252 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE 



ods of controlling epirtemics of Ohicken Pox and Cholera, have been tried 

 with data and observations recorded. 



(6) All birds are scored according to the ''Standard of Perfection," 

 which will furnish information on relationship of standard type to egg 

 production. 



(7) All birds are handled for comparison of the various methods 

 of culling now in practice. 



(8) Broodiness in breeds and the relative time lost each year due 

 to this factor, are recorded. 



(9) Date on operation of contest houses as a feasibility of such a 

 house for pedigree pens in a commercial breeding plant. 



(10) Breed egg averages, weight, net returns over food costs, and 

 market value of fowl at completion of first laying year. 



The Laying contests will in all probability extend over a period of 

 years. This will make possible valuable information on comparative 

 methods of management, thereby obtaining data on both breeding and 

 environment, in relation to economic production. 



Kespectfully submitted, 



E. C. FOREMAN, 



Poultrvman. 



REPORT OF THE SECTION OF SOILS. 



To the Director: 



Sir: — Experiment Station activities of the soils section may be con- 

 veniently grouped into: (a) field or soil surveying, moisture relation- 

 ships, aeration, root development of the crops under different soil con- 

 ditions and various phases of fertilization; (b) laboratory or the chemi- 

 cal and physical properties of various soil profiles of the State, and the 

 effect of soil fertility upon the quality of several crops. 



It is gratifying to report that the soil survey has progressed very 

 satisfactorily, J. O. Veatch deserving much credit for its success. De- 

 tailed studies were made of the soils in Berrien, VanBuren, Kalamazoo. 

 Ottawa and Manistee counties. Lime requirement maps and reports on 

 seven counties were published and distributed. In addition the greater 

 part of a report on the sandy soils of the lower peninsula was com- 

 l)leted. We have found that the agricultural value of the sandy soils of 

 the northern part of the state is dependent in a great measure upon the 

 presence of a brown and somewhat consolidated horizon which lies from 

 a few to several inches below the surface. Where this is well developed 

 and its thickness at or near tlie maximum we find the best soils and on 

 these numerous crops and fruit trees adapted to the climate will grow 

 successfully. It is at once apparent that this is one of the most import- 

 ant contributions of soil survey proper. 



It is obvious that the moisture relationships of soils are of great 

 and fundamental importance. The earlier moisture studies as a whole 



