Expei^iment Station Report. 7 



certain diseases of grasses ; observations regarding the vital- 

 ity of tlie seeds of various weeds ; vitality of seeds as 

 affected by age, and the destruction of peach buds by cold. 

 His personal report forms the first chapter of this report. 



The various crops raised in connection with the previously 

 enumerated field experiments have, in most instances, been 

 subjected to a chemical analysis, for the purpose of obtain- 

 ing additional information for a judicious decision regarding 

 their true character. 



Experiments are under way with ensilaging fodder corn 

 and pearl millet. A description of the results will be pub- 

 lished as soon as the silo shall be opened for examination. 



The work in the chemical labratory has been in various 

 directions, and quite extensive, considering circumstances. 

 Aside from the numerous analytical examinations in connec- 

 tion with the experiments in stock-feeding and in the field, a 

 considerable number of fodder plants have been chemically 

 tested for general information. 



A large number of agricultural chemicals and other com- 

 mercial manurial matter, not included in the control of the 

 laws for the sale of licensed fertilizers, besides refuse mate- 

 rial from various manufacturinsr industries throus-hout the 

 State, have been analyzed at the request of farmer's clubs 

 and farmers, in most instances at the special solicitation of 

 the officers of the societies. 



Many analyses of milk have been made, for the purpose 

 of studying the influence of various kinds of feed on its 

 quality. 



Considerable attention has been given to the testing of 

 drinkino^ waters sent on from various localities in the State. 

 The importance of attending more systematically, on farms, 

 to the supply of a good water for drinking, has been dis- 

 cussed in a subsequent communication. 



The calls upon the station for testing material of various 

 descriptions, and interesting to farmers, have been quite fre- 

 quently beyond its temporary resources, and had to be 

 deferred at times, contrary to the best interest of the appli- 

 cants. 



Arrangements have been perfected of late to' keep a com- 

 plete weather record, and to assist the United States Signal 



