24 a EXPERIMENT STATION. [Jan. 



Prof. J. B. Norton, whose enthusiasm, energy and industry have 

 proved invaluable. Both observation on the different strains 

 included in the grounds in Concord and such trials of some of 

 the best of them as have been made by private individuals lead 

 to the belief that the objects in view have been measurably ob- 

 tained. Included among the different strains produced are sev- 

 eral which appear to possess at the same time very superior 

 vigor, capacity for production and quality, and much greater 

 ability at least to resist rust than any of the kinds with which 

 the work began. From the standpoint of the determination of 

 the value of the new strains in respect to rust resistance the 

 past two seasons have not been particularly favorable, since 

 they have not been characterized by severe rust infection even 

 of the ordinary commercial varieties. 



Numerous causes have prevented rapid multiplication of the 

 new strains, and the quantity, whether of seeds or roots, avail- 

 able for distribution to individuals for observation under differ- 

 ent conditions has been comparatively small. In 1915, 99 

 different individuals received either roots or seed or both, the 

 total distribution including 68 lots of roots of 50 each and 217 

 ounce packets of seed. In 1916 the distribution reached 74 

 different individuals and included 67 lots of roots of 100 each 

 and 43 ounce packets of seed. The reports received in general 

 speak very favorably of the new stock, which, as a rule, has 

 been found to grow more rapidly than ordinary commercial va- 

 rieties. No rust has been reported by any one receiving the 

 new stock, but owing to the relative freedom from serious rust 

 infestation during the past three years this fact cannot be re- 

 garded as conclusively demonstrating complete immunity. 



One phase of the investigations of Prof. F. W. INIorse on the 

 chemical composition of the asparagus plant, and the effects of 

 different fertilizers upon the proportions of the more important 

 constituents, has been completed. The results in detail and 

 practical conclusions based on them are embodied in a bulletin, 

 No. 171, which is found in later pages, and which can be 

 furnished on application as a separate. 



Among the numerous facts established, the following seem to 

 be among the more significant. The spring crop appears to be 

 dependent chiefly upon reserve material stored in the roots the 



