No. 7. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 595 



Most of our horticulturists are familiar with the grape industry 

 of Erie count3^ Hundreds of vineyards near Northeast have been 

 returning to the owners satisfactory profits. Probably 95 per cent, 

 of the plantings in this region are of Concord. 



Many of the market gardeners and truck farmers which we have 

 met during the past few years grow a large percentage of their own 

 seed. This tendency is on the increase, not because dealers are 

 selling poorer seed than formerly but because growers realize more 

 fully the importance of growing and using the best seed. Some 

 of the most successful growers in the United States have become 

 plant breeders in a practical way, their seeds being produced by 

 dealers who recognize the importance of furnishing their patrons 

 with the very best seed. I regret that it has been impossible to show 

 more views illustrating horticultural operations in different parts 

 of Pennsylvania. 



I am certain there are many people here to-night who are inter- 

 ested in the work of the Department of Horticulture at the Penn- 

 sylvania State College. Experiments are being conducted along 

 various lines. In vegetable gardening, cabbage, tomatoes and aspar- 

 agus are receiving the most attention. The aim of the Department 

 is to make a most thorough study of the most important questions 

 relating to the culture of these three crops. All of these vege- 

 tables are of the greatest commercial importance to Pennsylvania. 

 The strain tests with cabbage and tomatoes have been particularly 

 valuable. The results indicate great variation in strains of the lead- 

 ing varieties of cabbage and tomatoes. In Early Jersey Wakefield 

 for example, some strains have cut about |100 more per acre than 

 others. There have been marked differences in types and yields. 

 An acre of experimental asparagus is giving most excellent results. 

 Measurements and Aveighing show that it is exceedingly important 

 for commercial growers to plant large crowns of plants rather than 

 small ones. Palmetto seems to be the best variety to plant because 

 of its power to resist disease and its vigor and productiveness. 



The entire field of horticulture is covered by the various courses 

 of study which are offered by the college. Most of the subjects are 

 taught by lecture with accompanying laboratory exercises. Ee- 

 sponsibility is placed upon the students as much as possible so that 

 they will develop self reliance and attain the greatest possible effi- 

 ciency in the management of crops under glass as well as in the open. 

 In greenhouse work, for example, each student is assigned given 

 areas on which lie grows lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers or perhaps 

 flowers. He is held absolutely responsible for the plot, giving the 

 care that may be required from day to day. On the college farm 

 he is also assigned areas for garden work for which the student 

 makas plans and then carries out his plans. In plant propagation 

 the students are taught budding and grafting in a practical way. 

 The root-grafts, for example are tied together in bunches with the 

 student's name attached and he afterwards plants them in the nur- 

 sery on the college farm. There are three distinct values to be gained 

 in conducting laboratory work in this manner. First, it creates 

 enthusiasm. Second, it develops self reliance. Third, it gives the 

 student an opportunity to become familiar with the practical opera- 

 tions in market gardening, vegetable-forcing, floriculture and orchard 

 management. 



