40 RKI'OKT OK OFFirK OV KXrFRIMKNT STATIONS. 



iimiibcr ol' lociilitics. In this way foii.si(lenil)l(' iidditioiial cvicU'iice 

 was ohlaiiu'd that vegcta1)lo.s of various kinds may ho succossfully 

 grow 11 ill ditloi'ont parts of the Territory, ami that there art- coiisidor- 

 aldc aicas in which oats, harlcy, and wlieat can l»t' iiiatur<'(l. and an 

 alumdanco of grass be grown for the maintenance of live stock. 



Important testimony ivgarding the agricultural possibilities of 

 Alaska has recently been given by Gen. A. W. (ircely, Chief Signal 

 Ollicer of the Tnited States Army, in a letter to the Secretary of Agii- 

 culture, in connection with which he transmitted samples of vegetables 

 grown in the garden of Gov. John G. Brady, of Sitka, Alaska. In 

 this letter he makes the follow ing statements: 



They are n«t hothouse plants nor are they simply examples, but they are part of 

 larjre (piantities of vegetables — potatoes, turnips, carrots, parsnips, beeta, oniouH, and 

 celery. Fully 200 bushels of potatoes of the finest possible character were trrf)\vn in 

 this garden during tlie past summer. They are illustrations of the capabilities of 

 Alaska as regards the growth of vegetables. 



To my knowledge lar^e quantities of similar vegetables are grown in the valley of 

 the Yukon, especially in its lower part. 



I do not compare the agricultural jwssibilities of Ala.ska with those of the United 

 States, but feel confident from personal observation tiiat there are tliou.san<ls of 

 square miles which are admirably adapted to the growth of vegetables and forage in 

 large quantities and for the local market. 



In Hawaii the station at Honolulu has increased its equipment and 

 extended its experimental investigations. The experiments on taro 

 rot and potato rot have been continued upon an enlarged scale. One 

 of the diseases of the taro plant was held in check by proi)er attention 

 to irrigation water and the application of proper fertilizers. The 

 results obtained w ill have an important bearing on the production of 

 this staple food crop. 



Experiments to promote the improvement in corn culture on the 

 island of Maui have been begun, and important studies of injurious 

 insects have been made. Experiments have also been underttiken with 

 fiber plants, vanilla, cacao, cotton, and tobacco. 



Members of the station staff have from time to time visited the 

 different islands for the purpose of investigating specific problems, 

 and of attending farmers' institutes wdiich have been held in a number 

 of localities and have been very successful. The legislature of 

 Hawaii has appropriated $10,800 toward the support of the station 

 for the two years ending June 30, 1905. 



In Porto Rico much attention has necessarily been given during the 

 past year to the repair of buildings on the new station farm at May- 

 aguez, the preparation of land, and the inauguration of experiments. 

 Special attention has been given to the establishment of plantations 

 of tropical plants, including such things as mangoes, alligator pears, 

 the mammee apple, cas.sava. yams, })ananas. cacao, and citrus fruits. 

 Experiments with coffee have been carried on during the year and the 



