44 a EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



The character of the sugar group is being studied by compar- 

 ing the specific rotatory power of purified syrups obtained from 

 different parts of the plant at different seasons. The change 

 in rotation indicates a marked change in the character of the 

 sugar groups at different stages of translocation and photosyn- 

 thesis. 



A study of the bog water from the so-called cranberry tiles 

 has been continued. Samples of fruit and vines from groups 

 of fertilized and unfertilized bogs have been preserved for 

 analysis. 



Considerable time has been devoted to the study of the effect 

 of sulfate of ammonia in modifying the character of the soil 

 and checking the normal growth of clover. 



Drainage waters from sulfate of ammonia plots of Field A 

 have been analyzed and point to the exhaustion of calcium as 

 a base, but do not show any accumulation of sulfuric acid as a 

 free acid. Another application of lime has been made to this 

 field and has shown a very favorable effect on the growth of 

 clover. This investigation is being continued. The problem 

 is a complex one and involves a large amount of work before 

 it can be hoped to secure definite results. 



Dr. Lindsey has continued studies in animal nutrition. A 

 large number of digestion experiments with sheep have been 

 made during the year, upon such materials as Molassine Meal, 

 vegetable ivory, pumpkins, carrots and cabbages. 



A study of the digestibility of crude fiber in different cattle 

 feeds has been undertaken but no decisive results have as yet 

 been secured. 



Two experiments have been completed to study the value of 

 alfalfa as a roughage. It seems probable that a combination of 

 hay, alfalfa and corn stover, together with corn-and-cob meal 

 and a little cottonseed meal, will form a most satisfactory ration 

 for dairy animals. The experiments indicate that it will hardly 

 be advisable to have the coarse part of the ration consist en- 

 tirely of alfalfa or even of alfalfa and corn stover. 



A special study has been made of the nutritive value of vege- 

 table ivory for dairy animals. The results thus far indicate 

 that in spite of its hard, horny nature, animals are able to utilize 



