PORTO RICO. 125 



rice has not been formerly grown in Porto Rico, and it is believed 

 possible to grow a large proi)ortion of the supply of this cereal, prac- 

 tically all of which is now imported. The station has })iirchased a 

 saddle-bred stallion and will undertake some breeding e.\i)eriments. 

 In addition, the station has acquired some pigs and will soon buy a 

 few chickens for experimental purposes. An attempt is also being 

 made to interest planters and others in improved breeds of cattle. 



The experimental work in horticulture continues to occujiy first 

 rank in the station's operations. The plantings of citrus fruits, cacao, 

 and rubber will be continued and extended. An experiment will be 

 begun in planting an orchard of citrus trees in a small valley already 

 covered with native forest trees. It is believed that the conditions of 

 moisture found under the partial shade that is to be maintained w'ill 

 result in a more active growth of fungus parasites of the scale insects 

 of oranges, etc., and thus render spraying unnecessary. Comparisons 

 will be made with an orchard on cleared ground kept well cultivated. 

 Investigations w^ith mangoes and pineapples will be continued. 

 Attempts will be made to propagate the better varieties of mangoes 

 as rapidly as possible, cooperation Avith the Bureau of Plant Industry 

 of this Department being maintained to secure improved varieties of 

 mangoes and other plants. The pineapple industry seems to be 

 developing rapidly in Porto Rico, and experiments with varieties, 

 methods of planting, and use of fertilizers will be continued. Atten- 

 tion will be given the introduction of other economic fruits that seem 

 promising for Porto Rico. The experiments with bananas, yautias, 

 cassava, yams, and other plants that now furnish the larger part of 

 the food of the people of Porto Rico will be continued, particular 

 attention being given to the subjects of adaptation, culture, and use. 

 Continued efforts in vegetable growing have resulted in splendid 

 success with crops that were heretofore failures, and a bulletin on 

 vegetable growing is in course of preparation. The success is attrib- 

 uted to the liberal use of fertilizers and thorough tillage. A limited 

 experiment with tobacco is being carried on at ^layaguez this season, 

 the object being to study some of the phenomena of fermentation. 



The old plantation purchased by the insular government for the use 

 of the experiment station has undergone extensive changes. Build- 

 ings have been repaired, fences built, and the lowlands drained. 

 About SO acres are now under cultivation and more land will be planted 

 as the necessit}' for experiments and the means justify. The pioneer 

 work having been nearly completed, it will now be possible to devote 

 to experimental purposes the funds formerly used for clearing, fenc- 

 ing, etc. The policy of continuing the services of competent labor has 

 been justified, as the laborers have become more efficient and require 

 less con&lanl supervision than formerly. A tract of about 7 acres ad- 



