Middletown transcript., 1909-05-29
DELAWARE COLLEGE FARMERS, par

The fourteenth Of June, 1909, is 10 BE-
Farmers' Day at Delaware College. This
is day set aside by the Trustees of she
College for the reception of the farmers
of this State. The day will be given up
to a demonstration of the experiments
now being carried on, and to give some
idea of their value to the Agricultural
welfare Of the State. Among the expert.
ments that are interesting and instructive
is an extensive wheat variety test. In
this test there are over sixty named var
ieties OF wheat. A detailed study Of this
experiment shows wide variction in
length of straw and head, Stiffness of
straw, stooling properties, and other attri-
butes which 90 to make up desirable
wheat. A study of the forty varieties of
oats shows similar differences which are
both interesting and instructive. The
corn variety test. while not far enough
advanced to show as much as it will
little later, will present some interesting
features by Farmers Day.
A most interesting experiment, and
one which will be nearly finished for the
year, ia one to determine what difference,
if any, exists between different varieties
or types of wheat in taking up and using
to advantage various kinds and quantities
of plant food. Or, in other words, to
ascertain to what extent the feeding
capacity of certain types or Of varieties
of wheat differ. To study this problem,
over sc, 600 individual wheat grains we're
planted six inches apart each way. The
differences they exhibit are Of great in.
terest to every wheat grower in she state.
There are now about thirty.five acres
Of young orchards on the farm. The
larger part Of the trees consist Of peach
and apple, and are being used in study
OF the plant food requirements as well as
some other factors in growing peaches
and apples. The trees are looking IN.
usually well this spring, and sfford
pleasing study to the orchardist. The
most important experiment from the view
point of the fruit grower, that is being
carried on is the experiment TO determine
the function Of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and
Potassium in the production of the peach.
For this work 40 concrete pits IL feet in
diameter and 5 feet deep have been built.
Each pit drains in such manner that
the drainage waters can be collected,
measured and analysed. The pits are
filled with washed sand, in which peach
tree has been planted. Each tree is fer.
ilized with an exact amount OF Nitrogen,
Phosphorus or Potassium, or combina.
ton of these elements. The investigator,
knowing how much plant food the tree
received and how much leached out IN
the drainage waters, has fair idea of the
amount that. has been taken up by the
tree. AS further check, the trees are
to be enclosed with wire netting, the
leaves gathered, weighed and analyzed.
The fruit will be studied in e similar
manner, and every precaution taken to
determine, not only what the tree does
with its plant food, but to learn also what
effect it has upon the amount and quality
of the fruit produced. Il lie hoped, too.
that an experiment planned with SO much
care will give an indication at least, as to
the effect of the various elements of plant
food upon the resistance of the trees to
disease.
Those who are interested in improved
live stock will find in the paddocks and
stables horses, mules, sheep aud hogs
that will stand critical inspection.
Lunch will be served at noon, after
which, with Governor PennewilI presid-
ing, Prof. SpilIman Of the U. s. Depart:
ment Of Agriculture, will make an adj
dress on some important economical phase
of Agriculture.
This is to be Farmers Day, and il is
hoped that they will all come, bring their.
wives and neighbors, aud see what is
being done at the Experiment Station.
H. HAYWARD,
Director.