88 HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK. 



that had survived and become established. Prominent among 

 these were red and white clover, blue grass, and- timothy. In 

 several instances wheat, barley, and oats were found self-sown 

 from feed or manure. In some cases these had made good 

 growth and in same instances had ripened their grain. The few 

 gardens existing about the towns were studied and additional 

 data were secured. Most of the common hardy vegetables were 

 found growing, although the varieties were plainly not of the 

 best, and their cultivation was often neglected. Enough evi- 

 dence was secured to warrant the establishment of stations that 

 would more fully study and develop the agriculture of the region. 

 Among the first experiments planned after the establish- 

 ment of the stations were some to test the adaptability of garden 

 and field crops. Through the cooperation of the Bureau of 

 Plant Industry of the United States Department of Agriculture 

 seeds of a large number of varieties were obtained from northern 

 Europe and elsewhere. These have been under observation at 

 the several stations for some years and it is now possible to 

 recommend varieties ,for planting that may reasonably be ex- 

 pected to grow and give adequate returns in average seasons. 

 This has been of great value, especially to those who have small 

 gardens about their homes. Formerly the seed supplies came 

 from San Francisco or Puget Sound ports, and in many instances 

 the varieties were not adapted to the more northern climate. A 

 few specific results of the investigations may be of interest. With 

 potatoes a large number of varieties have been tested, and for 

 the past three years the variety Freeman has proved the best. 

 In 1906 at the Sitka Station this variety yielded at the rate of 

 379 bushels per acre, followed closely by Gold Coin and Early 

 Ohio. On the part of some varieties of potatoes there appears 

 to be a tendency to a deterioration in quality after a few years' 

 cultivation in Alaska, and investigations are in progress to deter- 

 mine its causes. Investigations have been carried on with cab- 

 bages, and the type represented by the Early Jersey Wakefield 

 has proved the best for planting. The Drumhead and Flat 

 Dutch types have almost uniformly failed at the station. Of 

 peas the varieties Alaska and First and Best have given satisfac- 

 tion and are now quite generally planted. 



