64 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE 



and they are being grown with the idea of noting the synonyms and the 

 characteristics of the different varieties. 



The experiments with potatoes include a test of all of the new 

 varieties that could be secured, and series of plot tests designed to show 

 the best distance and depth for planting and the most profitable amount 

 of seed that can be used. We have also undertaken a series of fertilizer 

 tests for which twenty one-tenth acre plots have been used. These have 

 been treated with a variety of commercial fertilizers, together with 

 various combinations with stable manure and wood ashes. 



A series of experiments with various insecticides and fungicides has 

 also been arranged and especial attention will be given to spraying ex- 

 periments for the leaf curl of the peach and the apple scab fungus. We 

 are also experimenting with a number of insecticides that have been sent 

 here for trial and are testing different forms of spraying machinery. 



THE COLLEGE ORCHARDS. 



Although nearly all of the hardier apple, pear, plum and cherry trees 

 have apparently escaped with little injury from severe winter, the peach 

 trees that are three years old show the effects very seriously, and 

 many of them will undoubtedly die. On the other hand, many of the 

 young cherry and apple trees show considerable injury, and most of the 

 grapes have been killed to the ground. W^hile it is yet too early to de- 

 termine the extent to which the different varieties have escaped, it is 

 evident that many kinds that have been considered hardy are fully as 

 much, if not more, injured than others that have been classed as some- 

 what tender. This is particularly noticeable in the apples, as many of the 

 Eussian varieties appear to be seriously injured. 



The strawberries were heavily mulched and have come through the 

 winter in good condition, but the more tender varieties of all raspberries 

 and blackberries were killed to the ground, and will give little, if any 

 fruit, the present season. 



SOUTH HAVEN SUB-STATION. 



As noted in Bulletin 109, President T. T. Lyon, who had been in charge 

 of the experimental work at South Haven from the establishment of the 

 Station in 1889, was obliged, owing to failing health, to resign at the 

 close of last season, and to succeed him S. H. Fulton, a graduate of the 

 College in 1897;, was secured. After graduating Mr. Fulton spent two 

 seasons upon a large fruit farm in western New York, where he had 

 charge of a large amount of experimental work for the Geneva Experi- 

 ment Station. 



Owing to the ameliorating effect of Lake Michigan the injury from the 

 winter was far less severe at South Haven than at the College, but up 

 to the present time it seems to be confined to the peach trees, some of 

 which were considerably injured, but with a favorable season it is proba- 

 ble that most of them will, to a large extent, recover and fruit may be ex- 

 pected from any of the varieties. In addition to the variety tests that 

 are being made, considerable work is being done in the way of experi- 

 ments in spraying and thinning fruit. 



