94 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



During the year a number of compound microscopes were purchased, 

 so that, at present, there are three laboratories equipped with tw^enty- 

 five compound microscopes each and one with twenty-four. During 

 some periods of the day all four laboratories are in use. However, it 

 does not seem probable that another large laboratory will have to be 

 equipped for a year or two. The more advanced students, however, need 

 to have a small laboratory equipped inasmuch as it is becoming more 

 and more difficult to arrange free time when they can use the other 

 laboratories. 



The greenhouse, of which only the outer part was finished at the 

 beginning of the year, has been completed. It has been provided with 

 reinforced cement benches and a large cement tank for growing water 

 jilants. 



In equipping the laboratories, much remains still to be done in the 

 way of procuring apparatus for the physiological and pathological labora- 

 tories. 



The herbarium room is crowded to overflowing and it Avill be necessary 

 this summer to provide for an extension of the herbarium into the ad- 

 joining room. The latter is, unfortunately, not fireproof but it is hoped 

 that some day, this can be vaulted in and made fireproof in the same 

 manner as was done for the present herbarium room, Several hundred 

 plants have been added this past year. Plans are under way for tlie 

 segregation of Michigan plants from others in order that the Michigan 

 herbarium may be made more easily available, comprising as it does, one 

 of the best, if not the best, collection of Michigan plants in existence. 



The Botanical Garden has "marked time" since Dr. Beal's departure 

 as my time has been chiefly occupied in teaching work and in get- 

 ting the department under way. However, a weed garden has been pro- 

 vided, exhibiting the sixteen weeds mentioned in the Pure Seed Law 

 as well as about fifty others common in Michigan. It is intended to 

 extend this from time to time as weeds become better known. A garden 

 of poisonous plants is planned with special reference to the course in 

 poisonous plants given in connection with the veterinary course. 



In the basement of the Botanical Building are several cords of tinder- 

 dry logs, being specimens of trees accumulated by my predecessor while 

 he taught the subjects of botany and forestry. It is highly desirable 

 that these be disposed of as their presence is a menace to the safety of 

 the building. Should they once catch on fire, it would be useless to at- 

 tempt to save any part of the old building and unless the wind was 

 favorable, to save the new building would be a difficult task. I call 

 this to your attention in the hope that you may be able to assist the 

 Forester to find a storage place other that that now occupied by them, 

 for such of these specimens as have interest from the standpoint of for- 

 estry. If no such place can be found, I would recommend that I be 

 permitted to remove themi from the building on account of the danger 

 incurred by allowing them to remain. 



Respectfully submitted, 



ERNST A. BESSEY, 



Professor of Botany. 

 East Lansing, Mich., June 30th, 1911. 



