46 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 339 



1. Investigation of individual farm experiences in pasture improvement by 

 types of pastures under different conditions. To obtain information for this 

 section a field survey was carried on last summer with the result of obtaining 

 very detailed information on pasture and hay practices by individual plots on 

 113 farms located in different sections of the State. In addition, it was possible, 

 with the assistance of a specialist from the United States Soil Conservation 

 Service, to map out 50 farms showing in detail for each field the type of soil 

 and cover and the degree of erosion and slope. 



The survey showed that moderate sheet erosion and occasional gullies occur 

 on cultivated land in western Massachusetts and that wind erosion is a serious 

 factor in the Connecticut Valley. Generally speaking, however, soil erosion 

 was not found to be a serious problem in Massachusetts. Of the land area sur- 

 veyed, an average of 12 percent was in cultivated crops, 36 percent in pasture, 

 25 percent in hayland, 25 percent in forest, and 2 percent was idle. 



2. A summary of available technical research material on hay and pasture 

 improvement. Under this section material was collected by Dr. Colby of the 

 Agronomy Department on experimental data from the college plots and data 

 from the extension demonstration projects on individual farms by extension 

 agronomists. The field data have been tabulated and analyzed to show the 

 results of pasture and hay improvement practices under varying conditions, 

 indicating the costs involved, the changes in farm management practices, and 

 the effect on soil conservation and farm economy. 



To show the results of various pasture improvement practices in a more 

 definite and detailed way, 13 farms were selected for an intensive budget analy- 

 sis and changes in farming operations. 



As a result of this study recommendations are being sent to Washington as 

 a factual basis for the administration of the Soil Conservation Act in this State. 



DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY 

 A. I. Bourne in Charge 



Investigation of Materials which Promise Value in Insect Control. 



(A. I. Bourne, and W. D. Whitcomb, Waltham.) 



Oil Sprays for Dormant Applications. From the standpoint of the orchardist, 

 the winter of 1935-36 was not featured by unusual conditions. Although 

 steady cold weather prevailed during late January and most of February, there 

 was practically no injury to apples and but little more than the normal winter- 

 killing of peach buds. 



The unseasonably high temperature of late March, following the rapid dis- 

 appearance of the snow during the period of the flood, advanced the seasonal 

 development of nearly all types of fruit so that by the end of the month trees 

 were three to four weeks ahead of normal. This stimulation was also reflected 

 in the early appearance and rapid development of many insect pests. April, 

 however, was colder than usual so that this rapid development was retarded, 

 and throughout most of the State the delayed dormant sprays were applied 

 at the usual time. 



The practice of using oil sprays, discontinued by many growers in 1934 and 

 1935 because of injury to their trees the previous winters, again became general 

 and no reports of injury were received. There was a slight increase in the use 

 of tar distillate oil sprays, particularly in orchards where bud moth or rosy 



