82 REPORT OF OFFICE OF EXPERIMENT STATIOISrS. 



The evidence thus far indicates that copper is filtered out to such 

 an extent that it does not injure the phmts, but that the injurious 

 effects often observed are due to the physical action of the detritis on 

 the soils over Avhich it spreads. 



The botanist has published some observations on the life history 

 and feeding- value of altihiria, a forage plant extensively introduced 

 into the Territory about thirty-hve years ago and widely dissem- 

 inated through the agency of sheep. As the plant produces a large 

 amount of nutritious spring forage and is well adapted to southwest- 

 ern conditions, it is recommended for grazing areas. Grazing range 

 investigations near Tucson have been continued, as have also studies 

 of the economic value of cacti and of the viabilit}^ of native grasses. 

 AVork in the forage garden at the station has resulted in the selection 

 of several varieties for more extensive experimenting. The botan- 

 ical work of the station is to be enlarged to include vegetable physiol- 

 ogy and pathology under the direction of W. B. McCallum, Ph. D., 

 of the University of Chicago. 



Date-palm culture continues to be a prominent feature in coopera- 

 tion with the Bureau of Plant Industry. A date orchard (PL I, 

 fig. 1) of 7 acres has been, established at Yuma on land donated for 

 the purpose, aiul a special appropriation has provided funds for a 

 small cottage. Progress is also being nuide at the Tempe orchard, 

 where a dwelling for the foreman, pumi)ing plant, barn, and other 

 equipment have recently been j)rovided. About 3.000 pounds of dates 

 were harvested this year, Avhich were marketed as fresh fruit. A dis- 

 tril)ution of suckers Avas made to growers so far as the supply per- 

 mitted. The interest in this project is very great. 



A beet-sugar factory, costing $800,000, and Avith a capacity of 800 

 tons of beets per day, is being erected near Phoenix, largely as a re- 

 sult of the work of the station in stimulating beet culture. As soon 

 as the factory starts, feeding experiments Avith beet pulp Avill be 

 begun. 



Other invest ligations recentlv* inauiiuiated include feedino; and 

 pasture experiments with sheep and pigs, the pi'otection of small 

 fruits and veiretables fi'om excessive heat anil cold l)v shadiuij:, 

 horticultui'al and economic problems in olive growing, and the 

 culture of miscellaneous crops in the Colorado EiA-er flood j^lain. 

 The station now lias an appropriation of $2,700 for farmers' insti- 

 tutes, and the animal husbandman is giving special attention to this 

 Avork. The equipment of I'Mrni buildings (1*1. T, fig. 2) at Phoenix 

 has been matcriallv added to during the A'ear. 



The publications of this station receiA^ed during the year comprise 

 Bulletins 51, Timely hints for farmers, and 52. Alfilaria {ErocUum 

 ciciif(iriiint) as a forage })lant in Arizona, and the Annual Kei:)ort 

 for 1905. 



