20 N. H. AGR. EXPERIMENT STATION [Bulletin 208 



tained by another process, J. M. Fuller and H. F. DePew (Dairy Husbandry) 

 have been studying the possibilities of the methylene blue method. This 

 method is known to have the advantages of requiring less apparatus, less 

 time, and less technique. The chief question has been as to the accuracy 

 of the methylene blue test as compared with the plate method or other methods 

 that might be used in obtaining the desired index. 



Preliminary work that has been done during the past year indicates that 

 the methylene blue test does give a satisfactory index. Results also indicate 

 that there is a fairly definite relation between the reduction time of the methy- 

 lene blue test and the number of bacteria as shown by the plate method. 

 For example, a reduction time of 3 hours or less corresponds to a bacterial 

 count of 500,000 or more per c. c; a reduction time of from 4 to 7 hours, 

 approximately 150,000 bacteria per c. c; and a reduction time of S hours 

 or more, under 25,000 bacteria per c. c. 



In continuing this project, more emphasis will be given to a comparison 

 between the keeping quality of samples used and the reduction time. The 

 relation between the bacterial content of milk and the reiluction time will 

 be studied. 



Forest Research Work. 



The research work in forestrj-, inaugurated in 1913 under the Hatch Act, 

 consists in experimental work along the following lines: 



(1) Plantations of native and exotic tree species suitable to the climate 

 of southern New Hampshire to determine their rate of growth. 



(2) Plots marked off in acres of natural regeneration of white pine and 

 mixed hardwoods to determine the relative rate of growth. 



(3) Thmning of immature stands of white pine to improve the quality 

 and rate of growth. 



Plantations of white ash, red pine, European larch, Norway spruce, Douglas 

 fir and Scotch pine have been made; but only the last three have been marked- 

 ly successful. The others were either made on unsuitable sites or have 

 been injured by subsequent logging operations. 



The sample plots in the mixed stands of hardwood and white pine show 

 conclusively, finds K. W. Woodward (Forestry) that white pine does not 

 grow as rapidly in the first ten years as do black birch, red maple, red oak, 

 paper birch and similar hardwoods, and that it must be freed from the 

 competition of these latter species if it is to survive. 



The plots have been measured annually since their establishment in 1913 

 except for a hiatus in 1917 and 1918 due to war conditions* They vary 

 in size from 3^ to 1-640 of an acre. As far as possible they are located in 

 the college woods. 



Effect of Phosphorus upon the Yield and Time of Maturity of Toma- 

 toes. 



One of the most important factors in determining the commercial suc- 

 cess of growing tomatoes for market is the time of maturity of the crop. 

 Frequently the first portion of the crop may bring much more in money re- 

 turn than the mid-season portion, even though the total yield of the latter 



