Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1882-05-25
Experiment with Fertilizers.

Experiment with Fertilizers.
FROM PROF. W. A. HENRYs REPORT TO
THE WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE.
In order to ascertain the value of
fertilizers in the production of syrup,
an experiment was planned year ago,
in which the cooperation OF our Wis
consin farmers was solicited. Over
forty farmers agreed to carry out a
simple experiment as | directed. The
following are the directions which were
sent to each in April last.
DIRECTIONS FOR THE EXPERIMENT.
Select in field where cane. is to be
planted three plots of ground, each
containing not less than ten square rods
and lying side by side. The ground
should be as uniform ~ possible in its
composition and fertility. Do not
select soil where one end of the
plot is sand aud the other loan or clay.
No matter which it is, but have it all
of one character. Have the plots, il
possible, long and narrow, say one rod
by ten, or Two by twenty, etc. The
plots should lie side 10y side and should
not be separated from one another or
the rest of the field One plot, No. /,
pillow in well-rotted stable manure of
any kind at the rate of sixteen large
loads per acre-one load for every ten
rods. Plot No. 2, which is to be the
middle plot, has no manure of any
kind upon it. When the cane on plot
No. 3 is three or four inches high APP
ply plaster to the hills or rows to the
amount of one hundred and sixty
pounds per acre, or ten pounds for
every ten rods. The cane is to be plant
ed and cultivated in the same manner
rs the rest of the field. If possible,
weigh the cane of each plot separately
when ready for the mill. Boil the juice
TO a syrup weighing eleven and a half
pounds per gallon, and determine ac-
curately the yield Of each plot. Save
a sample of syrup from each plot for
comparison.
Report to the department upon the
following points:
/. Amount of ground in each plot.
g Character OF soil-clay loan, sand, etc.
B. Is soil naturally rich or poer
a. Number Of years the field has been in cult
walton.
s. Crops grown on field previous year.
g. Whether or not the field was MANFRED the
previous year.
T. Method of planting cane-in drills or hills.
s. Time of planting.
g. Time of ripening.
10. When manufactured.
II. 1ield of syrup from each plot.
IL. Character of syrup from each plot as to
color, clearness ana flavor.
But one of all who agreed to under
take the experiment carried it through
successfully. Mr.. S. B. Chatfield, OF
Adams, Walworth county, makes the
following report:
ADAMS, January 2, 1882
Mr.. w. A. HENRY:
Denr Sir:-l have been so very busy that
have neglected to send samples until to-day. |
express them as you requested. | will answer
those questions TO the best of my ability:
No. |. ] rod wide, 10 rods long.
No. 2. Black sandy loan.
No. 3. Naturally rich.
No. 4. Under cultivation 80 years
No. 5. Sugar cane.
No. 8. Not MANFRED the previous year.
No. T. In drills
No. S. Planted 18th OF May.
No. 8. Rips from 18th to the 18th of Sep
TENDER.
No. 10, Manufactured September 2s.
No. II, Ne. l, II gallons, No. 2, 10 gallons
No. 3, IA gallons.
No. IL The three samples must speak for them
selves.
The samples were indeed interesting.
That from unmanured soil was light
colored, and sugar crystals in consider
able numbers and OF fair size formed
in it. The syrup from the MANFRED
plot was the darkest. Other qualities,
marked in this way, | am very sorry
cannot report on, as Mr.. Chattield's
samples were put on exhibition at the
state cane growers convention, and two
of the bottles were carried of by some
visitor.
1t was most unfortunate that more
had not been as persistent rs Mr.. Chat
field, for untold good would flow from
united work in this way.
If there are any of our farmers who
are willing to try such an experiment
again. shall be pleased to have their
names and will forward directions in
due time.
The importance of united work will
appear plain to all who have grown
cane to any extent.