MAIVE STATE COLLEGE. 



plums, 12 of cherries ; also, quinces, 2 varieties ; blackberries y 

 varieties ; raspberries 13 varieties ; currants 7 varieties ; goose- 

 berries 3 varieties: strawberries 17 varieties. As the college 

 campus is under the supervision of the writer, a considerable 

 amount of experimental work is done with ornamental plants on 

 other areas. 



Variety testing, a; such, either of fruits or vegetables, is not 

 made a leading feature of our work. While we cultivate most 

 of the noveltie- which promise well for the trying climate of the 

 state, the more important part of our work is perennial, and has 

 to do with the investigation of certain cultural problems, and of 

 certain of the laws of plant variation. While it is designed to 

 make the work practical, so far as possible, we most recognize the 

 fact that any work to be of permanent value, must be based on 

 sound principles. With this idea in mind, we are making a special 

 study of the effects of climate on plant variation. We are also 

 making an extensive study of the effects of pollination. Practical 

 application of the principles involved, and of the facts learned, is 

 made in our attempts to ameliorate certain of our native fruits, 

 and to extend the list of fruits and vegetables which may be pro- 

 fitably grown in this region. Numerous crosses and hybridiza- 

 tions have been made and valuable results are indicated. 



Our work with egg plants commenced two years ago, and the 

 past season some two hundred plants, of the second generation 

 from the crosses, were grown on our grounds. Selections have 

 been made from the more promising of these, and the work will 

 be continued and extended. 



The forcing of vegetables under glass is made an important 

 feature of our work. It is believed that from a practical point of 

 view, this line of work is destined to become of great importance 

 to the people of the state. While a study of methods of culture 

 is made, and also of varieties suitable for forcing, at the same 

 time, the material thus grown furnishes the best possible oppor- 

 tunity for conducting the work of crossing, as the conditions of 

 growth are under control. We are now forcing tomatoes, cucum- 

 bers, beans, lettuc-r. radishes, cauliflowers and some others. Plate 

 III is a view of the tomato house as it a: ; eared ■:.' out the first o: 

 •January. 



Recognizing the importance of the fruit industry of the state, 

 and the necessity of combating the insect and fungous enemies 

 which are proving a serious obstacle to success, experiment 



