DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE. 



F. Wm. Rane. 



The work in this department has followed the general lines 

 lieretofore outlined for our investigations in fruit growing, veg- 

 -etable gardening, floriculture, and forestry. 



A new experimental orchard of about five acres Avas set last 

 spring. This contains a large number of varieties ; also various 

 experiments in the nature of cultivation, utilization of rocky 

 soils, fillers, etc. Many observations and experiments in grow- 

 ing all kinds of fruits for New Hampshire have been made. A 

 fruit bulletin is under way which will consider the general 

 question of all varieties of fruits grown in the state and recom- 

 mend varieties thought to be of most value. Other fruit prob- 

 lems are also under consideration. 



A bulletin on vegetable gardening was completed and pub- 

 lished during the year. It was our purpose to emphasize the 

 better varieties for planting therein. The usual variety trial 

 tests were made. The season was a poor one but, everything 

 ■considered, resulted favorably. Even numerous varieties of 

 squashes and pumpkins gave fair success. 



The department has constructed during the year a complete 

 new range of greenhouses for which it was given $7,000 by the 

 legislature last winter. The old greenhouses were torn down 

 >and much of the material utilized in the new structure. The 

 new range (see Fig. 1) is composed of a palm house (7), 25 by 55 

 feet and 18 feet high at the peak ; four wings (3, 4, 5, 6), con- 

 necting into the palm house, two on either side, each 20 by 37^ 

 feet and 12 feet high at peak. Connecting with the rear of the 

 palm house is a runway (8, 9), 10 feet wide at ends and 34 feet 

 long, extending back to the potting house. Midway of this, 

 running at right angles and connected with it, are two more 

 greenhouse wings (1, 2), each 20 by 47| feet and 12 feet high. 

 The potting house (10) is 20 by 30 feet. The basement is util- 



