INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 7 



yielded results of considerable practical importance. They 

 have proved the suitability of the soil and climate in Behar 

 for growing certain important varieties of fruit. 



Preliminary experiments with high class fruit regard- 

 ing sun-drying, evaporating and refrigerating, have been 

 carried out. A method was devised and successfully tested 

 for sending peaches long distances by rail in India. 



During the past year a considerable amount of pre- 

 liminary work was accomplished by Mr. Howard on oil 

 seeds of the genus Brassica, and a general study of the oil 

 seeds of India will be undertaken. 



The races of both Nicotiana rustica and Nicotiana 

 tahacum isolated at Pusa, have been studied. Arrangements 

 have been made with the Peninsular Tobacco Company 

 of Monghyr to conduct experiments at Pusa to ascertain 

 the best varieties and the best means of growing tobacco 

 suitable for the manufacture of cigarettes. 



Selection experiments with flax, Hibiscus canabinus 

 and Crotalaria juncea, were continued, and some promising 

 races isolated. 



Three varieties of sisal hemp {Agave rigida sisalana) 

 have been established on a small scale. 



Progress has been made in the investigation work with 

 barley, ganja and opium. The study of the varieties of 

 cassava has been completed, and Mr. Hector is preparing 

 a final report on this subject. 



Agricultural Chemistry. — Dr. Leather held charge of 

 this section till 14th April 1909, when he went on leave, 

 and the Supernumerary Agricultural Chemist, Mr. Annett. 

 was appointed to officiate for him. Very few samples 

 of agricultural materials are now sent up by provincial 

 departments for analyses, as these departments have now 

 their own chemists. An appreciable reduction has also 

 taken place in the number of samples received from 

 Native States, the Forest and Irrigation Departments and 

 private persons. Dr. Leather had, therefore, more time for 



