DELAWARE. 59 



a loaf minor, which preys on apple leaves. Experiments are being 

 matlo in pninin<; Kiert'er pear trees so as to bring fruit spurs lower 

 clown on the tree. Experiments in whip grafting young apple trees 

 before i)lanting have been quite successful, UO per cent of the treas 

 thus grafted having grown. 



The chemist is giving much attention to a study of the nitrogen 

 content of crimson clover grown under different conditions. An 

 examination of winterkilled plants of crimson clover showed that 

 considerable nitrogen is added to the soil even when the plants are 

 thus killed. This is an important matter, as winterkilling of this 

 crop often occurs. The nitrogen content of different samples of corn 

 meal, as determined by analysts at different stations, showed great 

 variation. This and other data along this line show the importance 

 of caution in corn-breeding experiments, since the apparent increase 

 in protein may simply be due to error in analysis. The bacteriologist 

 is giving nnich attention to questions relating to nitrocultures. Ef- 

 forts are being made through farmers' institutes, granges, and per- 

 sonal visits to farms to keep in close touch with the farmers in the 

 State. 



The Delaware Station, as well as the agricultural department of 

 the college, is nnich restricted in its work by lack of ade(iuate equip- 

 ment and suflicient funds. Considering the ojoportunities for the 

 advancement of its agricultural interests through a])})ropriate educa- 

 tion and research, it would seem as if the State should find a way to 

 endow more completely its agricultural college and experiment station. 



LINES OF WOKK. 



The principal lines of work conducted at the Delaware Station 

 during the i)ast year were as follows: Chemistry — study of nitrogen 

 content of crimson clover; bacteriology — studies of nitrifying l)ac- 

 teria and nitrogen-assimilating bacteria : fiehl experiments — cultural 

 experiments with leginnes and other forage and field crops, and 

 breeding experiments with cereals; horticulture — study of sprays for 

 orchard pests, pruning of orchards, and varieties of fruits; diseases 

 of plants — study of blights and other diseases of cantaloupes, canker 

 of pears and apples, asparagus rust and other fungus diseases of 

 fruits and vegetables; feeding experiments; diseases of animals; 

 entomology — studies of insects attacking fruit and shade trees, and 

 dairying. 



INCOME. 



The income of the station during llie ])ast fiscal year was as follows: 

 United States appropriiition $15, (MM) 



A rei)ort of the receipts and exjtpnditures for the TTnited States 

 fund has been rendered in accordance with the schedules prescribed 

 by this Dejiartment and has been apjiroved. 



