OFFICE OF EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 273 



cal in soil, temperature, rainfall, and other natural conditions. Ever3'- 

 thin^ depends on elevation and location in reference to the prevailing 

 winds, that is, the northeast trade winds. There are a number of 

 similar regions, but no two are alike. The land is not of synchronous 

 formation, but is progressive from the northwest to the southeast. 

 On every island consisting of more than one volcanic center that 

 portion toward the west is the more ancient. On account of these 

 diflEerences individual investigations on such subjects as the testing 

 of varieties and the introduction of new crops can have but local 

 value. 



The presence of enormous numbers of destructive insects is one of 

 the chief obstacles to agriculture in Hawaii. The land areas are 

 small and the uniformity of seasonal temperatures presents no check 

 to the development of insects which may have been introduced from 

 continental regions. As a result the insects speedily lose their dis- 

 tinctive habits. Many of the introduced species no longer have a 

 definite life period, but breed at all seasons and are practically in 

 continuous existence throughout the year, swarm following swarm, 

 with no intervening period when the land is free from their ravages. 



There are a number of serious fungous diseases of j^lants which require 

 investigation, both because of the local losses caused b}" them and on 

 account of the i30ssibility of their being carried to other parts of the 

 islands. The work on the taro rot and the Fusarium disease of the 

 potato will need to be continued for several years. 



There are many problems of both scientific and practical interest 

 which require the services of a chemist. Soil and water analyses, the 

 study of the role of mineral nutrients in plants and soils, the compo- 

 sition of Hawaiian foods and feeding material, all should be given 

 attention. Investigations should be made as the occasion requires of 

 other agricultural pi'oducts which may lead to the establishment of 

 local industries such as fiber plants, tans, dyestuffs, rubber, vanilla, 

 coffee, tobacco, silk, fruits, and vegetables. 



For the coming j^ear it is intended to build a three or four room cot- 

 tage on the lower portion of the station for the use of the entomologist 

 and farm superintendent. The land inside the pasture fence is in 

 fine condition, clear and free from weeds, and it is intended to plant 

 about a quarter of an acre to Sumatra tobacco, testing the effect of 

 shade on the quality of the product. A portion of the area already 

 cleared on this part of the station will be devoted to plat experiments. 

 At a somewhat higher elevation it is intended to plant alfalfa, sainfoin, 

 and other leguminous crops for forage, and a few rows of sisal hemp 

 will be planted. The station is now gi-owing about a half acre of 

 Manioc or cassava, four varieties of cotton, hemp, sorghum, and about 

 a thousand grape cuttings rei^resenting 60 varieties in nurserj^ rows. 

 These should be set out in a permanent i)lantation later in the 3"ear. 

 A greenhouse covered with cheese cloth is contemplated, in Avhich an 

 attempt will be made to grow strawberries and table gTapes. Straw- 

 berries of good flavor but very small size are grown to a limited 

 extent. This fruit is highly prized, and it is very desirable that some 

 of the improved and better shiiDping varieties should be introduced. 



It is planned to fence a considerabl}' greater area during the com- 

 ing year, to enlarge the poultrj' houses, and build an addition to 

 the stable. At the higher elevation of the station, where there are 

 now about 200 fruit trees, 500 pineapples, and a small vegetable gar- 

 den, it is intended to continue these plantings and to undertake the 



AGR 1902 18 



