REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST. 



To 0. Glide, Director : 



The report from this department will be a mere statement of the work 

 performed, the methods and results being published in the bulletins. 



On taking charge the middle of last August, the only work immediately 

 available was the closing up, so far as was possible without records or notes 

 of previous observations, the tests of varieties that were undertaken by my 

 predecessor. The fruits had all been gathered, and the results that were 

 obtained with such vegetables as escaped the early frosts were given to the 

 public in Bulletin No. 48, entitled "Potatoes, Tomatoes, Kale and Hybrid- 

 ized Squashes." Careful records of the yield, and notes on the appearance 

 of the different varieties were taken, and seed was saved for this year's 

 planting. 



The following outline of experiments to be carried on during 1889 was 

 arranged, and preparations were made to begin the work when spring 

 opened : 



1. Tests of and experiments with seeds, to determine their purity, vitality, 

 proper depth of sowing, and the effect on their germination of different 

 amounts of heat and moisture. 



2. Testing new and standard varieties of fruits and vegetables as to hardi- 

 ness, vigor, productiveness, quality and freedom from disease ; the work to 

 be carried on both on the College grounds and by volunteer observers in 

 different parts of the State. 



3. Observations upon the hardiness and general value of the new shade 

 trees and shrubs. 



4. Experiments with fertilizers. Effect of same on the growth, hardiness, 

 productiveness, health and quality of fruits and vegetables. 



5. Studying the diseases of plants, and testing remedies for them. 



6. Trial of various methods and implements of cultivation. 



7. Origination of new varieties by selection and crossing. 



SEED TESTING. 



The seeds used in this experiment were obtained from over a dozen seeds- 

 men, and their vitality was examined by placing them in seed-testers, in 

 seed-boxes, and in some cases in the open ground. A comparison of the results 

 obtained by the different methods indicate that if proper care be given, either 

 one can be depended upon to furnish an approximately correct idea of the 



