58 DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 



This is but indicating very briefly the system I propose, but it would be 

 readily developed, and would add much to the justness and fairness to 

 students of the College. 



I am, sir, very respectfully, 



Your obedient servant, 



WENDELL L. SIMPSON, 

 2d Lieut. 2^th Infantry, U. S. Army, 

 Professor of Military Science and Tactics. 

 Agricultukal College, Mich., i 

 July, 1889. f 



REPORT OF THE FLORIST. 



To the President of the State Agricultural College : 



I herewith respectfully present a report of the work done in the green- 

 house and flower garden during the year 1889, and of the condition of the 

 same. 



SPRING TERM. 



With the assistance of Mr. Louis Bregger, as foreman, and of the students 

 assigned to my department, 'preparation was made early in the term for 

 planting out-of-door stuff. There was also the sowing and testing of seeds 

 from different firms and counties, the propagating and re-potting of plants, 

 and the preparation of hot-beds and cold frames. Practical instruction in 

 floriculture, and lectures on the same, were given the juniors under my 

 supervision. 



SUMMER TERM. 



During the early part of the term we were laying out and planting the 

 flower beds. An endeavor was made to show different styles of ornamental 

 planting, including the so-called carpet beds. Annuals were planted in great 

 quantities, and of many varieties, including a patch of 2,000 Chinese asters, 

 of which we gathered the seed last year from our own grounds. At first 

 they did well, but just at blooming time many of them died, a result appar- 

 ently due to a parasitic fungus. 



During the first part of the summer the weather was most favorable, and 

 as a result the flower display was better than in any previous year. The 

 plants in the perennial plant bed were taken up, the bed manured, and the 

 plants divided and re-set. Our collection of perennials is a well-tested one. 

 With a little protection the plants stand our winters pretty well. 



The rose house was furnished with good soil — a heavy sandy loam. Its 

 good effects were soon apparent in the improved appearance of the roses, 

 which are now healthy in appearance, and promise abundance of bloom 

 during the coming winter. Kepairing of all the greenhouses was done, and 

 all were repainted. The houses were built in 1874. They are getting very 

 old. Something must be done soon to prevent them from falling in. 



