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Three bulletins have been published by the division : ' ' On 

 the Influences of Certain Conditions upon the Sprouting of 

 Seeds," " Windbreaks in their Relation to Fruit Growing," and 

 "Tomatoes." 



Some good forcing-houses have been completed, and various ex- 

 periments are now proceeding in them. One house, 20X30 feet, 

 is now carrying an experimental crop of tomatoes ; another of the 

 same size contains chiefly cucumbers and melons, and a small 

 lean-to is being used for radish tests. The most conspicuous ex- 

 periment under glass, however, is one now in progress to deter- 

 mine the influence of the electric light upon the growth of plants. 

 A house, 20X 60 feet, has been divided, and one part is lighted all 

 night by an arc-light, while the other is left in darkness. The 

 areas are large enough to allow of several hundred plants being 

 grown in each compartment, and valuable results are anticipated. 

 This is probably the largest and completest experiment of the kind 

 yet projected. 



Many minor. yet valuable experiments are always in progress, 

 and it is gratifying to know that records of them can be made in 

 the closing bulletin of each year. It is now desirable that some 

 provision be made for the publication of such extended and tech- 

 nical papers as must result from prolonged studies in particular 



directions. 



Respectfully submitted, 



L. H. BAILEY, 



.Horticulturist- 



