204 DEPARTMENTAL EEPORTS. 



but an arrangement has been made with Mr. J. W. Duncan, a resi- 

 dent of Rampart, to care for the station j)roperty there and do some 

 fall and spring seeding. 



At Sitka the experiments with cereals, forage crops, and vegetables 

 were continued during the season of 1900, and a considerable number 

 of varieties were successfullj^ grown. An extensive series of experi- 

 ments was conducted with fertilizers, illustrating their effect on new 

 soil, as shown in the production of oats, barley, and potatoes. Dur- 

 ing the present season similar experiments have been continued, and 

 an attempt has been made at growing forage croj)S for the mainte- 

 nance of the station cattle. The experimental cropping the present 

 season has been confined to those varieties which have been success- 

 ful heretofore, the object being to secure Alaska-grown seed for the 

 use of the station and for distribution in small quantities among resi- 

 dents. Some fertilizer experiments with seaweed, stable manure, 

 and fish guano are under way. 



A successful experiment was made in the construction of a log silo 

 and the preparation of silage. Regarding this. Professor Georgeson 

 writes as follows: 



A log silo was built during July and August, 1900. by my assistant, Mr. Rader. 

 A silo was needed, and it was built of logs as an experiment, in order to ascertain 

 if settlers could build a satisfactory silo bj^ this means. It is 15 by 15 feet square 

 inside and 13 feet high. The logs are fitted together and chinked with moss in 

 such a manner as to make the walls perfectly air-tight. The logs were dressed 

 on the inside so as to present a smooth wall. It was roofed with boards, and a 

 temporary cattle shed for the cattle was built against one side. The silo is built 

 in the side of a hill, with a driveway over the bill at the back, so that the material 

 can be pitched over the top log of the silo without much exertion. It was tilled 

 with native grasses during the latter part of September. The experiment was an 

 entire success. Our work oxen were fed exclusively on siJage from November 10 

 to May 1, and only when they were worked were they fed grain in addition. 

 They ate the silage with relish throughout and were maintained in good condition. 

 There was no greater loss of silage by waste than always occurs in preserving 

 green forage. 



During the past year some advance has been made toward building 

 the station headquarters at Sitka, but unfortunately the appropriation 

 for the current year will not permit the completion of this building. 

 Only the first storj^ is in a condition to be used at present, and the 

 exterior of the building is still unfinished. The necessary lilumbing 

 was done in this l)uilding during the past winter by Professor George- 

 son and his assistant, when it was found through bids that this work 

 could not be otherwise done except at excessive cost. A rain-water 

 tank holding 4, 700 gallons was constructed near the building in a simi- 

 lar way. It is estimated that by doing the work in this manner some 

 $500 was saved. 



During March of the present year the station force "cut a raft of 

 wood in a bay some miles from town and towed it in with the launcli. 

 It will sui^ply most of tlie fuel needed during the present year." 



Dui'ing the i^resent summer the station force at Sitka lias also built 

 a barn and four-room cottage on the station farm. The barn joins the 

 silo and is 25 b}' 50 feet and two stories high. The lower story will 

 hav(^ a tool room, furnish storage for farm implements, and have stalls 

 foi' half a dozen liead of cattle. The ujiper story is provided with a 

 tight floor and will be used chiefly for the handling of grain and seed. 

 The cottage is K! by 80 feet and a story and a half high. There are 

 at present only two rooms on each floor, but it is contemplated to build 

 a kitchen as an addition to one side later on. This cottage is needed 

 to provide quarters for the man who has charge of the cattle and who 



