44 a EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE. 



J. K. SHAW AND H. F. TOMPSON. 



Work in Pomology. 



Dr. Shaw makes the following report of the work in 

 pomology : — 



Investigation work in this department has proceeded along 

 lines previously laid down. Absence on sabbatical leave from 

 September 1 and the lack of a graduate assistant have reduced 

 the amount of work done during the year, but with the return 

 of normal conditions this will be soon regained. 



Work on the plant breeding project was practically con- 

 cluded with the publication of Bulletin No. 185, on "The 

 Inheritance of Seed Coat Color in Garden Beans." There 

 are other data on hand which may, on study, be deemed worthy 

 of publication. 



Observations on local variations in temperature were con- 

 tinued by the transfer of the equipment from eastern Hampden 

 County to stations in Amherst and vicinity. 



The root and scion orchard continued to make fair growth, 

 and should yield data of increasing interest and value. A 

 reserve stock of trees for replacing any that may die is being 

 maintained. Data on the propagation of known roots of 

 trees will be available for publication the coming spring. 



An orchard of 100 trees for future use in the peach breeding 

 project was planted, but no actual breeding work was possible, 

 owing to the destruction of the buds by severe cold. Prospects 

 are now favorable for active work the coming season. 



Owing to lack of assistance little was done on the variety 

 study project, but active work will be undertaken the coming 

 year. 



In the pruning experiment a few trees of the Baldwin, 

 Rhode Island Greening and King varieties were killed back 

 by the severe cold, but all such trees have started up anew, 



