ALABAMA. 91 



The project on the pathogenic and nonpathogenic flora of the 

 cow's udder was continued, and the results of the work were in part 

 prepared for publication. In the peach-breeding work about 1,800 

 crosses were made and over TOO set fruits. Spraying work was con- 

 ducted in connection with the project and the results of lime-sulphur 

 were quite promising. The study of certain physiological functions 

 of the cotton plant included considerable work along anatomical 

 lines. 



Progress was also made in the different lines of work carried on 

 with the Hatch fund. The agronomist tested improved varieties of 

 corn and cotton and also made observations on the value of crimson 

 clover for Alabama conditions. The entomologist made studies of 

 miscellaneous insects and gave some attention to the method of fac- 

 ing the boll-weevil problem in Alabama when it presents itself. 

 The botanist studied the guayule rubber plant under a grant from 

 the Carnegie Institution and prepared a report on this work. The 

 botanical department was given space in the new greenhouse. The 

 horticulturist carried on experiments with tomatoes in the green- 

 house and the field, and also did field work with potatoes, cabbages, 

 etc., with especial reference to late-grown crops. The horticultural 

 department conducted the nursery inspection with State funds. 



The chemist conducted laboratory and field experiments with basic 

 slag made by the open-hearth method. Studies on cane and water- 

 melon sirup were continued. Cylinder experiments with rye, tur- 

 nips, and other crops were made to determine the effect of decayed 

 nitrogenous matter on the availability of phosphoric acid. The 

 chemist also aided in the fertilizer inspection. 



The veterinarian studied a form of paralysis in pigs occurring 

 especially in southern Alabama and appearing to be quite an im- 

 portant factor in the hog raising of that section. Studies on osteo- 

 porosis were continued and the results are approaching readiness for 

 publication. 



The animal husbandman carried on experiments with beef cattle 

 in cooperation with the Bureau of Animal Industry, The work in- 

 cluded the study of methods of maturing beef in winter with the 

 use of foods supplementary to pasturage and silage. In the western 

 part of the State 250 head were fed in this test in cooperation with 

 farmers who furnished the feed and had the profits of the sale. Co- 

 operative experiments with hogs were begun in March, 1910, at an 

 outside point to determine the best use of the field crops of the 

 region. Station feeding tests were made with hogs and sheep in the 

 same way as heretofore. In sheep feeding special stress was laid 

 on the use of cottonseed meal for ewes with reference to the produc- 



