12 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Across the river, east of the first field to the left, is the north woods, 

 laid out with drives as a park. 



The first field to the right, south of the river, contains two acres of 

 alfalfa, a plot of the new Success barley, without beards; experimental 

 plots of beans and spring rye. 



The next field south has the experiments with roots, carried on by 

 students. 



■ The varieties of wheat may be found in field No. 11, third from the river 

 on the east side of the lane. 



The remainder of the farm is planted to ordinary farm crops. 



Examine on your return the stock in the yards and stables. Here are 

 three famous Holstein cows with large records, Brown Swiss heifers and 

 their calves, Jerseys, Guernseys, Shorthorns, and other breeds of cattle, 

 various breeds of sheep and swine, and last, several breeds of chickens. 



Stop and see the incubators and brooders and the host of young 

 chickens. 



The actual operation of irrigation was shown. From a hydrant ran 

 across the roAvs of vegetables a wooden trough with gates opening 

 between the vow^. These gates were opened and a stream of water ran off 

 several hundred feet down between the rows, and it was surprising to see 

 how easily the work of application of the water was accomplished. So 

 soon as possible after application of water, the ground is cultivated, so as 

 to keep the moisture under the fine surface and so prevent the formation 

 of crust and rapid evaporation. Some were inclined to doubt and shake 

 their heads over the improvement, prophesying bad ultimate results as 

 compared with constant cultivation of the upper soil without application 

 of water by artificial means; but all conceded the apparent success so far 

 attained. Interest in the experiment, however, was general among the 

 visitors, and they are sure to watch the development of it with active 

 concern. 



After dinner, the first session of the meeting was called to order in the 

 chapel, by President Morrill, As this was to be devoted to the Grand 

 River Valley society's program, Secretary Brown of that society was 

 called to the chair, in the absence of President Pearce, and the topic, 

 "Strawberries and Cherries," was considered. About a score of mem- 

 bers of the society had come down on the morning train, but with the 

 intention of returning, which they did, though with much regret that the 

 pressing duties at home compelled them to quit when every other influ- 

 ence impelled them to stay. 



The chapel was decorated with many choice and rare plants from the 

 greenhouses, under direction of the gardener, Mr. Thomas Gunson, as 

 well as with cut flowers from the same source. There were bananas, 

 ferns, palms, dracsenas, crotans, and many others, which were shown to 

 the visitors at times, and their properties and values explained. Thursday 

 morning a tour of the greenhouses and flower gardens was made, both by 

 individuals and, later in the day, under conduct of Mr, Gunson and Dr. 

 Beal. A feature of the houses which attracted very much attention was 

 the many vines full of great bunches of Black Hamburg grapes. 



The meeting closed at one o'clock, Thursday, with a lunch given by the 

 Board of Agriculture, at conclusion of which responses were made to 



