HAWAII. 97 



breeding and introduction of new varieties, irrigation, etc. Through 

 the cooperation of the Bureau of Plant Industry, about 150 varieties 

 were obtained for testing, among them several of superior merit. 

 F. G. Krauss, for several years agriculturist at the Kamehameha 

 schools, has been appointed to carry on this work. The use of land 

 for the experiments has been donated and other assistance provided 

 by various citizens. 



The entomologist is continuing investigations along economic lines, 

 including studies of the mango weevil and experiments for its 

 control. Investigations are also being pursued on forest insects, 

 those attacking coffee, citrus fruits, etc., and data are being collected 

 for a report on the principal insect pests of the island. The experi- 

 ments begun last year with bees and silkworms have been continued 

 with satisfactory results, and it is believed that these home industries 

 can be made profitable. The entomologist continues to act in connec- 

 tion with the committee having charge of the campaign for the elim- 

 ination of mosquitoes, and largely through his efforts an experiment 

 with top minnows from Texas has been undertaken. These minnows 

 feed quite extensively on mosquito larvae, and b}^ their introduction it 

 has been found possible to treat extensive breeding places that could 

 not otherwise be reached. 



The chemist has made a study of the composition of some Ha- 

 waiian-grown fodders and feed stuffs, which, while not complete, 

 shows a decided deficiency in the lime content. Pie has also investi- 

 gated the utilization of the waste products connected with the can- 

 ning and shipping of fruits and of sugar making. In research lines 

 he has pursued his studies on the nitrogen content of Hawaiian soils, 

 paying especial attention to the pyridin compounds, which he has 

 shown to be present in considerable quantities. Recently studies of 

 the manganese content have been begun. In some parts of the island 

 this element occurs in large quantities, and it is desired to learn its 

 effect on plant growth. He has also studied the nature of fats and 

 carbohydrates in some Hawaiian plant products, and poisonous prin- 

 ciples in a number of plants of economic importance, such as sor- 

 ghum, cassava, and arrow root, and in cooperation with the entomolo- 

 gist he is carrying on a study of Hawaiian honeys. 



The collection of local varieties of bananas, avocados, mangoes, cit- 

 rus fruits, and other economic plants is being continued by the horti- 

 culturist. Especial attention has been given to the marketing of 

 tropical fruits and to tests of various methods of handling, packing, 

 and storage. A large experimental shipment of pineapples, bananas, 

 avocados, papayas, etc., was accompanied to San Francisco, Portland, 

 and Seattle in order to study the conditions. This investigation is 

 considered of great importance, as little attention has been given to 



294b— 07 7 



