76 DEPAETMENTAL EEPORTS. 



METHODS OF HAY MAKING. 



It is well tnown that the value of hay depends largely on methods 

 used in handling the grass after it is cut, as well as upon the par- 

 ticular stage at which it is cut. The hay crop is the most important 

 crop in this country, and millions of dollars are lost annually by 

 American farmers by improper methods of hay making. It is highly 

 desirable that this office should undertake the study of tliis most 

 important subject. The limited force in the office has nmde it impos- 

 sible to do this up to the present time, but a start has been made in 

 the stud}- of this question. This work will be extended as fast as 

 funds will permit. 



FEEDING TESTS WITH FORAGE CROPS. 



During the past decade many new and valuable grasses and forage 

 crops have been established in this country, and there is a pressing 

 demand for information concerning thei r feeding value. Experiments 

 of this nature call for the highest skill and considerable outlay of 

 money. Hence few such experiments have been conducted. It is 

 important that this work should be undertaken at once, and arrange- 

 ments for it in cooperation with other Offices and Bureaus of the 

 Department and some of the State experiment stations have already 

 been completed. 



GRASS GARDENS. 



Studies on grasses and legumes have been continued in the grass 

 garden on the Department gi-ounds by Mr. Ball and Mr. Pollock, and 

 a careful record has been made of those characteristics of each which 

 bear an economic value. A set of labels has been prepared showing 

 the common and the botanical name of each species for the benefit of 

 those who may be interested. This collection of plants is visited 

 annually by many people and much valuable information is thus dis- 

 seminated. Several varieties of alfalfa have attracted particular 

 attention during the present season, and the vigorous growth of this 

 crop in the grass garden has been the means of encouraging its cul- 

 tivation in many parts of the countr3\ The particular value of this 

 garden lies in the fact that its location makes it easily available to 

 the mau}^ visitors to the National Capital from all parts of the country. 

 One of the most interesting features is the miniature sand dune on 

 which several of the leading sand binders are grown. 



During the past year the office maintained an extensive grass gar- 

 den on the grounds of the exposition at Charleston, S. C. All the 

 leading southern forage crops were grown, and many others from 

 various parts of the world. The correspondence that has come from 

 southern fai'mers and notices in southern newspapers indicate that 

 this garden was one of the most instructive features of the exposition. 

 There have been numerous calls for information concerning the most 

 successful crops in the garden, and it is believed that the exhibit will 

 have an important influence on southern agriculture. 



ARLINGTON FARM. 



Collections of varieties of leading forage crops have been started at 

 Arlington Farm, and these are being carefully studied. Cowpeas liave 

 proven especially valuable on this soil, and much attention will be 



