EXPERIMlENT STATION REPORTS. 227 



time to research work. Some means must be foimd to give investigation 

 the attention it deserves. 



It is hoped that in the near future that it may be possible to concen- 

 trate on building and drainage ]»roblems to a greater degree. 



Yours respectfullv, 



H. H. MUSSELMAN, 



East Lansing, Michigan, June 30, 1922. 



Professor of Farm Mechanics. 



KEPORT OF THE SECTION OF FORESTRY. 



Dean R. S. Shaw, Director, 



Agricultural Experiment Station, 

 East Lansing, Michigan. 

 Dear Dean Shaw: 



I herewith submit a brief report of the work of the Section of Forestry 

 for the year ending June 30, 1022. 



The experimental work on saj) iUnv in the College sugar bush w^as con- 

 tinued, and records were also kept of all costs and amount of fuel used 

 per gallon of syrup made. 



The study of second growth hardwoods on cut-over lands in the north- 

 ern part of the State was continued. Where fires have not occurred a 

 valuable stand of second growth timber is usually coming up and there 

 is often no necessity for planting in order to obtain a new forest. IMeth- 

 ods of liandling these lands vso as to obtain natural forest reproduction 

 are being studied. A considerable number of samiple plots have been 

 taken and separate studies made of the height and diameter growth of 

 trees and the growth in volume of timber per acre. Much of this work 

 has been carried on in connection witli the summer forestry camp. It 

 is hoped to complete the study during the coming year. 



The experimental basket willow plantation at Spring Lake has been in 

 operation for six years. Record is kept of expenses and profits. It has 

 been showing a profit for the last few years. 



A study of returns that may be expected from thinnings in woodlots in 

 the southern part of the State has just been started. This study will 

 include effects of over-pasturing and methods of rejuvenating deteriorat- 

 ed woodlots. Woodlots can play an important part in timber produc- 

 tion owing to the fact that they are as a rule located on better soil than 

 other classes of forest and their rate of growth may be greatly stimulated 

 by proper thinnings. 



A considerable number of new species have been added to the plot set 

 aside in the forest nnrsery for foreign trees. We are trying to find tretes 

 that will be hardy on the sand dunes of the State and which are immune 

 to certain diseases and insects. 



A number of minor projects were also carried on during the year, such 



