66 Experiment Station Bulletin 345 



Sheep Breeding 



The sheep breeding experiments which have been in progress for 27 

 years have been brought to a close. 



The results of these experiments have demonstrated beyond doubt 

 that a very high degree of fecundity (percentage of twins), an excellent 

 mutton-type lamb, and fleece characteristics of the first order can be 

 combined in a strain of sheep by selection based on group or family pro- 

 duction records of related individuals. Fertility in the flock as a whole 

 has been increased from about 135 per cent in the foundation flock to 

 over 150 per cent for the flock as a whole if first gestations are not in- 

 cluded, and in selected groups it has been somewhat higher, about 175 

 per cent. In view of the well-known vital role that fertility plays in 

 livestock economy this should represent a concrete public benefit. No 

 less important is the improvement effected in the milk yield of ewes by 

 the production of the four-nippled strain as the growth of lambs is 

 directly proportional to milk yield of the mothers. (E. G. Ritzman, 

 A. D. Littler ale) 



Seed Inspection 



The regular seed testing work covering germination and purity of 

 commercial farm seeds made for the State Department of Agriculture 

 was conducted as usual. During the year 574 samples of seed were 

 handled in the laboratory. Of this number 416 were collected by the 

 state inspector and are reported in Bulletin 334; the remaining 158 tests 

 Mere made on samples submitted by individuals for their own personal 

 use. The national "referee" work was done as usual. (Bessie G. Sanborn) 



The Lilac and Its Culture 



The lilac planting now consists of 165 specimen plants in the arbore- 

 tum and 157 seedling plants in the nursery and trial plots. Additional 

 plants of species, varieties, and recently introduced hybrids have been 

 planted in the arboretum. It is the intention to secure a representative 

 of all the botanical species in the collection. Some twenty of the possible 

 28 have been planted to date. A breeding program of species and inter- 

 species crosses has been initiated. The seedling plants represent specimens 

 being grown under the breeding program. Several cases of induced tetra- 

 ploidy are apparent in specimens from anatomical leaf analysis among 

 colchicine-treated seedlings. Observations on flowering period and land- 

 scape suitability are recorded for all plants in the arboretum. A state- 

 wide soil analysis survey of Syringa vulgaris clumps is under way. (H. 

 S. Clapp) 



Ornamental Woody Plants 



There are 67 genera totaling 243 plants under trial for landscape 

 usefulness, winter-hardiness, and adaptability to New Hampshire condi- 

 tions. Additions to the plot are received from the U. S. D. A. Bureau 

 of Plant Introduction, collected native materials, seedlings, and cuttings, 



