to auebbahin the value of American grown seed as compared vith 
imported seed. Awa 
Third. The acclimatization of vegetables not native to this climate. a 
notably the sweet potato, with which very successful results have been 
obtained. ‘ yp) 
Fourth. The forcing, under glass, of such vegetables as seem best 
adapted for that purpose. fd 
Fifth. The present collection of varieties of small fruits is one of — 
the largest in the country, and is destined to be of great value in the 
future, as well as at the present time. The tests consist in the neil: 
of the varieties as to their commercial value and adaptablility to the © 
climate of this State. 
Sixth. Also, so far as facilities offer, work in cross-fertilization is in 
progress tending to the improvement of varieties, and the special study — ea 
of pollen influence. This line of work is of very great value, and a — ag 
large part of the greenhouse has been set apart for the continuation — a 
of it through this coming winter, as there are, from the results of last 
winter’s crossing, over one thousand seedlings to be tested, and the 
data, if as valuable as expected, should be before the public as soon — 
as possible. 
The above is in connection with the daily routine of note-taking and 
records made of the planting, germination, growth, habit, blossoming in 
and fruiting season of all plants in this department, a large numberof 
which notes are merely for reference and are only inserted in our ~ 
record books, making no showing that would lead the public to know 
what a vast amount of constant painstaking work is necessary to keep 
records that become of greater value year by year. "4 et 
In the pomological department the testing of the large fruits andof 
the varieties of grapes is being carried on as heretofore, and a study 
made of their habits of growth, vigor, susceptibility to disease, hardi- _ 
ness and adaptability to this climate. Also of the diseases affecting 
the different fruits, especially the grape. Experiments are being — 
continued with fungicides and insecticides, with the object of obtain- 
ing simple and effective remedies for the holding in check or entirely | 
ridding our orchards and vineyards both of fungi and the insect 
pests that are rendering such a large proportion of our fruit worth-— 
less. A more extended line of experiments is being planned for the — ‘it 
coming year, intended to embrace a larger field, and some of them 
will be carried outside the Station limits through the courtesy of — 
nurserymen and fruit growers, a number of whom have offered to, 
place the necessary land and stock at the disposal of the Station. Iti 
