ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 



MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL EXPERLMENT 



STATION - 1937 



INTRODUCTION 

 F. J. Sievers, Director 



The general policy of the Experiment Station Administration is so closeh' 

 related to and guided by definite research projects that whatever changes occur 

 from year to year are so gradual that they attract very little attention and cause 

 no particular stir. This is as it should be in an organization where there is adequate 

 vision and a sound foundation. Changes which come in the form of sound and 

 gradual growth are generally indicative of a healthy organism. It is the belief 

 that we are undergoing such changes. 



One of these, and a very significant one, is evidenced by the increased recog- 

 nition given to the economic factors that play so prominent a part in the inter- 

 pretation and utilization of results from scientific investigations. The individual 

 investigator has become gradually more conscious of the desirability and obligation 

 for carrying his studies beyond the so-called factual and into the applied stage. 

 He is developing greater courage in expressing himself in the interpretation of 

 his results and this is sure to prove of great value in a field where unbiased opinions 

 are not readily available from any other source. This development in the Experi- 

 ment Station is becoming gradually recognized and is being appreciated and 

 encouraged by those whom it attempts to serve. 



The work in nutrition, as related to both human and animal well-being, has 

 been hindered since its inception because of inadequate facilities pending the 

 completion of construction in the nutrition laboratory. Last year's appropria- 

 tion, however, made financial provision to put the entire laboratory into usable 

 condition and this unit will soon be equipped to make a very desirable contribu- 

 tion to the research and general educational program of the entire college. These 

 facilities and the qualified personnel available are being recognized by personal 

 and industrial interests and, as a result, the demands for special research to serve 

 specific problems are increasing. 



The investigations under the Mrs. Henry Lang Fund have been encouraged 

 by another gift of $5,000 from the same donor through whose generosity the fund 

 was originally established and designated. There are evidences that this support 

 is beginning to produce results that may aid in providing a more intelligent ap- 

 proach in dealing with those so-called deficiency ailments now so commonly 

 recognized in human nutrition. 



Among the poultrymen there is continued interest in the expansion of our 

 facilities so that some of the nutrition problems now confronting that industry 

 may be given research attention. A special item in the present budget, when 

 approved, will provide this service, which should then be organized as a supplement 

 to the present Feed Control program. 



Because of opportunities for expansion through enlarged Bankhead-Jones 

 support, it is intended to recognize the need for certain studies in weed control 

 and fruit storage at the Cranberry Field Station. The urgency of this need is 

 best evidenced by the fact that the cranberry growers themselves, through 

 special funds provided through the treasury of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' 



