REPORTS OF DEPARTMENTS. 61 



not leave one fruit to complete their growth iu an other apple. This was ascer- 

 tained by putting affected apples in a box with sound ones, by examining 

 affected apples and finding that the size of the opening and of the larvae 

 always corresponded, aud by repeated examination of wind falls. 3d. A con- 

 firmation of the previously asserted truth that fully one-half of the larvae never 

 descend to the ground at all. 4th, It is exceptional for any larvse to pupate 

 after September 1st. 5th. The first brood of moths continue to come forth 

 till about the 8th of July. Gth. Fine wire gauze placed in the windows of 

 otherwise tight apple cellars will entrap very many moths that would otherwise 

 escape and work mischief. 7th. Sweets will not attract the moths in the 

 least. This last point I have tested fully. I have placed differently scented 

 sweets all about the apple trees, and while I have caught hundreds of other 

 moths I have never secured a single one of these. 



ROBINS AND BLACK-BIEDS. 



I have made a thorough and persistent examination of these birds, not only 

 by closely observing them, but by repeated examination of the contents of their 

 stomachs, and have arrived at the following facts : 1st. These birds are exces- 

 sive insect eaters throughout the entire summer, 2d. It is very rare to find 

 beneficial insects in their stomachs. 3d. A principal part of their food con- 

 sists of cut-worms and the white grub. Hence, the advantage of fall plowing 

 to destroy the cut-worms, and the exceeding ravages of the white grub in those 

 sections where f rait is a specialty, and where the birds are destroyed to save the 

 fruit. 



APIARY, 



I have also made several experiments with the bees, which Avill more properly 

 appear in the report of the apiary, 



A. J. COOK. 



KEPORT OF FARM DEPARTMENT. 



To the President of the A(jricultural College: 



I herewith submit the following report : 



The year has been a somewhat eventful one in this Department, as there have 

 been several changes made. The resignation of Prof. Miles and the accepting 

 of his position by myself on June 1 had some disadvantages, as the work for 

 the year was already begun and well nnder way. The resignation of the old 

 foreman, Mr. Hume, and the consequent appointment of a new foreman July 

 8, added to the disadvantages for the year. Early in the spring onr bridge was 

 taken away by ice, which necessitated for a long time a detour of from two and 

 a half to three miles to reach the work, with the teams, on the back part of the 

 farm. 



A float bridge was constructed for the use of the students till a new bridge 



