REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURIST. 



W. M. MnNSON. 



In many respects the work of the horticultural department has 

 been a continuation of that of last year. As indicated in my last 

 report two distinct lines of work are in view ; one being a study of 

 principles and the laws affecting plant growth ; the other a practi- 

 cal investigation of ways and means for immediate guidance in the 

 culture of fruits and vegetables. 



In studying the variations of plants, it is interesting and 

 imrx)rtant to know what results may be expected from certain of 

 the operations performed in the process of amelioration. During 

 the past year special attention has been given to a study of the 

 effects of pollination. The results of this study were published as 

 Part II of the annual report of the experiment station. The field 

 for investigation in this direction is very promising. 



The work with insecticides and fungicides has been continued 

 during the year and valuable lessons have been learned. Owing 

 to the excessively wet season, results were not so marked as last 

 year, but the beneficial effects of spraying are evident, and further 

 effort in this line is warranted. 



In our work with vegetables the tendency is to specialize rather 

 than to grow a large number of varieties — particular attention 

 being given to cabbages, tomatoes and egg plants. In the forcing 

 house the pepino and the English cucumber, as well as the tomato, 

 lettuce, radishes and other common crops demand attention. It 

 is believed that with proper management the pepino may be made 

 a profitable crop for winter forcing in those localities which can 

 command a fancy market. A special report concerning the forc- 

 ing of vegetables is now in preparation. 



The fruit plantations have been largely extended and syste- 

 matized, and with the provisions for increased assistance next 

 year it is hoped the work may be prosecuted with renewed vigor. 



THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. 



While a greater variety of vegetables was grown during the 

 past year than in 1891, we shall confine our report at this time to 

 certain notes concerning cabbages, tomatoes and egg plants. 

 Other important vegetables will receive attention at a later date. 



