CHAPTER XVI. 



AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 



In the year 1887, President Cleveland signed an act then 

 known as the " Hatch bill," passed after long discussion, pro- 

 viding for the establishment in each State and Territory of a 

 station for scientific investigation and experiments respecting 

 the principles and applications of agricultural science, and for 

 diffusing among the people such useful and practical informa- 

 tion. Up to the close of the fiscal year, June 30, 1898, 54 sta- 

 tions had been established. In Canada there are five experi- 

 ment farms under government control. The results already 

 attained by the hundreds of able and painstaking men con- 

 nected with these institutions are of the utmost value. The 

 bulletins constantly emanating from them, embodying the 

 results of their enlightened research, conveying information 

 and advice of the greatest practical value to every cultivator 

 of the soil, cannot fail to add to their successes, to lessen the 

 possibilities of disappointment, and to increase the comfort 

 and enjoyment of the individual and the wealth of the nation. 



These bulletins are sent, on application, free to the resi- 

 dents of every State in which the station is located. From 

 these stations may be obtained the most reliable suggestions 

 and advice as to the varieties of fruit of every kind, suited 

 for cultivation in their State. No one should plant large 

 orchards without first corresponding with his Agricultural 

 Experiment Station. 



In consequence of the greater knowledge and accuracy 

 concerning the adaptability of various fruits to the different 

 States thus at the command of every one, the lists of fruits 

 recommended for special States, which previous editions of 

 this work contained, have now been omitted. 



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