BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY. 441 



been set aside for the purpose of securing data regarding the carry- 

 ing capacity of the ranges in southern New Mexico. It is expected 

 that these data will be on a scale large enough to be applicable to the 

 Stat€. 



Alaska reconnaissance. — Additional study has been made of the 

 agricultural possibilities of Alaska. Visits were made to the valleys 

 of the Chitina, Copper, Chilkat, Yukon, and Tanana Rivers and other 

 points along the coast and in the interior. Careful notes were made 

 (1) of the kinds of stock and crops that have proved successful on 

 homesteads and at experiment stations; (2) of the differences in soil, 

 climate, and geographic conditions; (3) of the methods employed in 

 preparing the soil for planting; and (4) of the relative chances for 

 success as governed by transportation facilities, markets, prices ob- 

 tainable for products sold, and the prices paid for supplies that must 

 be bought. The reports now on file form a good basis for future in- 

 vestigations in Alaska. 



FIELD STUDIES AND DEMONSTRATIONS. 



Farm practice. — Studies are being made (1) of the types of farm- 

 ing that have developed in the various agricultural sections of the 

 country, as related to the principal kinds of soil; (2) of the cropping 

 systems in vogue on the various types of farms; and (3) of the 

 methods used by the most successful farmers who practice each type 

 of farming. This information, obtained directly from the farmers 

 themselves, has been widely in demand, and the men engaged in the 

 investigation have been constantly importuned to aid in dealing with 

 specific problems, as to suggest working plans for farms, etc. ; to deliver 

 lectures at farmers' institutes; and to conduct demonstrations and 

 other forms of extension work. Increased appropriations will be nec- 

 essary in order to meet this constantly increasing demand. Briefly, 

 the plan under which this work is being developed outside of the 

 Cotton States is as follows: 



As rapidly as possible county agents, whose business it is to be- 

 come thoroughly conversant with the local conditions and problems, 

 are being placed in charge of local work. Their duties are (1) to 

 learn the various types of soil and the tj'pes of farming that are most 

 succes.sful, (2) to be ready to advise the farmers in regard to the 

 available literature applicable to the locality, (3) to interest investi- 

 gators who are in charge of work along lines in which the farmers 

 of the locality are interested, (4) to conduct such demonstrations and 

 give such object lessons as may be advisable, and (5) to aid in every 

 way to bring to the farmers of the locality the help or information 

 they may need. 



The counties are grouped into districts of not more than 10 each, 

 with a supervisor in charge of each district. The supervisors in turn 

 report to a State leader, who has general supervision of all the work 

 in the State. The States are grouped into districts of two or more 

 each, with a district leader in charge. Thase leaders in turn report 

 to a division leader, who has headquarters in Washington. The 

 organization within each State is being maintained on a cooperative 

 basis either with the State institutions or with county organizations, 

 farmers' organizations, or such commercial organizations as may be 

 interested. 



