Cornell University, 

 Ithaca, N. Y., MavGh 1, 1900. 



Honorable Commissioner of Agriculture, Albany, K. Y. : 



Sir. — One of the most trying experiences of the orchardist and 

 also one of the most frequent, is to see his trees bloom but not set 

 fruit. Various investigations of such difficulties have been made 

 and published, but much more needs to be done. In order to under- 

 stand the subject, particularly in its relations to practical orchard- 

 ing, an investigation was set on foot by Professor Bailey. This 

 investigation has been continued three years under his direction and 

 supervision, and the summary results are published in this bulletin, 

 which is submitted for publication under chapter 430 of the Laws 

 of 1899. 



The study of pollination in orchards is made necessary by the 

 rise of commercial fruit-growing. When fruit is grown only for 

 home use, or in small areas for a local market, there is not likely to 

 be serious loss from imperfect pollination ; but in large .commercial 

 orchards, any general unfruitfulness from this source is quickly 

 noticed. The commercial orchard seems destined to be the most 

 important single factor in American horticulture, and witli its 

 growth comes a corresponding increase in the liability of loss from 

 imperfect pollination. This bulletin will find its greatest usefulness, 

 therefore, in the hands of the commercial fruit-grower. Aside from 

 extended investigations in this State, experiences have been secured 

 from all parts of the country. 



Tliis bulletin is divided into two parts : 



I. Incidental or occasional causes for loss of fruit. 



II. Self-sterility, which is the main part of the work. 



Respectfully submitted, 



I. P. ROBERTS, 



Director. 

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