n 



ll 



are particularly anxious to undertake the investigation of alkali- 

 resistant crops, and the botanist is also very desirous of cooperating 

 with the Division in the investigation of the geographical distribution 

 of the grasses of the Northwest, a subject which might well be under- 

 taken here as the station is well prepared for such a line of investi- 

 gation and the character of the grass flora of this State is such as to 

 lend itself admirably to the work. The character of the problems to 

 be met in this State and the variety of the soil and climatic condi- 

 tions that prevail render it highly probable that one of the best 

 means of solving some of the questions will be found in the use of 

 selected and improved varieties of* grasses and forage crops adapted 

 to the special local conditions. On this account the station author- 

 ities are much interested in the question of developing new and 

 hardy varieties of grasses and forage crops and are desirous of cooper- 

 ating with the Department along this line of investigation. 



MINNESOTA. 



Probably no other one of the northwestern experiment stations has 

 done so much toward solving the various forage problems found 

 within its borders as the Minnesota station. The station has been 

 fortunate in having abundant funds and facilities that could be 

 devoted to this work, and, through its various substations and 

 cooperation with the farmers in different sections, much good work 

 has been accomplished. Professor Hays, the agriculturist of this 

 station, has probably done more in the selection and breeding of new 

 and hardy varieties of grasses and forage crops than any one else in 

 the United States, and has also accomplished some excellent results 

 along the line of the management of meadow and pasture crops. 

 The work of this station is conducted upon a broad and liberal basis, 

 and the authorities are desirous of the closest cooperation with the 

 Department. The lines which lend themselves most readily to 

 cooperative effort at the present time are the selection and improve- 

 ment of new and hardy varieties of grasses and forage crops and the 

 formation, care, and management of pastures; and. since this station 

 has already done such valuable work in these directions, particularly 

 along the first-mentioned line of investigation, it seems highly desira- 

 ble that arrangements should be made whereby the Department, 

 through this Division, can join in such work. 



SOUTH DAKOTA. 



The South Dakota Experiment Station has been an able second to 

 that of Minnesota in grass and forage plant investigations, and has 

 already solved in a satisfactory manner some o\ the most important 

 problems confronting the older-settled portions of this State. It 

 with this station that the Division of Aerrostolofiry undertook its first 



