192 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



giving necessary instruction for planting, etc. Up to the present time 66 

 clubs have been organized 11 of which are in the Upper Peninsula and 

 55 in the Lower Peninsula. Of those in the Lower Peninsula, all have 

 been visited except three. Those in the upper Peninsula have been 

 turned over to the superintendent of the branch experiment station, at 

 Chatham. The interest manifested in this work by the farmer has been 

 very gratifying. It also offers one of the best means of meeting the 

 farmer with the least expenditures of time and money. 



The seed distribution has grown somewhat from that of previous years. 

 This work will doubtless be facilitated by the Michigan Experiment 

 Association, which was organized January 17th, 1911, and whose ob- 

 jects are stated below: "The objects of this association shall be to 

 promote the agricultural interests of state: 



1. By carrying on experiments and investigations beneficial to those 

 interested in progressive agriculture. 



2. By the organization of farmers in a united effort toward the study 

 of local agricultural problems. 



3. By the distribution of improved seeds and the gathering of data 

 in regard to the adaption of same to conditions in various sections of 

 the state. 



4. By the holding of farmers' meetings and exhibitions of farm prod- 

 ucts and by the desemination of scientific knowledge as applied to 

 Michigan agriculture through such other means as may be most efficient. 



Other lines of extension work such as assisting at corn shows, fairs, 

 farmers' institutes, agricultural trains etc., have continued about as 

 last year. 



The following paper on "Methods of Keeping Crop Records at the 

 Michigan Experiment Station" was prepared by Mr. F. A. Spragg and 

 read before the American Society of Agromony in November, 1910. 

 It will give a good idea of the methods used in the development of 

 better strains of the various farm crops at the experiment station and 

 should be of special interest to those engaged in plant breeding. 



