The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-02-28

Agricultural experiment stations have
been established in every state of the
union, and some of them are doing good
work. These stations are able 10 pro-
vide conditions for more accurate inves-
tigation of many things than is possible
on the farm. Their investigation Of dis
eases and the needed remedies has value
for all producers. no matter where To-
Gated Feeding tests give us the rela-
tive feeding value of various foods, and
their adaptability for certain ends. We
can learn what food is especially adapt
ed to milk production and what 70 beef.
We can learn the characteristics Of new
varieties of grains and vegetables. If a
certain new wheat is largely advertised
10y a scotsman and our station reports
that the straw is much softer than that
of well-knOwn varieties We are saved
from the expense and loss that trial
would bring US. In many respects these
stations are able to perform practical eX-
periments for us
But there is a class Of work that the
stations cannot DO for the individual
farmer. When much depends upon soil
and latitude the farmer must test for
himself Take commercial fertilizers fer
example. II does not follow that one
farm needs a dressing of bonemeal for
wheat simply because bonemeal does well
a a station. Soil tests of fertilizer are
only local. Neither does it do TO take
the advice Of other farmers who have
"A different soil. Nothing is definite eN-
cept farm test Now we ask whether
# is true that a aiorty Of US do not
fail 10 test commercial fertilizers thor
Oughly? Have we tried various classes,
such as bOnemeal superphOsphates am
moniated supeTphOsphates and complete
fertilizers Have We tested these side by
side in the field. leaving one strip IN
dressed Some farmers have done this.
but it is not the rule. IF we would know
what pays best we must do this.
While il is not wise 10 spend much
money upon the novelties Of seedsmen,
Yet there is pleasure and some profit in
q few tests of new grains and vege-
tables every year. often we find the
novelty inferior to standard varieties.
but on the other hand occasionally we
find one of great merit. IT takes as
much labor to produce an acre Of corn
of inferior quality as one of superior
quality. Much corn has so degenerated
that II is unfit for seed and is Incapable of
producing a maximum yield of grain.
Even if we have an excellent variety it
pays occasionally to see whether more
productive one can be found. So it is
with oats. wheat. potatoes and garden
vegetables. These tests give zest 10 cur
work.
Many farmers are wasting money in
the use of a fertilizer that is not as good
for their soil as some other. or in plant
ing varieties Of grains and vegetables
that are not quite SO productive as some
others. This we know by observation Of
some neighbors. even If we cannot see
the failure i'm ourselves. Experiment on
the farm Influences one To do his best
1t leads to the adoption Of the best
varieties and To the best culture. These
tests lead out of the ruJs, and are fun of
inspiration. We must push on: cOmpe-
tition is severe. The Sentinel urges con-
t1nued plat tests upon the farm both for
the pleasure and the profit that may be
gotten from them.