ALASKA KXl'KKIMKNl' STATIONS. 321 



Aluskii. ill coopcriition with the Alaska .stutions arid along the lines 

 of work which the stutions .should do were the mone}' available. 



As a bei^innint^ in this work we need a thoiou<(h investigation of the 

 native grasses and forage plants, and a study of the way in which the 

 more valual)le ones can be rendered of i)ractical utility under culture. 

 Certain species of grasses grow most luxuriantly in particular localities, 

 and native species of Leguminosic, which may be valuable forage 

 plants, grow in certain regions. The study of these plants and the 

 ascertaining of their economic value are of tirst importance. It is 

 believed that they will do better than introduced species. A specialist 

 from the Division of Agrostology could spend two seasons in Alaska 

 prolitaltly. The Bureau of Chemistry could lender aid ])y analyzing 

 samples, so as to learn what rank native forage plants will take when 

 compared with those under cultivation. 



Much work should be done in the near future in plant breeding. 

 Alaska is rich in native berries of many kinds, which are very palata- 

 ble. The little native cranberry {Vaccinluin lutls-idsea) is better fla- 

 vored than the cultivated eastern cranberry. It grows in profusion 

 nearly everywhere in the coast region and in most places in the inte- 

 rior. It could be improved in size and productiveness. Likewise the 

 native salmon berry {Ruhuji spectahllii>)^ which is a large, well-flavored 

 berry. It c(Kdd probabh' be improved b}' crossing with the raspberry. 

 The native strawl)erry is a vigorous and hardy plant, and could be 

 improved in productiveness and size of berry. So also with the crab 

 ai)plc, the huckleberries, and other natixe plants. This is propel- work 

 for the station, but the Department could aid in it. A general botan- 

 ical survey of the Territory should be made and specimens for reference 

 should ))e placed in the herbarium of Alaska plants which has been 

 commenced at the heachpiarters station. 



The soils of Alaska are in some respects peculiar. Much of the veg- 

 eta])le matter is only partly decaved. In places the soil is peaty, in 

 other places sandy, gravelly, or clayey, each differing from the others 

 in fertility and adaptiveness to crop culture. Soil surveys in two or 

 three regions best adapted to agriculture would be of great \alue to 

 the dcni'lopment of the country. 



With the introduction of garden vegetables destructive insects are 

 also appearing. Many complaints have reached the station from south- 

 eastern Alaska of insects which destroy root crops particularly, and 

 also kale and similar crops. 



The Alaskji fund does not admit o^ the employment of a specialist to 

 study this ((uestion, and valualde aid could be rendered to Alaska and 

 doiibth'ss much information collected if an entomologist from the 

 Department could l)e assigned to duty in (he T(>rritorv for one or two 

 seasons. The headtpiarters station c-ould provide lal)oratory facilities, 



S. Doc. 148, 58-2 21 



