1912.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 31. 25 



5. ProUficncss of Varieties. 



Examination of a considerable number of varieties on numerous bogs 

 showed a marked variation, between varieties, in the average number 

 of berries borne by the individual upright and in the proportion of 

 berries to blossoms. Moreover, this variation seemed, to a certain 

 degree, constant for the different varieties wherever found, even when 

 they were side by side on the same bog and under the same condi- 

 tions. Some varieties averaged less than 2 berries, and others more 

 than 3, to the ui^right. Then, too, there was a noticeable varietal 

 variation in the proportion of sterile uprights present. This con- 

 dition of things obviously is not due to relative lack or abundance of 

 pollen-carrying agents (bees), or to differences in fertility of the bot- 

 tom on wliich the vines grow, but is the result of a varying quality of 

 natural jirolificness in the vines themselves. 



During the season, work was begun with the idea of eventually pro- 

 ducing, if possible, a much more prolific variety than any at present 

 known. A large number of uprights of three different varieties were 

 selected and marked for planting in separate plots in the spring. 

 Only uprights were marked which produced during the season 4 or 

 5 good berries. It will be observed that this is in line with similar 

 work already carried out successfully with corn, potatoes and other 

 crops. 



6. Skinner System of Irrigation. 



This plant has been installed to test thoroughly the value of this 

 system as applied to the following needs of a dry cranberry bog: 

 irrigation, frost protection, winter protection and possibly spraying. 

 This system is not expected to supplant water supply by other 

 methods in vogue, where these methods are available. Late in the fall, 

 the feasibility of heating the water so as to raise the temperature by 

 radiation, without sprinkling over the entire surface of the bog, was 

 tried. It was thought that the amount of piping and the size of the 

 pumjj necessary in practice might in this way be reduced. The tests, 

 however, showed this to be impracticable. 



AsPAKAGUS Substation, Concord. 

 Mr. Charles W. Prescott, to whose hearty interest, enthusi- 

 asm and efficient supervision we are greatly indebted, has con- 

 tinued in charge of the details of the work in progress. 



Two distinct lines of investigation are being carried on: — 

 1. Breeding experiments which have for their object the pro- 

 duction of a rust-resistant type of asparagus of good commercial 

 quality. 



