BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY. 95 



for the purpose of growing these varieties true to type, as well as 

 affording opportunity for artificial cross-pollination. 



One area, consisting of 20 acres, is devoted to a test of the value of 

 seed of a single variety treated in various ways as regards curing. 



PATHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS. 



In connection with the work of the Pathologist and Physiologist, 

 two areas, about 1 acre each, are devoted to a large collection of 

 leguminous plants, including all those which are extensively grown 

 for forage and soiling purposes in the United States, as well as a 

 number of rare European and Oriental sorts. 



The purpose of this work is to study under field conditions the 

 behavior and value of various nitrifying organisms suited to the dif- 

 ferent crops. 



BOTANICAL INVESTIGATIONS. 



In cooperation with the office of the Botanist, work has been under- 

 taken to determine the best methods of propagating and cultivating 

 the various economic plants which are used as a basis of the drug 

 supply. This line of work has received comparatively little atten- 

 tion, and practically nothing is known regarding the methods of propa- 

 gating, cultivating, harvesting, and curing these i)lants in order to 

 secure the best "results fi-om them for commercial purposes. 



POMOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS. 



In cooperation with the office of the Pomologist, land is being pre- 

 pared and trees grown for the planting of extensive variety orchards, 

 which shall serve as a basis for verifying specimens submitted to the 

 Pomologist for identification, as well as a source from which to secure 

 authentic propagating material for distribution to experiment sta- 

 tions and fruit growers. As a step toward the carrying out of this 

 plan over 200 varieties of apples have been grafted during the past 

 winter, and arrangements are being made to bud as many varieties of 

 peaches during the month of August. 



While some time will be lost in growing trees from root grafts or 

 from buds, rather than buying them ready grown from the nursery- 

 men, it is believed that in the long run time will be saved l)y the 

 method adojjted, because scions and bud wood will be secured from 

 trees known to bear fruit true to name. 



PLANS FOR FUTURE WORK. 



The work of mapping the area and of making the soil survey pre- 

 viously mentioned will be continued during the current year. A barn 

 of sufficient dimensions to house the stock and implements necessary 

 to carry on the work of the place will be erected, and the permanent 

 planting of orchards foi- variety as well as cultural purposes will be 

 begun. It is the aim in the cultural work with orchard trees to study 

 upon the broadest possible plan soil improvement by the use of 

 leguminous crops in the way of cover crops or green manuring. 



The questions of pruning, fertilization, and spraying to combat 

 insects and fungus diseases, as well as to maintain the vigor of the 

 plants, will be inaugurated upon the cultural areas. 



