150 REPORT OF OFFICE OF EXPEiRIMENT STATIONS. 



a better demand in the United States, has been continued at the sub- 

 station, together with investigations of the insect pests and diseases 

 and some ver}'^ promising studies of malting. A collection of sugar 

 canes has been obtained from the Louisiana Station, some of which 

 have proved well adapted to Porto Rican conditions, and have been 

 distributed to planters for further tests, A scheme for testing the 

 fertilizer requirements of sugar cane has been taken up on a number 

 of plantations, and on several a small portion of the estate is now 

 regularly set aside for experimental work. The station is encour; 

 aging the most extensive cultivation of rice and a number of forage 

 crops. Among these, cowpeas are most successful and are recom- 

 mended for all localities. Alfalfa has given good results on well- 

 drained land, and is regarded as valuable under certain conditions. 

 Tests of an Indian variety of pigeon peas and of the sword bean 

 indicate that these are also worthy of more extensive cultivation. 



In cooperation with the insular government experiments in fiber 

 l^roduction have been inaugurated. Of various fibers sisal promises 

 the greatest returns. A small insular appropriation has made pos- 

 sible the importation of a number of thousands of plants, and it is 

 hoped to put the industry on a commercial basis. Efforts are also 

 being made to stinnilate the growing of the palm fiber used in the 

 nuiuufacture of I*anama hats now made on the island from imported 

 material. 



A beginning has been made in the reforestation of the uplands. 

 It has been found that this can not be done directly. l)ut must be pre- 

 ceded by the growth of trees of little economic value to serve as 

 shade. Great interest is developing in the work in tile drainage, 

 Avhich has hitherto been unknown, although many acres of land could 

 be profitably reclaimed in this way. The station is temporarily manu- 

 facturing tiles as a means of encouraging the practice. Experiments 

 nre also being carried out in cement construction, especially for fence 

 posts, as wooden posts are of but short duration because of the rav- 

 ages of insects. 



The live stock of Porto Rico is greatly in need of improvement, as 

 l)ut little pure-bred stock has ever been intiochiccd. Results with 

 cattle, pigs, and ])oultry thus far indicate that successful acclimation 

 is possible if certain precautions are observed, and good success is 

 attending the efforts of the station in this direction. 



'Jlie experimental work in horticulture continues to occupy an im- 

 portant ])lace. The station orchard now comprises 25 acres with 

 over 100 species of fruit trees. Plantings of citi'us trees, cacao, man- 

 goes, and other economic plants have been established, and experi- 

 ments on their cultivation and fertilizer requirements are in prog- 

 ress. Special nltcntion is being given (o iiincjipplc cultui-e and ship- 

 uiciit. A lunuber of trial shipments liaxc l)e('n matle to New Yoi'k 



