. 
: x ‘New York AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 25 
' Piacery aND PouLTry-HousE. 
‘It seemed that in connection with the contemplated investiga- 
tions of the leading breeds of dairy cattle, there could be con- 
ducted conveniently similar investigations with the leading breeds 
of swine, for the purpose of determining their relative value in the 
- production of pork; and the last Legislature made a liberal 
' appropriation for the construction of a suitable piggery in which 
to conduct such experiments, as also for the construction of suit- 
able houses in which to carry forward similar investigations with 
domestic fowls. 
The piggery and the poultry-houses which have been con- 
structed for these purposes will be found described in detail 
elsewhere. 
In the reconstruction of the old cattle barn there was arranged 
a series of twenty-four pig pens, affording ample accommodation 
for keeping representatives of the principal breeds of swine, as 
also for experiments in feeding and fattening. Already choice 
animals of the Berkshires, Cheshire White and Duroc Red breeds 
have been secured, and it is intended at once to secure some 
others. 
Attention is directed to the provision made for securing the 
manure from the pens and permitting the pens to be frequently and 
thoroughly cleaned. Yards have been so arranged as to allow 
out of door exercise to the pigs whenever it is desired. 
A new poultry-house has also been built with every convenience, 
and already experiments are in progress for the purpose of ascer- 
taining the actual and relative cost of producing both eggs and 
fattened poultry for the market. 
CHEMICAL ConTROL OF FERTILIZERS. 
It is in accord with the unanimous desire of the farmers of 
the State, as manifested by the numerous petitions, signed by 
hundreds of farmers in the several sections of the State, by many 
resolutions passed by farmers assembled at the various institutes, 
granges, farmers’ clubs and agricultural societies; that there has 
been urged upon the Legislature the importance of some such 
He legislation in this matter of commercial fertilizers, as has long 
been a means of protection to the farmers of every other State in 

which these products have come into general use. 
4 
