothing

571

15i

88

15.4

3.4

1760

*Cords.

Average of the nothing plots: hard corn, 17.5 bushels ; soft corn,
3.2 bushels, and stover, 1980 pounds. This experiment was located
on the same acre used in 1889, " an elevated tract in a hilly district,
but nearly level. The soil is a good medium loam, and before used
in this experiment had been in grass ''five years without manure."
A yellow flint corn was selected, and planted in hills 3^ feet apart,
each way, on May 27th ; it was stooked Sept. 22d, and husked, Oct.
27th. The crows pulled some, especially ou plots 13 and 14,

When visited in July the difference between the plots was not very
marked ; but 6, 10, 13, and 9 were considered best, and to rank about
in the order named. Pliosphoric acid then seemed to be doing most
good.

RESULTS OP MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZERS USED.

July 17 July 2G Aug. 6

Averages of Measurements.

Aus.16

Nothing,

Nitrate of soda,

Dissolved bone-black,

Nothing,

Muriate of potash,

Nitrate and bone-black,

Nitrate and potash,

Nothing,

Bone-black and potash,

Nitrate, bone-black and potash.

Land plaster,

Nothing,

Barn-yard manure,

Lime,

Nothing,

29.2
30.1
30.3
30.8
31.6
32.6
30.9
27.5
33.6
32.5
24.5
29.1
29.4
28.8
27.2

35.3
33.9
38.2
33.7
39.7
39.9
37.8
32.5
40.4
39.4
30.6
34.1
38.1
32.1
30.2

51.8

50.

58.8

49.2

54.3

58.8

55.5

45.6

57.3

54.9

46.5

47.8

56.9

48.2

47.

64.1
66.1
65.1
64 .«
69.6
68.5
69.8
61.6
73.9
68.7
59.4
63.7
70.8
59.8
57.8

soda was used,

s shown

by these

MANURE

USED.

79.99

per cent.

.225

'■'

.136

li

.350

"

.956

((

No falling off where nitrat<
figures.

ANALYSIS

Moisture at 10(>° C,

Potassium oxide,

Phosphoric acid,

Nitrogen,

Insoluble matter.
This manure weighed fort}' pounds per cubic foot, or 1280 pounds
per plot. At this rate it would furnish, per acre : n I ogen, 89.6
pounds ; phosphoric acid, 34.8 pounds ; and potash, 57.6 pounds. It
therefore supplied a comparatively small amount of these essentials,
and when.it is added that it was coarse and not well mixed with the
soil, it will not be wondered that it produced less increase than that
produced by manure in most of the experiments.

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

June 1st to Oct. 27tli, 1890.

Temperature

in open air in

Degrees Fahrenheit

r

t

Month.

Means of Daily. 1 Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

s =

.5""

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

«

June,
July,

August.

Sept.,

Oct.,

74.8
77.6
74.1
68.8
56.4

52.9

55.8
56.1
49.8
37.8

21.8

21.9

18.3

19.

18.7

84
89
83
76
71

25 & 30
31st
4th
10th
1st

39
42
41
32
26

2d

20th
24th
24th
21st

32
35
34
33
30

12th
9th
15th
21st
12th

45

47
42
44
45

1.92
5.19
8.60
6.28
4.31

Season,*

70.3

50.6

19.7

89

July 31

26

Oct. 21

35

July 9

63

26.30

40

These observations show a comparatively low temperature, with
very low mitnimuuis in every month, a wide range of variation and a
heavy rainfall for ever\' month except June.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Muriate Phosphoric
Phosphoric of Acid and Average

Nothing. Acid. Potash. Potash. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 2. 3.6 2.5 -2.5 1.4

Soft corn, " " 0 -1.1 -1.1 1.1 -.3

Stover, pounds, " 42 1004 402 -4 361

Value of average net increment, $1.79

Financial result, 2.21 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nitrate Muriate Nitrate

of of and Average

Nothing, Soda. Pota.sh. Potash. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 8.1 9.7 5.6 .6 6.0

Soft corn, " " -1.4 -2.5 -.7 1.5 -.8

Stover, pounds " -587 375 502 96 97

Value of average net increment, $4.20

Financial result, .60 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nitrate
Nitrate and

of Phospho- Phospho- Aver.

Nothing. Soda. ricAcid. ricAcid. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 4.2 4.7 1.7 -4.4 1.6

Soft corn, " '^ -1. -2.1 -.3 1.9 -.4

Stover, pounds " 159 519 1248 240 542

Value of average net increment, $2.36

Financial result, .84 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Complete Barnyard Land
Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Hard corn, bushels per acre.
Soft corn, " "

Stover, pounds "

Fertilizer.

Value of net increment due to $6.57

Value of decrease due to $4.15 $1.10

Financial result, 5.43 loss 17.31 loss 4.87 loss 2.55 loss

7.3 9.1 -6.1
-.6 -1.3 .7
657 685 -36

-1.8
.7
-20

jr. Manure. Plaster.

J $7.69

Lime.

41

Last year this soil responded most freel}- to potash. This year it
is evidently more generally exhausted and gives less decisive results.
There is not sufficient apparent increase to pay for either of the
ingredients of the fertilizers used, nor for the manure ; the loss is
least on phosphoric acid. It appears to cause the largest increase,
and accordingly the indication is that it should be a prominent ingre-
dient of a fertilizer for this soil.

NEW LENOX.

SOIL TEST "WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

By D. B. Dewey.

FERTILIZERS.

Yield pei

plot

Yield per acre.

Gain or loss com-
pared with
Nothing Plots
per acre.

C3

Shelled

Corn
bushels.

■^

Ears.

Shelled Corn

m

•

bushels.

•

o

KIND.

^

p

0

V

2

1

T=

>-

i

S

s

S

X

^

s

CO

S

CO

2

CO

X

S
w

s

CO

1

Nothing

72

24i

1024

19,2

5.4

2050

2

Nitrate of soda

1()0

79

n.

107

21.1

2.1

2140

0

—1.7

60

3

Dissolved bone-black

320

93

10

117

24.8

2.2

2340

1.9

— .1

230

4

Notliing

93

3

107

24.8

.7

2140

5

Muriate of potash

160

138

2

244

36.8

.4

4880

11.6

— .7

2732

6

r Nitrate of soda

t Dissolved bone-bl'ck

160
320|

87

6i

1034

23.2

1.4

2070

—2.5

— .1

—85

7

f Nitrate of soda
\ Muriate of potash

1601
160

142

14

2514

37.9

.8

5030

11.8

—1.5

2867

8

Nothing

99^

10

1084

26.5

2.2

2170

9

J Dissolved bone-bl'ck
\ Muriate of potash
r Nitrate of soda

i«o|

320

127

7

112

33.9

1.6

2240

6.5

-1.2

255

10

< Dissolved bone-bl'ck

151

34

1534

40.3

.8

3070

12.

—2.6

1270

Muriate of potash

160[
160

11

Land plaster

90i

194

114

24.1

4.3

2280

—5.1

.3

665

12

Nothing

113

2o4

714

30.1

4.6

1430

13

Barn-yard manure

5*

1204

84

136

32.1

1.9

2720

6.3

-3.1

1047

14

Lime

160

80

244

804

21.3

5.4

1610

—.1

.1

—307

15

Nothing

64

254

108

17.1

5.7

2160

*Cords.

Average of the nothing plots : hard corn, 23.5 bushels ; soft corn,
3.7 bushels; stover, 1990 pounds.

The acre used in this experiment lies in a large plain of alluvial
origin. The soil is a fine, compact loam, inclined to be clayey and
cold. It had been a number of years in grass without manure.

The seed, a yellow flint variety, was planted in hills, 3 feet apart,
on May 30th. It was thinned to four stalks. The crop was stooked

42

Oct. 12th aud 13th, and husked Oct. 23d and 24th. A slight mis-
take was made in arrangement, four rows being put in each plot, one
on either edge, and none in the space between the plots. This, while
not vitiating the work to any great extent, makes the apparent
Increase due to the fertilizers less than the reality, because the out-
side rows in each plot were not fully under the influence of the
materials supplied.

In July the plots which had received potash appeared to be doing
distinctly better than the others, my assistant rating them in the
order of excellence 13, 10, 7, 9, and 5, with the others considerably
poorer. There was a considerable difference in the quality of the
soil in the nothing plots; but this, as will be seen, affected chiefly
the standing of the plot where manure was used.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZER USED.

Nothing

Nitrate of soda

Dissolved bone-black

Nothing

Muriate of potash

Nitrate and bone-black

Nitrate and potash

Nothing

Bone-black and potash

Nitrate, bone-black and potash.

Land plaster

Nothing

Barn-yard manure

Lime

Nothing

Average of Measurements.

July 5

July 2-2

Aug. 8

17.6

34.6

63.1

19.6

38.3

60.6

19.3

37.6

60.7 .

17.5

32.

55.3

24.9

43.6

74.1

19.5

40.4

62.6

25.2

44.4

69.1

17.7

35.5

57.8

23.5

41.9

67.8

27.

46.6

75.4

27.2

37.6

61.8

20.9

35.8

56.

27.

45.9

73.8

17.5

34.7

58.

17.2

33.3

51.

These figures make evident the substantial accuracy of the judg-
ment recorded above. The plot receiving nitrate of soda alone does
not appear to retain its early supremacy over the nearest nothing ;
but the falling off is not serious as compared with most of the other
plots. I do not feel warranted in concluding that it would have been
better to apply this chemical in fractional dressings.

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C, 73.18 per

Potassium oxide, .129

Phosphoric acid, .156

Nitrogen, .346

Insoluble matter, 7.456

cent.

43

One cubic foot weighed 50 pounds ; that applied to the plot, there-
fore, by calculation, 1600 pounds. At this rate manure would supply
per acre: nitrogen, 110.7 pounds; phosphoric acid, 49.8 pounds ;
and potash, 41.3 pounds.

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

June 9th to Oct. 1st, 1890.

Temperatur

3 in open air in

Degrees Fahrenheit

II
a
o
3

Mouth.

Monthly Means of

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

= 1

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

«

June,
July,
August,
Sept.

77.5
80.9
77.9
71.2

57.3
56.1
57.8
50.7

20.6
24.8
20.2
20.5

88
92
87
86

30th

8 & 15th

5th

4th

45
40
45
28

21st
22d
24th
25th

33
38
34
36

29th
22cl
loth
30th

43
52

42

58

.97

2.77
8.50
8.88

Season,*

76.9

55.4

21.5

92

Jul 8,15

28

Sept. 25

38 Ljuly 22

64

21.12

*11S days.

These figures indicate a cool and dry growing season and a cool
and wet season for filling and ripening.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Muriate Phosphoric

' Phosphoric of
Nothing. Acid. Potash.

Acid and Average

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 0 -4.4
Soft corn, " "• -1.7 0

Stover, pounds " 60 315

Value of net average increment,

Financial result,

-.8
135

Potash.

5.5

-1.4

1015

$ .47

3.53 loss

Result.

.3
-1.

224

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nitrate
and

Potash.
9

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 1.9
Soft corn, " "■ -.1

Stover, pounds '' 230

Value of net average decrease

Financial result,

Nitrate
Nothing, of Soda.

■2.5

Muriate

of
Potash.

1.6
-145

-5.1
-.5

-2477

-1.1
-1597
$3.35
8.15 loss

Average
Result.

-1.4

0

-947

Nothing

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 11.6
Soft corn, " '' -.7

Stover, pounds '' 2732

Value of net average increment

Financial result.

Nitrate

of
Soda.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nitrate
nd Phos
ph'ricAcid. Result,

11.8 4.6 14.5 10.9

.2 -1.1 -2.5 -1.

2807

Phosphoric and Phos- Average
Acid.

4.6

-1.1

25

1355 1730
$11.50
8.25 gain

44

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Complete Barnyard Land

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 12. 6.3 -5.1 -.1

Soft corn, " " -2.6 -3.1 .3 .1

Stover, pounds " 1270 1047 665 -307

Fertilizer Manure Plaster Lime

Value of net increment due to $10.80 $6.10

Value of decrease due to $1.82 ,81

Financial result, 1.201oss 18.90 loss 2.54 loss 1.77 loss

These comparisons make it evident that this soil most needed
potash, which alone and in nearly every combination seems to have
produced a profitable increase. Phosphoric acid does little or no good
while nitrate of soda, especially when used where there is potash,
does produce a small increase.

The manure, furnishing over four times the nitrogen, about the
same amount of phosphoric acid, and but about one-half the potash
that the complete fertilizer supplies does not produce as large a crop
as the latter.

For this soil it is evident that for com a fertilizer should be rich in
potash; and that with such barnyard manure as ivas employed it would
abundantly pay to use considerable of this material.

45

AMHERST.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

Station Grounds — South Acre.

FERTILIZERS.

Yield per plot
1-20 am-e.

Yield per acre.

Gain

or loss com-

t

Shelled
Corn

n'.;-

1^

Ears.

hing Plots

a

V

bus

leis.

Shelled Corn

o

KIND-

a

'3

3

5

a

5
c

bushels.

s

s

u

S

1

1

i

1

H

1

>

2

CO

1

e

M

1

1

Nitrate of soda

160

173

9*

187.^

46.1

2.1

3750

—.3

.1

-1100

2

Dissolved bone-black

320

194

4

179i

51.7

.9

3590

5.3

_7

-1260

3

Nothing

174

1

242i

46.4

.2

4850

4

Muriate of potash

160

249

u

229*

66.4

.3

4590

19.5

0

190

5

Lime

160

202

H

183

53.9

1.2

3660

6.4

.8

—290

6

Nothing

180

n

175

48.

.5

3500

7

Barnyard manure

*5

238*

h.

276

75.6

.1

5520

25.8

—.4

2014

8

f Nitrate of soda

\ Dissolved bone-bl'ck

160
320

200

ih

163

53.3

.3

3260

8.2

.1

130

9

Nothing

169

1

156*

45.1

.2

3130

10

f Nitrate of soda
\ Muriate of potash

t60
160

214

11

2111

57.1

.4

4235

8.6

.1

973

11

f Muriate of potash
\ Dissolved bone-bl'ck

160
320

263

h

244

70.1

.1

4880

18.3

2

1487

12

Nothing

207

1%

1764

55.2

.4

3525

13

Land plaster
f Nitrate of soda

160
160

207

1

177

55.2

.2

3540

1.8

—.2

21

14

■^ Dissolved bone-bl'ck
( Muriate of potash

320
160

283i

h

266

75.6

.1

5320

24.

—.4

1807

Average of the nothing plots : hard corn, 48.7 bushels ; soft corn,
.3 bushels ; stover, 3751 pounds.

This is the same acre used last year in a similar experiment. Its
soil is a fine yellow loam with gravel or sand at the depth of two to
three feet. It is naturall,y well drained and warm and before taken
up last year had been live years in grass without manure.

Last year the nothing plots averaged : hard corn, 27.5 bushels ;
soft corn, 5.1 bushels ; stover 1880 pounds. It is noticeable that
the production of the same plots this year has been much larger, a
difference, probably, chiefly due to the more favorable season. The
variety of corn was, however, different; an early dent, instead of
yellow, eight-rowed flint as last year, and to this change the larger
yield of this year may be in part due.

The seed was planted in hills May 13th ; the corn stooked, Sept.
18th ; and husked, Oct. 18th.

46

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZER USED.

June i

Nitrate of soda,

Dis. bone-black,

Notliing,

Muriate of potash,. . .

Lime,

Nothing,

Barn-yard manure, . . .
Nit., bone-brk,&pot'sh

Land plaster,

Nothing,

Bone-black & potash..

Nitrate & potash,

Nothing

Nitrate &bone-blaclv, .

Average of Measurements.

13.6

13.7

12.3

14.9

12.6

11.2

17.6

18.1

16.7

14.3

17.

13.7

12.

14.2

Julys

27.5
28.5
26.8
31.1
26.1
25.6
34.4
40.8
33.7
29.6
35.7
29.2
25.8
29.5

July 12 July 22 Aug. 1 Aug. 11 Aug. 21

39.3

40.4

.38.7

44.9

39.9

42.1

54.6

57.5

49.1

44.3

51.8

44.

42.

41.5

54.6
52.2
50.8
64.1
52.9
49.4
74.5
77.1
68.7
59.7
69.3
59.1
50.5
56.

73.6

78.4

69.9

84.8

70.6

71.1

95.7

98.8

93.

78.1

92.6

79.9

70.9

74.1

98.3
96.4
89.9
102.8
95.9
92.7
104.2
109.1
99.7
101.9
108.4
107.4

These measurements do not show that any slight advantage due to
the use of nitrate of soda was less apparent with the advance of the
season.

ANALYSIS OF THE MANURE.

Moisture at 100° C, 71.84 per cent.

Potassium oxide, .204 ''

Phosphoric acid, .183 "

Nitrogen, .319 "

Insoluble matter, 5.371 "

This mauure was drawn from a livery stable in the village. The
amount applied weighed 1200 pounds ; and supplied at the rate per
acre: nitrogen, 76.6 pounds ; phosphoric acid, 43.9 pounds ; potash,
49 pounds.

SUMMARY OF WEATHER OBSERVATIONS.

Mav 1st to Nov. 1st, 1890.

Temperature in open air in Degrees Fahrenheit

M

o

S

Month.

Monthly Means of

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

31

Max.

Miu.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Mav,

67.58

44.65

22.93

79.

14th

32.

2d

33.

31st

47.

5.14

June,

76.25

53.08

23.17

86.5

30th

38.

3d

39.

10th

48.5

1.48

July,
August,

79.74

56.24

23.50

92.

8th

41.

10&21

34.

6,12,21

51.

5.44

76.65

57.23

19.42

86.

6th

41.5

25th

31.

16th

44.5

4.60

Sept.,

69.73

50.28

19.45

78.5

7th

29.5

25th

30.5

25th

49.

5.28

Oct.,

56.82

39.26

17.56

76.

1st

26.5

22d

34.

22d

49.6

6.89

Season,*

71.13

50.12

21.01

92.

July 8

26.5

Oct. 22

39.

Oct. 22

65.5

28.83

*153 Days.

47

These figures are the results of observations taken at the State
Experiment Station, the instruments of which are nearly on the same
level as our field and quite near it. The chief peculiarity of the
record is the light rainfall for the month of June.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

• Nothing.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, -.3
Soft corn, " " .1

Stover, pounds " -1000

Value of average net increment

Financial result,

Phosphoric
Acid.

Muriate Phosphoric

of Acid and
Potash. Potash.

Average
Result

2.9

-10.9

5.7

.7

.G

.1

-.2

.2

1390

783

320
SI. 30

348

2.70 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 5.3
Soft corn, " " .7

Stover, pounds " -1260

Value of average net increment,

Financial result,

Nitrate
of
Soda.

Muriate

of
Potash.

Niti-ate
and
Potash.

Average
Result

8.5

-1.2

15.4

7.

0

-.2

-.5

.1

1230

1297

834
$6.28

525

1.44 gain

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nitrate Nitrate

of Phosph'ic and Phos- Average

Nothing.

Soda.

Acid.

ph'lcAcid.

Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 19.5

8.9

13.

15.8

14.3

Soft corn, " " 0

0

-.9

-.5

-.4

Stover, pounds " 190

2073

2747

1677

1672

Value of average net increment.

$14.07

Financial result,

10.87 gain

RESULT OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Complete Barnyard Land
Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster.

Lime.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 24.

25.8 1.8

6.4

Soft corn, " " -.4

-.4 -.2

.8

Stover, pounds " 1807

2014 21

-290

Fertilizer.

Manure. Plaster.

Lime.

Value of increment due to $21.00

$22.98 $1.25 .

$3.99

Financial result, 9.20 gain

2.02 loss .53 gain

3.03 gain

48

These comparisons make it evident that this soil still needs potash
in greater amount than either of the other elements of plant food.
Used alone it gives a more profitable result than that obtained on any
other plot. The gain from its use alone on plot 4 amounts to no less
than $14.66. Other plots gave larger crops ; but no other equalled
this one in point of profit on the fertilizer used. The result last year
was similar ; and it is true for both years that, even if labor be taken
into account, the plot where potash alone was used gave the largest
net profit.

Both phosphoric acid and nitrogen this year produced larger
increase in crop than last. Both give larger increases when used
with the other two elements than when used alone or with either of
the other elements singly. The same was true last year : but the
differences this year are larger than last, indicating a more general
exhaustion of the soil. Phosphoric acid, indeed, when added to
nitrate of soda and potash produces a very profitable increase in the
crop and its average result is sufficient to produce a small profit.

Neither land plaster, nor lime produce any very marked effect this
year, although, as in several other cases where lime has been used
two years, the increase this year is greater than last.

Manure, used the second year upon the same plot, (the crop having
therefore the advantage of any unexhausted residue from the appli-
cation of last year, generally supposed to be considerable) produces
a crop of grain of exactly the same size as " complete fertilizer," and
two hundred pounds more stover. To secure these results, there
were applied in the manure this year three times the nitrogen that
was used in "complete fertilizer," one-twelfth less phosphoric acid
and about three-fifths the amount of potash contained in the " com-
plete fertilizer."

In view of the results of tico years' tvork upon this soil, I cannot
doubt that with barnyard or stable manure it will pay to use muriate of
potash for corn upon this land.

If fertilizer only is to be tised, I would recommend materials which
will supply per acre about 80 pounds of actwd potash, 30 pounds of
phosphoric acid and 20 pounds of nitrogen in available forms.

49

AMHERST.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

Station Grounds, North Acre.

FERTILIZERS.

Yield per plot

Yield per acre.

Gaifa

or loss com-

1-20 acre.

/o

ired with

Shelled

^

S

Ears.

Corn

"n.

u

m

Shelled Corn

.

o

KIND.

a

1

5

i
s

1

o

5

i

bushels.

S

a

•A

t
^

1

1

1

Nothing

192

281

51.2

5620

2

Nitrate of soda

160

200

285

53.3

5700

2.1

557

3

Dissolved bone-black

820

213

3

217

56.8

.7

4340

5.6

.6

—327

4

Nothing-

192

*

209*

51.2

.1

4190

5

Muriate of potash

160

260

287

69.8

5740

18.9

1625

6

( Nitrate of soda

\ Dissolved bone-bl'ck

160
320

219

4^

216i

58.4

1.

4330

8.8

.9

290

7

f Nitrate of soda
\ Muriate of potash

160
160

253

h

2Ylk

67.5

.1

5430

18.7

0

1465

8

Nothing

180

h

194i

48.0

.1

3890

9

j Dissolved bone-bl'ck
I Muriate of potash
r Nitrate of soda

320
160
160

277

h

287

73.9

.1

5740

26.

0

1777

10

\ Dissolved bone-bl'ck
( Muriate of potash

320
160

281

291

74.9

5820

27.1

1785

11

Land plaster

160

193

212

51.5

4240

3.9

132

12

Nothing

178

209

47.5

4180

13

Barn-yard Manure

*5

302

325

80.5

6500

31.3

2197

14

Lime

160

189

221

50.4

4420

—.4

—7

15

Nothing

197

k

227i

52.5

.1

4550

•

*Cords.

Average of the nothing plots : hard corn, 50,1 bushels ; soft corn,
.1 bushel; stover, 4486 pounds.

This acre was on similar soil to the " South acre " and not far from
it. It was the original intention to use this crop for silage and it
was sown in drills with a corn planter. It was, however, thinned to
about six inches in the rows which were three and a half feet apart
and was well eared : and as other crops had entirely filled the silo in
which it was intended to place this, it was decided to stook and husk
it. The variety of corn was the same as on the other acre. It was
planted May 21st; stooked, Sept. 20th; and husked, Oct. 28th.
The stand was remarkably uniform and even throughout the entire
acre.

50

AVERAGE MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot

FERTILIZER USED.

Nothing

Nitrate of soda

Dissolved bone-black..

Nothing

Muriate of potash

Nitrate and bone-black

Nitrate and potash

Nothing

Bone-black and potash
Nit., bone-bl'k & potash

Land plaster

Nothing

Barn-yard manure

Lime

Nothinar

Average of Measurements.

June 23 July 3 July 12 July 22 Aug. 1 Aug. 11 Aug. 21

]2.5
12.9
10.9
11.9
14.9
13.5
13.6
10. -1
13.7
13.3
13.1
12.3
17.7
10.1
12.1

28.8
29.7
26.6
27.1
28.9
28.6
27.9
24.8
30.8
29.6
25.8
24.0
34.3
23.7
22.2

44.5

45.9

41.9

42.2

47.7

41.3

43.5

37.6

48.6

44.6

41.6

39.

50.5

38.7

39.6

62.4
70.2
57.3
61.5
59.8
62.6
52.1
66.4
62.7
58.1
54.2
73.2
51.8
58.

102.8
108.5
101.1
101.9
104.6
100.7
104.5
100.5
106.2
103.3
97.8
100.5
112.1
99.9
97.2

103.2
100.2
101.2

99.2
111.9
101. 1
105.5

97.4
104.9
106.1

96.1

97.5
113.0
101.6

99.4

There is evidently no falling off in the plots receiving nitrate of
soda with advance in the season ; and I conclude that on this soil
nothing would have been gained by fractional application of this
fertilizer.

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100'' C, 53.41 per cent.

Potassium oxide, .524 "

Phosphoric acid, .435 "

Nitrogen, .473 "

Insoluble matter, 3.476 "

The amount applied (32 cu. ft.) weighed 1535 pounds. It was
good strong cellar manure on which hogs were kept ; and made
mostly by well-fed milch cows. At the rate used it supplied per
acre ; nitrogen, 145.2 pounds ; phosphoric acid, 133.5 pounds, and
potash, 160.9 pounds.

It excels all the other manures used in this set of experiments in
the amount of phosphoric acid and potash ; and is excelled b}' but
one in the amount of nitrogen. Especially noticeable is the superi-
ority in respect to potash, due perhaps largely to the fact that in our
cellar the urine is entirely saved. The analysis indicates that this
manure should produce a good crop and such it will be seen was the
case.

51

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Muriate Phosphoric

Phosphoric of Acid and Avei'age

Nothing. Acid. Potash. Potash. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 2.1 3.2 -.2 1.1 1.6

Soft corn, " " 0 .3 0 0 .1

Stover, pounds, " 557 617 -160 8 256

Value of average net increment, $1.79

Financial result, 2.21 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nitrate Muriate Nitrate

of of and Averagf

Nothing. Soda. Potash. Potash. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 5.6 6.7 7.1 8.4 7.

Soft corn, " " .6 .9 0 0 .4

Stover, pounds, " -327 -267 152 320 -31

Value of average net increment, $4.94

Financial result, .14 gain

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nitrate Nitrate

of Phosphoric and Phos- Average

Nothing. Soda. Acid. ph'icAcid. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 18.9 16.6 20.4 18.3 18.6

Soft corn, " " 0 0 -.6 -.9 -.4

Stover, pounds, " 1625 908 2104 1495 1533

Value of average net increment, $16.73

Financial result, 13.53 sain

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Complete Barnyard Land

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 27.1 31.3 3.9 -.4

Soft corn, u .; 0 0 0 0

Stover, pounds " 1785 2197 132 -7

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Value of increment due to $23.43 $27.40 $3.06

Value of decrease due to $ .30

Financial result, 11.43gain 2.40gain 2.34gaiu 1.26 loss

52

Tlie teaching of the results brought out by these comparisons is plain.
This soil most needs j)Otash for the projitable production of corn and
this should be supp>lied to the full extent used in our experiments. The
increase due to phosphoric acid is also considerable ; but not sufficient
to account for nearly all that applied. This, though required, need not
be largely used. The nitrogen produces but an insignijicant increase,
and beyond possibly a little in available form to give the crop a start I
should not recommend its use on this soil for corn. Neither lime nor
plaster produce effects of any pariicxdar importance.

The manure produces a somewhat larger crop and a slightly larger
increase than the "complete- fertilizer": but at an enormously
greater cost whether in money or in amounts of the chief essentials
of plant food supplied. I bring the figures together for comparison.

Cost of manure, $25 ; Fertilizer, $12.

Nitrogen in manure, 145.2 pounds ; " 25.1 pounds.

Phosphoric acid in manure, 133.5 " " 48.2 "

Potash in manure, 160.8 " " 81.6 "

It will be observed that the fertilizer yields a much larger ajjparent
profit on its use than the manure. The latter, however, has undoubt-
edly left the land in better condition than the former.

Far is it from my intention to imply that manure is not superior to
fertilizer in many respects. This is a well known fact. I wish only
to make evident that to secure given results requires a vastly larger
application of plant-food than in the case of fertilizers ; and farther,
to point out that for corn on this soil, the profit may doubtless be en-
hanced by using manure in small amount in connection with potash,
rather than by large applications of manure alone. This plan is to be
followed this year upon the general crop of the College Farm and the
result will, in due season, be reported.

53

SUNDERLAND.

SOIL TEST WITH FEKTILIZERS FOR CORN.

By G. L. Cooley. North Half-Acre.

FERTILIZERS. |

Yield per plot
1-20 acre.

Yield per acre. 1

Gain or loss com-
pared with

.

Shelled

1

Ears.

Corn
bushels.

per acre.

Shelled Corn

o

KIND.

%.

i

^

"A

bushels.

.s

"S

3

3

a

i

-i

fl '

^

i

i

i

(S

s,

CO

S

^

S

si

s

1

Nothing

42.^,

2

m.

22.7

.9

2420

2

Nitrate of soda

160

IH,

1

884

40.3

.4

3540

14.6

—.3

867

3

Dissolved bone-black

320

48

n.

65

25.6

3.3

2600

-3.1

2.7

—327

4

Nothing

m

1

m.

31.7

.4

3180

5

Muri5,te of potash

160

99

ih.

1144

52.8

.7

4580

21.9

— .1

1345

6

( Nitrate of soda

t Dissolv'd bone-bl'ck

160
320

66d

58

53

2

90

35.5

.9

3600

5.5

—.2

310

7

f Nitrate of soda
\ Muriate of potash

160
160

3

169

30.9

1.3

6760

1.7

—.2

3415

8

Nothing

4

85

28.3

1.8

3400

9

r Dissolv'd bone-bl'ck
\ Muriate of potash

320
160

100
107^

U

1214

53.3

.7

4860

29.5

—2.6

1780

r Nitrate of soda

160

10

\ Dissolv'd bone-bl'ck
i Muriate of potash

320
160

334

1

1194

57.3

.4

4780

38.1

—4.3

2020

11

Land plaster

4i

60

17.9

2.

2400

3.1

—4.2

—40

12

Nothing

5*

19

17

53

10.1

7.6

2120

13

Barn-yard manure

115

h.

1354

61.3

.2

5420

48.3

—6.9

3200

14

Lime

160

m.

\U.

384

10.4

6.

1540

—5.6

— .7

-780

15

Nothing

m

14

604

18.9

6.2

2420

Average of nothing plots: hard corn, 22.3 bushels; soft corn,
3.5 bushels ; stover, 2708 pounds.

54

South Half-Acre.

FERTILIZERS. |

Ylek
1-2

per

plot 1

YieU

per acre.

Gain or loss com-
pared with
Nothing Plots
per acre.

i

Shelled

Corn
bushels.

•s

Ears.

Shelled Corn

KIND.

s.

to

J

bushels.

5

B

"2

^

1

1

^

9

h3

>
2.

'/r^

CM

80*

m
1*

150

42.9

.7

6000

1

Nothing

2

Nitrate of soda

160

123*

1

161*

65.9

.4

6460

20.1

—.5

533

3

Dissolved bone-blacli

320

101

*

159*

53.9

.2

6380

5.3

—.9

527

4

Notliina;

96*

3

144*

51.5

1.3

5780

o

Muriate of potasli

160

122

3

162

65.1

1.3

6480

11.

.5

695

6

f Nitrate of soda

\ Dissolved bone-bl'ck

160
320

137*

2*

176

73.3

1.1

7040

16.6

.2

1250

7

f Nitrate of soda
\ Muriate of potash

160
160

139*

3

177*

74.4

1.3

7100

15.1

.8

1305

8

Nothinaj

116

1

145

61.9

.4

5800

9

( Dissolved bone-bl'ck
1 Muriate of potash
r Nitrate of soda

320
160
160

120*

1

159*

64.3

.4

6380

4.4

—.1

875

10

\ Dissolved bone-bl'ck
i Muriate of Potash

320
160

134*

2

177

71.7

.9

7080

13.8

.4

1870

11

Land Plaster

160

121

2

147*

64.5

.9

5900

8.6

.3

985

12;Nothina:

101

1*

115*

53.9

.7

4620

13 B.ani-vard manure

5*

128

*

115*

68.3

2

6060

11.2

—.5

1013

14 Lime

160

96*

1

112*

51.5

.4

4460

-8.8

—.3

-1013

15 Nothiii.a;

!119

14

147*

63.5

.7

5900

'

Average of nothing plots : liard corn, 54.7 bushels ; soft corn, .7
bushel ; stover, 5620 pounds.

This experiment, voluntarily undertaken by Mr. Cooley, is located
on soil of alluvial formation— good, warm, corn land. The north and
south halves of the field had been differently treated ; the former was
last manured five years ago ; the latter, three years ago. Both had
been in grass since last manured. It was found early in the experi-
ment that the fertilizers were producing markedly different effects on
the two halves of the field ; and so it was decided to divide the acre
equally by a line running across the plots, and to harvest and weigh
separately. Such a difference between two pieces of laud lying so
near together is remarkable ; but is accounted for in part by the
difference in treatment above described, but largely also by the fact
that the physical characteristics of the soil in the two sections are
widely different.

Mr. Cooley took no measurements nor weather observations.

55

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C, 60.61 per cent.

Potassium oxide, .303 "

Phosphoric acid, .244 "

Nitrogen, .393

Insoluble matter, 23,168 "

This manure weighed 51 1 pounds per cubic foot, and by calcula-
tion the amount applied to the plot weighed 165C pounds. At this
rate it supplied per acre : nitrogen, 128.2 pounds; phosphoric acid,
80.8 pounds; potash, 100.4 pounds.

North Half Acre,
results of the addition of nitrogen to

Muriate Phospboric
Phosnhoric
Nothing.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 14.6
Soft corn, " " -.3

Stover, pounds " 867

Value of net average increment

Financial result.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, -3.1
Soft corn, " " 2.7

Stover, pounds " -327

Value of net average increment,

Financial result.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nitrate Nitrate

of Phosphoric andPhos- Average

Nothing. Soda. Acid. ph'cAcid. Result.

Hard corn, bushels-per acre, 21.9 -12.9 32.6 32.6 18.6

Soft corn, '' " -.1 .1 -5.3 -4.1 -2.4

Stover, pounds " 1845 2548 2107 1710 1928

Value of net average increment, $17.12

Financial result, 13.92 gain

Phosphoric
Acid.

of
Potash.

Acid and Average
Potash. Result.

8.6

-20.2

8.6 2.9

-2.9

-.1

-1.7 1.3

637

2070

240 954

t,

$4.81
.81 gain

Nitrate

of
Soda.

Muriate

of
Potash.

Nitrate

and
Potash.

Average
Result.

-9.1

7.6

36.4

8.

,1

-2.5

-4.1

-1.

-557

435

-1395

$4.15

461

.65

loss

Complete
Fertilizer.

Barnyard

Manure. Plaster

Lime.

38.1

48.3 3.1

-5.6

-4.3

-6.9 -4.2

-.7

2020

3200 -40

-780

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster.

Lime.

$30.43 $39.74 $ .81

$6.08

8.43 gain 14.

74 gain .09 gain 7

.04 loss

56

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Hard corn, bushels per acre,
Soft corn, " "

Stover, pounds "

Value of net increment due to
Value of decrease due to
Financial result,

The evidently uneven character of this half-acre tends to obscure
results. The nothing plots varied from 10 bushels up to 31 bushels
yield of hard corn per acre. Still the indication is strong that a fer-
tilizer for corn must be rich in potash to give profitable returns on
this land. The nitrate of soda also appears to have been more bene-
ficial than in most of our experiments. Neither lime, nor plaster
has apparently produced results of any significance.

The manure has produced a better crop and a larger apparent
increase than the '' complete fertilizer" ; but in it were applied more
than five times the nitrogen, nearly twice the phosphoric acid, and
one and one-fourth times the potash furnished in the fertilizer.

South Half Acre.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Muriate Phosphoric
Phosphoric of Acid and Average

Nothing. Acid. Potash. Potash. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 20.1 11.3 4.1 9.4 11.2

Soft corn, " " -.5 1.1 .3 .5 .4

Stover, pounds, " 533 723 610 995 715

Value of average net increment, $9.75

Financial result, 5.75 gain

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nitrate Muriate Nitrate
• of • of and Average

Nothing, Soda. Potash. Potash. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 5.3 -3.5 -6.6 -1.3 -1.5

Soft corn, " " -.9 .7 -.6 -.4 -.3

Stover, pounds " 527 717 180 565 497

Value of average net increment, $ .10

Financial result, 4.70 loss

57

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

nitrate
of
Notiiing. Soda.

Phospho-
ric Acid.

Nitrate

and
Phospho- Aver,
ric Acid. Result.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 11 . -.5

-.9

-2.8 .6

Soft corn, " " .5 1.3

.8

.2 .7

Stover, pounds " 695 772

348

620 609

Value of average net increment,

$2.15

Financial result,

1.05 loss

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO

NOTHING

OF

Complete
Fertilizer.

Barnyard
Manure.

Land
Plaster. Lime.

Hard corn, bushels per acre, 13.8

11.2

8.6 -8.8

Soft corn, " " .4

-.5

.3 -.3

Stover, pounds " 1870

1013

985 -1013

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Value of net increment due to $14.46 $10.22 $8.57

Value of decrease due to $8.78

Financial result, 2.46 gain 14.78 loss 7.85 gain 9.74 loss

On this half-acre the nitrate of soda appears to have been the most
beneficial ; but the large increase on plot 2 apparently caused by this
fertilizer, I believe to be more apparently than truly so caused. It
will be noticed that the yield of the nothing plot 1 by which the com-
parisons for plot 2 are most influenced is the smallest of any of the
nothings. This, perhaps due to natural variation in the soil, makes
the increase on plot 2 probably too large to represent the true effect
of the nitrogen. With all due allowance for this probable magnifica-
tion of the effect of nitrogen, however, I conclude from a study of
the results that on this soil nitrate of soda was largely beneficial,
while neither phosphoric acid nor potash appear to have been so.

The " complete fertilizer," although furnishing much less plant-
food than the manure, as pointed out under the comparisons for the
North half-acre ; gave on this land a larger yield and a larger in-
crease than the latter, and of course, costing less, proved much the
more profitable.

58

GENERAL SUMMARY.

Results of the Use of Potash: This ingredient has produced an
average increase of crop varying from .6 bushels of hard corn per
acre in Marblehead to 48.1 bushels in Hadley ; and from 275 pounds
of stover per acre in Freetown to 3958 pounds in Hadley. It has
proved more useful in its average effect upon the production of hard
corn than either nitrogen or phosphoric acid in nine out of fourteen
experiments, viz: New Lenox, Hadley, Worcester, Yarmouth, Con-
cord, Bridgewater, Sunderland (north half), and Amherst (two ex-
periments). It surpasses nitrogen in yield of hard corn in Shelburne
and it exceeds phosphoric acid in this respect in Marblehead and
Sunderland (south half). It has proved most powerful in its effects
upon the production of stover in twelve experiments, viz : Marble-
head, New Lenox, Shelburne, Hadley, Worcester, Yarmouth, Free-
town, Concord, Bridgewater, Sunderland (north half), and Amherst
(two experiments). It exceeds nitrogen in this respect in Westfield
and similarly exceeds phosphoric acid in Sunderland (south half).

Results oj the Use of Phosphoric Acid: This ingredient has proved
most effective in its average influence on the production of hard corn
in two experiments, viz : Shelburne and Westfield, and in one it has
excelled potash, viz : Freetown. It has proved quite beneficial in
four more, viz: Worcester, Sunderland (north half), Amherst (two
experiments) . In its average influence upon production of stover it
has proved most beneficial in but one experiment, viz: Westfield.
It excels nitrogen in this respect in Marblehead, Yarmouth, Bridge-
water and Amherst (south acre). Its average apparent effects upon
the production of hard corn and stover vary respectively from a de-
crease of 4.1 bushels per acre in Yarmouth to an increase of 14.7
bushels in Westfield for the former ; and from a decrease of 947
pounds per acre in New Lenox to an increase of 590 pounds in West-
field for the latter.

Results of the Use of Nitrogen : This element has in three cases
proved most beneficial in its average effect upon the production of
hard corn, viz : Marblehead, Freetown, and Sunderland (south half).
It has surpassed phosphoric acid in this respect in New Lenox,
Hadley, Yarmouth, and Concord and is ahead of potash in Westfield.
In its average effect upon the production of stover it stands first in
Sunderland (south half) ; and it excels phosphoric acid in this respect
in eight experiments, viz : New Lenox, Shelburne, Hadley, Wor-

59

cester, Freetown, Concord, Sunderland (north half), and Amherst
(north acre). The average effect per acre of this element is as
follows: hard corn, from .3 to 11.2 bushels increase; stover, from
406 pounds decrease to 1114 pounds increase.

Comparative Effect of Potash. Nitrogen and Phosphoric Acid upon
Production of Grain and Stover : As last year, our figures afford
interesting data bearing upon the relative influence upon grain and
stover production respectively of these ingredients of the fertilizers
used. The grand average increase in hard corn and stover per acre
taking all our experiments into account is as follows :
For potash. hard corn, 11 .3 bushels ; stover, 1308 powids.

Fornitrogen, " " 4.7 " " 389 '•

For phosphoric acid, " "• 3.6 '' '' 162 *'

The increase due to potash, then, exceeded that due to nitrogen as
folloius: hard corn, 2.40 times; stover, 3.37 times. Over phos2)Jioric
acid the average increase was respectively: hard corn, 3.14 times;
stover, 8.08 times. As I wrote last year : " 7i thus becomes evident
that potash produces relatively more effect xipon the yield of stover than
upon that of grain; and that it greatly exceeds either nitrogen or potash
in this respect. Next to potash in its effect upon stover ranks nitrogen.'''*

CONCLUSIONS.

1. Our results show that soils differ widely in their requirements.

2. Potash, however, much more often proves beneficial or proves
much more largely beneficial than either nitrogen or p)hosphoric acid.

3. Potash as a rule most largely increases the yield of both grain
and stover ; but its effect upon stover production is greater than upon
grain production.

4. Barn-yard manures are, as a rule, relatively deficient in potash,
probably because of the loss of a large proportion of the tirine which
contains about four-fifths of the total potash of the excretions.

5. The relative deficiency of many of our soils in potash may, I
think, be largely accounted for from the following facts : —

a. Manures as a rule lack this ingredient, as just j^ointed out.

b. Farmers who have used commercial fertilizers have, as a rule,
bought phosphates or fertilizers rich in phosphoric acid and containing
little or no potash.

♦For comparison see Bulletin No. 9, page 47

60

c. All fodders, pasture grasses, a,nd hay are rich in j^otash, and our
farmers have devoted a large share of their land to the xjroduction of
these crops.

6. The relative deficiency of j'Otash in so many soils, shoion now by
the results of the work of two seasons, I believe justifies the folloiving
general advice.

• a. In breaking up sod la,nd for corn particularly that which is in
fair condition but which has been under ordinary farm management,
if fertilizers only are to be used apply those which are rich in potash.
Use materials which loill supply, 80 to 100 pounds of actual potash,
from 25 to 30 pounds of phosi)horic acid, and from 15 to 20 pounds
of nitrogen jjer acre.

b. If a special corn fertilizer is to be used, apply only a moderate
quantity, say 400 to 500 pounds per acre, and use with it about 125
pounds of muriate of potash. It is believed this combination will pro-
duce as good a crop as 800 to 1000 pouyids of '•'■ corn fertilizer ; " and
it will cost considerably less.

c. With ordinary barn-yard or stable manure for corn, use potash.
I would recommend using about four cords manure and one hundred
pounds of muriate of potash per acre.

d. For fodder or ensilage corn, use either in fertilizers or with ma-
nures about one-fourth more potash than above recommended.

e. In our experiments^ cdl fertilizers and manures have been apiplied
broad-cast and harrowed in, and I believe this is the best method.

f Although I recognize the danger of giving empirical directions of
a genercd nature, the restdts of our work lead me to recommend with
considerable confidence any one of the following mixtures per acre for
corn.

I.
Muriate of Potash, 175 lbs.

Dissolved Bone Black, 175 '•'■

Nitrate of Soda, 100 ''

II.

Muriate of Potash, 175 '■'■

Plain Superphosphate, -150 "

Bone Meal, 100 "

Dried Blood, 175 ''

61

///.

Wood Ashes, 1500 ''

Bone Meal, 100 "

Nitrate of Soda, 100 ''

IV.

Wood Ashes, 1500 ''

Dry Ground Fish, 400 "

V.

Muriate of Potash, 115 "

Dry Ground Fish, 400 "

The ashes, bone meal or fish should be applied very early in spring
or late in ivinter. Apply all these fertilizers broad-cast and harrow in.
Do not mix a long time before use : — especially important in case of
Nos. Ill and IV.

Of course these combinations might be indefinitely extended ; but
from what has been said as to the required amounts of the essentials, —
potash, nitrogen and phosphoric acid, any farmer should be able to
figure amounts and combinations for himself. Between combinations
I, II, and V there should be little difference in cost. Combinations
III and IV will probably cost from four to five dollars more. The
elements other than potash and phosphoric acid contained in
ashes, and their physical and chemical action in the soil will no
doubt, in whole or part offset this increased cost.

During the past season we carried out on the station grounds one
experiment of a similar nature to those described in these pages with
potatoes. The records of this experiment have, unfortunately,
been destroyed by fire ; but they had been carefully studied and
worked out, and I am able from memory to state the leading facts.
The soil was similar to that used on our grounds for corn. Previous
to the spring of 1889 it had been several years in grass without
manure. It was then plowed and planted to sweet corn without
manure or fertilizer. The crop was a very good one and even
throughout the field. The land was plowed in the fall of 1889 and
the experiment with potatoes laid out in the spring of 1890 precisely
as for corn. The same arrangement of plots was used, and the same
kinds and quantities of fertilizers. No plot gave an entirely satis-
factory crop. The barn-yard manure gave the largest yield but not

62

of the best quality. Quantity and quality considered, the complete
fertilizer gave the most satisfactory results, but not the most profit-
able. Potash, for this ci'op as for corn, seemed to be most deficient
in this soil. This is thus far the only experiment tried under my
direction on potatoes and I am not justified in forming any sweeping
conclusions. It, however, appears to me likely that the " special
potato fertilizers " in the market furnish too small a proportion of
potash. It will pay, I believe, to use them in moderate quantities,
if at all, in connection with sulphate of potash for the heavier and
muriate of potash for the lighter soils.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

: OF THE —

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. IB.

Experiments in Greenhouse Heating.

Special Fertilizers for Plants under Glass.

Report on Varieties of Strawberries.

Report on Varieties of Blackberries and Raspberries.

OCTOBER, 1891.

The Bulletins of this Station, icill be sent free to all neiospapers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1891.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Expermient Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell,
William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynard,
Charles H. Fernald, .
Clarence D.. Warner, .
William M. Shepardson,
John S. Loring,
Henry J. Field,

Director.

Agricidtxirist.

Horticulturist.

Entomologist.

Meteorologist.

Assistant Horticulturist.

Assistant Agrictdturist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, are
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Division of Horticulture.

Samuel T. Maynakd.

EXPERIMENTS IN GREENHOUSE HEATING.

In Bulletins No. 4 and 8 were given the results of heating two
greenhouses of similar construction, one by steam and the other by
hot water. After two seasons of careful test with the same results
each time, it was decided that, for houses of small or medium size,
hot water gave the best results. For houses of large size, however,
no satisfactory conclusions can be drawn until parallel experiments
are made with more extensive houses and under similar conditions.

The two houses used for the above experiments being as nearly
alike, in every way, as it is possible to construct them, it was deter-
mined to test the value of over-hench piping as compared with under-
bench piping.

OVER-BENCH VS. UNUER-BENCH HEATING.

For this purpose in the two above mentioned houses were placed
two hot water boilers of a standard make, and arranged so as to have
the apparatus as complete and equal as possible.

In the ea.'it house the pipes were arranged under the benches while
in the ivest house they were arranged ovrr the benches.

A partition divides each house into two sections, designated in the
tablfs " North Section" and *•' South Section," in the former (North
Section) of which vv;is grown coleus, roses and other plants requiring
a iiigh lemperature, while ip the latter (South Section) was grown
lettuce, caiuations and other plants requiring a lower temperature.

Upon the '-flow" pipes were placed standard thermometers to
register the temperature of the water as it passed from the boiler to
the houses.

Observations were taken four times each day ; at 7 a. m., 1 p. m.,
6 p. M., and 9 p. m., beginning Dec. 1st and ending April 12th, the
results of which are given in the following tables. Table No. 1 gives
the results of the average daily observations for the month of Jan-

uary, while No. 2 gives the average temperature and total amouut of
coal consumed for the months of December, January, February,
March and April.

Table No. 1.
HEATING RECORDS.

January, 1891.

UNDKR-BENCH PIl'ING.
EAST HOUSE.

Iforth Section. South Section.

OVER-BENCH PIPING.
WEST HOUSE.

North Section. South Section.

.^ g

<

i

is

■5"

i

1 i:-

11

-5

1

Date

i

11

|l

i

Is

Jl

^ 1

i

o -=

<

11

u

lo
si
<

131.25

66.5

92

113.75

45.

1

17.8

135.

65.75:

116

107.5

46.5

97.5

61.5

136

88.75

46.25

2

31.

113.75

61.75

137

91.25

49.5

128.75

66.25

120

108.75

48.25

3

25.4

135.

62.75

160

107.5

50.5

111.25

63.

139

98.75

44.75

4

11.4

111.25

58.25

99

93.75

45.75

137.5

69.

120

101.25

48.5

5

23.4

142.5

67.

144

103.75

50.25

132.5

67.5

121

98.75

47.5

6

IS.

127.5

63.

166

95.

49.5

120.

65.5

132

100.

48.5

7

21.8

137.5

65.75

134

87.5

50.75

116.25

65.75

179

101.25 49.

8

26.4

126.25

63.5

163

102.5

51.

152.5

71.25

155

123.75 48.5

9

17.4

152.5

69.

1.59

108.75

48.

137.5

71.

175

117.5 52.5

10

18.6

126.25

66.5

166

110.

53.5

146.25

71.75

136

110. 49.75

u

24.8

138.75

66.75

134

102.5

49.5

126.25

65.75

127

96.25 49.

12

35.2

126.25

67.75

155

88.75

48.

126.25

62.5

194

116.25! 45.5

13

19.2

145.

61.75

196

90.

47.25

132.5

66.75

167

101.75 48.25

14

22.8

133.75

63.25

161

96.25

48.5

125.

67.75

136

108.75' 51.

15

22.

137.5

62.5

142

95.

51.25

123.75

68.25

169

102.5

51.25

16

22.6

133.75

64-75

198

105.

51.75

143.75

61.

168

108.75

45.75

17

17.6

152.5

64.25

174

106.25

47.25

133.75

70.75

146

90.

48.75

18

30.8

133.75

62.25

145

86.25

47.5

128.75

73.5

104

975.

52.75

19

26.2

130.

67.5

100

92.5

53.25

105.

66.5

111

. 85.

49.75

20

27,6

116.25

64.

123

86.25

51.

118.75

65.75

92

96.25

48.75

21

29.6

126.25

61.75

94

83.75

48.5

121.25

62.25

IOC

98.25

48.25

22

23.

120.

63.

115

91.25

51.

98.75

64.

94

83.75

49.25

23

38.2

130.

62.75

101

85.

49.5

125.

63.5 1 85

91.25

49.5

24

35.6

103.75

60.5

92

86.25

51.5

115.

62.75

127

92.5

42.25

25

31.8

121.25

56.25

124

96.25

44.5

80.

63.

12;

90.

46.75

26

26.6

107.5

58.25

120

91.25

47.25

66.25

9<

97.5

52.5

27

33.2

131.25

64.75

95

96.25

51.75

110.

67.25

9!-

85.

53.75

28

34.8

112.5

66.75

105

78.75

52.25

122.5

58.

J0[

93.75

45.75

29

32.4

106.25

58.75

101

90.

46.75

123.75

66.

12h

91.25

49.5

30

39.2

107.5

59.75

130

81.25

48.5

138.75

64.

\U

[ 101.2-

46.5

31

30.6

125.

60.75

110

92.5

46.75

Table No. 2.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE P.Y MONTHS.

EAST HOUSE.

WEST HOUSE.

North Section.

South Section. Nokth

Section.

South Section.

Average

Average

Average

Average Average

Average

Average

Average

Water

House

Water

House Water

House

Water

House

Temper-

Temper-

Temper-

Temper- Temper-

Temper-

Temper-

Temper-

ature.

ature.

ature.

ature, ature.

ature.

ature.

ature.

December.

133,85

63.00

100.72

48.50 134.00
January.

65.69

108.85

45.88

121.16

66.45

101.52

48.45 128.10
February.

63.39

93.55

49.30

119.19

65.42

77.73

49.66 129.87
March.

63.82

97.13

40.49

115.16

67.96

90.73

52.93 120.98
*April.

64.44

91.68

53.36

1x4.75

66.46

102.12

59.83 116.94

68.35

102.80

60.00

120.81 64.66

Total average.
94.56 51.86 125.98

COAL CONSUMED.

EAST HOUSE

WEST H(

)USE.

Total lbs.

Av.

per (lay,

lbs.

Total lbs.

Av. per day, lbs.

December, 1890.

4366

140.84

January.

4946

159.54

3995

128.87

February.

4159

134.16

3584

128.00

March.

3782

135.07

3466

111.80

♦April.

3402

109.74

1357

113.08

1375

114.58

Total average

3354

124.52

3533

130.62

*12 days only.

RESULTS.

It will be seen by table No. 2, that while the average temperature
of the water as it came from the boiler in the west house, with pipes
over the benches, was 4.81® higher than that from the east boiler,
where the pipes were under the benches, the House temperature was
only .25'' or J of one degree higher.

This would indicate that there was a loss of heat from its escape
through the glass before it could affect the atmosphere about the
thermometers, which hung about midway between the walk and the
glass.

We also see b}' table No. 2, that there was 179 lbs. more of coal
consumed in heating the west house than in heating the east one.

It was observed that the circulation of the hot water in pipes over
the benches was more rapid and regular than where the pipes run
under the benches. This, however, might have been remedied, in a
measure, had the boilers bolh been set in a pit or cellar. In this
case, they were both placed only 2 feet Ijelow the level of the green-
house floor.

EFFECT UPON THE GROWTH OF PLANTS.

The results of observations upon the growth of plants placed in
these two houses are very marked and in fa\or of the under-bench
piping.

Carnations. To determine this question the same number :and
kinds of plants were planted in the middle bench of both houses irad
treated, in every way, as to soil, watering and ventilation the same.
As the blossom buds neared maturity each one was counted and a
small tag attached, to show that it had been counted, so that anyone
might pick the blossoms and not trouble to recoid every one cut.

This was done ever}' morning and the results of the winter's count
is as follows :
Total number of blossoms counted in over-bench pii)ed house, 4.372

"• " '' " " " under-bench piped '■ 4,797

A difference of 425 in favor of the under-benched piped house.

Lettuce. The side benches of both houses were planted with
lettuce early in the winter and careful weekly observations made as
to the comparative growth. As there was more or less mildew in
both houses, no accurate weight of the crop could be given, but that
in the east or under- piped house was much the best, as were
also seedling plants of lettuce, cabbage and tomatoes planted later.

Cuttings and Flower /Seeds. The same kinds of cuttings and flower
seeds were put into both houses and the results carefully noted. In
every case the cuttings rooted more quickly and the seeds germinated
more quickly and evenly in the under-piped house.

It was found where nearly matured or budded plants were placed
iu the two houses, that the blossoms came out more quickly where
the pipes were over the benches than where under them.

DISTRIBUTION OF THF HEAT.

To determine the distribution of the heat through the houses by
these two methods of piping, weekly observations were made at

intervals diirino- the winter, the results of which are given in the
following table. Four observations were made each day.

Table No. 3.
east house. west house.

North Section. South Skctiox. Noktii Section. South Section.

Av. temp. Av. temp. Av. temj). Av. temp. Av. temp. Av. temp. Av. temp. Av. temp,
over under over under over under over under

bench. bench. bench. l)ench. bench. bench. bench. bench.

Week ending January 31, 1891.
63.89 84.23 60.75 60.46

"Week ending February 7, 1891.
49.39 48.83 49.39 36.10

Weeks ending March 14 and 21, 1891.
65.27 64.30 62.85 59.90

67.53 67.35 64.08 59.85

Two -weeks ending April 6, 1891.
56.89 53.31 55.87 50.93

In this ease the difference in the temperature between the space
under the benches and that over them is much more marked in the
west house than in the east, showing that when the pipes are arranged
over the benches the heat is not so evenly distributed through the
houses as where ari-anged under the benches.

SPECIAL FERTILIZERS FOR PLANTS UNDER CiLASS.

During the winter of 1889 and 1890, experiments were made with
fertilizers applied to crops under glass, the results of whicli were
given in Bulletin No. 10. The past winter the same experiments
were repeated. For this purpose six plots were arranged in each of
the two greenhouses used for testing systems for greenhouse heating,
and planted about Sept. 20th, with the same kinds and number of
carnations.

The number of blossoms produced by each plot was recorded as
described in the experiment for testing systems of piping. Each
plot had api)lied to the soil, soon after planting, one of the elements
of plant food in the form used in the common commercial fertilizers.
The greatest care was taken that the soil, watering, ventihilion and
all other conditions should be the same.

Observations were made for thirty-one weeks, the results of which
are given in the following table :

Plot No. 1. Muriate of potash, produced 1261 blossoms

Plot No. 2. Nitrate of soda, " 1353

Plot No. 3. Sulphate of ammonia, " 1345 "

Plot No. 4. Sulphate of potash, "■ 1475 "

Plot No. 5. Nitrate of potash, '' 1001 '•

Plot No. 6. Dissolved bone, '' 1069 ''

RESULTS.

It will be seen that in this test the nitrate of potash gave the best
results, the sulphate of potash the next best, and dissolved bone
black the poorest result.

These results do not agree with those of the previous winter, as,
in that test, bone black stood at the head of the list with sulphate of
potash second.

After careful study of the conditions and surroundings, no satis-
factory cause can be assigned for this difference, unless it be from the
insoluble condition of the bone black which did not give good results
in the previous tests until the latter part of the trial.

In five experiments made in this line, three have been in favor of
bone black, one of sulphate of ammonia and one of nitrate of potash.
Sulphate of potash has stood second in every one of them. The
nitrate of soda and muriate of potash, in every case where the crop
has had a tendency to mildew, have given poor results, owing prob-
ably to their power of holding moisture near the surface of the soil.

In the growth of the rose, lettuce and carnation a moist atmosphere
or a very moist soil in contact with the plants especially at night must
be avoided if success is expected, and therefore such fertilizers as
nitrate of soda and muriate of potash would aggravate any such
condition.

RERORT ON VARIETIES OF STRAWBERRIES.

The strawberry crop on the college grounds was about an average
one the past season although the frosts cut off many of the early
blossoms. The first picking for market was made June 15th, almost
one week later than the average. Nearly all of the old varieties show
more or less signs of degeneracy but some of the newer ones promise to
more than replace them.

The following table gives the standing of each variety, 'as shown
from their growth in two separate specimen beds and many of them
in field culture. In these tables, 10 indicates the highest degree of
excellence.

T

o

>

2

o

1

S

f

3

1

1

1

5)

i

1
1

ll

May

he's

June

Arlingtou,

10

.05

9

6

7

M

1

10

2

4

6 th

6th

Auger, No. 70,

10

.40

10

10

9

D

(i

9

8

(5

10th

13th

Beder Wood,

10

.08

10

9

7

L

2

8

6

9

1st

3d

Belmont,

10

.15

,s

8

6

D

5

9

8

6

14th

14th

Beseck,

9

.07

G

9

7

L

8

8

6

2

7th

13th

Bessie,

10

.10

«

6

0

M

2

9

2

2

7th

7th

Bidwell,

9

8

6

7

D

6

8

7

2

2d

9 th

Bom ha,

7

.10

9

8

8

6

9

9

•)

7th

9 th

Bubach, No. 5,

8

.00

9

7

7

1

5

8

9

6

11th

12 th

Bubach, No. 24,

10

.00

9

8

9

M

7

8

8

5

nth

9 th

Bubach, No. 132,

9

.02

8

7

9

L

6

6

8

5

2d

9th

Burt,

9

.10

9

9

7

D

2

8

6

3

9th

9 th

Carmichael,

3

.05

7

6

9

1)

8

10

<s

1

7th

nth

Chas. Dowuing,

5

.25

6

7

7

L

8

8

5

4

9lh

13 th

Clara,

5

.02

y

4

9

L

8

8

5

1

11th

14 th

Clingto,

10

.02

8

4

4

D

3

8

6

3

9 th

13th

Clouds Seedling,

10

.12

9

7

6

D

3

8

4

6

9 th

7th

Covin's P:arly,

10

.50

8

8

8

D

7

9

2

1

1st

3d

Crawford,

10

.03

9

7

9

M

7

8

7

3

9th

lOtli

Crescent,

10

.01

9

8

7

L

5

9

5

9

9th

7 th

Crystal City,

9

.05

7

6

8

D

7

8

5

1

7th

7 th

Daisy,

4

.05

9

lo

8

M

3

9

8 1

18th

nth

P^merald,

10

.25

8

2

7

L

5

8

4

1

7th

14th

Eurekn,

10

.03

9

7

9

L

8

8

8

6

2d

3d

Farnsworth,

8

.20

8

7

9

L

7

9

8

4

10th

9th

Garritsou,

1

.03

8

lo

4

L

2

9

5

1

7th

13th

Gaudy,

7

.05

10

8

7

L

5

9

6

4

18tli

18th

Glendale,

8

.05

10

9

7

D

2

8

7

4

11th

11th

Gold,

1

.01

10

lo

8

L

4

9

5

1

18th

Great American,

7

.10

7

9

9

L)

8

8

6

3

11th

12th

Hampden,

9

.02

9

9

8

M

7

8

8

3

10th

nth

Henderson,

8

.02

7

5

10

D

8

7

3

1

9th

5 th

Hatfield,

10

.10

9

8

9

M

8

8

7

1

9 th

10th

Haverland,

8

.01

8

7

10

L

8

8

8

9

2d

4th

Hoffmanns,

9

.05

9

8

7

D

5

7

6

3

9 th

10th

Howard's No. 5,

9

.25

8

6

9

D

7

9

7

4

6th

5 th

Howard's No. 6,

10

.25

9

7

9

M

6

9

4

4

9tli

7 th

Indiana,

10

.10

9

9

7

D

3

8

8

7

9tli

7 th

James Vick,

4

8

8

7

D

6

8

4

1

16 th

11th

Jersey Queen,

8

.05

9

6

8

M

9

9

5

4

10th

14th

Jessie,

10

.02

9

8

9

M

6

9

7

2

7th

nth

Jucunda Improved,

8

.45

8

10

9

M

8

9

9

1

14th

12 th

Kentucky,

10

.10

8

6

7

D

3

7

8

3

12th

13th

Leuuings' White,

7

.30

8

10

9

W

8

7

3

1

9 th

nth

Lady Rusk,

9

.02

7

6

9

D

7

8

4

3

10 th

nth

Leroy,

10

.05

9

8

8

D

3

7

8

2

10th

13th

Logan,

9

.03

9

8

8

M

.7

7

8

3

2d

12th

3

°

.1
>

8

s

o

5

o
S
<1

.05

S

s
E

9

6

P
9

i

D

i
1

1

8

g
7

CO

5

1
2

c a
May

If

June

LuLg John,

1st

11th

Loudoiis,

10

.10

8

7

8

M

8

M

6

2

9lh

14th

Louise,

6

.02

8

10

10

D

7

9

9

2

14th

14 th

Lovett's Earlv,

6

8

7

9

M

7

8

4

5

nth

May King,

10

8

8

<s

I.

6

H

6

5

l?th

13th

]\Ii!iini,

9

.05

9

8

8

L

7

9

7

4

12th

13 th

Miller's Seedling,

10

.10

7

4

7

M

5

8

6

G

14th

14th

Miner's Prolific,

5

.15

8

5

8

M

7

8

4

7

6 th

lOtii

Michael's Earlv,

10

.20

6

7

9

L

8

6

6

5

2d

4th

Ohio,

10

.30

8

5

7

L

7

8

5

3

12 th

17th

Ontario,

10

.10

7

8

10

L

9

8

7

3

13th

17th

Parker Earle,

10

.25

9

6

8

M

7

9

7

7

12ih

15th

Parmeuter's Seedliim,

10

.05

7

2

7

M

5

7

8

7

lOHi

10 th

Parry,

7

.10

7

5

7

D

3

8

9

2

9th

Gth

Photo,

'7

.20

10

9

8

M

G

10

10

5

lOlh

nth

Pineapple,

10

.02

8

4

10

L

9

8

7

3

18th

14 th

Pioneer,

10

.10

9

8

9

M

7

10

9

2

9 th

12th

Porter's Seedling,

10

.02

9

8

6

M

1

9

5

3

1st

12 th

Royal Hauttioy.

3

.10

9

i)

1

D

6

8

3

1

Shari)less.

10

.15

9

8

10

D

9

8

9

4

lOth

15th

Shuster's Gem,

10

.05

9

8

9

L

8

9

8

7

8th

9 th

Stayman's No. 2,

9

.15

7

3

4

M

1

9

5

5

10th

13th

Stayman's No. 1 ,

10

.10

7

3

6

L

5

8

5

9

5 th

13th

Sunapee,

8

.35

8

8

9

D

7

8

3

2

10 th

9th

Tii)picanoe,

8

.25

10

8

9

M

10

10

6

1

10th

15 th

Van Dienuui,

9

.10

7

8

9

L

8

7

6

4

2d

4 th

Viola,

10

.02

8

7

9

L

8

8

7

3

9tli

12th

Warfield.

10

.01

10

9

5

D

1

8

7

10

9th

5th

White Novelty,

9

.35

4

10

7

W

8

3

3

1

13th

17th

Wilson,

7

.05

8

7

7

M

5

«

6

2

9th

Gth

No. 1,

10

.15

8

8

7

D

6

7

4

5

9lh

7th

No. 9.

10

.10

6

9

5

L

2

7

5

1

10th

13th

No. 10,

1.0

.05

7

9

9

L

7

8

8

3

10th

13 th

No. 11,

10

.15

7

7

8

L

5

6

5

8

9th

Gth

No. 12,

10

.10

8

9

8

L

5

6

5

2

10 th

12th

No. 14,

4

6

3

8

D

8

6

1

2

1st

13 th

No. 19,-

10

.05

8

6

6

L

8

8

4

4

10th

12th

No. 20,

10

.10

7

5

7

M

7

8

5

5

Sth

Gth

No. 21,

10

.05

8

4

6

L

3

7

3

3

10th

13th

No. 23,

8

.08

8

6

8

L

6

8

3

3

8th

No. 24,

8

.10

9

10

8

M

8

8

10

8

15th

17th

No. 28,

10

.02

9

6

8

INl

6

G

3

5

10th

Gth

No. 29,

10

.05

7

7

9

L

7

7

6

5

1st

8th

Excelsior,

10

.25

8

8

8

L

7

8

8

2

15th

14th

Gypsy,

10

.01

9

6

9

D

7

9

6

1

10th

10th

Seedling,

10

.10

8

3

5

M

3

8

2

2

8th

11

A few of the most desirable or most largely advertised varieties
should have special mention.

Beder Wood. This promises to be one of the best early berries,
ripening- as it does, with the very earliest. The fruit is of good size
and color, productive and showy. It has a perfect Hower, fine
healthy foliage and can be used to fertilize any early kind.

Belmont. This fine variety, under certain conditions, gives satis-
factory results, but under ordinary cultivation is not productive. Its
quality, fine color and large size make it a valuble berry where it
succeeds.

Bubach No. 5. This berry is of large size, perfect form and ot
fairly good quality. Tlie plant is pistillate, vigorous and fairly pro-
ductive. Foliage, large, dark green and perfectly free from rust.
A very valuable variety for general cultivation.

Eureka. An €arly berry of good quality and one that continues
to ripen for a long time. A good home or market berry.

Haverland. In our last year's plots this variety diil not do as
well as 't was reported to have done in many other places, but this
year it has redeemed itself and proves a superior variety in every
way, except vigor of plant. It must be fertilized with some early
variety like the Beder Wood or Michael's Early

Lady Rusk. This variety has not given the promise of what was
claimed for it. The growth of plant is small, but the fruit is of good
quality.

LoveWs Early. The only plants we had with which to study this
variety were set late iu the summer, and did not get established so
as to give a satisfactory crop.

Middlefidd., (Auguis No. 70). While this variety produces beau-
tiful berries of good quality, it has not proved profitable here. For a
fancy trade it may be valuable.

Michael's Early. Ripening with l^eder Wood it seemed to promise
equally well at the first of the season, but did not prove as |)ruductive,
hardy, or of as good quality.

Parker Earle. This variety ripens with the latest ; the berries are
of good size, the plant vigorous and especially valuable for hill
culture.

Parmentefs Seedling. When in blossom and even when the first
berries ripened it promised to be one of the most productive, but failed,
for some reason, to carry out its fruit, and the berries were of poor
quality. Under different conditions it may behave better.

12

Vcm Dieman. A promising variety of good quality, but it requires
another season to prove its merits.

No. 24. Of the seedlings produced on the college grounds, this
one proves the best, having attracted mi(ch attention from those who
are testing it in other places. One large grower pronounces it the
most valuable variety on his grounds.

Select Varieties. For general purposes and the maiket the test of
the past few years leads us to name the following varieties in order
of their merit: Beder Wood, Bubach No. o, Ilaverland, Belmont,
Warfield, Eureka, Middlefield, Sharpless and Crescent.

INJURIOUS INSECTS.

The only insect specially injurious to the strawberry on the college
grounds is the Black Paria (Paria aterrima), a minute brown insect
about ^ of an inch long, which eats the foliage, giving it the appear-
ance of having been riddled with gunshot.

It appeared in the old beds here early in May, and has continued
its ravages until the present date, Sept. 20th, though most of the
injury occurred in August. It works more on old beds, but where
old and new beds are planted side by side, and the old one is plowed
under, the beetles migrate to the new one and feed upon their foliage.

The remedies suggested are paris green or hellebore. Experi-
ments were made with the combined mixture of sulphate of copper
and lime known as the " Bordeaux mixture," and paris green for
the destruction of this insect and the leaf rust, but as yet no
positive results have been obtained. As the beetle is a leaf eating
insect we have good reasons to hope that either the paris green or
the hellebore will prove an effectual remedy. Further experiments
will be made the coming season, and it is hoped that any one who
may Iiave been successful in checking its ravages will report their
methods, for if it continues to increase as it has in the two past
seasons, strawberry growing will become a very uncertain business.

STRAWBERRY RUSTS.

Strawberry plants, as a rule, have l)een comparatively free from rust
this season on the college grounds, though in some sections it has
been abundant and wherever this condition of things exists there can
be little profit in growing this fruit.

This disease is caused by a fungous growth {Ramularia FragaricB)
that appears in round red or brown spots on the leaves. When
these are numerous the leaf function is destroyed and the plants are

13

seriously weakened or die. Some varieties are more subject to its
attack than others and all are more or less subject to it when we have
very warm and moist weather during the early summer while the
fruit is ripening, when the berries become small or fail to mature at all.

REMEDIES.

Vigorous growing varieties with thick dark green leaves, like the
Wilson and Bubach No. 5, are less likely to be attacked than those
with light green foliage, like the Charles Downing. Good cultivation
and high manuring will also lessen the loss from this disease.

The use of the Bordeaux mixture is also advised, especially in
combination with paris greftn which is recommended to destroy the
" black paria." If applied as soon as the foliage begins to grow in
the spring, say, about April 25th, and again in two weeks, or before
the fruit has set, and then from July 1st to August 1st, at intervals
of two weeks, we shall look for good results, though in our experi-
ments the past season we were unable to prove that the p;iris green
destroyed the above insect.

Any facts relating to either insect or fungous diseases or their
remedies will be gladly received and reported upon.

REPORT ON VARIETIES OF BLACKBERRIES AND
RASPBERRIES.

As with the strawberry, the crop of blackberries and raspberries
the past season has been abundant and good. The first picking was
about one week earlier than last season. The weather has not been
favorable to the production of rusts, and insects have not been as
abundant as usual, so that with a large yield and fair prices the crop
has been a profitable one generally.

The following tables give the results of careful comparisons of the
dififereut varieties for the past season :

14

blackberiiip:s.

i

til

brj

1

VARIETIES.

i

1

1

g

1
o

1

1
o

6

o

i

Leiicretia,

8

8

5

6

9

May 25

July 11

10

.10

Wilson, Jr,

10

9

9

9

6

Jnne 4

"■ 13

4

.40

Early Harvest

5

5

8

8

4

" 6

" 13

8

.50

Aiiawam,

8

9

5*

10

10

May 23

" 14

10

.00

Early Cluster,

4

8

8

8

2

June 1

'• 15

8

.30

Tlioinpsoirs Ivirly Mauiniotli,

10

9

9

8

2

" 4

" 15

8

.03

Wilson,

10

9

9

8

10

May 31

'• 18

10

.05

Stone's Hardy,

9

9

8

10

4

May 30

" 18

10

.05

Early Kinjr,

8

8

6

7

4

Jnne 4

6

.12

Erie

8

9

9

8

4

" 4

" 22

10

.20

Minnewaski.

8

9

9

6

5

" 4

" 23

9

.08

Fred,

7

10

7

6

4

May 27

" 24

8

.08

Western 'IViniiiiili,

5

6

9

7

2

June 8

" 24

10

.08

Snyder,

7

9

7

6

10

May 37

" 16

10

.00

Taylor's Prolitic,

7

9

8

10

10

May 27

" 25

10

.00

Wachusett,

(5

9

9

10

7

May 27

" 18

8

.00

In these tables 10 signifies tiie highest degree of perfection.

Tiie varieties fully tested that stand at the head of the list for
profit or for home use we give, in the order of merit: Agawdm,
Taylor s Prolific and Snyder. Of the newer and most promising we
give the following list in order of merit : Erie. MinnewasM, Fred
and Stone's Hardy. Early Harvest and Early Chester should be
discarded as they are not hardy. The other varieties given require
further testing to prove their merits, Wilson^ Wilson, Jr., and
Thompson's Early Mammoth require covering during tiie winter.

RED raspbp:rkie8.

i

tj)

be

3

i

"i

a

m

s

V

s

S

a

VARIETIES.

>

3

'%

1

,

5"

1

0

0

0

s

0

s

0

i

"o

O

c«

M

^

f^

£

H

H

>

PL|

Thoiiipsoii's Pride,

LR

"7

9

10

9

8

May 23

June 19

6

.16

HanseL

R

7

8

8

9

8

" 25

" 23

9

.00

K;uu-ocas,

R

8

8

9

9

8

" 26

" 26

8

.33

Hi-jliliuid Ilardv.

R

8

7

8

9

8

" .31

"• 26

9

.00

Marlboro.

LR

10

10

10

9

9

" 27

" 28

10

.00

Braiulywuie,

R

6

G

7

9

6

" 28

" 28

5

.00

Thompson's Early Prolitic,

R

8

10

8

9

7

" 31

" 29

5

.07

riersteine,

R

7

8

7

8

6

" 31

" 29

6

.30

Belle de rontaiii(%

R

9

8

8

9

9

" 28

" 29

9

.20

White Moil ut a ill.

Y

9

8

9

10

9

" 29

" 30

8

.18

Naomi,

R

8

9

9

8

8

" 27

" 30

6

.12

Superb,

DR

8

6

9

7

8

•' 31

" 30

6

.00

Crystal Wliite,

Y

3

5

3

6

5

June 1

July 1

3

.09

Golden Queen,

Y

10

10

9

10

10

" 1

" 3

10

.07

Scarlet Gem,

R

8

7

8

8

8

" 1

" 3

4

.12

Crimson Beauty,

R

7

8

7

6

7

" 7

" 6

9

.30

Cuthbevt,

DR

10

10

10

10

10

" 5

" 6

10

.05

Excelsior.

R

8

7

9

9

7

" 9

" 6

3

.17

Stay man's No. 5,

R

9I1O

9

9

9

" 7

" 8

7

.08

Under the column of color R. inflicates red, L.R. light red, D.R. dark red and Y yellow.

The varieties recorameuded for profit are as follows in order of
merit: Marlboro, Cuthbert and Hansel.

Those of the best quality and most desirable for home use, in order
of merit are : Hansd., Cuthbert., Superb, Thompson s pride, Marl-
boro and Golden Queen.

BLACK CAP RASPBERRIES.

i

til

3

VARIETIES.

S

'S

9,

i

1

•

t»

3

'S

g

p

m

6

5"

C

a

1

o
S

O
1

i

i

a

s

cc

S

P-4

^

P^

H

H

>

p^

Cromwell,

9

10

9

10

9

May 25

Jmie 26

7

.05

Springfield,

7

9

8

7

5

"■ 20

" 23

9

.10

Palmer,

9

10

10

10

8

" 23

" 23

10

.08

Ohio,

9

10

9

9

9

" 26

" 29

8

.08

Earliart,

7

8

8

9

10

" 25

" 29

10

.09

Hales Early,

4

()

8

8

7

" 29

July 1

4

.15

Carmau,

9

10

10

9

9

" 31

" 3

8

.12

Ada,

8

8

9

6

7

June 1

" 3

9

.05

Thompson's Sweet,

4

9

8

10

6

" 2

" 4

4

.25

Hilborn,

8

8

8

9

8

" 2

" 5

7

.50

Nemeha,

10

10

10

10

10

" 1

" 7

10

.25

Gregg,

10

10

9

9

9

" 4

" 8

9

.25

Souhegan,

8

10

10

9

9

May 24

June 26

8

.05

lu our markets for the past year or two the demand for blackcap
raspberries has been so small and the supply so large that prices have
ruled ver}' low. It is, however, a healthful fruit and should be more
used, and as it produces an enormous crop it can be grown at a profit
even at a low price. Some varieties have suffered seriously from
the authraxnose, {MacrosjDorinm punctiform) , a fungus growth
attacking the new canes near the ground. It appears first as a
minute red spot on the cane that rapidly increases in size so as often
to cover one-half or more of the circumference of the canes. When
these spots nre numerous and extend over a considerable length of
it, the cane withers and dies, but if only a few spots appear the cane
is only weakened and the fruit the next season is small and of poor
quality, owing to the poor nourishment it receives from the weak
canes. Nearly all varieties are more oi- less subject to its attack,
but those especially free. this season are Souhegan, Palmer, Nemeha,
and the Gregg.

Gromtoell, which did so superbly with us last season, is this year
more attacked than any variety on the grounds, but it is hoped that
this will not be a permanent fault.

The remedy suggested is spraymg with the Bordeaux mixture,
making the application at intervals of about two weeks from the
starting into growth in the spring until the first of August. This
may not be eft'ectual, but as we know of no certain remedy, we may
as well try those things that are useful on other plants for destroying
fungus growths until their value is demonstrated. Further experi-
ments will be made next season, the results of which will be given to
the public in due time.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

^OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

ACRICllTCRAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 16.

A Brief Summary of Results in Electro-Culture, gathered
from various sources ;.also some Experiments made
at the Station with LETTUCE grown
under the influence of Dynam-
ical Electricity.

JANUARY, 1892.

The Bulletins of this Station will be sent free to all newspapers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1892.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agi'icultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell,
William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Matnard,
Charles H. Fernald,
Clarence D. Warner
William M. Shepardson
Henry J. Field,

Director.

Agriculturist.

Horticulturist.

Entomologist.

Meteorologist.

Assistant Horticulturist.

Assistant Agriculturist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, dkectly or indirectly in agriculture, are
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Department of Meteorology.

Clarence D. Warner.

ELECTRICITY IN AGRICULTURE.*

It is well known that currents of electricity exist in the atmos-
phere. Clouds are charged and discharged. There is a constant
change of electricity from earth to air and from air to earth, the
Ihtter being the great reservoir for all electricity. Hills, mountain
peaks, trees, high chimneys, spires, in fact, all points elevated above
the earth's surface assist greatly in charging and discharging the
atmosphere. Again, if two iron rods are driven into the earth and
connected by a copper wire with an electrometer in the circuit, the
instrument is almost immediately affected, showing that currents of
electricity are running through the ground. Now, what is the func-
tion of these atmospheric and ground electric currents? Many sci-
entists are agreed that certain forms of precipitation are due to elec-
trical action ; but my observations have led me to believe conclusively
that electricity is a potent factor in tlie economy of nature, and has
more to do with the growth and development of plants than has hith-
erto been known. Davy succeeded in the decomposition of the
alkalis, potash and soda, by means of electric currents. In our
laboratories, water and ternary compounds are rapidly decomposed
by the battery, and we may reasonably suppose, that that which is
effected in our laboratories by artificial means, takes place in the
great laboratory of nature, on a grander and more extended scale.

Plant food is carried throughout the plant by means of the flow of
sap ; these currents circulate through all the rootlets and center, as it
were, in the stalk, carrying their tiny burdens of various elements
and depositing them in their proper places. That this phenomenon
of circulation is due to electricity cannot be doubted. Most plants
grow more rapidly during the night than in the day. May not the
following l)e a I'eason for this?

We have already mentioned how electric currents pass from air to
earth and vice versa ; at night the plant is generally covered with
dew and the plant itself becomes a good conductor and consequently
currents of electricity pass to each through tliis medium, and during
the passage convert soil elements into plant food and stimulate the
upward currents to gather up the dissolved elements and carry them
to their proper places.

*As this bulletin is the first of several which may appear on the subject of electro-
culture, it was thought proper to give a brief resume of what has been done in this
direction.

From the time eleotricity became a science, much research has
been made to determine its effect, if any, upon plant growth. Tlie
earlier investigations gave, in many cases, contradictory results.
Whether this was due to a lack of knowledge of the science on the
part of the one performing the experiments, or some defect in the
technical applications, we are not prepared to say ; but this we do
know, that such men as Jolabert, NoUet, Mainbray and other emi-
nent physicists affirmed that electricity favored the germiuation of
seeds and accelerated the growth of plants, while on the other hand,
Ingenhouse, Sylvestre and other savants, denied the existence of
this electric influence. The heated controversies and animated dis-
cussions attending the opposing theories stimulated more careful and
thorough investigations, which established beyond a doubt that elec-
tricity had a beueficial effect on vegetation. Sir Huuiphrey Davy,
Humboldt, WoUaston and Becquerel occupied themselves with the
theoretical side of the question ; but it was not till after 1845 that
practical electro-culture was undertaken. Williamson suggested the
use of gigantic electro-static machines, but th'e attempts were fruit-
less. The methods most generally adopted in experiments consisted
of two metallic plates — one of copper and one of zinc — placed in the
soil and connected by a wire. Sheppard employed the method in
England in 1846 and Forster used the same in Scotland. In the year
1847 Hubeck in Germany surrounded a field with a network of wires.
Sheppard's experiments showed that electricity increased the return
from root crops, while grass perished near the electrodes, and plants
developed without the use of electricity were inferior to those grown
under its influence. Hubeck came to the conclusion that seeds ger-
minated more rapidly and buckwheat gave larger returns ; in all other
cases the electric-current produced no result. Prof. Fife in England
and Otto von Ende in Germany carried on experiments at the same
time, but with negative results, and these scientists advised the com-
plete abandonment of applying electricity to agriculture. After some
years had elapsed Fichtner began a series of experiments in the
same direction. He employed a battery, the two wires of which were
placed in the soil parallel to each other. Between the wires were
planted peas, grass and barley, and in every case the crop showed an
increase of from thirteen to tvrenty-seven per cent, when compared
with ordinary methods of cultivation.

Fischer of Waldheim, believing atmospheric electricity to aid much
in the growth and development of plants, made the following tests :

He placed metallic supports to the number of about sixty around
each hectare (2.47 acres) of loam ; these supports were provided at

their summit with electrical accumulators in the form of crowns sur-
mounted with teeth ; these collectors were united by metallic connec-
tion. The result of this culture applied to cereals was to increase
the crop by half.

The following experiment was also tried : Metallic plates sixty-five
centimeters by forty centimeters were placed in the soil. These
plates were alternately of zinc and copper and placed about thirty
meters apart, connected two and two, by a wire. The result was to
increase from twofold to fourfold the production of certain garden
plants. Mr. Fischer Siiys, that it is evidently proved that electricity
aids in the more complete breaking up of the soil constituents.
Finally he says ihat plants thus treated mature more quickly, are
almost always perfectly healthy and are not affected with fungoid
growth.

Later, N. Specnew, inspired by the results arrived at by his pre-
decessors, was led to investigate the influence of electricity on plants
in every stage of their development ; the results of his experiments
were most satisfactory and of practical interest. He began by sub-
mitting different seeds to the action of an electric current and found
that their development was rendered more rapid and complete. He
experimented with the seeds of haricot beans, sunflowers, winter and
spring rye. Two lots, of twelve groups of one hundred and twenty
seeds each, were plunged into water until they swelled, and while
wet the seeds were introduced into long glass cylinders, open at both
ends. Copper discs were pressed against the seeds, the discs were
connected with the poles of an induction coil, the current was kept
on for one or two minutes and immediately afterwards the seeds were
sown. The temperature was kept from 45° to 50° Fahrenheit, and
the experiments repeated four times. The following table shows the
results :

Peas. Beans. Barley. Sunflowers.
Days. Days. Days. Days.

Electrified seeds developed in 2.5 3 2 8.5

Non-electrified seeds developed in 4 6 5 15

It was also observed that the plants coming from electrified seeds
were better developed, their leaves were much larger and their color
brighter than in those plants growing from non-electrified seeds.
The current did not affect the yield.

At the Botanical Gardens at Kew. the following experiment was
tried :

Large plates of zinc and copper (.445 meter and .712 meter) were
placed in the soil and connected by wires, so arranged that the cur-
rent passed through the ground ; the arraugemfnt was really a battery
of (zinc I earth | copper). This method was applied to pot herbs
and flowering plants and also to the growing of garden produce ; in
the latter case the result was a large crop and the vegetables grown
were of enormous size.

Extensive experiments in electro-culture were also made at Pskov,
Russia. Plots of earth were sown to rye, corn, oats, barley, peas,
clover and flax ; around these respective plots were placed insulating
rods, on the top of which were crown shaped collectors — the latter
connected by means of wires. Atmospheric electricity was thus col-
lected above the see- Is and the latter matured in a highly electrified
atmosphere ; the plots were submitted to identical conditions and the
experiments were carried on for five years. The results showed a
considerable increase in the yield of seed and straw, the ripening was
more rapid and the barley ripened nearly two weeks earlier with elec-
tro-culture. Potatoes grown by the latter method were seldom dis-
eased, only 0 to 5 per cent, against 10 to 40 per cent, by ordinary
culture.

Grandeau at the School of Forestry at Nancy found by experiment
that the electrical tension always existing between the upper air and
soil stimulated growth. He found plants protected from the influence
were less vigorous than those subject to it.

Macagno, also believing that the passage of electricity from air
through the vine to earth would stimulate growth, selected a certain
number of vines, all of the same variety and all in the same condition
of health and development. Sixteen vines were submitted to experi-
ment and sixteen were left to natural influences. In the ends of the
vines under treatment, pointed platinum wires were inserted, to which
were attached copper wires, leading to the tops of tall poles near the
vines ; at the base of these same vines other platinum wires were
inserted and connected by copper wires with the soil. At the close
of the experiment, which began April 15, and lasted till September
16, the wood, leaves and fruit of both sets of vines were submitted
to careful analysis with the following results :

Without conductor. With conductor.

Moisture per cent., 78.21 79.84

Sugar, 16.86 18.41

Tartaric acid, 0.880 0.791

Bitartrate of potash, 0.180 0.186

Thus we see that the percentage of moisture and sugar is greater
and the undesirable acid lower in those vines subject to electrical
influences than in those left to natural conditions. There are also
experiments which prove the beneficial eflTects of electricity on vines
attacked by Phylloxera.

The following experiments were made at this station : Several
plots were prepared in the greenhouse, all of which had the same
kind of soil and were subjected to like influences and conditions.
Frames in the form of a parallelogram, about three feet by two feet,
were put together ; across the narrow way were run copper wires in
series of from four to nine strands, each series separated by a space

about four inches wide, and the strands by a space of one-half
inch. These frames were buried in the soil of the plot at
a little depth, so that the roots of the garden plants set would come
in contact with the wires, the supposition being that the currents of
electricity passing along the wires would decompose into its consti-
tuents the plant food in the vicinity of the roots and more readily
prepare it for the plants. Two electric gardens were thus prepared
and each furnished with two common battery cells, so arranged as to
allow continuous currents to pass through each series uf wires. Near
each electric garden was a plot prepared in the same manner, save
the electrical apparatus. We will call the two gardens A and B.

The place chosen for the experiments was in a part of the green-
house which is given up largely to the raising of lettuce, and the
gardens were located where much trouble from mildew had been
experienced. The reason for this choice of location was to notice,
if any, the effect of electricity upon mildew, this disease being, as is
well known, a source of much trouble to those who desire to grow
early lettuce. The soil was carefully prepared, the material taken
from a pile of loam commonly used in the plant house.

Garden A was located where mildew had been the most.detrimen-
tal ; the experiments began the first of January and closed the first
of April. For the garden, fifteen lettuce plants of the head variety
were selected, all of the same size and of the same degree of vitality,
as nearly as could be determined ; the plants were set directly over
the wires, so that the roots were in contact with the latter ; the plants
were well watered and cared for as in ordinary culture, and the fluid
in the battery cells was renewed from time to time, that the current
of electricity might not become too feeble. At the close of the
experiments the following results were noted.

Five plants died from mildew, the others were well developed and
the heads large. The largest heads were over the greatest number of
wires and nearest the electrodes. It was further noticed that the
healthiest and largest plants, as soon as the current became feeble or
ceased altogether, began to be affected with mildew. On examining
the roots of the plants it was found that they had grown about the
wires, as if there they found the greatest amount of nourishment ;
the roots were healthy and in no way appeared to have been injured
by the current, but, rather, much benefited by the electrical
influences.

Beside garden A was prepared another plot of the same dimen-
sions, having the same kind of soil and treated in like manner as the
first, but the electrical apparatus and wires were wanting. At the
close of the experiments only three plants had partially developed
and two of these were nearly destroyed by mildew — one only was
free from the disease. The results, therefore, show that the
healthiest and largest plants grew in the electric plot.

In the second experiment, which we called B, twenty plants of the
same variety of lettuce and of equal size were taken. The treatment
given was the same as the plants in plot A received. Five plants
only remained unaffected with mildew ; seven died from the disease
when they were half grown ; the rest were quite well developed, but
at the last part of the experiment began to be affected. Several
heads were large, the largest being over the greatest number of wires
and nearest the electrodes. Examination of the roots disclosed the
same phenomena as in A.

Near plot B were also set twenty other plants, subjected to like
conditions as the first, but without electricity ; all but one died from
mildew before they were half grown, the solitary plant that survived
being only partly developed at the close of the experiment, and even
this was badly affected with the disease.

Everything considered, the results were in favor of electricity.
Those plants subjected to the greatest electrical influence were
hardier, healthier, larger, had a better color and were much less
affected by mildew than the others. Experiments were made with
various grasses but no marked results were obtained.

The question would naturally arise whether there ma}' not be a
limit reached where electricity would completely overcome the attack
of mildew and stimulate the plant to a healthy aud vigorous condition
throughout its entire growth. From the fact that the hardiest,
healthiest, and largest heads of lettuce grew over the greatest number
of currents and nearest the electrodes, it would seem that electricity
is one of the agents employed by nature to aid in supplying the plant
with nourishment and to stimulate its growth. To what extent
plants may be submitted to electrical influence, or what strength of
current is best suited to them and what currents prove detrimental
to their development, have not been determined as yet, but it is
desirable to continue this research until some definite information
shall be gained on these points. Probably different varieties of
plants differ greatly in their capacity for enduring the action of
electric currents without injury — experiment alone must determine
this.

It has been proved that the slow discharge of static electricity
facilitates the assimilation of nitrogen by plants. Faraday showed
that plants grown in metallic cages, around which circulated electric
currents, contained fifty per cent. less organic matter than plants
grown in the open air. It would seem from the researches of the
latter physicist, that those plants requiring" a large percentage of
nitrogen for their development would be remarkably benefited if
grown under electric influence.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

OK THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 17.

Experiments with Fungicides and Insecticides.

Testing New Varieties of Grapes and Peaches.
Protection of Peach Buds.

Amount of Copper on Sprayed Fruit.

The Siberian Crab as a Stock.

Girdling Grape Vines.

Keeping Qualities of Grapes.

Report of Spraying Apparatus.
Outline of V^ork for 1892.

APRIL, 1892.

The Bulletins of this Station will be sent free to all newspapers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farnmig as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1892.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell,
"William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynard,
Charles H. Fernald,
Clarence D. "Warner,
"William M. Shepardson
Henry J. Field,

Director.

Agriculturist.

Horticulturist.

Entomologist.

Meteorologist.

Assistant Horticulturist.

Assistant Agriculturist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, are
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Division of Horticulture.

SAMUEL T. MAYNARD

EXPERIMENTS WITH FUNGICIDES AND INSECTICIDES.

The season just past has been one not generally favorable for the
growth of fungous pests. Most of these parasitic plants require a
moist, warm atmosphere and even liquid upon the surface of the part
of the host plant attacked, for their development.* The dry weather
during June and Juh' was entirely unfavorable to such growths, so
that our fruit and garden crops were more free from injury than
usual, except such as matured late in the season. During the warm,
wet weather of Septea^ber, the grape mildew appeared in considerable
quantities, too late, however, to affect the fruit seriously, and the
apple scab, celery rust and some other fungous diseases appeared in
many localities.

In Bulletin No. 13, we described the best fungicides, as far as was
known, and the methods best adapted to their use in destroying fungi,
outlining the work so as to obtain the best results.

To assist in settling the question of the general and economical use
of fungicides, and combined fungicides and insecticides, a series of
experiments was started in the different parts of the state under the
supervision of expert fruit growers.

Among those taking part in this work were Dr. Jabez Fisher,
Fitchburg ; G. B. Andrews, Fitcliburg ; A. C. Hawkins, Lancaster ;
Benj. P. Ware, Clifton ; H. A. Cook, Shrewsbury and E. A. Esta-
brook, Grafton. A series of experiments was also conducted at
" Forest Orchard," Northboro.

Spraying apparatus was loaned and the chemicals supplied to each
of the above parties, in consideration of careful and accurate work
and a full report of the results. The places were visited in the
spring to assist in planning and stalling the work and at intervals
during the summer to watch the progress of the experiments and note
results. The reports of these experiments are given on subsequent
pages.

*For a brief sketch of the history of the growth of the most destructive of these parasitic
plants, see subsequent pages.

12

The fungicides used were Bordeaux Mixture ; Formula^ 6 lbs. of
sulphate of copper (Blue Vitrioh dissolved* in about 3 gallons of
water, and 4 lbs. caustic lime slaked in water enough to make a thin
lime wash. When cool the two substances were thoroughly mixed
and diluted with water to 25 and 50 gallons of liquid.

Ammoniacal Carbonate of Copper ; Formula, 6 oz. carbonate
of ammonia and 1 oz. of carbonate of copper; 1 U). of this mixture
being dissolved in 25 and 50 gallons of water.

Sulphate of Copper, (Blue Vitriol), 1 lb. dissolved in 25 gallons
of water.

Sulphate of Iron, (Copperas). 1 lb. to 2 gallons of watei*.

The only insecticide used was Paris green, this being found less
injurious to the foliage than any other arsenite.

EXPERIMENTS MADE ON THE COLLEGE GROUNDS.

During the past season, numerous experiments have been made to
test the value of some of the more common fungicides and the
combined use of fungicides and insecticides. Attention has been
given principally to the apple scab, pear leaf blight, plum leaf blight,
peach and plum fruit rot, plum black'knot, grape powdery mildew
and black rot, and the tent caterpillar, codling moth, and plum curculio.

The life history of the above fungi is briefly as follows :

APPLE SCAB. {Fusidadium dendriticum.)

This is a small parasitic plant everywhere causing the spotted
apples so common in the crop of 1890. It is of a dark green or
nearly black color and grows only in moist rather cool weather on
the skin of the apple, not often penetrating much of the tissue below.
When it attacks the apple early in the season the growth is stopped
at that point and the fruit is gnarly or irregular, but when it comes
after the fruit is nearly grown, it simply disfigures it. It is also
very abundant on the leaves and twigs when the season is favorable
to its growth. It sometimes also attacks the pear.

THE PEAR LEAF BLIGHT, {Entomosporium maculatum.)
Pear trees often lose their leaves in Julv or Auoust and the fruit

* Blue Vitriol may be dissolved very quickly by suspeudiug the crystals in a coarse sack
or basket, in a pail or cask of vrater.

13

is spotted and cracked. This is caused by the above named parasitic
plant. It first appears as a small reddish brown spot on the leaf or
fruit, and if these are numerous or increase greatly in size, the leaf
action is destroyed and it drops off ; or the fruit is cheeked at the
point attacked and it cracks, as is so often the case with the Flemish
Beauty and some other varieties. It grows only under conditions of
moisture and heat, and whole orchards often lose their foliage in a
few days from its attack.

PLUM LEAF BLIGHT, ( Septoria cerasina.)

This disease i^ sometimes called the shot-hole fungus, and is very
destructive to plum orchards, causing the leaves to fall in August,
often before the fruit is ripe, or the wood and fruit buds are mature.
It appears first as small reddish spots, the centers of which, as they
increase in size turn brown and deca}', often falling out, leaving
holes in the leaves, whence the name " shot-hole fungus."

BROWN FRUIT ROT, (Monilia fructigena.)

This is the common brown rot of the plum and peach attacking the
fruit when it is almost ripe. We first notice a small brown spot on
the fruit which rapidly increases until it destroys it. At first the
surface of the fruit is smooth, but soon it is studded all over with
little tufts or clusters of threads on the ends of which are numerous
spores or seeds. These spores are easily carried by the wind from
place to place and one rotting peach or plum may produce spores
enough in a short time to destroy a large crop of fruit.

POWDERY MILDEW OF THE GRAPE, {Feronospora viticolor.)

Duriiigmoist, warm weather, at any time from the middle of June to
September, this disease ma}' appear. The spores penetrate the
tissues of the leaf, and their roots or feeding parts run through a
comparatively large space, causing yellow spots, and followed after
a short time by a powdery substance on the surface of the spots.
This powdery substance is a mass of spores produced by the plant
for its further reproduction, and when the weather is favorable it
spreads rapidly and the leaves curl up and turn brown or drop off.

14

BLACK ROT OF THE GRAPE, (Laestadia BidioelUL)

This fungus attacks the fiuit and sometimes the leaves. It first
appears as a light brown spot, spreading rapidly if the weather is
warm and moist, and quickly covering the entire berry, which then
presents a gray, brown color. When attacked earlj' in the season,
the berry shrivels and turns a dark blue or black color, but if it
comes when the berries are nearly full grown, they soon rattle from
the bunch when handled. It is found more or less throughout the
country, but only locally in New England, and has not done serious
injury until within a few years. It seems to be increasing in Massa-
chusetts,

THE POTATO-ROT FUNGUS,
(Phytophthora [^Peronospora^ infestans.)

While closely related to the grape mildew it is placed by some
authorities in another genus. It attacks both the foliage and the
tuber, causing what is called the blight of the vines, in the one, and
the rot of the tuber in the other. To the casual observer, its first
appearance on the leaf is in the yellow spots and powdery or mealy
substance dn the surface, which is the fruiting stage of the plant
that lias been feeding in the substance of the leaf tissue. These
spots soon turn brown and the whole plant becomes infested and
dies. In moist, warm weather the growth of this fungus is so rapid
that it requires but a few days to destroy acres of potato tops.

It the leaf spores come in contact with the tubers, or if the rooting
or feeding parts of the fungus press through the stems to them, they
rot, provided the warm, moist weather continues. In seasons when
the atmospliere is cool, the tops are not attacked, and if the soil
remains cool the tubers will often escape when the tops are destroyed.

BLACK WART OF THE PLUM AND CHERRY.

(Ploivrightia \^Sphoeria^ morhosa.)
The black excrescences called black knots or warts on the plum

and some kinds of cherry trees, are the result of a fungous growth,

the spores of which have germinated during moist weather of the

early summer, and penetrated the tissues.

The excrescence is the growth of the fungus and the effort of the

tree to overcome the injury. Spores are scattered from the surface

15

of the wart in the summer and fiom little sacs during the winter and
spring. It is the most serious pest attacking the plum trees.

EXPERIMENT NO. I.

To prevent the apple scab, and destroy the tent caterpillar and
codling moth, the apple trees in the different orchards were sprayed
April 16th and 17th, some with sulphate of copper (Blue Vitriol) ,1 lb.
to 25 gallons of water, some wiLh sulphate of iron (Copperas) 1 lb.
to 2 gallons of water and others with the Bordeaux mixture.*

May 5th, sprayed with Bordeaux mixture and Paris green 1 lb. to
200 gallons.

May 21st, sprayed with same as above.

June 9th, " " " " "

July lOLh, sprayed with ammouiacal carbonate of copper, 1 lb. to
25 gallons of water.

Aug. 13th, sprayed with same.

EesuUs. The foliage of the trees sprayed showed much less scab
fungus than that of those unsprayed, and the fruit was entirely free
from the scab. In Plate 1, we have attempted to show by a photo-
graphic engraving the average results of this spraying. The speci-
men on the left is from a sprayed tree, that on the right from one
unsprayed. The middle specimen is intended to show the result of
the copper solutions on the fruit, which causes the breaking of the
epidermis or skin of the apple, giving it a russet appearance, but is
not very clearly brought out.

This appears upon almost all of the fruit sprayed, but does not
injure it in general appearance because it is cuufined to the blossom
end, and such fruit seems to keep as long as that not thus marked.

The tent caterpillars were largely killed by the Paris green used
in the Bordeaux mixture May '5th and 21st, and the fruit on the
sprayed trees showed about 20 ^^ less wormy specimens than that on
the unsprayed ones.

EXPERIMENT NO. 2.

Pear trees were sprayed April 16th and 17th with the same concen-
trated solutions applied to the apple trees on the same date, and,
while there was less leaf blight and wormy fruit than on the unsprayed
trees, the results were not so marked as with the apple.
• For formulae of fungicides see page 12.

16

EXPERIMENT NO. 3.

Peach trees were treated to kill the winter spores of the "fruit rot"
April 17th with the concentrated solutions of sulphate of copper and
iron and the Bordeaux mixture ; May 8th and June 6th, sprayed
with the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green, one pound to 200 gallons
for the "fruit rot" and plum curculio, which is often as injurious to
the peach as to the plnm. July 7th, sprayed with the ammoniacal
carbonate of copper, one pound to twenty- five gallons of water.

Results. The foliage was somewhat injured by the spraying of
June 6th, and very seriously by that of July 7th, but new leaves
developed and the fiuit matured in fine condition. Less rot appeared
on the fruit sprayed than on that unsprayed, but no results were
noticed from the Paris green in destroying the curculio, although
there was less injured fruit than last season.

EXPERIMENT NO. 4.

Plum trees were sprayed with the strong solutions of copper and
iron, and the Bordeaux mixture, April 16th, for "leaf blight," "fruit
rot" and "black wavt". iMay 12th, May 26th, June 11th, and July
20lh, sprayed with the Bordeaux mixture, adding Paris green, one
pound to 200 gallons of water, to destroy the plum curculio.

August 1 1th, sprayed with the ammoniacal carbonate of copper,
one pound to twenty-five gallons of water.

Results. The trees sprayed retained their foliage much later than
those unsprayed, as is shown by the illustration, plates VI, VII, and
there was less rotting of the fruit. Only a few plum warts developed
on the sprayed trees and those that appeared seemed to have become
established the previous season.

To determine whether concentrated solutions of Paris green in the
Bordeaux mixture could be used without injury to the foliage, it was
applied in three proportions, 1 lb. to 50 gal., 1 lb. to 100 gal. and
1 lb. to 200 gal. After a close and careful examination no injury
could be discovered from any of the solutions.

EXPERIMENT NO. 5.

Grape vines and all parts of the trellis were thoroughly sprayed for
the mildew and black rot, April 23d, with the three concentrated
solutions, sulphate of copper, sulphate of iron, and the Bordeaux

Plate Vll.

PLUM TREE NOT SPRAYED.

PLUM TREE SPRAYED,

SIBERIAN GRAB,

WILLIAMS FAVORITE.

SIBERIAN GRAB BUDDED WITH WILLIAM'S FAWORlTE.

17

mixture, dividinir the vineyards into tliree plots for tills purpose, one
kiud being applied to each.

May 20tli, just before the blossoms opened, and June 13th, just
after the fruit had set, sprayed with the Bordeaux mixture with Paris
green, one pound to 2(i0 gallons.

July 6th. sprayed with the Bordeaux mixture alone, and Aug. 7th
with the aramoniacal carbonate of copper. Had the weather
been moist during July the amraoniacal carbonate would have been
used about the 20th of the month.

In the experimental viiieyard where over 120 varieties are planted,
two vines of each kiud, one vine was sprayed and the other not
sprayed.

Results. The accompanying illustrations show the results better
than can be done in any otiier way.

Plate 2 shows a vine sprayed, and Plate 3 one unsprayed. Plate
4 shows a part of one of the rows where the first vine was sprayed,
the second unsprayed, the third sprayed, and the fourth unsprayed,
etc. The benefit obtained was as marked throughout the vineyard,
and could be seen as far as the vines could be distinguished from
other objects. Plate 5 shows a bunch of fruit from a sprayed, and
one from an unsprayed vine.

EXPERIMENT NO. 6.

POTATOES.

To test the value of combined fungicides and insecticides, a field
of about one acre of [potatoes was divided into twelve plots of six
rows each. June 30th, sprayed all with Paris green, one pound to 200
gallons of water. July 14th treated as follows :
Row No. 1, with Bordeaux mixture and Paris green,

1 pound to 100 gallons wnter

2, '' same,

3, " same,

4, " Sulphate of copper,
5,

6, " Ammoniacal carbonate of copper,
1 pound to 25 gallons water

7, " Paris green and Plaster, 1 " 200 pounds

8, •' Sludgite.

9, Check.

Nos. 10, 11 and 12 treated the same as Nos. 1, 2 and 3.
2

200

50

12

25

18

Aug. 10th, treated each row the same as above, except that rows
No. 4 and 5, which were somewhat injured by the copper solution,
were sprayed with tlie Bordeaux mixture and Paris green, one pound
to 200 gallons, and No. 7 and 8 with the same, the plaster not being
a fungicide and the sludgite not having had any efteet on the potato
beetles.

Results. August 14th, rows 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 showed a little leaf
blight; rows 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12 were entirely free, and row 9 very
badly blighted. Row 6 showed serious injury from the ammouiacal
carbonate of copper.

August 17th, rows 4, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12 showed a little blight;
rows 6 and 9, foliage nearly all dead. At the end of the season's
growth, it was found that rows 4 and 5 remained green much the
longest, showing that the sulphate of copper used July 14th retained
its effect somewhat through the season.

Noinjury was noticed where Paris green was used with the Bor-
deaux mixture at the rate of one pound to fifty gallons of water.

REPORT OF DR. JABEZ FISHER,

FITCnUURG, MASS.

"My obligations are due to the Station for an equipment during the
past season of materials and implements for the purpose of investi-
gating the suliject of spraying trees and plants with insecticides and
fungicides* with a request to report all that could be learned that
might be of use to fruit growers. The paucity of results renders it
undesirable to give in detail all the operations that have been carried
out, but in a general way I will attempt to give the gist of them.

Having suffered considerably for five previous years from various
fungous diseases of the-" different fruits, I devoted considerable
attention to preparatory, preventive treatment. The orchards
being in grass, I burned the stubble about April 15th so far as
possible, and then sprayed the trees with sulphate of copper solution
one pound to twenty-five gallons. Three vineyards of an acre each
were treated, one with sulphate of iron, one pound to two gallons;
one with Bordeaux mixture, and one with sulphate of copper, one
pound to twenty-five gallons, well sprayed over the vines and trellises

19

from both sides. As soon as the petals had fallen, the trees were
sprayed with Bordeaux mixture to which Paris green was added.
Cheeks were left in all cases. The spraying was twice repeated later,
using the mixture of carbonate of copper and carbonate of ammonia.

1 have felt for some time that these preparations of copper were
largely empirical and were not founded upon a sound scientific basis.
The two substances used in the Bordeaux mixture were both fungi-
cides, but when combined, the resultant bodies were only sulphate of
lime and oxide of copper, neither of which seemed well adapted for
the purpose.

Consider for a moment how a fungous germ or spore develops. It
must first be deposited upon some portion of the living plant. This
happens in spring time through the spores that have retained their
vitality during the winter. They are set free by the warmth, mois-
ture and consequent decay of the debris of the previous season, and
float about in the atmosphere until they alight or rest upon the
growing plant. If they remain without moisture they do not develop,
but if moistened and kept wet for a few hours in a favorable temper-
ature, they vegetate and insert what may be called their roots into
the substance of the leaf bark or fruit, from which time they are able
to continue development independent of extraneous moisture.

It is a well-known fact that in dry countries and also in dry seasons
fungi do but little harm, but their maximum efTects are found in
muggy, hot, showery periods. Dews and fogs are especially favora-
ble for fungoid development, and the popular belief is that such seasons
produce the fungi. This is of course incorrect inasmuch as they
exist only as a product of spores or seeds previously grown and
matured. A most convincing illustration is afforded by the effect
produced by an awning of any kind placed over a single grape trellis
in a vineyard where fungoid growth is prevalent. This awning
prevents the deposition of moisture upon the foliage immediately
underneath it from rain or dew, and although the floating spores
must necessarily be deposited there by 4he motion of the air, yet,
under this awning, they never develop. Such a trellis remains an
oasis of health In the midst of a desert of fungi. Now if the spore
must have water present in order to germinate and grow it, would
appear that if we could impregnate such water with some poisonous
substance we might prevent this action. In fact, it has been found
that many kinds of spores, and it is inferred that most of them, would
be influenced in this direction by the presence of various solutions.

20

The one having the most energetic action is found to be some form
of soluble copper. In the use of the sulphate it is known that one
part of the metal in solution in one million parts of water will suspend
entirely the germination and growth of many of these spores. The
use of the Bordeaux mixture did not arise out of this knowledge, but
the reverse. Bordeaux mixture had a fungicidal effect and investi-
gations that followed this formation developed the fungicidal power
of copper in solution.

How then can the effects of the insoluble oxide of copper in the
Bordeaux mixture, and that remaining after the evaporation of the
water and ammonia of Eau Celeste, as well as the insoluble carbonate,
be explained? It is doubtless to be found in a very slight solubility
of these substances in the infinitesimal amounts of ammonia and
carbonic acid existing in rain water and that of dews.*

These considera:ions influenced me to try the effect of a soluble
salt of copper in the i)lace of, or in comparison with, these insoluble
mixtures. After much experimenting I found that no injury arose
from the application of a solution of sulphate of copper so weak as
one pound to 800 gallons. Twice that strength would produce serious
results on peach trees as late as July. It may be that other foliage
may suffer at some seasons from the weaker dilution, but many plants
will endure the stronger. I have used, the past summer, this solution
of one pound to 800 gallons very largely, and in direct comparison
with the other preparations of copper. The character of the season
has been such that the results are not fully decisive on account of
the unexpected, nefirly entire, exemption from fungi. How much of
this is due to my preparatory treatment I cannot determine as the
checks furnish but little information. There was not a drop of rain
and scarcely a sparkle of dew between the 4th and 17th of June, just
the time when many of these spores are actively set free. The fungus
on the leaf of the horse-chestnut, which has been very prevalent on
my grounds for some seven years, did not show a spot. Anthracnose
of the young canes of the grape which threatened the life of the vines

* While this is all very true, the success that has attended the use of the Bordeaux
mixture, the fact that there is no danger from its injury to the foliage, and that it adheres
80 long to the surface of the leaves and fruit, always ready to give up the little soluble
matter it contains to the moisture of dews and rains, makes it the most reliable and
effectual fungicide we have thus far found.

Further experiments in the line suggested are being made by many of the experiment
stations, wliich are sure, sooner or later, to formulate the best, safest and most economical
fungicides and insecticides for general use, and Dr. Fisher's work the past year is of great
value in this direction.

21

last year, was present only in a trifling degree. The same is true of
the apple and pear scab, as well as rot and mildew of the grapes.

The checks on my own premises giving but little information, I
learn from other growers that theirs have suffered considerably more
than mine. On my three acres of Concord grapes I did not find a
spot of peronospora (powdery mildew) on the foliage, and all of the
berries affected could be put into a quart measure, while those
affected with black rot would not exceed four qunrts. I have one
trellis of twenty-five different varieties many of which are quite prone
to mildew, but I have never seen it so absolutely free from peronos-
pora* only two leaves on a Delaware showing three small patches.

This trellis, as well as most of the others, was treated with the
solution of copper sulphate, one pound to 800 gallons. In all that I
have seen, either out of doors or under glass, there has been nothing
to indicate that this solution is not fully as efficient as any other
preparation of copper. The amount required for one acre at a single
application is from one and one-half to two ounces, while the Bor-
deaux mixture uses from eighteen to twenty-four pounds. The
solution is very cheap, clean and requires less labor and skill in its
use than the others and is, moreover, entirely compatible with Paris
green so that the two may be used together freely.

The unsatisfactory character of the apparatus for applying fungi-
cides and insecticides in a water spray set me at work to devise some
more simple and efficient substitute. I used the force pump, which
the Station furnished, by attaching it to a barrel which was trans-
ported on a stone-boat. A stretch of twenty feet of hose was used,
one end being supported upon the end of a light pole, twelve feet
long. The nozzle, which was an adjustable one, was set at an angle
of 45° from the handle, which made it easy to throw the spray in
every direction. Three men operated it, one mannging the spray,
one running the puin[), and the third caring for the horse. The last
position was an important one, as the man was exijected to keep the
horse moving at such a pace as would permit a thorough spraying of
every part of the foliage without wasting the liquid or drenching any
part of the tiee. I found that the combined efforts of the whole
force was unable to do the work evenly. Parts of trees were over-
supplied and portions were left entirely dry. Bordeaux mixture was

* Other vineyards in the state, though perhaps differently located, and under different
cultivation and not sprayed with the sulphate of copper or iron before the foliage developed
have suffered a good deal from this pest, but not as much as in former years.

22

largely found upon the first trees sprayed, while the remaiuiug con-
tents of the barrel grew constantly weaker. This came about for
want of a satisfactory provision for keeping the mixture thoi-oughly
stirred. The same effect must be produced in the use of Paris green
but would not be visible.

To overcome these obstacles I have devised a plain, brass syringe
of the following description. The barrel is fifteen inches long and
the piston has a stroke of fourteen ; the diameter is one and three-
fourths inches, and it will hold somewhat more than a pint. The
rose or nozzle is pierced with ninety-nine holes having a direction
radiating from a point in the rear, the effect being to throw a spray
twenty or more feet with a spread of six feet. The holes are of such
a size that the spray is as fine as is compatible with the distance
mentioned. My thanks are due to the well-known firm of R. T.
Deakin & Co., Twelfth and Buttonwood Sts., Philadelphia, for the
satisfactory way in which they have seconded my plans in the con-
struction of this instrument, and at my solicitation they have under-
taken to supply a demand for it. It is to be known as the "Hydro-
spray," and the retail price will be $5.00. If not obtainable at the
usual places where such goods are sold it may be ordered direct from
the firm. A cyclone nozzle for the same will be furnished for
seventy-five cents extra, which will be found very useful under glass
or in the' garden for the perfect and economical application of fungi-
cides and insecticides. It might be supposed that so simple an affair
as the Hydrosprayer would be of little use to an extensive grower
and in large orchards, but I found in actual trials that the same
number of hands required to run a force pump could spray fully as
much water or territory in a given time by them, and that in the
quality and efficiency of the work they were far superior. Armed
with one or more of these Hydrosprayers, a few pounds of sulphate
of copper, and the same of Paris green, a fruit grower is prepared
to meet most of the enemies that threaten him. For vineyard work
and in the potato field a knapsack sprayer will be found very con-
venient on account of the easy transportation of the liquid, 'but the
same objection applies to this as the large force pump, so that it is
not well adapted to the use of Paris green or Bordeaux mixture.

To sum up the lessons of the season, as I recall them now, I will
indicate the course which I propose to follow in the coming year.
The first day in the spring when things', are suflJiciently dry, I shall
gather all the stubble, weeds, grassland debris and burn it. This

23

will dispose of a large proportion of the winter spores of the various
fungi and some insects. I shall then spray all the trees, trellises
and vines, and the surface of the ground where the fire has not run,
with sulphate of copper, one pound to 100 gallons. This is before
the development of the foliage when this strength is not objection-
able. Just before the blossoms open I shall spray all the folinge
with the solution, one pound to 800 gallons, to which I shall add
Paris green, one pound to 200 gallons. The mode of operation is
this : A fifty-gallon kerosene barrel, standing upright on a stone-boat
is filled with water, to which is added one ounce of sulphate of copper
previously dissolved, and drawn to the place where used. A three-
gallon pail is filled from the barrel and a teaspoonful of Paris green
weighing just one-fourth of an ounce is added. This is kept in
suspension by stirring with the Hydros[)rayer, or otherwise, at each
filling. The latter is emptied of its contents upon the foliage with
the necessary force, and refilled and emptied until the tree is fully
covered. This spraying with both substances will be repeated as
soon as all or ueaily all the petals have fallen, and again at two
different limes, a week or more apart, making in all, four si)rayings
after foliation. Iq their relative importance I should place the
burning and the spraying before foliation at the front for fungi, and
the first spraying after blossoming for most insects, but for the best
results none of them should be omitted. The mouth of June is the
time for the appearance of the great bulk of both insects and fungi,
and one hour's work at that season is worth a whole day later on.

TOMATO ROT.

During the early part of the winter, some 50 specimens of " rot"
appeared in my forcing house, on tomatoes, nearly ready to ripen.
I at once sprayed by means of the cyclone nozzle with copper sul-
phate (blue vitriul) 1 lb. to 1000 gallons of water. This was
repeated in two days. There has been no increase of the disease
since the application, and the spots seemed to dry up and the fuugus
not to penetrate the texture of the fruit at maturity.

[While this experiment is in no way conclusive, and further trial must be made to
establish its value, the fact that so dilute a solution of copper sulphate is destructive to
the spores of most fungi, and that even under glass it is not in any way injurious to the
foliage, may lead to its use for the destruction of all f nngi attacking the foliage and
possibly by saturating the soil, for those attacking the roots.]

24

THE PEAR-TREE PSYLLA.

My orchard was seriously injured the past season by the pear-tree
psylia, {Psylla pyri,) a minute winged scale like insect, that injures
the trees by sucking their juices and is proving a serious pest where-
ever it gets a foot-hold. Its presence is first made known by what is
called by some, honey dew, a sticky substance exuded by the insects
and often causing the decay of the leaf, or possibly favoring the
attack of the leaf blight fungus, which causes the leaves to fall.
This insect has, in some instances, caused the death of large orchards
and would iu all cases, did not its natural enemies, wasps and hornet
or untoward seasons prevent. We never can predict with certainty
the outcome of one season from the results of tne last.

The best agent known for this class of ihsects is kerosene, which,
for this purpose, must be made into an emulsion and if properly
made and applied, it does no harm to the foliage.

My formula for this emulsion is ^ lb. of common yellovr or rosin
soap dissolved in a gallon of boiling water, to which is added two
gallons of kerosene and the whole churned together by means of the
Hydrosprayer or other syringe for three to five minutes, producing
an emulsion, separating the kerosene into minute globules, the whole
looking somewhat like whipped cream. One part of this emulsion
added to nine or more parts of water is sprayed upon the foliage and
kills the insect at once, without harm to the foliage. Tliis is best
applied in a dry atmosphe'-e.

I applied this preparation to about four acres of pears, June 10th
to 12th and again July 17th to 22d. The psylia appeared first June
8th, in considerable numbers, in the vs^inged form, and honey dew
followed in two or three days afterward. It has been supposed to
live over winter in the egg like other forms of aphides, but I am' very
confident that in my case the perfect insect appeared first. Soon
after the second spraying the honey dew mostly disappaared and the
partially blighted leaves gradually resumed in some degree their
natural color. Eggs and larvae were found in considerai)le numbers
on the leaves, but they did not thrive and gradually disappeared
mostly without maturing. What the outcome is to be I can only
guess. If the eggs are laid on the twigs in autumn, then kerosene
emulsion, or perhaps a potash solution might be depended on to
destroy them. If, as I am confident, they hibernate in the winged
state, I should depend upon burning the stubble in the spring, and
the use of kerosene emulsion whenever they showed tliemselves in
numbers."

25
REPORT OF GEO. R. ANDREWS,

FITCHBURG, MASS.

Mr. Andrews treated apple, pear and plum trees and grape vines,
upon which he reports as follows :

'■'• April 29th, sprayed 50 plum trees with the Bordeaux mixture,
the blossom buds being almost open at this time. Continued spray-
ing until May 7th, treating 4000 grape vines, 100 apple, 100 pear and
the above mentioned 50 plum trees.

The leaves of the apple trees were beginning to unfold, some of
them being an inch long, and the bud moth abundant, so in treating
these I used ^ lb. of Paris green to 100 gallons of the mixture.

May 19th, si)rayed plum trees with the Bordeaux mixture and
Paris green at the rate of ^ lb. to 100 gallons.

May 20th. sprayed pear trees, and May 27th, the apple trees with
the same mixture.

June 9th, sprayed plum and p.ear trees and June 13th the apple
trees with the Bordeaux mixture at one-half strength.

June 17th, sprayed grapes with the ammoniacal carbonate of
copper, and again treated them with same the 25th. The Concords
and VVordens showed some black rot and mildew.

July 8th, sprayed the Delaware vines with the Bordeaux mixture ;
and the Concords with the ammoniacal carbonate of copper, the 11th
and 12th. At this time the former showed some of the powdery
mildew on the foliage, and the two latter varieties increasing black rot.

July 11th and 12th, sprayed the plum trees with the ammoniacal
carbonate of copper, for fungous growths, and the pear trees with the
kerosene emulsion for the pear tree Psylla."

The results of these experiments, while not satisfactory iu all
particulars, in the case of the Delaware vines was very marked and
also with the plum trees. The photographic view, Plate 6, shows
three rows of Delawaie vines. Those on the right and left of the
picture were sprayed, while the midiUe one was not. The foliage of
the two outside rows, and all the rows of this vineyard, except the
middle one here represented, retained perfectly healthy foliage, and
ripened a very fine crop of fruit perfectly, while the unsprayed row
lost nearly all of its foliage and the fruit failed to ripen at all.

A laige proportion of the ciop of Wordens and Concords in one
part of the vineyard was destroyed by the black rot. I visited the
vinevard twice during the summer, and have never before seen this

26

disease so destructive in any vineyard in New England. In New
York state and the Lake Shoie regions, vineyards are often as seriously
injured as this one by this scourge.

Mr. Andrews asks me to account for this result, notwithstanding
the fact that fungicides were used, and while I cannot so confidently
explain the cause as I might, had I been on the ground and made
more minute observation when this disease first began to appear, I
will point out some of the sources of error in the time of applica-
tion of the fungicides, and the conditions which favored the develop-
ment of this destructive disease.

In the first place we must understand that this and most other
parasitic fungi grow only under conditions of moisture and liigh
temperature, and that tlie spores are destroyinl oithj by coming in
contact with the soluble co|)per solutions. Now, if at any time
during the early siiminer, such conditions of tcmperalure and moist-
ure should occur after a rain that had removed the little soluble
fungicide there may be in the Bordeaux mixture, the spores of the
disease would grow rapidly and it would take but a few days to
destroy all the fruit in a large vineyard.

Such conditions did occur between the first spraying of the vines.
May 5th to 7Lh and June 17th. In that time there were 12 days when
it was cloudy or rainy and high temperature prevailed for several days
at a time at different intervals.

From May 9th to 11th the temperature ranged between 79°and 85°
during the day time and 46° to 56° in the night. From May 20th
to 23d it was 70° to 75° in the day time and 57° to 58° at night.
From May 31st to June 4th it was 79° to 80" daring the day, and 52°
to 60° at night. From June 13th to 16th it ranged between 87° and
91^^ in the day time and between 57° and 66° at night.

If, during any of these intervals and especially the last, there was
dew or moisture in small drops on the foliage, the spores would grow
very rapidly, for the interval between the times of application of the
fungicides was nearly six weeks, and even light rains in that time
would have removed all the fungicides.

Then another precaution should have been taken, that of spraying
the vines and trellises and perhaps the ground under them, with
strong solutions of sulphate of copper or sulphate of iron before the
leaves unfolded, to destroy all spores that might have survived the
winter in these places.

The 50 plum trees, mentioned in Mr. Andrews' report, produced an

27

astonishing crop of fruit. The trees were sprayed April 29th with
Bordeaux mixture, Mny 19th and June 9th with the Bordeaux
mixture and Paris green, and July 12th with the ammoniacal carbon-
ate of copper.

The trees were heavily loaded with fruit, notwithstanding what
seemed like heroic thinning. Very few black warts were found upon
them and the fruit rotted very little.

The location was favorable in every way, being on an elevation
and in rather light soil, and the weather very unfavorable for the
development of the spores of the brown fruit rot. It is seldom that
trees so heavily loaded with fruit escape this disease, and had there
been rains and a higher temperature during the month of Jul}', the
last spraying of ammoniacal carbonate of copper would have been
washed off and the fruit very likely have been destroyed by the rot.
As no check trees were provided, there is some uncertainty as to the
results of this experiment, but viewed in the light of the results
obtained in similar experiments made at the Hatch station, we feel
confident that tlie applications made assisted largely in. preserving
the crop, and preventing the growth of the black wart.

REPORT OF A. C. HAWKINS,

LANCASTER, MASS.

Mr, Hawkins treated plum trees only, and owing to the delaj- in
receiving the pump and materials, was unable to make the applica-
tion of the strong solutions of sulphate of copper or iron before the
leaves unfolded. He reports as follows :

" I think the results would have been more satisfactory had the
pump arrived in time to spray the trees before the buds had begun to
open. Application of the Bordeaux mixture was made May 1st, 12th
and the 28th. This experiment was on young trees, only three years
old, that I did not wisli to bear fruit, so no Paris green was used, as
would have been the case if it was desired to protect the fruit from
the plum curculio. All old warts had been cut off and burned before
the spraying, and the new warts seemed to start into growth about
the time the buds unfolded.

While I think the spraying destroyed many spores and prevented
a large increase of the warts, those that had become established were
not apparently affected. The old trees that had the warts cut
off were headed back severely, and have thrown out a fine head

28

comparatively free from warts. I have cut out all warts that
appeared this season and shall spray early this spring, before the
buds start."

REPORT OF BENJAMIN P. WARE,

MARBLEHEAD, MASS.

"■ Apple and pear trees and potatoes were treated as follows :

Apple. May 9th. sprayed with the Bordeaux mixture, with Paris
green 1 lb. to 120 gallons. June 12th, made second application.
The petals had just, fallen.

The results noticed were that the tent caterpillar and the canker
worms were all killed and that no injury could be detected to the
foliage, from the per cent, of Paris green used.

"Very few apples were affected by the codling moth, and the
Bordeaux mixture remained on the foliage the entire season.

Pears. May 9th, applied the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green,
1 lb. to 120 gallons, to Flemish beauty pear trees. The fruit had
cracked badly for years, but this season not quite so badly.*

Potatoes. June 12th, sprayed a field of potatoes with Paris green,
1 lb. to 120 gallons of water. The Douglas barrel pumj) was used,
mounted on a wagon, the horse going between two rows and the
wheels between the next two on either side, and eight rows were
spiayed at a time. The beetles were all killed and the pump worked
to a charm."

REPORT OF H. A. COOK,

SHREWSBURY. MASS.

Mr. Cook treated grape vines, plum and peach trees, and reports
as follows :

Grapes. " Sprayed vineyard. May 11th and June 13th with the
Bordeaux mixture, four rows of 35 vines each being left as checks.
The common knapsack pump was used to apply the mixture.

*It has been conclusively shown that the common fungi attaclcing our fruits, will grow
at any time during the summer when the conditions of moisture and temperature are
■right. Rains quickly wash out the little soluble capper there is in the Bordeau.v mixture,
and it is not safe to depend upon one or two applications for the destruction of their spores
during the three or four months when it is possil)le for them to grow. Had the trees been
sprayed at intervals of about two weeks, varying the time according to tlie weather, up
to Aug. 1st, more favorable results would probably have been obtained.

29

Although no further spraying was done the results were very
marked in preventing the mildew and lessening the black rot. On
the four rows unspra^^ed the black wart was much more abundant
than on those sprayed.

Phim trees. Sprayed May 11th and 21st, June 1st, 5th and 13th.
On two rows the Bordeaux mixture was used at the ordinary strength,
two rows at one-half strength, and two rows were uusprayed.

The results noticed were, that there were a less number of warts
on the sprayed trees than upon those unsprayed. The leaf blight
did not seem to be affected, there being about the same amount on
each plot and tlie leaves fell prematurely from all the trees alike.

Peach trees. Sprayed the trees May 11th and 23d and June Ist,
oth and loth with the Bordeaux mixture, one-half strength. One row
of four in the orchard was left as a cl^eck. This spraying was not
beneficial, as those trees ucsprayed looked the best, and there was
some rot on nil of them."

[In the experiment witli grapes Mr. Cook seems to have made a happy hit, as the spray .
ing of June 13th was .just before hot, moist weather, when mildew and rot started
vigorously in other places. It is not always possible to do this, and consequently more
frequent applications must be made, in order to secure the surest results.

REPORT OF E. A. ESTABROOK,

GRAFTON, MASS.

Mr. Estabrook treated grape vines only. He reports as follows :
"April 28th, I sprayed several rows of vines with the suli)hate of
iron, one pound to two gallons of water. The buds had started so
as to show the pink tinge of the leaves, and the mixture burned them
somewhat. When the shoots were from six to twelve inches long
with the young fruit-bud clusters showing, and some of them even in
bloom, we sprayed a part of the same rows with the Bordeaux mix-
ture at one-half full strength. Owing to a mistake, the mixture not
being thoroughly stirred, some of the vines were seriously injured
and the apparent results at the time discouraged me, so that no
further spraying was done.

But subsequent results proved that even that one application of
sulphate of iron and one of Bordeaux mixture was of great benefit.
The fruit being far superior to that of adjoining rows not sprayed.
These were Concords, and the adjoining rows of Wordens were
similarly benefitted, but the next row of Moores Early, being more

30

advanced in blossom at the time of spraying, had nearly all the fruit
destroyed.

What seems remarkable to me is that a numl^ier of rows treated
with only the sulphate of iron, should be so much superior and free
from mildew and rot to those in the same location and not treated.
Although my beginnings were disastrous, I think I have learned
something and am full of enthusiasm to continue the work. Possi-
bly in this immediate section, where, the grape is not so liable to
disease, a lesser strength of the Bordeaux mixture would be advis-
able, but think if the mixture is properly made it will not injure the
foliage a particle.

My sprayer is intended to stir the liquid automatically, but I am
afraid it does not work to perfection. It seems to me that if we can
keep the foliage and fruit healthy until July that there would not be
much need of treatment after that date.*

Altogether my crop of grapes was good, but the prices low. Sold
some tons as low as 2c. per pound. They were Wordens and were
sent to market just at the time of the " grape scare" in New York
city. The later parts of the crop, mostly Concords, sold for 5c. per
pound, or more."

REPORT OF EXPERIMENTS AT FOREST ORCHARD,

NORTHBORO, MASS.

At this place 500 peach, 500 plum, 100 pear, 300 small and 200
large apple trees, about 2000 grapevines, and several hundred black-
cap raspberries were treated.

The application oi concentrated solutions of sulphate of copper
was made to one-half, that of sulphate of iron to the other half of
each plot, before the leaves unfolded, and all subsequent spraying
was done at intervals of about two weeks, varying somewhat with
the weather.

Peach. All the trees blossomed and promised a large crop of
fruit, but the frost of May 19th destroyed all but that of the early,
white-fleshed varieties, like the Amsden, Waterloo, etc.

* This will depend very much upon the weather. The past season during the extremely
warm, moist weather of September, the powdery mihU.-w came upon the foliage of the
unsprayed vines in tlie college vineyard in such quantities that, had it been in August, it
would have ruined the crop. Taking the conditions one year with another it is very
doubtful if we can hope for freedom from this disease and the black rot with less than
five applications after the leaves have unfolded, three of the Bordeaux mixture and two
of the animoniacal carbonate of copper, or some wholly soluble fungicide.

31

The first application of the Bordeaux mixture, made May 13th,
did not injure the foliage materially, but that of the 2oth was so
destructive that no further application was made until July 28th,
when the fruit began to decay and the ammoniacal carbonate of cop-
per was used at the rate of one-half pouud to fifty gallons of water.
This solution did not injure the foliage and checked the rotting of the
fruit, although not wholly preventing it.

Phtm. These trees bloomed very full, but the fruit was destroyed
by the frost, and only one application of the Bordeaux mixture was
made after Ma}' 19th. Very few black warts appeared and these
were effectually destroyed by painting with the kerosene paste.*

The leaf blight attacked the foliage the latter part of August and
all the leaves fell, leaving the trees bare for the rest of the season.
This caused serious injury to the trees, and probabl}' might have been
prevented had they been sprayed once in July and again in early
August. (See experiment on the college grounds, page 16, Plates

VI, VII.

Apple. The first application of the Bordeaux mixture was made
just before the blossoms opened, and Paris green, one pound to 200
gallons of the mixture, was added to destroy the tent caterpillar and
bud moth which were abundant. Another application of the same
was made soon after the petals had fallen, and a third June 20th.

The results of this work were the destruction of most of the tent
caterpillars ; and the fruit on the sprayed trees was more free from
the larvae of the codling moth than that on unsprayed" trees, although
that upon both was less wormy than for many years previous.

The season was so unfavorable for the development of the apple
scab that little diflference could be detected between the amount upon
the leaf or fruit of eitlier those trees sprayed or unsprayed.

Blackcap) Raspberries. The anthracnose or spot fungus of the
raspberry nearly ruined a plantaiion of an acre or more of blackcaps
last season, and about 200 plants were selected for treatment this
season. This disease first appears as small brownish-purple spots
on both old and new canes, generally near the ground. As the
fungus increases in growth, the center of the spot becomes greyish
brown, and if in large numbers on the canes they grow very weakly
or die.

The sulphate of copper was applied the last of April, and later, two

* Ordinary kerosene oil mixed to a paste witli French yellow, or any otlier dry pigment.
Crude petreleum would do equally well, if it is thick enough so as not to spread over the
branch veiy much when applied.

32

applications of the Bordeaux mixture were made. Tliis treatment
resulted in a much better growth and in very much less of the anthrac-
nose on the plants sprayed than upon those unsprayed.

Potatoes. Two fields of potatoes, One of one-half acre and the
other of one and one-half acres, were treated with Paris green to
destroy the potato beetle, combined with the Bordeaux mixture, one
pound to 200 gallons, to destroy the potato blight and rot fungus.
Three applications weie made and the results were that the beetles
were killed and the potato vines where sprayed remained green much
longer than those unsprayed. There was very little rot among the
tubers of either. With the barrel pump, in a one-horse dump-cart,
ten to twelve rows were f^prayed at once and the work more cheaply
and effectually done than it could have been in any other way.

VARIETIES OF GRAPES.

Of the 120 varieties of grapes grown in the experimental vineyard,
105 fruited the past season. Many of these are old kinds grown for
comparison with the newer sorts.

Notwithstanding the host of new varieties sent out from all parts
of the country, very few are found superior or even equal to the old
standard sorts for general purposes. For New England we would
name as the best for general planting the Concord, Worden, Moore's
Early, Delawaie, Brighton and the Lady.

Of those that are promising and that, after one or two years of
continued gooil behavior, we can safely recommend for general
cultivation are the Berckmaa, Lindley. Massasoit, Rochester,
Salem, Wilder and Winchell (Green mountain). Many other new
varieties are promising, but have not yet been fully tested in our
vineyards.

We give a brief description of a few varieties that are not gener-
ally known, but that possess some desirable qualities.

Berckman. A small red grape resembling the Delaware in size of
berry and bunch, but a little darker in color, and with the tough,
dark green, mildew resisting foliage like the Clinton and the frost or
pigeon grape. Not as sweet as the Delaware, but of a more winy
flavor and ripens at the i-ame time.

Brighton. A fine red grape of good size of berry and bunch and
of fine quality. When planted by itself the blossoms sometimes fail
to become fertilized, but if grown among other varieties it will set
all the fruit it can mature. It ripens with the Concord.

Diamond (Moore's). A most beautiful white grape, bunch and
berry large, and of good quality. Thus far it has been free from
mildew and rot.

Eaton. A very large black grape, showy, but watery and of too
poor quality to be desirable.

Empire State. This is a white grape with long bunches and
berries of medium size. It is a late keeper and valuable, if the
mildew to which it is subject can be prevented.

PockUiigton. A most beautiful white grape of fair quality. A
little later than the Concord, but for the past two years has matured
perfectly.

liochester. A reddish purple grape of the best quality. The bunch
is very large, and the berries so numerous, that they are liable to
crack sometimes when growing rapidly.

Rogers' Hybrids. Among these are some of the best grapes in
quality in cultivation, and they are all late keepers. The Barry,
Herbert, Lindley, Salem and tlie Wilder have done the best with us.
By the use of the copper solution to destroy the mildew and the rot,
to which they are much subject, these grapes may be successfully
grown.

Vergennes. A large red grape of good quality and one of the best
keepers. It mildews badly.

Winchell (Green mountain). A most delicions little green grape,
very early, hardy and productive. It is moderately vigorous and
has thus far proved free from disease.

KEEPING QUALITIES OF GRAPES.

To test the keeping qualities of the many kinds of grapes grown,
small quantities of each were placed on trays and put into the fruit-
room about October 1st.

Those that show the poorest keeping qualities are, Ann Harbor^
August Giant, Champion, Concord, Early Victor, Eaton, Hayes,
Janesville, Lady, Martha, Moore's Early, Nectar, Niagara, Pearl,
Triumph and Worden.

Those keeping up to March 1st, in fair condition, are, Berckraann,
lona, Jefferson, Moore's Diamond, Prentis Roger's Nos. 3, 4, 9, 19,
28, 30, 33, 34, 39, 41 and 44, Salem, Vergennes, and Woodruff's Red.

34

VARIETIES OF PEACHES.

The past season is the first one for about ten years when there has
been fruit enough to compare the merits of varieties for New Eng-
land. We give the results of the comparison of eighteen varieties
thai fruited abundantly in the college orchard. A few other kinds
produced a small number of specimens, but not enough to warrant a
decision as to their value.

The wliUe flesJied varieties which fruited, in the order of ripening,
are as follows : Arasden, Alexander, Schumaker, Waterloo, Moun-
'tain Rose, Coolidge. Holland (local seedling), Oldmixon, Morris
White and Stump. Of these the first four are so nearly alike,
although varying slightly in minor details, that they should be given
under one name.

The Coolidge, Oldmixon and Stump were the most productive and
profitable.

The yelloio fleshed varieties are Crawford's Early, Crawford's Late,
Reeves' Favorite, Red Cheek Melocoton, Foster, Wheatland, Crosby
(Excelsior), and Wager. Of these the Crawford's Late, Foster,
Reeves' Favorite, Wheatland and Crosb}^ (Excelsior) produced the
best crop.

The Crosby (Excelsior) is a new variety which has attracted much
attention, and is being advertised extensively as the most hardy
yellow peach. It resembles the Wheatland closely. It originated in
the eastern part of the state, and on the college grounds has borne
four successive crops. It is of medium size, of a deep yellow color,
with brilliant red spreading and splashed over the exposed side. In
quality it is one of the best yellow fleshed peaches. Its small size,
when the trees are allowed to overbear, and even under average ordi-
dary cultivation seems, at this time, to be its only fault. To make
the fruit even of average size heroic thinning must be practiced.

WINTER KILLING OF THE PEACH BUDS.

During the past ten years very few fruit buds have escaped
destruction, but, if one-tenth of all that form develop into blossoms
and set fruit, the trees would be so heavily loaded as to break down
with the weight. To determine the time of this destruction, and to
ascertain the number of buds which are destroyed, weekly observation
of about 100 buds of each variety w^ere made through the winter.
The results of these observations show that the buds were largely
destroyed before the middle of December, and generally before the

37

Crawford's Early,

99

56

82

45

23

" Late,

99

82

50

59

Crosby, (Excelsior)

42

28

37

31

Foster,

70

92

R. Cheek Melocoton,

. 70

92

44

87

Reeves,

99

97

79

56

84

Wnger,

70

68

50

45

Wheatland,

60

59

25

35

teraperatnre had reached O'', or a few degi'ees below. When it has
reached from IS'* to 20° below the buds have nearly all been killed.
The following table shows the per cent of buds of several varieties
killed March 1st for the past tli^'ee years :

1890 1891 1892 1890 1891 1892

Amsden, 15

Coolidge, 20

Holland, (local seedling) 97

Morris White, 85

Oldmixon, 99

Schumaker, 10

Stump, 80

Waterloo, 15

PROTECTION OF THE BUDS.

For many years numerous experiments have been made at this
station to discover some means for protecting the peach fruit-buds
from injury by cold during the winter, but, although every kind of
available covering material that suggested success has been used in
protecting the trees in an upright position, they have proved value-
less. For the past four seasons in November or early December the
roots of about a dozen trees, two or more of a kind, have been
loosened on the north and south sides, the trees laid over on the
ground and some left uncovered and others covered with various
protective materials.

The first experiment (1888 and 1889) resulted in the destruction
of the buds by heating, the trees being covered too closely. In 1889
and 1890 the trees were covered with mats and other light material,
and a large per cent of the buds were preserved. In 1890 and 1891
light covering was again used, the following table giving the com-
parative results between protected and unprotected trees.

Varieties. Protected. Unprotected.

Stump, per cent of buds injured, 22 78

Reeves' Favorite, " " " 23 97

Wager, " " " 15 68

At the present date, March 12th,1hc same varieties unprotected show
an average of 52% of the fruit buds destroyed, while those protected
have oul}' about 10% destroyed. Trees protected in this way are
easily set up in the spring and grow well and mature a crop. Of
the trees treated in this experiment, mauy'were more than ten years
old.

36

For the best permanent results, we would recommend previous
preparation of the trees to be protected in this way, by cutting off all
the roots on the north and south sides during the early summer.
This will force the growth into the roots on the east and west sides,
and they will be simply twisted a little in the process of bending over.
The trees should be bent toward the south to avoid the direct rays
of the sun on the trunk and main branches. Any covering of a
coarse, light nature that will not compact may be used, but coarse,
thin mats obtained from straw-hat factories have given us the best
results. No covering should be put on the ground under the tree as
the moisture from the ground seems necessary to perfect protection,
and if the land is in turf the trees should be sprayed witli the' Bor-
deaux mixture or skim milk and Paris green to protect them from the
field mice, which are very fond of them. The loosened soli should
be pressed back firmly into place and a mound of earth be made over
the upturned roots and the base of the trunk for protection.

PROTECTING YOUNG TREES FROM MICE.

Every year the question comes to us, '' How shall I protect my
young trees from mice?" For the benefit of those who may not
have read our previous bulletins, we repeat the remedies that have
proved wholly effectual upon the college grounds, and in other places
where properly used, for the past six winters.

Late in the fall, before the snow comes on, paint the trunks of the
trees, from eighteen inches to two feet from the ground, with a mix-
ture of Portland cement and Paris green, one tablespoonful of the
latter to a gallon of the paint. Only a small quantity of the paint
should be mixed at a time, and it should be made thin enough to
apply readily with a common paint brush. Mixed with skim milk
the paint adheres better than if mixed with water.

THE SIBERIAN CRAB APPLE TREE AS A STOCK
FOR GRAFTING.

The question is often asked, can the Siberian Crab {Pyrus bacca-
tus) be used on which to graft successfully as a stock the varieties of
larger apples (P?/?-MS maZws).

To answer this question, about ten years ago, six small trees of
the yellow Siberian crab and three of the Williams' Favorite were
planted as represented in the following diagram. S. indicating Sibe-

37

rian crab, S.B. the same budded and W. Williams' Favorite:
S. W. S.B. S. W. S.B. S. W. S.B.
The trees were all of the same size as nearly as could be selected,
and every third tree in the row was top-budded with the Williams'
Favorite. The buds all grew well the first season, but the subsequent
growth was very little, and at the .end of ten years all were dead.
The diameters of the three Siberian crabs were 4, 4i and 6 inches, of
the three Williams' Favorite, 3^, 3 and 3 inches, while none of the
budded trees reached over | of an inch. Plates IX, X, XI illustrate
the results of this test.

REPORT UPON GIRDLING GRAPES, BY DR.JABEZ FISHER,

FITCHBURG, MASS.

In my last communication on this subject, as printed in Bulletin
No. 13, page 12, I used the following language : " Whether it is
possible to long continue the operation without injury to the ripening
of the roots of the vine. The three years in which this treatment
has been carried out has not developed as yet an answer to this
question."

Previous to the swelling of the buds last spring no difference could
be detected, but soon afterward it was noticed that the vines which had
been girdled the previous year broke unevenly', that the clusters of
buds were smaller and the commencing growth of the canes less
vigorous. This was intensified as growth progressed and became
more and more apparent as the season wore on. While all were
entirely healthy, the vines which had been girdled in 1890 showed a
manifest lack of fruit and a smaller and weaker cane grown for
fruiting in 1892. The favorable weather of September enabled these
canes to make up their deficiency in some degree and at the close of
the season they all look well and are perfectly ripened. None of
them were giidled this year.

To determine the influence of last year's girdling I kept the fruit
grown upon the difl!"erent plots separate. Plot No. 1 had never been
girdled ; No. 2 had had one-half of each vine girdled, and No. 3 the
whole of each vine. Each plot contained 120 vines and covered
about 11,500 square feet. All were contiguous and fairly comparable
with each other. After the leaves had fallen I measured with cali-
pers the diameter of each cane of these 360 vines, 720 in all, at half
their length (three feet) from the trunk.

In the following table, column one, 100 is assumed as the product
of normal uugirdled vines. lu columns two and three appear the
percentages of the half-girdled and the full-girdled vines respectively.
The difference between the total fruit and that denominated first-class
consisted of small and fragmentary clusters which could be disposed
of only at inferior prices. The quality of all was satisfactory.

Uugirdled. Half-girdled. Full-girdled.

Total fruit, 100 83 62

First class, 100 77 59

Diameter of new canes, 100 97 87

Three years ago, when I commenced this series of experiments my
object was to ascertain if the operation of girdling could be recom-
mended for this climate. It seems to me that the results as here
given go to show that wherever a grape will ripen fairly by the
natural processes, girdling is a complete draft upon the future with-
out prospect of means to pay it through the gains of the present.
With me the increase in weight of the fruit was more than offset by
the waste through split beriies and the consequent extra time required
to prepare the whole for market. There was no gain in price from
the ten days' earliness. The Concord does not reach market soon
enough to command early prices. If, therefore, there is nothing
realized from the operation during the same season, and there follows
a loss of nearly or quite fifty per cent in the value of the product in
the succeeding one, then it can onl}- be commended for situations
where it is impossible to ripen the fruit naturally, and where after
one season's girdling, the vines may be allowed a year in which to
recover through generous feeding and entire abstinence from fruiting.

THE AMOUNT OF COPPER ON SPRAYED FRUIT.

During the early autumn the board of health of New York city
condemned several carloads of grapes as dangerous to the public
health and ordered them destroyed, because they were slightly dis-
figured with the Bordeaux mixture which had been used by the
growers to prevent mildew and rot. This caused a " scare" among
the dealers and consumers and a serious fall in prices, which affected
the market more or less for the rest of the season. To determine
positively the amount of copper adhering to the grapes grown in the
college vineyard, two lots of fruit, of ten pounds each, were selected,

39

one from vines sprayed with tiie Bordeaux mixture throughout the
season, and which were very badly disfigured, and the other from
vines iliat were treated with the Bordeaux mixture up to the middle
of June, tlien with two applications of the amnioniacal carbonate of
copper and which were not in the least disfigured.

An analysis of these two samples was made at the State Experi-
ment Station. In the first, sample No. 1, there was found only -j-q^js
of 1% of oxide of copper, an amount so small that one would need
to eat from one-half to one ton of these grapes, stems, skins and all,
to obtain the least injurious eflect, and that, notwithstanding the fact
that the bunches were selected from those having the largest amount
of the copper mixture adhering to them.

In sample No. 2 not a trace of copper could be found. It would
seem from the above that even under the most careless use of the
copper solutions, no injurious effects need be feared, and that when
properly applied there will not be a trace of copper left upon the
fruit at harvesting.

APPLES.

Early in December, the Pall Mall Gazette of London. England,
published an article headed '•'■American Apples. Alarming Allega-
tions— Are They Doctored with Arsenic." Then the statement is
made " that American orchardists use arsenic in such large quanti-
ties to protect their fruit from insects as to completely saturate it, and
that the bloom or white powder found on the surface of American
apples is arsenic, brought to the surface by evaporation, and if the
fruit is eaten, this should be wiped off to avoid injurious effects.
" That the delicate, unnatural (?) bloom of the American apples is
due to arsenic, a drug that is largely used by people, especially the
fair sex in America, to make the complexion fair," and other state-
ments equally absurd and without a shadow of foundation. These
statements were undoubtedly made in the interest of speculators for
the purpose of injuring the sale of American apples in the English
market.

To determine the amount ot copper and arsenic adhering to the
surface of apples (for it could not have been absorbed into the sub-
stance of the fruit) which had been sprayed three times with the Bor-
deaux mixture and Paris green, twenty apples, measuring one peck,
were taken to the State Experiment Station for analysis. The
amount of copper oxide found on these apples was fourteen ten-

40

thousandths (.0014) of one -gram, or twenty-two thousandths
(.022) of one grain. This equals about five ten- thousandths (.0005)
of one ounce to the barrel, or requiring two thousand barrels to yield
one ounce of copper oxide. The specimens selected for this analysis
were those with the roughest surface, to which would adhere more of
the copper solution or Paris green than to the average apples.

Not a trace of arsenic could be detected in this analysis ; as Paris
green (average samples of Paris green contain about thirty-three
parts of oxide of copper and sixty-one parts of arsenious oxide) was
not used after July 1st, it was probably all washed off during the three
months following, before the apples were gathered, which was
October 1st.

When we consider the fact that probably not one fruit grower in
one hundred throughout the country used Paris green at all, and that
not one barrel in one thouraud came from sprayed trees, the absurdity
of the" scare" becomes still more apparent.

CONCLirSIONS.

Summing up the results of the work of the past season, we arrive
at the following conclusions :

That the apple scab, pear leaf blight and cracking of the fruit, the
peach and plum fruit rot, the plum leaf blight, and plum black wart,
the grape powdery mildew and black rot, the raspberry anthracnose
and the potato leaf blight and rot, may be wholly or largely prevented
when the solutions of copper are properly applied ;

That by the combined use of the Bordeaux mixture and Paris
green the above fungi are prevented, the tent caterpillars and canker-
worms are killed, and the injury to the apple and pear from the cod-
ling moth, and to the plum and peach by the plum curculio, may be
largely prevented ;

That if the spores of the plum wart become established in the tree,
the copper solutions do not stop their growth, but that by painting
with " kerosene paste" they are destroyed at once.

That the peach foliage is very susceptible to injury from copper
solutions and that these solutions must be applied at from one-third
to one-fourth the strength used upon the apple and pear ;

That peach buds can be protected by bending the trees over to the
ground and covering with some light, thin material ;

That the amount of copper adhering to apples and grapes, that

41

have been properly sprayed with copper solntion, is so small that no
injury can possibly occur from their free consumption.

That the Siberian crab apple tree does not make a good stock upon
which to graft the varieties of our larger apples ;

Tiiat girdling the grape vine during the season of 1890 in Dr.
Fisher's vineyard resulted in a weakened growth and a diminished
crop in 1891 ;

That young trees may be protected from injury by mice by painting
with Portland cement and Paris green.

OUTLINE OF PLANS FOR USING FUNGICIDES AND

INSECT1CIDP:S for 1892.

for the apple.

Spray for the destruction of the spores of the apple scab, and leaf
blight, with sulphate of copper, (Blue Vitriol;, one pound to twenty-
five gallons of water, or sulphate of iron (Copperas) one pound to
two gallons.

For the destruction of the tent caterpillar, canker worm and bud
moth use the Bordeaux mixture, one-half strength, with Paris green,
one pound to 150 gallons, just before the blossoms unfold, and .for •
the same and the codling moth, as soon as the petals have fallen.

Make a third application of the Bordeaux mixture nnd Pans green
in about two weeks from the time the petals fall should there have
been heavy rains since the last application ; then use the ammoniacal
carbonate of copper, one pound to fifty gallons of water, at intervals
of from two to four weeks, according to the weather, until the middle
of August.

We would recommend the trial of sulphate of copper, one pound
to 500 and 800 gallons of water, after the middle of June. Should
no rain occur after the use of any fungicide or insecticide no further
application need be made until it does rain, .but if the interval has
been long, spraying should immediately follow a heavy rain.

FOR THE PEAR.

For the pear scab, leaf blight and cracking of the fruit, and cod-
ling moth, the same treatment should be given as for the apple,
except that no Paris green need be used until after the petals have
fallen, and only two applications of that need be made.

If the pear tree psylla should appear, spray the trees thoroughly
with the kerosene emulsion (see page 24), one part to twenty parts
of water.

42

FOR THE PLUM.

We would advise the same treatment, as given to the apple and
pear, for the plum leaf blight, black wart and the fruit rot. For the
plum eurculio, use the Bordeaux mixture, one-half strength, with
Paris green, one pound to 200 gallons. One application of the
ammoniacal carbonate of copper should be made after the middle of
August, to prevent the rotting of the fruit and the leaf blight.

FOR THE PEACH.

To destroy the plum eurculio, spray with the Bordeaux mixture,
one-fourth strength, and Paris green, one pound to 200 gallons.
For the fruit rot, spray with the ammoniacal carbonate of copper, one
poun^d to fifty gallons of water. Try the sulphate of copper, one
pound to 1000 gallons of water, for the fruit rot.

FOR THE GRAPE.

Spray with the concentrated solution of sulphate of copper every
part of the viues and trellis before the buds unfold. Just before the
blossom buds unfold, spray with the Bordeaux mixture, one-half
strength, with Paris green, one pound to 100 gallons. As soon as
the petals have fallen, spray again with the same; then at intervals
of about two weeks use the ammoniacal carbonate of copper, one
pound to twenty-five gallons. Try the sulphate of copper, one pound
to 500 and 800 gallons of water at the same intervals.

FOR RASPBERRY AND BLACKBERRY.

For the anthracnose of the blackcaps, and the yellow rust of the
blackberry, use the concentrated solution of sulphate of copper,
before the buds open. Then spray with the Bordeaux mixture one-
half strength or the ammoniacal carbonate of copper before the
blossom buds unfold, and two or three times alter the fruit has
been gathered, at intervals of two or three weeks. The first disease
attacks the canes principally and more attention in spraying should
be given to them, than to the leaves.

FOR THE STRAWBERRY.

Spray with the Bordeaux mixture, one-half strength and Paris
green 1 lb. to 100 gallons for the leaf blight and the " spotted paria,"
as soon as growth begins in the spring. Just before the blossoms
open use the Bordeaux mixture same strength, hut no Paris green.
After the fruit has been gathered Paris green and the Bordeaux
mixture should be used if the bed or field is to be carried through
another season.

43

FOR THE POTATO.

As soon as the larvae of the potato beetle begin to appear, spray
with the Bordeaux mixture, one-half strength, and Paris green one
lb. to 100 gallons. Use the same mixture as often as they appear
in sufficient numbers to be injurious. If the weather should be warm
and moist, applications should be made at intervals of from one to
three weeks after the vines have blossomed, of the Bordeaux mixture,
one-half strength or the ammoniacal carbonate of copper, one lb. to
fifty gallons of water, even if there are no larvae present. The sul-
phate of copper one lb. to 500 gallons should also be tried on a
small scale to test its value.

44

SPRAYING APPARATUS.

PUMPS.

Fig. 1.
The pump attached to the cask, as in Fig. 1, was largely used for
the work at the station, and is by far the most economical method
of applying fungicides and insecticides on a large scale. The pump
should be attached to the side of the cask and be mounted in a cart
or on a stone-boat. To reach the highest trees, a piece of one-half

45

inch gas pipe ten feet long, with hose coupling at each end, was used.
If the Vermoiel nozzle with the spray coming out on one side is used
the pipe need not be bent, but if any of the adjustable straiuht
nozzles be used the pipe should be bent, at the end, to an angle of
about 45''.

Fig. 2.

The Knapsack pump, Fig. 2, was found very useful where only
a few small trees or vines were to be sprayed. A piece of tliree-
eighths inch brass or iron pipe, six feet long with hose couplings
attached, was found very useful in many cases.

The Hydrosprayer, recommended by Dr. Fisher, made by Robt.
T. Deakin & Co., Philadelphia, Pa., Fig. 3, is a very useful instru-
ment for applying clear liquids, but is not adapted to the use of the
Bordeaux mixture. Any of the small garden or carriage pumps like
Fig. ^4 will answer for this work, if only a few vines or small trees
are to be sprayed.

46

NOZZLES.

For applying the Bordeaux miztuve, a nozzle with an adjustable
opening must be used. Those found most useful are the "• Vermorel"
and the adjustable nozzle sold with the barrel pumps.

WHERE MATERIALS MAY BE OBTAINED.

Sulphate of copper and iron and Paris green, in small quantities,
may be found at the drug stores generally, but purchased in this way
they are very^costly.

47

Dealers in seeds, agricultural and horticultural supplies, also keep
the pumps and chemicals on hand.

The price of suljjhate of copper, very nearly pure, should not be
over four cents per pound in lots of 100 pounds or more. Good
Paris green should be purchased for twenty-five cents per single
pound, and twenty cents by the wholesale.

The ammoniacal carbonate of copper put up in air tight cans, cost
last season, fift}^ cents per pound. It should be sold at a much lower
price this season.

Fis. 4.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

^OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 18.

Fertilizers for Potatoes, Oats and Corn.
The Use of Muriate of Potash with Manures for Corn.
" Special Corn " Fertilizer versus Fertilizer richer in Potash.
Comparison of Corn and Millet as Grain Crops.
Proximate Composition of Potatoes as affected by Fertilizers.
Reports on Miscellaneous Crops : Oats, Hemp, Flax, Eng-
lish Wheats, Japanese Millets, and Beans.

APRIL, 1892.

The Bulletins of this /Station will be sent free to all newspapers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as ynay request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1892.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henky H. Goodell,
William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynard,
Charles H. Fernald, .
Clarence D. Warner, .
William M. Shepardson,
Henry J. Field,

Director.

Agriculturist.

Horticulturist.

Entomologist.

Meteorologist.

Assistant Horticulturist.

Assistant Agriculturist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, are
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE.

WILLIAM P. BROOKS.

SOIL TESTS WITH FERTILIZERS.

Duriug the season of 1891, Soil Tests with Fertilizers have been
carried out under my supervision in the counties of Essex, Middlesex,
Worcester, Hau][)shire and Franklin under the care of selected
farraeis; and, except in one instance, upon land which had already
been used one or two years in a similar test. In all such cases the
fertilizers were applied upon the same plots as in preceding years.
The experiment in Worcester county was with oats, the rest with
potatoes. Besides these we have had two acres in a similar experi-
ment upon our own grounds, one in oats and one in potatoes, and a
number of volunteer workers in different parts of the state who
planted corn. In the following pages will be found an account of
the experiments in the counties above named as well as of those on
our own grounds and of two volunteer workers whose results seem to
have been accurately determined.

The general plan of experiment was similar to that followed during
the two preceding years and it is described in full in Bulletin No. 9
of this station. One acre was used in each experiment and this with
one exception, (where there were fourteen) was laid out in fifteen
plots of one-twentieth of an acre each, the unfertilized strips around
and between the plots occupying the balance of the acre. The
fertilizers used were nitrate of soda, dissolved bone-black, muriate
of potash, land plaster, lime, and barn-yard manure. The first
three mentioned fertilizers were selected as sources respectively
of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash, which are recognized to be
essential elements of all fertilizers and manures, — often indeed they
appear to be the only essential elements. The reason for selecting
these materials is that they allow us to furnish essentials of plant
food singly or in any desired combination. Other materials might
serve the farmer's purpose equally well ; but for our purpose we must
have forms of fertilizers which enable, us to trace results to definite

52

In these experiments we, in effect, ask the soil: — "What must
you have to enable you to produce a crop," and in proportion as
natural inequalities of the soil and accidental causes of variation are
avoided, Ihe answers are definite and valuable. Our experiments
might be regarded as complete without the plots on which barn-yard
manure, lime and plaster are used, in so far as affording an answer
to tiie above question is concerned ; but, for purposes of comparison
these, extra plots are introduced.

The materials used were each applied at the following rates where-
ever employed :

Per Acre. Pounds.

Nilrate of soda., 160

Dissolved hone-blacky 320

Muriate of potash., 160

Lime, 160

Land plaster ., 160

Barn-yard manure., 5 cords

The materials were all sampled and analyzed and the manure was
weighed, so that we are able to calculate the amounts of the essen-
tials— nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid — applied to the plots
receiving this material, and thus to institute interesting comparisons
with the plot receiving the same elements in the form of fertilizers.
These comparisons will appear under the several experiments.
The fertilizers used : —

Nitrate of Soda.

Moisture at 100° C,

Nitrogen,

Sodium oxide.

Dissolved bone-black.

Moisture at 100° C,

Organic and volatile matter.

Total phosphoric acid,

Soluble "

Reverted, " "

Insoluble " "

Insoluble matter.

Muriate of Potash.

Moisture at lOO'' C,

Potassium oxide,

Chlorine,

1.20 per

cent.

15.81 '

u

38.90

u

18.50 per

cent.

44.48

"

15.35

14.87 '

u

.29

u

.19

2.95

"

1.09 per

cent.

50.40

a

49.28

u

63

Calcium Sulphate.
Moisture at 100° C,
Calcium oxide,
Sulphuric acid,
Insoluble matter.

Lime.

Calcium oxide,
Insoluble matter,

18.02 per cent.
32.40 "

42.08 "
2.35 "

88.64 per cent.
4.71 "

For the purpose of comparison I include here figures showinor the
amounts of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash in the fertilizers
used, and in the below stated quantities of the crops which have been
under experiment.

Contained in

Furnished

in
fertilizer.

50 bu. corn

anrl the

usual stover.

ino
bushels
potatoes. '

50 hu. onts

and 4800

pounds straw.

.3 pounds

91 pounds

12.4 pounds

58.2 pounds

.1 "

29 "

3.9 "

24.3 "

.6 -

63 "

17.6 "

85.4 "

Nitrogen, 25

Phosphoric acid, 49
Potash, 80

It will be noticed that nitrogen is applied in considerably less
amount than is required by either corn or oats ; but in about double
the amount in the potatoes. Phosphoric acid and potash, on the
other hand, with one exception, (potash in the case of oats) are
applied in quantities considerably in excess of the amounts found in
good crops of the respective kinds under consideration.

Yet our experiments indicate that potash does not particularly
benefit the oat crop, while it seems usually to be the most important
ingredient of fertilizer for corn and potatoes.

The manures used in the several experiments varied widely ; but
with one exception (Shelburue) they supplied all the elements of
plant food in much larger quantity than the " complete" fertilizer.
The excess of nitrogen applied in the manure as compared with the
fertilizers is especially large. In the fertilizer we supplied at the
rate ot about twenty-five pounds of nitrogen ; in the manures, in differ-
ent experiments:— 111.9, 118.8, 69.4, 289.5, and 131.6 pounds per
acre.

After ploughing, manures and fertilizers were in all cases spread
broadcast and harrowed in, just previous to planting the seed.

Each experimenter was furnished with a standard maximum and

54

minimum thermometer and rain guage ; and, although accidental
breakages of instruments caused some irregularities, observations
were generally kept up from the time of planting to. the time of
harvest. A summary of the record of each observer will be found
under the account of his experiment.

Each out-lying experiment was visited one or more times by
my assistant or myself, and the weights and measurements were
generally taken by my assistant. Mr. F. O. Williams served in this
capacity until Sept. 1st, at which time his place was taken by Mr.
H. J. Field.

Systematic measurements were taken in a number of the experi-
ments, with a view to the study of the effects of the several fertil-
izers during different stages in the growth of the crop. Such meas-
urements have not thus far revealed general laws of any great
importance ; but they have, as a rule, shown that the beneficial effects
of nitrate of soda persist throughout the season. Only a few of such
measurements, to illustrate this point, are published under the
appropriate experiments in this report.

A few general explanations are necessary to an understanding of
what follows. In each experiment, the weight of the product of
each plot was taken ; in experiments with oats of the straw and grain
separately ; with potatoes two grades were made, large and small or
merchantable and unmerchantable, anything as large as an average
hen's egg being included in the first class ; with corn, the weights of
hard and soft corn and of stover were separately taken. In convert-
ing into bushels, 32 pounds of oats, 60 pounds of potatoes and 75
pounds of hard corn on the ear are considered equal to one bushel.
In obtaining the value of the crops, oats are estimated at fifty cents
per bushel ; oat straw, at eight dollars per ton ; large potatoes, at
fifty cents per bushel ; small potatoes, at fifteen cents and hard corn
at sixty-five cents.

The cost only of fertilizers is taken into consideration in calculat-
ing gain or loss. No account is made of the labor of applying.
Nitrate of soda is estimated at $50 per ton ; dissolved bone-black, at
$30; muriate of potash, at $40 ; plaster, at $9 ; lime, at $12 and
barn-yard manure, at $5 per cord.

In determining gain or loss from any plot it is compared with the
two nearest nothings, each being given a weight inversely propor-
tional to its distance from the plot under comparison.

In the determination of the effect of each of the^ingredients of

55

plant-food — nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash — four comparisons
are made. For example in the case of nitrogen ;

1. The crop where nitrogen alone is applied is compared with the
average of the two nearest nothings.

2. The increase {or decrease) when nitrogen and phosphoric acid
ax'e used is compared with the increase [or decrease) where phosphoric
acid only is used.

3. The increase {or decrease) wliere nitrogen and potash are used
is compared with the increase {or decrease) where potash only is used.

4. The increase {or decrease) where nitrogen, phosphoric acid
and potash are used is compared with the increase {or decrease)
where the two latter only are used.

5. The results of the four comparisons are added, the sum
divided by four, and the result is considered the average increase {or
decrease) due to nitrogen.

Upon this average the profit or loss from the use of nitrogen is
calculatt'd, no allowance being made for unexhausted residue.

Similar comparisons and calculations are made for phosphoric acid
and potash. The results for all these ingredients are shown in
tabular form under each experiment.

For convenience of comparison witli each other and with the
results just mentioned, the net results of the use of "complete"
fertilizer, barn-yard manure, plaster and lime are shown in another
table, although this plan involves the repetition of some of the figures
given in the general tabular view of the entire experiment. Below
this table will be found a calculation as to the financial result of the
use of each. In this calculation no allow^ance is made for unexhausted
residue of either manure or fertilizer. This omission undoubtedly
makes the showing for manure more unfavorable than it should be.
If we make the usual allowance of one-half, the manure will come
much nearer paying for itself, and for labor of application which, it
should be remembered, has not been chai-ged. The expression
"complete" fertilizer is used in the ordinary sense to designate
a mixture which supplies nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash.

56
MARBLEHEAD.

SOIL TESTS WITH FERTILIZERS FOR POTATOES,

by William S. Phillips, Jr.

Yield per

Gain or Loss com-

FERTILIZERS.

Plot.

Yield per Acre.

pared wife Kotiiing

■"

1-20 Acre.

Plots per Acre.

o

KIND.

II

^1

5 =

^1

11

ll

g-3

i

^i

^£

-£

^^

-^

^1

a

1

Nothing,

210

44

70.

14.67

2

Nitrate of soda,

160

261

36

87.

12.

16.89

-2.22

3

Dissolved bone-black,

320

237

40

79.

13.33

8.78

—.45

4

Nothing,

211

40

70.33

13.33

5

Muriate of potash.

160

248

40

82.67

13.33

17.42

—3.17

6

f Nitrate of soda,

\ Dissolved boneblack,

160
320

171

53

57.

17.67

—3.16

—2.

7

( Nitrate of soda,
t Muriate of potash.

160
160

288

51

96.

17.

40.92

-5.83

8

Nothing,

150

78

50.

26.

9

f Dissolved bone-black,
t Muriate of potash.
f Nitrate of soda.

320
160
160

340

60

113.33

20.

57.66

—6.

10

< Dissolved bone black,
( Muriate of potash,

320
160

372

59

124.

19.67

62.67

—6.33

11

Land plaster,

160

|170

80

56.67

26.67

—10.33

.67

12

Nothing,

218

78

72.67

26.

13

Barn-yard manure.

5*

'408

52

136.

17.33

68.89

—9.

14

Lime,

160

164

68

54.67

22.67

—6.89

—4.

15

Nothing,

168

81

56. ' 27.

1

Average of the nothing plots : large, 63.8 bushels; small, 21.4bushels.

This experiment was on the acre used in a soil-test with fertilizers for
corn in 1889. The land lay fallow during- 1890 ; but the stakes were
kept up and the fertilizers were applied upon the same plots as in
the first year. The soil is a fine gravelly loam and previous to 1889
had been in grass many years without manure. It was in a low state
of fertility, but fairly even throughout, as shown by the total yields of
the nothing plots.

The variety of potatoes was the Early Puritan ; the field was
planted April 29 and harvested Oct. 27-28. The experiment was
well carried out, and the crop carefully cultivated throughout the
season.

57

Results of Measurements, 1891

No.
of

FERTILIZERS USED.

Average Measurements.

Plot.

June 4.

June 16.

June 30.

1

2

"Vrnt-hinw

4.9
4.9
5.1
4.9
4.8
5.2
4.6
4.1
5.9
5.6
5.1
5.3
7.3
4.4
5.3

. 9.8
9.1
9.0
9.1
9.0
8.9
9.2
9.1
10.1
10.1
9.5
9.0
12.4
8.7
9.4

17.0

Nitrate of soda

16.7

3

4

riiednlvpfl hniip-hl.qplc

16.3

Nothiti"',

19.5

5

17.9

6

7
g

18.5

19.2

17.1

9

20.5

10
11

Nitrate, bone-black and potash,

22.7
19.1

12

16.9

13

27.4

14

Linie

18.7

15

Nothin"-,

19.3

These figures make evident two facts : first, that the influence due
to the nitrate of soda was sustained throughout the period of the
growth of the tops ; and second, that the yield of tubers was not in
all cases proportional to the growth of the tops.

Summary of Weather Observations, May 1 to Sept. 3, 1891.

Temperature in Open Air in Degrees Fahrenheit

n
1^

_r

Month.

Monthly Means of.

Highest.
Deg.j Date.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

II

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

May
June
July

Aug.
Sept.

70.8'

81.7

83.4

85.3

85.5

42.1

53.3

55.84

58.

53.9

28.7-

28.4

27.56

27.3

31.6

92
101
94
101
100

22d
11th
13 &21
10th
17th

28
40
47
47
44

5th
4th

27th
1st

30th

47
45
41
40
48

22d
11th
31st
13th
30th

64
61
47
54
56

1.77
3.72
2.92
3.53
2.58

Season.

81.34

52 63

28.7

101

June 1 1
Aug. 13

28

May 5

48 Sep. 30

73

14.52

152 days.

This station, as in previous years, shows a high degree of variation ;
and as in previous years also shows the highest temperature recorded
at any of our stations. The rainfall was well distributed and the
amount was adequate to the requirements of vegetation ; and the
season on the whole was favorable to the crop.

58

Analysis of Manure Used.
Moisture at 100° C, 69.58 per cent.

Phosphoric acid, .34 "

Potassium oxide, .49 "

Nitrogen, .38 "

Insoluble matter, 11.49 "•

This manure weighed 46 pounds per cubic foot ; the i)lot received
32 cubic feet, 1472 pounds. Such manuring would supply per acre :
nitrogen, 111.9 pounds ; phosphoric acid, 100.1 pounds; and potash,
144.3 pounds. It produced a net increase in crop at the rate of
almost exactly sixty bushels per acre. When we remember that
one-hundred bushels of potatoes, on the average, contain only nitro-
gen, 12.4 pounds; phosphoric acid, 4 pounds; and potash, 17.6
pounds, this result seems especially insignificant.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Phos. acid
Phosph'ic Muriate and Average

Nothing. acid. of potash. potash. result.

Large, bushels per acre, 16.89 —11.94 23.50 5.01 8.37

Small, " " —2.22 —1.55 —2.66 —.33 —1.69

Value of net average increment, $3.94.

Financial result, 0.06 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nitrate Muriate Nitrate Average

Nothing. of soda. of potash, and potash, result.

Large, bushels per acre, 8.78 —20.05 40.24 21.75 12.68
Small, " '' —.45 .1^2 —2.83 —.,50 —.89

Value of net average increment, $6.21.

Financial result, 1.41 gain.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nitrate Phosph'ic Nitrate and Average
Nothing. of soda. acid. Phos. acid, result.

Large, bushels per acre, 17.42 24.03 48.88 65.83 39.04
Small, '' " —3.17 —3.61 —5.55 —4.33 —4.16

Value of net average increment, $18.90.

Financial result, 15.70 gain.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Land
Plaster. Lime .

—10.33 —6.89
— .67 —4.00

fertilizer.

manure.

Large, bushels per acre,

62.67

68.89

Small,

—6.33

—9.00

59

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Value net increment due to $30.39 $33.10
Value of decrease due to $5.07 $4.05

Financial result, 18.39gain S.lOgain 5.791oss 5.011oss

These comparisons make it evident that potash was much more
beneficial than either phosphoric acid or nitrogen. Alone and in
every combination it much more than pays for itself ; but it is far
more effective when phosphoric acid is present than when used alone,
and produces a yet larger increase when used in conjunction with
both phosphoric acid and nitrate of soda, thus indicating a high
degree of general exhaustion in this soil. Only when tlie other impor-
tant elements are supplied also can the potash produce its maximum
effect. The "complete" fertilizer though supplying only : nitrogen, 25
pounds; phosphoric acid, 48 pounds ; and potash, 81 pounds, gave
a net increase of about 56 bushels of potatoes, while the manure
although supplying five and one-half times the nitrogen, more than
twice the phosphoric acid, and almost twice the potash, produced a
net increase of only about sixty bushels. The profit on the use of
the fertilizer was much larger than on the manure, although the latter
has undoubtedly left the soil in the better condition.

Neither lirae nor plaster appears to have been beneficial, though it
is not to be supposed that these fertilizers were the actual cause of
the inferiority— as compared with the nothings — of the crops where
they were applied.

A potato fertilizer for such soil as this should contain nitrogen^
phosphoric acid and potash, and I should judge that materials furnish-
ing per acre: nitrogen, 30 pounds ; phosphoric acid, 60 pounds, and
potash, 100 pounds, might give a profitable crop.

60

CONCORD.

SOIL-TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR POTATOES,

by Frank Wheeler.

—

Yield per

1

Gain or Loss com-

FERTILIZERS.

Plot,

■Yield per Acre.]

pared with Nothing

i

1-20 Acre.

Plots, per Acre.

2

|i

ii

= -§

?i'i

■5 u

&I

_-|

o

KIND.

3<

==i

£ 5

p-3

5 2

c 2

6

(2|.

201

38^

1-?^

^-'^

^^

«^«

1

Nothing,

'

67.

12.92

2

Nitrate of soda,

320

205i

43^

68.42

14.58

.67

1.88

3

Dissolved bone-black,

640

183

36i

61.

12.17

—7.50

—.30

4

Nothing,

_

2071

361

69.25

12.25

5

Muriate of potash.

320

284^

36i

94.75

12.17

26.39

.07

6

1 Nitrate of soda,

1 Dissolved bone-blaclc,

320
640

201i

35i

67.17

11.83

—.29

—.13

7

f Nitrate of soda,
1. Muriate of potash,

320
320

318

341

106.

11.58

39.43

—.23

8

Nothing,

—

197

35

65.67

11.67

9

1 Dissolved bone-blacli,
\ Muriate of potash,
f Nitrate of soda.

G40
320
320

362

39

120.67

13.

58.69

1.25

10

} Dissolved bone-black,
( Muriate of potash.

640
320

4061

39^

135.58

13.17

77.28

1.34

11

Land plaster,

320

IIH

35|

58.08

11.75

3.47

—.17

12

Nothing,

_

1521

36

50.92

12.

13

Barn-yard manure.

*5

388^

o5k

129.50

18.42

72.30

6.17

U

Lime,

320

187

554

62.33

18.42

—1.14

5.92

15 Nothino;,

209^' 38i

69.75

12.75

Average of the nothing plots : large, 63.9 bushels; small, 12.3 bushels.

The acre used in this experiment is the same as was used tor a
similar experiment with corn in 1890, when the average of tho
nothing plots was at the rate of 65.8 bushels of shelled corn per acre.
The field is nearly level, the soil a good sandy loam, with loamy sub-
soil changing to sand at two and one-half to three feet, except in one
corner where it is rather heavier. It is naturally even in quality
throughout, as indicated by the yield of the nothing plots except at
the corner above alluded to, which apparently affects unfavorably
one end of plots 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Plot 15, however, gives
practically as good a crop as any of the nothings this year.

In this experiment' double the usual amount of fertilizer was
applied, viz. ; at the following rates per acre : nitrate of soda, 320
pounds ; dissolved bone-black, 640 pounds ; muriate of potnsh, 320
pounds ; lime, 320 pounds ; and plaster, 320 pounds. This depar-

61

ture from the usual practice was in deference in part to the wishes
of the experimenter who, being a good farmer, hated to see a small
crop on his land. Personally, I considered that it would be of
interest to note whether the use of increased amounts of fertilizers
would result in greater effects upon the crop, while the indications of
the results as to the special requirements of the soil would be the
same. In view of the increase over the nothing plots obtained by
the use- of the ordinary amounts of fertilizers in other experiments,
it may be doubted whether the extra fertilizer in this experiment was
of any great benefit. In our other experiments in 1891, the "complete"
fertilizer used in the usual amounts caused increases in crop as
follows: Marblehead, 56.4 bushels ; Shelburne, 54 bushels ; Hadley,
99 bushels ; and Amherst, 64.7 bushels. In Concord with double
amount the increase was 78.6 bushels.

The variety of potato selected was Early Beauty of Hebron ; the
seed was cut to one or two good eyes and planted April 20th, in
drills 3| feet apart, the pieces 18 inches apart in the drills. The
experiment was well carried out in every respect ; the work of culti-
vation being performed almost entirely by horse power. The crop
was dug on September 5th, and was all sorted and weighed by the
same person.

Summary of Weather Observations, Mat 1 to July 22, 1891.

Temperature in open air in Degrees Fahrenheit.

.

Month.

Monthly Means of.

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

Max. j Min.

Range.

Deg.| Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg. Date.

May
June
July

66.37
79.52
83.18

40.

49.67

53.14

26.37
29.85
30.04

87 1 11th
98 ! 16th
94 13th

23
31

44

6th
5th
12th

48
48
44

26th <
10 th
12'th

64
67
50

1.66
3.33
1.32

Season*

75.57

46.88

28.59

98 June
1 16th

23

May 6

48

Mav26
J'ne 10

75

6.31

*83 days.

These observations ended rather earlier than intended on account
of the breakage of one of the thermometers; but the growth of the
crop had been then nearly completed and the observations were not
resumed. Tliis tabic .shows an unusually light rainfall both in May
and July and this uiubt have somewhat lessened the crop. The vines
were also injured by frosts in May which entirely destroyed some
plants and injured all more or less.

62

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100" C, 64.09

Phosphoric acid. .29

Potassium oxide, .395

Nitrogen, .44

Insoluble matter, 20.01

The manure used in this experiment weighed 1350 pounds and
therefore supplied at the rate of nitrogen, 118.8 pounds ; phosphoric
acid, 73.3 pounds; and potash, 106.7 pounds per acre.

It produced a total increase in crop at the rate of 78.5 bushels per
acre. " Complete" fertilizer supplying nitrogen, 48 pounds ; phos-
phoric acid, 96 pounds, and potash, 160 pounds, produced an increase
of 78.6 bushels, a considerably larger proportion of which were mer-
chantable. It is evident from a comparison of the above figures that
the fertilizer must have left in the soil a much larger residue of
potash and phosphoric acid than the manure, while the latter has
undoubtedly left some organic nitrogen behind.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Phosph'ic Muriate Phos. acid Average
NothiDg, acid. of potash, and potash, result.

Large, bushels per acre, .67 7.21 13.04 18.59 9.88

Small, " " 1.88 .17 —.30 .09 .46

Value of average net increment, $5.01.

Financial result, 2.99 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nitrate Muriate Nitrate Average

Nothing, of soda. of potash, and potash. result.

Large, bushels per acre, —7.50 —.96 32.30 37.85 15.42

Small, " " —.30 —2.01 1.18 1.57 .11

Value of average net increment, $7.73.

Financial result, 1.87 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nitrate
Nothing, of soda.

Large, bushels per acre, 26.39 38.76
Small, " '' .07 —2.11

Value of average net increment, $26.15

Financial result, 19.75 gain.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Phosph'ic
acid.

Nitrate and
Phos. acid.

Average
result.

66.19

77.57

52.23

1.55

1.47

.25

Complete
fertilizer.

Barn-yard
manure.

Land
plaster.

Lime.

Large, bushels per acre.

77.28

72.30

3.47

—1.14

Small,

1.34

6.17

—.17

5.92

63

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Value of net increment due to $38.84 $37.08 $1.71 $0.32
Financial result, 14.84 gain 12.92 loss 0.27 gain 1.60 loss

A study of these comparisons reveals the fact that this soil is be-
coming generally exhausted, but to a far greater extent of potash
than of either of the other elements. Neither of these produces an
increase sufficient to pay for itself either alone or in combination the
one with the other ; but each when used alone with potash produces
a profitable increase in the crop. The fact that each produces its
maximum effect when used with both the others shows that all were
to some extent required. Potash appears to have been the element
"in minimo". Even when used alone it produces a profitable
increase ; but its beneficial effect is greater with either of the other
elements than alone, and greatest with both the others. For 'potatoes
on this soil a fertilizer similar to that recommended for Marblehead
{p. 59) should give a profitable increase.

It may be doubted, however, whether the materials used in these
soil tests are those which are best suited for this crop. Sulphate of
potash is admitted to be superior to the muriate, and it is not unlikely
that the nitrogen should, in part at least, be supplied in a less soluble
form. Neither lime nor plastei' appears to have been especially
beneficial.

64

SHELBURNE.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR POTATOES,

by G. F. Dole.

Yield yer

1

Gahi or Loss com-

FERTILIZERS.

Plot,

Yield per Acre.

pared with Nothing

tf-

1-20 Acre.

Plots, per Acre.

ii

PM
^

1

W9

•

.05

.«

m

. x

KIND.

15

£ 5
35

§32

31

1|

Si

M

1

Notliins;,

5.

11.67

2

Nitrate of soda,

160

22

35

7.33

11.67

1.45

—.11

8

Dissolved bone-black,

320

91

50

30.33

16.67

23.56

4.78

4

Nothins:,

23

36

7.67

12.

5

Muriate of potash,

160

1 ^5

38

25.

12.67

15.75

.84

6

J Nitrate of soda,

\ Dissolved bone black,

160
320

^200

51

66.67

17.

55.83

5.33

7

J Nitrate of soda,
I Muriate of potash,

160
160

123

42

41.

14.

28.58

2.60

8

Nothing,

42

34

14.

11.33

9

t Dissolved bone-black,
t Muriate of potash,
( Nitrate of soda.

320
160
IGO

84

29

28.

9.67

12.83

—2.08

10

< Dissolved bone-black,
( Muriate of potash.

320
160

113

49

37.67

16.33

21.33

1

4.16

11

Land plaster.

160

; 59

41

19.67

13.67

2.17

1.09

12

Nothing,

, 56

^9

18.67

13.

IB

Barn-yard manure,

*5

1185

29

61.67

9.67

44.78

—2.77

14

Lime,

160

1 58

40

19.33

13.33

4.22

1.44

15

Nothing,

! 40

34

13.33

11.33

i

Average of tlie nothing plots: large, 11.7 bushels; small, 11.9 bushels.

The acre used in this experiment is the same that was employed in
similar experiments vs^ith corn in 1889 and 1890. In the first year
the nothing plots gave an average yield of 29.2 bushels of shelled
corn ; in 1890 an average of 20.7 bushels ; and this year the average
yield is only 26.6 bushels of potatoes, more than one-half of which
are below merchantable size.

The variety of potatoes selected was the Early Rose. They were
planted May 14, two feet apart, in rows three and one-half feet apart,
and dug September 1st. The experimenter wishing to increase his
chance of a crop, and thinking it would not affect the results of the
experiment, applied a special potato fertilizer to the rows separating
plots. It is perhaps needless to say that he did this without consul-
tation wilh station authorities, but inasmuch as such fertilizer may
be supposed to have affected all plots equally if at all, it is thought

65

best to publish the results. The lateness of planting, caused by ill-
ness, no doubt in part accounts for the poorness of the crop. Obser-
vations and measurements taken at different times throughout the
growing season resulted in ranking the plots from an early date in
the order in which the harvest showed them to stand.

Summary of Weather Observations, Mat 14 to Sept. 1, 1891.

Temperature in open air in Degrees Falirenheit. •

!t

— .

Month.

Monthly Means of.

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

|5

Max.

Min.

Range.

Dpg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

May I fiO.9
June , 74.
July 74.3
August 75.2

41.6
53.9
54.5
56.5

25.3
20.1
19.8
18.7

75
89
86
86

23rd

16th

13 &U

nth

28
34.5
43

48

19th
5th

27th
2ncl

35.5
33
31
29

29th
10th
10th
8th

47
53.5
43
38

.17
^.92
5.30
3.45

Season* 73.3

52.8

20.5

89

June 16

.28

Mayl9

35.5

Mayl9

61

11.84

*110 riays.

The light rainfall in May and June is the most striking peculiarity
brought out by these figures, and this feature of the season acting in
conjunction with the low temperature several times occurring in May
must have injured the crop somewhat, though less seriously than had
the dry weather occurred later.

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C,

Phosphoric acid.

Potassium oxide.

Nitrogen,

Insoluble matter,
This manure weighed 31 pounds per cubic foot, and at the rate
used would supply per acre nitrogen, 64.9 pounds; phosphoric acid
43.6 pounds and potash 55.6 pounds. It thus appears to have been
a light and comparatively poor manure supplying considerably less
potash and phosphoric acid, but more nitrogen than "complete"
fertilizer.

In spite of this evident inferiority it apparently caused a larger
increase in crop than the fertilizer.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

79.28 per cent

.22

.28

.35

3.08

Nothing.

Phosph'ic
acid.

Muriate
of potash.

Phos. acid
and potash.

Average
result.

Large, bushels per acre, 1.45

32.28

12.83

8.50

13.76

Small, " " —.11
2

.53

1.66

6.24

2.08

66

Value of average uet increment, $7.19.
Financial result, 3.19 gain.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nitrate Muriate Nitrate Average

Nothing. of soda. of potash, and potash, result.

Large, bushels per acre, 23.56 54.39 —2.92 —7.25 16.94
Small, " '' 4.78 5.44 —2.92 1.66 2.24

Value ol average net increment, $8.81.

Financial result, 4.01 gain.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nitrate Phosph'ic Nitrate and Average
Nothing. of soda. acid. Phos.acid. result.

Large, bushels per acre, 15.75 27.13—10.73 —34.50 —.59
Small, " " .84 2.61 —6.86 —1.17 —1.15

Value of average net decrease, $0.46.

Financial result, 3.66 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Complete Barn yard Land

fertilizer.

Large, l)ushels per acre. 21.33

Small, " " 4.16

Fertilizer.

Value of increment due to $11.29
Financial result, 0.71 loss 3.03 loss 0.53 gain 1.37 gain

These comparisons make it evident that the results of this experi-
ment are worthless in so far as the indication of the plant food
requirements of the crop is concerned. Plot six gave a much better
crop than any other receiving fertilizer. There appears no sufficient
reason why this should have been so. This peculiarity makes it
appear that either nitrogen or phosphoric acid used with the other
alone, produced a larger increase in crop than when used with the
other and potash. When it is noted that potash under some condi-
tions has given an increase, this becomes the more strange ; and we
are driven to conclude that the variations in crop on these plots have
been largely caused by accidental variations in conditions beyond
our control. Last year this soil responded most freely to phosphoric
acid. The same appears to be the teaching of the experiment of this
year, although nitrate of soda is not far behind the dissolved bone-
black in its apparent beneficial effect. Neither lime nor plaster
produced effects sufficiently great to indicate any important benefit
from their use, although both appear to have paid for themselves.

manure.

Plaster. Lime.

44.78

2.17 4.22

—2.77

1.09 1.44

Manui-e.

Plaster. Lime.

$21.97

$1.25 $2.33

67

HADLEY.

•SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR POTATOES,

by L. W. West.

Yield per

Gain or Loss com-

FERTILIZERS.

Plot,

Yield per Acre.

pared with

Nothing-

•

1-20 Acre.

Plots pel

5«

Acre.

o

KIND.

.22

ii

^"1

ll

ll

— -—

o

9^

^i

191

58

^^

-^

■^= 1

*W

1

Nothinc;,

63.67

19.33

!

2

Nitrate of soda,

160

279

31

93.

10.33

29.44

—9.22

3

Dissolved bone-black.

320

244

51

81.33

17.

17.89 1

-2.78

4

Notliiue,

190

60

63.33 i 20.

5

Muriate of potasli,

160

461

25

153.67

8.33

84.17

-9.

6

f Nitrate of soda,

1 Dissolved bone-black,

160
320

311

31

103.67

10.33

28.

— 4.33

7

( Nitrate of soda,
\ Muriate of potash,

160
160

620

35

206.67

11.67

124.84

—.33

8

Nothing,

'

264

28

88.

9.83

y

f Dissolved bone-black,
t Muriate of potash,
( Nitrate of soda.

320
160
160

577

33

192.33

11.

102.50 ■

.34

10

< Dissolved bone-black,
i Muriate of potash,

320
160

567

41

189.

13.67

97.33

1.67

11

Land plaster,

160 !

239

26

79.67

8.67

—13.83

—4.66

12

Nothing,

286

44

95.33

14.67

13

Barn-yard manure.

*5

513

24

171.

8.

77.67

—6.67

14

Lime,

160 i

265

26

88.33

8.67

—3.

—6.00

15

Nothing,

268

44 !

89.33

14.67

Average of the nothing plots : large, 79.9 bushels ; small, 15.6 bushels per acre.

The land used in this experiment was newly broken sod, similar to
that employed in the soil tests with fertilizers on the same farm in
1889 and 1890. The soil is of alluvial origin, a moderately heavy
loam, with a clay sub-soil. The yield of the different nothing plots
shows it to have been of tolerably even quality throughout the field,
although best in the vicinity of the plots occupied by " complete "
fertilizer, barn-yard manure, lime and plaster. Since the increase
on these plots is obtained by comparison with the two nearest noth-
ings in each case, it is not thought that this leads to any unfairness
in the deductions made from the results.

The potatoes (Beauty of Hebron) were planted April 13th and dug
Sept. 9th. The experiment was well conducted throughout, although
unavoidable causes led to planting plots ten to fifteen inclusive,
three or four days later than the others. The superiority of the plots
which had received potash was evident from an early stage in the
growth of the crop.

68

Summary of Weathek Observations, April 13 to Oct. 10, 1891.

Temperature in open air in Degrees Fahrenheit.

>,.

^. .

Month.

Means of Daily.

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

-1
P

Max.

Miu.

Range.

Deg. Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

April

63.8

37.3

26.5

81 28th

25

13th

35

24th

56

1.49

May

70.8

42.3

28.5

90 nth

25

6&7

46

10th

65

2.68

June

79.

52.7

26.3

96 17th

37

5th

40

9th

59

4.82

July

79.6

55.3

24.3

91

14 & 15

43

28th

36

18th

63

5.43

August

81.7

58.5

23.2

93

12th

44

16th

35

16th

49

4.91

Sept.

78.1

51.8

26.3

96

22d

38

9th

39

21&22

58

2.70

Oct.

72.8

44.6

28.2

88

5th

33

10th

38

6th

55

.76

Season*

76.1

50.1

26.

96

June 17
Sept. 22

25

Apr. 18

May 6, 7

46

May 10

71

22.79

*18'2 days.

The light rain-fall of April and May is the chief peculiarity brought out
by these figures. This, combined with the frosts during the latter month,
had an unfavorable influence upon the crop.

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at 100° C, 58.18 per cent

Phosphoric acid, .51 "

Potassium oxide, .85 "

Nitrogen, .87 "

Insohible matter, 9.85 "

This manure weighed 52 pounds per cubic foot ; and at the rate used
supplied therefore, per acre : nitrogen, 289.5 pounds ; phosphoric apid
169.7 pounds ; and potash, 282.8 pounds. It was described as " fat
cattle" manure, and it is the richest among all the samples of
manures, which have been used in these experiments that have been
analyzed. It apparently produced less increase in crop than "com-
plete " fertilizer, which supplied only about one-twelfth as much
nitrogen, one-third as much phosphoric acid, and two-sevenths as
much potash. Experiments will be continued upon this acre, and
the future effects of this large surplus of food applied in the manure
will be looked for with interest.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Nothing.

Large, bushels per acre, 29.44

Small, " " —9.22 —1.55 8.67

Value of net average increment, $9.35.

Financial result, 5.35 gain

Fhosph'ic
acid.

Muriate
of potash.

Phos. acid
and potash.

Average
result.

10.11

40.67

—5.17

18.76

1.33

19

69

Nitrate
of soda.

-1.44

Muriate
of potash.

18.33

Nitrate
and potash.

—27.51

Average
result.

1.82

4.89

9.34

2.00

3.36

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing,

Large, bushels per acre,- 17.89 — 1.44
Small, " " —2.

Value of net average increment, $1.41.

Financial result, 3.39 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nothing.

Large, bushels per acre, 84.17
Small, " " —9.00

Value of net average increment, $42.03.

Financial result, 38.83 gain.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Nitrate
of soda.

Phosph'ic
acid.

Nitrate and
Phos. acid.

Average
result.

95.40

84.61

69.33

83.38

8.89

3.12

6.00

2.25

Complete
fertilizer.

Barn-yard

Land

manure.

Plaster.

Lime.

Large, bushels per acre, 97.33

77.67

—13.83

—3.00

Small, " ' " 1.67

—6.67

—4.66

—6.00

Fertilizer.

Manure.

Plaster.

Lime.

Value of increment due to $48.92

$37.84

Value of decrease due to

$7.62

$2.40

Financial result, 36.92 gain

12.84 gain

8.34 loss

3.36 loss

The teaching of the results of these comparisons is perhaps some-
what less obvious than it would have been, had plot 10 been planted
at the same time as plots 1 to 9. There appears no other sufficient
reason why 10 should have given a poorer crop than 9, since nitrate
of soda which was added to the fertilizer used on 9, in other cases
proved quite beneficial. Still the teaching of the results of the
experiment, as a whole, is clear. This soil stands in greater need of
potash for potatoes than of either of the other ingredients of the
fertilizers used. It is significant that the requirements of corn on
similar soil, as shown liy the experiments of 1889 and 1890 were the
same. In view of the confirmatory results of the experiments of
three successive years upon it, a very marked deficiency of potash in
this soil cannot reasonably be doubted.

Neither lime nor plaster benefited the crop of potatoes of this
year ; and the same was true of the influence of these substances
upon the corn crops of the two preceding years.

For this soil, a jpotato fertilizer should have about the same compo-
sition as recommended for Marblehead {p. 56. )

70

AMHERST.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR POTATOES,

Station Grounds (North Acre).

1

Yield per

Gain or Loss com-

i

FERTILIZERS.

Plot.

Yield per Acre.

pared with Nothing

1-20 J

Lcre.

.00

Plots per Aoi-e.

«£

<B

m

-te

m

O

T3 h

oT-S

1

KIND.

1^

-I

77

13

|1

11

11

1|

]

Nothing,

25.67

4.33

2

Nitrate of soda,

160

79

14

26.33

4.67

3.44

—.11

3

Dissolved bone-black,

320

107

17

35.67

5.67

15.56

.45

4

Nothing,

52

17

17.38

5.67

5

Muriate of potash,

160

190

12

63.33

4.

46.16

—.92

6

( Nitrate of soda,

\ Dissolved bone-black,

160
320

97

19

32.33

6.33

15.33

2.16

7

f Nitrate of soda,
\ Muriate of potash.

160
160

184

15

61.33

5.

44.50

1.68

8

Nothing,

50

8

16.67

2.67

9

1 Dissolved bone-black,
\ Muriate of potash,
f Nitrate of soda.

320
160
160

148

10

49.33

3.33

j 33.91

— .17

10

< Dissolved bone-black,
i Muriate of potash.

320
160

175

19

58.33

6.33

44.16

1.99

11

Land plaster.

160

47

20

15.67

6.67

2.75

1.50

12

Nothing,

35

18

j 11.67

6.

13

Barn-yard manure,

*5

455

19

151.67

6.33

132.33

.77

14

Lime,

160

86

16

i 28.67

5.33

1.67

.22

15

Nothing,

104

14

1 34.67 ' 4.67

1

*t;ords.
Avei-age of the nothing plots : large, 21.2 bushels; small, 4.7 bushels per acre.

This experiment was tried upon the north acre which served for a
soil test with corn in 1890. The soil is a warm medium loam, with
gravel at the depth of two to three feet. Previous to last year it had
been several years in pasture without manure.

The seed was cut to two good eyes, and the pieces were planted
twenty inches apart in rows which were three and one-half feet apart.
The variety was the Beauty of Hebron and the seed was raised in
Aroostook county, Maine. It was planted April 21st. and the crop
was harvested Sept. 12th. The seed had been cut ready for plant-
ing about two weeks earlier ; but a heavy fall of snow, April 5th,
delayed the work. The result was that the seed sprouted unevenly
and considerable of it failed to make plants strong enough to live.
There were accordingly many vacant spaces in all the plots ; but as
these were about equally divided among the plots, no attempt at
correction for missing plants has been made. The crop was also
somewhat injured by frost.

71

The superiority of the plots where potash had been used became
apparent early in the season.

Results of Measurements, 1891.

No. !

of

Plot.

FERTILIZERS USED.

Average Measurements.

July 16. I Aug. 20.

Nothhia:,

Nitrate of soda,

Dissolved bone-blaclv,

Nothing,

Muriate of potash,

Nitrate and bone-blaclc,

Nitrate and potash,

8 Nothing,

9 Bone-blaclv and pota.sh,

10 Nitrate, bone-black and potash,

11 Land plaster,

12 Nothing,

13 Barn-yard manure,

14 Lime,

15 Nothing,

7.4
7.7
7.6
7.7
8.9
9.4
8.5
6.4
7.5

10.8
8.2
7.2

13.1
8.4
9.1

11.1
12.3
11.5
11.1
13.9
13.0
12.2
10.6
11.9
14.8
11.0
9.9
17.9
10.8
12.4

14.3
15.8
14.4
15.2
21.6
17.6
20.6
15.3
20.5
22.1
15.5
15.6
29.8
15.6
16.3

These measurements afford no evidence that the beneficial effect of
the nitrate of soda was any less toward the close than at the begin-
ning of the season of growth.

Summary of Weather Observations, April 17 to Sept. 30, 1891.

Temperature in Open Air in Degrees Fahrenheit.

.

Month.

Monthly Means of.

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

II

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg.

Date.

April

66.64

39.80

26.84

77

30th

26

26th

42

30th

51

.15

May

67.53

42.53

25.00

86

lOth

25 '■ 6th

49

10th

61

1.82

June

77.62

.53.02

24.60

93

16th

34.5 .5th

43.5

8th

58.5

4.61

July

76.66

55.08

21.58

89

13th

42 ! 28th

35

10 & 17

47

5.09

Aug.

78.77

58.89

19.88

90

nth 1 46

1st

31

31st

44

3.67

Sept.

74.80

53.88

20 92 89

18th 37

9th

34

10 & 20 52

2.22

Season.

74.36

51.59

22.77 93

June 16 25 May 6

49 May 10 68

17.56

167 flays.

[__

These figures bring out two prominent facts : the dryness of the spring,
and the low temperature experienced during April and May. The retarding
effect upon growth was serious.

analysis op manure used.
iMoisture at 100° C, 75.75 per cent.

Phosphoric acid, .32 •' "

Potassium oxide, .57 "• "

Nitrogen, .47 " "

Insoluble matter, 1.37 '• "

72

The amoimt applied (32 eu. ft.) to plot 13, weighed 1400 pounds,
and at this rate per acre it would furnish : nitrogen, 131.6 pounds ;
phosphoric acid, 89.6 pounds; and potash, 159.6 pounds.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Nothing.

Phosph'ic.
acid.

Muriate
of potash.

Phos.acid
and potash.

Average
result.

—.23

— 1.66

10.25

2.95

1.71

2.50

2.16

1.56

Large, bushels per acre, 3.44
Small, " " —.11

Value of net average increment, $1.71

Financial result, 2.29 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nitrate Muriate Nitrate Average

Nothing, of soda, of potash. and potash, result.

Large, bushels per acre, 15.56 11.89 —12.25 —.34 3.71

Small, " " .45 2.27 .75 .41 .97

Value of net average increment, $2.00

Financial result, 2.80 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nitrate Phosph'ic Niti-ate and Average
Nothing. of soda. acid. phos. acid, result.

Large, bushels per acre, 46.16 41.06 18.35 28.83 33.60
Small, " " —.92 1.69 —.62 —.17 —.005

Value of net average increment, $16.80

Financial result, 13.60 gain.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Complete Barn-yai-d Land

fertilizer. manure. plaster. Lime.

Large, bushels per acre, 44.16 132.33 2.75 1.67

Small, " " 1.99 .77 1.50 .22

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Value of net average

increment due to $22.38 $66.28 $1.60 $0.87

Financial result, 10.38 gain 41.28 gain 0.88 gain 0.09 loss

These comparisons make evident the fact that for potatoes, as for
corn last year, potash should be a piominent ingredient of the fertil-
izer used. Neither nitrogen nor phosphoric acid gave results of any
great importance, while potash alone, and in every combination,
produced a profitable increase.

In this experiment, contrary to the general result, the manure gave
a much better crop than "complete" fertilizer. This may have
been, in part, due to its superior quality, but it is believed that the

73

superiority was chiefly due to the greater degree of moisture in the
soil of this plot as compared with the others which received fertili-
zers. This larger water supply may have been, in part, due to the
physical effect of the manure, but it was, undoubtedly, in part also a
natural difference due to location. Neither lime nor plaster produced
results of any significance.

On this soil the fertilizer recommended on page 56 should prove well
adapted for the potato.

GENERAL SUMMARY.

For convenience of comparison the figures showing the average
effects of the several ingredients of the fertilizers used are brought
together.

These figures together with others showing the grand average effect
apparently due to each of the three ingredients are shown in the
table below.

AVERAGE EFFECTS OF THE INGREDIENTS OF THE FERTILIZER UPON THE
POTATO CROP.

NITKOGEN,

Bushels per Acre.

PHOSPHORIC ACID,

Bushels per Acre.

POTASH,

Bushels per Acre.

Large.

Small.

Large.

Small.

Large.

Small.

Marblehead,

Concord,

Shelburne,

Hadley,

Amherst,

8.37
9.88
13.76
18.76
2.95

—1.69

.46

2.08

-.19

1.66

12.68
15.42
16.94
1.82
3.71

-.89

.11

2.24

3.36

.97

39.04
52.23
— .59
83.38
33.60

—4.16
.25

—1.15

2.25

.05

Grand Average Increase
f(»r all Experiments.

10.74

.44

10.11

1.16

41.55

.57

It will be observed that the potash of the fertilizers in every
experiment, save one, (Shelburne) proved much more beneficial in
its average effect upon the crop than either nitrogen or phosphoric
acid and the indication is, therefore, that it should be relatively more
abundant in fertilizers especially designed for this crop than is
usually the case. The twelve special potato fertilizers, the analyses
of which are given in the Eighth Annual Report of the State Exper-
iment Station contain, on the average: nitrogen, 3.4 ; phosphoric
acid, 10.69 ; and potash, 6.36 per cent. With one exception, they
do not differ widely from each other in the proportions of these

74

constituents. That one contains about the same proportion of nitro-
gen and phosphoric acid as the others, but has much more potash,
viz. : 10.16 per cent.

The table below is of interest in considering the results of the use
of ''complete" fertilizer on plot 10 in our several potato experi-
ments. This table is designed to make possible a comparison
between the plant food removed by the crop and that applied.

PLANT FOOD IN POTATOES COMPARED WITH THAT APPLIED.

Nitrogen,
Phosphoric acid,
Potash,

Required by 100 bushels.

I Usual pro-
Tubers, lbs. I portion of .Total, lbs.

t tops, lbs. ;

12.4

4.
17.6

4.9
1.6
4.3

17.3

5.6

21.9

Applied in "Com-
plete Fertilizer"
per acre, lbs.

25.3

49.1
8.06

The increase on ' ' complete " fertilizer was at the following rates per
acre, in the several experiments in bushels of 60 pounds : Marblehead,
large, 62.67 ; small, 6.33 : Concord (with double the amount of fertil-
izer) large, 77.28 ; small, 1.34: Shelburne, large, 21 .33 ; small, 4.16 :
Hadley, large, 97.33 ; small, 1.67 : Amherst, large, 44.16; small;
1.99. TJie average increase was at the rate of 60.6 bushels of mer-
chantable potatoes and .6 bushels of unmerchantable potatoes per acre.

The above table shows that we applied much more nitrogen, phos-
phoric acid and potash than is contained iu one hundred bushels of
potatoes and the normal amount of tops for a crop of that size ; viz.
about one and a half times the nitrogen, nine times the phosphoric
acid and four times the potash. (In Concord we applied double
these amounts). All of these elements were applied also in soluble
forms, and yet we approach an increase of even 100 bushels in but
one of these experiments, while the average is only 61 bushels. The
poverty of the results in comparison with the application of plant
food suggests that there is something wrong. We cannot, it is tiue,
expect to recover in our crops all the plant food we apply to the soil,
but we should certainly expect to do better than we have done in
these experiments. I am not prepared, however, to say how this
can be done, even if it be possible. For the present, I can only
suggest either that the forms in which some or all of the various
elements are supplied are unsuited to the potato crop, or that the

76

method of application (broadcast) is not the best. That the latter
is the case I cannot believe. I have already suggested that the
potash required by this crop should, in accordance with the general
practice, be offered in the form of sulphate rather than chloride,
although it is usually held that this is more important in its relation
to quality than to quantity . The chloride (muriate) may give as
large a crop ; but it will be of inferior quality.

The increase in bushels per acre, caused by the use of five cords of
manure in the several experiments is as follows : — Hadley, large,
68.8, small, 9 ; Concord, large, 72.3, small, 6.2 ; Shelburne, large,
44.8 ; small, -2.8 ; Hadley, large, 77.7, small, -6.7; Amherst, large,
132.3, small, .8. The average increase in large potatoes is 79.2
bushels; the average net decrease in small potatoes is 2.3 bushels.
The average net increase then is 77 bushels, against 61.2 bushels for
the " complete " fertilizer.

Viewed from the standpoint either of profit or recovery of plant
food applied to the soil, these results are even less satisfactory than
those with "complete" fertilizer.

76
WORCESTER.

SOIL-TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR OATS,

by Pliny Moore.

Gain or Loss

Yield per Plot.

Yield per

compar'd wtth

FERTILIZERS.

1-20 Acre.

Acre.

Nothing Plots,
per Acre.

i

KIND.

II

^
^

11

5hS

m

2

^

li

ii

do

^^

1

1

56

1

CO

^M

-S

'^W

1

Nothins:,

102

62.5

47

39.5

1250

24.69

2

Nitrate of soda,

160

180

140.

47

40

2800

25.

1413

8.33

8

Dissolved bone-black,

820

118

76.

50

42

1520

26.25

—3

7.61

4

Nothing,

108

83.

36

25

1660

15.62

5

Muriate of potash,

160

137

111.

35

26

2220

16.25

■ 520

.08

6

/ Nitrate of soda,
1 Dissolved bone-bl'k,

160
320

218.5

157.5

72

61

3150

38.13

1410

21.41

7

r Nitrate of soda,
1 Muriate of potash,

160
160

208.5

181.5

49

27

3630

16.88

1850

—.86

8

Nothing,

119.5

91.

34

28.5

1820

17.81

9

1 Dissolved bone-bl'k,
t Muriate of potash,
r Nitrate of soda.

320
160
160

131.

97.

42

34

1940

21.25

125

3.05

10

- Dissolved bone-bl'k.
Muriate of potash.

320
160

204.

161.

56

43

3220

26.88

1410

8.29

11

Land plaster,

160

108.

80.5

35

27.5

1610

17.19

—1951—1.80

12

Nothing,

121.

90.

40

31

1800 19.38

i

18

Barn-yard manure,

*5

238.5

186.5

61

52 <

37.30! 32.50

1827 13.95

14

Lime,

160

106.

82.

27

24

1640 15.

—367 —2.71

15

Nothing,

132 5 105.5 34 ' 27 !

2110 16.88

Average of the nothing plots : straw, 1728 pounds ; grain, 18.9 bushels per acre.

The acre used in this experiment is one which has been used in a
similar soil test with fertilizers for corn for the two years preceding
the last. It is an elevated tract of land, and the soil which is of
glacial origin, is a medium gravelly loam. When first taken up for
experiment, the soil in different parts of the field differed consider-
ably in fertility. This difference has now nearly disappeared, and if
we except plot number 1, the yield of grain on which is large as
compared with the straw, the nothing plots are nearly alike.

The variety of oats sown was the common white, and two and one-
half bushels per acre were put in broadcast on May 12th. Mixed
grass and clover S'?eds were sown at the same time. The crop was
cut early in August and threshed August 14th.

77

Summary of Weather Observations, Mat 23 to August 15, 1891

Temperature in open air in Degrees Fahreniieit.

>,.

„-

Month.

Montlily Means of.

Highest.

Lowest.

Greatest
Daily Range.

'is

Max.

Min.

Range.

Deg.] Date.

Deg.

Date.

Deg. Date.

May
June

July

August

68.8
74.9
76.7
79.7

45.2
53.4
55.9
58.3

23.6
21.5
20.8
21.4

76
92

87
91

23&26
17th

14&15
12th

39
40
47
46

24th

5th

28th

. 1st

34
35
30
30

23rd
27th
12th
13th

37
52
40
45

.52
3.29
2.71
1.30

Season*

75.7

54.3

21.4

92

J'nel7

39

May24

35

May27

53

7.85

*84 days.

The season was unusually dry, and the yield was undoubtedly diminished
from this cause.

69.79 per cent

.102 "

.132 "

.206 "
23.82 "

analysis of manure used.

Moisture at 100° C,

Phosphoric acid,

Potassium oxide,

Nitrogen,

Insoluble matter,
This manure weighed 50|^ pounds per cubic foot and at the rate
used, therefore, would supply per acre: nitrogen, 66.6 pounds;
phosphoric acid, 33 pounds; and potash, 42.7 pounds. This appli-
cation furnishes rather more than twice the nitrogen and about one-
half the phosphoric acid and potash furnished by the " complete "
fertilizer, and it produces a better crop than the fertilizer.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Nothing.

Oats, bushels per acre, 3.33
Straw, pounds " 1413

Value of net average increment, $8.18.

Financial result, 4.18 gain.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Phosph'ic
acid.

13.80

Muriate
of potash.

—.44

Phos. acid
and potash.

5.24

Average
result.

5.48

1413

1330

1285

1360

Nitrate

Muriate

Nitrate

of soda.

of potash.

and potash

18.08

2.97

8.65

Nothing.

Oats, bushels per acre, 7.61

Straw, pounds " — 3 — 3 — 395

Value of net average increment, $3.83.

Financial result, 0.97 loss.

—440

Average
result.

-210

Nitrate Phosph'ic Nitrate and
of soda. acid. Phos. acid.

Average
result.

—8.69 —4.56 —13.12

—5.32

437 128 0

271

3e, $1.58.

4.78 loss.

78

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nothing.

Oats, bushels per acre, .08
Straw, pounds, " 520

Value of net average decrease

Financial result,

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Complete Barn-yard Land

fertilizer. manure. Plaster. Lime.

Oats, bushels per acre, 8.29 13.95 —1.80 —2.71

Straw, pounds " 1410 1827 —195 —367

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Value of net increment due to $9.79 $14.28

Value of decrease due to $1.68 $2.82

Financial result, 2.21 loss 10.72 loss 2.40 loss 3.78 loss

These comparisons indicate that the nitrogen of the fertilizers used
was tlie most important element for this crop. The results are to a
certain degree, however, perplexing. It is difficult to understand
why the addition o( nitrogen to muriate of potash, or to muriate of
potash and phosphoric acid should not produce even greater benefit
than its use in other plots. That the nitrate of soda should prove
especially beneficial to spring grain is, however, in strict accordance
with the results obtained by European and American experimenters
generally, and affords a striking illustration of the often observed
fact that the manurial requirements of crops cannot be determined
by a study of the composition of their ash. There is a close general
resemblance in ash composition between oat straw and oats on the
one hand, and corn stover and corn on the otlier ; and yet the manu-
rial requirements of the two crops on the same soil would appear to
be widely different.

Oats in common with other crops which make the chief part of
their growth early in the season, derive great benefit from a spring
application of nitrogen in available form. Corn, on the other hand,
growing most rapidly during July and August, appears to be able to
derive most of its nitrogen from the soil, probably from the products
of the decay and nitrification of the nitrogenous organic matter of
the soil.

The acre which was used for this experiment was used in 1889 and
1890 in a soil-test of a similar kind with fertilizers for corn, and

79

previous to that time iiad been several years in grass without manure.
In both years, the results of the experiment with corn indicated much
the greatest benefit from potash.

AMHERST.

SOIL-TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR OATS.

Station Grounds (South Acre).

FERTILIZERS.

ft.l

Nitrate of soda,

Dissolved bone-black,

Nothing,

Muriate of potash,

Lime,

Nothing,

Barn-yard manure,
( Nitrate of soda,
(.Dissolved bone-black

Nothing,
( Nitrate of soda,
\ Muriate of potash,
J Muriate o"f potash,
\ Dissolved bone-black

Nothing,

Land plaster, 160

Nitrate of soda, jl60

Dissolved bone-black|320
Muriate of potash, 1 1 60

Yield per Plot,
1-20 Acre.

1

i

1

0?

171.5

118.5

100.

71.

100.

71.

120.

81.5

100.

60.5

95.

62.5

287.

225.5

150.

103.5

83.

56.5

157.

109.5

120.

78.5

89.

61.

83.

57.5

200.

147.

59.5

32.5

32.5

44.5

44.

40.

68.

53.5

33.

51.5

34.5
30.

56.5

53.

29.

29.

38.5

39.5

32.5

61.5

46.5

26.5

47.5

28.
25.5

53.

Yield per
Acre.

Gain or Loss

compar'd with

Nothing Plots,

per Acre.

2370
1420
1420
1630
1210
1250
4510

2070

1130

2190

33.13
18.13
18.13
24.06
24.69
20.31
38.44

29.06

16.56

29.69

1570 25.94

12201 17.50
lloOi 15.94

i
2940! 33.13

950

267
—97.

3260
940

—70.
1720

5.20
5.11

18.13
12.50

— 1.56
15.63

*Cords.
Average of the nothing plots : straw, 1255 pounds ; grain, 18. 1 bushels per acre.
The variety of oats planted was the Early Race Horse, and the
seed was sown with the Missouri grain drill on April 17th, seventy-
two quarts being used on the acre. With the oats were sown mixed
grass and clover seeds ; viz. : Timothy, 12 pounds ; red-top, 8 pounds ;
red clover, 6 pounds ; white clover, 2 pounds ; and alsyke clover, 3
pounds. The oats were cut, July 21st, bound and stooked on the
22d, and threshed on the 27th.

80

Results of Measurements, 1891.

No.

of
Plot.

FERTILIZERS USED.

Average Measurements.
.Juue 16. June 2.5. July 14.

Nitrate of soda,

Dissolved bone-black,

Notliing,

Muriate of potash,

Lime,

Notliing,

Barn-yard manure,

Nitrate and bone-black

Nothing,

Nitrate of soda and muriate of potash.
Muriate of potash and bone-black, . . . .

Nothing,

Land plaster,

Niti'ate, bone-black and potash,

24.7
19.0
15.8
21.5
18.0
18.4
39. .3
30.9
19.1
23.0
21.2
18.4
17.7
37.4

33.9
26.5
25.5
27.2
23.9
25.2
• 4Q.4
37.7
26.6
34.9
29.6
25.0
24.4
39.6

41.2
35.0
33.0
36.6
35.1
35.0
56.8
43.4
33.7
42.7
39.8
33.1
32.7
52.2

The superiority of the plots which received nitrate of soda, it will
be observed, manifested itself very early in the season, and was well
sustained throughout the period of growth.

ANALYSIS OF MANURE USED.

Moisture at lOO'' C, 74.54 per cent

Phosphoric acid, .416 "

Potassium oxide, .548 "

Nitrogen, .495 "

Insoluble matter, 1.13 '"

The manure applied to plot 7 weighed 1110 pounds, and at this
rate per acre it would supply: nitrogen, 110 pounds; phosphoric
acid, 92.4 poimds, and potash, 121.7 pounds. The grain on the
plot where this manure was used lodged badly in two or three spots
of considerable size.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Nothing.

Oats, bushels per acre, 15.00
Straw, pounds " 950

Value of average net increment

Financial result,

osph'ic Muriate
acid. of potash.

2.50 7.62

Phos. acid

and

potash.

6.88

Average
result.

10.50

940 763

1340

998

, $9.24.

5.24 gain.

Nitrate
of soda.

—2.50

Muriate
of potash.

3.55

Nitrate
and potash.

2.81

Average
result.

.96

-10.

113

690

198

Nitrate
of soda.

Phosph'lc
acid.

Nitrate and
phoa. acid.

Average
result.

-2.18

8.75

3.13

3.73

80

380

780

377

81

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing

Oats, bushels per acre, 0.
Straw, pouuds " 0.

Value of average net increment, $1.27

Financial result, 3.53 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO
Nothing.

Oats, bushels per acre, 5.20
Straw, pounds " 267

Value of average net increment, $3.38.

Financial result, 0.18 gain.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

"Complete" Barn-yard Land

fertilizer. manure. plaster. Lime.

Oats, bushels per acre, 15.63 18.14 —1.56 5.U

Straw, pounds " 1720 3260 —70. —97.

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster. Lime.

Valueof increment due to $14.70 $22.11 $2.17

Value of decrease due to $1.06

Financial result, 2.70 gain 2.89 loss 1.78 loss 1.21 gain

It will be noticed from a study of these comparisons that the
results of the use of nitrate of soda in this experiment are precisely
similar to those obtained in Worcester (p. 76). It proves more
useful than either phosphoric acid or potash; and, as in Worcester,
gives less increase when used either with muriate of potash alone or
with muriate of potash and phosphoric acid than on the other plots.

Our experiments with oats then, although limited in number,
strongly indicate the advisability of applying a small quantity of
nitrate of soda for this crop.

The- manure gives a larger crop than " complete " fertilizer; but
it must be remembered that this land has received the same treat-
ment for three years ; and that during that time the plot to which
manure has been applied has received about seven times as much
nitrogen and much more phosphoric acid and potash than the plot
which has been dressed with " complete " fertilizer.

Conclusions: It is not common in the practice of the farmers of
this state to use either fertilizers or manure for the oat crop ; but in
view of the results of these experiments, it seems probable that Ihe
3

82

application of a light dressing of nitrate of soda would pay, except
in cases where the soil is already very rich.

The potash applied, although not benefitting the crop of oats, has
evidently had a very important influence in strengthening the catch
of clover. Wherever the potash has been applied, there the clover
is clearly much stronger than on any of the other plots, not even
excepting that where manure has been used. When the importance
of clover as a fodder crop and as a means of fixing the free nitrogen
of the atmosphere is remembered, the wisdom of using potash as a
top dressing when land is seeded with this crop is sufficiently evident.

WILBRAHAM.

SOIL TESTS WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN,

by F. E. Clark.

Yield per

1

Gain or Loss com-

FERTILIZERS.

Plot,

Yield per Acre.

pared with Nothing

1-20 Acre.

Plots per Acre.

i

KIND.

^1

If
a

128

H

128

■i4

cop.

1

NothiiiiT,

34.13

2460

2

Nitrate of soda,

160

187

133

36.53

2660 '

1.96

253

8

Dis.solved bone-black,

320

130

108

84.66

2160

—.36

198

4

Nothing,

133

115

35.46

2800

.5

Muriate of potash,

160

153

160

40.80

8200

5.81

935

6

J Nitrate of soda,

\ Dissolved bone-black,

160
320

153

125

40.80

2500

6.27

270

7

( Nitrate of soda,
1 Muriate of potash,

160
160

228

220

60.80

4400

26.73

2205

8

Nothing,

126

108

33.60

2160

9

( Dissolved bone-black,
\ Muriate of potash,
Nitrate of soda,

820
160
160

197

186

52.53

3720

19.46

1560

10

I Dissolved bone-black,
Muriate of potash.

820
160

238

206

63.47

4120

30.94

1960

11

Land plaster.

160

116

106

30.93

2120

—1.06

—40

12

Nothing,

118

108

31.46

2160

13

Harn-j'ard manure,

5*

258

350

68.80

7000

35.74

4780

14

Lime,

160

182

112

35.20

2240

.54

—40

15

Nothing,

136

117

36.26

2340

*Cords.
Average of the nothing plots : hard corn, 34.2 bushels; stover, 2284 pounds.

This experiment, voluntarily undertaken by Mr. Clark, was carried
out on good corn land, (alluvial with a gravelly subsoil) which had
beeja six yeai's in grass (pasture) without manure. The soil, as

indicated by the nearly equal yields of all the nothing plots, appears
to have been of quite uniform quality throughout.

The manure used in this experiment was not sampled for analysis,
neither were weather observations taken. In other respects, the
experiment was conducted precisely as are those immediately under
my control ; and the work appears to have been very faithfully
executed throughout. There was practically no soft corn in the
field, and all was weighed together.

RESULTS OF MEASUREMEMTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZERS USED.

Average of Measurements.

Nothing,

Nitrate of soda,

Dissolved bone-black,

Nothing:

Muriate of potash,

Nitrate and bone-black,

Nitrate and potash,

Nothing,

Bone-black and potash,

Nitrate, bone-black and potash,.

Land plaster,

Nothing,

Barn-yard manure,

Lime,

Nothing

June 20111.

July 20th.

14.9

55.0

12.5

56.6

13.4

54.4

14.5

53.4

16.3

56.0

13.0

56.4

14.6

56.4

13.0

49.5

16.2

63.4

16.4

62.9

10.6

50.6

11.3

47.2

20.7

75.2

12.2

54.0

11.6

49.2

These figures show that the potash plots early showed a superiority
which the harvest proved them to have fully maintained.

hosph'ic

Muriate of

Phos. acid

Average

acid.

potash.

and potash.

result.

6.63

20.92

11.48

10.25

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Nothing

Hard corn, bu. per A., 1.96

Stover, lbs. per A., 253 77 1270

Value of average net increment, $7.91.

Financial result, 3.91 gain

400

500

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing.

Hard corn, bu. per A., — .36
Stover, lbs. per A., 193

Value of average net increment, $3.91.

Financial result, 0.89 loss.

Nitrate
of soda.

Muriate
of potash.

Nitrate
and potash

Average
result.

4.31

13.65

4.21

5.45

17

625

—245

148

84

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

Nothing

Hard corn, bu. per A., 5.81
iStover, lbs. per A., 935

Value of average net iucremeut, $15.92.

Financial result, 12.72 gain.

Nitrate
of soda.

Phosph'ic
acid.

Nitrate and
Plios. acid.

Average
result.

24.77

19.82

24.67

18.77

1952

1367

1690

1486

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING OF

Hard corn, bu. per A.,
Stover, lbs. per A.,

■Complete"
fertilizer.

30.94
1960

Barn-yard
manure.

35.74

4780

Land
Plaster.

— 1.06

—40

Fertilizer. Manure. Plaster.

Value of net

increment due to $25.01 $35.18
Value of decrease due to $0.79

Financial result, 13.01 gain 10.18 gain 1.51 loss

Lime.

.54
—40

Lime.

$0.25
0.71 loss

These comparisons indicate the surpassing importance of potash
for corn upon this soil, thus confirming the general result of the work
with corn during the two preceding years. In view of the almost
universal response of corn to this fertilizer upon soils of so many
different classes and of all degrees of iertility, and in so many widely
separated localities, the conclusion that it should be a prominent
ingredient of fertilizers used for this crop appears to me irresistible.

Nitrate of soda also, in this experiment, appears to have been
much more than usually beneficial, and more than paid for itself
wherever used in combination with potash.

A fertilizer supply iy^g per acre : nitrogen, 25 to 30 pounds ; potash, 75
to 80 pounds, and perhaps 25 pounds of phosphoric acid, should give
profitable crops of corn on such a soil as this.

85

HADLEY.

SOIL TEST WITH FERTILIZERS FOR CORN,

by

L. W. West.

Yield

Gain or Loss com-

FERTILIZERS.

Plot, I

Yield per Acre.

pared wltl

Nothing

*-•

1-20 Acre. 1

Plots, per Acre.

o
6

KIND.

422

^^1

B
152

ll

155

14^

^5

II

Shelled
Cora,

Bushels.
Hard.

1

1

Nitrate of soda,

160

40.53

3100

21.06

1680

2

Dissolved bone-black,

320

114

131

30.40

2620

10.93

1200

^

Nothing,

73

71

19.47

1420

4

Mnriate of potash,

160

83

93

22.13

1860

! 2.33

330

5

J Nitrate of soda,

\ Dissolved bone-black.

160
820

147

125

39.20

2500

19.06

860

6

( Nitrate of soda,
\ Muriate of potash,

160
160

168

144

44.80

2880

24.33

1130

7

Nothing,

78

93

20.80

1860

8

( Muriate of potash,
\ Dissolved bone-black,
( Nitrate of soda,

160
320
160

60

129

16.00

2580

—4.80

720

9

J. Dissolved bone-black,
( Muriate of potash,

320
160

125

218

33.33

4360

12.53

2500

10

Barn-yard manure,

*5

155

147

41.33

2940

20.53

1080

*Cords.
Average of the nothing plots

: shelled corn, 20.1 bushels; stover, 1640 pounds.

The results of this experiment, voluntarily undertaken by Mr.
West, have been placed at my disposal. It will be noticed that the
plan followed is not exactly similar to that employed in our regular
*' soil tests," a smaller number of nothing plots being introduced and
the lime and plaster ))eing omitted. The experiment has, however,
been carefully carried out and the results appear to be of interest as
illustrating a rather unusual condition of soil.

The soil is described by Mr. West as a light, sandy one. The
crop was planted in the usual manner, in rows three and one-half
feet apart, on May 22d and 23d. The season was favorable to the
crop and it was husked and weighed the last of October, being at
that time in fine condition.

86

RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS.

No.

of

Plot.

FERTILIZERS USED.

Average of Measurements.
.July 20. .jTiTyT^lT AugToT Alig^".

Nitrate of soda,

Dissolved bone-black,

Nothing,

Muiiate of potash,

Nitrate and bone-black, .......

Nitrate and potash,

Nothing,

Bone-black and potash,

Nitrate, bone-black and potash
Barn-yard manure,

49.0

60.7

83.7

90.7

46.7

68.0

84.2

91.0

38.0

49.5

60.2

76.0.'

38.5

52.7

71.2

83.0

47. .S

70.5

82.3

85.0

48.5

66.5

83.7

92.8J!

4.3.3

52.9

64.0

74.2

51.0

60.8

85.0

90.2

60.0

77.7

93.5

99.2

49.5

73.5

86.0

92.5

These figures show that the highly beneficial effect of the nitrate
of soda, proved by the harvest, manifested itself early in the season
and was well sustained until its close. Indeed, the plots which
received this fertilizer continued, as a rule, to gain as compared with
the nothing plots, throughout the season. July 20th, the corn on the
four plots which had received nitrate of soda averaged 10.5 inches
taller than that on the two nothing plots. On August 21st, the
difference between the same sets of plots was 16.8 inches in favor of
the plots which had received nitrate of soda. This result then does
not indicate that there has been any great disadvantage in applying
this fertilizer all at one time, just before planting the seed ; and it
should be remembered that this soil is a " light sandy " one, and that
there was a full average amount of rain during June, July and
August.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF NITROGEN TO

Phos. acid Average
and potash. result.

Phosph'ic Muriate
Nothing. acid. of potash.

Hard corn, bu. per A., 21.06 8.13 22.00 17.33
Stover, lbs. per A., 1680 —340 800 1780

Value of net average increment, $13.58.

Financial result, . 9.58 gain.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID TO

Nothing.

Hard corn, bu. per A., 10.93
Stover, lbs. per A., 1200

Value of net average decrease, $0.29.

Financial result, 5.09 loss

17.13
980

Nitrate
of soda.

—2.00

Muriate
of potash.

—7.13

Nitrate
and potash.

—11.80

Average
result.

—2.50

—820

390

1370

5.35

87

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO

N'trate Phosph'ic Nitrate and Average

Nothing. of soda. acid. Plios. acid. result.

Hard corn, bii. per A.. 2.33 3.27 —15.73 —6.53 —4.17

Stover, lbs. per A., 330 —550 —480 1640 235

Value of net average decrease, $2.12.

Financial result, 5.32 loss.

RESULTS OF THE ADDITION TO NOTHING

OF

"Complete fertilizer."

Barn-yard manure.

Hard corn, bu. per A., 12.53

20.53

Stover, lbs. per A., 2500

1080

Fertilizer.

Manure.

Value of increment due to $14.39 .

$16.04

Financial result, 2.39 gain

8.96 loss

These comparisons show clearly that nitrate of soda was most
beneficial on this soil. This result, contrary to that obtained in most
of our experiments with corn, may perhaps have been due to the
poverty af this soil in organic matter, the decay of which could fur-
nish the nitrogen needed by the crop. That the potash usually so
beneficial on soils of this class, should have failed to benefit the crop
cannot easily be accounted for.

THE RESULTS OF THE ADDITION OF POTASH TO BARN-
YARD MANURE FOR CORN.

In bulletin number 14, of this station, (p. 60) among other conclu-
sions will be found the following : " With ordinary barn-yard or stable
manure for corn, use potash. I would recommend using about four
cords of manure and one hundred pounds of muriate of potash j^er
acre."

This advice was given in view of the results of two seasons' work
in testing soils in various parts of the state (full accounts of which
will be found fn bulletins 9 and 14) but it was thought best to test
the method upon our grounds. Further deliberation and consulta-
tion with representative farmers, led to a slight modification in the
quantities both of manure and fertilizer. It was decided to use the
manure at the rate of three cords and the potash at the rate of 124
pounds per acre, in comparison with twice the above named amount
of manure alone per acre.

88

For this experiment an acre of land upon the station grounds was
selected. This land previous to 1889 bad been used as a pasture for
several years without manure; in 1889 it was planted with corn
without manure ; and in 1890, it was used in a soil test
with fertilizers for potatoes, a large portion of the land without
manure and most of the balance with the application of only small
quantities of fertilizers furnishing only one or two elements. The
soil was, therefore, in a low state of fertility ; it must have been
considerably poorer than the average corn lauds of the state ; and in
proportion to its unusual poverty, it was unfavorable to the manure
and potash. The organic matter ordinal ily present in the soil must
usually supply a considerable proportion of the nitrogen needed by
the corn crop when fertilizers are used, but in this soil, cultivated
two years without mtiuure. there could not have been a large amount
of organic matter.

The acre was divided into four equal parts, the divisions of this
year running across those of last season, so that the fact that the
treatment of different plots last year was unlike, cannot have affected
the comparisons of this year. The different sections of the field
were numbered, and numbers 1 and 3 received manure at the rale of
six cords per acre, while sections 2 and 4 received manure at the
rate of three cords aud potash at the rate of 124 pounds per acre.

The treatment of the different sections of the field and the crops
obtained are shown in the following table.

MANURE ALONE VerSUS MANURE AND POTASH.

Sections,

Manures

applied.

Yield.

Yield per acre.

Area \ A.
each.

Barn-yard
manure.

Muriate of
potash.

Ears of i Stover,
corn, lbs. pounds.

Shelled
corn, bu.

Stover,
pounds.

1
2
3
4

li cords

1 "
li "

1 "

31 pounds
31 pounds

1173 960
1108 945
1143 950
1055 915

61.1
57.2
61.5^
55.4

3840
3780
3800
3660

Yield per acre,

(average of 1 and 3) shelled corn, 61.3 bu'ls ; stover, 3820 lbs.

( " '' 2 '' 4) '^ '' 56.3 '' " 3720 "

Value of crop per acre, (1 and 3) $49.40

u a ii (2 " 4) 45.90

Cost of manure per acre, (1 and 3) 30.00

" '' and potash per acre, (2 and 4) 17.64

89

Difference in value of crop per acre, in favor of 1 and 3, 3.50

" "■ cost " manure per acre against 1 and 3, 12.46

Balance in favor of manure and potash, 8.96

These figures and comparisons show that the manure alone pro-
duced slightly the better crop, but estimating manure at $5 per cord
and muriate of potash at $45 per ton, shelled corn at 65 cents per
bushel, and stover at $5 per ton we find that the manure and potash,
although producing a slightly less valuable crop, gave a financial
result nearly $9 better than manure alone. The experiment, then,
appears to establish the soundness of the advice alluded to in the
early part of this article.

One further point, however, must be considered, viz. : the present
condition of the soil. For the purpose of making calculations on
this point, the manures used on the various sections of the acre were
carefully weighed, sampled and analyzed. The intention was to use
manure of precisely the same character on all the sections, and it
was all taken from the same pile ; but the weights and results of
analyses reveal the fact that it was far from being of even quality.
The differences are shown below.

Number of pounds manure applied per acre, (1 and 3) 30,988

(2 " 4) 19,730

Plant food in manure in pounds per acre :

(1 and 3) nitrogen, 161 ; phosphoric acid, 96 ; potash, 130
(2 " 4) " 112; " '' 82; " 114

The manure applied to 2 and 4 was by measure exactly one-half
that applied to 1 and 3 ; but liecause heavier and of better quality it
was equivalent to considerably more than half.

The comparisons showing, the relative financial standing of the
two systems of manuring, therefore, indicate too great an advantage
on the side of the manure and potash.

To the manure applied to 2 and 4, muriate of potash (50% actual
potash) at the rate of 124 pounds per acre was added. The soil
thus treated, therefore, has received a total of 176 pounds of potash
per acre. Sections 1 and 3, then, have received 49 pounds of
nitrogen and 14 pounds of phosphoric acid per acre more than 2 and
4, while the latter have received 46 pounds per acre more of potash.
The unexhausted maiiurial residue in the soil of 1 and 3 is, therefore,
worth more than in the soil of 2 and 4. It is propf>sed to continue
this acre in a similar experiment for a series of years.

90

SPECIAL CORN FERTILIZERS versus A FERTILIZER CON-
TAINING A LARGER PROPORTION OF POTASH.

In bulletin 14 of this station (p. 60) I express the opinion that the
special corn fertilizers in the market contain too small a proportion
of potash, and an experiment has been made upon the grounds of the
station during the past reason to test this point. For this purpose,
one-half an acre of land, used some five years previous to 1890 as a
pasture without manure, was selected. In 1890, this land was sown
with millet for which a moderate application of fertilizer, supplying
about twenty-five pounds of nitrogen ; forty pounds of phosphoric
acid, and eighty pounds per acre of potash, was made. This half-
acre was divided into two equal sections, and to the soil of section 1
we applied a fertilizer supplying nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash
in the same quantities in which these ingredients would be supplied
by an application at the rate of 800 pounds per acre of a fertilizer
having the average composition of seven selected " special corn fer-
tilizers" which are among the most common and most widely used.
For the soil of section 2, we applied a fertilizer containing a much
smaller amount of phosphoric acid, and much more potash. The
fertilizers applied as well as the resulting crops and other details are
shown in the following table :

COMPARISON OF FERTILIZERS FOR CORN.

1 (M-)

2 (iA.)

Fertilizer applied,
pounds.

Nitrate soda, 37| Nitrogen, 5.9
Dis. b'ne-b'll<,142: Phos. acid 22.7
Muriate pTsh, 18 jPotasli, 9

Supplied in fertil-
izer, pounds.

Nitrate soda.
Dis. b'ne-bl'ck,75j
Muriate pTsh, 50

Nitrogen, 3.5

Plios."acid,12

Potasli, 25

Cost of
fertilizer
per acre.

Yield per acre.
Slielled Stover
c'rn.bu pounds

$13.66

55

4100

$10.70

5G

4300

Value of

crop per

acre.

$48.05
$49.30

It will be noticed that the combination of fertilizers containing the
more potash, and costing almost three dollars per acre less than the
others, produced slightly the better crop. The financial advantage
in favor of this combination amounts to $4.21, not a large saving, it
is true, but ceituinly worth looking after. These two combinations
of fertilizers must have left in the soil residues of about the same
value. The first supplied the more nitrogen but this will not be
retained. It also supplied the greater amount of phosphoric acid;
but this is offset by the greater amount of potash supplied by the
second combination.

91

This experiment, then, appears to indicate the correctness of the
opinion that the so-called " special corn fertilizers " contain the ele-
ments of plant food in unsuitable proportions for our common soils.
There is, especially, too much phosphoric acid and too little potash.

Farmers can, I believe, do better as a rule than to buy them. They
should rather buy the materials needed and mix for themselves.

In view of the confirmatory results of the past year's work as com-
pared with that of previous years, I renew with increased confidence
the recommendations for the application of fertilizers for corn, made
in bulletin 14 of this station.

a. In breaking up sod land for corn, particularly that whichis in
fair condition but which has been under ordinary farm 7nanagement,
if fertilizers only are to be used, apply those which are rich in potash.
Use materials which will supply, 80 to 100 pounds of actual potash,

from 25 to 30 pounds of phosphoric acid, and from 15 to 20 pounds
of nitrogen per acre.

b. If ''special corn fertilizer" is to be used, apply only a moderate
quantity, say 400 to 500 pounds per acre, and use with it about 125
pounds of muriate of potash. It is believed this combination will pro-
duce as good a crop as 800 to 1000 pounds of '■'corn fertilizer," and
it will cost considerably less.

c. With ordinary barn-yard manure or stable manure for corn, use
potash. I would recommend using about four cords of manure and
100 pounds of muriate of potash per acre.

d. For fodder or ensilage corn, use either in fertilizers or with
manures about one-fourth more potash than above recommended.

e. In our experiments all fertilizers and manures have been applied
broadcast and harrowed in, and I believe this is the best method.

f. Although I recognize the danger of giving empirical directions of
a general nature, the residts of our work lead me to recommend with
considerable confidence any one of the folloicing mixtures, per acre, for
corn.

I.

Muriate of potash, 175 pounds.

Dissolved bone-black, 175 "

Nitrate of soda. 100 "

II.

Muriate of potash, 175 pounds.

Plain superphosphate, 150 "

Bone-meal, 100 "

Dried blood, 175 "

92

'III.

Wood ashes, 1500 pounds.

Bone-meal, 100 "

Nitrate of soda, 100 "

IV.

Wood ashes, 1500 pounds.

Dry ground fish, 400 "

V.

Muriate of potash, 175 pounds.

Dry ground fish, 400 "

The asJies, bone-meal or fish sJiould he applied very early in spring
or late in vjinter. Apply all of these fertilizers broadcast and harrow
in. Do not mix a long time before use'; — especially imp>ortant in case
of Nos. III. and IV.

Of course these combinations might be indefinitely extended ; but
from what has been said as to the required amounts of the essentials,
potash, nitiogen and phosphoric acid, any farmer should be able to
figure amounts and combinations for himself. Between combinations
I., II. and V. there should be little difference in cost. Combinations
III. and IV. will probably cost from four to five dollars more. The
elements other than potash and phosphoric acid contained in ashes,
and their physical and chemical action in the soil will no doubt, in
whole or part, offset this increased cost.

SPECIAL CORN FERTILIZER versus FERTILIZER
RICHER IN POTASH FOR MILLET.

The yield of seed from one of our varieties of millet durmg the
seasons of 1889 and 1890 had been so large that it was considered
desirable to compare it with corn as a grain ci-op and in order not
unnecessarily to duplicate experimental areas, it was decided to apply
to one-half acre of this millet equal amounts of fertilizers of exactly
the same kind, and in the same manner as in the experiment on the
half-acre of corn last described. The results were similar to those
obtained with the corn. The fertilizer richer in potash and costing
at the rate of $10.70 per acre, produced a crop on one-quarter of an
acre, at the rate of 76.8 bushels of seed and 4420 pounds of straw
per acre ; while the other fertilizer (the average of seven "special
corn fertilizers ") costing at the rate of $13.66 per acre, gave a crop

93

on one-qnartei' of an acre at the rate of 72 bushels of seed and 4344
pounds of straw per acre. The average of the ''special corn fertil-
izers " costing within four cents of three dollars more per acre, gave
a crop worth at least (at current prices for common millet) $6.38 less
per acre than the fertilizer richer in potash — a net advantage in favor
of the latter fertilizer of S9.34. This result affords further evidence,
therefore, of the correctness of my conclusion in regard to fertilizers.
They are undoubtedly, as a rule, too poor in potash.

COMPARISON OF CORN AND MILLET AS GRAIN CROPS.

It is impossible to publish at present an exact comparison of this
millet and corn as grain crops, as the necessary analytical work has
not been completed. We have also in progress at this time experi-
ments for the comparison of meals made from these two grains as
food for milch cows as well as others for comparison of millet straw
with corn stover. In the light of the results of analyses of these
pioducts — both grain and straw — and of these feeding experiments
we shall be able to make exact comparisons.

For the present I desire simply to call attention to the fact that the
millet has enormous cropping capacity. It gave us to the half-acre,
37.2 bushels of seed, weighing 47 pounds per bushel, while the corn
gave us 30.6 bushels of shelled grain. The millet straw weighed
2191 pounds; the corn stover, (by no means as dry) 2100 pounds.
The millet straw chopped, crushed, moistened and sprinkled with
meal is readily eaten by both horses and cattle ; but it does not
appear to be equal to the corn stover in feeding value. The millet
seed, as shown by the results of foreign analyses, appears to resem-
ble oats very closely in composition. So far as our experience in
feeding it has gone, the meal from it appears to equal corn-meal in
feeding value for milk production. The fertilizers, it will be remem-
bered, were the same'for the two crops. The labor cost considerably
more for the millet than for the corn. The crop, however, was cul-
tivated in drills and hand-hoed and weeded, while in ordinary farm
practice by judicious rotation it would be possible to secure good
crops by sowing broadcast without cidtivatiou. The cost of threshing
also is high when the work is done by hand as it does not thresh
easily. On a large scale the work could doubtless be done by
machine at a much lower cost. In short, I believe the labor cost
per acre can be brought as low as for corn.

94

Our seed was sown in drills fourteen inches apart, at the rate of
about two quarts per acre. It was planted May 14th; cut and
stooked Sept. ISth, and threshed Oct. 5th and 7th.

COMPOSITION OF POTATOES AS AFFECTED BY
FERTILIZERS.

It was thought desirable with a view to the study of the effect of
fertilizers upon the composition and quality of the potato, to have
moisture and starch determinations made in a series of samples
taken from all the different plots of some of our soil-test acres. With
this end in view, medium tubers of good appearance were selected
from the crop of each plot in three of our experiments, viz. : Hadley,
Shelburue, and Amherst. The soil in Hadley was a moderately
heavy loam of alluvial origin, and last year was the first season it
had been under such an experiment. In Shelburne, the soil of
glacial origin was a meduim gravelly loam, much drier than the
Hadley soil. It is part of an elevated tract of land in a hilly region,
and last year was the third in such an experiment. The soil in the sev-
eral plots, therefore, must have been thoroughly under the influence of
the special treatment to which each had been subjected. In Amherst
the soil of alluvial origin, was a medium loam thoroughly well-
draineti and inclining to be dry. It was what is ordinarily spoken
of as good corn land, with particles so fine that it is not apt to
suffer from drought. The past season was the second in a soil-test
experiment, and the soil of the several plots, therefore, must have
been fairly well under the influence of the special fertilizers used on
each. For these determinations, a sample amounting to two quarts
was picked up from different parts of the middle row of each plot.
The entii'e sample was in each case used in making the determina-
tions which should, therefore, fairly represent the merchantable
tubers in the several plots. The table below shows the analytical
results.

95

Moisture and Starch in Potatoes.

FERTILIZER USED.

Nothing,

Nitrate of soda,

Dissolved bone-black,...

Nothing,

Muriate of potash,

j Nitrate of soda,

1 Dissolved bone-black,.

J Nitrate of soda,

\ Muriate of potash, . . . .

Nothing,

j Muriate of potash,

(. Dissolved bone-black, .

(Nitrate of soda,
Dissolved bone-black, .
Muriate of potash,

Land plaster,

Nothing,

Barn-yard manure,

Lime,

Nothing,

AMHERST.

Variety, Beauty
of Hebron.

Moisfre, Starch
per ceut'per cent

14.40
15.54
15.11
11.73
11.92

14.31

14.79
14.38

11.24

14.13

15.59

18.81
11.87
12.89
11.14

SHELBURNE.

Variety,

Early Rose.

Moist're Starch

per cent per cent

78.08
77.62
76.90
77.80
77.96

77.37

79.99

77.08

79.73

79.77

77.88
77.46
79.24
76.10
77.89

19.45
19.04
20.16
17.88
18.15

19.23

17.62
19.95

15.24

15.29

18.83
17.57
17.27
21.51
20.64

hadley.

Variety, Beauty

of Hebron.
Moist're I Starch,
per cent I per cent

80.11
80.06
79.27
79 84
79.95

78.83

79.64
79.34

79.69

81.17

78.45
78.07
78.65
78.90
79.73

14.94
17.22
15.23

15.27
14.76

15.38

17.45
16.35

15.02

14.11

16.07
14.64
15.91
17.03
14.74

It becomes evident from a study of these figures that quality of
soil or variety, probalily chiefly the former, produces considerable
differences in the percentages of moisture and starch as shown by
the great superiority of the Shelburne samples.

For better study of the influence of the various treatments, the
results of these moisture and starch determinatioi^s have been vari-
ously combined and averaged as shown in the tables below.

Fertilizer as Affecting Moisture and Starch in Potatoes,

AVERAGES.

General average,

Average of nothing plots, . . .

Nitrate (alone)

Phosphoric acid (alone)

Potash (alone)

Average of plots receiving-
nitrate, 4 plots,

Average of plots receiving
phosphates, 4 plots,. . . .

Average of plots receiving
potash, 4 plots,

Manm-e (alone) ,

"Complete" fertilizer (alone)

AMHERST.

Moist're Starch

80.74
80.27
79.47
80.46
82.32

80.18

81.06

81.71

82.21
79.83

13.86
14.09
15.54
15.11
11.92

14.69

13.70

13.02
11.87
14.13

SHELBURNE. j HADLEY.
Moist'rei Starch Moist're Starch

78.19
77.66
77.62
76.90
79.96

78.69

79.86
79.24
79.77

18.52
19.10
19.04
20.16
18.15

17.79

17.48

16.57

17.27
15.29

79.45 1 15.67

79.42 ' 15.19

80.06 ! 17.22

79.27 I 15.23

79.95

79.93

79.73

80.11
78.65
81.17

14.76

16.04

15.64

15.34
15.91
14.11

96

Grand general average

Moisture, 79.46 per cent; starch, 16.02 per cent.

Grand average of :

Nothing plots, moisture, 79.12 " " 16.13 "

Plots receiving :

Nitrate of soda alone, " 79.05 " " 17.27 "

Phosphoric acid " " 78.88 " " 16.83

Potash " " 80.74 " " 14.94 "

All plots receiving :

Nitrate of soda '' 79.60 " " 16.17 "

Phosphate " 79.74 " " 1.5.57 "

Potash, moisture, 80.56 per cent; starch, 14.98 per cent.

Manure, " 80.23 " '' 15.02

"Complete'Tertilizer," 80.26 " " 14.51 "

The differences brought out b}' these figures are not large, but it
is thought they are significant. It is true, as a general rule, (see
reports of these experiments: Amherst, p. 47; Shelburne, p. 31;
and Hadley, p- 40) that the percentage of moisture is greater and
that of starch less in proportion as the crop is larger ; but there are
several exceptions to this rule, notably, the potash plots in Shelburne
which, although giving a liglit yield, show a low quality, also the
manure plot in Shelburne which gives a large crop of better quality
than the much smaller crop on the potash plots.

The number of determinations made is insuflflcient, and the differ-
ences are too small to justify very positive conclusions ; but our
results indicate a favorable effect of nitrate of soda and the dissolved
bone-black upon the quality ; for where these fertilizers are used the
average of moistrwe is lower, and that of starch higher, than either
the general average, the average of the nothings, the average of plots
where other fertilizers loere used, or the average of plots where manure
was used.

It is often asserted that fertilizers will produce a crop of better
quality than manure. In two out of three experiments, the potatoes
grown on mafture show a higher percentage of starch than those
grown on " complete " fertilizer; and tiie average is considerably
above that for " complete" fertilizer, viz., 15.02 per cent, against
14.51 per cent. This unfavorable result from the use of fertilizer
may hnve been due to the form of potash used, viz., the muriate.

The influence of this salt appears to hf>ve been decidedly unfavor-
able io starch formation. The average per cent of starch where it

97

was employed is lower than under any other treatment. We have
above three averages illustrating its effect, viz. : potash alone, 14.94
percent; all plots which received any potash, 14.98 per cent, and
" complete" fertilizer, 14.51 per cent. These are the only averages
which are below fifteen per cent, and the general average is a little
above sixteen per cent. That the muriate of 2^otash is distinctly
unfavorable to starch formation then, it seems can hardly be doubted.
It must be remembered, however, on the other hand that this salt is
generally favorable to production, and that, as a rule, quality is
inversely proportional to quantity.

REPORT ON TRIAL OF MISCELLANEOUS CROPS.

During the past year a number of varieties of different farm crops
have been cultivated on our grounds for the purpose of testing their
value for general cultivation. The soil on which they were grown is
a medium loam, well drained and warm. It is in a comparatively
low state of fertility ; but all parts alike received a broadcast appli-
cation of a mixed fertilizer coiitaining for each acre : nitrate of soda,
150 pounds; dissolved bone-black, 200 pounds, and muriate of
potash, 200 pounds. This fertilizer was thoroughly harrowed in.
All these crops were cultivated to such an extent as was necessary
to prevent the growth of weeds. An account of each follows :

Oats, Variety, Early Bace Horse. Seedimported from Japan, where
it had been cultivated five yeurs.
This seed had originally been imported into Japan from England,
when it weighed 46 pounds to the bushel. It gave magnificent crops
in northern Japan, 70 bushels per acre being not uncommon. We
received but a very small quantity of this seed and it was sown in
rows eighteen inches apart. The area sown was .0269 acre, the crop
amounted to only 23 quarts of grain weighing 20 pounds, and 100
pounds of straw. Per acre the crop, at this rate, would amount to
3717 pounds of straw, and 26.7 bushels of grain, weighing only 27.8
pounds per bushel. This crop was sown April 23d, cut Aug. 7th,
and threshed Aug. 1 1th.

Oats, Variety, Early Race Horse. Seed cultivated one year on the
farm, originally from Henderson & Co.
The area sown amounted to .02756 acre. The manner of sowing
and the dates of planting, cutting and threshing were the same as for
4

98

the Japanese seed. The product amounted to 162.5 pounds of straw
and 32.5 quarts of grain weighing 37.5 pounds, or at the rate per
acre of 5897 pounds of straw and 36.8 bushels of grain weighing 36.9
pounds per bushel. ,

Oats, Variety^ Black Tartarian. Seed from Japan where it had been
cultivated five years.

This seed was imported into Japan from England, and at that time
weighed 38 pounds to the measured bushel. The seed was sown in
the same manner as the other variety of oats, and the area amounted
to .0677 acre. The yield was 415 pounds of straw and four bushels
and SIX quarts of seed, weighing 87 pounds. Per acre this yield
would amount lo 6130 pounds of straw and 60.9 Dushels of seed
weighing only 20.8 pounds to the measured bushel. This crop was
planted April 7th; cut Aug. 17th, and threshed Aug. 25th.

Conclusions. None of our oat plots have given an altogether sat-
isfactory yield, but the Early Race Horse, American seed, has made
a fair yield of grain, while the Black Tartarian is api)arently a fine
variety for green fodder or hay on account of its vigorous grov^th
and heavy yield of forage. It should be remarked in passing, that
the Early Race Horse, " American seed," is only two or three gen-
erations from imported English seed which, although generally later
than American varieties, gives a more satisfactory yield of heavier
grain than varieties long cultivated here.

Millet, ''■ Panicum crns-galli.'' This seed was imported from
northern Japan where this grain is considerably used as human food.
It was planted rather thinly, in rows one foot apart, the area planted
amounting to .0129 acre. The yield was 170 pounds of straw and
17 quarts of seed. This is at the rate of 13,177 pounds of straw,
and 41.3 bushels of seed, weighing 56.5 pounds per bushel. The
seed is much larger and heavier than that of ordinary millet, and
when ground into meal must make an excellent feed. It would also
(judging from the difficulty experienced in protecting it from birds)
seem finely suited for bird seed. It is probable that its chief value,
if further trial shall show it to be desirable, may be found to be in
its suitability for green forage or for the silo.

I hardly think it will make good hay as it is coarse and rather
harsh, though, of course, if sown more thickly broadcast it would be
finer and more succulent. The bulk and weight produced are enor-
mous, as will be noted from the figures above given, viz. : straw,

99

six and one-half Ions per acre. The seed was planted Ma^- 13th;
the crop was cut and stooked Sept. 14th; drawn to barn, Oct. 3d,
and threshed Oct. 9th.

Millet, '■'■ Panicum miliaceum." The seed was imported from
northern Japan, where this grain is somewhat nsed as human food.
It was planted in rows eigliteen inches apart, the area sown amounting
to .0147 acre. The yield was 184 pounds of straw and 43 quarts of
seed, weighing 53 pounds, or at the rate of 13,334 pounds of straw
and 91.4 bushels of seed weighing 39.5 pounds per bushel. Tliis
yield of seed is sure!}' a remarkable one, especially since a consider-
able amount was lost through the ravages of birds (which prefer it
to any other millet) as well as by rattling out, for, unlike common
millet, this threshes very easily. The seed is smaller and, as will be
noted, lighter than that of our other'millets ; but if the yield shall
prove as a rule as heavy as this year, this millet may prove a useful
grain crop. Considerable difficulty would, however, be found in
protecting the crop from birds. It is thought that this will prove a
valuable crop for green fodder or for the silo. The yield of forage
is very large, the very dry straw weighing at the rate of about six and
three-quarters tons per acre.

The seed of all our millets constitutes an excellent grain for hens.
Scattered in the straw it is provocative of a yast amount of that
industrious scratching so essential to keep " biddy " in health and
fine laying condition in winter.

Hemp. Small areas of two varieties of seed from Japan were cul-
tivated. Both ripened seed, and their cultivation here would undoubt-
edly prove a possibility, It is gravely doubted whether it would pay ;
but steps to test that point will be taken the coming season.

Flax. At the request of the United States Department of Agri-
culture, au experiment in flax culture was undertaken during the past
season. The seed was of three varieties, Belgian Riga, White Blos-
somed Dutch, and Pure Riga ; and was furnished by the Department.
Three-fourths of an acre of our best land was devoted to the crop,
one-half bushel of seed of each variety being sown broadcast on
April 29th.

The soil is a warm, well drained loam, and it had been cultivated
in hoed crops for two years with great care, and it was believed would
be as free from weeds as any land on the farm. The result did not

100

justify our conclusion ; for the growth of weeds was very rank ; and
in spite of one hand-weeding, the ciop was nearly stifled. This fact
uo doubt accounts in large part for the unsatisfactory nature of our
results. •

This land, had been ploughed the previous fall, and during the
winter had received an application of barn-cellar manure, at the rate
of about six cords per acre. This application would not have been
made had we known for what the land would be used. After
ploughing in the spring we applied to the entire area cotton-seed meal
500 pounds ; muriate of potash, 150 pounds; and nitrate of soda,
100 pounds. The growth of both weeds and flax was very luxuriant
and a considerable portion of the crop lodged.

We obtained 41 quarts only of seed and 650 pounds of straw. The
" Pure Riga" variety stood up much better than either of the others
and from this quarter acre we abtained 21 quarts of seed.

Our total expenses for labor amounted to $40.30 ; the crop can be
worth but a very few dollars. This experiment does not, perhaps,
prove that profitable flax culture is impossible in Massachusetts,
because our failure was due in large part to the unsuitability of the
land ; but it has satisfied me that we have no land upon our farm
which can profitably be used in raising this crop, the returns from
which, even under the best conditions are far below those which may
confidently be looked for from other crops requiring but a very small
proportion of the labor required by this. Hand weeding a flax crop
sown broadcast, hand pulling, etc., are not likely to prove remunera-
tive under present conditions.

Wheats. Several varieties of winter wheats sent us by the cele-
brated English seedsmen, Carter & Co., at the request of the United
States Department of Agriculture have been under trial. They were
sown in drills, one foot apart, upon medium loam and gave a
yield at the rate of from about six to twelve bushels per acre. All
these wheats are late as compared with American varieties and more
susceptible to rust. They do not appear to be suited to our climate.
The destruction of our records by fire makes it impossible to
compare the varieties by name. We could do so by numbers, of
course, but the results are not deemed of sufl3cient importance to
deserve more extended notice.

Japanese Varieties of Beans. The varieties of beans which we
have had under cultivation all belong to two distinct classes, known

101

to the Japanese respectively, as '■'■Adzuki" or " Shozu," tlie latter name
meaning " small bein " and " Omame" or " Daiclzu " both the latter
names meaning •' large bean." The beans of the first class are a
distinct species, Phaseolus radiatus and are used by the Japanese
almost entirely in confections. They are characterized by a remark-
ably thin skin, and are generally boiled, put through a sieve, and
variously sweetened and colored though also prepared in other ways.
An enormous quantity of these confections is eaten by persons of all
ages and classes.

The beans belonging to this class have been sometimes incorrectly
designated Soja beans by American writers. This bean has fair
cropping capacity as will be seen by the detailed reports which
follow. In composition, it resembles our common American varie-
ties, being much poorer in both albuminoids and fat than the soja
beans.

An analysis of a red variety raised here in 1890 has been made
and the results are shown below. For comparison I give also the
composition of the common kidney bean according to Anderson :

RED ADZDKl. KIDNEY BEAN.

Phaseolus radiatus. Phaseolus vulgaris.

Per cent. Per cent.

Water, 14.82 13.00

Dry matter, 85.18 87.00

Crude Protein, 20.23 19.75

'' Fat, .75 1.22

" Nitrogen free extract, 56.63

Fibre, 3.83 ' ^'^''^^

Ash, 3.74 3.56

Whether the beans of this class will prove valuable here may be
doubtful. They are certainly unusually attractive in appearance ;
but It is no" likely that the Japanese bean confections, which nearly
all foreigners in Japan regard as decidedly flat and insipid, will ever
come into favor here. This bean, therefore, must compete with our
garden and field beans for popular favor, as it is of no especial value
as a fodder plant.

The beans of the second class i"^ Daidzu") belong to a distinct
genus and by some authorities are named Soja hispida, whence the
common designation soja (sometimes soya) bean ; by other authori-
ties, the species is named Glycine hispida which name, probably, has
the claim of priority. The name " soja " or " soya " has undoubt-

102

edl}' been taken from the name " soy " given to a sauce (used exten-
sively as a condiment) , in the manufacture of which this bean is
largely used. The name given to the Japanese variety of this
sauce is " sJioyu." This bean is also extensively used in many ways
in Japan as human food, and is also largely employed as food for
horses and cattle.

It has been said that this bean is the richest known vegetable
substance. " In point of nutriment the soy bean is of all vegetables
nearest to meat," says Rein. A sample of beans grown here in
1890 has been submitted to analysis, with results shown below :

SOYA BEAN.

Glycine Jiispida.

Per cent.

Water, 11.53

Dry mattter, 88.47

Crude protein, 34.49

" fat, 16.4.5

Nitrogen free extract, 26.90

Crude fibre, 4.40

Ash, 6.55

This sample shows an unusually high percentage of ash, probably
because the vines were threshed with the roots to which considerable
earth adheres.

Experiments in various parts of the country and at our .State
Experiment Station, have abundantly shown the value of some of
the varieties of this species as fodder crops ; but the varieties most
commonly cultivated are large late sorts which will not usually ripen
seed h( re. Several of the varieties which I have had under cultiva-
tion, having been taken from nortlieru Japan (Sapporo), ripen seed
here with as great certainty as the kinds of corn under common
cultivation. It is believed that some of these varieties will prove
valuable grain crops. The yield, it is true, cannot be expected to
equal that of corn ; but the grain is far richer, and because of the
high percentage of protein it contains it is fitted to take the place of
bran, cotton-seed meal and linseed meal for which our dairymen
yearly pay out so much money.

It should further be remembered that if the results of modern
Investigations on this point are not raisleadirg, this plant must be
able to take most of its nitrogen from the air which must vitally
aflfect the question of its economy as a farm crop. Most of our crops

lOS

are nitrogen consumers. This, being a nitrogen gatherer, should
enable the farmer to dispense in large measure with purchased nitro-
genous fertilizers.

This bean has been ground into a fine meal by a local miller, both
in 1890 and 1891. A large part of the crop of 1890 was made into
meal, but this together with most of our seed was destroyed by fire,
so that the contemplated feeding experiments were, for the time being,
made impossible. From the crop of the past season, however, we
have had a sn^all quantit}^ of meal made, and this is now being used
in a feeding experiment with milch cows in comparison with an equal
quantity of cotton-seed meal. The results thus far obtained indicate
that the bean meal is superior to the cotton-seed meal for cream
production. 1 had supposed it might he necessary to mix this meal
with corn meal, bran or some similar food to induce cows to eat it;
but, as far as tried, they eat the raw meal at once without any
admixture. This grain should also prove valuable in the feeding
both of sheep and swine.

The detailed results of the cultivation of the varieties under trial,
during the past season, will now be given. All were planted rather
thinly in rows two and one-half feet apart. According to the size of
the variety, there should be from about five to seven plants to the'
foot.

Class '■'■ Adzuki," Phaseolus radiatus: Two varieties, white and
red, were under cultivation. The white occupied 11.83 sq. rds., and
yielded 1.6 bushels of beans, or at the rate of 21.7 bushels per acre.
The red variety occupied 13.18 sq. rds. and yielded 2.25 bushels of
beans, or at the rate of 27.3 bushels per acre. We have invariably
found the red varieties superior to the white in productive capacity,
and in beauty of appearance. The seed of these varieties was kindly
sent us by Prof. Georgeson of the Kansas Experiment Station, as
our original stock had been destroyed by fire. The seed was planted
May 14th, the crop pulled Oct. 3d, and threshed Oct. 23d.

Class Second, Soya Beans, Jap. " Daidzu," Glycine hispjda,
Variety "■ Eda." Seed received from Prof. Georgeson, planted May
14th, crop pulled Oct. 3d, and threshed Oct. 23d. The area occu-
pied by this variety was 20.3 sq. rds., the yield was 1.06 bushels, or
at the rate of 8.37 bushels per acre. This is one of the poorest vari-
eties we have had under cultivation.

104

Variety '■' Kuiske.''' Seed received from Professor Georgeson,
planted and harvested as above. Area, 9.13 sq. rds., yield 26 qts,
or at the rate of 14.26 bushels per acre. This variety also appears
to be inferior to our original stock.

Variety, Medium Early White ; seed originally from Sapporo. The
past season is the third that this variety has been cultivated upon
our grounds. The area the past season was 37.17 sq. rds., the yield
5.4 bushels, or at the rate of 23.25 bushels per acre. In previous
years we have had crops at the rate of 22.5, 25, 27 and 35 bushels
per acre. As we had but a very small quantity of seed, the seeding
of the past season was thinner than is desirable for a full crop from
the laud. I believe that crops of about 30 bushels per acre of this
variety may be safely anticipated. The dates of planting, etc., of
this variety were the same as in the case of the varieties described
above.

Variety , Medium Black ; seed imported from Sapporo ; area, .76
sq. rd., planted May 13th ; pulled Oct. 13th, and threshed Oct. 25th.
The yield was six and one half pounds, or at the rate of 22.8 bushels
of 60 pounds per acre. The growth of vine was ranker than in most
of the other sorts, and this may make this variety valuable for fodder.

Variety. Medium White; seed imported from Sapporo; planted,
etc., as above. Area occupied, .76 sq. rd. ; yield, 5.5 pounds, or
at the rate of 19.5 bushels per acre. In explanation of the compar-
atively small yield of this variety, as well as of the preceding, it
should be stated that as we had but a mere handful of the seed, it
was planted very thinly. This variety, I believe, is essentially,
perhaps identically like our original stock.

Variety, Medium. Green; seed from Sapporo; planted, etc., as
above; area, .76 sq. rd., yield, 8.5 pounds, or at the rate of 30.2
bushels, of 60 pounds per acre. This is apparently a very vigorous
and productive variety, and may prove a valuable acquisition.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 19.

ICE>r»OIiT OJ* IIVSKCTS.

• MAY, 1892,

The Bulletins of this /Station will be sent free to all newspapers in
the State and to such individuals interested m farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1892.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hitch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.

Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell,
William P. Brooks,
Samuel T. Maynard,
Charles H. Fernald,
Clarence D. Warner,
William M. Shepardson
Henry J. Field,

Director.

Agriculturist.

Horticulturist.

Entomologist.

Meteorologist.

Assistant Horticulturist.

Assistant Agriculturist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, are
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Plate I

....»* *•

%f

Drawn by Josepk Bridgham .

Helioiype Printing Co. .

GYPSY MOTH.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE I.

GYPSY MOTH (Ocneria dispar L)

jTig, 1. — Female with the wings sjyread.
2. — Female with the wings folded.
3. — Male with the wings spread.
4.— Male with the wings folded.
5. — Pupa.
6. — Caterpillar,

Full grown.
7. — Caterpillar,

8. — Cluster of eggs on bark.

9. — Several eggs enlarged.

10. — One egg greatly enlarges

Q «

Z 5

3 -

O "

Ll i

Z S

O 5

LU .2

Division of Entomology.

C. H. Fernald.

THE GYPSY MOTH.
Ocneria dispar, L.

This insect was introduced into this country about the year 1868,
by Mr. L. Trouvelot, now residing in Paris, France, but then living
near Glenwood, Medford, where he attempted some experiments in
raising silk from our native silkworms. I was informed that Mr.
Trouvelot brought a cluster of gypsy moth eggs from Europe, and,
having opened the box, took out the eggs and laid them on the sill
of an open window, when the wind blew them out and he was not
able to find them.

Distribution.

From this center they have now been distributed more or less
abundantly in twenty-nine cities and towns in the eastern part of
Massachusetts, as published in the report of Mr. E. H. Forbush,
Field Director in charge of the work of destroying this moth. See
map.

I am under great obligations to Mr. Forbush for permission to use
such of his field notes as I desire, and also to the Gypsy moth Com-
mittee for permission to use the plates in this paper.

The gypsy moth has frequently been reported in other towns and
even in other states ; but, upon investigation, these reports have
proved incorrect.

The gypsy moth has been reported in Japan, but Mr. Butler of the
British Museum, one of our best authorities in such matters, states
that what is called the gypsy moth in that country, represents three
different species, neither of which is the true gypsy moth of Europe
and Massachusetts.

Food Plants.

This insect has been found in Medford and vicinity feeding on
apple, plum, cherry, quince, elm, linden, locust, maple, ^balm of

110

Gilead, beech, birch, oak, willow, poplar, wisteria, poison ivy, chest-
nut, catalpa, holly, Norway spruce, arbor vitae, corn, grass and
clover.

It has a wide distribution in the old world, and is said to feed there
upon nearly all the plants mentioned above, and also upon apricot,
lime, pomegranate, hornbean, hazel, larch, azalea, fir, myrtle, rose,
cabbage and many others.

Habits of the Moth.

The female moth, Plate I, figs. 1 and 2, does not fly readily, and
only in an obliquely downward direction, so that the chances of rapid
distribution in this stage are small. The males, plate I, figs. 3 and
4, fly mostly during the day, and not later than 10 o'clock in the
evening. The_v are not attracted to lights, and as their mouth parts
and digestive system are undeveloped, they do not eat in this stage
of their existence, and therefore cannot be attracted to fires nor traps
baited with liquid food.

The females move about but little after emerging from the pupa
cases, and they frequently mate with the other sex within half an
hour after they emerge, although it requires from one-half to three-
quarters of an hour for their wings to expand fully. They begin to
lay their eggs in about two hours, and it requires about two hours
and a half to complete this act.

Date of Laying Eggs.
The date of laying the eggs varies a great deal owing to the differ-
ence in time of the emergence of the moths. The earliest date
recorded last year was July 7th, and the latest was Sept. 28th, but
by far the greatest number were laid about the middle of July. The
development goes on within the egg during the summer and autumn,
so that fully formed caterpillars are found in the eggs in the fall ;
but they do not hatch until the following spring.

Date of Hatching of the Eggs.

The eggs hatch from about the 20th of April to the middle of June,
according to their location; those in warm, sunny places hatching
early, while those in cool places, as under stones, hatch later in the
season. The yourfg caterpillars remain on the egg mass about twen-
ty-four hours before beginning to eat the leaves of their food plant.

When the caterpillars are about half-grown, they become gregarious
in their habits, feeding by night and resting in clusters during the

Ill

day, head either up or down, on the shady side of the trunk, on the
underside of branches, under loose bark, in hollows of the trees,
under boards, stones, or any suitable shelter on the ground.

The injury these caterpillars are able to do is shown in the plates
given herewith. A very comprehensive account of the work of
destroying this insect in Massachusetts is given by Mr. Forbush in
the Report of the Gypsy Moth Committee to the Legislature.

The following descriptions have been prepared and are given here
by request :

The Egg.

The eggs, plate I, figs. 9 and 10, are nearly globular, about one-
eighteenth of an inch in diameter, of a dark salmon color, with a
smooth surface ; and are laid in oval or rounded clusters, plate 1,
fig. 8, containing from 400 to 500 eggs covered with the yellowish
hair from the under side of the abdomen of the female. These
clusters of eggs are deposited on the underside of the branches, on
the trunks of trees, often below the surface of the ground where it
has shrunk away from the tree, on fences, stone walls, the sides of
buildings, and in every conceivable place where the female moths
happen to be when they are ready to lay their eggs. They are laid
about the middle of July, but do not hatch until the following spring
in the latter part of April and early in May, though many hatch much
later, especially those in sheltered places ; so that there is a succes-
sion of young caterpillars through the spring and early summer.

The Larva.
When a caterpillar hatches it is cylindrical, gradually tapering
backward from the second segment. The head is smaller than the
second segment, pitchy black with a shining surface, and with a few
whitish hairs scattered over the surface. The general color of the
body is brownish yellow with a dark brownish spot on the subdorsal
line, on the forward part of each segment from the fourth to the
twelfth inclusive. The thoracic shield on the top of the second seg-
ment is long and narrow, and extends across the top of the segment.
It is of the same color and texture as the head, and there are num-
erous short white hairs arising from behind it, and also from the
front edge of the segment. A large tubercle arises from the side of
the segment in the lateral line, from which long hairs arise, some of
which are nearly half as long as the body. The third to the twelfth
segments inclusive have each a tubercle on the subdorsal line, just

112

behind the brown spots, from which arise diverging, whitish hairs.
On the lateral and stigmatal lines, on each segment, is a tubercle
from which arise hairs nearly two-thirds as long as the body. The
last segment has a row of small tubercles across the hinder part, from
which hairs arise. The spiracles are pale yellow, and the legs are of
the same color as the body. The true legs are marked oa the outside
with black, while the prolegs on the seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth and
eleventh segments have a few hairs scattered over the surface. In
about six hours after hatching, the body of the caterpillar changes to
smoky brown, and the legs to sordid white.

In four days after hatching they molt, after which they are about
one-fifth of an inch in length ; the head remains the same in form and
color as before molting, but the body changes to a burnt-sienna color
with all of the tubercles and most of the hairs black, and the prolegs
are irregularly marked with black.

In five days more they molt a second time, after which their length
is a little over one-third of an inch. The head is small, somewhat
flattened, and shining black, with a few dark hairs scattered over the
surface. The general color of the body is shining dark brown, and
a cluster of diveigiug, dark, spine-like hairs arises from the tubercles.
The lateral tubercles on the second segment are very large. The
hairs arising from the tubercles on the second and thirteenth seg-
ments are quite long, while those on the tubercles along the sublat-
eral and stigmatal lines are long and of a whitish color. The dorsal
line is yellowish brown and very much broken, giving the appearance
of a large spot on each segment. The lateral lines are dull yellowish
white.

Eleven days later the third molt occurs, after which the length is
half an inch. The head is of medium size, black, with short, brown-
ish white hairs. The general color of the body above is velvety
black, with large hemispherical, slate gray tubercles with numerous
small black tubercles over the surface, and from each of these small
tubercles arises a cluster of short brownish white hairs mixed with a
few black ones. The dorsal line is pale ochraceous reddish, enlarged
into small grayish spots on the middle of the sixth, seventh and
eighth segments ; while on the ninth, tenth and eleventh segments
are larger oi-ange colored spots. On each side of the dorsal line, on
the front edge of the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth segments, is a
small light yellow tubercle. The lateral line is pale yellow and below
this the surface is ashy, mottled with dark brown.

Trees stripped by caterpillars of the Gypsy Molh.

ARLINGTON, MASS., JULY II. ISitL

View of woodland infested bv ihe (i\ps\ Motli.

SWAMPSCOTT. MASS., ALCLb'l .:, Ib.H.

Apple orchard stripped by caterpillars of the Gypsy Moth.

SWAMPSCOTT. MA;S., AUOUST 5, 1891.

118

The fourth molt occurs nine days after the third, and the length is
then nearly an inch. The head is pale primrose mottled with dark
brown, and has a large brown spot on each side of the centi'al line,
and another on each side of the clypeus, at the base. A few light
brown hairs are scattered over the surface. The general color of the
upper side of the body is velvety black sprinkled with white. The
tubercles on each side of the dorsal line, on the second, third, fourth,
fifth and sixth segments are larger than in the last molt, and of a
French blue color. Below the lateral lines the surface is sordid
white mottled with black. The tubercles above and below the stig-
matal lines are dark yellowish, and from those above the stigmatal
line arise dark brown hairs, while from those below the line the hairs
are light brown. The under side of the body, and the legs and
prolegs are dark brown.

The fifth molt occurs in nine days after the fourth, when they are
from one and one-eighth to one and one-half inches in length. The
head is of a creamy buff color, thickly mottled with daik velvety
brown, leaving the light ground color showing along the middle line
on top, and two stripes on each side, as in plate I, figs. 6 and 7.
The antennae are pale yellow ; mandibles, dark brown ; clypeus much
depressed, and of a very pale orange color, the labrum or upper lip
white with a few pale yellowish hairs scattered over the surface.

The general color of the body is cream white thickly sprinkled
with black. The ground color shows in the dorsal and lateral lines
which are somewhat broken. The tubercles on each side of the dorsal
line, from the second to the sixth inclusive, are blue and give rise to
short black spines. On each side of the remaining segments, except
the last, the tubercles are dark crimson. On the top of the tenth and
eleventh segments, on the dorsal line, is a small cylindrical fleshy
tubercle without hairs or spines, the top of which is slightly inverted.
It is uncertain what is the function of these organs, but it is quite
possible they are scent organs. On the second and third segments,
on the lateral and stigmatal lines, is a reddish yellow tubercle giving
rise to yellowi&h hairs and black spines ; andon'these same segments,
on the stigmatal line, is a tubercle similar to ihe above, which gives
off long j)ale yellow hairs and a few black spines. On each of the
remaining segments, on the stigmatal lines, are two reddish yellow
tubercles joined in one, the upper giving off black hair-like spines,
and the lower, black spines and yellowish hairs mixed. There is a
row of reddish yellow tubercles, on the sub-stigmatal line, which
2

114

give off [pale yellow hairs curving downwards. On the posterior
edge of the last segment are four bluish white tubercles giving rise
to black spine-like hairs. The spiracles are oval, pale yellow, and
encircled with black. The legs are dark crimson, and tlie prolegs
flesh colored and streaked with reddish brown. They are subject to
some variation in the ground color, as seen in plate I, figs. 6 and 7.

The Pdpa.

The pupae of the males vary in length from three-fifths to four-
fifths of an inch, including the cremaster or blunt spine at the end of
the abdomen ; while those of the females vary from three-fifths to
one and two-fifths inches. Fig. 5, plate I, was taken from one of
extraordinary size. The following description was made from the
study of thirty-nine males and one hundred and twenty-one females.
They vary in color from chocolate to dark reddish brown. They are
cylindrical or fusiform, rounded anteriorly and tapering posteriorly
to the cremaster which is armed at the tip with a cluster of minute
hooks. The covers to the various parts of the body, as the wings,
legs, antennae, etc., are plainly marked, those of the antennae being
very wide, especially in the males. At the front edge of the thorax,
on each side, is an oval, dark reddish brown velvety spot very
distinct in some examples, but nearly invisible in others. Ocher
yellow hairs arranged in groups occur on the eye, head and palpi
covers, across the collar and thorax, and in ten equidistant lows
along the abdominal segments. Some of the hairs in the groups
across the collar and thorax are dark brown. The abdominal seg-
ments are more or less punctured, and the hairs arise in small circles.
At the base of the cremaster on the venti-al side is an elliptical
depression with curved ridges on each side. In the males, on the
middle of this segment, in front of the depression, is a small raised
tubercle with a longitudinal slit on the top of it ; while in the females
this tubercle is wanting, but on the extreme front edge of this same
segment, there is a fine longitudinal slit ; but the surface at this place
is not raised.

The Imago.

The following description was made from thirty males and thirty-seven
females. The males measure from one and one-half to two inches
between the tips of the expanded wings. The ground color of all the
wings is brownish yellow varying in intensity in different examples,
but somewhat lighter beneath. The head, thorax, antennae and

115

upper side of the palpi are grayish brown, inclining to mouse color
in some specimens. The under side of the entire body, legs and
palpi is somewhat lighter than the under side of the wings.

The markings on the fore wings are dark brown, and are as follows :
The hall line starts from the costa, near the base of the wing, and
extends half way across the wing. The transverse anterior line
arises from the basal fourth of the costa. and crosses the -wing as a
scalloped line. Just outside of this line, on the cell, is the small
orbicular spot. The reniform spot is crescent shaped and, resting on
the outer end of the cell, extends across its entire width. The
median shade is quite obscure, but is bent out around tiie end of the
cell, and toothed along the outside. The transverse posterior line
arises from the outer fourth of the costa, is somewhat curved and
toothed on the veins, and terminates just within the anal angle.
'I'he subterminal line, a little outside, is similar to tlie transverse
posterior line and parallel with it. The terminal space is usually
somewhat darker than the rest of the wing, and all the cross-lines
are heavier on the costa than elsewhere. The fringe is cut with dark
brown between the veins.

The hind wings have a faint discal lunule at the end of the cell,
and the terminal shade is darker brown than the rest of the wing.
The upper side of the abdomen is of the same color as the upper side
of the hind wings, and has a row of brownish spots along the middle.

The outside of the thud and fourth joints of the tarsi, and the ends
of the femora on the upper side are brown ; the fore and middle
tibiae are pale mouse colored on the outside.

The females measure from one and one-half to two and one-half
inches between the tips of the expanded wings. The entire body
and wings above and beneath are yellowish white, except the abdo-
men beneath, and towards the end above, which are pale yellow.
The markings of the fore wings are dark brown or nearly black, but
vary much in intensity in different specimens, being almost entirely
obliterated in some examples. The half line at the base of the wing,
the orbicular and reniform spots, the costal end of the transverse
lines and the black spots in the cilia are quite pronounced. The form
and position of the lines and spots are the same as in the males.
The fore wings are longer, narrower and more pointed than iu the
males. The hind wings have a faint discal spot and subterminal line
which is toothed along the outside on the veins, and the cilia have
black basal spots between the veins.

116

The antennae and legs are dark brown, but the hair on the femora
and tibiae is yellowish white.

Parasites.

Numerous parasites were discovered last summer preying upon the
eggs and larvae of the gypsy moth. The following species, deter-
mined by Prof. Herbert Osborn, were found destroying the eggs:
Tromhidium bulbipes Vack. ; Nothrus sp. near ovivorus Pack. "This
species differs from that described by Dr. Packard in having but two
capitate appendages on the cephalothorax." Phloeothrips sp. Prof.
Osborn says of this last species: "These cannot be identified posi-
tively, though they may be the larvae and pupa of P. mali. They
agree well with Riley's brief description of his Thrips phUloxerae^
but these are undoubtedly Phloeothrips.''

The following species were bred from the pupae of the gypsy moth :
Theronia melanocephala Br. ; Pinipla pedalis Cress. ; and an undes-
cribed species of Merajoorus, the last kindly determined for me by
Mr. L. O. Howard. Besides these, several species of Diptera were
bred, but they have not yet been determined. Podisus spinosus Dall.,
black ants and spiders were found in cousideiable numbers destroying
the larvae, and no less than ten different species of birds were
observed feeding on the caterpillars.

BARNARD'S INSECT TRAP.

Early in April, 1891, Mr. W. C. Barnard, of Worcester, Mass.,
sent six of his " Monitor Moth and Insect Traps " for trial here at
the Station. These were prepared according to directions, and hung
in trees in the orchard and gardens.

These traps are glass jars, with a tin arrangement on top with
holes around the side, near the top. through which the insects find
their way to the inside of the jar which is partly filled with an odor-
ous liquid strongly attractive to insects. The outside of the glass
jar has flowers painted upon it with luminous paint.

Wishing to test the value of the flowers, 1 wrote to Mr. Barnard

117

BARNARD S MOTH TRAP.

who kindly sent me two un painted traps which were put in the same
phice, and near the others, so that they would have an equal chance
with them. The comparison between the painted and unpainted
traps, showed that the unpainted traps collected quite as many insects
as those that were painted, and therefore the painting is a needless
expense.

The traps were hung out April 21, and the insects collected from
them each day and determined. This was continued until Sept. 15,
when the work was closed up. It was not easy to make specific
determinations of the insects that had been soaked in the liquid in
the traps, but they were determined as accurately as possible with
the following results : Beetles, 680 specimens ; wasps and bumble-
bees, 1024 specimens ; butterflies and moths, 17,590 specimens ; flies
of various kinds, 59,376 specimens. A few plum curculios were
taken, but the greater number of the beetles were Ips fasciatus which
is a species said to be injurious. There were but a few butterflies
and sphinx-moths, and only one tent caterpillar moth, which was
undoubtedly an accidental capture. These traps attract only such

118

insects as are able to eat, and, as the tent caterpillar, gypsy moth,
and many others of the same family have their mouth parts and
digestive system atrophied or rudimentary so that they do not eat
anything in the moth stage, they are not attracted to these traps nor
to any sources of food. There was not a single codling moth nor
borer of any kind taken in these traps during the season. Nearly
all of the lepidoptera or moths taken belong to the Noctuidae or cut-
worms which are for the most part injurious. The Diptera or flies
represented many different families, some of which are beneficial,
while others are injurious. A large percentage of ihem belong to
the Tachinidae or parasitic flies, and as the traps caught and des-
troyed so many of these insects which are our best friends, as they
destroy injurious insects, I am compelled to say that I believe the
traps did more harm than good. The number of parasitic flies cap-
tured during the season was much larger than the entire number of
injurious insects taken during the same time.

As the majority of the injurious insects taken in these traps fly in
the night only, and most of the flies that are beneficial fly in the day-
time, I would advise those who use the traps to leave them out only
during the night, taking them in or having them closed during the
day, so that no insect can get into them. If this is done I think
they will prove very useful.

EXPERIMENTS WITH PARIS GREEN ON APPLE TREES.

In the fall of 1890, twelve apple trees were set out in the green-
house connected with the Insectary. This greenhouse is divided
into two sections iiy a partition across the middle, and six of the trees
were set out in the ground in each section. In the following spring
these apple trees had become well established, and on May 18, 1891,
the leaves being well grown, they were showered with Paris green in
water, in the proportion of one pound to 130 gallons of water. This
was applied with a Johnson pump and a No. 2 Nixon nozzle.

119

One section of tlie greenhouse was kept dry and cool, while the
other was kept as damp and muggy a& possible, for the purpose of
determining whether different climatic conditions would in any way
affect the burning of the foliage by the Paris green. In watering
these trees, three in each section were showered from above so that the
foliage was thoroughly wet, while the others were watered at the
roots, and the foliage was not wet during the entire time of the
experiment. No apparent difference could be observed in the effect
on the foliage between those trees which were showered from above
and those which were not ; but there was a marked difference be-
tween the foliage on the trees in the two sections of the greenhouse.
In the section which was kept cool and dry, the foliage was scarcely
burned at all, while in the one which was kept damp and warm, it
was very badly burned. We conclude, therefore, that Paris green
burns the foliage much more in warm, damp weather, than when it
is dry and cool; and further, that simple showers do not cause the
Paris green to burn the foliage perceptibly.

PLANT LICE AND RED SPIDERS ON ROSE BUSHES.

Twelve potted rose bushes of different varieties were placed in the
Insectary greenhouse last April ; and, as the}' were infested with
plant lice and red spiders, those insects were allowed to multiply till
the lice literally covered every green twig, and more or less of the
surfaces of the leaves ; and the red spiders had become exceedingly
numerous on the leaves.

A pailful of kerosene emulsion was prepared, and each rose bush
was inverted and dipped into it, and held there about a quarter of a
minute, or long enough to allow the emulsion to reach every insect
on the bush. In immersing it in this way, the pot was held in the
left hand, with the right hand over the top to prevent the earth from
falling out. An examination of the bushes, two days later, failed to
reveal a single plant louse or red spider, and none appeared on them

120

during the remainder of the season, thus proving that the work was
thorough and effectual.

When rose bushes are too large to be treated in this way, they
naay be showered.

KEROSENE EMULSION.

This most useful insecticide is prepared in the following manner.
One-quarter of a pound of common bar soap is dissolved in two
quarts of boiling water, and, while still hot, four quarts of kerosene
oil are added, and the whole mixture churned through a small hand
force pump with a small nozzle turned into the pail. This churning
must be continued about five minutes, until the whole forms a creamy
white mass which becomes jelly-like when cool. Care must be taken
to have the solution of soap liot when the kerosene is added to it and
the churning done, but it must not be near a fire.

Before applying this emulsion to the plants, it should be diluted
with water in the proportion of one quart of the emulsion to nine
quarts of water, which must be thoroughly mixed. The above will
make sixty quarts of the insecticide ready for use, but the emulsion
will keep for a long time without injury, and may be diluted when
needed for use.

This insecticide is said to be one of the best substances for the
destruction of vermin on domestic animals and in hen houses.

121

EXPERIMENTS WITH PARIS GREEN ON TENT
CATERPILLARS.

Wishing to determine the smallest amount of Paris green that
would destroy one of our common insect pests, I selected the common
tent caterpillar {Clisiocampa americana Harr.) to experiment upon.

One Pound of Paris Green to 100 Gallons of Water.
First Molt.
April 29, 1891, at 3 p.m. spra^^ed a branch of apple tree with Paris
green and water in the above proportions (1 lb. to 100 gals.), and
placed 15 young caterpillars upon the leaves. At 11-30 a. m. April
30, two were dead, at 1-30 p. m., four more had died, and at 9 a. m.
May 1, all were dead.

Second Molt.
April 29, at 4 p. m. sprayed a similar branch with the same prepar-
ation, and placed 10 one-third grown caterpillars upon the leaves.
At 3-30 p. M., April 30, one was dead, at 9 a. m.. May 1, four more
had died, and at 3 p. m., all were dead.

Third Molt.
April 30, at noon, sprayed as above, and placed 15 two-thirds
grown caterpillars on the leaves. All were dead at 8 a. m., May 1.

Fourth Molt.
April 30, at noon, sprayed as above, and placed 15 full-grown
caterpillars on the leaves, and all were dead at 10 a. m.. May 1.

One Pound Paris Green to 150 Gallons Water.
First Molt.
April 29, 1891, at 4 p. m., sprayed a branch of apple tree with Paris
green in water (1 lb. to 150 gals.), and placed 15 young caterpillars
upon it. At 8 A. M., April 30, several were dead; at 9-30, two
more were dead ; at 1-10 p. m., four more had died, and at 9 a. m.,
May 1, all were dead.

Second Molt.
April 30, at 9-30 a. m., sprayed in the same manner, and placed
15 caterpillars on the leaves. May 1, at 8 a. m., five were dead ; at
9-30, two more had died, and at 10 a. m. all were dead.
3

122

Third Molt.
April 30, at 9-30 a. m., sprayed as above and placed 15 caterpillars
on. the leaves. At 8 a. m., May 1, three were dead; at 9-30, two
more had died, and at 11 a. m. all were dead.

Fourth Molt.
April 30, at 11 a. m., sprayed as above and placed 15 caterpillars
on the leaves, and at 8 a. m. May 1, all were dead.

One Pound Paris Green to 200 Gallons Water.
First Molt.
May 4, at 4 p. m., sprayed a branch of apple tree with Paris green
and water in the above proportions, and placed 15 young caterpillars
on the leaves. At 8 a. m. May 2, all were dead.

Second Molt.
May 1, at 4 p. m., sprayed in the same manner, and placed 15
caterpillars on the leaves. At 8 a. m., May 2, all were dead.

Third Molt.
May 1, at 4 p. M., sprayed as above and placed 15 caterpillars on
the leaves. At 8 a. m.. May 2, none were dead, though all seemed
stupid, but at 8 a. m.. May 4, all were dead.

Fourth Molt.
May 1, 4 p. m., sprayed as above and placed 15 full-grown cater-
pillars on the leaves. At 8 a. m., May 5, one was dead, and at 8 a.
M., May 4, all were dead.

One Pound Paris Green to 250 Gallons Water.
First Molt.
May 1, at 4-30 p. m., sprayed a branch with ihe above preparation
and placed 15 young caterpillars upon the leaves. At 8 a. m., May
2, several were dead, and at 8 a. m., May 4, all were dead.
Second Molt.
May 1, at 4-30 p. m., s'prayed in the same manner, and placed 15
caterpillars upon the leaves. At 8 a. m.. May 2, several were dead,
and at 8 a. m., May 4, all were dead.

Third Molt.
May 1, 5 p. M., sprayed as above, and placed 15 caterpillars on
the leaves. At 8 a. m., May 2, two were dead, and all were dead at
8 a. M., May 4.

123

Fourth Molt.
May 1, 6 p. m., sprayed in the same mauner, and placed 15 cater-
pillars on the leaves. At 8 a. M., May 2, one was dead, and the
others very stupid. At 8 a. m., May 4, all were dead.

One Pound Paris Green to 300 Gallons Water.
First Molt.
May 1, at 3 p. M., sprayed a branch of apple tree with the above
preparation, and placed 15 young caterpillars upon the leaves. At
8 A, M., May 3, all were dead.

Second Molt.
May 1, at 3-30 p. m., sprayed as above, and placed 15 caterpillars
on the leaves. At 8 a. m.. May 3, all were dead.

Third Molt.
May 1, at 3-45 p. m., sprayed as above, and placed 15 caterpillars
on the leaves. At 8-30 a. m.. May 3, all were dead.

Fourth Molt.
May 1, at 5 p. M., sprayed in the same manner, and placed 15
caterpillars on the leaves. At 8-30 a. m., May 3, all were dead.

One Pound Paris Green to 400 Gallons Water.
First Molt.
May 2, at 11-30 a. m., sprayed a branch with the above prepara-
tion of Paris green and water, and placed 15 young caterpillars upon
it. At 8 a. M., May 4, all were dead.

Second Molt.
May 2, at 11-30 a.m., sprayed in the same manner, and placed 15
caterpillars on the leaves. At 8 a. m.. May 4, five were dead and
the others seemed stupid. At 8 a. m.. May 5, all were dead.
Third Molt.
May 2, at 1-15 p. m., sprayed as above, and placed 15 caterpillars
on the leaves. At 8 a. m.. May 4, all were dead.
Fourth Molt.
May 2, at 1-45 p. m., sprayed as above, and placed 15 caterpillars
on the leaves. At 8 a. m.. May 4, all were dead.

124

One Pound Paris Green to 500 Gallons Water.
Second Molt.
May 5, at 3 p. m., sprayed a branch of apple tree with Paris green
in water (1 lb. to 500 gals.), and placed 15 caterpillars on the leaves.
May 7, at 8-30 a. m., four were dead ; May 8, at 11 a. m., three more ;
May 9, at 9 a. m., four more ; May 11, at 9-30 a. m., one more, and
May 12, at 9-30, all were dead.

Third Molt.
May 5, at 3 p.m., sprayed in the same maner, and placed 15 cater-
pillars on the leaves. May 7, at 9 a. m., four were dead ; May 8, at
11 A. M., four more ; May 9, at 8 a. m., three -more, and May 11, at
9 A. M., all were dead.

Fourth Molt.
May 25, at 9 a. m., sprayed as above, and placed 15 caterpillars
on the leaves. May 28, at 8 a. m., Ave were dead ; May 29, at 8 a.
M., five more had died, and June 1, at 9 a. m., all were dead.

One Pound Paris Green to 600 Gallons Water.

Second Molt.

May 2, at 2 p. m., sprayed a branch of apple tree with the above

preparation, and placed 15 caterpillars on the leaves. iNIay 6, at 8

A. M., three were dead ; May 7, at 8 A. m., two more had died, and

May 9, at 8 a. m., all were dead.

Third Molt.
May 4, at 2 p. m., sprayed in the same manner, and placed 15
caterpillars on the leaves. May 5, at 8 a. m., one was dead ; May
6, at 8 A. M., four more had died, and May 7, at 8 a. m., all were
dead.

Fourth Molt.
May 25, at 10 a. m., sprayed as above, and placed 15 caterpillars
on the leaves. May 28, at 8 a. m., three were dead ; May 29, at 8
A. M., two more ; June 1, at 9 a. m., three more ; June 2, at 9 a. m.,
one more, and June 4, at 8. a. m., all were dead.

One Pound Paris Green to 700 Gallons Water.
Second Molt.
May 9, at 10 a. m., sprayed a branch of apple tree with the above
proportion of Paris green and water, and placed 15 caterpillars on

125

the leaves. May 11, at 9 a. m., six were dead; May 12, at 9 a. m.,
two more, and May 13, at 8-30 a. m., all were dead.

Third Molt.
May 9, at 11a. m., sprayed as above, and placed 15 caterpillars
on the leaves. May 11, at 9 a. m., five were dead ; May 13, at 9 a.
M., two more had died, and May 14, at 8 a. m., all were dead.

Fourth Molt.

May 25, at 10 a. m., sprayed as above, and placed 15 nearly

grown caterpillars on the leaves. May 28, at 8 a. m., two were

dead ; May 29, at 8 a. m., one more ; June 1, at 9 a. m., one more ;

June 2, at 9 a. M., one more, and June 5, at 8 a. m., all were dead.

One Pound Paris Green to 800 Gallons Water.

Second Molt.

May 7, at 3 p. m., sprayed with the above preparation, and placed

15 caterpillars on the leaves. May 8, at 10 a. m., two were dead;

May 9, at 8 a. m., three more had died, and May 13, at 9-30 a. m.,

all were dead.

Third Molt.
May 7, at 3-30 p. m., sprayed as above, and placed 15 caterpillars
on the leaves. May 11, at 9 a. m., four were dead ; May 12, at 9 a.
M., four more, and May 14, at 8 a. m., all were dead.
Fourth Molt.
May 20, at 11 a. m., sprayed as above, and placed 35 caterpillars
on the leaves. May 23, at a. m., six were dead ; May 24, at 11 a.
M., nine more ; May 25, at 8 a. m., seven more ; May 26, at 8 a. m.,
four more ; May 28, at 8 a. m., six more, and May 29, at 8 a. m.,
all were dead.

One Pound Paris Green to 900 Gallons Water.
Second Molt.
May 11, at 4 p. m., sprayed with the above preparation, and
placed 15 caterpillars on the leaves. May 14, at 8-30 a. m., four
were dead; at 5 p. m., one more; May 16, at 9 a. m., nine more,
and May 18, at 8 a. m., all were dead.
Third Molt.
May 11, at 3 p. m., sprayed as above, and placed 15 caterpillars
on the leaves. May 14, at 8-30 a. m., one was dead ; May 15, at 9

126

A. M., four more ; May 16, at 9 a. m., five more ; May 18, at 8-30 a.
M., three more, and May 20, at 9 a. m., all were dead.

Fourth Molt.
May 20, at 10-30 A. m., sprayed as above, and placed 15 cater-
pillars on the leaves. May 22, at 8 a. m., two were dead ; May 23,
at 8 A. M., four more ; May 24, at 11 a. m., five more ; May 25, at 8
A. M., two more, and May 26, at 8-30 a. m., all were dead.

One Pound Paris Green to 1000 Gallons Water.

Secoud Molt.
May 13, at 2 p. m., sprayed a branch of apple tree with the above
proportions of Paris green and water, and placed 50 caterpillars on
the leaves. May 15, at 9 a. m., three were dead; May 16, at 10 a.
M., eleven more ; May 17, at 3 p. m., eight more ; May 18, at 9 a.
M., seven more ; May 19, at 10 a. m., five more ; May 20, at 9 a. m.,
twelve more, and May 21, at 8 a. m., all were dead.

Third Molt.
May 13, at 2-30, p. m., sprayed in a similar manner, and placed
50 caterpillars on the leaves. May 15, at 9-30 a. m., three were
dead ; May 16, at 9 a. m., five more ; May 17, at 3 p. m., four more ;
May 18, at 10 a. m., seven more; May 19, at 8 a. m., six more;
May 20, at 9 a. m., two more ; May 21, at 9 a. m., two more ; May
23, at 8 A. M., five more ; May 24, at 11 a. m., nine more ; May 26,
at 8 A. M., two more, and June 1, at 9 a. m., all were dead.

Fourth Molt.
May 20, at 10 a. m., sprayed as above, and placed 25 caterpillars
on the leslves. May 23, at 8 a. m., four were dead ; May 24, at 11
A. M., five more ; May 25, at 8 a. m., nine more ; May 26, at 8-30 a.
M., three more ; May 29, at 8-30 a. m., three more, and June 1, at
9-30 A. M., all were dead.

127

The following table shows the proportions of Paris green and water
used, and the time required to kill all the caterpillars in each molt.

Tarle.

Proportion of Paris Green First Molt. Second Molt. Third Molt. Fourth Molt,

to Water. Days. Days. Days. Days.

1 pound to 100 gallons, 2 2 11

" 150 '' 2 1 1 1

" 200 " 11 3 3

250 " 3 3 3 3

" 300 " 2 2 2 2

" 400 '^2 3 6 2

500 " 7 6 7

" 600 " 7 3 10

" 700 " 4 5 11

" 800 " 6 7 9

" 900 " 7 9 6

" 1000 " 8 19 12

Conclusions.

A careful consideration of these experiments leads us to the con-
clusions : 1st, That the smallest proportions, as 1 lb. to 800 or
1000 gallons, require so long a time to kill the caterpillars that they
might wander off, or that showers might wash the Paris green from
the trees before they would eat enough to kill them. 2d, That the
large or nearly grown caterpillars are quite as readily killed by any
of the proportions used in these experiments as those just hatched,
or in early molts. 3rd, The proportions of one pound of Paris green
to 100 gallons of water, or one pound to 150 gallons sprayed upon
apple trees, in experiments that have been" conducted here for three
years past, have burned the foliage to such an extent as to injure
the trees very materially ; and these experiments lead us to conclude
that the most suitable proportions to be used on apple trees in this
region, and perhaps throughout the state, are one pound of Paris
green to 200, 250 or 300 gallons of water.

128

CRANBERRY INSECTS.

The cranberry industry of Massachusetts is very large, and is
increasing in importance every year. It is principally confined,
however, to Barnstable, Plymouth and Bristol counties, where the
climate seems to be peculiarly adapted to the growth of cranberries ;
but I can see no reason why suitable bogs in other parts of the state
may not be successfully utilized for this purpose.

The Yarmouth Register of Dec. 20, 1890, gives the most complete
statistics regarding this industry that I have been able to find. They
were prepared by the editor, from data furnished by Mr. C. H. Nye,
the Superintendent of the Old Colony Railroad, and indicate the
number of barrels shipped and awaiting shipment on that road, for a
period of eight years, as follows :

Cranberries shipped and on hand, Dec. 1,

1883,

32,079 barrels,

1884,

30,536 "

1885,

66,063 ''

1886,

83,500 "

1887,

80,128 "

1888,

80,131 "

1889,

92,080 "

1890,

89,886 "

To this may be added the yield in Massachusetts for 1891, which
has been estimated at 157,000 bbls. I do not know what average
price was obtained for cranberries last fall, but think I am safe in
estimating the value of last year's crop as high as $1,000,000. It is
a difficult matter to estimate the loss caused by insects, over the
entire cranberry region, but some of the cranberry growers told me
that there was good reason to believe that the insects destroyed, on
an average, one-half of the crop on the bogs that cannot be reflowed.
This seems a large estimate, but, unless to])acco or some other insec-
ticide is used on such bogs, it will not be many years before the
insects will multiply to such an extent that the cultivation of cran-
berries on these bogs will be entirely profitless.

Early in 1891, I prepared and sent out a circular to all the cran-
berry growers whose names and addresses I could obtain, and
received answers from a large percentage of them.

The following are some of the questions with their answers.

" Wliat area have you under cultivation? "

129

The answers given to this question ranged from one-fourth of an
acre to 314 acres. The highest numbers undoubtedly referred to
corporation bogs where the individual owned a share in several, as
the largest cultivated bog contains only 160 acres.

" Are you troubled with insects f "

Eighty-five per cent answered yes ; fifteen per cent, no.

" If so, what are they 9 "

"Millers," ''fire worm," "vine worm," "blackhead," "fruitworm,"
"berry worm," "tip worm," "cut worm," "girdle worm," "root
worm," "span worm" and "spittle insects."

' ' Have you used tobacco as an insecticide f "

Of those who had used tobacco, 82 per cent reported good results
and 18 per cent, bad or doubtful results.

^'' If so, how many applications have you made in a year and ivith
what results ? "

Of those who answered this question, 24 per cent had made one
application; 40 per cent, two applications; 12 per cent, three ; 18
per cent, four; 3 per cent, six; and 3 per cent, seven applications.
79 per cent of these reported good results; 11 per cent, doubtful,
and 10 per cent, bad results.

" Do you believe tobacco acts as a fertilizer?"

81 per cent answered yes ; 19 per cent, no

" Do you believe that an excessive use of tobacco can injxire the vines
in any way?"

67 per cent answered yes ; 33 per cent, no.

" Have you ever used kerosene emulsion to destroy cranberry insects;
and, if so, with what results?"

Only nine persons reported having used kerosene emulsion, four of
whom reported good results, and five, bad. The trouble with these
last, however, was that they did not make the emulsion properly, or
did not apply it at the right time.

" Have you ever used Paris Green on cranberry vines to destroy the
insects; and, if so, what tvas the result? "

Thirteen persons stated that they had used Paris green, with good
results, and eight, with bad results ; but these last did not use it
properly. The use of this insecticide is discussed later in this paper.

'-'-Have you ever used London purple; and, if so, with what result?"

Two persons report good results with this insecticide, and seven,
bad.

13()

" Have you a prejudice against the use of Paris green or London
purple because of their poisonous properties? "

52 per cent answer yes ; 48 per cent, no.

'^ Have you ever known any accident from their use; and, if so,
what?"

Seventy-two persons answer no ; two, yes. These two cases were
the result of gross carelessness, and can in no way be used as an
objection to the careful use ot Paris green as an insecticide on cran-
berries, potatoes, or any other plants.

" Have you ever tried any other insecticide; and, if so, what was it,
and what was the result ? "

Twelve persons report trying various other substances, but the
results were not such as to recommend them for general use.
^'•'' Have you water so that you can rejlow your bog to destroy the
insects?"

51 per cent have water; 34 per cent have no water, and 15 per
cent have water on a part of their bogs.

" If so, when do you let it on, and how long do yoii keep it on?"

One person reflows just before the blossoms burst, and again when
the fruit is set, aud keeps the water on 24 hours. Two reflow any
time before blossoming. Five refiow when the worms appear. One
reflows two or three times before July 1, and keeps the water on
from 6 to 12 hours. Six let the water on in April ; nineteen in May ;
eleven in June, aud one, July 1.

2 pei'sons keep the water on 12 hours.

20 "

24 "

24 to 48 hours.

36 hours.

36 to 48 hours.

48 hours.

48 hours to 5 days

3 days.

20 days.

This last was probably a mistake in answering the circular.
" Do you practice the late holding of water on your bog ; and, if so,
when do you draw it off?"

65 per cent answer yes ; 35 per cent, no.

131

6 persons draw off the water April 1

" 1 to 10.

" 15.

" 20.

" 25.

" 28.

May 1.

" 1 to 15.

" 1 to June 1.

'' 10.

" 15.

" 15 to June 1.

" 20.

" 20 to 25.

" 27 to 30.
June 1.

" 3.

'' 6.

" 15.

"Do you believe this destroys the eggs of insects on the leaves? "
44 per cent answer yes ; 56 pef cent, no. Several think it will
destroy the eirgs if tlie water is warm. Some think that the longer
the water is held, the more eggs will be destroyed.

" Do you believe that the late holding oj ivater injures the vines in
any way 9'^

53 per cent answer yes ; 47 per cent, no. Some say that the
only injury it does is to make the fruit late.

" What do you ihiiik is the most desira^)le time in the spring to draw
off the water, lohether you have ivater for the second flow or not?^"
7 say April 1.
2 " "1 to 15.
1 " "1 to 20.

1 " "1 to May 1.

2 " " 10.

1 " before April 15.
4 " April 15.

3 " " 20.

1 " " 20 to 30.

1 " ' " 20 to May 10.

132

12 say May 1.

2 " ^'1 to 10.
1 '^ ''1 to 15.
1 " "1 to 20.
1 " " 12.

7 - - 15.

1 " " 15 to 25.

1 " '' 15 to June 1.

3 " " 20.

1 '' '' 23. •

2 '' " 25.
1 " '^ 30.

1 " last of May to June 1.

7 " June 1.

1 " June 12.

3 " "as soon as all danger from frost is past."

1 "• May 25, for old vines ; April 1, for young vines.
"• The eggs of the fire worm, vine worm, or black head, as it is called,
in different places, are laid in the fall, and do not hatch till spring.
Do you think, therefore, that an isolated bog could be cleared of them
by destroying the vines, taking care not to injure the roots, in the fall
or spring, and waiting for the vines to grow again? "

77 per cent answer yes ; 23 per cent, no. Sevei'al add, "in some
cases."

" Can a bog be burned in the fall so as to thoroughly destroy all the
leaves having eggs upon them, without injuring the roots? "

65 per cent answer yes ; 35 per cent, no. Many add that it can
be safely done if the ground is wet or frozen.

" Can this be done in the spring without injury to the roots? ^'
70 per cent answer yes ; 30 per cent, no.
" What will it cost per acre to burn a bog?"

The answers to this question ranged from '' a few matches " to
$30.00, but the majority ranged from $1.00 to S5.00.

'•'• How lony would you have to wait for a crop after burning the
vines on a bog?"

11 persons answered 1 year.

1 " " 1 to 2 years.

26 " " 2 years.

5 " " 2 to 3 years.

133

13 peisons anwered 3 years.
3 " "■ 3 to 4 years.

1 "■ '•'• 4 to 5 years.

1 "' '•'4 years. [water."

1 " '' "• forever, unless the roots were under

" If you do not think it safe to hum the vines on a hog, do you helieve
they coidd he cut, raked off and burned, without injuriyig the roots, even
if left uncovered by the water during the winter? "

85 per cent answer yes ; 15 per cent, no. Some think it will
depend much on whether the winter is mild or severe.

" What do you think would be the cost per acre to cut, remove, and
hum the vines? "

The answers range from $5.00 to $100.00, but the majority range
from $5.00 to $15.00.

The object of the last seven questions was to learn whether a badly
infested bog could be cleared of the insects at a moderate cost with-
out destroying the roots of the plants ; and how much time would
elapse before it would bear again. In case of a somewhat isolated
bog, this might pay, but if it be near one that is infested, it is doubt-
ful if it would prove a success.

When a new bog is made it is very important that vines to restock
it should be obtained from some bog which is not infested, as they
are set out at a time when the eggs of the vine worm are on the
leaves ; and if the vines are obtained from an infested bog, the new
one will be stocked, not only with plants, but with insects also.

From the replies received and from my own observations on the
bogs over the entire Cape, it seems that the vine worm does by far
the greatest amount of damage, and that the fruit worm stands next
in the list. The span worm is occasionally quite destructive, but I
found only two bogs last summer on which it had done much damage ;
one at Pleasant Lake, owned by Mr. Cyrus Gaboon, and one in
Carver,. under the supervision of Hon. A. D. Makepeace to whom I
am under obligations for much valuable information. Specimens of
the span worm were sent here to the Insectary, but the studies on
them have not yet been completed, and therefore no report can be
made on them at this time. I recommended the application of Paris
green in water, one pound of the former to 150 gallons of the latter,
and two quarts of glucose or molasses. The object of the glucose
was to cause the Paris green to adhere to the leaves and prevent it
from being washed off so readily by showers. Mr. Makepeace has

184

informed me that it did not appear to be verj' successful ; but when
I visited the bog, the span worms were nearl}' grown and the appli-
cation was made later, probably too late to give good results.

Mr. Gaboon had applied Pans green to his bog nearly a week
earlier, and when I visited it two days after the application was
made, I was able to find but three or four living span worms on the
bog, showing that the insecticide had proved effectual.

The Tip Worm. Male imago.

Antennal structure of female shown at left; a. ovipositor of female.

Greatly enlarged.
(After Smitti.)

The lip worm [Cecidomyia vaccinii Smith) fig. 1, greatly en-
larged, is comparatively common on the Cape bogs, and some people
think they do much harm ; but this is very doubtful, for if the tip
worm destroys the terminal hud, lateral buds will develop into shoots
the next year, and will give a crop of fruit. See fig. 2.

135

Fig. 2. Work of Tip Worm.

a. Cranberry vine— tip gone completely; h. vine showing appearance of infested tip;
c. Loose-strife infested witli tip worm ; (/. tlie same, showing flower buds struggling out;
e. tipped vines, with forming fruit buds at axils of leaf. (After Smith.)

The other insects have not been suflSciently studied to report upon
them at this time.

THE VINE WORM.

Bliopohota vacciniana, Pack.

This insect, known as the vine worm, fire worm or blackliead, was
abundant on nearly every bog visited last summer, which had not
been reflowed, or thoroughly treated with some insecticide.

Fig. 3. Vine Worm Moth. (After Riley.)

136

The moths, fig. 3, do not fly readily, but start up before one as he
walks along, and then settle at once upon the vines. This habit pre-
vents their spreading rapidly of their own accord. On the occasion
of my fia-st visit to the bogs at Yarmouth Farms, in June, 1890, the
second brood of moths was out, and as we walked over the bog, they
would start up by hundreds and settle immediately upon the vines.

Fig. 4. Leaf Showing Eggs. (After Smith.)

They lay their eggs on the under side of the leaves, as shown in
fig. 4, which is much enlarged, the line at the right indicating the true
length of the leaf. Three eggs are shown in the figure, which are
enlarged the same as ihe leaf.

Fig. 5. First Web of Larva. (After Smith.)

Vine worms were received here at the Station, from Yarmouth
Farms, June 2, 1890, which were fed on cranberry leaves and passed
their transformations, the moths emerging June 10th. These moths
paired and the females laid their eggs June 12th. The eggs are
elliptical in outline, very much flattened, about one-thirtieth of an
inch long, nearly the color of the yolk of a hen's egg, in the middle,
but transparent around the edge. Under a microscope the surface is
granulated, and has a few raised lines which form hexagons over the
surface.

i8t

Fig. 6. FiCx. 7

Runner with larval web. (After Smith.) Upright with larval web. (After Smith.)

Tlie fully-grown larva, fig. <S, a, is nearly half an inch long, with
the head and ti)|) of the next segintMit beiiind it jet l)lack. The rest
of the ])Oi\v is green nitti fine hairs scattered over the surface.

a, Larva; 6, c, pupa from side JinU back. Much enlarged. (After Smith.)

The pupa, fig. 8, b and c, side and back view, greatly enlarged, is
about one-fifth of an inch long, of a yellowish brown color, and the
segments have a row of minute spines along each edge. The abdo-
men is blunt at the end which is furuiished with a series of minute
hooks.

138

The moth, fig. 3, much enlarged, has an expanse of wings of nearly
half an inch, and is dark asliy gray tinged with brownish, and has
oblique bands of a lighter color across the fore wings ; while the hind
wings are of a uniform dark smoky brown color.

On May 20th, 1891, some vine worms were received from Yar-
mouth Farms, and placed on growing cranberry vines in the Insec-
tary. They led until May 25th, when they changed to pupae, most
of them in the sand, but one spun a white silken cocoon between the
leaves on the plant, and changed to a pupa within it. After remaining
in the pupal state seven or eight days, the moths emerged, and, after
pairing, the females laid their eggs on the under side of the leaves.
These eggs remain on the leaves during the winter and hatch in the
spring.

Capt. N. B. Burgess of Yarmouth Farms, one of the most intelli-
gent cranberry growers of Cape Cod, and to whom I am much
indebted for numerous courtesies and great assistance in my studies
on these insects, has constructed insect cages in which he has for
several years kept cranberry plants growing, and has bred the vine
worm, fruit worm and tip worm. By this means he has been able,
in a comparatively short time, to learn the life history and habits of
these insects in a very practical wa}'.

Capt. Burgess informed me that the eggs of the vine worm, which
were laid in the fall of 1890, hatched in his observation cages from
April 23rd to May 1st, 1891 ; that the pupae were discovered in his
cages and also on the bog June 1st, and from that time up to the
10th, when the moths first appeared ; and eggs were discovered June
16th. The hatching of the eggs in the spring is retarded by the late
holding of water ; and, as the vines on one part of the bog may be
out of water while other parts are submerged, the eggs will accord-
ingly hatch at different times.

REMEDIES.

The cheapest and most effectual remedy for the vine worm is
undoubtedly to reflow the bog after the eggs hatch ; but, where this
cannot be done, it is necessary to use insecticides. Mr. Makepeace,
however, does not favor rellowing, as he thinks this injures the
keeping qualities of the berries, and he therefore uses tobacco as an
insecticide, even on bogs which he could reflow if he chose to do so.

139

I have not experimented with tobacco as the use of it is so well
understood that it seemed unnecessary. A few, however, report
unsatisfactory results with it, but it is possible that they did not use
it at tlie right time or in a proper manner.

EXPERIMENTS WITH PARIS GREEN.

Seven vine worms were placed on growing cranberry plants, and
ample time given them to web themselves up between the leaves ;
then, on June 22d, the plants were sprayed with Paris green in water
in the proportion of one pound to 200 gallons. The spray was a
very fine mist, and continued only until the plants were thoroughly
wet. On the next day two were dead, and on the following day all
were dead. An examination showed that Ihey were enclosed by the
leaves which were drawn together by their silk ; and that they had
eaten holes through the leaves, and when they reached the outside,
they ate some of the poison and weie killed by it.

A, similar experiment was performed with seven other vine
worms on growing plants, but they were showered with Paris green
in water in the proportion of one pound to 300 gallons, and in two
days they were all dead. As these experiments were performed with
great care, and the insects very carefully watched throughout, there
could be no mistake in the matter.

Wishing to ascertain what proportions of Paris green or London
purple in water could be sprayed upon cranberry vines without
injuring them, a plot of vines in the Insectary was sprayed with Paris
green in water in the proportion of one pound to 150 gallons, and a
similar plot with the same proportion of London purple in water, and
no injury whatever resulted to the leaves. There was no fruit on
these vines.

Similar plots were sprayed with Paris green and London purple
respectively, in the proportion of one pound to lOd gallons, but with-
out injuring the leaves.

A similar experiment was performed, using one pound of each of
the above poisons to 75 gallons of water, and this injured the leaves ;
the Paris green only a very little, while the London purple destroyed
about one-half of the leaves on the vines.

140

These experiments prove that it is not safe to use more than one
pound of Paris green or London purple to 100 gallons of water on
cranberry vines; and gIso that a much smaller proportion, as one
pound to 200 or even 300 gallons, is amply sufficient to kill the vine
worm.

The best results in the use of Paris green are obtained by mixing
about two quarts of glucose, or (if that can not be obtained) molasses
with 150 gallons of water and one pound of Paris green, and applying
with a force pump and nozzle which throws the mixture in the form
of the finest mist, and conliuuing till the [)lants are thoroughly wet but
stopping before it begins to run off from them. As the Paris green is
only in suspension in the water, it shouH be carefully stirred during
all ihe time the spray is being thrown upon the plants.

Many of the cranberry grcjwers who have tri' d Paris green for the
vine worm report nnl'avorably, stating that it killed the worms but it
injured the vines; and most of ihitn informed me that they used a
teasi)o<)nfnl to a pail of water. Now, an otdinaiy pail cannot be
cairied about over a bog wilh more than two gallons of water in it.
A teaspoonful of Pai'is green is an indefinite quantity. I therefore
took a teaspoonfid heaped up as full as it vvoidd hold, and very care-
fully weighed it in delicate balances. It weighed halt an ounce,
whiih in two gallons of water would be in the p'oi)ortion of one
pound to G4 gallons, which, as shown above, would injure the leaves.
I then took a teaspoonful of Paris green somewhat heaped up and
found that it weiglied three-eights of an ounce which in two gallons
of water would be equal to the proportion of one pound to 8;') gallons,
which would injure the leaves. I then filled the teaspoo.i and stroked
it off with a stick leaving it only level full, and found that it con-
tained just one-fifth of an ounce, which in two gallons of water would
be in the proportion of one pound to 160 gallons, and if the Paris
green is to be measured in a teaspoon, it should be taken level or
even full only, for a pail of water.

141

THE FRUIT WORM.

Mineola vacci)iii, Riley.

Fro. 9.

Web of second brood, showinfr their
method of feeding. (After Suiilh.)

Fig. lU.
Web of ipcoml brood, inclosing buds
of two upriglits. (After Smith.)

This moth appears on the bocrs about the time the berries are
beginning to set, fiom the fii'st to the middle of July, according as
the season is early or late. They lay tiieir eggs at the blossom end
of the young bi'rry, often l»eiieath one of the triangular lobes of the
calyx. The egg, fig. 11, b and c. is very much flattened, of a pale
yellow color, and hatches in five or six days after it is laid. For a
day or two it feeds on the outside of the berry, in the calyx, after
which it makes its way into the berry, eats out the seed chamber, and
then migrates to another. " The larva, fig. 11, d, reaches maturity
in September, sometimes not being fully grown at picking-time. It
is then rather more than half an inch in length, of a bright green
color, usually with a reddish tinge on the back. The head is narrower
than the first segment, and is of a paler, more yellowish color, except
the mouth which is brown. The segments are transversely wrinkled
and are clothed with a few sparse and lather long hairs." (Smith.)

142

Fig. 11.

Berry, showing egg; b, c, egg from side and top;
g, cocoon. All enlarged.

d, larva ; e, pupa ; /, its tip ;
(After Riley.)

When fully grown, the larva leaves the berry and, descending to
the ground, spins its cocoon, fig. 11, g, in the sand, within which it
changes to the pupa, fig. 11, e, in which state it remains till the fol-
lowing July, when the moth, fig. 11, /i, emerges and lays its eggs on
the young berries.

Work of berry worm, showing shriveled berry fastened to a sound one newly attacked.

(After Smith.)

The best remedy that suggests itself for this insect is to spray the
vines with Paris green, glucose and water in the same proportions
and in the same manner as for the vine worm. The spraying should
be done as soon as the blossoms are all ofT, and the berries are gen-
erally set.

143

Mr. Franklin Crocker of Hyannis, to whom I am greatly indebted
for assistance in my studies on the cranberry insects, keeps a supply
of pumps and other apparatus suitable for spraying bogs, as well as
insecticides for that purpose.

There seems to be a prejudice among the cranberry growers against
the use of Paris green as an insecticide, but when they realize how
small an amount is used, and that this is entirely washed off before
picking time, they will see that there is no possible chance for an
accident. As evidence that the poison is soon removed, I will state
the fact that a cherry tree was sprayed with Paris green in water, in
Cambridge last summer, to destroy the gypsy moths ; and four days
afterwards, the fruit was picked and canned. The regulation Paris
green scare then occurred, and two jars of the canned cherries were
sent here to the Experiment Station and Dr. Goessmann made an
analysis of the contents of each jar ; but in neither of them was there
found the slightest trace of arsenic or copper, and therefore they
contained no Paris green whatever.

In closing this preliminary paper on the study of the cranberry
insects, I take the opportunity to thank Prof. J. B. Smith for the use
of some of the illustrations used m this paper, and it affords me
pleasure to say that so far as my studies have already gone, they
quite agree with the observations of Prof. Smith.

THE MASSACHUSETTS SOOZETIT FOR
FROMOTING AGRICULTURE ASKS
VOUR ACTIVE INFLUENCE TO SUF-
FRESS THESE INSECT FESTS.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE,

BULLETIN No. 20.

RtE>t»OIC'r OIV II«SE>CTS,

JANUARY, 1893.

The Bulletins of this Station will he sent free to all newspapt^rs in
the State and to such individuals interested in J arming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.
18 9 3.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.
Its officers are : —

Henuy H. Goodell, LL.D., Director. .

William P. Brooks, B. Sc, Agriculturist.

Samuel T. Maynard, B. Sc, Horticulturist.

Charles H. Fernald, Ph. D., Entomologist.

Clarence D. Warner, B. Sc, Meteorologist.

William M. Shepardson, B. Sc, Assistant Horticulturist.
Malcolm A. Carpenter, B. Sc, Assistant Horticulturist.
Henry M. Thomson, B. Sc, Assistant Agriculturist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, dkectly or indirectly in agriculture, are
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Statiou,

Amherst, Mass.

Division of Entomology.

C. H. FERNALD.

The insects treated of in this bulletin have been selected at the
request of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Aoriculture, by
whose liberality the edition has been increased to more than three times
as many copies as could otherwise have been published ; and, as a
I'esult, it will be sent to thousands of our citizens whose names are
not now on our mailing list, including members of Village Improve-
ment and other local societies.

These insects have been bred and experimented upon at the Insec-
tary for several years past, and they have been described in the
publications of the Department of Agriculture and some of the
Experiment Stations, as well as elsewhere, so that it is now almost
impossible to give anything new, but we have attempted to give a
brief digest of what has been learned of their habits here and
elsewhere.

There has been such culpable negligence on the part of many of
our people with regard to the tent caterpillar, that there can be no
doubt that some legislation is needed to compel the negligent to
destroy this pest on all the trees on their own laud, and thus prevent
it from extending to the trees in the surrounding orchards.
Provision should be made for the destruction of tent caterpillars
on all public lands as well as in the forests, and village improve-
ment societies should urge such action in town meetings as shall
make it the duty of the superintendent of roads to destroy all the
tent caterpillars on the trees and shrubs along the sides of the roads.

The wild cherry trees are the natural food plant of the tent cater-
pillar, and while some advocate their destruction because they serve
as a breeding place for them, others think they may serve a useful
purpose in drawing the moths to them where the caterpillars may be
easily destroyed the following year.

CANKER-WORMS.

There are two different species of insects in Massachusetts known
by the name of canker-worm, one of which is the spring canker-worm,
(Paleacrita vernata, Peck.) Figs. 1 and 2, and the other is the fall
canker-worm (Anisopteryx pometaria Harr.) Figs. 3 and 4.

Spring Canker-Worm.

U.Male moth; 6, female moth, natural size ; c, joints of her antennae;
;il)domen showing the spines ; e, her ovipositor, enlarged. — After Riley.

joint of her

The spring canker-worms emerge from the ground as soon as the
snow is gone or even earlier in the spring. The wingless females,
Fig. 1, 6, crawl up the trunks of trees most actively in the evening
when they pair with the males, Fig. 1 , a, which are flying about at
that time. The females then crawl out upon the branches and
deposit their eggs in irregular clusters, in the crevices or under loose
pieces of bark, by means of the long ovipositor, Fig. 1, e.

Fig. 2. Spring Canker-Worm.

a. Full-grown larva; b, egg, enlarged, the natural size shown in the small mass at one
side ; c, an enlarged joint, side view ; d, the same, back view, showing the markings.—
After Riley.

The eggs, Fig. 2, 6, natural size and enlarged, are oval in outline,
about one-thirtieth of an inch long, of a delicate pearly yellowish
color, and hatch about the time the leaves burst from the buds.

The larvae or young caterpillars have three pairs of true legs,
situated on the three segments following the head, and two pairs of
abdominal legs, and therefore move by alternately looping and
extending their bodies, and are known as loop-worms, inch-worms,
or measuring- worms. When fully grown they are from seven-tenths

5

to eight-tenths of an inch in length, of a dark brown color, with five
broken lines of a lighter color running lengthwise, Fig. 2, a.

At this time, and even while small, they often let themselves down
from the trees by a silken thread and hang suspended in the air,
much to the annoyance of persons passing under the trees. They
are also caught by passing vehicles and carried to places more or less
remote, thus greatly facilitating their distribution.

After they are fully grown and done feeding, they descend to the
ground and burrow to the depth of three inches or more, where they
spin a fragile cocoon of dull yellowish silk within which they trans-
form to pupae, and remain in this state till the following spring,
when the moths emerge, ascend the trees and lay their eggs for
another generation. A few of the individuals, however, emerge in
the fall and lay their eggs, but these do not hatch till the following
spring.

The male, Fig. 1, a, is of a pale ash color with a paler broken band
across the fore wings, ne:tr the outer margin, and three interrupted
brownish lines between that and the base. The hind wings are of a
very pale ash color or very light gray, with a darker dot near the
middle. The female, Fig. 2, 6, is wingless and of the same color as
the male.

The fall canker-worms {Anisopteryx pometaria, Harr.) emerge from
the ground late in the fall, after the leaves have fallen from the trees
and frosts have appeared. The females climb the trees attended by
the males which hover around on the wing. After the mating of the
moths, the females lay their eggs side by side in regular masses,
Fig. 3, e, often as many as a hundred together, in an exposed situa-
tion on the twigs or branches of the trees. Sometimes the females,
by mistake, crawl up on the side of a building and deposit their
clusters of eggs on the exposed surface.

Fig. 3. Fall Canker-Worm.

a, b, Egg, side and top views; c, d, joints of larvae, side and top views, showing mark-
ings, enlarged; e, cluster of eggs ; /, full grown larva ; g, female pupa, natural size;
h, cremaster enlarged.— After Riley.

The eggs are in the form of a truncated cone, and attached by the
smaller end, while the other end has a dark rim with a depressed
center, Fig. 3, a and b. These hatch in the spring at about the same
time as the other species, and the larvae have similar habits to those
of the spring species.

The mature lai-vae are nearly an inch long, varying in color from
a greenish yellow to dark brown, with pale stripes running length-
wise ; and they differ from the other species still further in having
three pairs of abdominal legs, Fig. 3, /. After they are done
feeding, they descend from the trees and burrow into the ground
where they pass their transformations, and the moths emerge late in
th« fall.

g .
Fig. 4. — Fall Canker-Worm.

a, Male moth; 6, female moth, natural size; c, joints of her antennae ; <i, Joints of her
abdomen— enlarged.— After Riley.

The males have well developed wings which expand nearly an inch
and a half, and are of a pale gray or ash color. The forewings have
two rather irregular whitish bands across them, and the hind wings
have a faint blackish dot on the middle and a more or less distinct
whitish band outside of it. Fig. 4, a. The females are pale gray or
ash color and about three-tenths of an inch long. Fig. 4, h.

REMEDIES.

As the females are wingless and pass their transformations under
ground, and are obliged to crawl up the trunks of tie trees to deposit
their eggs, one method is to prevent their ascent by putting bands of
heavy paper around the trunks, and painting them with some sticky
preparation, as printer's ink, or tar softened with oil.

Another method is to put a trap of zino or tin around the trunks
of the trees in such a manner as to prevent the females from
ascending the trees. Care must be taken in putting the bands and
traps around the trees, to have tb2m fit so tightly that neither the
female moth nor the newly-hatcher' larvae can find a passage beneath.

Probably the most effectual method is to shower the trees with
paris gr«en in water as soon as the eggs have hatched in the spring.

THE APPLE-TREE TENT-CATERPILLAR.

Clisiocampa americana, Htirr.

Apple-Tree Tent-Caterpillar.

oandfi, full grown caterpillars resting on the tent; c, belt of eggs; d, cocoon, all
natural size.— After Riley. «

This species was described in bulletin No. 12, of this Station, and
is prepared again with additional facts and illustrations for publica-
tion at this time. It has been so vei'v abundant and destructive
throughout the Commonwealth for several years past as to attract
very general attention. The large whitish, silken, web-like tents,
Figs. 5 and 6, d, formed by these insects have been very unsightly
objects on the fruit trees in our orchards and along the road sides,
as well as on wild cheri*y trees in all our forests where these trees are
allowed to grow.

The amount of damage which this insect has done is far greater
than is generally supposed.

Fig. 6.

Apple-Tree .Tent-Caterpillar.

d, a small tent ; e, full grown caterpiliar,-

a, Male moth; 6, cocoous; c, belt of eggs
all natural size. — After Comstock.

The female moth, Fig. 7, lays her eggs, about three hundred in
Dumbei', in a belt, Fig. 5, c and 6, c, around the twigs of apple, cherry
and several other kinds of trees, covering them with a thick coating of
dark brown glutinous matter which probably serves as a protection
during the winter.

Fig. 7. Apple-Tree Tent-Caterpillar.

Female moth, natural size.— After Riley.

The following spring, when the buds begin to swell, the eggs hatch
and the young caterpillars seek some fork of a branch where they
spin their tent and remain when not feeding. They are about one-

tenth of an inch long, of a blackish color, with numerous fine gray
hairs on the body. They feed on the young and tender leaves, eating
on an average two apiece each day, therefore the young of one pair
of moths consume from ten to twelve thousand leaves ; and it is not
unconunon to see from six to eight tents on a single tree, the cater-
pillars of which destroy more than seventy-five thousand leaves by
the time they cease feeding. They do not go out of their tents to
eat in damp cold weatiier, but appear to take two meals a day when
it is pleasant. As the caterpillars groW, they molt or cast off the old
skin which splits along the back. In from thirty-five to forty days
after hatching, they reach their full growth, Fig. 5, a and 5., Fig. 6, e.
They are then about two inches long and have a black head and body
with numerous yellowish hairs over the surface. There is a white
stripe along the middle of the back, with minute whitish or yellowish
broken and irregular streaks along the sides, and a row of small,
transverse, pale blue spots along each side of the back.

As they crawl about, they spin a continuous thread of silk from a
minute fleshy tube, on the lower side of the mouth, which is connected
with the silk-producing glands within the body, and by means of this
thread they appear to find their way back from the leaves to their
tent which is formed by the combined efforts of all the caterpillars in
the community.

After reaching their full growth, about the middle of June, they
leave their tents and scatter in all directions, seeking some protected
place where they spin their spindle-shaped cocoons of whitish silk
intermingled with sulphur-colored powder. Figs. 5, d and 6, b. They
change to the pupal state within these cocoons, and remain in them
from twenty to twenty-five days. In July the moths emerge and,
after mating, the females lay their eggs around the twigs of trees
where they remain through the winter and hatch in the early spring,
when the buds on the trees begin to open.

The moths measure from one and a quarter to one and a half inches
or more between the tips of their expanded wings. They are of a
reddish brown color, the fore wings being tinged with gray on the
base and middle, and crossed by two oblique whitish stripes. Fig. 6,
a, male, Fig. 7, female.

REMEDIES.

Search the trees carefully, when they are bare, for clusters of eggs
and when found, cut off the twigs to which they are attached and
burn them.

10

As soon as any tents are seen in the orchard or elsewhere, they
should be crushed with their entire contents, or swabbed down with
strong soapsuds or other substance, or torn down with a round bottle-
brush, or burned with a torch on the end of a pole. This work of
destroying the caterpillars in their tents should be done early in the
morning, late in the afternoon or on a cold wet day when they are all
in their tents.

When the trees are infested with canker worms or other leaf -eating
insects, as well as tent caterpillars, or when these are numerous, it
will be better to spraj' the trees with paris green in water in the pro-
portion of one pound of the former to 150 to 250 gallons of the
latter.

THE FALL WEB-WORM.

Hyphantria cunea, Drury.

This native American insect is very abundant throughout Massa-
chusetts, forming unsightly webs over the ends of the branches of
fruit and nearly all other deciduous trees, in August and September,
and are supposed by many to be the apple-tree tent-caterpillar, but
these form their tents during the • early part of the season, in April
and May.

Fig. 8. Fall Web- Worm.

a, Moth in position on leaf laying eggs, side view ; b, eggs enlarged.— After Riley.

The moths are on the wing in July, and lay their eggs, about five
hundred in number, in clusters on the leaves near the end of a branch.
Fig. 8. These eggs, which are spherical, about one-twentieth of an
inch in diameter, and of a bright golden yellow color, have the
surface of the shell marked with indentations like the surface of a
thimble. They hatch in about a week or ten days and the young
caterpillars at once spin a web over themselves, and by their com-
bined efforts enclose leaves enough for their present needs, but when

11

this supply is exhausted they extend their web over a fresh supply,
and this is continued till many of these webs are a yai-d or more in
length and a foot or more in diameter. When numerous, they do a
great deal of damage, sometimes destroying all the leaves on a tree.

Fall Wlb-Worm.

a. Dark caterpillar, seen from siilc ; 6, liglit, caterpillar from above; c, dark caterpillar
from above ; d, pupa from below ; e, pupa from sii ie ; /, moth. — After Kiley.

In the latter part of August or early in September, these cater-
pillars reach their full growth, and are then about an inch and a half
long with the body greenish yellow dotted with black. There is a
bright yellow stripe along each side, and a broad blackish stripe
along the back in some specimens, as shown in Fig. 9, h. They are
thinly clothed with grayish hairs which arise from black and orange
colored tubercles. They now leave their web and scatter in all
directions seeking some place in which to change to pupae, usually
in some crevice under the bark, or under ground. When they
have reached a satisfactory shelter they spin a slight cocoon of silk
intermixed with hair from their own bodies, and within these cocoons
they transform to pupae. Fig. 9, d and e, where they remain till the
following June or July when the moths emerge. There are said to
be two broods in a year in the South but only one in the North. I
have seen no satisfactory evidence that there is more than one
brood in Massachusetts.

The moths are snow white with the first two joints of the fore legs
yellow, and the outer joints of all the legs broadly ringed with black

12

The wings expand from an inch and an eighth to an inch and three-
eighths. Fig. 9, /, represents an unusually large moth of this species.
The moths in this State, as a rule, have pure white fore wings, but
sometimes, especially further south, they are more or less dotted cr
spotted with dark brown or black as shown in Fig. 10, atoj. I have
never taken a spotted example in Massachusetts and only one in
Maine. Possibly the normal northern foi-m is pure white and the
southern form spotted.

Fig. 10. Fall Web- Worm.

a-i. Wings of a series of moths, showing the variations from the pure white form to one
profusely dotted with black and brown.— After Riley.

The Fall Web-worm has numerous enemies among the birds and
predacious and parasitic insects, but even with all these checks, they
are numerous enough to do a vast amount of injury, and their
unsightly webs are far too numerous on our fruit and ornamental
trees.

A series of experiments was made on this insect with paris green
at the Insectary the past season, but with negative results. Paris
green in water was showered upon a branch having a web on it, but
the mixture failed to penetrate the web and wet the enclosed leaves,
and only those that ate the leaves outside of the web were killed. I
do not see how this method can be really serviceable except when
they feed outside of the'ir web. I am of the opinion that the most
practical, and at the same time the cheapest way to destroy these
insects, is to crush them in the webs when they are within reach, or
to cut off the small branches containing the webs with long pruning
shears, and burn or crush them.

13

THE TUSSOCK MOTHS.

There are three different species of Tussock Moths in Massachu-
setts, the first of which is the most common and is known as the
White-marked Tussock-moth {Org>/ia leucostigma, A. and S.)- This
insect is a native of this country and was figured and described by
Abbot and Smith in 1797. Since that time it has received the
attention of nearly all of our entomologists.

The eggs of this species, laid on the cocoon of a female attached
to a twig of tulip-tree, was brought to the Insectary, April 22. 1891.
They were arranged in an irregular cluster containing about 22,5 in
number and were covered by a white, glistening, frothy substance.
The eggs are globular with a slight depression on the top, about one
twenty-fifth of an inch in diameter and are yellowish white with a
pale brown spot on the top and a ring of the same color around it.

11. White-Marked Tussock- Moth.

Full grown caterpillar.— After Riley.

These eggs hatched May 10, and the caterpillars passed their
molts (the description of which is omitted here) and reached maturity
June 15. The full grown caterpillars. Fig. 11, are about an inch
and an eighth in length, of a bright yellow color, si)aringly clothed
with long, fine yellow hairs on the sides of the body, and having
four short, thick, brush-like, yellowish tufts on the top of the fifth
and the three following segments, two long black plumes or pencils
extending forward from the sides of the second segment, and a single
plume on the top of the twelfth segment. The head and top of the
second segment and also two retractile tubercles on the top of the
tenth and eleventh segments are bright red ; there is a narrow black
or brownish stripe along the top of the back and a wider dusky stripe
on each side of the body.

14

a b c d

Fig. 12. White-Marked Tussock-Moth.

o, Female on cocoon; h, young caterpillar; c. female pupa; d, male pupa.— After Riley.

On June 15. they commenced spinning their cocoons and the moths
emerged June 21. After mating, the females laid their eggs on the
old cocoon which they usually attach to a leaf adhering to a branch
of the tree. These eggs of the second generation hatched July 8,
passed their transformations, and pupated August 10. The moths
of this brood emerge'd August 23, and laid their eggs which remained
through the winter and hatched the next spring, thus giving two
generations a year in this State. Fig. 12, a, represents the cocoon
partially covered with the egg cluster upon which is represented the
wingless female moth ; 6, a young caterpiller suspended by a thread ;
e, a female pupa, and cZ, a male pupa.

Fig. 18. White-Marked Tussock-Moth.

Male.— After Riley.

The male, Fig. 13, expands about an inch and a quarter, and is of
a dull ashy gray color with several wavy dark brown lines crossing
the fore wings which are whitish along the front edge with a small
black spot near the apex and a small white spot near the anal
angle. The antennae are heavily fringed. The females are lighter
gray than the males and have no wings, only the rudiments of them
being visible. The body is oval in outline and quite plump before
the eggs are laid, Fig. 12, a.

16

This species feeds oa the leaves of nearly all deciduous trees, and
fir, spruce, lurch aud cypress.

The secoud species is called the Willow Tussociv Moth ( Orgyia
dejinita, V-dok.) aud was for a long time confounded with the pre-
ceding species with which the male and female moths agree very
closely, but there are marked differences in the other stages.

The eggs are laid in the fall in clusters on the old cocoon adhering
to the branches of trees, aud covered with hair from the abdomen of
the female, which enables one to distinguish them from the white,
froth-covered eggs of the white-marked Tussock-moth or the naked
eggs of the following species.

The full grown caterpillar has the head and body pale yellow with
an almost colorless stripe along the middle of the back. This stripe
is narrow, and greenish on the third and fourth segments, widening
and enclosing the yellow, dorsal brush-like tufts on the fifth, sixth,
seventh and eighth segments, narrowing on the ninth, tenth, eleventh
and twelfth segments, enclosing the two retractile tubercles, and is
abse'nt on the last segment. There is a narrow subdorsal and a
fainter stigmatal band. These bands vary in color from dark brown
to black, and there is a velvety-black spot between the tufts on the
top of the sixth, seventh and eighth segments. The tubercles are all
pale yellow, and a long pencil of black hairs inclining forward
arises from each side of the second segment, while a similar one of
light brown and black hair inclines backward from the top of the
twelfth segment. The other hair is long, thin and white.

This species feeds on the leaves of the willow, oak, maple and
many other trees.

The third species of Tussock Moth is the common European
Orgyia antiqua, Linn. This species has long been known in this
country, but was supposed to be distinct and was described by Dr.
Fitch as the Modern Vaporer Moth (Orgyia nova) , and again by Mr.
Henry Edwards from Californian specimens as Orgyia badia.

The female is wingless like the other species, and lays her eggs
without any covering on the old cocoon which is fastened to the
branch of a tree. A cluster of these eggs was received from Fitch-
burg, Mass., April 14, 1891, on a branch of quince, and began to
hatch April 22. The caterpillars reached their full growth and began
to spin cocoons June l.j. The first moths emerged June 25, aud
eggs were laid July 5, which hatched on the 15, but the caterpillars

16

died befoi'e reaching maturity. Whether there are more than two

broods in this State I am unable to say.

The detailed descriptions of the various stages of these moths have

been omitted as they would have but little interest for those for

whom this bulletin was especially prepared.

This insect is said to feed in Europe on plum, apple, mountain

ash, rose, apricot, raspberry, bilberry, heath, hornbeam, hazelnu'.,

alder, willow, beech, birch, oak, pine and many other plant-
In this country it has been found feeding on the leaves of rose,

plum, apple, quince, thorn, aspen, and birch.

REMEDIES.

As these three Tussock Moths are so similar in their generiii habits
they may be dealt with alike. They all pass the winter m the egg
stage on the old cocoons fastened to the branches of the trees, and
are easily seen during the fall, winter and spring while the trees are
bare when they may be removed and destroyed. If, however, they
have been neglected and allowed to hatch, the caterpillars may be
destroyed by spraying the trees with paris green in water, in the
proportion of one pound of the former to 150 or 200 gallons of the
latter.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 21.

icB>r»oiiT o:n: imcuii's.

APRIL, 1893.

The Bulletins of this Station will he sent free to all newspapers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE

1893.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.
Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell, LL.D., Director.

William P. Brooks, B. So., Agriculturist.

Samuel T. Maynard, B. Sc, Horticulturist.

Charles H. Fernald, Ph. D., Entomologist.

Clarence D. Warner, B. Sc, Meteorologist.

William M. Shepardson, B. Sc, Assistant Horticulturist.
Malcolm A. Carpenter, B. Sc, Assistant Horticulturist.
Henry M. Thomson, B. Sc, Assistant Agriculturist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, dh'ectly or indirectly in agriculture, are
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Division of Horticulture.

SAMUEL T. MAYNARD.

The work of this division for tlie year of 1892 has been,
largel}', tlie comparative tests of new varieties of fruits, the combat-
ting fungous diseases and the use of fungicides and insecticides
combined.

The season was, as a whole, less favorable for the growth of fun-
gous diseases than that of 1891, but enough of nearly all the most
destructive species were found for full experiment and all insect life
seemed more than usually abundant.

The fungicides used and found most satisfactory, were the copper
salts, sulphate and carbonate of copper, the Bordeaux mixture prov-
ing much safer and more effectual than any other.

Many patented or compounded fungicides put upon the market
with large claims for their value have been tried but none of them
have proved as effectual as the copper solutions, while some of them
were of no value whatever.

The following are the fungicides found most effective :

Bordeaux Mixture. Formida, 6 lbs. Copper Sulphate (Blue Vitriol),
Caustic Lime (Unslacked Lime) 4 lbs. Dissolve the copper sulphate
in three or four gallons of water. (The best way to do this is to
suspend it, in a coarse sack or basket, in the water where it will dis-
solve in from 1 to 2 hours.)

The Lime is slaked in another tub or vessel with water enough to
make a thin lime- wash (or white wash). When the liquids are cool,
pour into one cask, thoroughly mixing, and dilute to make 50 gal-
lons of liquid. Before putting into the pumps strain through a fine
strainer or sieve.

If a large quantity is to be used, 25 lbs. or more of the copper sul-
phate may be dissolved at once and the proper quantity taken out as
needed.

Ammoniacal Carbonate of Ammonia.

Formula a. 1 oz. Copper Carbonate, 6 ozs. Ammonium Carbonate.
Dissolve the two together in water and dilute to 10 or 20 gallons of
liquid.

Formula b. 1 oz. Copper Carbonate, 1 pint liquid ammonia 26".
Make a paste of the first with a little water and gradually pour over
the ammonia until a clear bUie liquid is formed. Dilute to 10 or 20
gallons of liquid.

Copper Sulphate. (Simple Solution.)

Formula a. 1 lb. Copper Sulphate to 25 gallons of water. This
solution is used for spraying trees, shrubs and vines before the leaves
unlold.

Formula b. 1 lb. of Copper Sulphate to 1000 gallons of water.
This is found as strong as can be used under all circumstances,
upon the foliage of fruit trees without injury.

PUMPS.

The "knapsack" is found an economical pump for gardens and small
vineyards or for a small number of trees, but when large vineyards
or orchards of considerable size are to be treated the large pumps
attached to a cask or tank are by far more economical.

COMPARATIVE TESTS OF VARIETIES OF SMALL
FRUITS.

STRAWBERRIES.

The strawberry crop of 1892, in most sections of the State, was
very unsatisfactory. Those beds not fully protected by mulch were
seriously injured during the winter, while drought at the time of rip-
ening materially reduced the crop.

Choice fruit sold for high prices, while the ordinary grades, which
were perhaps not inferior to that of the average season, notwith-
standing the limited supply did not bring more than the average
price for such fruit.

This condition of affairs is a forcible illustration of the necessity
on the part of the grower of employing every means possible
to produce better fruit.

We may give it as an axiom in fruit growing, "That good fruit
increases the demand, while poor fruit decreases the demand." The
more good fruit a community has the more it wants and the prices
rule high when the fruit is of superior quality.

It costs less per quart to pick and market fruit when the size and
quality is superior, aud the successful fruit grower is the one who,
by energy and vigilance, provides the necessary conditions of soil,
cultivation and protection from fungous and insect pests.

In testing the varieties of fruits in the experiment plots, the con-
ditions are made, as nearlj' as possible, like those under which they
are grown by the practical business fruit grower.

These plots are arranged so that each variety shall have, as nearly
as possible, the same conditions. A part of the plants of each vari-
ety are grown in hills while the same number are allowed to grow
into the matted row.

When a variety shows decided merits after two or more seasons'
trial in the plots, it is planted in the field and given the same careful
attention as to yield, etc. as it received in the plots until its value
is established.

To test the hardiness of varieties all were left uncovered during
the winter of 1891 and 1892. The results of the trials for the season
of 1892 are giv mi in the followias table :

STRAWBERRIES.

EXPLANATION OF TABLE.

Sex, p, pistillate ; s, staminate, or bisexual.

Winterkilling is given in per cent.

Yield is given in pounds and ounces foi- 12 plants in hills, and the mean made by 12

other plants.
Quality, m, medium; g, good; p, poor.
Size, V 1, very large; 1, large; m, medium; s, small.
Firmness, f, firm ; m, medium ; a, soft.

Arliiiiiton

Barton's Eclipse

Bfder Wood

Belmont.

Beseck

Bo.vnton

Bubach No. 5- . .
Bnbach No. 24 • .
Bnbach No. 132.

Burt

Cliampion

Chas. DoAvnin^ .

Clara

Cornelia

Crawford

Crescent

Button

Edgar Queen . . .

Eleanor

Enier.'ild

Eureka

Date of
Bloom'ng

.00, May 7

Farnsworth • • • •

Florence

Felton

Gandor

Gandy

Garritsou

Gleiidale

Golden Defiance

Gov. Hoard

Gypsy

Hatfield

Haverland

Henderson

Hinsmore

Howard's No. 6.

Indiana

Jersey Queen . . .

.Tessie

Jncunda

Lady Rusk

London

.06

.16

.25

.00

.25

.181

.121

.24

.20

.15

.55

.161

si .40|

p| -OOL

pj.16

p! -00

sM6i

SI .04;

pj.24

S .28:

s .lOl

si .30

sM2

p:.20

SI .12

.24

.04

.04

.20

.04

.20

.15

.00

.00

.12

.12

.16

.20

.15

Date of
Ripening

Date of

last
picking

" 13

" 9

" 18

" 9

" 13

" 14

" 14

" 9

" 13

" 13

" 9

" 18

" 26

" 14

" 9

" 16

" 9

" 18

" 13

" 5

" 9

" 14

" 18

" 16

" 16

" 14

" 14

" 18

" 13

" 13

" 13

" 13

" 18

" 14

" 13

" 5

" 13

" 7

" 18

" 13 ' "

" 14

"

10 June 29
10 July 2
' 2
' 5
' 2
' 2
10 iJune 29

27

29

July 2

9

2

2

2

2

2

June 29

July 2

2

June 27

July 5

June 27

July 5

" 2

" 5

" 5

June 29

July 2

'■* 5

" 2

" 2

June 29

July 2

" 2

" 9

" 2

June 29 m

July 5 m

June 29 g

" 29 g

July 5 m

" 2 !g

5! 5
6l 3

STRAWBERRIES CONTINUED.

Mammoth ' s

Margaret p

Maltha p

Miami ; p

Michel's Early j s

Middtefleki p

Miller's Seedling s

Miner's Prolitic s

Moore s

Mrs. Cleveland p

Mt. Holyoke s

Our Choice p

Pacitic p

Parker Earle s

Parmenter's Seedling p

Pine Apple s

Pioneer , s

Pomona s

Porter's Seedling s

Price's Seedling is

Pnritau s

Sadie p

Saunders

Seedlinu' No. 6

Seedling No. 10

Seedling No. 11 jp

Seedling No. 23

Seedling No. 24

Seedling No. 28

Seedling No. 29

Seedling No. 3-1

Seedling No. 35 s

Seedling No. 40 s

Seedling No. 41

Seedling No. 42

Seedling No. 44

Seedling X

Seedling XX '.

Sharpless s

ShaAV s

Shuster's Gem p

Standard p

Stayman's No. 1 p

Stayman's No. 2 p

Tippecanoe p

Triumpli

Van Ueman

Viola

Waldron p

Walton p

Warfield p

Williams p

Wilson

Wolverton

Date of
Bloom'ng

May 14

5

5

13

18

18

18

7

18

5

9

16

14

9

13

18

13

9

25

25

19

5

24

13

5

16
13
18
14
5
5
9
5

14
16
9
13
5

13

19

5

13

13

16

13

5

5

13

13

5

13

16

5

24

Date of
Ripening

June 10

7

14
14
10
14
16
17
20
10

8
20
11

8
14
17
14
11
10

8
21

8

14
13
13
12

9
18
11

8

9
13
10
10
11
13
13

8

14
20

8

13
11
14
11

Date of

last
picking.

July 2

June 29

July 2

" 2

June 21

July 2

" 9

June 29

" 29

" 29

" 29

July 2

" 5

" 2
" 9

June 29
" 27
" 29

July 2

" 2

" 9

Tune 29

July • 9

June 27

July 2

June 29

" 29

" 29

" 29

July 5

June 29

July 2

" 2

" 2

" 5

" 2

" 2

" 2

June 29

" 27

July 2

" 5

" 5

June 27

July 9

June 29

July 5

S 9

3

4

P 1

p 4

1

1

5

2113

o:io

115
2 5
9 5
7| 0
312
2i 5
6 3
2 1

lO' 9
511
7] 2
1!10
7(13
413
li 7
313
611
812
2' 8

1211

V li m

1 f
li f
1 f
1 m
1 m
ra

f
1 f
m f

s : f
m f
s f
1 f
m f
m| m
s ' m
s
1
m

f
f
f

vli m

The varieties that on the whole give the most promise of vahie for
home use or for market are as follows :

Beder Wood. This variety has proved one of the best very early
berries fur general cultivation, and, especially, as a fertilizer for very
early pistillate kinds. It is not quite as large as the market de-
mands, but it runs larger in size than the Crescent and Haverland
and is very productive and of good quality.

Belmont. In a rich soil, and under very favorable condikions,
this variety has given good satisfaction, but under the ordinary
average conditions it is unprofitable.

Bubach, No. 5. The large size of the fruit. liardii>ess of the plant
and its productiveness, render this variety valuable for a near
market. It is not, however, a perfect berry, being soft and not of
the best quality.

Edgar Queen. This variety has fruited with us only one year,
but its vigor of plant, large size of fruit, productiveness and good
quality make it very promising.

\\Haverland. As an early, productive variety, of good size and
quality, this is one of the best. It has long slender fruit stalks that
lie upon the ground, so that the fruit is often injured by comiug in
contact with the soil.

Martha. This was one of the most noticeable varieties in the plots
when it fruited for the first time in 1892. Medium in size, wonder-
fully productive, of good color and quality, if it continues to do
as well in the future, it will be a valuable addition to our list of
market berries.

Parker Earle. On account of its vigor of plant, productiveness
and lateness in ripening, this variety is becoming well established as
profitable for market. It is one of the best for hill culture.

Parmenter's Seedlir^g. When in blossom and while the fruit is
small, this variety has stood ahead of all others in promise of produc-
tiveness, but it lacks the vigor of growth to perfect its crop. Under
other conditions it may prove more valuable.

Seedling No. 24. This chance seedling has attracted considerable
attention in some sections. It is as late as the Gandy, as large, of
perfect form and more productive than the latter vaiiety. The berry
is firm, of perfect form, and fair quality, but the hull often separates
from the berry in picking. Its firmness, however, is such that even
in this state, it ships a long distance in good condition.

Wolverton. This variety fruited with us for the first time the past

season and proved, perhaps, more promising than any other kind.
Further tests, however, must be made to determine its merits.
Leaf Blight.

Scarcely a variety grown suffered as much with this disease the
past season as in previous summers. To ensure freedom from injury
by this disease, the Bordeaux mixture should be used ; 1st, as soon
as the new leaves begin to appear, 2d, just before the blossoms open
and 3d, in a much diluted form just before the first fruit ripens. If
the plantation is allowed to fruit more than one year, spraying should
be done twice, at an interval of two or three weeks, alter the fruit
has been gathered.

New plantations should be sprayed twice or three times during the
month of July, according to the weather. If dry weather prevails,
two applications will be all that are needed, but if it should be warm
and moist, at least three should be made.

Insects {Spotted Paria).

This little insect, known as the '' Strawberry flea," among many
growers, has appeared in some sections of the State and is doing
serious injury. The beetle is about |- of an inch long by ^^ wide, of
a dark brown color, each wing cover being spotted with two black
spots, and is only seen by close examination. Its presence may be
easily detected by the new leaves being full of small holes, like "shot
holes," which they have made. They sometimes appear in such
numbers as to destroy all the leaves, especially on old beds. The
only remedies found thus far to be of any value are to use Paris
green with the two first applications of the Bordeaux mixture, 1 lb.
to 200 gallons of the mixture, (tJiis should never he used after the
blossoms have opened) and to plow under all old plants as soon as the
fruit has been gathered. The second remedy necessitates the annual
planting of new beds, but this is thought to be the more profitable
method by many large growers.

RASPBERRIES.

The winter of 1892 was especially severe on the canes of the red
raspberries and scarcely a plantation could be found in the State
where most of the canes were not winter-killed. At what time during
the winter the injury occurred, it is not easy to determine, on account
of the difficulty in ascertaining whether the canes are injured
until they begin to grow, but it is probable that it was done during
severe drying winds when the canes and ground were frozen.

10

To prevent this injury and to ensure a crop every year the canes
must be bent over and covered with soil. One or two plantations
where tlie soil was heavily mulched report but little injury, while
several others similarly treated were as seriously injured as where not
mulched at all. The labor of covering is small, and if the work is
properly done certain protection is secured.

The following table gives the comparative results of the trial of the
difflerent varieties during the past season.

RED RASPBERRIES.

In this table 1 indicates the greatest perfection of quality,
freedom from disease.

etc., and greatest

Date of Date of
Blooming Ripening

:t;

—

c:

<y

4

1

8

3

1

5

3

5

4

2

2

6

3

3

6

5

7

2

7

3

10

6

10

4

Braiiclywine,

Crimson Beauty,

Cuthbert, '

Golden Queen,

Hansel, ■

Marlboro,

Rancocas,

Superb,

Thompson's Early Prolific

Thompson's Pride,

Victor,

White Mountain,

iJune 10
.June 9
June 7
June 14
June 7
June 8
June 6
June 10
June 7
June 9

July 5
July 1
July 8
July 12
June 27
Julys
July 4
July 6
July 1
June 27

June 15 [July 5
June 15 July 14

No new varieties have thus lar been found superior to the old
standard sorts. Those to be recommended for planting in Massa-
chusetts are as follows : Marlboro, Hansel and Cuthbert. Thomp-
son's Early Prolific proves to be early and of good quality, but we
were unable to test its productiveness, on account of the injury of
the canes bv the winter.

BLACK-CAPS.

Ada,

Carmau, :

Cluster,

Crawford,

Cromwell,

Earhart,

Hilborn,

Lovett,

Neineha

(Jhio,

Palmer,

Progress

Souhegan, 0

Spriugfleld, 1

Thompson's Sweet, 3

Date of Date of
Bloom- I Ripening
ing.

jJnne 10
1 I J line 7
0 ;June 12
0 Ijune 15
6 [June 9
June 5
June 8
June 6
June 15
June 10
June 5
June 6
June 6
June 4
June 15

July
July
July
July
JulV

July

July
July
July
July
July
July
July
June
July

g

!

s^

T.

K 1

c

>H

<y

2

3

4

1

3

2

1

2

3

1

3

2

G

9

2

5

9

4

1

1

5

1

7

1

1

2

3

1

4

5

3

2

2

2

5

2

8

3

1

6

4

2

4

14

2

The crop of black-cap raspberries was very good, the canes being
but little injured by the winter. Another season will be required to
prove whether any of the new kinds are more valuable than the old
standard sorts.

The only varieties seriously injured by the anthracnose of "red
spot fungus,*' are given in the order of amount of the disease, —
Cromwell, Earhart, Springfield, Thompson's Sweet.

The remedies found most successful for this disease are Solution of
Copper sulphate and the Bordeaux mixture.

Copper Sulphate, 1 lb. to 25 gallons, should be sprayed over the
canes before the buds start. As soon as the leaves are fully unfolded
apply the Bordeaux mixture, and make a second application of the
same before the blossoms are open.

If insects attack the blossom buds before opening, as is reported in
some sections, apply 1 lb. of Paris green to 200 gallons of tbe Bor-
deaux mixture.

Never use Paris green after the blossoms have opened.

BLACKBERRIES.

Unlike the raspberry, the canes of the blackberry, of almost all
varieties, were not injured at all during the winter of 1892 and the
finest crop known for many years was produced in all sections of
New England.

12

For profit, a variet}' must be of large size, vigorous and productive
and ripeu early.

Ill the following table will be found the report of the behaviour of
both old and new varieties :

VARIETY. 1

c

. Li.

Agawani , 1

Early Cluster 1

Early Khig, 1

Erie, 3

Fred, 3

Lncretia, 8

Minnewaski, : 2

Suyder, \ I

Stone's Hardy, ' 2

Taylor, ',2

Wachusett, i 1

Western Triumph, ' 4

Wilson, 2

I

Dale of , Date of i

Hloom- first j

ing. : Ripeuiiigj

June 6
June 8
Tune 9
June 15
June 8
June 9
June 15
June G
June 8
June 6
June 6
June 15
June 8

July 16
July 8
July 14
July 25
July 25
July 15
July 21
July 21
July 30
July 21
July 21
July 30
July 30

i

1

JU

10

1

8

9

4

8

10

3

7

G

9

5

10

1

9

Again we have to report the Agawam and Taylor as being the most
satisfactory.

The Erie is a large fruited variety, bat on account of its late ripen-
ing and poor quality will not prove profitable.

The Snyder is very hardy, vigorous, productive, of good quality
and is valuable for a local market, but in shipping to market where
the fruit must stand from one to two days it so changes color as to
be very unsalable.

The Wachusett has become so subject to disease that in most
localities it must be discarded. Spraying as for the black-cap rasp-
berry, should be practiced on all varieties to prevent the develop-
ment of the yellow rust so common to the last mentioned variety.

THE GRAPE.

Another season has passed in which the grape has generally
escaped fungous diseases, and frosts held off until October, enabling
almost all varieties to ripen perfectly. Upon high land, with south-
ern exposure, frosts seldom destroy the foliage until near the 1st of
October and there are few seasons when most varieties of out-door
grapes are not well ripened by that time.

18

On elevated land the vine is less subject to the attack of mildew
and rot, and with the sharp competition with western growers, no one
can hope for success in grape growing, unless the most favorable
locations are selected.

The vineyard set apart for purposes of experiment on the college
grounds is located on somewhat elevated ground, sloping slightly to
the southwest. Two or more vines of the same variety are planted
side by side, one of which is subject to sjiecial treatment for fun-
gous diseases or insect pests while the other is used as a check, for
comparison.

Records are made of the treatment and condition of the vines at
frequent intervals, and in the fruit cellar the keeping qualities are
determined by examinations made about once in two weeks.

The following table gives the average records of the season.

Explanation of Table. 1 stands for perfection of quality, hardiness, and freedom from
disease, etc., while 10 indicates the opposite qualities; I stands for large, s small, m
medium, b black, r red and w white.

Agawam (Rogers No. 15)

Amber,

Amber Queen,

Antoinette,

Armenia (Rogers No. 39)

Arnold's No. 1,

Arnold's No. 2,

Angnsta,

August Giant

Bacchus,

Barry (Rogers No. 43),.

Beauty,

Belinda

Berckman

Black Eagle,

Brighton,

Catawba,

Caywoods No. 50,

Centennial,

Champion,

Charter Oak,

Clinton

Concord,

Concord Muscat,

Cottage,

Creveling,

Cynthiana,

Delaware,

Delaware Muscat

Diana,

Eaton,

Enrly Victor, • • •

Eldorndo,

Elsinburgh,

Elvira,

Empire

Essex (Rogers No. 41), -

Esther, . .t

Etta,

Excelsior,

Faith,

Goethe (Rogers No. )),.

Golden Drop,

Golden Gem

Grein's Golden,

Grein's No. 2,

Hartford Prolific,

Hayes,

Herbert (Rogers No. 44;

Highland,

Ideal,

lona,

Janesville,

Jefferson, . .

Jessica,

Jewell,

Lady,

Lady Washington,

1

2

4

6

4

6

8

a

1

2

2

3

4

4

6

7

2

7

3

5

2

3

8

8

9

8

2

4

2

4

1

1

1

1

5

8

2

7

6

10

10

6

2

2

3

7

4

8

7

9

6

7

1

3

1

2

3

6

1

1

3

7

3

8

2

5

2

4

4

5

4

6

2

3

1

5

5

4

3

8

2

8

1

1

4

5

4

5

4

7

6

6

2

8

4

7

I

1

1

1

1

4

]

1

2

7

1

1

2

6

2

3

5

8

5

7

GRAPES CONTINUED.

Lee's Prolific, 1

Lindley (Rogers No. 9) 1

Martha, 1

Massasoit (Rogers No. 3) 1

Merrimac (Rogers No. I'J) 2

Mills, 3

Moutifore, 1

Moore's Diamond, 1

Moore's Early , 1

Mover, 1

Nectar, 4

Niagara, 2

Norfolk, 2

Norman, 2

Northern Muscat, 2

Norton's, 1

Oneida, 2

Oriental, 2

Peabody, 1

Pearl, 3

Perkins, 1

Pizzaro, 4

Pocklington, ; 2

Ponghkeepsie, 2

Prentis, 2

Rebecca, 3

Requa (Rogers No. 28), 3

Rochester, 1

Rockwood , 1

Rogers No. 30, 1

Rogers No. 32, 1

Rogers No. 33, ' 2

Rogers No. 34, 1

Salem (Rogers No. 53) , 1

Secretary 3

Seedling No. 5, ' 3

Seedling No. 7, i 2

Seedling No. 9, l 4

Seedling No. 10, 5

Seedling No. 15, I 2

Seedling No. 18, j 6

Seedling No. 19, 4

Seedling No. 42, 8

Seedling No. 44, 1

Telegraph, 1

Transparent, 4

Triumph, 3

Ulster, 3

Vergennes, 1

Vicroria, I

Walter, 5

Wilder (Rogers No. 4), , . . . 1

Winchell (Green Mountain), 1

■^yitt ! 2

Woodruff Red, 2

Worden, 2

Wyoming Red,

§ t

3

2

m

m

2

m

s

1

m

m

1

I

m

1

m

m

1

m

m

1

s

s

1

1

1

2

8

1

1

1

m

m

1

m

m

2

1

m

1

1

m

1

m

m

1

m

1

1

m

1

3

m

m

Date of
Ripening

Sept. 20
Sept. 26
Sept. 25
Sept. 26
Sept. 26
Sept. 30
Sept. 20
Sept. 20
Sept. 10
Sept. 2
Sept. 20
Sept. 30
Sept. 26
Sept. 30
iSept. 30
'Sept. 30
Sept. 20
Sept. 30
Sept. 20
Oct. 5
Sept. 25
No fruit
Sept. 18
Sept. 18
Sept. 30
Sept; 30
Sept. 26
Sept. 26
Sept. 20
Sept. 15
Sept. 20
Sept. 20
Sept. 20
Sept. 26
Oct. 3
No fruit
No fruit
No fruit
No fruit
Sept. 20
Sept. 20
Sept. 20
Sept. 22
Sept. 12
Sept. 6
Oct. 3
Oct. 3
No fruit
Sept. 26
Sept. 26
Sept. 20
Sept. 26
Sept. 2
Sept. 26
Sept. 30
Sept. 24
Sept. 15

16

Of^the varieties to be recommended for New England, we give a
brief description :

BercJcman's. This is a small grape like the Delaware in size and
color, but with foliage like the Clinton, entirely free from the attack
of mildew. It is not so sweet as the former, but has more of the
vinous tlavor.

Brighton. An earl}- grape producing large bunches of medium
sized berries of the best quality. The vine is hardy and little sub-
ject to attack from mildew. If planted alone it sometimes fails to
fertilize well and only a few l)erries mature on each bunch, but if
planted with other varieties, this difficulty is overcome.

Concord. This variety has not yet been superseded by any of the
new kinds for market purposes.

Delaware. Except for the tendency to lose its foliage by mildew,
this vaiiety would be one of the hardiest and best grapes for home
use or market, and now that we feel sure we can protect it from this
disease by the use of the Bordeaux mixture, it can be recommended
for general planting by those who will attend to the matter at the
proper time.

lona. As a choice table grape of the highest quality, this variety
is one of the best. It can be grown, however, only by close atten-
tion to the use of fungicides, as it is much subject to mildew and
the black rot.

Lindley. (Rogers No. 9.) By the use of fungicides any of these
hybrids can be grown in this section. This is one of the best of the
numerous varieties known as "Rogers hybrids."

Mooters Early. This is the earliest of all the good black grapes
that have been fully tested. Although not quite as vigorous as the
Concord it is perfectly hardy and uiider good care yields heavy crops,
is less liable to injury from fungous diseases than the latter variety,
and has proved profitable for market. A new black variety as early,
hardy and productive and of better quality would be a great acquisi-
tion to New England grape growers.

Winchell (Green Mountain). Of all the new varieties of recent
introduction we think this is by far the most valuable for home use ;
its value for market is yet to be proved. It is one of the first to
ripen, the vine is fairly vigorous and productive, bunch of good size
and berry a little larger thiin the Delaware. In quality it is one of
the best and is a fairly good keeper.

17

Worden. This variety is thought by many to be superior to the
Concord. It is so nearly like that variety in growth of vine, form,
size and quality of fruit that only by close inspection can the differ-
ence be delected. It is certainly earlier and that for New England
is very decidedly in its favor. Some growers report it more subject
to cracking after rain storms.

MILDEVr AND BLACK ROT.

Again we are able to report very decided success in the use of
copper solution in preventing mildew and black rot, and we feel sure
that even those varieties most subject to the attack of these diseases
can be made to grow in perfect health. For the best results we
would recommend the following treatment:

1st. Spray the vines and trelHses and the ground under them
with the solution of copper sulphate, Formula a, before the leaves
unfold.

2d. As soon as the leaves are well expanded spray with the Bor-
deaux mixture one-half strength, i. e. 50 gallons of water to the
regular formula.

3d. Just before the blossoms open, spray again with the Bor-
deaux mixture, adding I lb. of Paris green to 100 gallons of the
mixture.

4th. Soon after the fruit has set, spray again with the Bordeaux
mixture, and repeat at intervals of from two to four weeks accord-
ing to the weather, up to about August ist. Should the weather be
dry and cool the longer interval will be sufficient, but if hot, moist or
rainy, application should be made not less than once in two weeks.
After a heavy rain it is best to make an application at once, if it is
near the time for spraying.

5th. After August 1st, one or two applications of the ammoni-
acal carbonate of copper should be made at intervals of from 2 to 4
weeks, as further use of the Bordeaux mixture would disBgure the
fruit.

PEACH.

The peach orchards connected with this station, and many others
in the State, did not blossom as full as in 1891, but a fair crop of
fruit was set. Generally, throughout the State, the crop was of
greatly inferior quality, owing to the effect of drought and cold
weather at the time of ripening.

The trees experimented with were sprayed before the leaves

18

unfolded, with the Copper Sulphate Solution, formula a, and again
just after the fruit was set, with dilute Bordeaux mixture, i. e., 100
gallons of water to the standard formula. Paris green was added,
1 lb. to 200 gallons, at this time to destroy the cureulio, but very few
of the peaches were attacked by them. At the time of the ripening
of the fruit of early varieties the trees were sprayed once with the
Ammoniacal Copper Carbonate reduced by adding water enough to
make 50 gallons of liquid with formula a.

RESULT.

The dilute Bordeaux mixture and Paris green did not injure the
foliage and may be considered safe to use on the peach, while the
dilute ammoniacal copper carbonate checked materially the rotting of
the fruit, though not wholly prevejiting it.

TREATMENT RECOMMENDED FOR 1893.

1. Spray trees before the leaves or flower buds unfold, with
Copper Sulphate, formula a.

2. As soon as the petals have fallen, spray with dilute Bordeaux
mixture, i. e., 100 gallons of water to standard formula, adding
Paris green 1 lb. to 200 gallons of the mixture.

3. When the fruit has reached two-thirds size, spray with dilute
Ammoniacal Copper Carbonate, i. e., 50 gallons of water to formula
a or b.

4. Should no injury occur to the foliage, spray again in about
two weeks if rains have occurred, if not, no further spraying need be
done until it has rained.

CONDITION OF PEACH BUDS MARCH 20, 1893.

Another winter has passed and the buds are, thus far, much less
injured than for many years. The trees were examined every week
from December 1st to April 1st, and from 50 to 10(» buds of each
variety cut open at a time.

\ The following table gives the average per cent of buds of each
variety that were destroyed March 20lh, 1893 :

Reeves' Favorite,

Wager,

Wheatland,

Crosby (Excelsior) ,

Stump,

Red Cheeked Molocoton, .
Oldmixon,

.015
.005

.0(;o

.022
.060
.015
.010

.120
.072
.144
.040
.102
.100
.204

.245
.095
.182
.055
.IGO
.195
.220

.28
.10
.21
.06
.20
.25
.32

PLUM.

The plum trees in the station orchard have improved in healthful-
ness and vigor during the pa.st two or three years. The crop was
the best for several years and the black wart less abundant.

The trees were treated in the same way as the peach, except that
more Paris green was used for the destruction of the plum curculio,
and the Bordeaux mixture was used at full strength.

Very few warts appeared ; the few found were promptly destroyed
b}" painting with kerosene paste or by cutting out with the knife.

TREATMENT RECOMMENDED FOR 1893.

1. Spray with copper sulphate, formula a, before the flower buds
swell very much.

2. Use Bordeaux mixture with Paris green 1 lb. to 100 gallons,
as soon as the petals fall.

3. Spray again with same in one week or 10 days.

4. Use Bordeaux mixture at intervals of from two to four weeks
according to the weather until the fruit is nearly grown.

5. When the fruit begins to color, spray once or twice with the
ammoniacal carbonate of copper, either formula a or b.

PEAR.

The most destructive diseases attacking the pear are the leaf-blight
and the cracking of the fruit, which are caused by the same parasitic
fungous growth. It appears at any time from July 1st to Sept. 1st,
when the weather is very hot and moist, and if very abundant, causes
the leaves to fall, or, if it attacks the fruit, results in the cracking so
common to the Flemish Beauty and some other varieties.

Both of these difficulties may be overcome by the use of the copper
solutions used as for the apple, except that no Paris green need be
used at the first spraying with the Bordeaux mixture.

The treatment to be recommended for 1893 will be the same as
for the apple with the above exception.

THE APPLE.

Many trees in the station orchard were treated during the past sea-
son to prevent injury from the apple scab and the codling moth and
other insects. All the trees were sprayed with the copper sulphate,
formula a, before the leaves unfolded. As soon as the leaves and

20

blossom huds were well advanced the Bordeaux mixture was used,
adding Paris green one pound to 200 gallons, to destroy the tent-
eaterpillar, bud moth and canker worm. A second application of the
same mixture, with Paris green one pound to 100 gallons, was
applied, as soon as the petals had fallen, to destroy the codling moth
and a third application of the same two weeks later.

At intervals of from two to four weeks the Bordeaux mixture alone
was applied to prevent the apple scab until August 1st, when one or
two applications of the ammoniacal copper carbonate, formula a, was
made.

RESULTS.

The results of this work, an average from all the trees treated,
were as follows :

Per cent of wormy apples on trees sprayed was .17

Per cent of wormy apples on trees uusprayed was .82

Per cent of scabby apples on trees sprayed was .03

Per cent of scabby apples on trees unsprayed was .51

RESULTS WITH COPPER SULPHATE SOLUTION.

There is more or less trouble experienced in the use of the Bor-
deaux mixture, by clogging of the pumps or nozzles, unless great care
is taken in straining the mixture before it is put into the pumps, and
this has led to experiments in the use of the simple solution of cop-
per sulphate which makes a clear liquid from which there can be no
clogging. It is a well known fact that even as dilute a solution of
copper sulphate as one part to 3000 parts of water will destroy the
spores of most of the common parasitic fungi, and many trees were
treated with this solution in two proportions with the following

1. Used at a strength of 1 lb. to 500 gallons of water the foliage
was seriously injured.

2 At the rate of 1 lb. to 800 gallons the foliage escaped serious
injury.

3. It was found that Paris green could not be safely used with
either of these solutions.

4. That the codling moth did less injury to the fruit when
sprayed with these solutions than when unsprayed.

21

TREATMENT RECOMMENDED FOR 1893.

1. Spray with Copper Sulphate, formula a, before the bads
unfold.

2. Use the Bordeaux mixture with 1 lb. of Paris green, 1 lb. to
100 gallons just before the blossoms unfold for the tent caterpillar,
canker-worm and bud-moth larvae.

3. As soon as the petals have fallen repeat the spraying with last
mentioned solution and again in about two weeks, for the codling
moth.

4. Use the Bordeaux mixture alone at intervals of from two to
four weeks until August 1st.

5. Spray with the Ammoniacal Carbonate of Copper once or
twice should the weather during August be moist and cool. If the
weather should be dry no further spraying need be done.

POTATO BLIGHT AND ROT.

The potato blight and rot fungus, which causes the vines to die
before maturity and the tubers to rot, is one of the greatest obstacles
to the profitable growth of this crop in all parts of the country.

The fungus which causes all this injury is closely related to the
grape mildew which we are able to destroy by the use of copper
solutions.

To test the value of these solutions in preventing the potato blight
and rot, a field of about one acre was selected and divided into two
sections with check rows running through the middle. The west
half was sprayed with the Bordeaux mixture one-fourth strength, i. e.
100 gallons to standard formula, and the east half with copper sul-
phate solution 1 lb. to 800 gallons of water.

Paris green was used at the rate of 1 lb. to 200 gallons of the
mixtures.

Three applications were made to each plot at intervals of from two
to three weeks from July 1st to Aug. 28th.

RESULTS.

1. The vines on the east half were all dead Aug. 28th, while
those on the west half remained green until Sept. 16th.

2. The crop was dug Sept. 23d and 24th, yielding as follows :
Vv''est half, merchantable potatoes, 4426 lbs.

" " small potatoes, 431 lbs.

" " less than 1% of decayed tubers were found.

22

East half, merchantable potatoes, 2759 lbs.

" " small potatoes, 494 lbs.

" " about 3% of the tubers were decayed.

TREATMENT REC0M5IENDED FOR 1893.

1. As soon as the potato beetles begin to appear in large num-
bers spray with Bordeaux mixture and Paris green, 1 lb. to 100
gallons.

2. When the larvae begin to appear, spray again with the Bor-
deaux mixture and Paris green, 1 lb. to 200.

3. Continue the use of the Bordeaux mixture at intervals of from
two to three weeks until the tops begin to die from maturity, adding
Paris green at tlie rate of 1 lb. to 200 gallons as long as the larvae
of the potato beetle continue to appear.

For this work the barrel pump, mounted in a one-horse cart, is the
most economical, the horse going between two rows and the wheels
between the two outside rows. From eight to twelve rows may be
sprayed at one time.

RUST ON THE BLACK OR ITALIAN POPLAR.

The black poplar is one of the most rapid and stately growing
trees that we have. There are many trees on the college grounds,
started from cuttings in 1873, that now measure more than 18 inches
in diameter, and up to 1891 were entirely uninjured by any species
of fungous or insect life.

A year ago last summer and fall (1891) the rust came on in such
abundance that the leaves were yellow from the quantity of spores
appearing on the surface, and dropped very early in the season. The
injury to the tree was so great that the immature lower branches
were nearly killed during the winter.

To determine if this rust could be prevented the Iqfc^er bfanches
and leaves were sprayed, some with the Bordeaux mixture and some
with the copper sulphate solution, 1 lb. to 1000 gallons of water.
Check trees were left without spraying.

Five applications were made of each with the following

No rust was found on the trees sprayed with the Bordeaux mixture
and the leaves remained green much longer than those of the

23

unsprayed trees, which were badly affected with the rust. The trees
sprayed with the copper solution were not as badly affected as those
unsprayed.

TREATMENT FOU 1893.

1. Spray the lower branches thoroughly with the copper sulphate
solution, formula a, before the leaves unfold.

2. About July 1st spray with the Bordeaux mixture and repeat
the spraying at intervals of from two to three weeks according to
the weather until Sept. 15th. If it be warm and moist, at the shorter
interval and if clear and dry, the longer one,

3. We would also suggest the same treatment for the European
Linden, which, in some sections, is subject to a similar disease.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 22.

ieE>i»oicT oiv ^i«uia:*s.

OCTOBER, 1893.

The Bulletins of this Station will he sent free to all newspapers in
the State and to such individuals interested injarming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1893.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.
Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell, LL.D., Director.

William P. Brooks, B. Sc, Agriculturist.

Samuel T. Maynard, B. Sc, Horticulturist.

Charles H. Fernald, Ph. D., Entomologist.

Clarence D. Warner, B. Sc, Meteorologist.

William M. Shepardson, B. Sc, Assistant Horticulturist.
Malcolm A. Carpenter, B. Sc, Assistant Horticulturist.
Henry M. Thomson, B. Sc, Assistant Agriculturist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, dh'ectly or indirectly in agriculture, are
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

DIVISION OF HORTICULTURE.

SAMCEL T. MAYNARD.

REPORT ON SMALL FRUITS.

The season of 1893 has on the whole been favorable to a large crop
of small fruits in Massachusetts, although in some sections the
drouth seriously reduced the yield. The season opened late and the
weather during the summer was such, that all fruits ripened consid-
erably later than in 1892. Little or no loss among the small fruits
was occasioned by attacks of insects or fungi, the dry season having
been unfavorable to the development of the latter, while the former
were less abundant than usual.

In this Bulletin we shall confine ourselves to the comparison of the
different varieties of small fruits, especially the newer sorts, reporting
upon one hundred and eight varieties of strawberries, fourteen vari-
eties of blackberries, twenty varieties of blackcap and twenty varieties
of red raspberries.

All of the above were planted in a soil of even composition, each
variety being under the same conditions of cultivation, manuring,
training, etc. The fruit of all varieties was gathered on the same
day and carefully weighed, the comparative size, quality, etc., being
determined by frequent comparison and testing. It is found a very
diflScult matter to determine accurately the place, as to qualit}, that
a variety should occupy, but by the combined results of frequent
tests made by different persons we feel that as far as it is possible
we have arrived at correct conclusions. It is well known that many
varieties vary very much in different seasons and under different con-
ditions of soil and manuring, and in cases where doubt has arisen as
to the value of any variety, its behavior in other localities has been
used as a factor in making up the report.

In the following tables we give the results of the test of those
varieties which have been jdauted long enough to produce a full crop,
leaving many new kinds that have borne only a partial crop for a
future Bulletin.

STRAWBERRIES.

One hundred and eight varieties fruited in our experimental plots
the past year. These were largely new kinds, but included some of
the old standard sorts grown for comparison, all of the inferior
varieties of last season having been discarded.

Twenty-five plants are set in each plot, twelve of them being grown
in hills, while the other thirteen are allowed to grow into the matted
row. The crop was a little later than that of last season. The fruit
was picked, carefully weighed and compared in size, color, form,
quality, etc., with the old standard sorts.

EXPLANATION OF TABLE.

Sex—Tp. pistillate, s. staminate, or bisexual.

Winterkilling is given in per cent.

Vigor of groioth is given in per cent, taking tiie most vigorous plants for a standard
of 100.

Yield is given in pounds and ounces for twenty-flve plants, twelve of which were iiept
in hills and thirteen allowed to grow into matted rows.

Size—y. 1., very large; 1., large; m., medium; s , small.

Form — r., roundish; c, conical; r. c, roundish conical; c. f., coxcomb form;r. c. f.,
roundish coxcomb form.

Quality— g., good; v. g., very good; m., medium; p., poor.

Firmness— i., firm; m., medium; s., soft.

Color — 1., light; d., dark; m., medium.

VARIETY.

t

2
B

1
1

bo

t

1

s

"o

=w

a,

0^

.

^

a

X

s

1

1

2

^
£

H

a

2
.2

J

i

3

E

C

«

s

>■

p

^

E

yA

^

cc

^

<y

E

^

May

June

June

July lbs.

ozs.

Alabama,

S

.00

90

18

. 12

1 14

5 5

2

s

T

P

m

1

Barton's Eclipse,

P

.20

Go

17

13

15

5 10

7

1

re

g

m

d

Beder Wood,

s

.08

80

11

10

12

5 j 8

13

m

r

s

f

m

Bebee,

s

.33

20

19

15

16

9 ! 2

11

r

g

f

d

Belle la Crosse.

s

.18

55

18

16

20

8

5

15

re

g

m

d

Belmont,

s

.12

70

22

14

20

8

4

0

re

vg

f

d

Beverly,

s

.18

100

19

14

16

9

17

7

re

g

f

d

Boynton,

p

.12

75

15

12

14

8

12

6

re

m

f

1

Bubach No. 5,

p

.12

50

19

12

15

5

10

6

I

rcf

g

f

m

Chas. Downing,

s

.25

40

18

14

17

8

8

15

re

vg

f

1

Cornelia,

s

.08

50

23

18

20

9

6

14

m

r

m

f

m

Crawford,

p

.25

25

17

12

12

8

4

2

m

r

vg

f

m

Crescent,

p

.00

60

19

12

14

8

10

11

m

r

m

m

1

Dew.

s

.00

40

24

20

22

9

6

3

vl

of

g

f

ra

Dutton,

s

.08

45

22

17

20

8

6

3

1

cf

vg

f

1

Edgar Queen,

p

.04

60

22

15

15

8

9

6

1

re

g

m

m

Eleanor,

s

.04

45

23

18

20

5

3

1

m

c

g

m

1

Enhance,

s

.00

45

17

13

15

9

11

2

1

r

P

m

d

Felton,

s

.12

60

18

U

20

5

3

4

rf

g

f

d

Florence,

s

.12

60

20

18

20

8

8

0

m

re

g

f

d

Gandor,

s

.12

60

22

15

20

9

11

14

re

m

vf m

Gaudy,

s

.25

70

23

18

20

5

5

8

re

g

f m

Gillespie,

s

.00

65

21

16

17

8

6

12

c

vg

f

1

Glendale,

s

.04

50

22

19

20

8

4

13

c

g

f

m

Gov. Hoard,

s

.04

75

20

14

20

5

9

0

r

m

m

m

Greenville,

p

.00

100

21

15

18

5

18

4

r

m

m

m

Haverland,

p

.00

55

13

12

12

8

10

8

c

g

f

1

Hinsmore,

s

.00

85

22

15

17

5

4

11

r

g

f

m

Howard's No. 9,

p

.04

45

17

14

15

5

4

8

r

g

s

Howard's No. 10,

s

.00

40

15

12

12

3

3

11

r

m

m

Howard's No. 20,

s

.00

70

23

15

17

3
June

3

5

r

g

m

m

Howard's No. 37,

s

.00

35

17

13

14

30

July

5

1

14

r

g

f

Howard's No. 53,

s

.00

65

19

18

20

5

1

r

g

m

Howard's No. 76,

p

.00

55

23

18

20

9

8

6

r

m

f

m

Howard's No. 145,

s

.08

65j

18

14

15

5

6

3

re

ra

m

Howard's No. 149,

p

.00

60i 17

14

15

8

13

13

r

m

s

^ 3

Howard's No. 250,

s

.08

401 16

15

15

5

3

14

r

m

s

1 ^

Howard's No. 278,

p

04

60 22

15

20

5
June

6

2

r

g

m

d S"

Howard's No. 13,

s

.04

60 15

13

16

30
July

4

10

r

g

s

5*

Howard's No. 28,

p

.33

50 24

18

20

8

3

4

r

g

m

1 fo

Howard's No. 87,

s

.08

55 19

14

16

3

3

8

r

m

d 5-

Howard's No. 116,

s

.08

55 22

17

20

8

3

2

r

g

f

ra ^1

Howard's No. 117,

s

.16

65 15

15

17

5

7

6

r

g

f

ra Z

Howard's No. 122,

s

.00

40 22

18

20

8

8

4

1 r|

g

f

1 $
mj o

Howard's No. 157,

s

.08

10!

18 1

16

17

1

1

2

m

c 1

m

m

1

ti)

■w

1

o

be

VARIETY.

^

s

a.

o

<A

"S

o

o

iii

S

>.

s

1

£

>

1

1

2

'i^

1

1

3

1 --

— s-

May

June

June

July

lbs.

ozs.

Howard's No. 300,

.35

15 22

15

17

5

2

8

m

r

g

f

di z

Howard's No. 354,

S

.40

15 22

15

17

3

3

10

m

r

g

f

11
mj g.

Howard's No. 501,

S

.10

25 20

16

17

8

5

14

r

g

f

Iowa Beauty,

s

.18

60

18

15

15

8

14

4

r

g

f

m -

Jncnnda Improved,

s

.00

60

22

14

16

8

10

10

r

g

f

ra a>

Lady Rusk,

p

.20

30

22

18

20

8

8

7

r

m

f

m 1

Leader,

s

.18

30

19

15

16

8

3

2

r

g

f

d 1

Loudon,

s

.12

50

18

16

17

8

9

9

r

g

f

m p

Lovett's Early,

s

.08

35

19

10

12

3
June

6

6

m

c

m

f

m

Margaret

p

.12

40

15

10

12

30

3

10

s

r

P

m

m

Martha,

p

.00

75

20

19

19

10

12

m

r

P

f

d

June

Michel's Early,

s

.12

80

15

11

12

30
July

8

10

m

re

&

f

I

Middlefleld,

p

.20

60

23

16

16

9

7

12

1

r

g

m

d

Miller's Seedling,

s

.04

80

23

19

20

5

2

15

ra

r

m

f

m

Miner's Prolific,

s

.33

20

23

18

21

8

2

9

m

r

m

f

d

Moore,

s

.18

75

22

20

20

8

4

9

1

r

&

f

m

Mrs. Cleveland,

p

.04

75

22

16

17

5

10

8

1

r

m

m

1

Mt. Holyoke,

s

.00

50

19

17

17

8

6

4

1

of

g

m

I

Norwood,

s

.12

25

20

14

15

5

6

3

m

r

m

m

1

Ohio Centennial,

p

.08

50

23

20

20

10

11

14

vl

of

g

m

1

Oliver,

s

.08

95

22

20

24

12

6

12

1

r

g

f

m

Our Choice,

p

.12

70

19

15

20

5

8

15

m

r

m

f

1

Pacific,

p

.04

90

18

13

15

9

14

15

1

re

m

f

d

Parker Earle,

s

.05

90

24

16

20

9

12

8

1

c

g

f

m

Parmenter's Seedling,

p

.04

75

17

14

15

5

6

8

m

re

m

f

1

Pioneer,

s

.20

20

17

15

15

3

2

9

m

r

g

m

d

Pomona,

s

.08

80

19

14

15

9

8

6

1

r

vg

m

m

Price's Seedling,

s

.02

55

17

13

15

5

4

13

s

r

m

na

m

Rheil's No. I,

p

.04

GO

17

11

12

8

22

4

m

r

P

s

1

Sadie,

p

.04

60

17

11

12

8

12

10

m

r

m

f

d

Sandoval,

s

.18

20

17

12

14

5

3

0

m

r

m

m

m

Saunders,

s

.04

35

24

18

18

5

10

15

1

r

m

f

m

Seedlin- No. 24,

s

.18

40

23

20

20

9

7

7

1

r

g

f

d

Seedling No. 34,

s

.04

35

16

12

12

3

4

0

s

r

P

f

m

Seedling No. 35,

s

.12

35

19

14

16

8

5

9

m

r

g

f

m

Seedling No. 4C,

s

.04

75

15

14

14

8

8

8

1

r

f

m

Seedling No. 41,

s

.20

10

19

14

20

3

1

12

m

r

m

~i

m

Seedling No. 42,

s

.00

30

22

16

20

5
June

5

11

m

re

m

f

m

Seedling No. 44,

s

.18

30

22

13

15

30

3

13

m

r

m

f

m

July

Seedling No. 45,

s

.08

20

17

13

20

3

5

10

m

r

m

f

d

Seedling X,

p

.04

35

15

13

14

8

6

8

1

re

P

m

m

June

Seedling XX,

s

.20

20

15

11

12

30
July

1

12

m

r

m

f

m

Sharpless,

s

.12

80

22

15

17

5

9

3

1

cf

vg

f 1 1

i

bp

VARIETY.

a
1

a

"a

1

i

i<

i

.1

o
2

o
1

ci

'6

.

S

s

a.

a

a
.a

1

^

Ph

>

Q

P

s

ij

>^

S

Ph

C

u^

'^

May

June

June

July

lbs.

OZB.

Sluaw,

S

.04

60

23

18

20

8

4

11

1

cf

g

f

1

Shiirtleff Seedling,

s

.00

45

20

14

14

3

4

1

m

r

m

f

1

Shiister's Gem,

P

.04

55

13

12

12

8

10

10

nr

re

g

f

m

Smeltzer's Eiirly No. 2,

s

.04

50

17

12

12

3

4

0

m

re

P

m

m

Standard,

p

.04

40

15

13

17

9

7

3

m

r

m

f

m

Stajniian's No. 1,

p

.04

45

21

14

15

8

10

5

m

re

m

f

1

Stayraan's No. 2,

p

.18

20

22

15

15

9
June

4

15

m

re

m

f

m

Stevens,

s

.04

40

13

^

12

30
July

3

6

m

r

P

f

m

Sunuyside,

p

.04

45

23

16

20

9

12

6

1

r

m

f

1

Townsend's No. 20,

p

.00

50

23

15

20

8

10

12

1

r

g

f

d

Triumpli,

s

.04

10

18

14

20

3

June

30

2

0

1

r

g

m

d

Van Deman,

s

.12

15

15

10

12

3

7

1

r

g

m

d

July

Waldron,

p

.08

25

20

15

15

5

3

14

m

r

m

f

1

Walton,

p

.08

25

15

14

17

8

3

8

1

c

m

f

1

War field,

p

.00

35

15

11

12

3

11

12

m

re

m

m

d

West Lawn,

p

.00

40

20

14

15

3

7

2

1

re

m

f

m

Williams,

s

.00

35

22

14

16

5
June

10

'

1

re

g

f

d

Wilson,

s

.04

25

15

14

15

30
July

4

1

m

r

m

m

d

Wolverton,

s

.00

55

22

15

16

5

10

15

1

re

g

f

m

Yale,

s

.00

10

22

18

20

8

5

8

m

r

g

f

m

Yankee Doodle,

p

.00

25

22

14

17

3

5

1

r

g

f

1

The above table gives the behavior of all the varieties as far as can
done by figures, but the following deserve special mention :

Beder Wood. We still place this at the head of the list of very
early berries and as a fertilizer for the early pistillate varieties. In
quality and size it is not up to the standard demanded by our best
markets, and during the fall it has shown some rast on the foliage.

Beverly. This medium early variety proves very productive,
hardy and of good quality.

Bubach No. 5. Vigorous, productive, and the berry of large size,
it is rather soft for long shipment, however, and not of the best
quality.

Haverland. Very productive, early and of good quality, but the
berries are often injured during wet weather by the long weak fruit
stalks bending over so that the fruit rests on the soil.

Iowa Beauty. This is the first year this variety has fruited in our
plots. The berries are large, of good form and quality, and the
plant vigorous and productive.

Greenville. We can but wish that this variety was of better
quality. It is very vigorous and productive and will probably be
profitable for market.

MicheVs Early. Ripening with the Beder Wood, it is of good
quality and will be valuable for home use, though not for a too
critical market, on account of its rather small size.

Mrs. Cleveland. Berries of fine color and good quality, and the
plant vigorous and fairly productive.

Pacific. Vigorous, fairly productive, and of good size and quality.

Parker Earle. Very vigorous, but late in ripening, productive and
the berry of good size, form and quality.

Rheils JVo. 1. This gave the largest yield of any variety fruiting
the past season, but the berry was rather small and not of good quality

Shuster's Gem. A very early variety resembling Michel's Early,
but a little more productive and valuable for home use.

Warfield. This very vigorous and hardy variety produces large
crops of berries of medium size, but rather poor quality. The color
and form are good and it proves a profitable market sort where berries
of extra size are not demanded.

Of the new varieties planted in the spring of 1893, but not yet
fruited sufficiently to determine their value, we would mention the
following :

Howard's Seedlivgs. This collection, consisting of some six hun-
dred varieties, was originated by Mr. A. B. Howard of Belchertown,
Mass. Many of them show decided merit, especially those originated
in 1890 and 1891 from seed of the Belmont fertilized by the Haver-
land. Tl)ey are the result of cross fertilization under glass, in which
Mr. Howard has shown especial skill, and if they continue to do as
well under other conditions as they have on the grounds of the
originator, we may hope to report from among them a berry of the
finest quality, large size and great productiveness.

Marshall. This variety, originating with Mr. Marshall Ewell of
Marshfield, Mass., has attracted more attention than any variety
introduced for many years. The berries are large, of fine form,
good color and excellent quality and there only remains, in order to
determine its value for general planting, the question of its growth

and productiveuess, and freedom from disease, under the ordinary
conditions of soil and cultivation.

STRAWBERRY LEAF BLIGHT.

All the varieties tested have been grown by the annual system, i.e.,
only one crop being taken from each planting. In this way we have
escaped with very little uijury from the above disease, which is so
destructive to the older varieties, especially in beds of more than one
season's growth. A portion of each plot was sprayed at intervals
during the summer with the Bordeaux mixture, but no marked results
were obtained.

THE " STRAWBERRY FLEA " OR BLACK PARIA.

Rotation and the annual system seem the best means for combatting
the attacks of insects, especially the above insect and the larvae of
the May beetle or June bug. The former probably does as much
injury in its larval state as in its perfect form and the new planta-
tions should be made, if possible, at some distance from the old bed.

THE MAY BEETLE OR JUNE BUG.

The plants set last spring for fruiting in 1894 were somewhat
injured by this insect. The land on which they were planted was
occupied by strawberries in 1892 and after the berries were gathered
the plants were turned under and the land sown with barley. This
crop, after maturing, was plowed under just before winter and early
in the spring the land was heavily manured and set with the new
plants for fruiting in 1894. About the middle of July the " white
grubs " began to work badly and many of the plots were seriously
injured.

The eggs of this beetle are laid only on land where their larvae
can find an abundance of roots of some herbaceous plant like the
grass or strawberry to feed upon, and never where the land is clear
of much plant growth during the latter part of May or earh* June, as
is the case with any hoed crop. If our plants had been set on land
that was free from fibrous roots the previous June they would have
escaped. The larvae require two years to complete their gruwth,and
infested land should never be set with strawberry plants until it has
been clean cultivated with some other crop for one year or better for
two years.

10

BLACKBERRIES.

The blackberry plants came through the winter with little injury
from cold and gave promise of a large crop, but this was materially
lessened by the drouth at the time of ripening. Fifty plants ai-e set
in each plot or row running east and west on a slope to the west.
The soil at the upper end of the row is of a medium loam, that in the
middle a heavy moist loam, and that at the lower end is gravelly,
with a hardpan subsoil, thus giving very favorable conditions under
which to test the different varieties.

This is the third season from planting, and most of the varieties
were in their best condition for fruiting. The plants were set 6x6
feet apart each way, and the land was kept cultivated in both direc-
tions during the entire season. The following table gives the result
of the trial of varieties.

EXPLANATION OF TABLE.

The winterkilling and the amount of disease found on each variety are given in per
cents. The letters used to designate size, quality and firmness are the same as used in
the table of strawberries.

bo

a

—

s

=

§>

>.

s

p

S3

o

fn

is

°

.y-

4i

K

3

n

8

=s

2

>.

1

a

2

s

'-

Ph

Q

Q

5

>H

<y

t^

June

July

Qts.

.00

I

16

.00

35.5

V o;

m

.88

8

19

.00

24.0

P

.08

9

14

.00

9.5

P

.80

9

25

.00

1.9

P

.05

9

25

.04

3.5

P

.90

7

15

.00

16.5

iS

.12

10

24

.00

4.1

m

.00

4

20

.05

28.2

ff

.05

5

21

.00

4.8

P

05

5

24

.00

37.5

V 2:

.10

5

21

.10

16.2

V S

.08

9

26

.00

1.5

P

.40

9

25

.00

8.2

P

Agawam

Early Cluster

Early Kinsr

Erie .^

Fretl

Lucretia Dewberry

Miunewaski

Snyder

Stone's Hardy

Taylor

Wachusett

Western Triumph.
Wilson

11

The following varieties should have specinl mention :

Agawavi. This variet}' has been somewhat variable as to yield
this season. On j'ouug plantations it was less than that of the Sny-
der and Taylor, but on older plantations it far exceeded them.

Erie. This variety was very much injured by the winter in the
station plots, and in other localities it was killed to the ground.
Unless the plants are covered with soil for protection during the
winter, it will be of no value for New England.

Snyder. But for the fact that the berries soon change to a reddish
color after picking, this variety would be placed second on the list of
market varieties, on account of its vigor, earliness in ripening, hardi-
ness a)id productiveness. In quality it is not as good as the Aga-
wam or Taylor.

Taylor. If this variety ripened as early as the Agawam it would
be even more valuable than that variety for market. It is equally
hardy and productive, but is about one week later in ripening. For
home use it is certainly one of the best.

WacJmsett. This variety has been seriously injured by the red or
orange rust on most plantations in the state, and as it is of smaller
size and less productive than the Agawam or Taylor, we would not
advise planting it.

Lucretia Dewberry. Without winter protection this variety will
be of little value in New England, but if the canes are tied to stakes
during the summer, and are laid down and covered with soil or litter
during the winter it can be successfully grown. The amount of work
involved by this method and the fact that some of the high black-
berries ripen nearly as early will prevent its being grown for market.

BLACK-CAP RASPBERRIES.

In our large cities there is legs demand for this fruit than formerly,
but in the smaller cities and towns there is still a good market and
the crop proves profitable. The number of quarts that can be pro-
duced per acre is much larger than that of the red raspberry, the crop
matures in much less time and the cost of gathering is. consequently
less. It cannot be continued on the same land as long as the red
raspberry or blackberry, on account of disease and insects, but as a
full crop may be obtained at two years from planting, rotation is
easily practiced.

The varieties reported upon in the following table are planted upon

12

the same slope occupied by the blackberry and red raspberry, one
variety being planted between two rows of the latter, to keep the
kinds from spreading from row to row, as they otherwise would.
The distance of planting is the same as the l)lackbcrry (6x6 ft.)-
The results given are for fifty plants of each kind.

Explanation : Figures, letters and dates have the same signiflcance as in the table of
blackberries.

Ada

Carman

Cluster

Corinth

Crawford

CromAvell

Earhart

Gregs =

Hilborn

Lovett

Nemeha

Ohio

Pahnei

Progress

Souhegan

Springfield

Brackett's Seedliu

Kansas

Older

Smith's

to

"

«

5

s

SP

be

>>

.2

s

■?.

^

^

§

K

fa

^

«

fi

s

o

^

4:

s

a

o

■^ 1

(L,

Q

Q

Pi

>^

June

July

Qts.

.10

12

17

.00

10.7

.10

5

4

.10

45.5

.05

5

2

.00

62.5

10

7

10

.00

58.1

10

9

o
June

.10

29.5

.05

a

30
July

.50

31.0

00

6

4

.20

25.8

20

8

9

.20

25.0

05

10

.00

138.7

05

7

.00

41.2

.18

11

.40

13.1

03

10

.00

91.6

.05

2

.10

46.3

07

2

.00

36.2

08

2
June

.00

64.0

00

30
July

.30

16.6

00

8

.00

18.7

.05

5

4

.00

45.8

00

4

5

.00

9.7

.05

5

5

.00

10.6

f

f

f

f

f

f

m
f
f

f

f 1 2

I o

f 1 S

13

Among the varieties that have given the best results we would
mention the following :

Hilborn. By far the most vigorous and productive variety tested,
it is of good quality and size, and firm enough to ship well. Its only
fault for market is its lateness in ripening, but this is not an
objection for the home garden.

Ohio. Not quite so productive as the last, and with larger seeds,
but with a little sweeter pulp.

Souhegan. This still stands at the head of the list of very early
varieties, and on account of its earliness is one of the most profitable
for market. If the Cromwell were not so subject to disease it would
be a very close rival, if not superior to this variety.

Kansas. Although this variety has fruited but one season, it shows
so much promise that we give it special mention. It is vigorous,
productive, free from disease, and of the best quality.

RED RASPBERRIES.

One of the most popular fruits in our market, there is always a
demand for choice grades at profitable prices. By the introduction
of new varieties the time of fruiting has been so much extended that
home-grown berries may be found in our markets from the time
native strawberries are beginning to become scarce until blackberries
are abundant.

The canes during the past winter were almost uninjured by the
cold, but in 1891 they were killed to the ground in many places while
in others the plants were almost killed out at the roots, which illus-
trates the fact that in order to secure a crop every year, the canes
must be in some way protected. This protection can most easily
and cheaply be provided by bending them over and covering with
soil. First loosen the ground on the south side of the plants, then
with a hard pull, to loosen the plant a little at the collar, bend the
canes over and throw enough earth upon them to hold them in place.
After the plants of the row or field have thus been bent down, a
heavy^'plow, turning a furrow upon them on each side, completes the
work. The canes should always be bent down toward the south,
that the sun may not shine so directly upon them as if bent toward
• the north.

The following table gives the results of the season's trial :

u

Explanation : Figures, dates, etc., the same as in preceding tables.

Belle de Fontaine.

Brandywine

Crimson Beautj^.

Ciithhert

Golden Queen.. . .
Gladstone

Hansel!

Herstine

Highlind Hard.y

Marlboro

Naomia

Rancocas

Scarlet Gem

Stayman's No. 5

Thompson's Early Prolific

Thompson's Pride.

Victor

White Monntain

Japanese Wineberry.

be

a

■s

^

^

&b

Ch

h:

'S

^

^

5

s

»

a

%

v3

>.

S

.

s

2

9n

^

■^

a

■?

Ph

Q

C

P

><

c

fe

OD

1

-June

July

Qts.

03

10

8

.10

20.8

p

f

1

.05

6

5

.00

33.3

ff

s

S

,0.5

7

2

.00

35.2

ii

s

s

.08

9

5

.00

151.7

m

s

1

0.5

9

9

.00

96.0

A

s

1

.15

8

June

.20

11.1

P

s

m

.08

4

30
July

.00

80.0

Vg

s

m

.10

(J

0

.10

18.7

f?

s

m

.05

8

7

.00

25.0

VS

f

s

.12

5

2

.00

82.5

m

f

1

..50

7

8

.10

12.5

P

V s

s

10

2

2

.10

59.5

m

m

S

10

8

5

.00

18.8

P

s

S

.15

5

9

.00

4.1

m

f

m

|.oa

4

1
June

.00

37.5

vg

f

m

.05

2

80
July

.00

80.0

vg

m

m

.80

12

9

.05

35.0

P

ra

1

.20

12

10

.10

1.8

P

s

m

.75

20

20

.10

0.6

P

s

s

The varieties that lia.ve proved tiie most important arc as follows :

Cuthbert. We think no variety that has thus far been introduced
will yield so many quarts per acre as this. It is rather soft for long-
shipment and not of as good color as the Hausell, Marlboro, or
Thompson's seedlings.

Golden Queen. This proves the most valuable yellow raspberry.
It is especially so for home use, but on account of its color not so
valuable for general market purposes.

Hansell. Up to the present time this has been one of the best for
home use on account of its earliness and hardiness, but it is too
small and soft for market.

Marlboro. Were the quality of this variety better it would be
valuable for home use. It is of large size, early, of good color, and'
under good cultivation productive in many localities and valuable for
market.

15

Thompson's Early ProUjic. As hardy and early as the Hausell,
it is of larger size, as good in quality and nearly as productive, and
we consider it superior to the latter variety'.

Thompson's Pride. Like the last, this variety is perfectly hardy,
vigorous, and productive. In size and quality it is better than the
above and perhaps the more promising of the two, for either home
use or market.

Japanese Wineberry. This variety should be mentioned for its
want of merit, rather than for any value whatever that we have been
able to discover in it. It produces but little fruit and that of very
poor quality, judged by the standard of our red raspberry. As a
curiosity or from a prospective value of its use in crossing with our
red or black-cap varieties it is of some interest, but it never should
have been sent out as a fruit for either home use or market.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 23.

JB>i:,BJOTICO=C UI^T UICB^ .

DECEMBER, 1893.

The Bulletins of this Station will he sent free to all newspapers in
the State and to such individuals interested in Jarming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1893.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.
Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell, LL.D., Director.

William P. Brooks, B. Sc, Agriculturist.

Samuel T. Matnard, B. Sc, Horticulturist.

Charles H. Fernald, Ph. D., Entomologist.

Clarence D. Warner, B. Sc, Meteorologist.

William M. Shepardson, B. Sc, Assistant Horliculturist.
Malcolm A. Carpenter, B. Sc, Assistant Horticulturist.
Henry M. Thomson, B. Sc, Assistant Agriculturist.

Archie H. Kirkland, Assistant Entomologist,

Charles P. Lounsbury, Assistant Entomologist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, are
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

Division of Meteorology.

ELECTRICITY IN AGRICULTURE.
Clarence D. Warner.

The influence of atmospheric electricity upon the growth and
development of plants has long been recognized, but just what the
relation is, experiment has not yet fully determined. To solve this
problem, one would naturally turn to batteries, study the effect of
currents produced chemically, and from these results draw conclu-
sions regarding electricity produced in the atmosphere. Experiments
have been made with plants by erecting tall poles crowned with teeth
having metallic connections with the earth and some good results
have been obtained through this method. In other cases, plates of
zinc and copper sunk in the earth and connected with a copper wire
along which various vegetables were planted have likewise increased
the growth to a marked degree.

Of the experiments carried on thus far, many contradictory results
have been shown. In 1859, Helmert experimented with seeds of the
pine tree, peas and lettuce, using copper and zinc plates connected
with an exposed copper wire ; he found an earlier germination of the
pine tree seeds, but no acceleration in growth ; the peas and lettuce
were much benefited, the leaves and blossoms being healthier and
the peas were greatly improved.

Fichtner experimented in the same manner with barley, peas,
summer wheat and buckwheat ; the increase in yield was from six-
teen to one hundred and twenty-seven per cent higher than in
ordinary culture.

Blondeau found that apples, pears and peaches, ripened and mel-
lowed earlier under the influence of electricity, seeds germinated
quicker, plants grew faster, the stalks were stronger and the color
of a darker green.

In 1882, Tschinkel showed that seeds germinated from six to eight
days earlier in soil through which an electric current had circulated,
the plants having a quicker and healthier growth. Tschinkel thought
this was due to the decomposition of salts and other constituent
parts of the soil.

Professor Holdefleisz experimented with copper and zinc plates and
batteries carrying on the two experiments simultaneousl}', and
selected for this trial sugar beets and potatoes. The row subjected
to the batterj' current did not show any unusual benefit in quantity
or quality, but the row with copper and zinc plates gave an increase
of fifteen per cent in beets, and twenty-four per cent in potatoes.
The cost of the apparatus for this experiment was trivial.

Oberamtman Braune experimented with the copper and zinc plates
and battery currents and his results confirmed those of Professor
Holdefleisz.

The most extensive experiments in the employment of electricity in
agriculture, however, were carried on by Professor Wollny of Munich.
Summer rye, radishes, rape seed and potatoes were selected. He
claims to have received negative results in most cases. He found
no variation in the germination of seed or in the growth of plants.
The potatoes showed an increase of six per cent in quantity and a
slight improvement in quality, and after various experiments. Pro-
fessor Wollny came to the conclusion that direct application of
electricity was harmful to plants.

During the experiments mentioned above, there was little or
nothing done to determine the quantity of electric current used at
any given time. In some special cases, however, a galvanometer
was employed to prove the existence or non-existence of a current,
but there was no apparatus used for noting the exact number of
amperes or volts.

We may reasonably suppose that some plants are very susceptible
to the effects of electricity and thereby would be injured by a small
amount, while other varieties are capable of enduring a strong cur-
rent and even under its influence take on a healthy appearance and
develop an abnormal growth. Hence, it is just as important to
understand the exact quantity of electricity to which the plants are

subjected as it is essential to know the existence of the electric
current.

Some of the negative results recorded by Professor WoUny and
others, may undoubtedly be ascribed to a lack of knowledge of the
exact point where the favorable influence stops and the unfavorable
begins, but as this point may vary with different varieties, intelligent
investigation can be made, only by carefully studying the effects of
currents of known strength.

Considerable work has been done toward investigating the influ-
ence of electric light on the growth and development of plant life,
and experiments in Europe and America (at Cornell University in
particular) show that certain plants are much benefited, while other
varieties are injured or not at all affected by the powerful rays of the
arc light.

Two years since, experiments dealing with electricity only were
begun at this station and the bulletin issued at that time contained
the results of growing lettuce under the immediate influence of an
electric current generated by several cells of the common fluid bat-
tery. The plots experimented with were small, but the results were
so encouraging that it was deemed important to try the experiment
on a more extensive basis. The first garden was not furnished with
electrical apparatus for determining at any given time the quan-
tity of current circulating through the wires, hence, there was no
definite way of ascertaining to how strong a current the plants were
subjected. There were times when the current was stronger than at
other periods, as a renewal of the chemicals would produce a more
powerful action for a season, which would gradually decrease. Thus
the effect of an electric current of a given number of amperes con-
tinued for a specified time could not be determined intelligent!}', for
only the results of the combined effects of currents of dift'erent
strengths could be considered.

To obviate this difficulty it was decided to arrange a garden and
equip it with apparatus by which the current could be entirely con-
trolled and measured. For purpose of comparison, two plots of
ground were prepared, side by side, each 6x20 feet — one to be used
with, the other without electricity. In this paper these plots will be
designated as the electric and non-electric gardens.

The soil was a rich loam, well spaded, and the plots so situated
that the rows of the non-electric were the continuation of those of
the electric garden, with a space of about twenty inches lying between

the two. Around the electric bed, or garden, was constructed a
frame-work, made of 2x4 inch timbers, on which were fastened
porcelain insulators, four inches apart ; a continuous, non-insulated
copper wire (No. 15) was strung on these porcelain insulators, as
shown in illustration, Fig. J , and the whole structure was then buried
so that the wire should be two inches below the surface of the ground.
Near at hand was a transformer, a small house in which were placed
switches, meters, voltmeter, ammeter, reducer and resistance lamps.
The interior of the house, together with the electrical instruments
may be seen as illustrated in Fig. 6. When the apparatus was put
in place, perfect control of the currents was obtained throughout the
whole time the experiment was in progress. Electricity was gener-
ated by the dynamo at the electric light station, the current was
alternating and was applied nightly, from time of turning on the
current at the generating house until after eleven o'clock, or about
four hours daily, from June 10th to October 1st, inclusive.

The following table shows the variation of the current from June
10th, the beginning of the experiment, to July 13th, after which time
the current was at its maximum, viz : thirty-nine amperes, and
remained at this point from July 13th to September 30th. The volt-
age varied from fifteen as a minimum to fiftj'-three as a maximum.

JUNE.

Date.

Amperes,

10

12

11

12

12

12

13

12

14

15

15

16

16

16

17

16

18

16

19

16

20

16

21

16

22

21

23

22

24

22

25

22

26

22

27

22

28

22

29

26

30

26

JULY.

Date

Ampen

1

26

2

26

3

26

4

26

5

30

6

31

7

35

8

35

9

35

10

35

11

35

12

35

13

39

The ground having been prepared, was planted June 8th, with
seeds of the following varieties :

1 — ^Parsnips, Large Sugar or Hollow Crown ;

2 — Lettuce, Silver Ball ;

3 — Carrot, Early Shorthorn ;

4 — Turnip, Sweet German ;

5 — Beet, Egyptian Turnip ;

6— Salsify, Long White ;

7 — Radish, Early French Breakfast ;

8— Onion, New Pearl ;

9— Radish, White Strasburg ;
10 — Turnip, Purple Top White Globe.
The seeds were sown in drills midway between the wires ; no fer-
tilizer whatever was used and if there was any difference in the fertility
of the soil it was in favor of the non-electric plot ; throughout the
period of investigation and study both plots were subjected to iden-
tical treatment, save in the application of the electric current.

As before mentioned, electricity was first applied June 10th, the
current being twelve amperes, as it was thought proper to use a small
quantity at the start, that the effect of the stronger current might be
more intelligently studied as the experiment proceeded. Throughout
the period the ground was kept well watered in order that it might
act as a good conductor. June 11th, the plants in the electric plot
began to appear — purple top white globe turnips ahead. The turnips
made rapid growth, those in the electric bed growing faster than
those of the non-electric. June Pith, other plants broke through the
surface in both plots ; beets appeared in each plot on the 14th, and
on the 1 6th, parsnips were seen peeping through the soil of the elec-
tric garden. A full history of the vegetables will be found in the
following pages, the different varieties being treated in the order
given above.

PARSNIPS, Large Sugar or Hollow Crown.

As stated, June 8th was the day on which both plots were planted
and the parsnips were sown, four rows in each bed, at the end where
the electric current entered the ground. The plants began to appear
June 16th in both plots — electric garden ahead, and from the first
showed rapid growth ; the foliage was rank and when harvested was
nearly twice as high as that of the non-electric plot ; the roots, also.

8

were larger and showed a marked difference in favor of electricity.
Why such rank growth of tops should have taken place at this end
of the plot we cannot say, unless, when the current entered the
ground the plants were subjected to greater electric influence. It
was also noticed that those plants in the immediate vicinity of the
point where the current emerged from the ground by the return wire,
grew faster and were much larger than those at a greater distance
from the electrodes, (The same peculiarity was also observed in the
experiment made with lettuce two years since, and may be found in
the first article of this series, Bulletin No. 16, on Electro-Culture.)
The following table gives the weights of plants at time of harvesting
October 31st:

'ith electricity.

Without electricity.

lbs. ozs.

lbs. ozs.

17 10

Roots,

14 5

17 0

Tops,

10 0

34 10 Total, 24 5

Here it will be noticed that in the electric plot, for every pound of
roots, very nearly a pound of tops was produced, while in the other
case, for every pound of tops, 1.43 pounds of roots grew, but the
difference in the totals is 10 pounds, 5 ounces, in favor of electricity.

LETTUCE, Silver Ball.

The next two rows were given to lettuce, but unfortunately very
few plants appeared. This must undoubtedly be ascribed to poor
seed, for the partial failure was in both plots and especially in the
non-electric. After it was assured that no more plants would appear
these few were left to grow as they would and the remainder of the
space was set out with beets. The lettuce although growing at a disad-
vantage and overshadowed by the transplanted beets, developed with
an apparent difference in favor of electricity. In this case, however,
the plants were not weighed'.

CARROT, Early Shorthorn.

This vegetable was given the third place in the gardens and from
the first grew rapidly, the tops in the electric bed surpassing for a
season in luxuriance those of the non-electric bed. When the roots

n

1 s

i \

FIGURE 4.

iTOUHE 3.

u-

■^-^^2

I'^Sik

■ ._^/:::^

%Mcj^

jjt^

FIGURE y.

were harvested, there was no difference in the weight of the tops
grown on the two plots, although a difference of 12 ounces ap-
peared in the weight of the roots as the following statement shows :

rVith

electricity.

Without electricity,

lbs.

ozs.

lbs. ozs.

13

12

Roots,

13 0

1

8

Tops,

1 8

15 4 Total, 14

TURNIP, Sweet German.

This variety was sown in the centre of the two plots and like all
the others the electrics showed rapid growth at first and for some time
were far ahead of the non-electrics. In due time, however, the latter
took a sudden start, outstripping those of the electric bed, and on
October 31st, when all were harvested, the following results were
obtained, with 6 pounds, 12 ounces, in favor of the non-electric plot ;
also, the roots of the non-electric turnips were larger and better
developed. Throughout the experiment, the plants in both gardens
had a most vigorous, healthy appearance.

With electricity. Without electricity.

lbs. ozs. lbs. ozs.

23 0 Roots 28 8

6 12 Tops, 8 0

29 12 Total, 36 8

BEETS, Egyptian Turnip.

Following the Sweet German Turnip, two rows of seeds of the
above named vegetable were sown, the plants appearing in both plots
on the 14th. Almost from the first the beets in the non-electric bed
led in growth and development. When harvested, (October 31st)
the results given below were obtained :

With electricity. Without electricity,

lbs. ozs. lbs. ozs.

3 8 Roots, 7 8
1 7 Tops, 1 12

4 15 Total, 9 4

10

Or a gain of more than 4 pounds (roots and tops) in favor of the
non-electric vegetables ; here it is noted that the weight of the foliage
differed very little, while the weight of the roots differed largely.
When these rows were thinned, eighteen of the best plants Mere set
in that part of the beds where the lettuce had failed. In both gar-
dens these were planted four inches apart, those transplanted to the
electric plot being placed in direct contact with the wire. This for
a time seemed to stimulate the growth, but the results show that the
non-electric garden produced the best crop.

AVith electricity. Without electricity,

lbs. ozs. lbs. ozs.

6 0 Roots, 7 8

2 0 Tops, 1 12

8 0 Total, 9 4

There being 1 pound, 4 ounces, in favor of the non-electric bed.
It will also be noticed that the foliage growing on the 6 pounds of
roots in the electric garden, weighed more than that growing on the
7 pounds, 8 ounces, of roots in the non-electric garden. Hence it
would seem, that electricity has a tendency to develop the foliage of
plants.

SALSIFY, Long White.

From the first the salsify grew more rapidly in the electric plot
and one peculiar feature was especially noticeable, viz. : That one-
third of the row grew more rapidly than the rest— the foliage was
more luxuriant and the roots developed faster. A search for the
cause of this marked difference was made, and it was found that in
sowing, the ^eed of this one-third of the row had been accidentally
planted in close contact with the wire, while the remaining two-thirds
of the row was two inches from the wire on either side. The exper-
iment resulted as given below :

With electricity. Without electricity,

lbs. ozs. lbs. ozs.

2 6 Roots, 1 10

1 11 Tops, 1 8

4 1 Total, 3 2

In this case the increased weight of roots was in favor of electricity
while there was little difference in the weight of tops.

11

RADISH, Early Fkench Bueakfast.

Next to the parsnips the radishes gave the best lesulls ; they grew
rapidly, the electric gardoi always ahead ; the tops were rank tind
the roots were crisp. July 12th the entire crop was hurvested, care-
fully washed and weighed with the following showing :

With electricity. Without electricity,

lbs. ozs. lbs. ozs.

5 4 Roots, 4 'I

4 5 Tops, 2 14

9 9 Total, 7 0

Or 2 pounds, 9 ounces, in favor of electricity.

The twelve largest roots from the electric garden, with ihe tops,
weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces ; without the tops, 3-4 pound. The
twelve largest roots from the non-electric garden, with the tops,
weighed 1 pound, 3 ounces ; without the tops, 3-4 pound ; that is, in
this case, no difference was found in the weight of the roots.

ONION, New Peahl.

The onion plants came up in both beds and grew finely for a time,
then blasted and not one developed, either electric or non electric,
this being the only rase of all the vegetables tested where no tangible
results were obtained.

RADISH, White Stkasburg.

The White Strasburg Radish seemed to do better than the P'arly
French Breakfast Radish ; they grew faster and developed more
rapidly, and on June 8th the best radishes to be found in each plot
were pulled, washed and weighed. It was found that the six largest
roots taken from the electric plot weighed two ounces more than the
six largest taken from the non-t^lectric plot. They were larger indi-
vidually, the tap root longer, the flesh of a finer flavor, of better
quality, more brittle, and in every way superior to those raised with-
out the aid of electricity. Fig. 2 shows the seven largest electric
radishes, and Fig. 3 gives a view of the six largest non-electric
radishes pulled on this date. Again, on July 11th, six radishes were
taken from the same rows and the scales showed an increased weight

12

in favor of the electric current. August 8th, thirty radislies (the
largest to be found) were pulled from each bed, washed and weighed
as formerly, and those taken from the electric garden were found to
weigh 7 pounds, 4 ounces, against G pounds, 7 ounces, the weight of
the thirty non-electric radishes. The six largest roots of the above
named thirty radishes weighed as follows : Electric, 2 pounds, 8
ounces ; Non-electric, 2 pounds, 3 ounces, or 5 ounces in favor of
electricity. The two largest radishes from the electric row weighed
14 ounces, while the two largest from the non-electric row weighed
10 ounces, or 4 ounces f.-ivoring electricity. One row of this variety
was allowed to continue to grow in each plot and produce seed.
During this time there was a marked difference in the growth of the
entire plant and always in favor of the electric current. Figs. 4 and
5 give a view of the thirty radishes — electric and non-electric
respectively.

TURNIP, Purple Top White Globe.

Last of all in the plots came the Purple Top White Globe Turnip,
and three days after the seeds were sown, (June 11th). plants ap-
peared ; this variety was sown near the return wire and was the first
to break through the soil in the electric plot ; plants in the non-
electric bed did not appear until the 14th. It was noticed that a very
rapid growth took place, the largest turnips growing near the point
where the wire emerged from the ground, the tops being rank and
luxuriant. Photographs were taken of plants from each plot, but
one negative unfortunately was injured and some of the data lost ;
hence, the exact percentage in favor of electricity could not be
determined.

PEAS.

After the French Breakfast Radishes were harvested the ground
was prepared and sown to a small early pea of the American Wonder
variety. In order to test whether the seed coming in close contact
with the wire, and hence the electric current, would be iujured, the
seeds were carefully planted about one inch apart, touching the wires,
then covered with earth to the depth of one inch. The seeds were
planted July Pith and the vines blossomed August 4th. The plants
in the electric plot apfieared above ground three days before those

13

not under the influence of electricity ; the plants in both gardens
grew rapidly, but those in the electric bed developed a finer foliage
and blossomed from three to four days sooner than those in the non-
electric bed. The fruit was allowed to ripen and dry on the vines,
hence, the weight of the green product was not determined, the test,
principally, being to ascertain, (as before stated), whether or not the
delicate seedling would be injured by a strong electric current. Most
of the time the plants were subjected to a current of thirty-nine
amperes with a voltage of fifty-three and at no time were injurious
effects discovered, but rather, strong stimulating power was apparent.

TOMATOES.

Near the electric and uon electric gardens were a number of tomato
plants which had been set in the regular kitchen garden. The
fruit was green and quite well developed, when on August 3d, six
plants were selected in the row, of uniform size and of the same
variety — the Champion. It was desired in this case to determine
whether electricity hastened or retarded the ripening of the fruit and
three of the six plants chosen were provided with electricity in the
following manner :

An insulated wire was placed on each side of these three plants ;
at intervals of one and one- half inches the insulation was cut away
and eight cross wires of copper were fastened to the laterals as seen
in the figure.

P P P. ' •

B

Note.— A and B, termiuals. P P P, cross wires placed among the roots of the plants.

These eight non-insulated wires were placed among the roots of
the plants to be tested and when finally placed in position were three
inches below the surface of the ground. A current of thirty-nine
amperes was used throughout this experiment. Particular tomatoes
on each plant were carefully watched and when the fruit began to

u

turn red, those subjected to electricity invariably ripened three or
four days earlier than those growing in the natural way.

A similar experiment was tried some time since by others with the
same result. The question whether or not electricity would develop
a stronger growth of vines and fruit if applied from the time of
setting out the plants, cannot be answered at this writing, but basing
our opinion on results gained in growing other vegetables with
electricity, we believe it safe to affirm that tomatoes, like any other
plants, would be materially benefited, the effect being to produce a
stronger growth of vines and larger fruit if submitted to the electrical
influence from the very first. However, this conclusion must not be
too hastily accepted as true, for direct experiment alone can settle
the question.

CONCLUSION.

From the summary of results recorded in the foregoing pages the
following may be gathered :

(a) That when subjected to electrical influences some varieties of

seeds germinate more quickly and certain plants blossom
sooner ;

(b) That some kinds of vegetables have a tendency to enlarge

their roots, while others grow a large amount of tops ;

(c) That plants standing near the electrodes develop a larger

growth of roots and foliage ;

(d) That tomatoes ripen sooner ;

(e) That the vegetables experimented with were not at all injured

by a current of thirty-nine amperes with a voltage of
fifty-three, but rather were stimulated in growth.
Furthermore, we would add, that growing vegetables by electricity
can hardly be considered practical. The experiments referred to with
tall poles crowned with teeth for collecting the electricity of the
atmosphere, or where copper and zinc plates were used, cost very
little as compared with the expense of growing plants with the aid of
electric currents generated by batteries or dynamos. Tlie method of
collecting and using atmospheric electricity might be employed with
a possibility of the f aimer being well paid by an increased growth of
cereals and some varieties of vegetables; but when batteries and
dynamos are employed, the cost of instruments, wires, increased
amount of labor,resultingfrom a net-work of lines, in addition to the

15

expense of generating the electricity used, would render the undertak-
ing too expensive for the everyday farmer. The increase in crops
would scarcely pay for the trouble and outlay ; but, be this as it
may, it is very apparent that electricity does to a certain degree
influence the growth and development of plants. What the results
of the foregoing experiments would have been had the plants, during
their growth been subjected to continuous electrical influences cannot
be foretold.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

^OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 24.

THE HOi«IV Pi*rv"^.

APRIL, 1894.

The Bulletins of this Station will he sent free to all newspapers in
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PRESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE.

1894.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the " Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the college
grounds, but having no connection with it.
Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goodell, LL.D., Director.

William P. Brooks, B. Sc, Agriculturist.

Samuel T. Matnaed, B. Sc, Horticulturist.

Charles H. Fernald, Ph. D., Entomologist.

Clarence D. Warner, B. Sc, Meteorologist.

William M. Shepardson, B. Sc, Assistant Horticulturist.
Malcolm A. Carpenter, B. Sc, Assistant Horticulturist.
Henry M. Thomson, B. Sc, Assistant Agriculturist.

Archie H. Kirkland, Assistant Entomologist.

Charles P. Lounsbury, Assistant Entomologist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, dn-ectly or indirectly in agriculture, are
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY.

C. H. Fernald.

During the past season a scries of experiments was performed with
various insecticides on some of our common and troublesome insects,
for the purpose of determining what proportions could be used to
destroy the insects without injury to the foliage.

A NEW INSECTICIDE.

ARSENATE OF LEAD.

This substance was first proposed as an insecticide by Mr. F. C.
Moulton, in 1892, while acting as chemist in Maiden, under Mr. E.
H. Forbush, Field Director, in charge of the work of destroying the
gypsy moth.

The formula generally used in its preparation was arsenate of soda
29.93 per cent and acetate of lead 70.07 per cent by weight. These
substances were weighed out separately and put into a hogshead con-
taining 150 gallons of water, when chemical reaction took place which
resulted in the formation of arsenate of lead, a very fine, white precip-
itate which is much lighter than Paris green.

A series of experiments was performed with this substance on the
tent caterpillar {Clisiocampa americana) , in proportions varying
from i lb. to 150 gal. of water, to 24 lb. to 150 gal., and in no case
was the foliage injured.

June 5. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of 24 lb. to 150 gal., and sleeved in ten
tent caterpillars. This was done by drawing a bag made of cheese
cloth over the end of the branch and tying it on so tightly that none
of the insects could escape. On the 6th, two died ; on the 7th, one ;
on the 8th, six ; and on the 9th, the remaining one died.

June 5. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of 12 lb. to 150 gal., and sleeved in ten
caterpillars. On the 9th, all were dead.

June 3. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of 6 lb. to 150 gal., and the next day
sleeved in ten caterpillars. Ou the 8th, all were dead.

June 3. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of 3 lb. to 150 gal., and the next day
sleeved in ten caterpillars. On June 9th, all were dead.

June 3. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of 2 lb. to 150 gal., and the next day
sleeved in ten caterpillars. The first two died on the 6th, and the
last two on the 10th.

June 3. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of 1^ lb. to 150 gal., and the next day
sleeved in ten caterpillars. On the 6tli, five were dead and the last
two died on the 9th.

June 3. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of 1 lb. to 150 gal., and the next day
sleeved in ten caterpillars. On the 6th, one was dead ; by the 9th,
nine were dead ; the remaining one survived until the 12th.

June 3. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of f lb. to 150 gal., and the next day
sleeved in ten caterpillars. The first two died on the 5th, and the
last one on the 10th.

June 3. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of f lb. to 150 gal., and the next day
sleeved in ten caterpillars. On the 6th the first one died, and the
last one on the 16th, though all but this one were dead on the 11th.

June 3. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of | lb. to 150 gal., ami the next day

sleeved in ten caterpillars. On the 8tli, seven died, and the last one
on the 17th.

June 3. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of | lb. to 150 gal., and the next day
sleeved in ten caterpillars. The first one died on the 6th, and the
last one on the 17th.

June 3. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of -^^ lb. to 150 gal., and the next day
sleeved in ten caterpillars. On the 8th, the first one was dead, and
the last one died on the 16th.

June 3. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of lead
in water in the proportion of ^ lb. to 150 gal., and the next da^^
sleeved in ten caterpillars. One caterpillar died June 6th, one on the
8th, one on tlie 9th, one on the 10th, two on the 11th, one on the
13th, and the last one on the 20th.

CONCLUSIONS.

A careful examination of all the details of this work, some of
which do not appear above, leads to the conclusion that the smaller
proportions, as f pound or less to 150 gallons of water do not kill
the caterpillars as quickly as is desirable, for so much time elapses
between the application of the insecticide and the death of the cater-
pillars, that many of them might wander away from the poisoned
food when not confined ; also heavy rains might wash the poison off
so thoroughly that the caterpillars could recover and pass their
transformations.

The larger proportions seem unnecessary and would, of course, be
rather expensive for general field work, but some such proportions
as 1, 1^, or 2 pounds to 150 gallons of water would prove entirely
satisfactory so far as we can judge from these experiments as well as
from other very extensive experiments which have been performed
on the gypsy moth, both here in the lusectary and at Maiden in the
field.

P^xperiments were performed on the Colorado potato beetle {Dory-
phora decemlineata) , with arsenate of lead in the proportions of J, -^q,
|, ^, f , |, 1, 1^, 2, 3, and 6 pounds to 150 gallons of water. Por-
tions of potato stems were set in bottles of water, under breeding
cages in the Insectary, and nine partly grown larvae of this insect

were placed on each. These experiments were carried on in dupli-
cate, and cages wilh larvae on unsprayed food were placed by the
side of them as a check.

The proportion of f pound and less to 150 gallons of water did not
prove satisfactory, for although many of the larvae were soon killed
some remained alive after eight days.

The proportions above f pound to 150 gallons of water proved
entirely satisfactory, as they killed all of the larvae within three days,
and in no case did the arsenate of lead injure the foliage.

HOW TO PREPARE ARSENATE OF LEAD.

A convenient way to prepare this insecticide is to put 11 ounces of
acetate of lead and four ounces of arsenate of soda into a hogshead
containing 150 gallons of water. These substances quickly dissolve
and form arsenate of lead, a fine, white powder which remains in
suspension in water.

It is highly desirable to add two quarts of glucose, or if that can-
not be obtained, two quarts of molasses to each 150 gallons of water
used, for the purpose of causing the insecticide to adhere to the
leaves.

The experiments with this insecticide both here and in Maiden last
summer indicate that it will remain on the trees for a long time, even
after quite heavy rains.

WHERE TO OBTAIN THIS INSECTICIDE.

The acetate of lead and arsenate of soda from which the arsenate
of lead was made for the experiments at Maiden and also at this
place, were obtained of Billings, Clapp & Co. of Boston, Mass. They
furnish a good quality of arsenate of soda at eight cents a pound and
acetate of lead at fourteen cents a pound in twenty-five pound quan-
tities. It is possible that cheaper grades would give equally good
results. It should be borne in mind that acetate of lead, arsenate of
soda, and arsenate of lead are all poisonous and should be used with
as great care as Paris green.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS INSECTICIDE.

It is too early to say that this is a better insecticide than Paris
green, under all circumstances and for all insects, but it has the

advautiigo of being readily seen on the leaves, so that one can tell at
a glance which have and which liave not been sprayed, which is often
of great convenience.

Another advantage is that it is lighter than Paris green, and does
not settle so quickly, and as a result can be distributed more evenly
over the foliage. Still another advantage is that it can be used in
large proportions, if necessary even up to 25 pounds to 150 gallons
of water without injury to the foliage. Many fruit-growers dislike
Paris green on account of its injuring the foliage. This is undoubt-
edly because they use too lai-ge a proportion, or else because they do
not keep it properly stirred all the time they are using it. If they
should use arsenate of lead, no such trouble would arise; but to
secure an even distribution, this also should be kept constantly
stirred.

ORIENTAL FERTILIZER AND INSECT DESTROYER.

This insecticide is manufactured and sold by Bigelow & Co. of
Chicago, at 75 cents a gallon. The analysis of this substance, made
for me by Dr. Lindsey of the State Experiment Station, indicates
that it is composed of arsenate of soda, chloride of potash, nitrate of
soda, and some caustic soda in solution in water.

A long series of experiments was carried on with this substance
on the tent caterpillar, Colorado potato beetle, and rose beetle, but it
proved unsatisfactory as it injured the foliage very badly when used
in the proportion recommended by the manufacturer, and when used
in smaller proportions it did not destroy the insects.

ARSENATE OF SODA.

This substance has been recommended by various parties as an
insecticide, and it was tested with the following results :

June 2. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of soda
in water in the proportion of 3 lb. to 150 gal., and sleeved in ten

tent caterpillars. On the 4th, the leaves were very badly burned,
and on the afternoon of the 5th, the caterpillars were all dead.

June 2. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of soda
in water in the proportion of 2 lb. to 150 gal., and sleeved in ten
caterpillars. On the 4th, the leaves were very badly burned, and the
caterpillars were all dead on the 5th.

June 2. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of soda
in water in the proportion of 1 lb. to 150 gal., and sleeved in ten
caterpillars. On the 4th, the leaves were very badly burned, and all
the caterpillars were dead on the 7th.

June 2. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of soda
in water in the proportion of ^ lb. to 150 gal., and sleeved in ten
caterpillars. On the 4th, the leaves were badly burned, and the
caterpillars were all dead on the 7th.

June 2. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of soda
in water in the proportion of ^ lb. to 150 gal., and sleeved in ten
caterpillars. On the 4th, the leaves were very badly burned, and the
caterpillars were all dead on the 7th.

June 6. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of soda
in water in the proportion of ^ lb. to'^ 150 gal., and sleeved in ten
caterpillars. On the 11th, the last of the caterpillars died. On the
17th, the leaves were slightly burned and a few days later they were
considerably burned.

June 6. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with arsenate of soda
in water in the proportion of ^ lb. to 150 gal., and sleeved in ten
caterpillars. On the 8th, one caterpillar died ; 10th, two died ; 11th,
one died ; 12th, one died ; 14th, four died; 18th, the last one died.
On the 17th, the leaves were slightly burned.

CONCLUSIONS.

All the proportions of arsenate of soda experimented with, from
3 pounds to 150 gallons down to ^ pound to 150 gallons of water,
injured the leaves more or less. The smallest proportion used, (|-
pound to 150 gallons) while injuring the leaves to some extent,
required twelve days to kill all of the caterpillars, even when confined
where they could obtain nothing to eat but the poisoned leaves.

It appears thei-efore from this experiment tliat arsenate of soda
cannot be used as an insecticide except in exceedingly small propor-
tions, and then the caterpillars live so long that rains are very liable
to wash ofif the poison and they recover from the effects of what little
they may have taken.

PARIS GREEN AND LIME.

A series of experiments with Paris green and freshly slaked lime
in about equal parts, was performed on tent caterpillars sleeved in on
the branches of an apple tree. The spraying was done as in the
previous experiments with the Woodason Liquid Spraying Bellows
which serves admirably where a small amount of spraying is to be
done.

June 5. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with Paris green and
lime in the proportion of 6 lb. of each to 150 gal. of water, and
sleeved in ten tent caterpillars upon the branch. June 6th, one died ;
on the 7tb, one died ; on the 8th, five died ; on the 9th, two died ;
and the last one died on the 14th. The leaves were not injured.

June 5. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with Paris green and
lime in the proportion of 8 lbs. of each to 150 gal. of water, and
sleeved m ten caterpillars. On the 8th, seven died, and the remain-
ing three died on the 9th. The foliage was not injured.

June 5. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with Paris green and
lime in the proportion of 2 lbs. of each to 150 gal. of water, and
sleeved in ten caterpillars. On the 6th, four were dead ; the rest
died two days later. None of the leaves were injured.

June 5. Sprayed the branch of an apple tree with Paris green and
lime in the proportion of 1^ lb. of each to 150 gal. of water and
sleeved in ten caterpillars. On the 6th, two were dead ; on the 9th,
four; on the 10th, two ; on the 11th, the rest were dead. Foliage not
injured.

June 5. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with Paris green and

10

lime in the proportion of 1-1- lb. of each to 150 gal. of water, and
sleeved in ten caterpillars. One died on the 6th ; four on the 8th ;
two on the 9th ; one on the 10th ; one on the 14th : and the last on the
18th. Leaves not injured.

June 0. Sprayed a branch of an apple tree with Paris green and
lime in the proportion of 1 lb. of each to 150 gal. of water, and
sleeved in ten caterpillars. One died on the 7th ; one on the 8th ;
one on the 10th ; one on the 12l,h ; one on the 17th ; one on the 18th ;
and the rest on the 19th. Foliage not injured.

CONCLUSIONS.

A comparison of these experiments with those made on the tent
caterpillar with Paris green alone, in 1891, and published in bulletin
No. 19 of this Station, seems to indicate that Paris green and lime
together act more slowly than Paris green alone. It is undoubtedly
true that the lime unites with the soluble arsenic, forming a com-
pound which is insoluble in water, and this is why it is less injurious
to the foliage, but does it not render it less poisonous to insects? I
do )iot wish to express a positive opinion in this matter without
further investigation.

JAMESTOWN WEP]D {Datura stramonium) AS AN
INSECTICIDE.

This plant has been recommended as an insecticide, and my atten-
tion was especially called to it last summer by Mr. A. I. Hayward
who stated that he had apparent success in destroying cut worms
with it. He informed me that he steeped it in water and sprinkled
it around the plants.

One ounce of the dried leaves obtained from the druggist was
steeped in a pint of water for four hours and this liquid was sprayed
on potato leaves on which larvae of tlie Colorado potato beetle were
feeding, but it did not affect them. It was also tried on rose beetles

11

and the caterpillars of Vanessa milherti^ but entirely without effect.
These experiments were repeated by using the liquid diluted to \ of
the full strength, but without success.

I had no opportunity to try this substance on cut-worms, but I do
not understand how it could kill them beneath the ground if it is
simply sprinkled on the ground, when it did no injury to the larvae
of the Colorado potato beetle even when they were immersed in it.

THE HORN FLY.

{Baematobia serrata, R.-Desv.)

The Horn Fly has now become so abundant in many parts of Mas-
sachusetts and is giving so much trouble that at the winter meeting
of the Board of Agricultuie, held at Great Barrington in December,
1893, it was voted to request the entomologist of the Hatch Experi-
ment Station to prepare a bulletin giving information concerning this
insect, with illustrations and remedies.

The Horn Fly was first described by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830,
from southern Europe, and at the present time is not uncommon on
cattle in England, but is believed to be harmless as stated by Mr. G.
H. Verrall, in the Entomologist's Monthly Magazine, Vol. 29, p.
291, 1893.

The first report of its occurrence in this country, so far as I am
able to learn, was by Dr. S. W. Williston in the Entomologica Amer-
icana, Vol. 5, p. 181, 1889, where he states that the first specimens
of this remarkable fly were sent to him by Prof. Cope, through Prof.
Comstock, nearly two years previous, or in 1887. In 1888, it was
reported in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and
West Virginia ; in 1891, in Massachusetts, Mississippi and Kentucky ;
in 1892, in Michigan, Canada, Louisiana and Iowa, and it is now
pretty well distributed over the United States.

12

COMMON NAMES.

This insect lias been called the Horn Fly because of its habit of
resting on the horns of the cattle. Other common nanies are the
Cattle Horn Fly, the Cow Horn Fly. the Texas Fly, the Buffalo Fly,
and the Buffalo Gnat.

POPUI>AR DESCRIPTION OF THE FLY.

FiGURK 1.— a, egg; b, imago; c, head from the side; d, mouth parts. All greatly
eulargeil. (After Smith.)

This fly (Fig. 1. b) resembles the common house fly in general
appearance, but is much smaller, being about one-third of an inch
long. " It is of a dark gray color with a yellowish sheen, and the
body is covered with minute black bristles. The head consists
almost entirely of the dark-red, silvery-edged eyes, but bears on its
lower surface the black dagger-shaped tongue which is the cause of
so much torture to cattle."

LIFE HISTORY OF THE INSECT.

The female deposits iier eggs (Fig. 1, a) singly on fresh cow
manure, usually during the warm part of the day. The eggs are
about one-twentieth of an inch long and of a brownish color. They
hatch in about 24 hours and the young maggots burrow down into the
dung where they feed, and reach their full growth in about a week,
when thev are of the form shown in Fig. 2, 1. Thev then descend

13

into the grouud where they change to the pupal stage (Fig. 2, 2).
This stage lasts about a week, in the summer, when the flies emerge,
but the last brood of the season passes the winter under ground in
this stage. I do not know how many broods occur in this state, but
Mr. Howard found that the time from the laying of the eggs to the
appearance of the fly was about two weeks, and he therefore esti-
niattd that there were seven or eight annual generations in the region
of Washington, D. C. The flies of the first brood appear in the
spring and succeeding generations occur throughout the summer.

Figure 2.— l, larva; a, inil btigmita, b, niotoi piocesses 2, pupa; a, anal stigmata'
or tubercle — all enlarged. 3, anal luuerule bujI fiiruier enlarged, showing the ridges; c,
still further enlai-ged at 5. 4, motor processes of larva still further enlarged.

(After Smith.)

HABITS OF THE INSECT.

This insect confines its attacks to horned cattle, and not only
worries them during the day, but, according to the observations of
Prof. Smith, keeps it up during the night, whether they are in the
barn or in the pasture. During the early part of the season, and
when they are numerous, they cluster, when resting, around the
base of the horns, often covering them for a distance of two inches
or more. The horns are not the only resting places, for toward night
they are said to settle in vast numbers upon the back, between the
head and fore shoulders, where they cannot be reached by either the
head or tail.

While feeding, the flies work their way down through the hair, so
as to reach the skin, but they are exceedingly shy, and fly away at

14

the slightest disturbauce. The bites seem to produce great irritation
and sores are frequently formed where the animals rub themselves
against trees or other objects.

DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE HORN FLY.

It has been claimed by some that this insect has caused the death
of animals, but there does not seem to be satisfactory evidence that
the assertion is true. A careful examination of the statements to
this effect by Mr. Howard leads him to believe that the flies alone
will never cause the death of an animal. In regions badly infested
by the Horn Fly, stock has often been tormented to such an extent
as to cause the animals to grow poor and to yield a much smaller
quantity of milk than otherwise ; the reduction in some cases is
reported to be from one-third to one-half.

REMEDIES.

As the larvae or young of this insect feed on the partly liquid sub-
stance of the fresh dung, Prof. Smith recommends sending a boy
over the pasture every other day to spread out all the cow dung so
that it may dry quickly and thus destroy all the eggs and larvae in it.
He also states that a sprinkling of lime over the cow dung would
answer the same purpose. Prof. Riley and Mr. Howard, in a special
bulletin on the Horn Fly, issued by the Department of Agriculture,
under preventive applications say as follows : " Almost any greasy
substance will keep the flies away for several days. A number of
experiments were tried in the field, with the result that train-oil
alone, and train-oil with a little sulphur or carbolic acid added, will
keep the flies away for from five to six days, while with a small pro-
portion of carbolic acid it will have a healing effect upon sores which
may have formed. Train-oil should not cost more than from fifty to
seventy-five cents per gallon, and a gallon will annoint a number of
animals. Common axle grease, costing ten cents per box, will answer
nearly as well, and this substance has been extensively and success-
fully used by Mr. William Johnson, a large stock dealer at Warren-
ton, Va. Tallow has also been used to good advantage. The
practice of smearing the horns with pine or coal-tar simply repels
them from these parts. Train-oil or fish-oil seems to be more lasting
in its effects than any other of the substances used."

15

Tliey also recommend spraying the animals with kerosene emulsion
to kill the flies. Mr. H. A. Morgan, entomologist of the Louisiana
Experiment Station, who experimented on the Horn Fly in 1892,
after spraying the animals with six different preparations, one of
which was kerosene emulsion, says he obtained the best results with
an emulsion made the same as the kerosene emulsion, but in which
he substituted fish-oil for kerosene and in the same quantity. He
states that he had equally good results with a weaker emulsion of
fish-oil, made as follows : "Dissolve one-half pound of common hard
soap in one gallon of boiling water, and while still hot add two
gallons of fish-oil, which is thoroughly mixed with the water by
churning the whole solution together for four or five minutes. It
may be thoroughly mixed by forcing the liquid through a large
syringe or force pump for the same length of time. After being
thoroughly agitated so as to have the appearance of milk, dilute,
using 15 to 20 parts of water to every one part of the solution."

NATURAL ENEMIES.

Mr. W. H. Ashmead, in the Proceedings of the P^ntomological
Society of Washington has published the description of a new species
of Spalangia which belongs to one of the parasitic groups of the
Hymenoptera, under the name of Spalangia haematohiae, and states
that it was described from a single specimen reared by Dr. Riley,
Sept. 13, 1889, from the Horn Fly larva. This little parasite is
only about -^^ inch long, but many of the most useful parasites on
other insects are equally small. It is highly desirable that this para-
site should multiply and distribute itself over the country to such an
extent as to hold this European invader, the Horn Fly, in check, and
reduce them to comparatively harmless numbers.

In August, 1892, Prof. J. B. Smith stated that the Horn Fly was
not more abundant in New Jersey than the ordinary cattle fly
{Stomoxys calcitrans) . It is possible that the parasites are at work
in that state on the Horn Fly.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

BULLETIN No. 25.

APRIL, 1894,

The Bulletins of this Station loill he sent free to all newsx>apcrs m
the State and to such individuals interested in farming as may request
the same.

AMHERST, MASS. :

PKESS OF CARPENTER & MOREHOUSE

18 9 4.

HATCH EXPERIMENT STATION

Massachusetts Agricultural College.

AMHERST, MASS.

At the organization of the Experiment Station of the Massachusetts
Agricultural College under the provisions of the Hatch Bill, it was
decided to name it the ' ' Hatch Experiment Station of the Massachu-
setts Agricultural College," in order to distinguish it from the State
Agricultural Experiment Station, already located on the coUege
grounds, but having no connection with it.
Its officers are : —

Henry H. Goouell, LL.D., Director.

William P. Brooks, B. Sc, Agriculturist.

Samuel T. Maynard, B. Sc, Horticulturist.

Charles H. Fernald, Ph. D., Entomologist.

Clarence D. Warner, B. Sc, Meteorologist.

William M. Shepardson, B. Sc, Assistant Horticulturist.
Malcolm A. Carpenter, B. Sc, Assistant Horticulturist.
Henry M. Thomson, B. Sc, Assistant Agriculturist.

Archie H. Kirkland, Assistant Entomologist.

Charles P. Lounsbury, Assistant Entomologist.

The cooperation and assistance of farmers, fruit-growers, horticul-
turists, and all interested, directly or indirectly in agriculture, are
earnestly requested. Communications may be addressed to the
Hatch Experiment Station,

Amherst, Mass.

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Fig. 2. Sprayed.

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Division of Horticulture.

S. T. Maynard.

SPRAYING TO DESTROY INSECTS AND FUNGI.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE SEASON OF 1894.

As the season of growth approaches the question comes to us, in
the form of frequent letters, " What shall I do to protect my fruit
and other crops from fungous and insect enemies?" This question
we shall attempt to answer in this bulletin. The past year has again
demonstrated the fact that we cannot expect perfect products nor
large yields from any crop without doing something to protect it from
these enemies. Seasons differ very much in the prevalence of insect
life or fungous growth, in some the crops being almost exempt from
injury from one or the other or both. During a cool, dry season the
fungi grow very slowly, if at all, while if hot, moist weather prevails
they develop with wonderful rapidity. The same may be said of
insect life, and could we predict with certainty what the season is
going to be, we could frequently dispense with the use of fungicides
and insecticides. But we cannot in auy way now known to science
foretell whether insects and fungous growths are to be abundant or
not, and are therefore compelled to prepare our engines of destruc-
tion and have our insecticides and fungicides ready upon the foliage
and fruit at the time when such enemies are likely to appear.

In preparing this bulletin, our formulas and directions are based
upon the numerous experiments made at this station ; the successful
practice of practical fruit growers in various sections of this and
other states, and a careful review of the work of other stations during
the past season in protecting their fruit and garden crops from the
attacks of insects and fungi.

As these generally appear about the same time it is found ecouom}-
wherever possible, to combine the fungicides and insecticides, there-
by materially reducing the cost.

For general purposes we consider the Bordeaux mixture the best
fungicide until the fruit reaches the size when it will be disfigured by
it, after which the ammoniacal carbonate of copper should be used.
We also consider Paris "reen the best insecticide.

FORMULAS.

BORDEAUX MIXTURE.

4 lbs. Copper Sulphate or Blue Vitriol.
4 lbs. Fresh Unslaked Lime,
25 to 50 gallons of water.

Directions for Making.

Dissolve the copper sulphate in two gallons of hot water in a
wooden tub or pail, and let it stand until cool, or suspend in a basket
or sack in a tub or pail of cold water. Slake the lime with water
enough to make a thin whitewash. When both are cool, pour the
lime through a strainer of gunny cloth or fine wire sieve, into the
copper solution and mix thoroughly.

When ready to use it, add water enough to make (a) 25 gallons,
or (b) 50 gallons of the mixture, and again strain before pouring
into the barrel or knapsack pump. Application should be made
through a Vermorel or adjustable nozzle which will give a fine spray
or mist.

In making this mixture care must be taken that the lime thoroughly
precipitates the copper, for if much of the copper still remains in
solution it will burn the foliage, especially that of the peach and
cherr}', and sometimes the plum.

To avoid this danger, obtain from your druggist a small quantity
of yellow prussiate of potash and dissolve it in water in a small

bottle. Before using the Bordeaux mixture add a few drops of this
substance, and if a brown color is produced add more lime until no
reaction takes place, when the solution will be safe to use upon any
kind of foliage.

If much of this mixture is to be used, five or ten times the quantity
of each substance may be prepared and kept in separate vessels, the
proper quantity being taken out when needed.

AMMONIACAL CAKBONATE OF COPPEU.

Copper Carbonate, 3 ounces,

Ammonia, enough to dissolve the Copper,

Water, 40 gallons.

Directions for Making.

Dissolve the copper carbonate in the ammonia, using onl}' enough
to dissolve all of the powder, and dilute with water to 25 gallons
before using. (The ammonia found at drug stores, and at other
places, varies so much in strength that the exact quantity cannot be
given.) Laiger quantities of the copper carbonate may be dissolved
at a time if desired, but it must be kept in glass-stoppered bottles
until needed. Copper carbonate is rather expensive, but may be
made by taking

Copper Sulphate, 2 lbs.

Soda Carbonate (Sal-Soda), 2\ lbs.

Dissolve separately and pour together. Stir thoroughly and the
copper will be precipitated in the form of carbonate, while the soda
will remain in solution. Pour off the water and dry the precipitate
and use the quantity required as above directed. In this form, not
counting the labor, the cost of the copper carbonate will be only
about one-third that of the commercial article.

COPPER SULPHATE SOLUTION.

1 pound Copper Sulphate,

25 gallons of water.
Dissolve at any time before using, and apply to all kinds of fruit
trees and plants before the buds unfold, to destroy the winter spores
of injurious fungi.

INSECTICIDES.

PARIS GREEN.

While LondoD purple and other substances may be used success-
fuU}' iu combination with the above fungicides, we prefer Paris green
from the certainty of results attending its application. By the use
of the Bordeaux mixture as a medium for carrying and holding Paris
green to the surface of the plant, as well as by neutralizing any acid
that it may contain, very much better results may be obtained, than
if used alone. With the above mixture, Paris green may be used at
the rate of one pound to 50 or 100 gallons, while in water alone it
cannot be safely used upon the foliage of the apple stronger than one
pound to 200 or 300 gallons of water, and on the peach stronger than
one pound to 300 or 400 gallons.

KEROSENE EMULSION.

^ pound of common, hard Soap,
•2 gallons Kerosene.

Directions for Making.

Dissolve the soap in hot water, pour in the kerosene and stir or
churn with a syringe or hand pump, until the mixture forms a smooth
buttery paste. Dilute with water to from fifieen to twenty-five gallons.

SPRAYING CALENDAR.

TUE APPLE.

1st Time. Spray with copper sulphate solution before the buds
unfold to destroy any winter spores. It is possible that the Bordeaux
mixture would have results quite as good or better if used at this
time, on account of its firm adherence to the ijranches and bud scales.

2cl Time. Just before the blossoms open, spray with the Bordeaux
mixture and Paris green, one i)Oui)d to 100 gallons, for the apple
rust, codling moth, bud moth, canker worm, and tent caterpillar.

3d Time. Within one week after the petals have fallen, make
another application of the same, for the same insects and the apple
scab which may now appear if the weather is favorable.

4th Time. In from ten days to two weeks, according to the
weather, use the Bordeaux mixture alone.

Should the weather be dry and the temperature low no fungous
growths will probably appear, when the longer interval may elapse,
but if it should be warm and moist the apple scab is likely to appear
and the copper should be on the foliage and fruit in sufficient quan-
tity to [)reveut its spores from germinating.

5th Time. Under ordinary conditions, during the mouth of July,
only one application of the Bordeaux mixture need be made, and
this should be at from two to four weeks from the last application.

6th Time. After the fruit is nearly grown only the ammoniacal
corbonate of copper should be used, and unless the weather be very
wet one application will be sufficient.

THE PEAR.

1st Time. Before the leaves unfold use the copper sulphate solu-
tion for the leaf blight, cracking of the fruit, and the pear scab.

2d Time. Apply the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green, one
pound to 100 gallons, before the blossoms open, lor the codling moth.

3d Time. As soon as the petals have fallen, repeat with mixture
as last used.

4th Time. From two to four weeks after the last spraying,
according to the weather, use the Bordeaux mixture alone for leaf
blight, cracking of ihe fruit, and pear scab.

5th Time. Should the weather be very warm and moist, make an
application of the Bordeaux mixture from the first to the middle of
August.

If the pear tree Psylla appears, use the kerosene emulsion as soon
as the first one is detected, making a second and third application at
intervals of five to seven days. The best time to make these appli-
cations is probably from May 1st to June 1st.

This insect causes the blackness on the leaves and branches during
the summer and injures the trees very seriously by sucking the juice
from the tender shoots, leaves and petioles. It is so minute as to be
detected only by the closest examination, and our orchards are often
infested and seriously injured before we are aware of its presence.

THE PEACH.

1st Time. Use the copper sulphate solution before the leaves
appear, the same as for the apple and pear.

2cl Time. About one week after the petals have fallen, spray with
the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green, one pound to 200 gallons,
for the plum curculio and shot-hole hmgus.

Note. — Test the Bordeaux mixture carefulhj loith the yellow prus-
siate of potash before using. If it shows no red or hroimi reaction
when a feio drops of this siibstance are poured into it no harm to the
foliage need be feared, but if the brown color appears., more lime should
be added until no reaction takes place.

3d Time. For the early varieties that are subject to the brown rot,
apply the ammoniacal carbonate of copper, about a week before the
fruit begins to soften.

THE PLUM.

1st Time. Treat with the copper sulphate solution before the
leaves appear.

2d Time. Use the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green, one pound
to 100 gallons, just before the petals open, for the curculio and
black wart.

3rd Time. Repeat the above as soon as the petals have fallen.

4th Time. Repeat the same in from five to seven days if the trees
have set a crop of fruit.

5th Time. Spray with the Bordeaux mixture alone, in from ten
days to two weeks.

6th Time. Just before the fruit begins to ripen, spray with the
ammoniacal carbonate of copper.

THE QUINCE.

1st Time. Use the copper sulphate solution before the leaves
unfold, for the leaf blight.

2d Time. After two or three weeks, use the Bordeaux mixture
for leaf blight.

3d Time. Repeat the same application in from two to three weeks.

THE CHEKRY.

1st Time. Apply copper sulphate solution before the leaves unfold.
2d Time. When the petals have fallen, use Bordeaux mixture and
Paris green, one pound to 200 gallons.

3d Time. Repeat the same in from live to seven days.

4th Time. After the fruit has been gathered, repeat the same.

THE GRAPE.

1st Time. Spray with copper sulphate solution just before the
leaves unfold.

2d Time. Just before the blossoms open, spray with Bordeaux
mixture and Paris green, one pound to 100 gallons, making an effort
to cover the clusters of buds with as much as possible, for the "rose
bug" and mildew.

3d Time. As soon as the petals have fallen, repeat same application.

4th Time. Apply same, in from five to seven days.

5th Time. Use Bordeaux mixture alone, in from two to four weeks,
according to the w'eather.

6th Time. After the giapes are from-one half to two-thirds grown,
use the ammoniacal carbonate of copper.

7th Time. Should the season continue very warm and moist, a
second application of the above may be needed, but generally one
application will be sufficient.

THE CURRA^T AND GOOSEBERRY.

1st Time. Spray with the Bordeaux mixture as soon as the cur-
rant worm begins to work. This will probably kill many of the
currant worms and prevent all fungous growths. Paris green may
be used at this time, ij its application does not occur after the fruit
has set, when great danger of serious poisoning would he incurred.

2d Time, Use powdered hellebore, one ounce to five gallons of
water, in from three to five days.

3d Time. When the second brood begins to work, use the helle-
bore as above.

4th lime. When the fruit begins to color, use pyrethrum or Persian
insect powder, one ounce to five gallons of water. This will be more

10

effective if used just before dark. If the gooseberry bushes show-
signs of mildew, use the Bordeaux mixture until nearly grown, then
the ammouiacal carbonate of copper. One application of each will
generally be efFeclual.

THE RASPBERRY AND BLACKBERRY.

1st Time. Use the copper sulphate solution before the foliage
appears.

2d Time. Apply the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green, one pound
to 200 gallons, for the destruction of leaf -eating insects, red rust
and anthracnose.

3d Time. As soon as the fruit has been gathered apply the Bor-
deaux mixture for the leaf blight, which is very destructive to some
varieties.

THE STRAWBERRY.

1st Time. As soon as the plants begin to make growth, spray
with the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green, one pound to 200 gal-
lons, for the leaf blight and the strawberry " Flea beetle " or Black
Paria.

2d Time. Just before blossoms open, repeat the same application.

3d Time. If the bed is to fruit another year give another spraying
of the same as soon as the fruit is harvested. Young plantations
should be sprayed after the first application, as directed above, and
an additional spraying be given them in August.

THE POTATO.

1st Time. As soon as the potato beetle has laid its eggs, spray
with the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green, one pound to 100 gal-
lons, using the barrel or knapsack pump.

2d Time. In from one to two weeks, or when the larvae of the
potato beetle become abundant, spray again with the same.

3d Time. Repeat as above and at same interval.

I

11

POTATO SCAB.

It is claimed by good authorities tl)at by the use of corrosive sub-
limate, one ounce to eight gallons of water, in which the seed
potatoes are soaked, from one to one and one-half hours, Ijefore
planting, this disease may be prevented. We have made no experi-
ments in this line, but, as this disease is one of the greatest draw-
backs to the successful cultivation of the potato, and as the cost of
treatment is so small, we would urge every one to make a careful
test of this remedy.

Corrosive sublimate is one of the most deadly poisons^ and should
be used with the greatest caution, and never be left where children
or irresponsible persons would be likely to get hold of it. This will
also apply to Paris green, London purple, or an\' other arsenical
poison. In the use of fungicides and insecticides it must be borne
in mind that if the season is favorable we may escape injury from
insect and fungous pests, but if we fail to make the application of
remedies at the proper time and the conditions are unfavorable, fungi
may become so firmly established or insects may iucrease so rapidly
that it will be impossible for us to dislodge them before they have
done serious injury. The only safe course therefore is to make the
first applications at the proper time and renew them when rains or
other conditions render it necessary.

REPORT ON POPLAR RUST.

{Melampsora x)02mlina. Jacq.)

For several years the row of black or Itftlian poplars {Popidus
nigra) which extends from the Botanic museum to the main college
buildings, and which have made an almost phenomenal growth, have
been seriously injured by this fungous growth.

It first appears during the hot, moist weather of July and August,
and when abundant and appearing at the earlier date kills many of
the branches. Its work is largely confined to the lower branches
where dew and moisture are more abundant and where the spores
are more likelv to reach the leaves.

12

Soon after being attacked, the leaves assume a yellowish color,
and upon close examination numerous clusters of yellow spores are
seen on the under side. Theso spores are produced in untold
numbers and are soon scattered by the wind. Coming in contact
with other leaves, they so rapidly spread the infection that in a
few days, from the product of a few clusters the whole tree is
affected. The leaves soon turn yellow and fall to the ground, where,
after they have become brown, may be found in place of the yellow
masses of spores, numerous black clusters in which are produced the
winter spores. These, surviving the winter, come in contact with
tlie new leaves in the spring or summer, germinate, and undergo
their round of existence.

RESULTS OF THE USE OF FUNGICIDES.

To check this disease the trees were sprayed with the Bordeaux
mixture July 26th, 28th, and August 11th, and 25th. The result of
this spraying is shown in the following cuts made from photographs,
Fig. 1 showing the trees unsprayed, and Fig. 2 those that were
sprayed.

All of the trees were employed in this test, every other three being
sprayed. In every ease the results were the same, i. e., the three
trees treated having perfectly healthy foliage, while those not sprayed
were badly diseased. The results are not as plainly shown in the
photographs as was actually the case owing to the delay in obtaining
the pictures ; the leaves of the poplar being constantly in motion
several attempts had to be made extending over a period of several
days, before a satisfactory negative could be obtained, and in the
meantime the leaves were ripening rapidly and many had fallen from
the trees that were sprayed.

PUMPS AND mate:rials.

Spraying pumps and materials are now kept for sale by nearly all
dealers in seeds and agricultural and horticultural supplies, and can
be obtained from them at reasonable prices. While there are many
different kinds of pumps advertised, and while nearly all of those put
on the market by the large manufacturers who make a specialty of
spraying pumps, are good, it is best, however, to buy those made as
near home as possible, on account of the repairs and replacement of
parts necessitated by breakage which may occur when least expected.

13

RESULTS OF SPRAYING IN 1893.

The fiiiit trees on the college grounds were sprayed at the regular
intervals during the season, using the copper sulphate solution before
the leaves unfolded, leaving some trees unspraytd for the sake of
comparison. The results of this work we give in as brief form as
possible.

After the first spraying, as stated above, with the copper sulphate
solution, the dates of application were as follows : June 1st and 16th,
with Bordeaux mixture and Paris green; July 12th and Aug. 10th,
with the Bordeaux mixture alone.

Results.

As the season was unfavorable for its growth, little of the apple
scab appeared, but on a few R. I. Greenings it was foimd late in the
season. On the unsprayed trees about 50% of the fruit showed
some scabs, while that from the sprayed trees was not disfigured at
all. On the unsprayed trees, takiug an average of seven varieties,
nearly 50% of the fruit contained the larvae of the codling moth,
while on the sprayed trees only 10% wns affected. The yield of the
unsprayed trees averaged three bushels to the tree, while the s[)rayed
trees averaged from ten to twelve bushels.

Owing to the extreme dryness of the month of June, no leaf blight
appeared on the leaves and no application of fungicides or insecti-
cides was made until it was discovered that the pear tree Psylla had
gained a foot-hold. The kerosene emulsion was applied July 4th
and llth, but it being too late in the season it had but little effect. At
least three applications of the kerosene emulsion should be made
from May 1st to June 1st, to be effectual.

All the peach trees on the college grounds blossomed and set a
crop of fruit, and to protect it from the plum curculio the trees were
sprayed with the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green very soon after

14

the petals had fallen. Tliis applicatiau so injured the foliage that no
further treatment was attempted.

It has since been learued that if more lime had been added to make
the fungicide neutral or alkaline no injury would have taken place.

CHERRIES.

For many years the cherry crop on the college grounds has been
almost a total failure, on account of the wormy fruit caused by the
larvae of the plum eurculio and the rotting of the fruit when almost
ripe. To prevent this condition, the trees were sprayed May 26th,
29th and June 16th, with the Bordeaux mixture and Paris green,
one pound to 100 gallons.

Results.

On unsprayed trees no perfect fruit matured, all being more or less
irregular in form and containing worms, while on the sprayed trees
the fruit wa3 smooth and nearly free from worms.

The fungicide, not having lime enough in it, injured the foliage
more or less, but none of it fell off and the crop was matured. It is,
therefore, important that the yellow prussiate of potash test be used
before applying the Bordeaux mixture on the cherry or the peach.

The plum trees were sprayed April od with the copper sulphate
solution ; May 26th, 29th and June 5th, with the Bordeaux mixture
and Paris green, one pound to 200 gallons; June 14th, July 26th
and Aug. 10th, with the Bordeaux mixture alone, and Sept. 9th,
with the ammoniacal carbonate of copper, for the plum eurculio,
shot-hole fungous, black wart, and the brown fruit rot.

Results.

On all of the sprayed trees, the leaves remained healthy until the
end of the season, few or no warts appeared and the fruit was not
injured by the eurculio, but, owing perhaps to the long interval
elapsing between the last two applications, the fruit rotted somewhat.

On the unsprayed trees the foliage was not as perfect and dropped
oft earlier, moie warts api)eared, and the fruit was entirely destroyed
by the eurculio.

15

III the few cases where warts did appear they were painted at once-
with thick white lead made liquid enough with keiosene to apply
easily, thus preventing the spores that form on the surface of the
warts during the summer, from developing and carrying the disease
to other trees.

Fungicides and insecticides were applied to the Quince, Raspberry,
Blackberry, Currant, Gooseberry , and Strawberry, with successful
results, but the records are such that no exact statement can be
made. We feel warranted, however, in the assertion that if the
routine given in the spraying calendar be followed with good judg-
ment, serious injury to the aliove crops will be prevented.

REPORT ON VARIETIES OF GRAPES FRUITED
IN 1893.

The past season, at this station, owing to tiie hot, dry weather and
the lateness of frosts in the fall, was unusually favorable for the
perfect maturing of nearly all varieties. Fungous growth was also
less abundant and destructive than in former years.

On(\ hundred and twenty-five varieties fruited in the station plots.
Two vines of a kind, whenever it has been possible to obtain them,
have been planted together, one of which has been treated with
fungicides and insecticides, while the other has been kept as a check
to determine the value of the treatment.

In the college vineyard of one acre, where only a few varieties are
grown, numerous experiments in a practical, b.usiness way have been
carried on to test the most promising of the results obtained in the
plots.

The following table gives the results of the examination and obser-
vation relating to one hundred and sixteen varieties which produced
fruit enough for the various tests.

EXPLANATION OF TABLES.

This ta-jle is made on the scale of 1 to 10, 1 indicating the highest
degree of excellence, hardiness, and freedom from disease, while 10
signifies the opposite. 1 stands for large, m for medium, and s for
small.

IG

BLACK VARIETIES.

1-6

1

1 >^

73

>-.

^

0

fr -5

i 5

'^

5

tA.

i&

11

•

= V.

X

PP

•^ =

« .i

•A

s

a>

2

i a.

=^|Q

0

cc

-/3

&

<'^

1 3

ra

S

G

4 5

2

I

1

4

2; 3

5

1

ra

8

2] 3

2

ra

s

7

4 5

2: 4

s

s

7

3 6

1 6

1

1

9

1' 7

1 2

m

s

7

1 2

1

1

3

2 4

1 1

m

m

0

5' 8

1: 1

m

ra

<)

8 10

1] 1

1

m

s

5

2 3

1 2

1

1

3

C. 6

ll 1

m

ra

S

9 9

]

m

111

7

9 9

m

s

y

8 5

ll 2

1

1

4

7 7

1 2

111

s

7

G 8

1 2

m

s

8

2| 5

1 3

ra

m

3

3

7[

1 1

ra

m

8

4

8!

1 4

i

I

2

1

1!

1 2

1

1

3

2

2'

m

m

3

5 61

1 2

m

ra

!)

6i 8|

s

s

2

2

:-5|

1

1 I

3

1

I

2

1 m

2

1

1

1

1 m

7

8

5

1

m 1

5

8

1

s I s

2

2

1

m m
in m

7
9

4
4

5
6

1

1 's

7

3

5

1 m

2

3

7

1

in s

7

(;

6

1 m

3

3! 8

5

m m

4

4j 4

1

1 I

2

3i 5

3

1 1

3

1

2

1

ra m

5

1

1

ra m

5

7

7

m s

4

5

1

1 1

3

2

4

1

m ra

9

6

9

m ra

4

3

4

2

m ra

2

1

1

1

1

2

1

1

3

9

9

Date of

Blooin-

ins.

Date of
Ripen-
ill"-.

Ann Harbor,

Arraeiiia (Rogei-s' No. :',9),

Arnold's No. 1

Arnold's No. 2

Arnold's No. 1(!,

Augnst Giant,

Bacclius,

Black Eagle

Caywood'ft No. 50,

Clianipion

Clinton.

Concord,

Cottage,

Crevi'lin::-,

Cynthiana

Eaton,

Early Victor

Elsinlinrgli

Excelsior,

Hartford Prolific

Herbert (Rogers' No. 44),.

Higliland,

Ideal

Janesville,

Jewell,

Merriniac (Rogers' No. 19,).

Mills,

Montifore,

Moore's Early,

Nectar,

Norman,

Northern Muscat,

Norton's, ■

Peabody,

Pizzaro,

Rockwood,

Rogers' No. 32,

Rogers' No. 33.

Rogers' No. 34

Secretary

Seedling" No. l.'i,

Seedling No. is

Standard

Telegraph

Union Village

Wilder (Rogers' No. 4), ....
Worden,

June 19

" 18
" 22
" 14
" 18

Oct, S
Sept. 14
Oct, 4
Sept, 20
Sept. 28
20 Oct, 5
15|0ct, 10
18|Sept. 12
17Sept, 13
10, Aug, 30
10 Sept. 20
18 Sept. 20
Sept. 15
Sept. 15
Oct, 9
Oct. 4
Aug, 30
Sept, 25
Oct. 14

Sept, 17
Oct, 14
Oct, 9
Aug. 31
Sept. 9
Sept. 20
Oct. 5
USept. 15

25:

15 Sept. 30
18 Sept. 30

24 Sept. 20

18 Sept. 10
17 Sept. 28

19 Sept. 14
19 Sept. 22
18|Sept. 14

19 Sept. 14
14^0ct. 9

20 Sept. 22
ISjSept. 21
14|Sept. 18
10 Aug. 29
ISjSept. 18
19, Sept. 12
19'Sept. 12

17

UFA) VAIUETIES.

Agawam (Rogers' No. 15),

Amber Queen,

Berckman,

Brighton,

CataAvba,

Centennial

Charter Oal<,

Delaware,

Delaware Muscat,

Diana

Essex (Rogers' No. 41), . .
Goethe (Rogers" No. 1). ..
lona,

Jefferson , 1

Lee's Prolific, 1

Lindley (Rogers' No. 9) , 1

Massasoit (Rogers' No. ;]) , 1

Moyer, 1

Norfolk, 1

Oneida, 1

Oriental, 1

Perkins,

Poughkeepsie, 1

Requa (Rogers' No. 28) 1

Rochester, 1

Rogers' No. 30, 2

Salem (Rogers' No. 53) 1

Seedling No. 19, 1

Ulsl er, 1

Vergennes, 1

"Walter, 2

"W'oodruft" Red, 1

"Wyoming Red, 1

WlIlTK Vaiiieties.

Amber, I 1

Antoinette. 1

Augusta, I 1

Belinda | 1

Brilliant, I 1

Concord Muscat I 2

Duchess, 1

Eldorado, 1

Elvira, 1

1
1
1
1
2

Empiie State,

Esther,

Etta,

Faith,

Golden Drop,
Golden Gem, .

m m

I

<y <;

-3 Date of Date of
(5* Bloom- I Ripen-

bo' . .

a-i i

a> i

2

l| 2
3| 3
1 1

4 Jul

m 6

I 5

1 I 8

m 5

m 6
s '10

m 2

m 3

s 5

m 4

m 3

m 6

s 6

5

2

9

1 1

21 1
2] 3
71 5
8 6'

4 G
9 7

10 8

10' 8'
6 S

5 8
2 4
2 3
4| 8
4 3
9 9

18 Sept. 20

19 Oct. 1
19iSept. 2(;
24 Sept. 22
•-'5 Oct. 20
111 Sept. 20
IS Sept. 28
17, Sept. 22
17 Sept. 20

20 Sept. 26
20 Sept. 8
20 Oct. 20
_'.-. ( )ct. .-.

2()SL-|.t. 20
1!) Sept. 20

l::' S. ■!)[,. 2

I'.i Scpi. 20
LM S..pt. 2(1
I'.) Oct. 4
U'Oct. 4
20 Sept. 25
ISJSept. 20
IS Sept. 20
IS Sept. 9
is Srpt. 22
20 Sept. 18

14 Oct. 4
19 Sept. 20

15 Oct. 15

16 Oct. 4

16 Sept. 12

25 Oct. 7
19 Oct. 7
ISJOct. 7
19! Oct. 2

17 Oct. 1
is Ort. 15
24 Sr|.>t. 20
19 Sept. 19
17!0ct. 4
19;()ct. 10
16' Sept. 25
14 Oct. 14
18'Sept. 8
20] Sept. 10
IGSept. 14

WHITE VARIETIES.

Greiu's Golden,

Grein's No. 2,

Hayes,

Jessica,

Lady

Lady Washington, ...

Martha,

Moore's Diamond. . . . .

Niagara

Pearl

Pocklmgton

Prentis,

Rebecca,

Seedling No. 42

Seedling No. 44,

Transparent,

Triumph,

Victoria,

Wilding,

Winchell (Green Mt.).
Witt

1

-d

-c

>v

]

a

S^

u

t^

"3

1 aj

CO

s
P3

>.

0)

i

o

"3

>
S

a

^

ffi

c

M

02

M3

a

<

M

3

m

1

3

7

6

2

m

m

7

5

7

4

1

m

2

8

8

2

7

s

s

3

6

6

4

1

m

ni

4

7

8

4

1

1

3

8

7

1

m

m

6

4

5

4

1

1

1

6

6

2

1

1

3

7

8

o

1

m

6

5

9

1

1

m

1

4

6

7

1

5

I

m

4

3

2

2

ra

m

3

4

6

1

j

1
m

m
m

1

1
3

1
2

5

s

s

8

5

8

5

1

1

6

7

9

3

]

m

ra

5

8

7

1

s

s

(5

5

7

2

I

1

m

2

5

5

1

2

m

m

3

Date of
Bloom-
ing.

Date of
Ripen-
ing.

June 15
14
19
14
21
20
23
19
19
14
20

27

Oct. 1
Oct. 3
Sept. 29
Sept. 10
Sept. 20
Oct. 15
Sept. 30
Sept. 30
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Sept. 28
Sept. 18
Oct. 5
18|Sept. 20
18 Sept. 20
16 Oct. 10

Oct. 7
Oct. 1

12 Sept. 2
14 Sept. 26

CONDITION OF THE PEACH BUDS MARCH 20, 1894.

As in previous years the fruit buds of tiie peach were examined
weekly from Dec. 1st to the expiration of severe weather, March
20lh. One hundred buds of each variety being examined at a time.
The following table gives the results for the winter of 1893 and 1894.

Per Cent of Buds Destroyed.

Variety.

Dec. 30ih,
1893.

Jan. .30th,
1894.

Feb, 30th.
1894.

March iOth
1894.

Craw fords Early,

.94

100

Craw fords Late,

.92

.99

Crosby (Excelsior),

.345

.415

.46

.775

Oldmixon,

.49

.895

.93

.99

Eed-cheeked Melosoton,

.71

.90

.935

100

Reeves' Favorite,

.72

.88

.89

.95

Stump,

.81

.86

.88

.96