362 ainNUAl eepokt.s of dkpahtment of agriculture. 



plants were distributed and advice was given regarding the crops 

 that could be expected to succeed and the best methods to be pursued 

 in growing them. 



A number of farmers' meetings w^ere held in the Matanuska and 

 Tanana valleys during the year, and Avere well attended. A recent 

 report shows there have been taken up, under the various homestead 

 laws, 518 claims embracing approximately 103,8-iO acres. 



The plant breeding and horticultural work at Sitka station pro- 

 gressed favorably and large numbers of hybrid strawberries, and 

 other fruits and plants adapted to Alaskan conditions, were dis- 

 tributed. 



HAWAII STATION. 



This station continued in charge of J. M. Westgate. While the 

 more formal projects were by no means abandoned, and the im- 

 portance of diversified agriculture continued to be emphasized, the 

 energies of the station were largely devoted during the year to some 

 of the more pressing problems relating to the production and con- 

 servation of food for man and forage for animals. 



The chemical division paid especial attention to the conservation 

 of Hawaiian fruits and vegetables. A fruit and vegetable drier was 

 constructed that produced a much better product than that obtained 

 by the usual methods and the practicability of drying bananas and 

 various vegetables vvas demonstrated. The Avork Avith starches at- 

 tracted much attention, and the commercial manufacture of starch 

 from cassava, edible cannas, taro, and other plants, has been under- 

 taken on seA^eral of the islands. The starch of the edible canna Avas 

 found to be easily digested. A satisfactory method Avas Avorked 

 out for the manufacture of vinegar containing 4 per cent or more of 

 acetic acid from Avaste pineapple juice. 



The horticultural Avork Avas confined largely to studies of the best 

 varieties of tropical fruits for HaAvaiian conditions. A survey Avas 

 made of the coffee industry as to its condition, its necessities, and 

 also the location of possible sources of caffein in the pulp prunings, 

 etc., that are noAv Avastecl. 



The agronomy division has demonstrated the superiority of Guam 

 corn over any other variety groAvn at Ioav elevation in HaAvaii. 

 There is local prejudice against Avhite corn and efforts are being made 

 to cross this variety Avith some good yelloAv sort. Important results 

 have been secured in sAveet potato breeding Avork and some promising 

 hybrids are under observation. 



The plant pathologist has discovered the cause of a very destruc- 

 tive banana disease and has worked out a seemingly satisfactory 

 inethod of control. This method, Avhicli includes sanitation and 

 spraying, was applied to a 75-acre field Avith promising results. A 

 comprehensiA^e study of root rots of bananas, pineapples, and sugar 

 cane Avas begun. 



The extension division, through its superintendent on Maui, kept 

 in close touch Avith the agricultural interests of the islands. Demon- 

 strations AA^ere made of the curing of pork, caponizing, increased pro- 

 duction of corn, pigeon jDeas, cassava, etc., and of the practicability of 

 producing concentrated feeds to replace grain brought from Califor- 



