ANNUAL REPORT, 1938 97 



noteworthy that neither the agent responsible for the transmissible erythroblastic 

 leukosis, nor that producing the transmissible neoplasm has given rise to reactions 

 dissimilar to that which was found in the bird supplying the original material. 

 This would seem to indicate that at least two disease-producing agents were 

 responsible for the disturbances observed in the flock selected for study. 



During the year 125 instances of suspected spontaneous neoplastic disease 

 have been collected. This material is being studied to determine the relative 

 incidence of neoplasia among chickens selected from various sources. 



The study of tissue metabolism has dealt with the development of technic. 

 Preliminary observations of the metabolism of both normal and pathological 

 tissues have been made. 



WALTHAM FIELD STATION 



(Waltham, Massachusetts) 



Ray M. Koon in Charge 



The members of the research staff of the Waltham Field Station are assigned 

 to the unit by the Department of Botany, Entomology, Floriculture, Horticul- 

 ture, and Vegetable Gardening. Refer to the reports of these departments for 

 results of investigations conducted at this branch station. 



Consultation and Information Service. A definite increase was noted in the 

 numbers of commercial vegetable growers, orchardists, florists, nurserymen, 

 arborists, professional gardeners, greenkeepers and amateurs who came to the 

 Field Station this year to personally consult members of the staff. The number 

 of telephone calls for information on horticultural problems has increased to 4500. 



Evaluation Gardens. A very comprehensive collection of 2485 herbaceous 

 ornamental plants is maintained for the purpose of determining which varieties 

 are of real garden value. In addition to their use for this purpose, the gardens 

 have attracted 3785 visitors this year who, finding plants plainly and accurately 

 labeled, have discovered a living catalog from which to select the best for their 

 own home grounds. 



The consultation service and the gardens bring increasing numbers of visitors 

 to the Station yearly offering an exceptional opportunity for the members of the 

 staff to acquaint the public with the more inclusive services of the Experiment 

 Station at Amherst and the College in general. 



Field Day. The attendance on Field Day, August 3, numbered about 1000, a 

 slight decrease from that of last year. A prolonged period of rain terminated on 

 August 2 which permitted the resumption of operations on the farm after a con- 

 siderable interval. This accounts for the smaller attendance this year. Twenty 

 years ago the first Field Day was held at the "Market Garden Field Station" in 

 Lexington and 48 market gardeners went there to visit the experimental plots 

 and vegetable variety trials and to witness the demonstrations conducted in 

 their behalf. 



Soil Testing Service. The demand for this extensive service is not decreasing, 

 and it is hoped that the results will contribute to a better understanding of some 

 of our soil fertility problems. 



