Farmers' Experiments.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 6 May 1910, Page 4

Farmers' Experiments.

AKIO TIIEY BENIOFIOIAL

The conducting of experiment plots by farmers under the .supervision of tiie Agricultural Department was the subject of a- discussion at the •iniuiiil meeting of the Eketahuna branch of the Fanners' Union on Saturday last, says the local "Express." .Mr Toinlinsun, who had conducted an experiment, under the direction of .Mr Bavliss, Government expert, in the cultivation of mangolds, thousand headed kale and swedes, had not got the satisfactory results anticipated. This had been duo to an unfortunate error on the part of the linn from whom the manures had been ordered. It was iin possible for him to conform to the table of instructions re manures sent by the expert. He considered the experiments would' prove far more satisfactory did the expert supervise the sowing of the seed. Mr Matlieson did not think they should be discouraged because of an error due 'to some careless person. In the 'Saiidon district the experiments were being taken oil enthusiastically. and settlers' had expended as much as £'80 in drills, etc., to carry them out. The principle of experimenting on private farms seemed to him to he a good one. They might have several failures before good results were attained. Mr Toinlinson said he had ascertained that for damp flat land kale did much better than rape. Mr Morriss. who had been experimenting in lucerne under the direction of Mr Havliss, said he had found that gentleman's instructions explicit and easv of comprehension. Mr Calton, who conducted an experiment in the growing of mailgolds, millet and sorgliaum said the instructions received as to the amount of manure and seed were verv plain. Tlie experiment proved a failure in his case, but 'this was owing to the misuitabilitv of the district for the crop experimented on. The experiments had given him an insight into tho way of increasing the productiveness of his land, and he was perfectly satisfied. He regularly received valuable reports from Mr Bayliss, of experiments conducted in other districts which lie circulated among his neighbours. As a result of top-dressing one of his neighbours had doubled the feeding capacity of his land. He considered the experiments were of great advantage if conducted properly on private farms. In answer to Mr Turner as to tho success of his experiment in lucerne, Mr Morriss stated that a splendid crop came up. He was told, however, to cut it down as soon as it commenced to flower. This advice had proved fatal, as half the crop was completely killed.

Mr Matheson recounted an experience in lucerne growing. The crop came up a perfect picture. Immediately ho had fed it off the weeds and rubbish got ahead of it, and the crop was spoiled. If lucerne was to be grown successfully the land had to be free of weeds. Tt was a delicate crop to start, hut when once well started it was prolific and would thrive almost on any