EXPERIMENT STATION REPORTS. 201 



during the growing season, the purpose being to remove all surplus growth of 

 the limbs while very small. 



Project 4: To compare clean culture and sod in a cherry orchard, to deter- 

 mine whether it is practicable to grow cherry trees in sod provided they are 

 properly fertilized. On this plat nitrogenous fertilizers were applied to some 

 of the trees in the spring and have already shown excellent results in foliage 

 and in growth produced. 



Project 5. This cover crop experiment was started a year ago on a block 

 of spy trees planted the previous spring. The object of this experiment is 

 to test the relative values of the different kinds of cover crops now most com- 

 monly used, ascertaining the total amount of organic matter being added 

 by each of the different kinds and their relative effects on growth and fruit 

 production. 



In addition to these plots a block of Bartlett and Seckle pears and a block 

 of Abundance plums were planted for further experimental work. A young 

 peach orchard was set this spring to test the nitrogen requirements of peach 

 trees, and the differences in the effect of nitrogen applied at different times. 

 Five acres of Concord grapes were set early this spring for further work on 

 fertilization and pruning grapes and also about an acre of Washington aspara- 

 gus, a rust resistent strain developed by the Government which we hope to 

 disseminate to the growers throughout the State interested in this crop. We 

 are also carrying on a variety test of strawberries and have made some sm.aller 

 plantings of loganberries, dewberries and other bush fruits, testing the varie- 

 ties and making fundational plantings for future plant breeding work of bush 

 fruits. Detailed outlines of these experimental projects already developed 

 have been submitted to you. 



Early in the spring we had the pleasure of an inspection trip through these 

 grounds by the Experimental Committee of the Michigan State Horticultural 

 Society. We hope that this is going to prove an annual event that we may 

 be in closer touch with the economic needs of the fruit growers and receive 

 such suggestions in'the developing of these projects as they have to offer. 



The credit for the excellent development of these grounds the past year is 

 due largely to the capable and conscientious work of Mr. H. D. Hootman, 

 superintendent of the grounds. 



Respectfully submitted, 



C. P. HALLIGAN, 



Horticulturist. 

 East Lansing, Michigan, June 30, 1921. 



SOUTH HAVEN STATION REPORT. 



To Director R. S. Shaw: 



Dear Sir: 



A few years ago this Station entered into a cooperative contract with the 

 Office of Pomology of the United States Department of Agriculture for the 

 use of the South Haven Experiment Station for fruit tree breeding work. 



The problem of developing blight resistant pears and of a peach hardier in 

 bud than any we have at present, were the primary projects to be considered. 

 In addition to this the breeding of other tree fruits such as apples was also 

 undertaken. During the first two years on this contract Mr. Wight of the 

 federal office spent much of his time at the Station making crosses and growing 

 the resultant seedlings. This work has now developed to such an extent 



