Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1871 [PAGE 324]

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VII. Experiments in special culture with different varieties of grasses, grains, roots, plants, trees, etc., with variations in the time, distance and depth of planting, modes of cultivation, harvesting, manuring, modes of propagation; and with insects and diseases affecting plants. Experiments in the breeding and fattening of domestic animals, comparing difference, breeds and species, then diseases, etc.

VIII.

We enumerate these to give those who have not given the subject special attention, some idea of the immensity of the labor to be performed. To a large extent, of course, these experiments must be tried by each State, for its own people, according to its peculiar wants and capabilities. To a considerable extent, however, experiments may be tried in common or repeated all over the country. Especially this is true of the culture of certain widely grown plants, such as corn, wheat and other cereals. Accordingly, we submit herewith two or three simple experiments of primary importance and inexpensive character, which we hope to have begun next year at a large number of our agricultural colleges, and prosecuted to final results.

EXPERIMENT No. 1.—1 ACRE PLATS, 2 RODS BY 4—4 FEET BETWEEN PLATS.

Experiment to Test the Variation of Soil on Adjacent Plats.

The plats should be situated on a soil as uniform throughout as possible, and which has not been manured, at least for a number of years. If possible, the soil should be tile-drained thoroughly. The aspect of the whole should be the same, and the slope uniform if possible. In case of lack of tile-drainage, the soil should be naturally well drained; and where there is lack of uniformity in the slope, the differences between different plats should be carefully noted. A separate analysis is desirable of the soils on each plat. The plats should be plowed and otherwise cultivated uniformly at the same depths, at the same time and under the same conditions.