28 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 428 



of the lettuce but it also reduced the calcium, iron, and phosphorus content. The 

 use of magnesium sulfate and lime or lime alone as a supplementary fertilizer 

 tended to reduce the carotene, calcium, iron, and phosphorus content of the 

 lettuce and caused a definite decrease in the magnesium content. The values 

 obtained show lettuce to be a valuable source of carotene, riboflavin, calcium, 

 iron, magnesium, and phosphorus and to be well deserving of its classification 

 as a "protective food" for the human dietary. 



CONTROL SERVICES 

 Philip H. Smith in Charge 



The fertilizer, feed, seed and milk testing laws are administered as one service 

 and the operations of each of these, with the exception of the milk testing law, 

 are reported in annual bulletins issued for that purpose. 



Under the milk testing law 6,407 pieces of Babcock glassware were tested for 

 accuracy and 85 certificates of proficiency in testing were issued. In addition, 

 all milk depots and milk laboratories in the State were visited at least once, as 

 required by statute, in order to check apparatus and the general conduct of the 

 work. In order to promote greater efficiency in checking on the accuracy of 

 testing, the field men of the Milk Control Board have been deputized to conduct 

 investigations This is authorized by law. 



In addition to regular routine duties. Control Service has been called upon to 

 the extent of time available to assist other departments of the College and Station 

 in conducting work in connection with research problems not originating in the 

 Control department itself. Such service has been rendered during the past year 

 to the Departments of Pomology, Olericulture, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary 

 Science, Agronomy, Poultry Husbandry, Dairy Industry, Waltham Field Sta- 

 tion, Food Technology, and Research Chemistry. 



Considerable time has been devoted to assays and analyses not directly con- 

 nected with the requirements of the several acts but for which there appears to 

 be need. Some of the work covered has been assays for riboflavin, carotene, 

 choline, and trace^ mineral elements in feeds. 



Control Service has also examined feeds and fertilizers submitted by citizens 

 of the State and State Institutions. Where such work can be construed to be of 

 general public value no charge is made. 



The work of the Seed Laboratory continues to enlarge, not only on account 

 of the temporary increase in War Gardens, but also because of a growing realiza- 

 tion on the part of retail seed dealers that good seed is of prime importance if a 

 good crop is to be expected. Each year retailers in growing numbers submit, 

 prior to sale, the seed they expect to offer. During the year a new seed germina- 

 tion room has been installed which greatly facilitates the testing of the larger 

 field and garden seeds. 



THE CRANBERRY STATION 



East Wareham, Massachusetts 



H. J. Franklin in Charge 



Injurious and Beneficial Insects Affecting the Cranberry. (H. J. Franklin.) 

 Hill Firewortn {Tlascala finitella). There were plenty of these worms on the 

 heavily vined Burrage bog at South Hanson in June, 1944 Cryolite, 50 pounds 

 to the acre applied as a dust on June 28, gave excellent control of the pest. 



