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STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



REPORT OF THE EXTENSION AVORK IN HORTICULTURE. 



The work has been carried out similar to previous years except that 

 more emphasis is being put on the demonstratiouai phase of orchard 

 and vineyard fertilization. 



The time of the specialist was taken from October 7th to January 1st 

 by the Horticultural department to meet the emergency need of an in- 

 structor. This interfered somewhat with the field work plans. Most 

 of the work is done in cooperation with the county agricultural agents. 

 The Horticultural department is assisting by furnishing most of the 

 commercial fertilizer used in demonstrations. The Fennville Fruit Ex- 

 change is assisting by furnishing fertilizer used in local orchards. Some 

 of the owners furnish material as well as the plot and necessary atten- 

 tion. Better work could be done and more accurate results obtained 

 were the extension specialist able to have funds for material used in 

 demonstrations and be responsible for its efficient employment. 



What is known as farm visits do not accomplish ordinarily a wide- 

 felt benefit. Hence they are not encouraged, but some are necessary 

 to get a working knowledge of the industry in each section. Numerous 

 requests are made for such visits. Such have to be refused or delayed. 

 Unless some other way of handling such service is devised it will con- 

 tinue to take much time from constructive demonstration. 



ORCHARD FERTILIZER DEMONSTRATIONS. 



Two of the vineyard plots were started last year. The rest were started 

 this year and are planned to run three years.' Notes are kept on char- 

 acter of growth, and crop records as well as trunk measurements 

 when possible. Usually thirty trees are under treatment and the 

 plan is to provide a place where all interested growers can observe the 

 use of nitrate, phosphate and potash. In some cases different cover 

 crops are used. Sixteen days work in the field were taken of the special- 

 ist's time this spring and he was actively assisted by the county agricul- 

 tural agents. 



