62 
referred to in the report We are inviting them to meet scientific men, teachers, and 
experimenters, that these two classes may he h rough t into relations of mutual 
helpfulness. 
The report was accepted. 
Methods of Seed Testing. 
The following report of the committee on revision of methods of seed testing was 
read by A. T). Shamel, of the Bureau of Plant Industry of the U. S. Department of 
Agriculture. 
The standing committee on methods of seed testing respectfully reports: 
In 1897 the committee unanimously agreed on a schedule of rules for seed testing, 
which was adopted by the association and published as Circular No. 34 of the Office 
of Experiment Stations. 
In addition to rules for seed testing this schedule also included a description of a 
standard germinating chamber. Since this report was issued the form of the stand- 
ard germinating chamber has been improved and a less expensive one, which is per- 
fectly satisfactory for routine work of the stations, has been devised. Several other 
important pieces of apparatus have been designed by the seed laboratory of the U. S. 
Department of Agriculture. 
It is desired that these improved pieces of apparatus should be brought to the 
attention of the agricultural colleges and experiment stations, and at the same time 
that certain minor changes should be recommended in methods of testing. The 
instructions for sampling, a matter of prime importance, should be made more spe- 
cific. More definite information should be given for each of the common seeds as to 
the character of the seed bed, the temperature at which germination tests should be 
conducted, and the duration of the tests. A table giving this information and based 
on the work done in the seed laboratory is to be incorporated in the revised rules. 
E. II. Jenkins, 
W. R. Lazenby, 
F. W. Card, 
E. Brown, 
A. D. SlIAMEL, 
Committee. 
The report was accepted and placed on file. 
Experiment Station Record. 
C. E. Thorne, of Ohio, introduced a resolution referring to the extension of the 
Experiment Station Record, which, under the rules, was referred to the executive 
committee (see p. 85). 
On motion, the convention adjourned until 8 o'clock p. m. 
Evening Session, November 18, 1903. 
The convention met at 8 o'clock p. m., but almost immediately adjourned until 
9 a. m. the following morning, to allow the members of the convention to attend a 
reception tendered the association by the Secretary of Agriculture at his home. 
Moknino Session, Thursday, November 19, 1903. 
The convention was called to order at !» o'clock a. m. by the president, and the 
chairman of the executive committee announced a revised order of business. 
History ok EXPERIMENT Stations. 
II. II. Goodell, of Massachusetts. We have had at various times papers on the 
origin of the movement for the establishment of agricultural and mechanical colleges. 
That subject has been well written up by men who are and have been from the very 
first actively engaged in that work. We have had no such paper with reference to 
