EXPERIMENT STATION REPORTS. 285 



RErOET OF THE FARM MECHANICS SECTION. 



Director R. S. Shaw, 

 East Lansing, Michigan. 



Dear Sir: — Following is a report of the experimental and investiga- 

 tional work of the Farm Mechanics section for the year 1919-20. 



In the spring of 1919, five projects in experimental and investigational 

 work were submitted. These projects included work on the cost of 

 tractor operation, farm building plans, sewage disposal, drainage, and 

 marl handling. On the first of these projects, cost of operating and 

 practicability of the tractor for various kinds of work, some work has 

 been done. In September, tests were run on ten tractors at the Centre- 

 ville Fair, results of which were published in the November 1919 Quar- 

 terly. Mr. Sauve, started a scheme of record keeping in cooperation with 

 owners of tractors in the spring of 1920. The results of this study will 

 be available as soon as the season is over. Not as much time was devoted 

 to this work as should have been, partly on account of summer school. 



On the Farm Building study, Mr. Fogle spent considerable time in the 

 field directing his efforts particularly to barn construction and arrange- 

 ment. The results of this and j^revious study will be embodied in a manu- 

 script to be submitted about January, 1921. Mr. Fogle also gave some 

 time to cooperative association potato warehouses. 



On none of the other lines of work has any considerable progress been 

 made. Continued observations have been made on the septic tank, many 

 of which are in use, some near the College. 



Two lines of work have not been given the attention which the}' would 

 seem to merit. Extension work in drainage in St. Clair county has 

 opened a way for a somewhat more extensive study of the results of tile 

 drainage as well as methods and costs. The cost of tile to Michigan 

 farmers has become almost prohibitive due to the expensive factors of 

 fuel, labor and transportation. If the Experiment Station could give 

 assistance in increasing and improving Michigan's tile product, a great 

 service would be rendered. The cost of lime has also increased greatly 

 so that there is considerable demand for convenient and economical 

 methods of excavating marl, which may be used as a substitute. 



Respectfully submitted. 



H. H. MUSSELMAN, 



Farm Mechanics. 

 East Lansing, Michigan, June 30, 1920. 



