1914.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31. 27 a 



ashes aud the sulfates of potash is slightly decreased by the 

 neighborhood of an oak tree, which stands about two rods dis- 

 tant from one end of the field. 



General Conclusion. — The general conclusion is at least 

 strongly suggested that in common practice among the aspara- 

 gus gi'owei's of the State chemicals are frequently used in quan- 

 tities in excess of those which are required to jDroduce maximum 

 crops. 



Breeding Experiments. 



The new types of asparagus produced by the crosses made 

 by Professor K^orton, and referred to in previous reports, have 

 not been subjected to tests as severe as Professor Norton has 

 desired during the past two years since rust has been less pre^'a- 

 lent than usual. So far as can be judged, however, the best 

 rust-resistant types fully retain their valuable characteristics. 

 Numerous other crosses which are promising have been made. 



We have experienced great difficulty in our efforts to produce 

 seed from the more desirable breedings, owing to the ravages 

 of the asparagus beetle (Crioceris 12-punctata), which preys 

 both on foliage and directly upon the berries. Thus far no 

 thoroughly satisfactory method of protection has been dis- 

 covered. This fact will necessarily make the time when we 

 shall be ready to distribute seed for trial later than we had 

 hoped, and we are unable at present to announce when such 

 distribution will be possible, nor can we state the basis on 

 which any distribution will be made. Clearly, however, the 

 new types must be so handled as to insure the multiplication 

 of those which seem most desirable as rapidly as possible in 

 order that they may be available at an early day for test under 

 a wide diversity of conditions. 



CRANBERRY SUBSTATION, WAREHAM. 



A full report on the experimental work of the past year will 

 be found in Bulletm loOXP&rt II., page 37), which is a part 

 of this annual report. Bulletin 150 also contains a paper by 

 Professor Morse on the composition of bog waters (Part II., 

 page 62). 



