364 ANNUAL EEPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OE AGIUCVLTURE. 



parts of the island. The results obtained in 1918 ^vcre considered so 

 satisfactory that larger plantings were made in 1919. 



In furtherance of work in crop rotations and the use of leguminous 

 plants for food, forage, and green manure, soy beans, and other 

 legumes have been introduced and are meeting -with much faA-or. 



The station continued to give attention to the development of the 

 fruit industry, especially citrus fruits, pineapples, mangoes, and 

 avocados. Methods have been worked out in cooperation with the 

 Bureau of Chemistry for the manufacture of fruit juices, thus making 

 a market for otherwise unmarketable fruits. 



Experiments in corn improvement were resumed, attention being 

 paid to local varieties that are already acclimated, and the possibility 

 of increasing the yields through care in seed selection has been shown. 

 Similar work with other crops was begun. 



In the extension Avork 1,741 meetings were held during the year 

 and 500 field demonstrations were conducted. Statistical data were 

 collected which show that in 1918 there w^ere planted 413,158 acres 

 to the 10 most important food crops of the island — corn, with 103,577 

 acres, and beans, with about the same acreage, leading. The main 

 crops, such as sugar cane, tobacco, coffee, and fruits, are not included. 



Previous investigations of the station having shown the prac- 

 ticability of cattle tick eradication, the station having been kept free 

 of ticks for some time, an active campaign was begun to eradicate 

 the tick. Ten dipping vats were constructed and about 80 more pro- 

 jected. The outlook for the success of such a campaign seems 

 promising. 



GUAM STATION. 



Tlie local agent in charge of the Guam station was C. W. Edwards. 

 The island of Guam was visited on July G, 1918, by a very destructive 

 typhoon accompanied Avith heavy rain. Much damage Avas done to 

 tire station buildings, fences, and grounds. A number of the station 

 pigs, goats, and chickens Avere killed, and practically all crops were 

 destroyed. This necessitated beginning ancAv Avith many of the 

 projects in agronomy and horticulture. Seeds and plants had to be 

 secTu-ed and much of the material Avas not receiA-ed until after the 

 most favorable season for planting. A severe drought, extending 

 from February to June, folloAved, and the eff'ects of the tAvo unusual 

 conditions were reflected in the station work. 



In the animal husbandry Avork some changes Avere necessary, due to 

 tlie tA'phoon. This Avas especially true in feeding experiments because 

 of the destruction of nearl}^ all native feeds imder test. Shortage 

 of feed made it impossible to continue other lines of investigation. An 

 experiment, in which comparison Avas made betAveen the native 

 practice of tying pigs under shade trees and confining them in 

 properly constructed pens, shoAved a decided advantage in favor of 

 penning, and many farmers are now providing suitable inclosures for 

 their sAvine. In the poultry department most of the young breeding 

 stock was lost in the storm of July G. Work was continued with a 

 Rhode Island Red-native cross. This cross has met Avitli great favor, 

 is hardy, and of good size, and efforts are being made to establish the 

 strain and produce it in quantity for use by the peoj^le in grading up 

 their flocks. The breeding Avork Avith cattle and goals '.vns continued 

 as in previous years. 



