Horticulture. 43 



(b) The experiments announced last year in shading plants have 

 been continued imder glass and in the field. 



(c) Whether acetylene light is to be a factor in the forcing of 

 plants, is a problem which has been imder investigation for the past 

 two winter seasons and is being continued. The subject is also being 

 studied in its relation to modification of the structure of the plant. 



(d) A study of the oriental pears and their hybrids in relation to 

 adaptation and commercial value, has been under way for some time 

 and a bulletin is promised during the year. 



(e) Among minor investigations are tests of the newer vegetables, 

 the forcing of strawberries and greenhouse crops. 



2. EXTENSION WORK. 



(a) Orchard survey. — This work was continued in Niagara county 

 during the summer of 1905. Owing to the lack of any appropriation 

 under which it could be conducted, the area covered was relatively 

 small. The services of graduate students of the department were 

 used advantageously, and a preliminary report is in course of prepara- 

 tion. The peach in addition to the apple was studied. 



(b) The investigation of horticultural industries. — The culture of 

 the grape is a leading industry in several lake districts in New York. 

 It -has suffered severely in recent years from root-killing and epi- 

 demics of fvmgous diseases. The department has collected informa- 

 tion of value, which, it is hoped, will be presented in bulletin form 

 before long. Garden beans have been studied from two standpoints, 

 the commercial aspect and the varietal characteristics. Careful 

 studies of these features have been made at home and abroad. 



(c) Extension teaching in the *Sto^e.— Addresses have been given at 

 granges, farmers' clubs and institutes by special request of these 

 organizations as time permitted. Much interest has been manifested 

 in the various phases of civic improvement by to^^Ti and village 

 societies. A number of addresses have been given, committees have 

 been met and conferences held for the purpose of assisting in the 

 aesthetic improvement of the exterior of houses in the smaller tp^yns 

 and villages. In passing, it is appropriate to note that each'jrear 

 records increased interest on the part of the farmer in the surround- 

 ings of his home. In the rural districts more shrubs are being planted, 

 more lawn is being cared for than ever before. An interesting type 

 of meeting that should be assisted and stimulated is the field meeting 

 where farmers gather to study and examnie the crops on the ground. 



(d) Extension teaching at the university. — A course of lectures wa^ 

 given in 1905 to winter-course students in agriculture on commercial 



