52 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



in furnishing horses, was also an important part of our instructional war 

 work, though but one term of eight weeks work was presented to twenty- 

 five men. Some interesting facts were brought out in this course, showing 

 the value of intense application to one line of work. While it could not be 

 claimed that expert shoers were developed, it was proven that a 

 good working knowledge and some skill in this work could be acquired in 

 this time. 



The necessity for increased use of machinery from lack of labor during 

 the war, and the interest in developments and construction since its 

 close has had a marked effect upon correspondence and in requests for 

 advice along farm mechanics lines. It is my hope that this work can be 

 amplified, especially on the side of preparation and investigation to meet 

 the growth of interest manifested in the State. 



INSTRUCTION. 



Beginning in January 1919, instruction was given in Power Machinery 

 to twenty-eight regular students and to thirty-nine Short Course men. 



Wood and Forge work were each given to about seventy-five Short 

 Course men. 



In addition, two one months courses in Trucks and Tractors were 

 given to a total of one hundred and seventy-five men. For the work in 

 trucks, shop work, ignition and truck engines, we are indebted to the 

 Engineering Division for their cooperation. The cooperation of manu- 

 facturers and distributors gave us the use of a dozen different tractors 

 for study and practice. 



In the spring term, the course in Farm Machinery was presented to 

 eighteen men and the course in Farm Drainage to nine.j 



INVESTIGATION. 



Little opportunity has been afforded either in time or funds, for in- 

 vestigational work for the past year. A brief inspection of twenty-five- 

 septic tanks was made in January and February to determine their con- 

 dition in mid-winter. This summer, records are being kept of tractors 

 on the College farm. 



Drainage, which is being done under the extension specialist affords, 

 an excellent opportunity for further stud3^ 



EXTENSION. 



The work of the past year of Mr. 0. E. Robey, who has devoted his 

 time largely to Drainage, is commendable. This work taken up as a war 

 measure has opened up a field for which a real and pressing need is felt. A 

 large number of farms have been inspected and advice and cooperation 

 given. 



Under the plan being tried this season, a traction ditcher has been 

 engaged to drain demonstration plots in St. Clair county. A successful 

 completion of the work planned for the season will place a twenty acre 

 field or larger under the observation of nearly every farmer in the county. 

 Great interest is exhibited and groups have been organized to buy ditchers 

 and tile. Several hundreds of dollars have been saved the farmer in the 

 purchase of tile at dealers prices, which plan has been in operation but 

 a short time. 



Respectfully submitted, 

 H.tH. MUSSELMAN, 

 East Lansing, June 30, 1919. Professor of Farm Mechanic . 



