Department of Plant PhysiologV. 57 



Respiration and fermentation. — The studies on tannin fermentation 

 undertaken by Mr. Knudson will be brought to completion during the 

 next annual period. In connection with this investigation careful tests 

 have been made of tannin-converting organisms, of the conditions under 

 which rapid fermentation takes place, and the relation of the organism to 

 this substance and to gallic acid as a food. Preparation is being made 

 for a careful study of the respiration phenomena in stored products. 



Physiological relations of bacteria. — Through the work of Mr. H. A. 

 Harding, a careful study has been made of the constancy of the physio- 

 logical characters in the bacteria, especially those characters used as a 

 basis of classification. The organisms employed have been various races 

 and strains of the form causing the black-rot of cabbage, Pseudomonas 

 campestris. This work has been published as Technical Bulletin Xo. 13, 

 " The Constancy of Certain Physiological Characters in the Classification 

 of Bacteria," of the Xew York Experiment Station. 



Gametic studies. — Further material has been accumulated for a study 

 of the cytology of gametes of some interesting plants, including hybrids. 



extension. 



Extension work has necessarily been limited because of the obligatory 

 utilization of a very considerable part of the available funds for equipment. 

 In fact, of the $1,400 available for maintenance during this period more 

 than $1,200 were required for large apparatus and for the maintenance 

 of office work. Nevertheless, much of the office expense is necessitated 

 by the considerable correspondence which is required. Much material 

 of general botanical nature is determined and the department has co- 

 operated in every manner possible with other departments of the College 

 in giving attention to inquiries for information from residents of the 

 State. 



RECOM MENDATIONS. 



The Department of Plant Physiology is occupying at present about 

 one fourth of the space required for the best interests of this work. It 

 was anticipated that the basement room beneath the Plant Physiology 

 laboratory would be available for this subject during 1909-1910, but no 

 additional floor space whatsoever has been provided, except that accruing 

 through the head-house space in the new greenhouses. The space now 

 available is not more than sufficient for the graduate work alone, and this 

 refers not merely to the laboratory but to the greenhouse and head-house 

 as well. It is therefore urged that some steps be taken immediately to 

 relieve the situation. The very crowded condition has had serious con- 

 sideration by many departments in the Agricultural building. The 



