The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1899-08-12
FARMER AND PLANTER.
The Value of Scientific Experiment.
In Order to Test the Capacity
of the Soil.

the value of scientific experiments,
but that time has passed. The work of
the experiment stations in the differ
ent states has made itself SO felt that
the most intelligent farmers now feel
at loss without the bulletins and an
nual reports. THERE'S nothing theoreti-
cal about experimenting; on the con-
trary, it is ESSENTIALLY practical and the
successful farmers of to-day are those
who experiment on thir own account.
Experimenting may be defined as
questioning the soil so as to learn by
means of increased or decreased
yields WHICH special line of treatment
is most ecopomical and profitable.
1t is generally admitted that Guilt
walton, rotation and fertilization are
three of the most important factors in
farming. Every farmer knows the val
ne to his soil of thorough cultivation.
Experience has also taught him that
soil needs a rest from one kind Of
crop, and that it is well to change off
now and then, and still better to select
series of crops and grow them in
regular order. Furthermore, by in
Guiding in this series a legrune like
clover or peas he actually increases
the fertility of his land, and saves
money off his fertilizer bill, which he
would have had to pay for nitrogen.
The third factor in good farming,
namely fertilization, though formerly
not SO well understood as the other
two, is, thanks to the good work being
accomplished by the agricultural
press, experiment stations and farm
ers' institutes, rapidly becoming ia
miliar and ineligible subject among
farmers, and the skillful and mastery
manner in which many farmers dis
cuss the important principles involved
in plant feeding might well make some
college professors envious. IT is true
that the principles involved are not
very complicated, but when II farmer
once understands them and combines
Herewith practical knowledge of
farm matters, he is better equipped
than those who merely have theoreti-
cal understanding of the question.
There is really nothing complicat-
ed about farm experiments. The work
of the experiment stations is neces-
sarily limited to certain lines in diff
ferent states, and as there is large
diversity of soils and climates, it is
not to be expected that one station in
each state can make study of all the
problems which beset the farmer. This
fact has been recognized by many in
fiuential agricultural and horticultural
organizations, and with view to sup
plemerting the work of the stations
they have organized experimental
farms on their own account.
Probably the most typical expert
mental farm in this country is that OF
the North Carolina Horticultural So
ciefy, at Southern Pines, in that state
This farm contains two departments
one devoted to trials with fruits, and
the other to vegetables. The soil is
well adapted for experimental work
being of a sandy nature, and quite uni
form in composition. The work is car
ried on by trained experts and is be-
ginning to attract attention al over
the country. Regular reports and bull
lctins are freely distributed, and the
writer, who has had an opportunity Of
studying them, would advise all broth
err farmers to write to the superinten
dent at Southern Pines and secure
copies. They offer many valuable sug
gestions for experimental work.
There is no reason why every farmer
should not have an experimental farm
of his own on small scale, by devot
ing one of his fields to that purpose
which can be done without disturbing
the regular routine Of his seasons
work. One or two or three rows, as thu
case may be, may serve as one plo'
upon which certain fertilizers can b.
applied, and after leaving another row
for dividing line, the same number
may be selected as plot for another
APPLICATION, the extent of the exerimen
being of course regulated by the mum
Der of questions involved. In each cas-,
il is only necessary to drive stakes a
the end of the rows in order to desig
nate them and follow systemati,
node of treatment for each one.
Careful notes should be taken dur
ing the growing season, the yiel'
weighed separately, and proper com
parisons made at the end of the year
This will throw much light ON the ef
fecfs of the different fertilizers used
1t must not be supposed, however, tina
one years experimenting will Away
solve the question. The trial shoul'
be repeated until conclusive results ar
reached, and the information derives
will more than compensate for all tn
time and money expended in study
ing the principles involved. -B. H., u
Farmers Home Journal.