Prof. W. C. Stubbs having commenced preparations for experimental 

 work with sorghum at the experiment station at Kenner, he was au- 

 thorized to complete this work tinder the auspices of the Department. 

 No instructions in regard to the method of performing the work were 

 sent Professor Stubbs, except to do that which seemed best for the 

 promotion of the industry. His report of the results of the work and 

 the discussion thereof will follow. 



The experimental work at Douglass, Kans., was placed under the con- 

 trol of the Douglass Sugar Company. The object was to test thor- 

 oughly the method of open diffusion practiced on a small scale by Mr. 

 Hughes, at Rio Grande, and they conducted the work under the general 

 instructions to give that system of diffusion and the apparatus a thor- 

 ough and impartial test. The general results of the experimental work 

 at the station are given in the report of Mr. Edson, with a discussion 

 of the data there recorded. 



The experimental work at Conway Springs consisted in the trial of a 

 new system of preparing the exhaused chips for fuel; and certain new 

 arrangements of apparatus connected with the diffusion battery and of 

 a new system of handling and storing the cane. No specific instruc- 

 tions were given to Mr. Deming in regard to the conduct of the work, 

 but he was left free to use his own judgment in every particular in 

 regard to what was best to be done. Mr. Deraiug's report and the dis- 

 cussion thereof will follow. 



The experimental work at Sterling was of an entirely different order. 

 The Sterling Sugar Company had commenced a thorough examination 

 of all obtainable varieties of the sorghum plant. By an arrangement 

 made with this company, the Department assumed this work in the 

 condition in which it was found the latter part of July and carried it 

 to completion under the supervision of Messrs. Dentouand Cramptou, 

 whose report and observations thereon will follow. 



The following assignment of the chemical force of the division was 

 made for the purpose of securing analytical data of the season's work. 



Mr. Hughes having expressed an opinion that he could get along in- 

 dependently of any chemical assistance from the Department, no assign- 

 ment was made to Eio Grande. Mr. Edson was placed in charge of 

 the chemical work at Douglass, assisted by Mr. John L. Fuelling. 

 Prof. E. A. von Schweiuitz was placed in charge of the chemical work 

 at Conway Springs, assisted by Mr. Oma Carr. Dr. C. A. Crampton 

 was placed in charge of the work at Sterling, assisted by Mr. Karl P. 

 McElroy. 



In the latter part of July I visited the three localities last named, and 

 arranged with the proper persons for the establishment of the labora- 

 tories and perfected the arrangements for the chemical control which 

 was desired. In September and October I visited each of the labora- 

 tories above mentioned, and spent some days with the chemists in charge 

 in consultation concerning the progress of the work and any changes or 



