24. ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 
“flax seed” stage of the insect on the wheat plants was shown 
to the farmers so that they might easily recognize this pest.. 
The life history of the insect was given in brief talks, and the 
importance of cooperation in plowing the stubble in the fall 
was urged as being the most effective way of keeping the pest 
in check. The value of rotation of crops was also dwelt upon. 
3esides the work mentioned above, experiments have been 
conducted as to the best methods of combating the horn fly of 
cattle and the white grub which infests lawns. 
In May a trip was made into the lumber sections of Lake 
County to study and collect insects affecting our timber 
interests. 
Many nurseries throughout the state have been inspected 
during the year and have been found fairly free from insect 
pests and fungous diseases. 
POULTRY DIVISION. 
The work for the past year in this division, has been 
mainly a study of best conditions and management of farm 
flocks. The problem of winter egg production is receiving 
especial attention. Experiments with natural and artificial 
incubation have been continued. Owing to lack of room, two 
breeds only are kept—Plymouth Rocks for general purpose 
fowls and White Leghorns for layers. 
As was mentioned in the last report, it is still thought that 
a number of small houses, each to illustrate a different method 
of building a farm poultry house, would be a valuable object 
lesson and would help to relieve the crowded condition of the 
poultry quarters. 
NORTHWEST EXPERIMENT FARM. 
On this farm the experimental work which was being 
carried on in much the same lines as formerly, was seriously 
interfered with by a hail storm on July 15th, 1902, which 
destroyed the standing crops and rendered nearly valueless 
the work in the trial plots.. After the storm the most of the 
grain was cut for hay. 
