238 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



The Farm. 

 On the farm the operations of the year have been simply 

 routine in their nature. No extended improvements have 

 been made. An underdrain about 1,200 feet in length has 

 been put in on one of the fields ; other drains have been 

 kept in good order. Some new fence has been built. The 

 grounds are neat and tasteful, and the buildings well cared 

 for and cleanly. The crops on the farm were excellent, 

 grass, millet and soya beans being especially productive. 

 Only one suggestion : The stock on the farm was bought for 

 a purpose, or to demonstrate a theory, an experiment ; that 

 purpose is accomplished. To now dispose of the stock that 

 is not profitable and replace it with some of the finest ani- 

 mals of the best breeds, would, we believe, be more in 

 accord with the demands of the college, more profitable and 

 more instructive. In judging the farm results, we must re- 

 member that it is not carried on to demonstrate the profits 

 of farming, but as a part of the school work ; and every year 

 much of success must be sacrificed to the educational features 

 of the college. 



The Experiment Station. 

 This department confines itself largely to the study of 

 questions connected with the composition of manures and 

 other fertilizers. It is endeavoring to find out how to feed 

 plants most economically. It carries out a large amount of 

 plot work upon the station grounds and a limited amount 

 upon land belonging to selected farmers in diiferent parts of 

 the State. Variety tests of ordinary farm crops claim atten- 

 tion, a large amount of work being done yearly in this line. 

 Cultural experiments are also undertaken. Trials of imple- 

 ments and machines are made. Poultry experiments also 

 come under this department, and interesting comparisons 

 have been made in feeds and feeding for egg-production. 

 It seems on many accounts desirable that the scope of this 

 work in connection with poultry be extended. The poul- 

 try interests of the State are very large, and rapidly increas- 

 ing. Light is needed upon many problems of feed, care 



