102 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



REPORT OF THE BACTERIOLOGIST. 



Director C. D. Smith, College: 



Dear Sir — The experimental work of this department for the current 

 year has been a continuation of investigations begun two or three years 

 ago. Several bulletins were published from this department at the 

 close of last year, but nothing has been given out during the current 

 year. Many data arising from our investigations are available for pub- 

 lication at the present time, but it is thought that we would serve our 

 constituency better to withhold these data for the purpose of verifica- 

 tion and also for further accumulation. Our studies of the association 

 of bacteria in milk have been continued, and we have now planned for 

 their completion. Much routine work is required in carrying out these 

 researches, consequently the time of publication will be somewhat de- 

 layed. We propose, after finishing our association studies, to continue, 

 however, work which is very similar to this, in the form of ascertaining 

 as far as possible the influence of bacteria on the keeping quality of 

 milk and butter. 



What time has been available after carrying out the required work 

 along milk lines has been given to the study of swine epidemics. This 

 work we also propose to continue more vigorously during the coming 

 year. In connection with the above work Mr. Bushnell has proved 

 very eflScient in rendering assistance. 



Mr. Sackett is still at work upon the problem of bacterial action in 

 the soil, and from the results already obtained, I feel confident that he 

 will secure valuable scientific facts in this work. Besides the above 

 study, Mr. Sackett has spent no little time in providing bacterial cul- 

 tures for the cultivation of leguminous plants. This work requires 

 much close attention and great care. As far as he has gone into the 

 practical management of cultures his results prove encouraging. 



Each new year brings with it much additional outside work, which 

 consumes time and energy. Although we strive to cut out examina- 

 tions of only private interest, there is much which pertains to the state 

 at large and which we feel it our duty to properly analyze, for all 

 analyses of general character contribute to an understanding of the 

 actual state conditions; in other words, these examinations enable us 

 to better understand and interpret the class of scientific phenomena 

 in Michigan, 



Very respectfullv submitted, 



CHARLES E. MARSHALL, 



Bacteriologist. 



Agricultural College, June 30, 1906. 



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