6 



relative assurance of a crop, and their marked acceptability to the Occi- 

 dental palate are sufficient to encourage their general use. 



In the following pages are given brief reports on those species or varie- 

 ties of plants whose introduction has been followed by more or less sys- 

 tematic and direct observation, supplemented by the results obtained 

 through our collaborators in various parts of the Archipelago. 



To this is added a complete list of seeds and plants brought into the 

 Philippines by the Chief of the Bureau. 



CEREALS. 



American Field Corns. Six varieties have been widely distributed 

 throughout the provinces, and the results in both growth and development 

 have been generally disappointing. The tendency to early maturity (an 

 inestimable feature in countries of short seasons, but with nothing to 

 commend it to the tropical planter) is very marked, and results in a few 

 ears forming close to the ground. By acclimatization and careful seed 

 selection, made over two years, and determining the proper season for 

 planting it is hoped that this objectionable feature may be overcome or 

 greatly modified. 



Native corn is of the small Mexican type, although in parts of 

 Negros and Luzon a variety occurs that in habit and appearance closely 

 approaches the old standard King Phillip variety. It is far less prolific 

 than its American prototype, but this is doubtless to be explained by the 

 absence of those conventional ^ h .-rations of modern farming in America 

 that are deemed essential to the production of a good corn crop. 



Millet (Panicum miliaceum) . One of the more dwarf Japanese varie- 

 ties was tried, as a dry-season crop, and exhibited the same early fruiting 

 tendency as field corn. It was also found less resistant to drought. 



FORAGE PLANTS. 



Alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Kecords derived from outside sources 

 are of conflicting character, attributable doubtless to general inexperience 

 among native planters with proper culture methods, a condition that 

 widely distributed instructions failed to entirely overcome. The direct 

 investigations made by the Bureau, however, are full of promise for the 

 future of this invaluable clover. Our trials conducted on sandy soils and 

 heavy clays indicate that there are no radical climatic conditions antago- 

 nistic to success. 



Here, as elsewhere, good results are assured only by a deep, thorough 

 preliminary soil breaking, followed by such subsequent surface tillage as 

 will insure, the reduction of the soil to a good seed bed. In addition, and 

 particularly upon the west coast, provision must also be made for irriga- 

 tion and drainage. 



There, season of planting has an equally important bearing; for not- 

 withstanding a voracious appetite for water, alfalfa is easily "drowned 



