REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST. 57 



REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST. 



To the Director: 



Since writing my last annual report Feb. 1, 1893, two bulletins have 

 "been issued by this department, both upon potatoes. The first upon 

 amounts of seed being especially exhaustive of the subject. The many 

 complimentary notices of this bulletin have been gratifying to all con- 

 cerned in its make up. 



The interesting experiment in lamb feeding in progress during the 

 winter has been completed and the material is now practically ready for 

 publication. Some investigations have ^Iso been made into the practica- 

 bility of silage as a commercial product, also as to its feeding value. 

 Experiments in horn killing with various compounds and dehorning have 

 been made. A large amount of experimentation has been begun in rela- 

 tion to corn smut; to determine its life history, methods of infection and 

 preventatives therefor. In this work since the retirement of Mr. Holden 

 I am under great obligations to Mr. C F. Wheeler, the efficient botanist 

 of the station, who has practically taken charge of the experiment, also to 

 the chemical department for counsel and material. 



The plat experiment to determine the personal equation preparatory to 

 important fertilizer experiments covering long periods, which were 

 begun some years since, have been continued. 



Experiments upon the smut of oats and barley, different methods of 

 treatment; corn selection, deep and shallow cultivation, different distances 

 apart, hills vs. drills, different amounts of seed and varieties for silage 

 purposes, roots, the most profitable kind and cost of growing for field 

 crops; grass, best kind for meadows; various leguminous plants for fodder 

 purposes, have all been begun, and will undoubtedly be reported upon by 

 my successor, either by bulletins or otherwise in due season. 



At Grayling practical methods of improving the soil by growing and 

 plowing in spurry and the application of cheap fertilizers, such as ashes 

 and land plaster have been outlined placed in the hands of Dr. Palmer 

 who has been so long connected with that station. Some tests are also 

 being made there with chemical fertilizers and some new plants are being 

 tested. The doctor will undoubtedly report upon these at the close of the 

 year. 



I have to thank all those who have heartily cooperated with me in this 

 work, and wish the highest success to those who take it up after me. 



P. M. HOWAKD, 

 Agricultueal College [ AgricuUurist. 



June 30. 1893. 



