336 ANNUAL EEPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUEE. 



range and receiving no especial attention, are in good condition, an 

 indication of the hardiness of the cross. Feeding experiments are 

 in progress with both horses and cattle to test the value of locally 

 produced forage, and though these experiments have not been carried 

 on long enough for generalizations, they indicate that Para grass is 

 an excellent feed for maintenance and that- coconut meal may be sub- 

 stituted for at least one-half the gr?iin feed. The swine herd consists 

 of two Berkshire boars, several half-breed Berkshire-native brood 

 sows, and a number of three-quarter-breed pigs. Some grade animals 

 have been sold to the public for breeding purposes. Grazing experi- 

 ments have shown the value of Para pastures for growing pigs. In 

 an attempt to find the value of breadfruit and coconuts when fed to 

 pigs, the results show^ed lower gains, even when these foods were fed 

 in combination with grain than when grain was fed alone. During 

 the past year satisfactory results have been obtained with poultry, 

 the principal problems considered being breeding and feeding. A 

 considerable number of eggs for settings and chicks for breeding 

 purposes have been sold to the public. 



The work in agronomy has been continued along the usual lines, 

 especial emphasis being placed on forage and cover-crop production. 

 Para grass and Pasyalwrm dilatatum are proving more valuable every 

 year. Sudan grass, which was introduced last year, gives promise 

 of being an excellent soiling crop for Guam. Kafir and amber cane 

 have yielded well both as to forage and grain. The improvement of 

 native corn by selection and ear-to-row planting is bein^ continued, 

 increased yields having already been obtained. Egy^ptian and im- 

 proved upland cotton are still under test, with yields last year of 

 from 828.4 to 921.8 pounds of seed cotton per acre for Egyptian and 

 787.6 to 974.4 pounds for upland. 



In the horticultural work, distribution of seeds and plants con- 

 tinued to be an important feature, the demand among native farmers 

 for plant materials having largely increased during the past year. 

 Arrangements have been made with the insular police for reports 

 on the different plantings. Experiments are in progi'ess to determine 

 the best time for planting all the important garden crops. Variety 

 tests are being conducted, while the questions of source of seed and 

 kind, quantity, and time of application of fertilizers are receiving 

 attention. Investigations have been begun looking to the improve- 

 ment of the cultivation of coconuts, bananas, papayas, and other im- 

 portant tropical crops. A considerable number of plant introduc- 

 tions which have been propagated will be ready for cooperative dis- 

 tribution at the beginning of the present rainy season. 



Virgin Islands. 



At the urgent request of the Secretary of the Navy, D. W. May, 

 agronomist in charge of the agricultural experiment station in Porto 

 Rico, was detailed to visit the Virgin Islands of the United States 

 and report on the agricultural situation, with suggestions regarding 

 the steps necessary to make the islands more nearly self-supporting. 

 Mr. May has had an experience of more than 13 years in Porto Rico, 

 which lies near the Virgin Islands, and his suggestions should prove 

 of value if put into practice. 



