2 REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 



to these practical courses. A prospectus of the Pasa 

 College has, for general information, been published. 



Before I review in short detail the work done at Pusa, 

 there are a few features of this Institute which I wish to 

 clearly define. The first refers to the general suitability 

 of Pusa for the central research and experimental 

 station for the whole of India. Pusa is a magnificent 

 estate of over 1,300 acres, bounded on three sides by a loop 

 of the little Gundak river. The soil is deep alluvial and 

 is capable of growing successfully nearly every rain crop 

 which can be grown in the plains of India. With irriga- 

 tion from wells or from the river, it can grow successfully 

 the majority of the more important garden crops. We 

 have arranged for all necessary means of irrigation from 

 the river and from wells, also for dealing with many im 

 portant crops. The rainfall of Pusa and of Behar is 

 generally secure , otherwise the district could not main- 

 tain its population of 900 to 1,100 per square mile. Pusa 

 is situated in the heart of intensive agriculture which is 

 largely controlled by a community of indigo planters. 

 Agricultural improvements through their influence, can be 

 brought to the notice of ordinary cultivators in a manner 

 which is unique for other parts of India. This was one 

 reason why Pusa was selected as the central research 

 station. Mr. Coventry, an experienced indigo planter 

 and an extensive experimentor in agricultural problems, 

 was selected as the Director. He has very particular 

 opportunities of spreading very far afield the results of 

 the research work and of the practical field enquiries which 

 are undertaken at Pusa. 



We have at Pusa the Phipps' laboratory, a two- 

 storied building, well-equipped with a laboratory for each 

 branch of agricultural science and a physical laboratory. 

 The main building also includes a library, museums for 

 the various sections and the necessary lecture rooms. 

 Quarters have been provided for the European and Indian 

 staffs. There are recreation grounds, and I am glad to 



