1G2 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURJB. 



within the Btate, but from the correspondence and specimens received, 

 there seems to be a great deal of trouble among sheep from verminous 

 diseases. These disorders are in the main of common occurrence among 

 sheep, and are readily recognized by veterinarians. Their existence in 

 harmful degree in certain localities seems to depend upon the lack of 

 information of sheep owners regarding methods of prevention and upon 

 especially favoring conditions upon their premises for the development 

 of such outbreaks. 



While the knowledge of sheep diseases is still much abridged and 

 much may be learned through experimental efforts, I feel that the 

 station is not at present provided with facilities for the work, and 

 would not ask its adoption, I believe liowever that much good would 

 be derived by stock owners from a bulletin describing the common dis- 

 eases of sheep, and the methods by which they are successfully dealt Avith 

 at present. 



ResiKJctfullv submitted, 



L. M. Huirr. 



East Lansing, June 30, 1908. 



REPORT OF MICHIGAN WEATHER SERVICE FOR THE BIEN- 

 NIAL PERIOD ENDING JUNE 30, 1908. 



The work of the Michigan Weather Service during the past biennial 

 period has been carried forward on lines very similar to those of 

 pi*eceding years. The principal work, outlined by law, is the collec- 

 tion and compilation of meteorological statistics and the dissemination 

 of forecasts, frosts and coldwave warnings. The service has in opera- 

 tion a total number of 113 cooperative, or voluntary stations, at which 

 daily readings of the thermometers and rain gage are made and a 

 record kept of the prevailing ^^■m(^ direction, general cloudiness and 

 other meteorological phenomena. 



The state is fairly well covered with stations so that almost any 

 locality can secure records, which, if not taken exactly at that place, 

 are from some place nearby, are fairly representative. The value of 

 these records is becoming more apparent every day. It is a matter of 

 much interest and gTeat importance to note the variety of uses to which 

 they are put. Perhaps one of the most important businesses now call- 

 ing for much meteorological data is the water power, which is being 

 developed throughout the state. It is only in recent years that the 

 commerical world has come to recognize and utilize the enormous 

 possibilities latent in the fast, fairly even-flowing and numerous rivei*s 

 of the state. This is particularly true in the Lower Peninsula. Very 

 few states in the Union are so favorably situated as regards water- 

 power possibilities. 



One of the most important items of consideration iu the development 

 of any water-power plant in a long rainfall record, and this office has 

 answei-ed almost iuuunieiable request.s for rainfall data in all parts 

 of the state which will have a bearing on the water-power projects 



