REPORT OF THE AGROSTOLOGIST. 



IT. S. Department of Agriculture, 



Division of Agrostology, 

 Washington, D. C, September 1, 1900. 



Sir: I liave the honor to submit the sixth annual report upon the 

 work of the Division of Agrostology for the fiscal year ending June 30, 

 1000, together with an outline of work for the current fiscal year and 

 plans for the future, presented in accordance with j^our letter of 

 instructions. 



Respectfully, 



F. Lamson-Scribner, 



A<jrostolo(jii>t. 

 Hon. James Wilson, Secretary. 



work of the year. 



grass and forage-plant investigations. 



- The grass and forage-plant investigations have been continued 

 along the lines indicated in my last annual report. The field work 

 has been extended to regions not previously investigated, and the 

 information thus gained has enabled us to enlarge the experimental 

 work of the Division, particularly along the lines of cooperation with 

 the State experiment stations. Much attention has been given to the 

 study of native grasses and forage plants suitable for such special 

 purposes as sand and soil binding, cultivation on alkali soils, and for 

 cultivation in the more arid sections of the country. Much study 

 has also been given to special forage crops, ijarticularly the legumi- 

 nous varieties that are suitable for worn-out soils and the maintenance 

 of the fertility of farm lands, as well as for the production of food for 

 animals. 



The distribution of seeds of desirable grasses and forage croi)S to 

 farmers and ranchmen in various sections of the country and to the 

 State exi^eriment stations for experimental purposes has been con- 

 tinued with excellent results. 



grass garden. 



In the grass garden upon the grounds of the Department nearly 

 500 varieties of grasses and forage i)lants have been grown, and from 

 many of these valuable lessons have been learned. 



The study of grasses suitable for the formation of lawns has been 

 continued, and the value of Kentucky blue grass and creeping bent 

 foi- this purpose is clc^arly demonsti'ated, tlieir superiority over Ber- 



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