347 



In the spring of 1889 the horticulturist of the station, assisted by the 

 local granges of the Patrons of Husbandry, collected samples of seeds 

 sold throughout the State. "They were examined with reference to 

 their purity and vitality, and some were grown to determine trueness to 

 name." It was deemed inadvisable to i)ublish a detailed record of these 

 tests. 



The general result of this exaniinivtion was to furnish conclusive proof that the 

 supply of voj^etablo and jifanlen seeds offered for sale in the State is good, satisfactory 

 in quality, and reasonable in quantity for the prices. Only in exceptional cases were 

 seeds ionud impure or lacking in vitality orgerminative power. The general freedom 

 from impurities show that, as a rule, proper care is taken in cleaning the seed before 

 it is offered for sale. This statement does not include field seeds. Grass and clover 

 seeds were found to often contain much foreign matter, partly worthless and partly 

 injurious. » * * The average of germination for samples tested of all classes 

 was over 75 per cent. Th'ire was a marked difference in the vitality of different 

 kinds of seeds; for instance, lettuce seed has always a very high rate of vitality (94 

 per cent or over), while carrot and cauliflower seed are usually of low vitality (rang- 

 ing from 53 to 64 per cent). 



"The library has been increased, important additions have been 

 made to the laboratory equipment, microscopes and accessories have 

 been purchased, and a complete photographic outfit obtained, including 

 the fitting up of a suitable dark room. 



"A commodious and well-arranged building for stable and storage 

 has been erected, 40 feet square, with 16-foot posts and a hipped-roof, 

 giving great capacity in the loft." 



During 1889 the station made exhibits at the county fairs and at the 

 exposition of the State Agricultural Association at Pimlico. " Mem- 

 bers of the station staff, assisted by students of the senior class of the 

 college, were in attendance in all cases to explain the exhibits, distrib- 

 ute bulletins, and give information regarding the station and its pur- 

 pose. These displays attracted much attention and were favorably 

 commented upon." The exhibit made at Pimlico is briefly described. 

 Station officers attended agricultural meetings in eleven different coun- 

 ties of the State. Within the year representatives of nearly all the 

 prominent organizations in the interest of farming have visited the sta- 

 tion. The Maryland State Farmers' Association and the State Grange 

 have both appointed standing committees to inspect the station and 

 its work and periodically report upon its condition and management. 

 Visits from progressive farmers individually interested in the work are 

 also becoming frequent. 



The publications of the station during 1889 were the First Annual 

 Report, Bulletins Nos. 4, 5, 6, and 7, and a Special Bulletin for distribu- 

 tion at the agricultural fairs. Editions of from 4,000 to 10,000 of these 

 publications have been distributed. The station also carried on a large 

 correspondence. 



The tomato, Dr. R. L. Sturtevant (pp. 18-25).— A brief history 

 of the tomato in Europe and America, with especial reference to the 



