1891.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4. 253 



Vines so treated were free from mildew, both fruit and 

 foliage. Those not treated with the mixture were so badly 

 mildewed as to be worthless. Experiments are being made 

 with strawberries, testing all worthy varieties, likewise 

 blackberries and raspberries. Full reports may be found 

 in the bulletins of the Hatch Experiment Station. The 

 system of instruction has been the same as that followed 

 during the preceding year ; it seems well adapted to the 

 needs of the students. For only one branch of the teaching 

 — botany — does any immediate change seem desirable ; on 

 this subject it appears important to divide the work in such 

 a manner that the students may learn more concerning the 

 diseases of plants than they do at present. The modern 

 science of vegetable pathology has in recent years made 

 great advances, and it seems well worth while to train the 

 young men in our agricultural college in such a way that 

 they may be able to extend this learning, and apply the 

 results in practice. The institution of an experiment station 

 at the college appears to open a way to secure a very high 

 grade of instruction in all that relates to the diseases of 

 plants. Although this establishment is not a constituent 

 part of the college, it may be possible to win from it material 

 assistance in this most important branch of economic science, 

 which will much increase the value of the teaching which 

 our college offers to young men. 



In conclusion, we commend the college to the farmers and 

 citizens of the Commonwealth as an institution worthy of 

 continued support. 



Respectfully submitted, 



GEO. S. TAYLOR. 

 GEORGE CRUICKSHANKS. 

 N. S. SHALER. 

 A. C. VARNUM. 

 P. M. HARWOOD. 



