128 REPORT OF OFFICE OF EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 



of black rot, and the cedar rust in which he has found evidence of 

 a perennial mycelium, a fact not hitherto attributed to this species. 



In the department of soils all experiments previously inaugurated 

 have been continued, together with studies of soil fertility, humus, 

 drainage, and the removal of alkali. From several years of wheat 

 breeding sufficient seed has been obtained from individual plants 

 of merit to give a field test on one-tenth acre plats of about 200 

 varieties. Corn breeding is also a leading feature, and tests of wheat, 

 corn, soy beans, oats, and other crops are proceeding with about 

 1,800 farmers. 



The chemist has completed an investigation on the bleaching of 

 flour with nitrogen peroxid, and finds that the coloring matter is 

 closely associated with the oil content of the flour. An experiment 

 under his direction as to the value of copper sulphate as a pre- 

 ventive of hog cholera demonstrated its worthlessness, large quan- 

 tities being fed for six weeks without securing any immunity from 

 the disease. Malarial fever in horses is receiving attention from the 

 veterinarian and several departments are cooperating in studying 

 the loco disease. 



The substation at North Platte is under the immediate charge of 

 the director and is being used largely for demonstration experiments. 

 Some work in plant breeding, and irrigation investigations in co- 

 operation with this Office, have also been taken up. About $12,000 

 has been expended for permanent improvements. The State makes 

 an appropriation of $10,000 per year for this substation. 



Bulletins 89, Winter wheat; 90, Cattle-feeding experiments; and 91, 

 Experiments with corn, were received during the year from this 

 station. 



The income of the station during the past fiscal year Avas as follows : 



United States appropriation, Hatch Act $15,000.00 



United States appropriation, Adams Act 5, 0(X). 00 



State appropriation for substation 10,000.00 



Farm products 14, 575. 67 



Balance from previous year 1, 818. 7(! 



Total 46,394.43 



Reports of the receipts and expenditures for ihe United States 

 funds have been rendered in accordance with the schedules prescribed 

 by this Department and have been approved. 



The completion of the agricultural building has provided increased 

 accommodations for the station as well as for the college and school 

 of agriculture. Extension work is being vigorously conducted by 

 special trains, boys' and girls' associations, and other ways. The 

 biennial appropriation for farmers" institutes is $12,000. The station 

 is in a prosperous condition, and is ex])anding and developing its 



