158 EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



blight-resisting cantalouiDes which were originated in Colo- 

 rado. It is hoped that further observations may be made on 

 cantaloupes, with the idea of securing blight-resisting types, 

 since at the present time crops of melons free from blight 

 are a rarity in Massachusetts. 



Some bacterial investigations have been carried on which 

 possess a bearing on various problems, but it is not deemed 

 advisable to report on this work at the present time. 



This also holds true in regard to some minor experiments 

 with electricity as related to plants. Extensive observations 

 have been made in regard to the bearing of light upon plant 

 growth, more particularly in regard to greenhouse construc- 

 tion and other problems. 



During the coming year w^e expect to take up the study of 

 some climatic influences which affect the production of both 

 greenhouse and out-door crops. The production of crops is 

 so intimately associated with such factors as light, heat, 

 moisture, etc., - — factors which are scarcely appreciated ex- 

 cept by skilled greenhouse growers, — that a more extensive 

 study of them would prove of value. 



During the year a large number of mechanical analyses 

 of soils have been made by this department, most of which 

 were rose soils. These analyses were made for expert rose 

 growers, who desired to secure suitable soils for the growth 

 of American Beauty and other roses. 



Seed Work. 



There is a constantly increasing demand upon this depart- 

 ment for work pertaining to seed germination, seed separa- 

 tion and purity testing of seeds. The department is not at 

 present sufficiently well equipped for purity testing, since the 

 best w^ork in this line can be done only by a specialist, or by 

 one who is able to devote considerable study to the subject. 



Most of our seed separation is done for tobacco and onion 

 growers of the Connecticut valley, and for this work tlie 

 department has installed efficient appliances. It is hoped that 

 market gardeners will eventually separate their seed, since 

 in growing such crops as lettuce, celery, radishes, etc., this 

 practice would prove valuable. 



