1910.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31. 29 



eral weeks in the cranberry sections of the State laying plans and 

 making preparations for the work of another year. 



The past year has been characterized by a significant develop- 

 ment in the relations of cranberry growers to our work. As a 

 result of extended correspondence and conference, a committee 

 representing the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association came 

 to the decision to solicit contributions towards the financial sup- 

 port of experimental work with cranberries. The committee 

 prepared a circular letter asking for pro rata contributions, 

 and this letter, in printed form, was sent to all known cran- 

 berry growers in the State. This letter follows : — 



To the Cranberry Growers of Massachusetts. 



A legislative committee appointed by the Cape Cod Cranben-y 

 Growers' Association has conferred with Messrs. Brooks, Preston and 

 Damon of the State Experimental Station, and finds them heartily 

 in sympathy with a plan for a substation to be located in the cranberry- 

 growing district. They are willing to help us in every way if we will 

 help ourselves by bearing a reasonable proportion of the expense. As 

 cranberry growing is limited to certain areas, they do not feel justified 

 in asking the State to bear the whole burden. 



Such a station would investigate cranberry insects and their parasites, 

 giving particular attention to the ravages of the fruit worm. It would 

 also consider the various diseases of the cranberry, and would detei'- 

 mine the best methods of spraying and flooding. Systematic experi- 

 ments with fertilizers w^ould be carried on with relation to their effect 

 on the color, quantity, size and keeping qualities of the fruit, and to 

 determine their retentive values in the soil. The propagation of new 

 varieties, the destruction of weeds and mosses and the study of climatic 

 conditions, with the probable assistance of the United States Weather 

 Bureau, would all be included in this work. The station would, in 

 short, be here to serve us. 



We have every reason to believe that, by acting promptly, we can 

 secure the sei'vices of Mr. Henry J. Franklin for this undertaking. 

 Most of the growers are familiar with the earnest, conscientious investi- 

 gations which he made during his connection with the Amherst station. 

 His bulletin, " How to fight cranben-y insects," and the mounted speci- 

 mens which he prepared for us, prove his ability. 



If every grower will contribute one cent for each barrel of berries 

 that he shipped last year, we believe that, with the co-operation of the 

 station, the necessary funds can be raised. If you are willing to con- 

 tribute that amount, will you please fill in the enclosed postal card. 

 We do not want the money now, and shall not ask for it unless a 



