360 AGRICULTURAL APPROPRIATION BILL, 1924. 



The behavior of (htiinage pumping phmts in Texas and Louisiana, 

 the operation of which had previously been studied by the bureau, 

 was investigated in order to determine how the different types of 

 phints were working, wliat diflicuUies were encountered, and what 

 changes shouUl be made in the recommended practices. 



In our drainage work we are emphasizing research — the study of 

 the basic probh'ms of farm drainage. I feel that the instruction of 

 the individual farmer in his specific problems is a matter that can 

 now well l)e left largely to the State Extension Service. We are. 

 nevertheless, carrying on some extension work in cooperation with 

 certain States that agree to bear a part of the expense of such work. 

 This year we have such agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, 

 North Carolina, West N'irginia, and Tennessee. 



FOR IXVESTIGATINO FARM DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY AND DR\IXAGE 



DISPOSAL. 



Mr. Anderson. Your next item is for investigating farm domestic 

 water supply and drainage disposal-. 



Mr. MacDonald. That recjuest remains the same as this year. 



Mr. Anderson. What is this item particularly directed to I 



Mr. MacDonald. I should say the major studies we wish to carry 

 on under this item are two — researches with reference to farm build- 

 ings, particularly barn ventilation, and storage houses for different 

 kinds of crops; and farm power studies. 



We beheve that, from the agricultural standpoint, one of the 

 greatest advances that w'e will have to make in the future is in con- 

 nection with the storage of what we regard now as perishable crops 

 over a length of time so as to depress the peak and distribute such 

 crops over a longer period of time. 



Mr. Anderson. Do you have reference to farm storage or com- 

 mercial storage ? 



Mr. MacDonald. Particularly to farm storage, but I assume the 

 principle would be applicable to either. I had reference particularly 

 to farm and conununity storage, such as tobacco barns, and potato, 

 apple, and fruit storage facilities. We have made considerable 

 progress in the successful storage of sweet potatoes, and the tobacco 

 crop seems to offer similar desifable fields for study. 



The bureau is concerned in establishing the principles of design 

 which should underlie the construction of buildings for special 

 agricultural purposes, believing that if these principles are established 

 any architect or builder can use them in producing satisfacti)ry 

 buildings. 



Great yearly losses occur in tobacco barns during the firing and 

 (Miiing of the crof) due to improper ventilation or improper construc- 

 tion. There is also room foi- improvement in the arrangement of 

 these barns by which considerable saving in lai)or may be made, 

 it is expected that this work will be done in cooperation with the 

 liureau of i^Iant Indiisliy and with one or more of the agrii'ultural 

 <"<»lleges in tdhncfo-growing States. 



VK.STIl-ATIO.N OK DAIKY ANU OTIIKK 1«AUN8. 



Iti the ventilation of daiiy and other barns there is need for further 

 investigation. We have already prepared a bulletin based on 



