The second section of the act makes it clear that original investi- 

 gations are to be carried on, but in my opinion they should be of such 

 a character that they can be finally reported to the farmers in a tan- 

 gible and useful form, and all descriptions of species should appear 

 first in some scientific journal if they are to be recognized and take 

 priority. 



As a matter of interest to the officers of the stations it may be 

 well to mention the fact that the leading authorities on the different 

 groups of insects have decided to charge for their services when 

 called upon to name insects. It seems only fair that these gentlemen 

 should be paid for such expert services, especially when the value of 

 the bulletins will be in this way so greatly enhanced. 



Horticultural Department. 



S. T. MAYNARD, B. Sc. 



In presenting the first report of experiments made in this depart- 

 ment, I wish to call attention to tiie fact that, owing to the limited 

 time we have" been at work, most of our experiments require further 

 time and repetition, under the same and varied conditions, in order 

 to come to positive conclusions. Further reports will be made in 

 future bulletins, and it is hoped that interested fruit-growers, market 

 gardeners, etc. will repeat the experiments as fully as possible that 

 their value may be tested under as many conditions and in as many 

 localities as possible. We would especially invite information from 

 all who have well substantiated facts upon any horticultural subject 

 and also suggestions as to experiments which should be made in the 

 interest of the Horticulture of Massachusetts. 



In most of the experiments made in this department the work is 

 largely done by students of the College, thus giving them the habit 

 of close, careful observation and a knowledge of the subjects involved 

 which they could obtain in no other way, and at the same time encour- 



