RHODE ISLAND. 179 



the bacterial flora and molds to determine the cause. The study of 

 the laws governintr the breeding of pigeons was actively prosecuted. 

 A cross of the ring-necked pheasant on the bantam hen has given an 

 interesting progeny. 



The Hatch fund work of the station was conducted along the lines 

 previously laid down. The field experiments, as heretofore, included 

 fertilizer tests, rotation experiments, work with lime in connection 

 with nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia, growing corn with 

 crimson clover sown in the last cultivation, studies of different lawn- 

 grass mixtures, tests with basic, neutral, and acetic fertilizers, as to 

 their influence on weeds and permanency, comparisons of market 

 garden rotations, and tests of fruits originated by the station. 



Different forms of limestone were tested, including magnesian 

 limestone, pure limestone, and slaked lime. The residual effects of 

 different phosphates on potatoes were observed. 



The plat work at the station is extensive and of high quality. It 

 is supplemented to some extent in the greenhouse. The latter relates 

 mainly to tests of different nitrogenous materials in pots, cyanamid 

 among others, the nitrogen gathering power of crimson clover, soy 

 beans and adzuki beans, and the residual effect of these legumes on 

 the subsequent growth and nitrogen assimilation of vetch. In water 

 solutions an attempt was made to grow barley to maturity and to 

 determine the amounts of potash given back to the solution after 

 the plants ripened. Experiments were also made to determine the 

 stage at which cereal crops need phosphoric acid. 



More than 100 cooperative experiments well distributed in every 

 township, of the State were in progress. This work had reference 

 largely to testing alfalfa, using phosphoric acid and potash, the 

 utilization of sandy soils, and top dressing grass lands. The station 

 is cooperating with the Sheffield Scientific School, of Yale Uni- 

 versity, in studying the laws of inheritance as applied to pigeons, 

 and wnth this Department in experiments with different varieties of 

 Indian corn. The station is not engaged in extension work. 



The following publications were received from the station during 

 the year: Bulletins 126, Feeding experiments with chickens, cockerels, 

 and turkeys; 127, Some recent feeding experiments; 128, A further 

 study of soil treatment in greenhouse culture ; 120, Experiments with 

 feldspathic rock as a source of potassium ; 130, Analyses of com- 

 mercial fertilizers: 131. Further soil tests in paraffined wire baskets; 

 and 132, Analyses of commercial fertilizers; and the xVnnual Report 

 for 1908. 



