190S).] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31. 11 



REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR. 



The general work of the Massachusetts Agricultural Experi- 

 ment Station during the past year has followed the usual lines, 

 hut there has heen a considerable increase in the amount of 

 work in all the various departments of its activities. There 

 has heen no increase in the number on the station staff, hut 

 notwithstanding this fact there has been a considerable increase 

 in the amount of purely experimental and research work as 

 well as in the amount of work done in connection with the 

 fertilizer, feed and dairy laws and in meeting the requests 

 of our public for analytical work and for advice and infor- 

 mation. This increase has been made possible chiefly through 

 better organization in the chemical department. 



Changes in Staff. 



The station has been fortunate in retaining the services of 

 all heads of departments. The official connection of Prof. E. 

 A. White, B.Sc, with the station as floriculturist terminated 

 September 1. At the same time Prof. F. C. Sears, M.Sc, 

 became pomologist to the station. This change seemed desira- 

 ble in view of the fact that while the floricultural interests of 

 the State are important, those of fruit culture M^ould seem to 

 be yet more important. Professor White's connection with the 

 college, however, remains unchanged, and he can accordingly 

 still be consulted on such special problems connected with flori- 

 culture as are brought before us. 



The following changes affecting subordinate positions have 

 been made during the year : — 



James C. Reed, B.Sc, and P. V. Goldsmith, B.Sc, have 

 been engaged as assistants in the department of chemistry, 

 in place of E. T. Ladd, M.Sc, and Walter E. Dickinson, B.Sc, 

 resigned during the latter part of last year. 



