608 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.38 



with these, and several pure lines have been established that out- 

 yield the parent varieties. 



In horticulture, the chief experimental work has been the deter- 

 mination of the best seasons for planting various crops, the introduc- 

 tion of new vegetables and improved varieties of some of those 

 already under cultivation, and the propagation of material for dis- 

 tribution among the people. As the sources from which seeds and 

 plants may be obtained are limited, this work forms an important 

 part in the station's activities. The Hawaii Station is cooperating 

 most heartily in this work, and many of the best varieties of tropical 

 fruits and vegetables found in Hawaii may now be obtained in 

 Guam. 



About 1907, the first hives of bees was introduced from Hawaii. 

 These have done exceedingly well, having proved prolific and well 

 suited to their surroundings. As a result of the success attained, 

 instruction in beekeeping is given in connection with all the island 

 schools, and many small apiaries have been established throughout 

 the island. 



The acquisition by the United States of the Danish West Indies 

 has led to plans for the extension of experimental work to another 

 tropical group. Provision for this was embodied by Congress in the 

 bill making appropriations for the Department for 1919. 



These islands, which were acquired from Denmark in 1916, lie 40 

 to 50 miles east of Porto Rico. Only three of them are of importance, 

 St. Croix, St Thomas, and St. John, with an area of approximately 

 200 square miles and a population of about 36.000 people. St. 

 Thomas and St. John are mountainous and contain little land suitable 

 under present methods to extensive agriculture. St. Croix, the 

 largest of the three islands, embraces most of the agricultural area, 

 though some low mountains exist on the northern side of the island. 

 The southern part is made up of fertile plains and low, rolling hills, 

 being well adapted to modern agriculture. 



Most of the agriculture now practiced is on St. Croix, Avith sugar 

 cane and Sea Island cotton as the principal crops. On St. John 

 there were formerly some sugar estates, but the cultivation of that 

 crop has ceased to be of importance. St. Thomas is at present of 

 little agricultural interest, as most of the population depends on the 

 activities of the harbor for support. Bay rum is the only considerable 

 product of this island. Lime and coconut trees occur in some num- 

 bers, but no systematic attempt appears to have been made to extend 

 their planting. 



The climate is said to be healthful, and the trade winds make living 

 comfortable, especially during the cooler months. The coolest 



