11 



$23,389.70. The Territorial appropriations were for carrying on 

 investigations in cooperation with, the l)oard of ag-riculture and for- 

 estry, and speeitic appiopriations were made of $1,5(10 for the erection 

 of a residence for the chemist, and $3,()(X) for a fireproof library, 

 laboratorv. and office bnilding. The law specitied that the latter 

 Ijuildino- shonld l)e fireproof, but the sum appropriated was absolutely 

 inadequate for a fireproof structure. As the money appropriated 

 would lapse if not used during- the fiscal year, the special agent believed 

 it his duty to proceed with the 1)uilding operations and complete them 

 with funds derived from the other resources of the station. In doing 

 this he used $3,4S7.30 for })uildings and repairs, and $698.68 for fitting 

 up the chemical laboratory, and $5()S.'28 for reference books for the 

 library. The amount spent for labor during the year was |3,369.57. 

 The last session of the legislature adjourned without making any 

 appropriation directly to the station, so that for the ensuing biennial 

 period it will be dependent upon the amount appropriated by Congress 

 and the sales of farm products. 



INVESTIGATIONS. 



The scientific work during the past year has been somewhat hampered 

 by the construction operations before described. Nevertheless, a good 

 deal has been accomplished. In cooperation with the Hawaiian Live 

 Stock Breeders' Association a large amount of seeds of various grasses 

 and forage plants were secured and distributed. Sufficient time has 

 not yet elapsed to determine the success of this expei'iment, but it has 

 already shown that fenugreek, Spanish sulla, woolly top {Andropogon 

 saeeharoides), and Panienm lulhosam are adapted to Hawaiian con- 

 ditions. These recent introductions, together with others previously 

 brought in l)y the station, are recognized by stockmen as having been 

 of great value in restocking and extending their ranges, and this work 

 will be continued for some time. 



TAN-BARK PRODUCTION. 



During the past year the special agent caused to be cut about 6 acres 

 of black wattle {Acacia decurrens), which was growing on the station 

 grounds at an elevation of about 700 feet above sea level. The soil 

 at this place is a heavy decomposed lava, with frequent outcroppings 

 of rock, and the slope is too steep to permit of any cultivation. The 

 forest was planted about 1890 under the direction of the minister of 

 agriculture of the then Hawaiian government, but had become over- 

 grown l)y lantana. In addition the trees had reached full maturity 

 and were beginning to die, about 10 per cent having died during the 

 previous year. A galvanized-iron drying shed 30 by 50 feet was 

 erected, and a force of laborers was hired to cut down the trees and 



