OHIO. 143 



The field work has gone on as in previous years, and has included 

 comprehensive studies of the use of fertilizers, varieties, rotations, 

 and similar questions. The corn-breeding work for yield and pro- 

 tein content is assuming considerable importance. Variations in 

 yield at the rate of from 55 to 104 bushels an acre have been found 

 in individual ears. The effect of high protein content on the groAvth 

 and the yield is very striking almost from the start, the high protein 

 corn increasing the crop about 8 bushels an acre. Selection work is 

 also being carried on with wheat and oats from individual plants for 

 yield and for protein content, and also for stiffness of straw and time 

 of seeding. Cutting oats in the spring was found to have a marked 

 effect in preventing lodging. Considerable work has been done on 

 alfalfa, especially on the time of seeding. 



The horticulturist is studying mulching r. cultivation of orchards, 

 and the treatment of pear blight. He is making cooperative spraying 

 experiments, and in the greenhouse is forcing muskmelons, tomatoes, 

 and other crops. A treatment of greenhouse soil by mulching with 

 barnyard manure has given as good results as composting, and there 

 has been no disease so long as it has been kept moist. 



The entomologist has been conducting spraying trials with the 

 grape-berry moth and the codling moth, and has made a thorough 

 study of the life history of the Hessian fly. In cooperation with the 

 park commissions of Cleveland and other cities studies have been 

 made of insects affecting shade trees. 



The breeding and crossing of wheat, oats, corn, tobacco, and other 

 crops have been carried on by the botanist. The rhizoctonia in green- 

 houses, especially on lettuce and tobacco beds, has also received atten- 

 tion, and a method for its control by sterilizing the beds with for- 

 malin has been devised, which is believed as effective as steam and 

 less expensive. Special attention is being given to diseases of peas 

 and beans and a voluntary seed inspection is being made. 



The publications of this station received during the year were Bul- 

 letins 152, 163, Meteorological summary — press bulletins — index ; 162, 

 Plums for home and market; 16-1, Winter practice in economic 

 zoology ; 165, Experiments with winter wheat ; 166, The newer straw- 

 berries; 167, Fertility studies on Wooster soil; 168, Fertility studies 

 on Strongsville soil; 169, Spraying for the San Jose scale; 170, 

 Peaches for home and market ; and 172, Experiments with fertilizers 

 on tobacco ; besides 13 circulars and the Annual Eej^orts for 1904 and 

 1905. 



