No 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 35 



SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS. 



A number of scientific experts have been at worlv for the Depart- 

 ment during the year, in making special investigations into subjects 

 rehiting to agriculture, upon which the public need accurate informa- 

 tion. The ordinarv farmer has not the time to give to such investi- 

 gation, even if he had the scientific knowledge requisite to fit him 

 for the work. Scientists who are devoting their lives to such inves- 

 tigation must, therefore, be employed, and it is difficult to secure 

 their services owing to their being engaged in scientific institutions, 

 where the multitude of regular duties that these men are expected 

 to perform, fully occupy their time. 



At best, the oumber of those who are competent for this work, is 

 quite limited. Comparatively few have made thorough study of 

 agricultural problems in their deeper mysteries, and, therefore, but 

 few are able to speak with authority upon the subjects which vex 

 the agriculturist and need immediate solution. What the Depart- 

 ment secures, therefore, of this character of work, must be taken 

 from the vacation days and recreation hours of these men. 



During the past year the following subjects were under investi- 

 gation, some of which were reported upon in bulletin form, and others 

 are still mcomplete. 



Investigation, into the habits of the Hessian Fly, with the view of 

 discovering when grains may be sown in the various localities in 

 the State, to avoid its ravages. This investigation has now been 

 under way since the spring of 1891. 



Investigation, into the most economical methods for the production 

 of beef in Pennsylvania. 



Investigatiow, into the science of dairying. 



Investigation, into the proper heating, lighting and care of green- 

 houses. 



Investigation, into the best means for the control of insects in- 

 jurious to cucnrbilaceous plants. 



Investigation, into the best methods for canoing fruits and vege- 

 tables. 



Investigation, into the character of canoed goods found upon the 

 markets. 



Investigation, into the character of soil bacteria in their effects 

 upon plant growth. 



