A simple two-parameter model incorporating pion clusters produced with a multiperipheral-like matrix element is proposed. It gives a good qualitative description of multiplicity, and of single- and two-particle rapidity distributions above 50 GeV/c.

We present a comprehensive phenomenological examination of the Veneziano ansatz for pion-nucleon and kaon-nucleon processes. Using invariant amplitudes constructed as sums of beta-function terms, we attempt to fit simultaneously all the relevant high- and low-energy scattering data as well as the elastic widths of baryon resonances. We discuss a useful technique for ensuring that the theoretical amplitudes will possess the observed spin-parity structure of the physical spectrum of baryon states. Our main conclusions are the following: (a) Sizable subsidiary terms are required. (b) The predicted duality relation between the $s$-channel (baryon) and the $t$-channel (meson) Regge poles is not supported quantitatively. (c) Using the polynomial form for residue functions suggested by the model, we have performed detailed fits to all $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ backward data and elastic widths. The model fails to provide an adequate extrapolation from the scattering data to the widths of the ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{\ensuremath{\delta}}(1238)$ and its recurrences; acceptable agreement is found for the other trajectories. Moreover, the residues of the $\ensuremath{\pi}N$ trajectories are in marked disagreement with exchange degeneracy. (d) Within a factor of 2 in amplitude, the model reproduces available $\mathrm{KN}$ charge-exchange data from threshold to the highest energy. (e) A Pomeranchuk trajectory with normal slope (${{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{P}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\approx}1$ Ge${\mathrm{V}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$) is consistent with both the Veneziano model and all data. (f) The model does not provide any natural resolution of the difficulties inherent in classical Regge-pole model fits, and thus supports the view that Regge cuts are important.