20 Rerort oF THE DIRECTOR OF THE 
Many have doubtless heard of how suddenly the black-knot 
invaded and destroyed several thousand plum trees for Mr. George 
T. Powell, apparently free one year before; and yet after half a 
century of the ravages of this destructive pest of the fruit grower 
it is but recently that its true character and life-history has become 
known and the means of its destruction determined. 
Another line of investigation has been developed within recent 
years and it is found that many of our prevalent diseases, in both 
the animal and vegetable kingdoms, are due to minute forms of Jife 
now known as bacteria; not only this but many of the commonest 
phenomena of farm life are found to be attributable to these 
bacteria. 
Agricultural science need never lack friends so long as the 
memory of Pasteur and his achievements remains. It may be 
recalled how not many years ago a unique consignment passed 
through this State consisting of two car-loads of silk-worm eggs 
en-route from Japan to Italy, valued at $250,000, the commercial 
result wholly of Pasteur’s investigations. 
In carrying forward the work for which the station was organ- 
ized, it is obviously impossible to enter upon every line of investiga- 
tion at once, but it is equally clear that “no branch of the agricul- 
_tural industry ” is to be permanently denied the benefits which may — 
follow scientific investigation and experiment.” It is obvious, 
therefore, that such a station, if it is to accomplish that for which 
it is established, must gradually reach out into new fields of 
inquiry, extend its researches into new branches of agriculture, ané 
be prepared to meet new problems which are constantly presenting 
themselves to the farmer; in short, it must be a growing institution, 
and must be constantly presenting its needs for the means of such 
development. f 
During the past four years the Legislature has generously 
responded to these demands, and the increased work done appears 
to have met the cordial approval of those who have been cognizant 
of the work, and for whom directly it has been done. We know of 
no expenditure of public money which can result in greater 
pecuniary return to our people. 
~ 2d 
7.5 2 
