DIRECTOR'S REPORT.* 
To the Honorable Board of Control of the New York Agricultural 
EHxperiment Station: 
Gentlemen.— I have the honor to present herewith the re- 
port of the progress and work of the New York Agricultural 
Experiment Station for the year 1899. 
The year 1898 was characterized by large and important addi- 
tions to the building and apparatus equipment, but the past year 
has been occupied chiefly with the quiet study of certain impor- 
tant problems. 
It is a pleasure to report to you that without exception the 
members of the various departments of the Station are giving to 
their work a very gratifying measure of diligence and efficiency. 
The pursuit of knowledge with the attendant vicissitudes of orig- 
inal observation and research requires enthusiasm and courage, 
especially when the long delay of results may cause public 
criticism; and he who keeps on his way in a spirit of loyalty to 
truth and with a proper sense of responsibility for his utterance 
is deserving of his full meed of praise. I believe the members of 
your Station staff recognize the high standard to which they 
should attain and are striving to reach it. 
THE STATION STAFF. 
After more than three years of efficient service at the Station 
as Assistant Horticulturist, Mr. C. P. Close resigned his position 
in September last to accept the chair of Botany and Horticulture 
in the Utah Agricultural College. A successor to Mr. Close has 
not yet been selected. 

* Reprint of Bulletin No. 168. 
