8 



before planting, to ascertain whether seeds thus treated 

 develop more rapidly in the soil, or whether their vitality is 

 partial!}^ or wholly destroyed. For the lack of funds, experi- 

 ments in this department must necessarily be carried on in 

 a small, economical and inexpensive way, and the latter is 

 often a detriment to the best results. It is hoped that means 

 will soon be provided whereby more elaborate field experi- 

 ments can be made concerning the direct and indirect influ- 

 ence of atmospheric electricity upon the growth and develop- 

 ment of plants. 



Since the agricultural department assumed charge of the 

 weather bureau, the hearty co-operation of voluntary observers 

 has been solicited, and daily forecasts and storm warnings 

 promised to all those in country places who would display 

 flags. That the movement is a wise and important one cannot 

 be questioned, for many cases already can be cited where 

 valuable crops have been saved from destruction through the 

 timely warnings of the signal service ; and it is the desire of 

 the latter that these oflficial forecasts should reach the remote as 

 well as the more accessible agricultural districts. While this 

 may not be fully realized, yet a great deal can be done toward 

 furthering the work, and important service rendered the farmer 

 in helping him to protect his crops. It seems proper that the 

 observatory, situated as it is on the college grounds, in a rich 

 and fertile agricultural section, should be provided with the 

 necessar}^ means for communicating storm and frost warnings 

 to the surrounding fiirmers. 



It was recommended in the last annual report of this depart- 

 ment that money be appropriated for flags used for signalling 

 and telegraph instruments to be placed in the observatory, that 

 direct communication might be had with the Weather Bureau 

 at Washington. The expense of such equipment has been 

 estimated at two hundred and fifty dollars. Arrangements were 

 also made with the authorities at the central office to furnish 

 this department with the oflicial weather forecasts twice daily, 

 and free of charge. 



The Agrimdiural Division. 



The Japanese millets mentioned in the last annual report, to- 

 gether with two other species of millet and a number of varie- 

 ties of Soja bean, have been under further trial. The millets 



