462 ANXUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The extension work has been actively pursued, and in cooperation 

 with the special teachers of agriculture data are being obtained on 

 fields and cost of production of all crops grown on the island. 

 Through the efforts of the extension division considerable progress 

 has been made in bringing about closer cooperation in the two citrus 

 fruit organizations and a number of independent growers. It is ex- 

 pected that this Avill result in cooperative purchase of supplies and in 

 the packing and marketing of the entire crop. Meetings are held 

 throughout the island at which the farmers' problems are discussed, 

 and a considerable amount of information is distributed through 

 mimeographed circulars issued monthly by the station. The mailing 

 lists for these circulars are growing raj^idly. 



In 1917 the station erected the first dipping tank for the eradica- 

 tion of cattle ticks in the island. By regularly dipping its cattle 

 the station grounds have been freed from ticks, to the great improve- 

 ment of the condition of the stock. The use of the tank has been 

 made available to planters in the neighborhood, and during the first 

 six months of the fiscal year 1,495 head of cattle were dipped in the 

 station tank. The desirability of tick eradication has been generally 

 recognized, and 35 tanks have been constructed in various parts of 

 the island. The public has been pretty well educated to the desira- 

 bility of tick eradication, and it is believed that the station should 

 coordinate and direct the various agencies so as to bring about a tick- 

 free condition as soon as possible. When this is accomplished the 

 introduction of purebred cattle can be recommended with the as- 

 surance that the losses now experienced can be avoided. Nothing 

 else would so contribute to the welfare of the island as a well-deA^el- 

 oped dairy industry, but this can not be brought about so long as 

 ticks are a menace. 



GUAM STATION. 



One of the most important events of the year at the Guam station 

 was the addition of some purebred stock to its breeding herds and 

 flocks. On February 5, 1920, after a tempestuous voyage there were 

 landed safel.y in Guam two Ayrshire bulls, two Berkshire boars, and 

 a number of Rhode Island Red cockerels and pullets. This is the 

 largest addition to the live stock of the station since the first ship- 

 ment in 1911, and its arrival will enable the breeding work to be con- 

 tinued without the danger of too much inbreeding. 



In addition to the ])reeding projects with all the different kinds 

 of stock, feeding exi^eriments have been begun to find, if possible, 

 local sources of feed that may supplant those now imported from the 

 States. For many rations copra meal has been found a satisfactory 

 substitute for about one-half the grain usually fed. The superiority 

 of Para and Paspalum grasses both for pasture and as soiling crops 

 over the native grasses has been demonstrated, and the planting of 

 these introduced grasses is being extended rapidly. The value of 

 cowpeas for food and forage is becoming recognized and the people 

 of Guam are planting increased areas with seed furnished by the 

 station. Especial attention is being given to chicken breeding and 

 feeding, as this work seems to appeal particularly to the people of 

 the island. The experiment in producing a new breed of chickens 

 by crossing the Rhode Island Red with an especially promising 



