8 [AssEMBLY, No. 33.] 
of conclusion necessary to bring the full measure of usefulness con- 
templated by the director and confidently expected by intelligent 
observers who have noted the progress of work during the last three 
ears. 
“ In the report of the director, herewith submitted, embracing re- 
ports of his assistants, may be found complete records of work for 
the year, together with statements of results so far as attained. 
Examination will show that a great amount of labor has been ex- 
pended, and it may be assumed that practical gains already made 
are of such value that they will be regarded by all who are inte- 
rested in the work as at least partial justification for outlays of 
money required by the work which cannot be fully productive until 
carried to completion. Thus, there are numerous experiments in- 
tended to test the value of seeds -—their vitality and fruitfulness. 
Other experiments in various methods of cultivation, and still others 
in feeding milch cows, already beginning to have practical value. 
We believe that in farther progress of work there will be important 
truths developed applicable to ordinary farming in the various 
branches in which experiments are pursued ; and we deem it, there- 
fore, a matter of great importance that the principal labors of the 
Station be conducted in accordance with the plans outlined in pre- 
vious reports and observed during the past year. 
With the purpose of conveying practical lessons in field culture 
to farmers who visit the Station, portions of the farm in the past — 
year have been devoted to ordinary crops, the system of tillage in- 
tended to be applicable in general farming. While the work of the 
year has been but a beginning, it is the design of the board of con- 
trol, fully accepted by the director, that increasing attention to this 
kind of work shall be given, not on greater areas of land, but 
rather on portions of the farm not immediately required for the 
more definite and special experimental work. 
As the result of labors in the past year in general farming, excel- 
lent crops were gathered, particularly of wheat and corn, which. will 
bring in their sale some offset to the money expended in experi- 
mental work. It is not expected, however, that returns from this 
source will be more than enough to provide for conducting general 
farm labors successfully, together with some little surplus for 
branches of experimental work that may be added with special ref- 
erence to the instruction of farmers who visit the Station. 
During the year a farm cottage has been erected, a provision very 
much needed in the past. Other improvements on various portions 
of the farm have been made, including provision for cranberry cul- 
ture on a small scale to test the capabilities of production on farms 
where the conditions are similar. 
We append the report of the director, to which reference is made 
for more complete information regarding the character and extent 
of the work conducted during the year. ; 
Respectfully submitted, 
ROBERT J. SWAN, 
N. M. Curtis, Secretary. President. 
