EXPERIMENT STATION REPORTS. 



289 



The success of the Rosen Rye and Red Rock Wheat in this and other 

 states, and the increased interest in improved varieties, brought these 

 varieties into great demand. The Rosen Rye is now the most widely known 

 rye variety in the United States, and an extensive seed demand from out- 

 side sources has arisen. The Red Rock Wheat is one of the most widely 

 grown varieties in Michigan and is recognized by millers of Michigan 

 wheat as being excellently suited for bread flour making purposes. When 

 it is considered that these varieties left the hands of Plant Breeder, 

 l'\ A. Spragg only seven years ago in the ca.se of Rosen Rye, and six years 

 ago in the case of Red Rock Wheat, the remarkable importance of this 

 phase of crop improvement work is apparent. Further details in regard to 

 1 he performance of these varieties will be given in Mr. Spragg's letter, in- 

 cluded in this report, and the report submitted by Extension Specialist, 

 Mr. J. W. Nicholson. 



CROPS EXPERIMENTS. 



In order to meet the need for information relative to the comparative 

 value of short seasoned hay crops planted at various dates. Professor 

 ('. R. Megee was delegated to plant a comparative series including 

 varieties of peas and oats, varieties of millet, sorghum, sudan grass, soy 

 beans broadcasted, corn closely drilled, vetch and oats, et cetera. This 

 experiment gives promise of giving valuable results. 



Extensive ear-row work and merging plat work with carefully selected 

 ears of leading corn varieties was begun under the immediate charge 

 of Mr. J. R. Duncan. The usual variety test, including a number of 

 varieties of known value and possible worth, was planted. 



In addition, sectional variety tests including numerous oat and barley 

 varieties were planted at sixteen different points in the State, ranging 

 from Lower Michigan to the Upper Peninsula. Twelve corn variety tests 

 at various points in the State werejalso arranged and planted. These 

 tests were planted on soils ranging from muck to heavy clays. 



Three and one half acres of the Crops department ground was again 

 given over to the Bureau of Plant Industry flax work. This experiment 

 includes the testing and increase of numerous pedigreed and commercial 

 strains of flax, and also the effect of various fertilizer treatments on flax. 



The Fibre flax nursery and Increase plats. 

 (Bureau of Plant Industry U. S. D. A. co-operating with the Michigan Agricultural College) 



