10 a EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



culture a plantation of swamp blueberries, with a view to in- 

 vestigating the possibilities of blueberry culture. 



The very high price of the cereal grains has indicated the 

 probability that under existing conditions Massachusetts may 

 profitably engage in the production of these grains on a much 

 more extensive scale than in recent years. A considerable area 

 on the Tillson farm, and a smaller area on the home grounds of 

 the station, therefore, are being used for the trial of nine differ- 

 ent varieties of winter wheat and a new variety of winter rye 

 and of winter barley. 



The chemical department, in co-operation with several other 

 experiment stations, under the general suggestive leadership of 

 Dr. H. P. Armsby, is beginning a series of experiments to de- 

 termine the minimum protein requirements of growing animals. 

 The solution of this problem should have an important bearing 

 upon the economy of meat production. 



A number of forage crops new in the agriculture of the State 

 and a considerable number of feeds also relatively unknown 

 have been under investigation as regards their value and adapt- 

 ability to local conditions. 



Important investigations which should throw light upon the 

 most satisfactory methods of feeding horses have been begun 

 during the year. In these investigations the digestibility by 

 horses of the important feeding stuffs, and their available energy 

 in the animal economy, will be determined. 



Experiments having indicated the superior value of the types 

 of rust-resistant asparagus produced in the breeding work at 

 Concord, a considerable area has been set with plants of the 

 best variety for the purpose of producing seed in such quantities 

 that the demand of growers of the crop for the new variety 

 may be met. 



As the probable value of soy beans in the existing and pro- 

 spective food emergency has been quite generally recognized, it 

 was felt that there would be a large demand for seed, and a con- 

 siderable area on the Tillson farm, as well as smaller areas on 

 such of the station plots as could be used for the purpose, were 

 planted to one of the best varieties. 



Fairly satisfactory progress has been made in the investiga- 



