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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from LYRASIS members and Sloan Foundation http://www.archive.org/details/annualreportofno1894nort North Carolina State Library Raleigh The Work during 1 894 of the N. C. Agr. Experiment Station ISSUED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION RALEIGH, N. C. Seventeenth Annual Report January 31, 1895 336 Publications will be sent to any address in North Carolina upon application. N. C. Agricultural Experiment Station, Office of Director, Raleigh, January 31, 1895. lo His Excellency Elias Carr, Governor of North Carolina. Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the opera-tions of the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station for the year ending December 31, 1894. This report is made in accordance with the following portion of section 3 of the Hatch Act of the Congress of the United States for the maintenance of agricultural experiment stations in the various States and Territories: "It shall be the duty of each of the said stations, annually, on or before the first day of February, to make to the Governor of the State or Territory in which it is located, a full and detailed report of its operations, including a statement of receipts and expenditures." Trusting that this report will prove satisfactory to your Excellency, , I am, very respectfully yours, H. B. Battle, Director. N. G. COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND MECHANIC ARTS THE OSTOIRTJEI CABOLINA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION INCLUDING THE FERTILIZER CONTROL STATION AND THE STATE WEATHER SERVICE, UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE A. AND M. COLLEGE. W. S. Primrose, Chairman, Raleigh. W, F. Green Franklinton. D. A. Tompkins Charlotte. H. E. Fries „ Salem. N. B. Broughto,n _ . Raleigh. W. R. Williams Falkland. J. B. Copfield _ Everett's. W. E. Stevens Clinton J. H. Gilmer Greensboro W R. Capehart „ Avoca J. R. McLelland Mooresvilla R. W. Wharton.. Washington T. B. Twitty Rutherfordton J. F. Payne Alma. STATION COUNCIL. A.. Q. Holladay, W. S. Primrose, H. B> Battle, Pres. A. and M. Oollege. , OFFICERS OF THE EXPERIMENT STATION. H. B. Battle, Ph. D._ _ Director and State Chemist. F. E. Emery, M. S Agriculturist. Gerald McCarthy, B. So Botanist and Entomologist. W. F. Massey, C. E Horticulturist. C. F. von Herrmann (U. S. Weather Bureau) Meteorologist. F. P. Williamson, D. V. S Consulting Veterinarian. B. W. Kiloore, M. S _ Assistant Chemist. F. B. Carpenter, B. S Assistant Chemist. W. M. Allen Assistant Chemist. C. B. Williams, B. S Assistant Chemist. Alexander Rhodes Assistant Horticulturist. Roscoe Nunn (U. S. Weather Bureau). Assistant Meteorologist. A. F. Bowen Secretary. ralbigh, re. o. CONTENTS. Letter of transmittal - Ill Report o f Director . . . . . . . .. IX What the Experiment Station has accomplished for the agricultural, horticultural and material interests of the State x How the division of agriculture has be*-n of beaefit xv How the chemical division has been of benefit xvii How the botanical and entorn -logical divisions have been of benefit xix How the horticultural division has been of benefit xxm How the meteorological division (State Weather Service) has been of benefit - xxiv The work accomplished during the past two years XXV The Fertilizer Contr. 1 Station ... xxvi The fertilizer control during 1893 ami 1894 xxvi Digest of fertilizer laws now in force :. __ xxx Increase in number of brands, and the difficult}' in a proper control xxxi Valuations of fertilizers, and how they are determined xxxi Bullet ns containing ferti izer analyses xxxiii Mechanic il condition of fertilizers xxxiv Fertilizers and .their constituents xxxiv The Agricultural E xperiment Station *xxxv Scope of work xxxv Divisions of the station .. xxxvn The station staff xxxvn Equipment „ -. _ _ _ xxxvn Publications of the station xxxviii Regular bulletins XL State weather service bulletins xliii Special bulletins . xliv Weekly weather crop bulletins xliv Press bul etins . . .. .. xlv Annual reports of the station r __ xlvi Annual reports of the mete< >rolog ; cal division XLVI Bienn al reports of the station _ xlvi Informat on bulletins _ xlvi Mailing the stati n publicati ns xlvii Mailing routes in North Carolina for station publications . . _ xlvii The collection of special agricultural information XLVin A conservative and voluntary eed control XLIX The insecr f*una of North Carolina.. ._ L The d^iry industry _ LH The marls and phosphates of North Carolina Lin Veterinary investigations LIV Some adulterations detected LIV The importance of rati' nal stock-feeding LV Means for reaching farmers _ lvi Acknowle gments i lviii The work of th,j agricultural division LXI The work of the chemical division LXII Th j work of the botanical and ntomological divisions LXIII The work of the horticultural division LXV The work of the meteorolog cal division ... LXV Th^ work of the veterinary division LXVII Report of the Agriculturist LXVIII Report of the First Assistant Chemist LXXIV Report of the Botanist and Entomologist lxxvii Report of the Horticulturist LXXX Report of the Meteorologist lxxxiii Financial state ment LXXXVII CONTENTS. VII PAGE. Horticultural tests and results with garden vegetables, fruits and bulb culture (bulletin No. 94) - , 1 The fertilizer control during 1893, including the official analyses of spring and fall samples, and a description of ingredients in fertilizers and their analyses (bulletin No. 95) - - 21 Miscellaneous agricultural topics contained in the press service bulletins (bul-letin No. 96) 53 Digestion experiments with soy-bean hay, cat-tail millet Johnson-grass hay, sorghum fodder and b igas e, peanut-vine hay, cotton seed meal, cotton- seed hulls, crimson-clover hay, corn meal, corn-and-cob me.tl, and corn silage (bulletin No. 97) , - 85 Some leguminous crops and their economic value, including— I. legumines as improvers of the soil; II. the cultivation of leguminous plants for forage; in, the fungous and insecr enemies of legumi' es (bulletin No. 98)._. 133 Thread-worm of pork ( Trichina spiralis) (bulletin No. 99) 173 Our common inserts (bulletin No. 100) _ 181 Progress of the dairy industry in North Carolina (bulletin No. 101) 217 Encouragem nt to the dairv interests of North Carolina through the medium of the State fairs (bulletin No 102) .'. 225 Miscellaneous agricultural topics contained in the press service bulletins of January to June, 1894 (bulletin No. 103) 237 Why pull y.-ur corn fodder? (bulletin No. 104) . 261 The chestnut and its weevil. Nut cu'ture in North Carolina (bulletin No. 105) 265 Rational stock-feeding, including—I. definition of terms, and composition and digestibility of foods; II, feeding standards; III, how stock rations can be calculated; IV, s >me radons fed in North Carolina, and some rations sug-gested; v. comments of practical stock breeders and feeders (bulletin No. 106) 277 Flowering bulbs in North Carolina, and their propagation for florists' use (bul-letin No. 107) 321 Seed testing, its uses an1 ^methods (bulletin No. 108) _ 345 Feeding trials with animals, including—I, the effect of cotton-seed hulls and meal as cattle food; II, cotton-seed me^l as a horse food: in cotton-seed meal for pi^s; iv, cotton seed meal for calves; v, feeding skimmed milk to lambs; vi, a pig-feeding test; vn, a system of feeding young calves (bulletin No. 109) 417 The marls and phosphates of North Carolina (bulletin No. 110) 451 SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR * OF THE N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, FOR 1894, TO THE GOVERNOR. The North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, in-cluding the Fertilizer Control Station and the State Weather Service, during the past year has concluded a period of its life embracing one-sixth of a century. It appears that the present is a fitting time to record something of its aims and objects, the results that it has accomplished, and in general the particular work that has been done for the agricultural, horticultural, as well as for the material interests of North Carolina. The Experiment Station as it now exists, is a growth of years and experience. It could not have sprung into life in its present state, for the complete knowledge of the needs of such an institution, as well as the fullest means and widest facilities for conducting it, were lacking. On the 12th of March, 1877, on the day of the ratification of the law by the General Assembly, the Station was organ-ized as a part of the North Carolina Department of Agricul-ture. The Station thus organized was the first in the South-ern States, and the second in America. The objects desired by its establishment were twofold : 1st. To protect the farmers of the State from the fraudu-lent fertilizers then flooding the market; and 2d. To carry on experiments in the field (in the language of the act) ''on the nutrition and growth of plants with a view to ascertain what fertilizers are best suited to the various crops of this State, and whether other crops may not be advantageously grown on its soil." Besides these two principal objects, the new institution was designed to be a place of information on all subjects pertain-ing to agriculture or horticulture or other material interests, X N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. where farmers and others could seek information in regard to farming or any of its allied branches. A place where marls, soils, compost, fertilizers or any fertilizing ingredient could be examined and their value reported; where feeding stuffs could also be analyzed and their true worth ascertained ; where insects injurious to vegetation co>uld be studied and remedies recommended; where varieties of field crops, small fruits, orchard fruits, grasses and clovers, and forage plants could be tested ; where seeds could be examined for their purity and vitality, and where special and detailed informa-tion could be secured as the result of combined study, refer-ence, and experience, in both scientific and practical branches. The Station was first located at Chapel Hill in connection with the State University. It was moved by legislative enact-ment to Raleigh in 1881, where it is still located. Dr. A. R. Ledoux was its first director until November, 1880, and was succeeded by Dr. C. W. Dabney, Jr., until September, 1887, when the present director took charge. In April, 1886, an experiment farm was equipped for the purpose of conducting practical field and stable work, and in December, 1886, the State Weather Service was organized for the purpose of dis-tributing by telegraph, weather indications, cold wave and frost warnings, and to study the weather and climate upon growth of crops in every section of the State. Up to 1888, the Station was supported by the license tax on fertilizers, after which time it received the benefit of the Hatch fund from the general government. After this fund was received, the scope of the work was greatly enlarged, and all parts of it were put upon a systematic and permanent basis. In 1888 the Station, by legislative enactment, was trans-ferred from the Department of Agriculture to the N. C. Col-lege of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, with which it is still connected. As now constituted, the work of the Station falls under the following divisions: Executive, Agricultural, Chemical, Botanical, Entomological, Horticultural, Meteoro-logical, Veterinary, and the Division of Publication. , What the N. C. Agricultural Experiment Station has accomplished for the agricultural, horticultural, and Material Interests of North Carolina. This may be imperfectly summed up as follows: 1. It has discovered and prevented fraud and adultera-tions in the sale of commercial fertilizers and chemicals, and by the proper control of the fertilizer trade, immense amounts SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XI in cash and prospective crops have been saved to the farmers of the State. 2. By this wholesome restraint, the grade of the fertilizers has been increased and at the same time the price of the same has been reduced. 3. In endeavoring to extend practical information of an agricultural character, it has printed hundreds of separate and distinct bulletins in editions of thousands each, the aggre-gate distribution of which runs into millions of copies. 4. The Station has inaugurated a system of educational bulletins, designed especially to spread abroad special infor-mation upon important subjects. This has been done with the view of giving the work as practical cast as possible. No less than 25 separate bulletins of this educational series have already been issued. 5. One hundred and eighteen of the regular and technical bulletins, embracing all character of agricultural and horti-cultural information have been issued. The pages in each range from 8 to 150. The editions of each of the late ones number 16,500 copies. The regular bulletins are written always in plain language for popular reading and embrace subjects of immediate practical value. 6. Sixty-three of the monthly meteorological records from every section of the State have been issued, including at present the work of 73 observers each month. Seven annual reports of the weather of the State have been recorded, and monthly, seasonal and annual means and normals for each locality, section, and the whole State, are being accurately determined. 7. Our splendid climate is thus being shown to the world, and correct climatic conditions learned that will assist in the profitable growth of other crops. 8. One hundred and seventy-four weekly bulletins from 1888 through 1894 have been issued telling of the weekly progress of the crops and the effect of the weather upon them. 9. A system of press bulletins was inaugurated in 1890, in order to send to various newspapers the result of the Station's work. An extension of the same plan by distributing the short articles of these bulletins by plate matter has been suc-cessfully pursued. These plans have been of incalculable benefit to individual farmers. 10. Analyses of fertilizers are regularly and promptly made during the spring and fall seasons of each year, and these analyses are published immediately for the benefit of pur-chasers, and every two weeks during the fertilizer season. Xil N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. 11. By the Station's urgent advice, the plan of home com-posting is being widely used to the great advantage of the lands, and the further saving in the values of high-priced commercial fertilizers. 12. The phosphate beds of the State have been carefully explored and accurately mapped. 13. Acid phosphate made from native phosphate has been distributed and experimented with in every section of the State, and its value shown to equal any similar material. 14. The marls of the State have been studied and many hundreds of beds analyzed and their value reported. 15. In order to extend its usefulness, the Station has analyzed many samples from individual farmers and others, these samples embracing fertilizers, composts, mucks, marls, phosphates, mineral waters, chemicals, minerals, and in fact the greatest variety of materials. 16. Has analyzed the samples of coal from the coal survey in the Deep and Dan rivers. 17. Has made investigations upon the possible adaptability of the sugar-beet to various sections of the State, and a large number of samples grown and analyzed. 18. Has made analyses for the State Board of Health of a large number of potable waters, articles of food, etc. 19. Has made an exploration of the pyrites deposits in the State to ascertain their applicability for the manufacture of sulphuric acid. A large number of beds were examined and analyzed. 20. The fishing interest of the east in reference to the catch of "fat backs" for the manufacture of fish-scrap for fertilizer purposes and for oil has been investigated. 21. Has conducted for many years past special tests of seeds for purity and vitality, and now an efficient laboratory standard is the result. 22. Materials for making complete fertilizers and home mixtures for various crops, as well as the needs of the vari-ous crops, have been exhaustively studied. 23. Special work upon cotton-seed, and the products made from them has been conducted. 24. The by-products of the rice industry have been studied and their value shown. 25. Early in its existence the Station made a special study of kainit and its uses for various crop applications, and this work was about the first undertaken in America upon potash salts. 26. Finely ground phosphates or "floats" have been criti- SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. Xlll cally examined as to their fineness and availability for fer-tilizing applications. 27. Horn, leather, and wool waste have been studied as possible adulterations in commercial fertilizers. 28. The following list embraces the number and variety of samples analyzed and tested during each successive bien-nial term since the organization of the Station: April, 1877, to January 1, 1879 249 January 1, 1879, to January 1, 1881 760 January 1, 1881, to January 1 January 1, 1883, to January 1 January 1, 1885, to January 1 January 1, 1887, to January 1 January 1, 1889, to January 1 January 1, 1891, to January 1 January 1 , 1893, to January 1 1883 909 1885 1,095 1887 , 1,077 1889.. 993 1891 1,234 1893 1,486 1895 -. 1,828 Total 9,631 A classification of these samples is contained in the follow-ing list: Commercial fertilizers 3,438 Composts and manures. 75 Phosphates 303 Marls 435 Soils 395 Cotton-seed and products 106 Chemical and fertilizer ingredients 210 Grasses and seeds examined 1,268 Health analyses _ 64 Feeding stuffs 162 Minerals identified 1,008 Ores examined and assayed 138 Drinking waters 458 Mineral and boiler waters 603 Coals 35 Sugar-beets 62 Fertilizer analyses of fodders 11 Fodder analyses in connection with digestion experiments, 193 Urine analyses in connection with digestion experiments, 34 Milk, cream and butter 62 Cotton plant experiments 117 Tobacco, leaf, plants, stems, roots, etc 201 Special nitrate experiments 60 Miscellaneous 193 Total 9,631 29. The officers of the Station have aided largely in the displays to illustrate the resources of North Carolina at the expositions at Atlanta in 1881, at Boston in 1883, at Raleigh in 1884, at New Orleans in 1885, at Raleigh in 1891, and at Chicago in 1893. xi.V N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894, 30. The Station always in the past and is now promptly and cheerfully attending to every request made upon it for particular advice in any branch of agricultural or horticul-tural industry, or in any other way to benefit the material interests of the State. 31. Many farmers' institutes, and other public meetings, have been attended, and addresses made by various members of the Station staff. 32. Field tests have been conducted in co-operation with prominent farmers, and many results of value have been reached. 33. By distributing a large number of copies of the work on diseases of the horse, published by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, many animals have been saved, as evidenced by reports of the fact by their owners. 34. Further, in the line of veterinary work, a special bulle-tin on a disease in pork has been issued, and also special investigations have been undertaken upon tuberculosis and other cattle diseases. 35. In order to encourage the raising of improved breeds of stock and to advance the dairy interests in the State, and believing in them lay far greater permanent prosperity than any one-crop system, no less than sixteen distinct publica-tions in editions of many thousands each have been issued to further these improvements. 36. The Station instituted the plan for the establishment of experimental committees by the various sub-alliances and granges, and other organizations in the State. The object of these committees was to study and discuss improved methods of agriculture, and to aid in this the Station kept in close communication with them by answering queries, suggesting topics for consideration, sending them its publications, and in other ways. 37. The publications of the Station are absolutely free to any in North Carolina who will make application for them. Wide distribution of this fact is made by placards at all post-offices, by continual offers in the press of the State, and in various other ways. 38. The publications go to every one of the thousands of post-offices in North Carolina, and not one is omitted. The mailing lists are consequently rapidly increasing. In order to bring more prominently into view the work of the separate divisions, the following summaries have been prepared: SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XV HOW THE AGRICULTURAL DIVISION HAS BEEN OF BENEFIT. 39. By the publication of a bulletin on silos and silage, which gives: a. The amount of space required to store silage for dif-ferent numbers of farm stock. b. The construction of a silo with bill of materials. c. Experience with silos and coatings to retard rotting of walls. d. Methods of harvesting and storing silage. e. A number of economical rations for milch or beef cat-tle, with and without silage. /. An appendix showing details of the construction of round silos. 40. The Station has demonstrated that mules and driving horses may safely be fed on silage, by having thus fed three seasons as long as silage lasted during each season. 41. Four and one-fourth tons of silage and one to one and one-half tons of hay are sufficient coarse foods for one full-grown horse or mule at work in one year, and this amount can be grown on one acre in one year, with enough silage to spare for two others. 42. It has been demonstrated that there is a small profit in feeding beeves on cotton-seed hulls and meal. 43. The profit from husbanding the manure made in this feeding may be greater when applied on our worn lands than that on the stock in feeding. 44. After liberal applications of manure from well-fed stock, it has been demonstrated that very poor lands "catch " well in grass seeding, and yield good hay, which is too expen-sive to be purchased. 45. That feeding for beef may be done at any time of year when fresh food and suitable animals are at hand. 46. That animals fed in warm weather should be kept in well-aired darkened stables to keep off flies. 47. Care should be exercised in feeding late in summer, when hulls and meal may be damaged by chemical changes, indicated by rancid smell in hulls and by changing color in meal. 48. Digestion experiments, many of which have already been concluded, help the agricultural interests: a. By ascertaining the true composition and feeding value of various ordinary foods, which can be easily raised or procured on every farm. Xvi N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. b. In showing feeders how much of each kind of food may be used to combine rations most economically and to secure the best return from a given amount of food. c. By calling attention to the valuable home products for food, and indicating how to use them to the best advantage. 49. The true digestibility of the more common food-stuffs already determined, are cotton-seed, cotton-seed hulls and meal, peavine hay, corn silage, sorghum fodder silage, and bagasse, crimson clover hay, corn meal, Johnson-grass hay, and soy-bean hay. These have been fed alone and in vari-ous combinations with each other. 50. By co-operative field experiments with fertilizers in every part of the State, it has helped to a better understand-ing of the requirements of the soil and more rational use of fertilizers. This saves expenditures and secures better returns from the applications made. 51. Co-operative tests with various crops have brought some of the best varieties in notice and have aided in a better knowledge of the methods of cultivation. 52. Press bulletin articles have been issued on various topics and given broadcast to the press, have reached many farms and have carried in few words what may be of great value to each in condensed experience, and in outlining ways by which very desirable ends may be reached. 53. The special value of improving lands for wheat culture by turning under ripe peavines has been fully demonstrated, and an average increased yield of more than ten bushels per acre of wheat was the result. 54. A plan of hillside ditching has been shown, which can easily be followed and with very valuable results. 55. The results of feeding tests with common stock foods have been carefully recorded in separate publications and widely distributed. 56. The results of the digestion work with cattle on simi-lar stock-foods and combinations have been published and widely copied in the agricultural literature of the day. Few States have done so much in this particular line of agricul-tural research, and one so replete with useful and valuable information. 57. There have been five distinct bulletins issued describ-ing the co operative field tests with fertilizers and with varie-ties of field crops, including cotton, corn, tobacco, wheat, pea-nuts, and potatoes. These tests have been made by practical farmers in every section of the State. 58. Much has been done in the way of introducing in vari- SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XV11 ous sections of North Carolina valuable crops, such as crim-son clover, soy beans, and different grasses and forage plants. 59. By personal correspondence with farmers in every sec-tion of the State, very much general and specific information to every inquirer has been given. 60. The object-lessons afforded to visitors at the Experi-ment Farm is also a potent aid, because very many farmers visiting Raleigh or the State Pair can look it over and find some new points in practice to adopt. 61. The better points of practice here illustrated are taught to the students at the Agricultural and Mechanical College, who will carry back to their homes and adopt many things which they will find to be to their advantage. HOW THE CHEMICAL DIVISION HAS BEEN OP BENEFIT. The Chemical Division has helped the farmer and others: 62. By determining, in conjunction with the Agricultural Division, the digestibility of 18 leading cattle foods and fod-ders, and more than 20 rations of them. This is of benefit to the feeder: a. In giving him a better knowledge of the value of the different foods. b. By showing the digestibility and value of the rations. c. By indic.iting the best and most economical combina-tions of foods for feeding. 63. In particular these experiments have shown : a. The clear and heavy loss of digestible nutrients from roasting cotton-seed, to say nothing of the increased cost of roasting. b. Have indicated the beneficial effect of cotton-seed meal by increasing the digestibility of coarse fodders, such as cotton-seed hulls and corn silage. 64. By presenting the principles of stock-feeding, and explaining and discussing the nutrients of foods and their offices. 65. By stating the "feeding standards," showing amounts of foods and nutrients to be fed for different purposes; by presenting tables showing amounts of nutrients in different quantities of our leading foods; and by explaining methods for making rations by using the foregoing data. 66. By analyzing and disseminating knowledge of the composition and value of various forage plants, wild and cultivated grasses, grains, seeds, and by-products used as stock foods or promising well for such use. XViii N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. 67. By analyzing the corn plant, cowpea-vine and soy bean at different stages of growth to determine the best time to cut them for obtaining the greatest amount of food mate-rial of best quality. 68. By analyzing old and new foods on sale, presenting opinion as to their value, and exposing fraud and adultera-tion. 69. The material known as "Compound Extract of Salyx" has been analyzed several times; the exorbitant price is shown at which it is sold for preserving food or certain pre-servatives for milk, butter and other foods, and the danger from their use has been pointed out. 70. The sugar content of varieties of sorghum grown on the farm has been determined with reference to a knowledge of those best suited for syrup-making, and those promising best for making sugar. 71. Experiments have been made with a view of improv-ing the methods of continuing the sorghum crop and in making syrup from it. 72. By the examination of drinking waters, disease has no doubt often been prevented, and aid given in obtaining a pure water supply. 73. As a result of the analysis of mineral waters, many properties have been developed. 74. By the analysis of soils, fertilizing materials, mucks, marls, phosphates, limestones, coals, minerals, ores, etc., much valuable information has been given to farmers and others. 75. Investigations in the laboratory have shown that 94.5 per cent, of the phosphoric acid, and 85.5 per cent, of the potash in cotton-seed meal, and 94 to 98 per cent, of potash in tobacco stems have been shown to be available by chem-ical methods. 76. Investigations of the value of various other crude fer-tilizer materials have been made and the results reported. 77. By collecting and analyzing the dung and urine from a cow fed 21 pounds cotton-seed hulls and 4 pounds' cotton-seed meal per day, it was ascertained that 82.4 per cent, of the fertilizing constituents of the food were in the excrement, which was worth 6.6 cents per day, and that the urine con-tained 38.4 per cent, of the weight, and 36.9 per cent, of fer-tilizing value of the total amount of the excrement. 78. By demonstrating the cause of " burning" and "scorch-ing" of foliage by arsenites when used as insecticides. 79. By giving means of preventing such injury. SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XIX 80. By investigating the combination of insecticides and fungicides, and indicating those that could be safely com-bined. 81. By educational exhibits at expositions and fairs, illus-trating the general lines of work and results of the division. 82. By the study of fertilizers and fertilizing materials, and methods for their analysis and valuation, the fertilizer trade and the fertilization of crops have been placed on a more rational and scientific basis. 83. The curing of tobacco has been studied, and the rela-tive cost, yield and value of the product from the different methods have been accurately determined. 84. Many samples of leaf tobacco have been examined in comparison with that grown here, and stalks and stems have been tested for their fertilizing qualities. 85. The examination of the beds of marl and phosphate has been of benefit : (a). By showing their location, extent, and composition. (b). In describing how and what soils are most particu-larly helped by application of these materials. (c). And by saving the cost that otherwise would go for the purchase of similar material elsewhere. HOW THE BOTANICAL AND ENTOMOLOGICAL DIVISIONS HAVE BEEN OP BENEFIT. 86. The botanical division has tested for purity and vital-ity over 600 samples of grass, clover and vegetable seeds bought in the market or sent in by farmers. 87. Gross adulteration of such seeds in our markets has been seldom met with since the Station published its work in seed-testing, and local dealers have become more careful in their purchases and manner of handling seed stocks. 88. Farmers have been shown the relative values of good clean seed at a fair price, and cheap, deteriorated and weed-infested seeds at any price. 89. A vast amount of technical work, relating to the estab-lishment of a national laboratory standard of quality and a standard method for testing seeds has been completed. 90. The proper quantity of seeds per acre for grass lands has been calculated, so that rational mixtures of different varieties can be made and any desired percentage of the different species secured. 91. Seeds of new and promising forage plants have been imported from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, and XX N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. these plants have been grown and studied for several seasons at the Station farm in order to learn their true worth before disseminating them among the farmers of the State. 92. A very extensive field trial of all obtainable varieties of the cow pea and soja bean have been carried on for two seasons and valuable results obtained, which have been made available to our farmers. 93. The native and introduced weed pests of this State have been studied, and a bulletin giving the results has been published. 94. By newspaper articles and lectures, the division has endeavored to awaken a sentiment among the farmers of the State in favor of legal enactments to prevent the impor-tation and spread of noxious weeds, such as the Canada thistle, dodder, and other costly pests. 95. One regular bulletin of 20 pages, and several parts of bulletins, have been published on the subject of plant dis-eases. These have included : (a). Descriptions and illustrations of diseases, sufficient to enable any intelligent farmer to recognize them when they attack his crops. (6). Remedies and hygienic measures to prevent the spread of these diseases. (c). Illustrations of the best apparatus for applying remedies. 96. One regular bulletin of 32 pages, and several parts of bulletins, have been devoted to noxious and beneficial insects. These bulletins have included : (a). Name, illustrations, descriptions, and life histories of all the more common and important noxious and useful insects found in this State. (b). Remedies and precautionary measures for repressing noxious insects. (c). Illustrations of apparatus for applying remedies. 97. Laboratory and field studies have been undertaken with the purpose of discovering a practical method for spread-ing, artificially, certain contagious bacterial diseases to which insects are more or less liable. 98. A handbook on the best agricultural grasses and forage plants has been prepared. This contains 100 pages and includes: (a). Descriptions and illustrations of all the best grasses and clovers. SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXI (b). Plain directions for sowing these plants, both as single species and as mixtures, adapted to various sorts of soil and for different purposes. (c). The quantity of each kind of seed of known vitality and purity, per acre, is given, so that guess work need not be depended upon in laying down land to grass. (d). Tables of analyses, showing the food and manurial value of each kind of hay, are given, and thus their rela-tive money value per ton calculated. (e). The diseases to which grasses are subject are briefly treated, and the value of irrigation, manures, etc., for grasses are explained. 99. A large number of short and practical papers have been contributed to the press bulletin issued by the Station. These deal with various questions in economic botany and entomology, and are calculated to be timely and of imme-diate interest to farmers. 100. Lectures have been delivered before the State and County Horticultural Societies, and exhibits made of spray-ing apparatus and chemicals. 101. Numerous papers on economic botany and entomology have been contributed to different newspapers which circu-late largely in this State. 102. Many hundreds of specimens of noxious and useful plants and insects have been identified for farmers and their properties reported upon by letter to the senders. 103. Many photographs of root-systems of grasses, clovers and grain-plants have been made to show the relation which should exist between the root-growth and methods of culti-vation of different crops. 104. Personal letters have been written to enquirers for information of a botanical or entomological character. 105. All the more important discoveries in economic botany and entomology, made by European scientists, have been promptly made available to the readers of the Station bulle-tins and newspapers of the State. 106. An extensive series of photographs relating to the Station and its work have been contributed to the Station exhibit at the World's Fair in Chicago. Specimens of appa-ratus, records, and blanks, used in the botanical work of the Station, have also been contributed to the same exhibit. 107. In conjunction with the Horticulturist of the Station, a bulletin treating of orchard and garden fruits and their diseases has been published. The botannical and entomo-logical portion of which includes: Xxii N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. (a). Illustrations and descriptions of parasitic fungi. (b). Remedies for the same and apparatus for applying them. (c). Illustrations and descriptions of noxious insects. (d). Remedies for the same and apparatus for applying them. (e). List of birds and quadrupeds injurious to fruit in North Carolina. 108. In conjunction with the Agriculturist of the Station, a bulletin treating of leguminous crops has been prepared and published. This includes full notes of a two-years' test of these plants and discussions of their value : (a). As improvers of the soil. (b). As forage for animals. (c). Their fungous and insect parasites. 109. A bulletin on the chestnut and its weevil has been prepared and published. This includes a full discussion of the losses entailed by the depredations of this pest, illustra-tion and description of the weevil, with suggestions for pro-tecting chestnut orchards. 110. A bulletin of 74 pages on seed-testing, its methods and value, has been prepared. This is an exhaustive resume of the subject, including: (a). The uses and advantages of seed-testing. (b). Experience of European countries in seed-testing, (c). Methods and apparatus used in seed-testing. (d). Structure and physiology of seeds. 111. A bulletin on the native medicinal plants of the State and the cultivation of exotic and medicinal and essential oil-bearing plants has been partly completed and will be published during the year 1895. This will include: (a). Illustrations and descriptions of all the important wild medicinal plants of the State, with their particular uses, and antidotes for such as are poisonous. (6). Illustrations, descriptions, and uses of all the exotic medicinal plants found to grow successfully upon the Sta-tion farm. (d). Methods of growing essential oil-bearing plants and distillation of the same. 112. A bulletin on the parasites of domestic animals is nearly ready for publication, including insect parasites of horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, dogs, cats, and fowls, with reme-dies for the same. 113. Notes have been made preparatory to a bulletin on SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XX111 the fungous and insect parasites of cereal grain crops. This bulletin will be ready early in the winter of 1895. 114. Notes on a bulletin on the insect pests of the house-hold have been made, and a bulletin on this subject will be ready in the fall of 1895. 115. A special bulletin upon tests of useful forage grass is now ready for publication, and in conjunction with the Agricultural Division, will include hay-making, the laying down and care of grass lands, and diseases and insects attacking grasses. HOW THE HORTICULTURAL DIVISION HAS BEEN OF BENEFIT. 116. The Horticultural Division has made numerous tests of vegetables and fruits and published the results, and is engaged in raising seedling fruits to improve our ordinary varieties. 117. Is testing all the most promising new small fruits as they appear, and has produced seedling strawberries that promise well. 118. Has introduced nearly 40 varieties of figs, and has distributed free for trial over 6,000 fig trees. 119. Is making experiments in tea culture with prospects for success, and has sent tea seed to over 100 applicants. 120. It is also engaged in investigating the culture of flowering bulbs for commercial purposes, with the prospect of introducing a new culture of value. 121. Has made experiments in protecting grapes and other fruits from fungous diseases. 122. Has developed a plan for making the late crop of Irish potatoes certain,, which is likely to prove of great value to the State, since these potatoes are rapidly coming in demand in the North for seed. 123. Has built a grapery for culture of exotic grapes under glass, and is investigating the question of the profit of forc-ing fruits and vegetables under glass, with the view of in-structing our growers in this profitable branch of horticulture. 124. Has inaugurated and is continuing a series of educa-tional bulletins on practical horticulture, including vegeta-ble, fruit, and commercial floriculture. 125. The division has put itself into close correspondence with farmers and truckers in all parts of the State, and has answered thousands of letters asking information on all sorts of topics. Xxiv N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. 126. Has attended Farmers' Institutes in nearly all sec-tions of the State and addressed meetings of farmers in this and other states on subjects of interest. 127. Has contributed articles on subjects of interest to farmers in all the leading agricultural and horticultural journals. 128. Has made the horticultural work of the Station of constant value in the practical training of classes of students at the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, and through them the work will be spread all over the State. 129. Special bulletins, describing the result of tests at the Station of varieties of fruits and vegetables, have been detailed as they were reached and widely disseminated. 130. Timely publications of interest have been distributed concerning the culture of figs, the late crop of Irish potatoes, onions, and the growing of celery. 131. A special bulletin on " Facts for Farmers," in plain language for farmers' reading, has been sent out broadcast over the State. The object of this publication was to describe conditions affecting crop-growth, saving of manure, crop rota-tion, fertilization of crops, and kindred information. 132. Another bulletin of great importance, is one on the culture of orchard and garden fruits, prepared by the horti-cultural and botanical and entomological divisions; is a com-plete manual upon the subject, as evidenced by its complete-ness and generally recognized value. 133. The propagation of flowering bulbs for commercial purposes has been considered in a specially prepared publi-cation, which paves the way for a very profitable industry in North Carolina. HOW THE METEOROLOGICAL DIVISION (STATE WEATHER service) HAS BEEN- OF BENEFIT. 134. The work of the State Weather Service is arousing much greater interest than ever before, and is educating the people to the great importance of studying the effect of weather and climate upon agricultural interests, which is paramount. 135. Th*e Service has rendered practical benefit to the people of the State by the distribution of daily weather fore-casts, frost and cold-wave warnings, which may be put to immediate use in the everyday operations of the farm : (a). The daily forecasts, issued for 36 hours in advance and distributed by telegraph to 60 places, and by mail to SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXV nearly 500 towns in the State, are steadily improving in accuracy, and hence in value to the farmer. (b). The frost and cold-wave warnings yearly save thou-sands of dollars of damage to the tobacco, trucking, and fruit interests by giving information in advance of the approach of sudden cold spells in autumn and spring. 136. The issue of the weekly Weather Crop Bulletin dur-ing the season of growing crops, gives valuable information to both farmers and merchants of the current condition of crops and prevents outside misrepresentation, which would be detrimental to their interests. 137. The Service has made a fair determination of the climatic conditions of the State, with special reference to the distribution of temperature and rainfall, and the local cli-matic peculiarities of many places have been ascertained. 138. Charts of normal temperature and rainfall have been published, which will be found of great value in studying various important questions of the relations of the soil, crops, and climate. 139. The accumulation of records of the meteorological elements, now already carried on for eight years, is indispen-sable for the study of important questions, the solution of which has not yet been attempted by the Weather Service, because the series of records is not long enough : (a). Such questions are, for instance: What regions of the State are climatically more suited to certain crops than others? What conditions are most favorable for the pro-duction of the largest crops of tobacco? Of cotton ? Of corn ? What are the conditions of the weather which cause insect pests to thrive? 140. By the publication of monthly and annual records and their distribution, it has made widely known the splen-did climate which North Carolina possesses, including par-ticular points and sections in the State. The Work Accomplished During the Past Year. As has been previously stated, the North Carolina Agri-cultural Experiment Station was established in March, 1877, with a twofold object in view—first, to act as a Fertilizer Control Station, and second, as an Agricultural Experiment Station in the true sense of the word. Until 1887 the Station was supported by the State from the tax on fertilizers, and, as organized up to that time, was a part of the North Caro- 2 XXVI N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. lina Department of Agriculture. By legislative enactment of that year the Station was made a part of the North Caro-lina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, and the funds derived from the United States Hatch Act for the mainten-ance of experiment stations in the various states and terri-tories were appropriated to it. The Station receives also an appropriation from the North Carolina Department of Agri-culture for the work of the Fertilizer Control. The report of the work of the Station for the year 1894 is embraced under each of its legal functions, the first being: I. THE FERTILIZER CONTROL STATION. The beneficial results accomplished by the Fertilizer Con-trol from the moment of its organization to the present time are too well known to be necessary to repeat them here. A history of the fertilizer trade in the State since 1876 would be interesting and would show the vast advantages that have accrued from its organization. The adulterated chemicals and low-grade fertilizers (now happily very seldom seen) that have been detected and brought to light, and the millions of dollars that have undoubtedly been saved, illustrate the value that the Control has been to North Carolina farmers. The Fertilizer Control During 1894. It will be remembered that up to 1891 the fertilizer trade was controlled by a license tax on each brand. Commencing from that year the tonnage charge has been in vogue. In order to show the character of the trade for a num-ber of years past, the subjoined table is inserted, giving a description of the different brands on sale in the State during previous years. It will be noted, however, that as licenses did not lapse with the calendar year, a single brand could extend through portions of two years. The numbers, there-fore, while showing the number of brands licensed, do not show the actual number on sale during each year. The large increase in the number of brands after 1890 is due to the change from the license tax on each brand to a definite charge on each ton. SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXV11 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 Acid phosphates or H simple superphos-phates 8 10 11 7 9 11 10 9 12 16 59 81 86 86 Superphosphates with potash 9 15 15 10 10 9 8 7 5 4 13 24 22 24 Ammoniated super-phosphates 40 55 61 56 63 66 58 62 62 63 178 232 264 284 Ammoniated super-phosphates with-er out potash ._ — __ __ __ — — — __ 15 12 5 12 Potash, salts and chemicals _ - - - - - - - - 22 29 38 44 Fish scrap — — — — — ________ 4 5 4 2 Miscellaneous 24653411214 68 10 Totals 59 86 92 80 85 90 77 79 81 84 295 389 427 462 The number of brands accredited to the several States is as follows, and furnishes an interesting basis for comparison 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1892 1893 1894 Massachusetts 33-2231462233 3 Connecticut 12243312111 ______ New York 365324311218 10 8 New Jersey 3311123244537 2 Delaware 22222444333—5 6 Maryland 21 25 45 42 SO 31 35 29 25 28 25 98 106 93 Pennsylvania — 1 1 — — 1 — 1 — 5 12 7 Virginia 7 9 15 17 20 18 21 14 12 12 16 96 106 146 North Carolina 3 3 6 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 18 78 89 98 South Carolina 5 6 9 14 12 11 11 10 13 15 13 85 82 97 Georgia - __ __ __ - .. __ __ __ - 13 7 1 Missouri __ __ __ __ __ __ — — __ __ __ __ 1 Totals 47 59 86 92 80 85 90 77 79 81 84 389 427 462 The foregoing and the following table are more particu-larly valuable for comparison before 1891. During those years the- number of brands indicated, in the best way obtain-able, the amount of trade handled by the manufacturers in the separate States. After 1891, the number of brands are only of passing interest, because they do not give any indi-cation of the sales of fertilizers. A casual glance at the above table will show how the number of fertilizer brands accredited to the States of Vir-ginia, North Carolina and South Carolina have increased. This is especially the case with North Carolina, where the increase has been sixfold within the ten years previous to 1891. As further illustrating this increase, the following calcula-tion is inserted, which shows the proportion of the brands on sale which were manufactured in the three States before mentioned, as compared with the total number sold for the different years : THE NUMBER OF BRANDS OF FERTILIZERS MANUFACTURED IN THREE STATES, VIRGINIA, NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR THE YEARS 1880 TO 1894, IN PER CENTS OF THE WHOLE MUMBER. 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1892 1893 1894 Virginia—_") N. Carolina J- 31.92 30.50 34.88 40.21 50.00 44.70 46.67 45.45 48.10 50.62 55.95 66.61 64.87 73.81 S. Carolina J XXviii N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. In reference to North Carolina alone, considering only the number of licensed brands before 1891 as showiug the rela-tive amount of fertilizer sold, the change is more decided : NUMBER OF BRANDS OF FERTILIZERS MANUFACTURED IN NORTH CAROLINA FOR THE YEARS 1880 TO 1890, IN PER CENTS. OF THE WHOLE NUMBER. ~ 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 North Carolina- ^6.38 5.08 6.97 6.52 10.00 10.47 11.11 14.30 16.46 17.28 21.43 The increase from 1883 to 1890 has been nearly fourfold. The following extract is taken from the Report of 1888, six years ago, and gives a prediction which is surely becoming true: "What does this change foretell? Considering the number of brands as indicative of the amount sold, these figures prove almost conclusively that the home manufac-turers are gradually driving the other more distant compet-itors from the field ; that the distance from the source of supply of the various ingredients from the market where the fertilizers are sold, and the consequent high freight which these fertilizers must pay, are proving each year a more effectual barrier to their entering the State. Taking our own State and the two adjoining, it is plainly seen that the three, while they controlled one-third of the trade eight years ago, now control one-half. North Carolina alone, eight years ago, controlled only one-sixteenth ; now controls one-sixth. With this increase—and there is now no reason now why it should not continue—it is not hazardous to assert that in ten years one-half of the commercial fertilizers sold in North Carolina will be made in North Carolina. An additional reason for this asser-tion is that the State, either alone or by calling on South Carolina, can furnish all the raw ingredients, except potash, sufficient to make all of the fertilizers needed here." The prediction made in 1888 can now, at the close of the year 1894, be seen to be surely coming to pass. The year 1891 was the transition period between the privilege tax system and the tonnage system, during which time some brands were sold under both systems. Manufacturers who came in for the first time only purchased tags for a portion of the year. Nothing definite, therefore, can be stated for 1891. But in 1892 the records are complete, and show the exact number of tons placed on the market for which tags were sold. Comparing with the whole number of tons sold in North Carolina in 1892, for the fiscal year closing Novem-ber 30, the North Carolina manufacturers handled 36.95 per cent, of the whole number. The same calculation for 1893 shows 37.73, and 42.15 per cent, for the year 1894. Even this SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXIX estimate is too low, because no tags were used in many cases when the manufactories dealt at their doors directly with the farmers. Again, cotton-seed meal is not subject to tax, and is very largely used for fertilizing purposes. It is impos-sible to state how large this amount really is, but it should be also added to the total accredited to home manufacturers. Carrying on, therefore, the preceding table, the growth of North Carolina manufactories and the trade controlled by them, can very readily be seen. The statement shows that the prediction made in 1888, that in ten years one-half of the fertilizers sold in North Carolina would be made in the State, is rapidly becoming true. TABLE SHOWING THAT THE PREDICTION OF 1S88 IS BEING VERIFIED. 1880 1882 1884 1886 1888 1890 1892. 1893 1894 North Carolina manufacturers sold in") the various years in percentages ol ^6.38 6.97 10.00 11.11 16.46 21.43 36.95 37.73 42.15 whole fertilizer trade— j The increase of the whole fertilizer trade in the State from 1892 to 1893 was about 30 per cent. Very probably the home manufacturers were not equipped to handle such a large increase, and this may account for the small increase (as shown in the above table) in 1893 over the year previous. RELATIVE AMOUNT OF FERTILIZER BUSINESS IN 1894. The following table shows the number of firms doing business in North Carolina, together with the location of the fertilizer factories and the relative amount of business done during 1894, for the fiscal year ending November 30, as determined by the sale of tags for the same period : FIRMS DOING BUSINESS IN NORTH CAROLINA IN 1894, WITH RELATIVE AMOUNT OF SALES.. Number Number ^I®^gh™«^" Amount of of Firms, of Brands. e ° v I™, Business per nrm. Handled. Firms located in North Carolina 30 98 3 42.15 per cent. " Virginia 21 146 7 37.84 " " " South Carolina 17 97 6 8.69 " " 11 " " other States... 43 121 3 11.32 " Total 111 462 5 100.00 " " It is noticeable that a larger number of firms from distant States register brands, but their trade is trifling compared with North Carolina firms. The average number of brands per firm is twice as great in South Carolina than in North Carolina. Virginia has a still greater proportion as com- XXX N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. pared with North Carolina. It is also noticeable that North Carolina handles nearly one-half of the trade, and that North Carolina and Virginia handle nearly four-fifths. Digest of Fertilizer Laws Now in Force. In order to give a short and concise statement of all laws now in operation in regard to the fertilizer inspection and control, the following carefully prepared digest of existing laws is inserted : No manipulated guanos, superphosphates, commercial fertilizers or other fertilizing material shall be sold or offered for sale unless a ton-nage charge of twenty-five cents per ton has been paid. Each barrel, package or bag shall have attached a tag representing this fact, which tags shall be issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture according to regulations prescribed by the Department of Agriculture. The Depart-ment of Agriculture has power at all times to have samples collected of any fertilizer or fertilizing material on sale, which must be taken from at least ten per cent, of the lot selected. These samples are taken from the goods in the hands of dealers after they are shipped from the manu-factories, and accordingly represent the true grade of fertilizers offered for sale. Every package of fertilizer offered for sale must have thereon a plainly printed label, a copy of which must be filed with the Commissioner of Agriculture, together with a true sample of the fertilizer which it is pro-posed to sell, at or before the shipment of such fertilizer into the State, and which label must be uniformly used and not changed during the year. This label must set forth the name, location and trade-mark of the manufacturer; also the chemical composition of contents and real percentage of the ordinary ingredients claimed to be present, together with date of analyzation, and that all charges have been paid. There must be no variation in the guaranteed percentages, but the bags must be branded with the exact chemical composition of the contents. No fertilizer can be sold with a content less than eight per cent, of avail-able phosphoric acid, two per cent, of ammonia, and one per cent, of potash. Cotton-seed meal is exempted from paying the tonnage charge; also land plaster, agricultural lime, oyster-shell lime, marl, and bulk materials for manufacturing purposes. It is a misdemeanor, and a fine of ten dollars for each bag, for an agent or dealer to offer for gale any such fertilizer or fertilizing mate-rials not properly tagged, or a consumer to remove it, or a railroad agent to deliver it. Goods kept over from last season must be tagged to rep-resent this fact, and all dealers are required to report to the Commis-sioner of Agriculture the amount on hand at the close of the fiscal year, on November 30. Any fertilizer or fertilizing material that does not contain the ingre-dients as represented by the label is liable to seizure, and, after being established on trial, its value is recovered by the Board of Agriculture. Any person who offers for sale fertilizers or fertilizing material without having attached thereto labels as provided by law, is liable to a fine of ten dollars for each separate package—one-half, less the cost, going to the party suing, and the remainder to the Department; and if such fer-tilizer is condemned, the Department makes analysis of the same and has printed labels placed on each package, giving the true chemical ingredients of the same, and fixes the commercial value at which it may be sold. The Department of Agriculture can require agents of railroads SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXXI and steamboat companies to furnish monthly statements of the quantity of fertilizers transported by them. The Experiment Station analyzes samples of fertilizers taken by the official inspectors, and publishes che same whenever needful. Increase in Number of Brands, and the Difficulty in a Proper Control. Daring the year 1890, the last year of the license tax sys-tem, there were 84 brands of commercial fertilizers licensed to be sold in North Carolina. It is very easy to see, under those circumstances, where the number of brands was lim-ited, how much easier it was to supervise the fertilizer trade than under the present tonnage system, where the number of brands is almost unlimited. Under the operations of the latter system, the number of brands, including fertilizing ingredients, offered for sale in the State, has increased from 84 in 1890, to 295 in 1891. For the year 1892, closing with the fiscal year ending November 30, this number had in-creased to 389, an increase of over 30 per cent, in a single year. During the year 1893 the number had increased to 427, and during the year 1894 the number has further increased to 462. There appears to be almost no limit to this increase. The difficulties met with in the proper control of the fertilizer trade, under these conditions, accordingly have been very greatly increased. Valuations of Fertilizers, and how they are Determined. The valuations of the three constituents, available phos-phoric acid, ammonia, and potash, are intended to give the market price for cash at the seaboard of the ingredients making up a fertilizer. The cash prices for small lots in bags, free on board cars, are intended. These valuations are made up early in January of each year, to run through the spring and fall seasons. It is expected that there will be variations in the market price of the ingredients during the course of the year, but experience has shown that this varia-tion will be slight. This is because fertilizing materials are largely contracted for in advance before the opening of the year, and in many cases a large majority of the fertilizers are already manipulated before the beginning of the season. The valuation of the constituents are fixed by a careful examination of existing conditions of the trade, the markets at important centres, and from actual quotations given by XXXii N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. seaboard manufacturers and dealers upon the various ingre-dients used for manipulating fertilizers. These quotations are for cash in small lots free on board and bagged. The relative commercial valuation given to the three val-uable ingredients for the years 1893 and 1894 was — For available phosphoric acid _ 5 cents per pound . For ammonia 15 " " " For potash 5 " " " The valuation for phosphoric acid and potash remain the same as for the years 1891 and 1892. The ammonia for 1893 and 1894 (15 cents per pound) is two cents more per pound than for the valuation for the two preceding years. This increase was caused by commercial advances in the price of ammoniates. These figures were based on the actual retail cash price of the unmixed ingredients at the seaboard, in bags. By the commercial valuation of a fertilizer, using these figures, a farmer could see the actual cash worth of the unmixed ingredients used in the fertilizer, at the seaboard. For interior points freights, of course, must be added. In the bulletins showing the analyses of fertilizers, a table giv-ing the various freight rates from seaboard to interior points has been inserted for the convenience of readers. , YEAR. AVAIDABLE PHOS. ACID. AMMO-NIA. POTASH RELATIVE SEABOARD VALUE OF UN-MIXED INGREDIENTS. KIND OF FERTILIZER. CO OS a < pq o5 a fl O cq to '55 \>> a< >> CO g fl pq CO '33 J* «! fl < >> CQ © fl eS )h S3 sO >> pq CO 'ce >> "e3 fl < PQ 6 <o +a fl a o3 3O >> pq f 1890- | 1891... •{ 1892- 1 1893- [ 1894- f 1890- i 1891- 1 1892- 1 1893- L 1894- f 1890- 1 1891- i 1892- i 1893- L 1894- 12.92 12.21 12.25 12 93 13.73 12.04 11.17 11.22 10.38 11.27 9.11 8.11 8.70 8.37 9.04 12.25 12 06 12.01 12.04 12.00 10.90 10.29 9.97 9.60 9.77 8.53 8.24 8.10 8.05 8.06 ft 12.92 12.21 12 25 12.93 13.73 13.81 12.83 13.28 12.16 13.01 18.36 18.08 19.24 18.70 20.10 $ 12.25 12.06 Acid phosphates 12.01 12.04 12.00 Acid phosphates with pot-ash 2.41 2.59 2.63 2.59 2.85 2.29 2.51 2.46 2.47 2.76 1.77 1.66 2.06 1.78 1.77 2.02 2.20 2.65 2.56 2.51 1.42 1.50 1.53 1.40 1.47 1.71 1.88 2.12 1.97 2.21 12.32 11.79 11.50 Ammoniated superphos-phates with potash 11.00 11.24 17.11 17.65 17.60 17.43 18.55 SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXX111 The foregoing table shows the average percentage com-position, bv analysis and by guarantee, of fertilizers sold in 1890, in 1891, in 1892, in 1893, and in 1894. The relative seaboard value, both by analysis and guarantee, is calculated on the basis of the last valuations employed, viz., for 1894 : for available phosphoric acid and potash, five cents per pound; for ammonia, fifteen cents per pound. Except in one or two slight cases, all the materials are higher in grade than is guaranteed. Bulletins Containing Fertilizer Analyses. The plan adopted during the season of 1892 for the first time, for publication of analyses of fertilizers, has been con-tinued during 1894. This plan proved very acceptable to farmers and buyers, and gave them a complete record of the standing of the various brands already analyzed. Early in January of 1894 an analysis bulletin was published to include the various analytical determinations in detail, namely: Moisture, soluble, insoluble, reverted, and avail-able phosphoric acid, nitrogen and ammonia, potash, and relative commercial valuation. There were also given the guaranteed percentage of available phosphoric acid, ammo-nia, and potash, and the guaranteed value, using the Station's figures for the valuation of the unmixed ingredients at the seaboard. All analyses that were made during the year 1893, both in the spring and fall seasons, were inserted therein. As buyers do not purchase their fertilizers to a great extent before March 1st, this gives ample time to dis-tribute the bulletins to the hands of those who desire to use them in their purchases. This first complete bulletin was sent to the full mailing list of some 14,000 names. Upon the back of the title page was stamped : "Analyses for 1894 will be sent out every two weeks only to those who apply. Write postal to Dr. H. B. Battle, Raleigh, N. C." Replies to this notice were used as a basis by which to send out the bi-weekly fertilizer analyses, which were issued every two weeks during the winter and spring season of 1894. These bulletins contained only the main results of analyses of each sample, viz. : Available phosphoric acid, ammonia, potash, mechanical condition of fertilizer, and relative com-mercial value, together with the percentages and valuation guaranteed by the manufacturer. These short forms were chosen to facilitate printing the bulletins, the object being to place the analyses before those who need them just as soon XXxiv N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. as could be done with the least delay. For most practical purposes these short statements of analyses answer as well as the complete forms in giving the result only of the detailed work which has been done upon them. Mechanical Condition op Fertilizers. An improvement has been made in the statement of the analysis by the insertion of the mechanical condition of the fertilizer. As a fertilizer in a fine state of subdivision is of more value because it is more available to the plant in the soil than a coarse one, the mechanical condition of each sample as it is received from the inspector is stated. In the same way a dry fertilizer is more easily handled and dis-tributed than a damp or moist one, and is consequently of greater value. Heretofore this question has not been con-sidered, but the inevitable result, by calling attention to the matter, will be that more care will be bestowed upon it by the manufacturers, and consequent improvement of the con-dition of the fertilizer. Another beneficial effect will be to educate purchasers and users to the importance of finely divided fertilizers and those that are free from excessive moisture. Fertilizers and their Constituents. Few of the farmers who read analyses of fertilizers and profit by the statements in their purchases, understand the composition of fertilizers and the constituents that are ordi-narily contained in such fertilizers. In connection with the published analyses in the bulletin at the beginning of the past season <f 1894, it was endeavored to explain these mat-ters. The following subjects were treated : The manufacture of commercial fertilizers; the ingredients used for making fertilizers, i. e., those furnishing j hosphoric acid, embracing mineral phosphates, phosphates of fossil origin, phosphates from bone, slag phosphates, phosphates from guano, and phosphates from miscellaneous sources ; those furnishing nitrogen (or ammonia), embracing chemicals, ingredients of animal origin, and of vegetable origin ; those furnishing potash, embracing potash salts, and those from organic ori-gin. Adulterations in fertilizers were also discussed, as well as bulky portions of fertilizers, and when analyses are made for farmers, including a statement showing the necessity for accurate sampling. The analysis of a fertilizer was also con- SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXXV sidered, and the terms used were explained, also how the valuation of constituents are determined, how values per ton are calculated, and how they can be utilized by farmers. II. THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. The second object designed by the State laws of 1877 was the establishment of a true Agricultural Experiment Station. Its functions were to be both scientific and practical, and experiments were to be carried on in various branches of agriculture. In the language of the act, " shall carry on experiments on the nutrition and growth of plants, with a view to ascertain what fertilizers are best suited to the various crops of this State, and whether other crops may not be advantageously grown on its soil." This work was con-ducted from time to time, previous to 1887, after which time its scope was largely augmented by the provisions of the Hatch Act in providing the means to carry these objects into effect. The work of the Station, thus enlarged, now embraces — I. Chemical and Microscopical Work, including 1. The analysis of all fertilizers legally on sale in the State. 2. The analysis of agricultural chemicals, of composts and home-made fertilizers, and all materials from which they can be made. 3. The analysis of soils, marls and mucks. 4. The analysis of feeding stuffs. 5. The examination of seeds with reference to their purity, and capacity to germinate. 6. The examination of grasses and weeds. 7. The study of insects injurious to vegetation. 8. The analysis of milk, butter and other dairy products. 9. Investigations of fungous diseases of plants, and remedies designed to eradicate them. 10. Such other chemical and microscopical investigations as are demanded from time to time. II. Experimental Work in the Field, Stable, Dairy, and Labora-tory, to include 1. The effect of different fertilizers on various soils of the State. 2. The study of improved methods for the cultivation of the staple crops. 3. The study of the best treatment of worn-out lands. 4. The study of the best system for the rotation of crops. 5. Chemical investigations, with practical experiments with cattle, on the value of the various forage crops, especially those com-mon in North Carolina. 6. Investigations upon the growth of new crops for this climate, in comparison with those we now have. 7. The construction of the silo, and value of ensilage. 8. The study of the growth of cattle using different feeding stuffs. Investigations in the production of milk and butter under different conditions, and with various implements. XXXvi N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. 10. Digestion experiments with stock, to ascertain the real value of various food stuffs. 11. Experiments with the various feeding rations, to ascertain how far the feeding standards can be relied on. 12. Tests to compare the different varieties of fruits and vegetables, to ascertain those worthy of trial. 13. Investigations designed to develop the vineyard and trucking interests of the State. 14. Investigations upon the diseases of cattle and domestic animals, and the dissemination of information concerning the treatment of various diseases. 15. Such other work from time to time as may be deemed advisable for the interest of the agriculture of the State. III. The Collection and Distribution of Meteorological Data, such as will directly aid the various agricultural and horticultural industries of the State. The work is of benefit in 1. The distribution of telegrams to various portions of the State, giving the probable state of the weather for the succeeding twenty four hours. 2. A foreknowledge of the coming of frosts and cold waves, thereby protecting fruit, trucking and tobacco interests. 3. The collection of various meteorological data; and thus, by obtain-ing a more perfect idea of the various climatic conditions, to extend to other localities the crops found useful in portions of this and other States. 4. The collection and distribution of weekly reports showing the effect of the weather on crops during successive periods of their growth. IV. A Bureau of Information upon all subjects connected with the agricultural industries of the State. Under this head is included 1. Publications of the Station, embracing six different classes of bulletins and three of reports. These publications contain the results of the investigations carried on, as well as a resume of work done elsewhere, in order to instruct or advance the gen-eral agricultural interests. 2. Direct correspondence, through the various divisions of the Sta-tion, with individual farmers, information being always given as promptly and carefully as possible by those most competent to do so. 3. Personal contact of the Station force with farmers and others at institutes and fairs, visits to farms, etc. V. Samples for Examination.—Samples, when sent by citizens of the State, for chemical or other examination, will be examined and their value reported free of charge, under certain conditions and stipula-tions — 1. If the experimental work of the Station will not be retarded thereby. 2. If the samples come from the sender's own lands. 3. If they are of sufficient public interest, and the Station is free to publish the results. 4. If the samples are taken and sent according to the Station's printed forms, and are fully described. SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXXVH Divisions of the Station. In order to facilitate the work of the Experiment Station, it has been subdivided into — 1. Executive Division. 5. Entomological Division. 2. Chemical Division. 6. Horticultural Division. 3. Agricultural Division. 7. Meteorological Division. 4. Botanical Division. 8. VeterinaryDivision. 9. Division of Publication. The Station Staff. As at present constituted, the Station staff includes — H. B. Battle, Ph. D Director and State Chemist. F. E. Emery, B. S Agriculturist. Gerald McCarthy, B. Sc Botanist and Entomologist. W. F. Massey, C. E Horticulturist. C. F. von Herrmann(U. S. Weather Bureau). Meteorologist. F. P. Williamson, D. V. S Consulting Veterinarian. B. W. Kilgore, M. S Assistant Chemist. F. B. Carpenter, B. S ..Assistant Chemist. W. M. Allen Assistant Chemist. C. B.Williams, B. S Assistant Chemist. Alexander Rhodes Assistant Horticulturist. Roscoe Ntjnn (U. S. Weather Bureau) .Assistant Meteorologist. A. F. Bowen Secretary. Equipment. The headquarters of the Station are in the Agricultural. Building, immediately north of the Capitol. In the north wiDg are located the offices, the chemical laboratories and storerooms. On the basement floor is the document room, where are kept the publications of the Station. On the third floor is situated the mycological laboratory, botanical and entomological work-rooms; also the meteorological division of the Station, organized as the State Weather Service, co-operating with the United States Weather Bureau. On the roof of the building and on the third floor are located the various instruments for recording meteorological observa-tions. A thirty -five foot staff for displajnng flags to dissemi-nate weather forecasts is also upon the roof, where the signals are visible to a considerable distance. The Experiment Farm is located about one mile and a half west of the city, and adjoins the Fair grounds of the State Agricultural Society. It is in close proximity to the grounds of the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, and the students have access to the experi- XXXV111 N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. ments, and study their progress and their results. On the farm are located the experimental dairy, silos, and barn, in which are the cattle under test for production of beef, milk, and other purposes. Field-crop tests are also conducted, as far as is possible, upon the land of the farm. Here, also, is the field and plant-house work of the horticultural division. The experiment farm is connected by telephone with the city offices. The electric cars on the Hillsboro street line of the city stop in easy walking distance of the farm. Publications of the Station. The publications of the Station have heretofore been clas-sified to facilitate preparation as well as preservation. The bulletins and reports being of such varied character, and mailed to different lists, there must necessarily be some con-fusion unless this be done. ^Accordingly, the following classification has been adopted : A. Bulletins —Regular. Each edition 14,000 to 18,000 copies. For popular reading, with scientific terms avoided as far as possible. Numbered consecutively 82, 83, 84, etc. Sent to all names on the Station mailing-list. Last issued during 1894 was No. 110. B. Bulletins.—Technical. Each edition 3,000 copies. Num-bered consecutively 1, 2, 3, etc. ; also with correspond-ing number according to date of issue, 77b, 80c, etc. Sent only to scientific list and exchanges. Summa-ries of these issues appear in regular bulletins. Last issued during 1893 was No. 7—9 id. This series of bulletins have now been merged into A. C. Bulletins.—Meteorological Division (State Weather Ser-vice). Each edition 1,800 copies. Numbered con-secutively 1, 2, 3, etc. Sent only to meteorological list and to exchanges. Subject-matter is mainly meteorological data of various stations in North Caro-lina. Last issued during 1894 was No. 63. D. Bulletins—Special. Each edition varying in number from 500 to 60,000 copies. For special purposes, as the demand requires. Numbered consecutively 1, 2, etc. Sent only to special names, as occasion demands. This series includes the bi-weekly fertilizer bulletins. Last issued during 1894 was 21. SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXXIX E. Bulletins.— Weekly Weather Crop. Each edition 1,600 copies. Numbered consecutively 1, 2, 3, etc., during the year of issue. Printed during 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893 and 1894. Gives weekly the effect of the weather upon crops during the growing season. Sent only to crop bulletin list and exchanges. Last issued during 1894 was No. 26. F. Bulletins.—Press. Each edition 600 copies. Num-bered consecutively 1, 2, 3, etc. Short reading articles for newspaper columns. First number published May 24, 1890. Sent to newspaper exchanges and to chair-men of experimental committees of alliances and granges. Last issued during 1894 was No. 66. G. Annual Reports of the Station.—Each edition 3,000 copies. Numbered consecutively with years, 1-1878, 2-1879, 3-1880, etc. Prior to 1888 these reports con-tained results of the year's work, and took the place of the separate bulletins which appeared thereafter. The annual reports now contain copies of the regular bulletins issued during the year. Sent to exchanges only, and not to general mailing-list. Last issued was 16th for 1893. H. Annual Reports of the Meteorological Division, constituting the State Weather Service. Each edition 2,000 to 4,000 copies. Numbered consecutively with years, 1-1887, 2-1888, 3-1889, etc. Includes monthly and annual means of meteorological data at various stations in North Carolina and for the State, with other' records made and work done during the year; also copies of meteorological bulletins of series C issued during the year. Sent to meteorological exchange list only. Last issue was seventh annual for 1893. I. Biennial Repobts of the Station. Sent to the Gov-ernor for transmission to the General Assembly. Each edition 500 to 3,000 copies. Numbered consecu-tively First, Second, etc. These reports are demanded by local authorities, and are not intended for general distribution. Last issue was Eighth Biennial Report for the years 1893 and 1894. J. Information Bulletin —Designed to be distributed for the purpose of collecting information concerning prac-tical and useful plans of farm management or methods of cultivation of different crops, etc., to be collated thereafter for use in general bulletins. The last issue for 1894 was No. 5. xl N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. Since the above plan was adopted, it has been found that some confusion occurred in the classification of A and B (Regular and Technical bulletins). To lemedy this, it was determined to merge the latter series into the former, and give a popular summary of the technical work, which sum-mary is alone to be sent to the general list of farmers throughout the State. The full detailed report of the tech-nical work is mailed, as usual, to the scientific and exchange lists. Others can secure each of these publications by special application therefor. This plan prevents wasteful distribu-tion of bulletins to those who do not have the time or the inclination to investigate the detailed portions of the tech-nical work, and supplies to farmers only what they most generally wish to know, i. e., the results of the work. The title page of the Station's regular publications has been somewhat changed in order to lay greater stress upon the subject-matter of the bulletin. It is believed by this plan that the attention of readers will be more attracted to the subject and a greater interest in it will be caused. Publications During the Year 1894. During the year 1894, seventy-eight distinct publications have been issued, subdivided as follows: Series A—17 bulletins, containing 506 pages. C—12 t i i 200 D— 6 i a 80 E—26 i (< 26 F—10 [< (< 10 G— 1 i i i 50 H— 1 i a 140 J— 5 i (« 5 Total during 1894, 78 bulletins, containing 997 pages. A. OF THE REGULAR BULLETINS, 17 ISSUES. No. 94.—January 1, 1894. 20 pp. Horticultural Tests and Results with Garden Vegetables, Fruits, and Bulb Culture.—Table of contents. Tests of garden vegetables: cabbages, melons, garden corn, cucumbers, egg plants, lettuce, onions, potatoes and tomatoes. Result of tests during 1893. Test of fruits: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, figs, and peaches. Prevention of grape rot. Grapes under glass. Bulb culture: tuberoses, lilies, gladioli, and hyacinths. Propagation of hardy roses. Acknowledgments. No. 95.—January 12, 1894. 32 pp. Fertilizer Analyses and the Fertilizer Control During 1893, including: The Official Analyses of Spring and Fall Samples, and a Description of ingredients in Fertilizers and their Analyses. Table SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. xli of contents. The Fertilizer Control Station. Digest of fertilizer laws in force in North Carolina. The manufacture of commercial fertilizers. Ingrediente ueed for making fertilizers, including those furnishing phosphoric acid, nitrogen (or ammonia), and potash. Adulterations in fertilizers. Bulky portions of a fertilizer. When analyses of fertilizers are made for farmers. The analyses of a fer-tilizer and an explanation of terms used. How the valuation of constituents are determined. How values per ton are calculated, and how they can be utilized by farmers. Analyses of 262 samples of fertilizers taken and analyzed during the year 1893. Freight rates from the seaboard to interior points. No. 96.—January 20, 1894. 32 pp. Miscellaneous Agricultural Topics, contained in the press service bulletins of June to December, 1893. No. 97.—January 30, 1894. 48 pp. Digestion Experiments with soy bean hay, cat-tail millet, Johnson grass hay, sorghum fodder and bagasse, peanut-vine hay, cotton-seed meal, cotton-seed hulls, crimson clover hay, corn meal, corn and cob meal, and corn silage. The digestibility of foods and diges-tion experiments. Terms defined. Different rations experimented with. The animals employed. Summary of results. Table show-ing composition of foods used in experiments. Table showing sum-mary of coefficients of digestibility and nutritive ratios. Digestion experiments reported in detail with weights of food, analyses of same, analyses of excrement, and resulting percentages digested, with mean nutritive ratio. Summary of coefficients of digestibility. No. 98.—March 1, 1894. 40 pp. Some Leguminous Crops and their Economic Value, including (1), Legumines as improvers of the soil; (2), The cultivation of leguminous plants for forage; (3), The fungous and insect enemies of legumines. Some legumines tested by the Station. The forage plant garden, including full notes taken during growth. The varie-ties of cowpeas and their comparative merits. Japanese peas and beans. No. 99.—April 15, 1894. 8 pp. Thread-Worm of Pork (Trichina Spiralis).—Description of trichina spiralis in flesh and in the encysted form; and mature forms of trichina spiralis. Cuts of same. No. 100.—March 26, 1894. 36 pp. Our Common Insects.—Classification of insects. Insect names and organs. Sub-class of hexapoda. or six-footed insects. Sub-class of arachnida. Sub-class of mirapoda. Sub-class of malacopoda. How to combat noxious insects. How to collect and preserve insects. Books for students of entomology. No. 101.—August 2, 1894. 20 pp. The Progress of the Dairy Industry in North Carolina.—Descrip-tive matter showing progress in dairying and reasons therefor. Table showing the progress of the dairy industry in North Carolina from 1879 to 1889, compared with other States. No. 102.—August 3, 1894. 12 pp. Encouragement to the Dairy Interests of North Carolina, through the medium of the State Fairs. Testing dairy cows at the 3 Xlii N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. State Fair of 1894. Premium for best dairy cows. Conditions of the tests. Rules for conducting the tests. Records of tests. Appli-cation for cows to be tested for premium at State Fair 1894. Food consumed per day by cows for test during ten davs previous to test. Result of tests. Testing dairy cows at the State Fair of 1893. Table showing result of dairy test at State Fair of 1893. No. 103.— August 17, 1894. 24 pp. Miscellaneous Agricultural Topics, contained in the press service bulletins of January to June, 1894. No. 104.—August 18, 1894. 4 pp. Why Pull Your Corn Fodder?—Reasons given for rejecting this method and adopting the better plan of cutting and curing the whole stalk. No. 105—September 4, 1894. 12 pp. The Chestnut and its Weevil. Nut Culture for North Caro-lina.— The chestnut weevil. Remedies. Appendix. Chestnuts. Pecan. Persian Walnuts. No. 106.—September 6, 1894. 44 pp. Rational Stock Feeding; including (1), Definition of terms and com-position and digestibility of foods; (2), Feeding standards; (3), How stock rations can be calculated; (4), Some rations fed in North Caro-lina, and some rations suggested; (5), Comments of practical stock breeders and feeders. Composition of feeding stuffs. Functions of nutrients. Functions of food in the animal body. Digestibility of feeding stuffs. Average composition and digestible nutrients in feeding stuffs. Coefficients of digestibility. Amount of digestible matter in feeding stuffs. Nutritive ratio. Rations fed to horses. Rations fed to colts. Rations fed to milch cows. Rations fed to beeves. Rations fed to young stock and bulls. Rations fed to sheep. Rations fed to swine. No. 107.—September 6, 1894. 24 pp. Flowering Bulbs in North Carolina, and their Propagation for Florists' Use.—Flowering bulbs in North Carolina. Commer-cial culture of flowering bulbs. General discussion. Appendix. Plates (drawn from nature) illustrating various bulbs grown in North Carolina. No. 108.—September 22, 1894. 76 pp. Seed Testing, Its Uses and Methods.—The uses of seed testing. Seed testing in the United States. The seed control system in Europe. The method of seed control. The physiology of the seed. The structure of the seed. The germination of the seed. The prox-imate composition of the endosperm. The mineral constituents of the seed. The effect of temperature on the germination process. The action of light and electricity upon the germination of seeds. The action of chemicals upon the germination of seeds. The specific gravity of seeds. The volume- weight of seeds. The life of the plant embryo. The harvest stage. The germinating stage; seed viability. The inert stage. Practical seed testing. Viability, purity and germination of seeds. Seed, their impurities and adulterations. Limit of possible error in seed testing. Method and apparatus used in seed testing. Germinating apparatus. Seed separators. Simple and compound microscopes. Volume-weight apparatus. Sampling apparatus. Analytical balance. Miscellaneous apparatus. Record books and blanks. North Carolina Station records and blanks. Zurich Station blanks. Appendix. Index. SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. xliii No. 109.—October 15, 1894. 34 pp. Feeding Trials with Animals; including, (1) The effect of cotton-seed hulls and meal as cattle food. (2) Cotton-seed meal as a horse food. (3) Cotton-seed meal for pigs. (4) Cotton-seed meal for calves. (5) Feeding skimmed milk to lambs. (6) A pig feeding test. (7) A system of feeding young calves. No. 110.—November 8, 1894. 48 pp. The Marls and Phosphates op North Carolina.—Includes the geology, distribution, varieties, and uses of marls and phosphates. Description and analyses of all the beds reported. Manufacture of acid phosphate from mineral phosphates. C. OF THE STATE WEATHER SERVICE DIVISION, 12 ISSUES. No. 52.—January 31, 1894. 18 pp.. Monthly Meteorological Summary for North Carolina, Jan-uary, 1894.—Contents: General remarks, tables of normal tempera-ture and precipitation, barometric pressure, air temperature, precipi-tation, humidity, wind, weather, miscellaneous; dates of halos, coronse, hail, sleet, fog, frost, snow, etc. Tables of daily mean, maximum, and minimum temperatures, daily precipitation, charts of normal temperature and precipitation for January in North Caro-lina. Monthly summaries from 63 observers. No. 53.—February 28, 1894. 18 pp. Monthly Meteorological Summary for North Carolina, Feb-ruary, 1894.—Contents similar to No. 52. Monthly summaries from 68 observers. No. 54.—March 31, 1894. 18 pp. Monthly Meteorological Summary for North Carolina, March, 1894.—Contents similar to No. 52. Monthly summaries from 68 Observers. No. 55.—April 30, 1894. 18 pp. Monthly Meteorological Summary for North Carolina, April, 1894.—Contents similar to No. 52. Monthly summaries from 68 observers. No. 56.—May 31, 1894. 18 pp. Monthly Meteorological Summary for North Carolina, May, 1894.— Contents similar to No. 52. Monthly summaries from 69 observers. No. 57.—June 30, 1894. 18 pp. Monthly Meteorological Summary for North Carolina, June, 1894.—Contents similar to No. 52. Monthly summaries from 70 observers. No. 58.—July 31, 1894. 18 pp. Monthly Meteorological Summary for North Carolina. July, 1894.—Contents similar to No. 52. Monthly summaries from 71 observers. No. 59.—August 31, 1894. 18 pp. Monthly Meteorological Summary for North Carolina, August, 1894.—Contents similar to No. 52. Monthly summaries from 69 observers. xliv N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. No. 60.—September 30, 1894. 18 pp. Monthly Meteorological Summary for North Carolina, Septem-ber, 1894.—Contents similar to No. 52. Monthly summaries from 68 observers. No. 61.—October 31, 1894. 18 pp. Monthly Meteorological Summary for North Carolina, Octo-ber, 1894.—Contents similar to No. 52. Monthly summaries from 66 observers. No. 62.—November 30, 1894. 18 pp. Monthly Meteorological Summary for North Carolina, Novem-ber, 1894.—Contents similar to No. 52. Monthly summaries from 62 observers. No. 63.—December 31, 1894. 18 pp. Monthly Meteorological Summary for North Carolina, Decem-ber, 1894.—Contents similar to No. 52. Monthly summaries from 58 observers. D. OP THE SPECIAL BULLETINS, 6 ISSUES. No. 16.—February 24, 1894. 10 pp. Fertilizer Analyses and the Fertilizer Control.—First bi-weekly edition, season of 1894. Valuation of ingredients for 1894, and digest of fertilizer laws in operation. Freight rates from the sea-board to interior towns. Analyses of 31 samples analyzed by the fertilizer control. No. 17.—March 10, 1894. 14 pp. Fertilizer Analyses and the Fertilizer Control —Second bi-weekly edition. Contents similar to No. 16. Analyses of 74 samples analyzed by the fertilizer control. No. 18.—March 24, 1894. 16 pp. Fertilizer Analyses and the Fertilizer Control.—Third bi-weekly edition. Contents similar to No. 16. Analyses of 109 sam-ples analyzed by the fertilizer control. No. 19.—April 7, 1894. 18 pp. Fertilizer Analyses and the Fertilizer Control.—Fourth bi-weekly edition. Contents similar to No. 16. Analyses of 169 sam-ples analyzed by the fertilizer control. No. 20.— April 21, 1894. 20 pp. Fertilizer Analyses and the Fertilizer Control.—Fifth bi-weekly edition. Contents similar to No. 16. Analyses of 204 samples ana-lyzed by the fertilizer control. No. 21.—May 22, 1894. 2 pp. Fertilizer Analyses and the Fertilizer Control —Sixth bi-weekly edition, issued as a supplement to No. 20. Analyses of 15 samples analyzed by the fertilizer control. E. OF THE WEEKLY WEATHER CROP BULLETINS, 26 ISSUES. Nos. 1 to 26.—April 9, 1894, to October 1, 1894. 1 p. each. Weekly Weather Crop Bulletin.—Issued every Monday afternoon during the crop season, 345 reporters representing all of the 96 counties in the State. SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. xlv F. OP THE PRESS BULLETINS, 10 ISSUES. No. 57.—January 27, 1894. 1 p. Articles : No distribution of plants, seeds, etc. The Experiment Sta-tion bulletins. Formulas for composts and home-made mixtures for cotton and corn. Soy (soja) beans ought to be planted. Lathyrus sylvestris, or flat pea. Advanced meteorological summary for North Carolina—December, 1893. Cold waves. Analyses of fer-tilizers. Satsuma orange trees. Keeping nitrate of soda. Clover and grass for loamy land ; peanuts; chufas. The cultivation of onions and Irish potatoes. No. 58.—March 29, 1894. 1 p. Articles : The Experiment Station bulletins. Some late bulletins of the North Carolina Experiment Station. Field peas. Cabbage insects. Advanced monthly summary of meteorological reports for North Carolina—February, 1894. Cotton-seed hull ashes. How to deal with the potato beetle and cabbage worms. Culture of pecans. Proper temperature to churn. Profitable poultry. Grapes and blackberries for market. Benefit of peavines to land. Location for peach orchard. Fireblight of apple tree. No. 59.—April 25, 1894. 1 p. Articles : The Experiment Station bulletins. Adulterated cattle food. A good mixture for tobacco. Advanced monthly summary of me-teorological reports for North Carolina—March, 1894. Bulky por-tions of a fertilizer. North Carolina weekly weather crop bulletin. Spraying orchards and vineyards. Dehorning cattle or calves. Blight of tomato and potato. Cultivation of cranberries. Nitrate soda for strawberries. Injury to acid phosphate by marl. No. 60.—May 3, 1894. 1 p. Article: Distribution of soy (soja) beans. No. 61.—May 25, 1894. 1 p. Articles: Crimeon clover for hay or seed. Crimson clover seed dis-tributed in 1893. Experiences with crimson clover. Another fraud exposed. Advanced month! v summary of meteorological reports for North Carolina—April, 1894. Distribution of soy (soja) beans. Directions for cooking soy beans or peas. Chicken cholera and its prevention. Cultivation of barley. Cucumbers for pickles. Shells and lime. No. 62.—July 27, 1894. 1 p. Articles : Everbearing mulberries. Three forage plants for sandy soil. Recent bulletins of the North Carolina Experiment Station at Ral-eigh, N. C. A new potato pest. Raising cabbage for market. Onions. Remedies for borer of peach tree. Grass for permanent pasture. Nitrate of soda, and ashes. Crimson clover, timothy, Bermuda grass. No 63.—September 4, 1894. 1 p. Articles: Curing cow-pea vines. Why pull your corn fodder? Cab-bage and its diseases. Advanced monthly summary of meteorologi-cal reports in North Carolina for July, 1894. Value of corn and cobs ground together for stock food. Feeding of colts. Cultivation of onions. Lime will injure stable manure. Clover and grass for pas-ture on sandy soil. Warts upon cows. Xlvi N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. No. 64.—September 25, 1894. 1 p. Articles: Title page changed. The chestnut and its weevil. The army worms. Crimson clover in 1894. The weather in North Carolina during 1893. Self-suckiag cows. Advanced summary of meteoro-logical reports for North Carolina—August, 1894. Scuppernongs can be pruned. Bones as fertilizers, and how to utilize them. Hol-low- horn and hollow-tail. No. 65.— October 20, 1894. 1 p. Articles : Recent bulletins of the Experiment Station. Keeping sweet potatoes through the winter. Advanced monthly summary of me-teorological reports for North Carolina—September, 1894. The Rus-sian thistle. Error in report of crimson clover seed yield for 1894. Pea and bean weevils. Ripening tomatoes in winter. Variety of asparagus for planting. To destroy sprouts and stumps. Creamer or separator for southern North Carolina. Bees and bee worms. No. 66.—November 29, 1894. 1 p. Articles : Setting out a peach orchard. Value of one day's cow rations as a fertilizer. North Carolina weather during October, 1894. Flowering bulbs in North Carolina. Improve your stock. Rational stock feeding. Tokay grapes. Value of manure. Blue joint grass. Destroying wild onions. Mixing fertilizers at home. Asiatic pears. G. OP THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE STATION, 1 ISSUE. No. 16.—Report of the Station for 1893. 50 pp. Letter of transmittal. Officers of Board and Experiment Station. Report of the Director. The fertilizer control station. The Agri-cultural Experiment Station. Report of the Agriculturist. R-port of the First Assistant Chemist. Report of the Botanist and Ento-mologist. Report of the Horticulturist. Report of the Meteorolo-gist. Financial statement for the year ending June 30, 1893. Ap-pendix. H. OP THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE METEOROLOGICAL DIVISION, 1 ISSUE. No. 7. Report of the State Weather Service for 1893. 64 pp. List of Board of Control and officers of the Experiment Station. Pub-lications of the State Weather Service for 1893. Annual meteoro-logical summary, 1893. Collection of meteorological data, and list of meteorological stations and observers during 1893. Weekly weather crop bulletin and list of crop correspondents during 1893. List of stations in North Carolina receiving weather forecasts, cold-wave or frost warnings by telegraph or mail. Comparisons of tem-perature and precipitation at stations in North Carolina, United States, and in foreign countries. Index. I. OF THE BIENNIAL REPORTS OF THE STATION, 1 ISSUE. No. 8.—Biennial Report for 1893 and 1894. 140 pp. Report of Director. J. OF THE INFORMATION BULLETINS, 5 ISSUES. No. 1.—November 18, 1893. 1 p. Inquiries as to Composts, Home-made Manures and Home«»mixed Fertilizers. SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. xlvii No. 2.—December 16, 1893. 1 p. Inquiries as to Care of Stock and Food and Rations Given. No. 3.—March 30, 1894. 1 p. Inquiries as to the Use op Lime and Marl. No. 4.—April 12, 1894. 1 p. Inquiries Concerning Clover Seed Distributed in 1893. No 5.—November 20, 1894. 1 p. Inquiries as to Success with Soy Beans. Mailing Routes in North Carolina.—In order to facilitate mailing the bulletins, the Station sends the various publica-tions according to the same plan regularly in use in the United States Railway Mail Service. The State is subdivi-ded into mail routes, arranged according to railway lines and convenience in reaching the various offices. Mail-bags are packed for each of these routes, by the Station, and trans-mission through the Raleigh postoffice and the railway mail service is not delayed. The plan of mailing routes is as follows : MAILING ROUTES FOR STATION PUBLICATIONS FOR NORTH CAROLINA. 1. Goldsboro and Greensboro, East: Cumberland County. Greene County. Johnston County. Wayne County. 2. Goldsboro and Morehead: 8. Carteret County. Craven County. Jones County. Lenoir County. Pamlico County. 3. Tarboro and Washington: Beaufort County. 4. Newbern and Wilmington: Onslow County. 9. 5. Wilson and Wilmington, South: Brunswick County. Columbus County. New Hanover County. 10. Duplin County. Pender County. 11. Sampson County. 6. Washington & Charleston, North: Edgecombe County. Nash County. Wilson County. 7. Norfolk and Raleigh: Bertie County. Dare County. Franklin County. 12. Gates County. Halifax County. Hertford County. Martin County. Northampton County. Pitt County. Vance County. Warren County. Norfolk and Edenton: Camden County. Currituck County. Chowan County. Hyde County. Pasquotank County. Perquimans County. Tyrrell Countv. Washington County. Raleigh postoffice: Randolph County. Wake County. Chatham County. Keysville and Raleigh. Granville County. Raleigh and Charlotte: Anson County. Bladen County. Harnett County. Moore County. Montgomery County. Richmond County. Robeson County. Union County. Goldsboro & Greensboro, West: Alamance County. Caswell County. Durham County. Xlviii N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. Guilford County. 17. Salisbury and Knoxville. Orange County. Buncombe County. Person County. Burke County. Surry County. Caldwell County. Stokes County. Catawba County. 13. Washington and Charlotte, North: Haywood County. Rockingham County. Iredell County. 14. Washington and Charlotte, South: McDowell County. Davidson County. Madison County. Davie County. Mitchell County. Rowan County. Watauga County. Stanly County. Yancey County. 15. Wash, and Char., South—No. 2: 18. Taylorsville and Charlotte: Cabarrus County. Alexander County. Cleveland County. 19. Asheville and Columbia: Gaston County. Polk County. Lincoln County. Transylvania County. Mecklenburg County. Henderson County. Rutherford County. 20. Asheville and Murphy: 16. Greensboro and Wilkesboro: Cherokee County. Ashe County. Clay County. Alleghanv County. Graham County. Forsyth County. Jackson County. Wilkes County. Macon County. Yadkin County. Swain County. The Collection op Special Agricultural Information. A special publication of the Station has been instituted, designated as the "Information Bulletin," for the express purpose of collecting information from practical farmers upon special agricultural subjects. Many farmers, after years of practical experience, are in possession of certain plans and methods which they have ascertained to be suit-able to their needs and surroundings. It is for the purpose of collecting such information, classifying and embodying it in a publication of the Station for the benefit of all alike, that the plan was adopted. The following is from the prefatory note accompanying a late bulletin : The well known Hatch Act passed by the United States Congress in 1887, upon the provisions of which the agricultural experiment stations in the various States and Territories depend, contemplated the collection of practical information on agricultural subjects, as well as in dissemi-nating among the people the information thus collected, for the first words of this act, after the enacting clause, read — " That in order to aid in acquiring and diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on subjects connected with agriculture, etc. This Station, therefore, in order to bring together such agricultural information, now widely distributed, and at the same time valuable from the result of constant practice and experience, sends out this Informa-tion Bulletin for the purpose of collecting information upon the subject SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. xlix stated below, and embodying the result in a general bulletin soon to be issued. It is to the interest of all who receive this Information Bulletin, and who have had experience in the special subject below, to write full and complete answers to the questions, for they in turn will be benefited by the general bulletin upon this subject, to be issued as soon as it can be completed. Up to date there have been five of these bulletins issued : No. 1. Enquiries as to composts, home-made manures, and home-mixed fertilizers. No. 2. Enquiries as to care of stock, and food and rations given. No. 3. Enquiries as to the use of lime and marl. No. 4. Enquiries concerning success with clover seed distributed. No. 5. Enquiries as to success with soy beans distributed. A Conservative and Voluntary Seed Control. The Station has for some time past been investigating the subject of field and garden seed, and the possible adultera-tions and impurities that may occur in them. The question of vitality has also received attention. The labor involved in concluding this work, which has been presented in Bulle-tin 108, has been very great and has extended over several years. The following remarks are extracted from the pre-face of that bulletin: The question of good seed for planting is known to be a most important one. While there are many well-established seed houses who would not knowingly deceive in placing their goods on the market, yet it is certain that there are others who are not so scrupulous, who sell bad and adulter-ated seed either through ignorance or design. Evidence upon this point is too strong to admit of a doubt. Even the con-scientious seedsmen may be liable to buy adulterated seed and sell them to others without knowing their true character. Seed testing is of value both to seedsmen and to pur-chasers. To seedsmen, on the one hand, in enabling them to understand the real nature of the material they buy before selling to others; to buyers, on the other hand, to enable them to know if the seed they propose planting are vital seed and free from every objectionable weed adulteration. An official seed control may be open to many objections, and might not be advisable at this time. A voluntary seed control does not possess the objectionable features of a legal enactment, and it may prove to be a satisfactory solution to the present difficulty. Such a control is managed without the enaction of law. It is inaugurated by means of the vol-untary co-operation of both sellers and buyers, and is gov- 1 N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1394. i erned by the laws of trade and mutual benefit. The funda-mental principles upon which such a control is based is the progressive spirit of seedsmen who agree to sell living seed of certain stated percentages of vitality, and free from adul-terations. If, after testing, it is found that the seed does not reach this quality, or contains any adulterations, the seeds-men agree to take back the seed, paying transportation charges each way, or else refund a proportional part of the cost of the seed ; no claim for damages to extend beyond thirty days, or after the seed is sown. The guarantee is only a guarantee that the seed is what is claimed for it, and does not extend to the quality of the crop. Evidently there are too many conditions affecting the growth of the seed in the soil for any guarantee to be given as to the yield. Bad preparation of the land, too deep or too thin covering of the seed, bad weather conditions, are some of the most common conditions injuriously affecting growth of crops, and for these the seedsman is certainly not responsible. Competition is the soul of trade, but fair competition is possible only when competing goods are sold upon their real merits, as must be the case when seed are sold under a definite guarantee based upon a standard method of scientific analysis. If some enterprising dealers, knowing thoroughly the quality of seed they sell, voluntarily state that the goods are what they claim, and subject to the above guarantee, then it will not be strange if they should commence to han-dle the bulk of the trade. Purchasers undoubtedly will buy where they can get the best seed for the money. The whole matter may be left now with an enlightened and discriminating public. The Insect Fauna op North Carolina. The State has never had a systematic investigation of the insect life within her borders. Such a survey, conducted de novo in the usual manner of such surveys, would be very costly and would consume much time. A plan, however, is in contemplation, which is outlined below, by which the expense would be reduced to a minimum, and an additional beneficial result would accrue from the investigation. The plan contemplates co operation with the public schools of the State, and the collection by their pupils of insect speci-mens in their immediate locality. The various sections would thus be thoroughly investigated, and collections em-bracing all parts of the State would be brought together. A (SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. H bulletin detailing the systematic classification of insects has already been prepared for the purpose of being used in the proposed collections. This bulletin has special reference to ordinary insects and insects injurious to crops. The reasons that governed the preparation of it are : First, in order that the people of the State should have the means of studying and understanding the numerous insects, both foes and friends, constantly noted on every side. It is evident that this can be done to better advantage if the structure, classification, and life history are known in connection with a knowledge of a particular specimen when it is being studied. Second, to extend a spirit of investiga-tion and study among the children of the State, both at their schools and at home. It is expected that this will be accom-plished by creating an interest in the collection of insects, and their preservation for permanent interest and value. In this way, if the activity of the children is aroused, it will undoubtedly extend to the parents, and to both will result a better knowledge of insects and methods designed to destroy them. Many simple remedies can be applied that would save many crops to their owners if only these reme-dies were known. To aid in the creation of interest in the study of insects, the preservation of beneficial species, and the destruction of noxious ones, it is probable that the Experi-ment Station will offer cash prizes for the most meritorious collections of insects collected and named according to the classification of the present bulletin. The offer will doubt-less be made only to the public schools of the State and their pupils. Third, to increase our own knowledge of the insect fauna living in the borders of the State, and in this study collections carefully made as above described and procured from all parts of the State will be invaluable. The flora of North Carolina has been studied widely, and is among the richest and best known in the world. In fact, the name Caroliniana appears as a part of the specific name of plants more frequently than that of any other State. This is doubt-less due to the researches of two of her citizens of world-wide reputation, Dr. L. D. von Schweinitz, of Salem, and Dr. M. A. Curtis, of Wilmington, and of Michaux, the elder and younger, and other European botanists, who did most of their collecting in North Carolina. The flora of the State embraces some six thousand distinct species, due to the varied elevations within her borders and the consequent diversifi-cation of climate. As there is such close connection and mutual dependence between plants and insects, it is doubtless Hi N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. the fact that there is relatively as large insect fauna within the State, and as interesting as the flora. No such attempt has ever been made to systematically study our insect life. It is desirable that a beginning should be made, and collec-tions from different portions of the State carefully made by the various schools would be of great assistance in the work. At the same time, collections made in this way would tend to increase the interest of school pupils in natural sciences, would teach them the value of observation of the life and events around them, and which, in addition, would be of marked value to them in after-life as agriculturists. This interest would doubtless extend to their parents, who would in turn derive benefit from their labors. The Dairy Industry. Recognizing the need of some change from the one-crop system so largely used in the cultivation of tobacco and cot-ton, the Station has endeavored to give special encourage-ment to the dairy interest in North Carolina. Milk, butter and calves are safe money crops that do not exhaust the land. Home made fertilizers can be made, and thus a saving in the purchase of commercial fertilizers is affected; and such a system compels the use of best breeds, whose increase are also of particular value. No less than eleven separate bul-letins have been issued, in editions of many thousands each, which gave special assistance in the care and feeding of stock, building of silos, and to the encouragement of the dairy industry. While there is room for very great improvement for the future, still our State has added to the dairy industry and the care of improved stock much more in the past decade than is generally supposed. As summaries of these improve-ments, the following statement is offered, based on official figures of the tenth and eleventh censuses: 1st. That North Carolina has increased her farming capac-ity twenty per cent, during the ten years preceding 1890. 2d. That North Carolina has discarded thousands of com-paratively worthless milch cows and other stock. 3d. That North Carolina has introduced better breeds of dairy and other stock, and has made other improvements dependent upon this fact. 4th. That North Carolina has increased the number of her improved milch cows, in proportion to the number of her SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. liii improved acres, more than any other State, with the excep-tion of Florida. 5th. The the total yield of milk, butter and cheese in North Carolina shows very great increase as the result of improved stock. 6th. That the average yield per cow in North Carolina has increased during the ten years previous to 1890 far greater than has been the case in most of the other States, and the actual yield is better than most of the Southern States. 7th. That the number of butter factories in North Carolina are increasing, and it is likely this result will prove as advan-tageous here as has been the case in the older dairy states. These encouraging results are due — 1st. To the changing conditions in the agriculture of the State, which demand that home supplies be first made; and next, that money crops be undertaken as far as they can economically be produced. 2d. To the adoption of the " no- fence" laws in almost every one of the middle and eastern counties. 3d. To the encouragement and assistance afforded by the Station and other organizations, agricultural journals, and enterprising individuals. 4th. To the awakening of the people of the State to the benefits derived from the discriminating care of improved stock, and other advantages following in its train. Should our people be content with what has been done? There is need for greater improvement. Instead of having but little over one per cent, of the milch cows of the United States within our borders, and producing about one per cent. of the milk of the United States, North Carolina ought to have at least five per cent., both of the number of cows and production of milk, by the year ^900; and with this increase the State would show corresponding improvements in all agricultural industries. And there is no reason why this should not be. The Marls and Phosphates of North Carolina. The work of the Experiment Station, from the earliest period of its existence, has embraced the chemical examina-tion of natural deposits that might be used for agricultural purposes, as well as other materials that could be so utilized from the by-products of other industries, or those that could be saved and used by careful management on the farm. The Hv N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. Station has thus been of material assistance in giving a more definite idea of the value of such materials, as well as advice to those who were, perhaps, unconscious of their proper use. Since the establishment of the Station, in March, 1877, many hundreds of analyses of marls and phosphates have been made. These are collected in a special bulletin (110), and such information of the location and extent of the depos-its as could be gathered from our records is also inserted. A description of the geological features of the formations, together with their distribution, varieties and uses, are inclu-ded. A chapter on the manufacture of acid phosphate from mineral phosphates is also appended in order to give a more perfect idea of this very important material. Veterinary Investigations. For some time the Station has desired to have the services of a competent veterinarian upon its staff, but owing to lack of funds it has been unable to do so. Temporary arrange-ments have, however, been entered into with F. P. William-son, D. V. S., as Consulting Veterinarian to the Station, and up to date one educational bulletin has been issued, and such veterinary work has been completed as was required in the progress of the feeding and digestion work in the agricul-tural division. Further detailed statements can be seen by reference to the work of the veterinary division. Some Adulterations Detected. During the year two notable adulterations have been de-tected and brought to light. The first of these was adul-terated wheat bran. This stock food is purchased largely from the west, and, judging from the following examination, it would seem that it is being deliberately adulterated. Of wheat bran purchased on the Raleigh market, a one-pound sample was drawn and examined and found to contain 10.96 per cent, of the following: unground kernels of wheat, oats, cockle, chess or cheat, and several other varieties of weed seeds. Some of the light wheat seed were, in addition, affected with burnt or stinking smut (pucinia rubigovera). The cockle seed (lychnis githago) was present to the amount of 2.77 per cent., or 55.4 pounds per ton, and the chess or cheat (bromus secalinus) was present to the amount of 1.01 per cent, of the whole, or 20.2 pounds per ton. The stock at the Station would have consumed about 2£ tons per month SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. lv (at the rate then being fed), and a monthly saving of fifteen tons of stable manure could be secured. Feeding this adul-terated bran, the manure from it, after many of the whole weed seeds had passed through the animals, would be amply sufficient to seed any ordinary field with very objectionable weeds, to the great detriment of the growing crop. This result would easily offer one explanation to the vexed ques-tion of " Can wheat turn to cheat?" The other adulteration detected was the sale by a traveling party of cabbage seed, "recommended by the United States Agricultural Department as the best for the Southern States," "grown and warranted by the Junaluska Seed Company, Junaluska, N. C." The seed was worthless, and consisted in the main of European wild cabbage. Both the name of the post-office and the seed firm were fictitious, and the whole transaction was fraudulent. It was ascertained that the same people had previously sold similar seed under the title of the Reems Creek Company. Publication was at once made of the circumstances, and it is hoped that future transactions can be avoided. The Importance of Rational Stock Feeding. The subject of stock feeding is of such importance that the Experiment Station continues to call attention to it, not only in conducting experiments to determine the digestibility of various common foods in daily use, but also in distribu-ting information designed to be of immediate value to the stock feeder. There are in North Carolina, according to the latest returns (State Auditor's Report of 1894)— Horses 146,725, valued at $7,497,225 Mules 111,463, " 6 475,251 Cattle 624 716, " 4,806 663 Hogs 1,136.256, " 1,620,117 Sheep and Goats 396.564, " 390.168 Total 2,415,724, " $20,789,424 Assuming that the very small sum of fifteen cents per month for each head could be saved by more careful feed-ing, there would be saved to the people of the State over four millions of dollars annually, a sum approximating nearly one-sixtieth of the total assessed real and personal property of the whole State, Wi N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 1894. All stock feeds are not the same in quality. Some are richer in some ingredients than others. These ingredients, when eaten in food, act differently in building up the body. Some make flesh; some make bone; some make heat and force. Foods, therefore, vary greatly in value for different purposes. Again, the constituents may not wholly be avail-able to the animal. A portion of a certain constituent may be easily digested, while the other part may pass entirely through and go off as waste. If the manure is not preserved it is really an absolute waste. The digestible portions of the various constituents must be determined by actual feeding tests with animals, while the constituents must be carefully analyzed, chemically. By actual feeding it has been ascer-tained what quantity of these digestible constituents is needed for different purposes of feeding to produce fat, or growth, or sustain vigor when worked. In this way we can lay down a rule for feeding animals, and, knowing the foods we have at hand, and the digestible proportions, it will be easy to combine them according to the best advantage. Of such importance is the subject considered, that two bulletins have been issued within the past two years touch-ing specially upon the rational and practical feeding of stock. These are in addition to the result of experiments upon the digestion of various common stock foods, which are included in separate publications. The last of these bulletins (106) contains also detailed results of correspondence with leading stock feeders and breeders, in which different feeding rations are given and discussed. The people of the State, in order to make money, must save it, and to accomplish this no better way can be sug-gested for immediate trial than more careful feeding of their stock. To this end a thorough understanding of the princi-ples underlying it is essential. Our people must weigh their stock foods and mix them in the right proportions if they desire to stop a tremendous leak in farm economy. Means for Reaching Farmers. As the main plan for carrying before the farmers the work and results reached at the Station, the bulletins are foremost. It is one thing to conduct agricultural investigations de-signed to benefit farmers and others and to reach important results. Accurate and painstaking care are essential, com-bined with the requisite skill and experience. Without these the results, when reached, are inaccurate and misleading. * SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. lvii After important and valuable results are secured, it is en-tirely a different matter to bring these results before the attention of those for whom they were particularly designed to benefit. This phase of the question has been especially considered, and various methods have been pursued to arrive at the best result. The usual bulletins of the Station are intended, in a great measure, to supply this demand, and they have been prepared so as to reach the plain, matter of-fact farmer, who has little inclination to study difficult tables and abstruse discussions. At the same time the technical and scientific work and results are not lost sight of, but are distributed in the technical series to persons particularly interested in them. The popular bulletins, containing sum-maries of important results, as well as the educational series of bulletins, have accomplished most beneficial results by their widespread distribution. There appeared to be, how-ever, an important link in the dissemination of information of the work and results of the Station which was not yet filled. This, however, by the adoption of the press bulletin, was corrected, and short, concise articles upon these subjects were thus distributed and found their way in newspaper columns, increasing their circulation many fold. The addi-tional plan of sending out plate-matter containing these articles still largely increased the circulation and reached the attention of thousands that did not before have the opportunity of considering the Station's work. Much has been done also through direct correspondence with farmers, and their queries have included every branch of farming and kindred pursuits. Each division of the Sta-tion conducts its own correspondence, and all queries sent in are referred to the appropriate division most able to give the fullest and best answer. These questions and replies, when of sufficient public interest, are printed and distributed by means of the press service plate-matter. The members of the Station staff also, whenever practicable, visit farms, farmers and their meetings, attend farmers' institutes and deliver talks and addresses, as well as write for agricultural newspapers and journals. It is confidently believed that never before in its history has the Station done so complete and acceptable work as now, and that the people of the State are far more alive to take advantage of the offers of assistance by the Station, and to benefit themselves by its results. lviii N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894. Acknowledgments. The Station takes pleasure in acknowledging the receipt during 1894 of the books and pamphlets, journals and news-papers stated below. The reports and bulletins of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and of the various Experiment Stations in the different States and Canada are not included
Object Description
Description
Title | Annual report of the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station |
Other Title | Seventeenth annual report of the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station |
Date | 1894 |
Description | Includes North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station bulletins no. 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110 |
Table Of Contents | Horticultural tests and results with garden vegetables, fruits and bulb culture (bulletin No. 94) 1; The fertilizer control during 1893, including the official analyses of spring and fall samples, and a description of ingredients in fertilizers and their analyses (bulletin No. 95) 21; Miscellaneous agricultural topics contained in the press service bulletins (bulletin No. 96) 53; Digestion experiments with soy-bean hay, cat-tail millet Johnson-grass hay, sorghum fodder and b. gas e. peanut-vine hay, cotton seed meal, cotton- seed hulls, crimson-clover hay, corn meal, corn-and-cob meal, and corn silage (bulletin No. 97) 85; Some leguminous crops and their economic value (bulletin No. 98) 133; Thread-worm of pork ( Trichina spiralis) (bulletin No. 99) 173; Our common inserts (bulletin No. 100) 181; Progress of the dairy industry in North Carolina (bulletin No. 101) 217; Encouragement to the dairy interests of North Carolina through the medium of the State fairs (bulletin No 102) 225; Miscellaneous agricultural topics contained in the press service bulletins of January to June, 1894 (bulletin No. 103) 237; Why pull your corn fodder? (bulletin No. 104) 261; The chestnut and its weevil (bulletin No. 105) 265; Rational stock-feeding (bulletin No. 106) 277; Flowering bulbs in North Carolina, and their propagation for florists' use (bulletin No. 107) 321; Seed testing, its uses and methods (bulletin No. 108) 345; Feeding trials with animals (bulletin No. 109) 417; The marls and phosphates of North Carolina (bulletin No. 110) 451 |
Publisher | [Raleigh, N.C.?]: Board of Agriculture,1879-1944. |
Rights | State Document see http://digital.ncdcr.gov/u?/p249901coll22,63754 |
Collection | North Carolina State Documents Collection. State Library of North Carolina |
Language | English |
Digital Characteristics-A | 624 p.; 55 MB |
Digital Collection | North Carolina Digital State Documents Collection |
Digital Format | application/pdf |
Audience | All |
Pres File Name-M | pubs_ag_aragriculturalexperiment1894.pdf |
Pres Local File Path-M | Preservation_content\StatePubs\pubs_ag\images_master |
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North Carolina State Library
Raleigh
The Work during 1 894 of the
N. C. Agr. Experiment Station
ISSUED BY THE
NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
RALEIGH, N. C.
Seventeenth Annual Report
January 31, 1895
336
Publications will be sent to any address in North Carolina upon application.
N. C. Agricultural Experiment Station,
Office of Director,
Raleigh, January 31, 1895.
lo His Excellency Elias Carr,
Governor of North Carolina.
Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith a report of the opera-tions
of the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station for the
year ending December 31, 1894.
This report is made in accordance with the following portion of
section 3 of the Hatch Act of the Congress of the United States for
the maintenance of agricultural experiment stations in the various
States and Territories:
"It shall be the duty of each of the said stations, annually, on or
before the first day of February, to make to the Governor of the State
or Territory in which it is located, a full and detailed report of its
operations, including a statement of receipts and expenditures."
Trusting that this report will prove satisfactory to your Excellency,
, I am, very respectfully yours,
H. B. Battle,
Director.
N. G. COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND MECHANIC ARTS
THE OSTOIRTJEI CABOLINA
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
INCLUDING
THE FERTILIZER CONTROL STATION
AND THE STATE WEATHER SERVICE,
UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE A. AND M. COLLEGE.
W. S. Primrose, Chairman, Raleigh.
W, F. Green Franklinton.
D. A. Tompkins Charlotte.
H. E. Fries „ Salem.
N. B. Broughto,n _ . Raleigh.
W. R. Williams Falkland.
J. B. Copfield _ Everett's.
W. E. Stevens Clinton
J. H. Gilmer Greensboro
W R. Capehart „ Avoca
J. R. McLelland Mooresvilla
R. W. Wharton.. Washington
T. B. Twitty Rutherfordton
J. F. Payne Alma.
STATION COUNCIL.
A.. Q. Holladay, W. S. Primrose, H. B> Battle,
Pres. A. and M. Oollege. ,
OFFICERS OF THE EXPERIMENT STATION.
H. B. Battle, Ph. D._ _ Director and State Chemist.
F. E. Emery, M. S Agriculturist.
Gerald McCarthy, B. So Botanist and Entomologist.
W. F. Massey, C. E Horticulturist.
C. F. von Herrmann (U. S. Weather Bureau) Meteorologist.
F. P. Williamson, D. V. S Consulting Veterinarian.
B. W. Kiloore, M. S _ Assistant Chemist.
F. B. Carpenter, B. S Assistant Chemist.
W. M. Allen Assistant Chemist.
C. B. Williams, B. S Assistant Chemist.
Alexander Rhodes Assistant Horticulturist.
Roscoe Nunn (U. S. Weather Bureau). Assistant Meteorologist.
A. F. Bowen Secretary.
ralbigh, re. o.
CONTENTS.
Letter of transmittal - Ill
Report o f Director . . . . . .
.
.. IX
What the Experiment Station has accomplished for the agricultural,
horticultural and material interests of the State x
How the division of agriculture has be*-n of beaefit xv
How the chemical division has been of benefit xvii
How the botanical and entorn -logical divisions have been of benefit xix
How the horticultural division has been of benefit xxm
How the meteorological division (State Weather Service) has been of
benefit - xxiv
The work accomplished during the past two years XXV
The Fertilizer Contr. 1 Station ... xxvi
The fertilizer control during 1893 ami 1894 xxvi
Digest of fertilizer laws now in force :. __ xxx
Increase in number of brands, and the difficult}' in a proper control xxxi
Valuations of fertilizers, and how they are determined xxxi
Bullet ns containing ferti izer analyses xxxiii
Mechanic il condition of fertilizers xxxiv
Fertilizers and .their constituents xxxiv
The Agricultural E xperiment Station *xxxv
Scope of work xxxv
Divisions of the station .. xxxvn
The station staff xxxvn
Equipment „ -. _ _ _ xxxvn
Publications of the station xxxviii
Regular bulletins XL
State weather service bulletins xliii
Special bulletins . xliv
Weekly weather crop bulletins xliv
Press bul etins . . .. .. xlv
Annual reports of the station r __ xlvi
Annual reports of the mete< >rolog ; cal division XLVI
Bienn al reports of the station _ xlvi
Informat on bulletins _ xlvi
Mailing the stati n publicati ns xlvii
Mailing routes in North Carolina for station publications . . _ xlvii
The collection of special agricultural information XLVin
A conservative and voluntary eed control XLIX
The insecr f*una of North Carolina.. ._ L
The d^iry industry _ LH
The marls and phosphates of North Carolina Lin
Veterinary investigations LIV
Some adulterations detected LIV
The importance of rati' nal stock-feeding LV
Means for reaching farmers _ lvi
Acknowle gments i lviii
The work of th,j agricultural division LXI
The work of the chemical division LXII
Th j work of the botanical and ntomological divisions LXIII
The work of the horticultural division LXV
The work of the meteorolog cal division ... LXV
Th^ work of the veterinary division LXVII
Report of the Agriculturist LXVIII
Report of the First Assistant Chemist LXXIV
Report of the Botanist and Entomologist lxxvii
Report of the Horticulturist LXXX
Report of the Meteorologist lxxxiii
Financial state ment LXXXVII
CONTENTS. VII
PAGE.
Horticultural tests and results with garden vegetables, fruits and bulb culture
(bulletin No. 94) - , 1
The fertilizer control during 1893, including the official analyses of spring and
fall samples, and a description of ingredients in fertilizers and their analyses
(bulletin No. 95) - - 21
Miscellaneous agricultural topics contained in the press service bulletins (bul-letin
No. 96) 53
Digestion experiments with soy-bean hay, cat-tail millet Johnson-grass hay,
sorghum fodder and b igas e, peanut-vine hay, cotton seed meal, cotton- seed
hulls, crimson-clover hay, corn meal, corn-and-cob me.tl, and corn silage
(bulletin No. 97) , - 85
Some leguminous crops and their economic value, including— I. legumines as
improvers of the soil; II. the cultivation of leguminous plants for forage;
in, the fungous and insecr enemies of legumi' es (bulletin No. 98)._. 133
Thread-worm of pork ( Trichina spiralis) (bulletin No. 99) 173
Our common inserts (bulletin No. 100) _ 181
Progress of the dairy industry in North Carolina (bulletin No. 101) 217
Encouragem nt to the dairv interests of North Carolina through the medium
of the State fairs (bulletin No 102) .'. 225
Miscellaneous agricultural topics contained in the press service bulletins of
January to June, 1894 (bulletin No. 103) 237
Why pull y.-ur corn fodder? (bulletin No. 104) . 261
The chestnut and its weevil. Nut cu'ture in North Carolina (bulletin No. 105) 265
Rational stock-feeding, including—I. definition of terms, and composition and
digestibility of foods; II, feeding standards; III, how stock rations can be
calculated; IV, s >me radons fed in North Carolina, and some rations sug-gested;
v. comments of practical stock breeders and feeders (bulletin No. 106) 277
Flowering bulbs in North Carolina, and their propagation for florists' use (bul-letin
No. 107) 321
Seed testing, its uses an1 ^methods (bulletin No. 108) _ 345
Feeding trials with animals, including—I, the effect of cotton-seed hulls and
meal as cattle food; II, cotton-seed me^l as a horse food: in cotton-seed
meal for pi^s; iv, cotton seed meal for calves; v, feeding skimmed milk to
lambs; vi, a pig-feeding test; vn, a system of feeding young calves (bulletin
No. 109) 417
The marls and phosphates of North Carolina (bulletin No. 110) 451
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
DIRECTOR
*
OF THE
N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION,
FOR 1894,
TO THE GOVERNOR.
The North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, in-cluding
the Fertilizer Control Station and the State Weather
Service, during the past year has concluded a period of its
life embracing one-sixth of a century. It appears that the
present is a fitting time to record something of its aims and
objects, the results that it has accomplished, and in general
the particular work that has been done for the agricultural,
horticultural, as well as for the material interests of North
Carolina.
The Experiment Station as it now exists, is a growth of
years and experience. It could not have sprung into life in
its present state, for the complete knowledge of the needs of
such an institution, as well as the fullest means and widest
facilities for conducting it, were lacking.
On the 12th of March, 1877, on the day of the ratification
of the law by the General Assembly, the Station was organ-ized
as a part of the North Carolina Department of Agricul-ture.
The Station thus organized was the first in the South-ern
States, and the second in America.
The objects desired by its establishment were twofold
:
1st. To protect the farmers of the State from the fraudu-lent
fertilizers then flooding the market; and
2d. To carry on experiments in the field (in the language
of the act) ''on the nutrition and growth of plants with a
view to ascertain what fertilizers are best suited to the various
crops of this State, and whether other crops may not be
advantageously grown on its soil."
Besides these two principal objects, the new institution was
designed to be a place of information on all subjects pertain-ing
to agriculture or horticulture or other material interests,
X N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894.
where farmers and others could seek information in regard
to farming or any of its allied branches. A place where
marls, soils, compost, fertilizers or any fertilizing ingredient
could be examined and their value reported; where feeding
stuffs could also be analyzed and their true worth ascertained ;
where insects injurious to vegetation co>uld be studied and
remedies recommended; where varieties of field crops, small
fruits, orchard fruits, grasses and clovers, and forage plants
could be tested ; where seeds could be examined for their
purity and vitality, and where special and detailed informa-tion
could be secured as the result of combined study, refer-ence,
and experience, in both scientific and practical branches.
The Station was first located at Chapel Hill in connection
with the State University. It was moved by legislative enact-ment
to Raleigh in 1881, where it is still located. Dr. A. R.
Ledoux was its first director until November, 1880, and was
succeeded by Dr. C. W. Dabney, Jr., until September, 1887,
when the present director took charge. In April, 1886, an
experiment farm was equipped for the purpose of conducting
practical field and stable work, and in December, 1886, the
State Weather Service was organized for the purpose of dis-tributing
by telegraph, weather indications, cold wave and
frost warnings, and to study the weather and climate upon
growth of crops in every section of the State. Up to 1888,
the Station was supported by the license tax on fertilizers,
after which time it received the benefit of the Hatch fund
from the general government. After this fund was received,
the scope of the work was greatly enlarged, and all parts of
it were put upon a systematic and permanent basis.
In 1888 the Station, by legislative enactment, was trans-ferred
from the Department of Agriculture to the N. C. Col-lege
of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, with which it is still
connected. As now constituted, the work of the Station falls
under the following divisions: Executive, Agricultural,
Chemical, Botanical, Entomological, Horticultural, Meteoro-logical,
Veterinary, and the Division of Publication.
, What the N. C. Agricultural Experiment Station has
accomplished for the agricultural, horticultural,
and Material Interests of North Carolina.
This may be imperfectly summed up as follows:
1. It has discovered and prevented fraud and adultera-tions
in the sale of commercial fertilizers and chemicals, and
by the proper control of the fertilizer trade, immense amounts
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XI
in cash and prospective crops have been saved to the farmers
of the State.
2. By this wholesome restraint, the grade of the fertilizers
has been increased and at the same time the price of the same
has been reduced.
3. In endeavoring to extend practical information of an
agricultural character, it has printed hundreds of separate
and distinct bulletins in editions of thousands each, the aggre-gate
distribution of which runs into millions of copies.
4. The Station has inaugurated a system of educational
bulletins, designed especially to spread abroad special infor-mation
upon important subjects. This has been done with
the view of giving the work as practical cast as possible. No
less than 25 separate bulletins of this educational series have
already been issued.
5. One hundred and eighteen of the regular and technical
bulletins, embracing all character of agricultural and horti-cultural
information have been issued. The pages in each
range from 8 to 150. The editions of each of the late ones
number 16,500 copies. The regular bulletins are written
always in plain language for popular reading and embrace
subjects of immediate practical value.
6. Sixty-three of the monthly meteorological records from
every section of the State have been issued, including at
present the work of 73 observers each month. Seven annual
reports of the weather of the State have been recorded, and
monthly, seasonal and annual means and normals for each
locality, section, and the whole State, are being accurately
determined.
7. Our splendid climate is thus being shown to the world,
and correct climatic conditions learned that will assist in the
profitable growth of other crops.
8. One hundred and seventy-four weekly bulletins from
1888 through 1894 have been issued telling of the weekly
progress of the crops and the effect of the weather upon them.
9. A system of press bulletins was inaugurated in 1890, in
order to send to various newspapers the result of the Station's
work. An extension of the same plan by distributing the
short articles of these bulletins by plate matter has been suc-cessfully
pursued. These plans have been of incalculable
benefit to individual farmers.
10. Analyses of fertilizers are regularly and promptly made
during the spring and fall seasons of each year, and these
analyses are published immediately for the benefit of pur-chasers,
and every two weeks during the fertilizer season.
Xil N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894.
11. By the Station's urgent advice, the plan of home com-posting
is being widely used to the great advantage of the
lands, and the further saving in the values of high-priced
commercial fertilizers.
12. The phosphate beds of the State have been carefully
explored and accurately mapped.
13. Acid phosphate made from native phosphate has been
distributed and experimented with in every section of the
State, and its value shown to equal any similar material.
14. The marls of the State have been studied and many
hundreds of beds analyzed and their value reported.
15. In order to extend its usefulness, the Station has
analyzed many samples from individual farmers and others,
these samples embracing fertilizers, composts, mucks, marls,
phosphates, mineral waters, chemicals, minerals, and in fact
the greatest variety of materials.
16. Has analyzed the samples of coal from the coal survey
in the Deep and Dan rivers.
17. Has made investigations upon the possible adaptability
of the sugar-beet to various sections of the State, and a large
number of samples grown and analyzed.
18. Has made analyses for the State Board of Health of a
large number of potable waters, articles of food, etc.
19. Has made an exploration of the pyrites deposits in the
State to ascertain their applicability for the manufacture of
sulphuric acid. A large number of beds were examined and
analyzed.
20. The fishing interest of the east in reference to the catch
of "fat backs" for the manufacture of fish-scrap for fertilizer
purposes and for oil has been investigated.
21. Has conducted for many years past special tests of
seeds for purity and vitality, and now an efficient laboratory
standard is the result.
22. Materials for making complete fertilizers and home
mixtures for various crops, as well as the needs of the vari-ous
crops, have been exhaustively studied.
23. Special work upon cotton-seed, and the products made
from them has been conducted.
24. The by-products of the rice industry have been studied
and their value shown.
25. Early in its existence the Station made a special study
of kainit and its uses for various crop applications, and this
work was about the first undertaken in America upon potash
salts.
26. Finely ground phosphates or "floats" have been criti-
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. Xlll
cally examined as to their fineness and availability for fer-tilizing
applications.
27. Horn, leather, and wool waste have been studied as
possible adulterations in commercial fertilizers.
28. The following list embraces the number and variety
of samples analyzed and tested during each successive bien-nial
term since the organization of the Station:
April, 1877, to January 1, 1879 249
January 1, 1879, to January 1, 1881 760
January 1, 1881, to January 1
January 1, 1883, to January 1
January 1, 1885, to January 1
January 1, 1887, to January 1
January 1, 1889, to January 1
January 1, 1891, to January 1
January 1 , 1893, to January 1
1883 909
1885 1,095
1887 , 1,077
1889.. 993
1891 1,234
1893 1,486
1895 -. 1,828
Total 9,631
A classification of these samples is contained in the follow-ing
list:
Commercial fertilizers 3,438
Composts and manures. 75
Phosphates 303
Marls 435
Soils 395
Cotton-seed and products 106
Chemical and fertilizer ingredients 210
Grasses and seeds examined 1,268
Health analyses _ 64
Feeding stuffs 162
Minerals identified 1,008
Ores examined and assayed 138
Drinking waters 458
Mineral and boiler waters 603
Coals 35
Sugar-beets 62
Fertilizer analyses of fodders 11
Fodder analyses in connection with digestion experiments, 193
Urine analyses in connection with digestion experiments, 34
Milk, cream and butter 62
Cotton plant experiments 117
Tobacco, leaf, plants, stems, roots, etc 201
Special nitrate experiments 60
Miscellaneous 193
Total 9,631
29. The officers of the Station have aided largely in the
displays to illustrate the resources of North Carolina at the
expositions at Atlanta in 1881, at Boston in 1883, at Raleigh
in 1884, at New Orleans in 1885, at Raleigh in 1891, and at
Chicago in 1893.
xi.V N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894,
30. The Station always in the past and is now promptly
and cheerfully attending to every request made upon it for
particular advice in any branch of agricultural or horticul-tural
industry, or in any other way to benefit the material
interests of the State.
31. Many farmers' institutes, and other public meetings,
have been attended, and addresses made by various members
of the Station staff.
32. Field tests have been conducted in co-operation with
prominent farmers, and many results of value have been
reached.
33. By distributing a large number of copies of the work
on diseases of the horse, published by the U. S. Department
of Agriculture, many animals have been saved, as evidenced
by reports of the fact by their owners.
34. Further, in the line of veterinary work, a special bulle-tin
on a disease in pork has been issued, and also special
investigations have been undertaken upon tuberculosis and
other cattle diseases.
35. In order to encourage the raising of improved breeds
of stock and to advance the dairy interests in the State, and
believing in them lay far greater permanent prosperity than
any one-crop system, no less than sixteen distinct publica-tions
in editions of many thousands each have been issued
to further these improvements.
36. The Station instituted the plan for the establishment
of experimental committees by the various sub-alliances and
granges, and other organizations in the State. The object of
these committees was to study and discuss improved methods
of agriculture, and to aid in this the Station kept in close
communication with them by answering queries, suggesting
topics for consideration, sending them its publications, and
in other ways.
37. The publications of the Station are absolutely free to
any in North Carolina who will make application for them.
Wide distribution of this fact is made by placards at all post-offices,
by continual offers in the press of the State, and in
various other ways.
38. The publications go to every one of the thousands of
post-offices in North Carolina, and not one is omitted. The
mailing lists are consequently rapidly increasing.
In order to bring more prominently into view the work of
the separate divisions, the following summaries have been
prepared:
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XV
HOW THE AGRICULTURAL DIVISION HAS BEEN OF BENEFIT.
39. By the publication of a bulletin on silos and silage,
which gives:
a. The amount of space required to store silage for dif-ferent
numbers of farm stock.
b. The construction of a silo with bill of materials.
c. Experience with silos and coatings to retard rotting
of walls.
d. Methods of harvesting and storing silage.
e. A number of economical rations for milch or beef cat-tle,
with and without silage.
/. An appendix showing details of the construction of
round silos.
40. The Station has demonstrated that mules and driving
horses may safely be fed on silage, by having thus fed three
seasons as long as silage lasted during each season.
41. Four and one-fourth tons of silage and one to one and
one-half tons of hay are sufficient coarse foods for one full-grown
horse or mule at work in one year, and this amount
can be grown on one acre in one year, with enough silage to
spare for two others.
42. It has been demonstrated that there is a small profit in
feeding beeves on cotton-seed hulls and meal.
43. The profit from husbanding the manure made in this
feeding may be greater when applied on our worn lands than
that on the stock in feeding.
44. After liberal applications of manure from well-fed
stock, it has been demonstrated that very poor lands "catch "
well in grass seeding, and yield good hay, which is too expen-sive
to be purchased.
45. That feeding for beef may be done at any time of year
when fresh food and suitable animals are at hand.
46. That animals fed in warm weather should be kept in
well-aired darkened stables to keep off flies.
47. Care should be exercised in feeding late in summer,
when hulls and meal may be damaged by chemical changes,
indicated by rancid smell in hulls and by changing color in
meal.
48. Digestion experiments, many of which have already
been concluded, help the agricultural interests:
a. By ascertaining the true composition and feeding
value of various ordinary foods, which can be easily raised
or procured on every farm.
Xvi N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894.
b. In showing feeders how much of each kind of food
may be used to combine rations most economically and to
secure the best return from a given amount of food.
c. By calling attention to the valuable home products for
food, and indicating how to use them to the best advantage.
49. The true digestibility of the more common food-stuffs
already determined, are cotton-seed, cotton-seed hulls and
meal, peavine hay, corn silage, sorghum fodder silage, and
bagasse, crimson clover hay, corn meal, Johnson-grass hay,
and soy-bean hay. These have been fed alone and in vari-ous
combinations with each other.
50. By co-operative field experiments with fertilizers in
every part of the State, it has helped to a better understand-ing
of the requirements of the soil and more rational use of
fertilizers. This saves expenditures and secures better returns
from the applications made.
51. Co-operative tests with various crops have brought
some of the best varieties in notice and have aided in a better
knowledge of the methods of cultivation.
52. Press bulletin articles have been issued on various
topics and given broadcast to the press, have reached many
farms and have carried in few words what may be of great
value to each in condensed experience, and in outlining ways
by which very desirable ends may be reached.
53. The special value of improving lands for wheat culture
by turning under ripe peavines has been fully demonstrated,
and an average increased yield of more than ten bushels per
acre of wheat was the result.
54. A plan of hillside ditching has been shown, which can
easily be followed and with very valuable results.
55. The results of feeding tests with common stock foods
have been carefully recorded in separate publications and
widely distributed.
56. The results of the digestion work with cattle on simi-lar
stock-foods and combinations have been published and
widely copied in the agricultural literature of the day. Few
States have done so much in this particular line of agricul-tural
research, and one so replete with useful and valuable
information.
57. There have been five distinct bulletins issued describ-ing
the co operative field tests with fertilizers and with varie-ties
of field crops, including cotton, corn, tobacco, wheat, pea-nuts,
and potatoes. These tests have been made by practical
farmers in every section of the State.
58. Much has been done in the way of introducing in vari-
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XV11
ous sections of North Carolina valuable crops, such as crim-son
clover, soy beans, and different grasses and forage plants.
59. By personal correspondence with farmers in every sec-tion
of the State, very much general and specific information
to every inquirer has been given.
60. The object-lessons afforded to visitors at the Experi-ment
Farm is also a potent aid, because very many farmers
visiting Raleigh or the State Pair can look it over and find
some new points in practice to adopt.
61. The better points of practice here illustrated are taught
to the students at the Agricultural and Mechanical College,
who will carry back to their homes and adopt many things
which they will find to be to their advantage.
HOW THE CHEMICAL DIVISION HAS BEEN OP BENEFIT.
The Chemical Division has helped the farmer and others:
62. By determining, in conjunction with the Agricultural
Division, the digestibility of 18 leading cattle foods and fod-ders,
and more than 20 rations of them. This is of benefit
to the feeder:
a. In giving him a better knowledge of the value of the
different foods.
b. By showing the digestibility and value of the rations.
c. By indic.iting the best and most economical combina-tions
of foods for feeding.
63. In particular these experiments have shown
:
a. The clear and heavy loss of digestible nutrients from
roasting cotton-seed, to say nothing of the increased cost
of roasting.
b. Have indicated the beneficial effect of cotton-seed
meal by increasing the digestibility of coarse fodders, such
as cotton-seed hulls and corn silage.
64. By presenting the principles of stock-feeding, and
explaining and discussing the nutrients of foods and their
offices.
65. By stating the "feeding standards," showing amounts
of foods and nutrients to be fed for different purposes; by
presenting tables showing amounts of nutrients in different
quantities of our leading foods; and by explaining methods
for making rations by using the foregoing data.
66. By analyzing and disseminating knowledge of the
composition and value of various forage plants, wild and
cultivated grasses, grains, seeds, and by-products used as
stock foods or promising well for such use.
XViii N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894.
67. By analyzing the corn plant, cowpea-vine and soy
bean at different stages of growth to determine the best time
to cut them for obtaining the greatest amount of food mate-rial
of best quality.
68. By analyzing old and new foods on sale, presenting
opinion as to their value, and exposing fraud and adultera-tion.
69. The material known as "Compound Extract of Salyx"
has been analyzed several times; the exorbitant price is
shown at which it is sold for preserving food or certain pre-servatives
for milk, butter and other foods, and the danger
from their use has been pointed out.
70. The sugar content of varieties of sorghum grown on
the farm has been determined with reference to a knowledge
of those best suited for syrup-making, and those promising
best for making sugar.
71. Experiments have been made with a view of improv-ing
the methods of continuing the sorghum crop and in
making syrup from it.
72. By the examination of drinking waters, disease has no
doubt often been prevented, and aid given in obtaining a
pure water supply.
73. As a result of the analysis of mineral waters, many
properties have been developed.
74. By the analysis of soils, fertilizing materials, mucks,
marls, phosphates, limestones, coals, minerals, ores, etc.,
much valuable information has been given to farmers and
others.
75. Investigations in the laboratory have shown that 94.5
per cent, of the phosphoric acid, and 85.5 per cent, of the
potash in cotton-seed meal, and 94 to 98 per cent, of potash
in tobacco stems have been shown to be available by chem-ical
methods.
76. Investigations of the value of various other crude fer-tilizer
materials have been made and the results reported.
77. By collecting and analyzing the dung and urine from
a cow fed 21 pounds cotton-seed hulls and 4 pounds' cotton-seed
meal per day, it was ascertained that 82.4 per cent, of
the fertilizing constituents of the food were in the excrement,
which was worth 6.6 cents per day, and that the urine con-tained
38.4 per cent, of the weight, and 36.9 per cent, of fer-tilizing
value of the total amount of the excrement.
78. By demonstrating the cause of " burning" and "scorch-ing"
of foliage by arsenites when used as insecticides.
79. By giving means of preventing such injury.
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XIX
80. By investigating the combination of insecticides and
fungicides, and indicating those that could be safely com-bined.
81. By educational exhibits at expositions and fairs, illus-trating
the general lines of work and results of the division.
82. By the study of fertilizers and fertilizing materials,
and methods for their analysis and valuation, the fertilizer
trade and the fertilization of crops have been placed on a
more rational and scientific basis.
83. The curing of tobacco has been studied, and the rela-tive
cost, yield and value of the product from the different
methods have been accurately determined.
84. Many samples of leaf tobacco have been examined in
comparison with that grown here, and stalks and stems have
been tested for their fertilizing qualities.
85. The examination of the beds of marl and phosphate
has been of benefit
:
(a). By showing their location, extent, and composition.
(b). In describing how and what soils are most particu-larly
helped by application of these materials.
(c). And by saving the cost that otherwise would go for
the purchase of similar material elsewhere.
HOW THE BOTANICAL AND ENTOMOLOGICAL DIVISIONS HAVE
BEEN OP BENEFIT.
86. The botanical division has tested for purity and vital-ity
over 600 samples of grass, clover and vegetable seeds
bought in the market or sent in by farmers.
87. Gross adulteration of such seeds in our markets has
been seldom met with since the Station published its work
in seed-testing, and local dealers have become more careful
in their purchases and manner of handling seed stocks.
88. Farmers have been shown the relative values of good
clean seed at a fair price, and cheap, deteriorated and weed-infested
seeds at any price.
89. A vast amount of technical work, relating to the estab-lishment
of a national laboratory standard of quality and a
standard method for testing seeds has been completed.
90. The proper quantity of seeds per acre for grass lands
has been calculated, so that rational mixtures of different
varieties can be made and any desired percentage of the
different species secured.
91. Seeds of new and promising forage plants have been
imported from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, and
XX N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894.
these plants have been grown and studied for several seasons
at the Station farm in order to learn their true worth before
disseminating them among the farmers of the State.
92. A very extensive field trial of all obtainable varieties
of the cow pea and soja bean have been carried on for two
seasons and valuable results obtained, which have been made
available to our farmers.
93. The native and introduced weed pests of this State
have been studied, and a bulletin giving the results has been
published.
94. By newspaper articles and lectures, the division has
endeavored to awaken a sentiment among the farmers of
the State in favor of legal enactments to prevent the impor-tation
and spread of noxious weeds, such as the Canada
thistle, dodder, and other costly pests.
95. One regular bulletin of 20 pages, and several parts of
bulletins, have been published on the subject of plant dis-eases.
These have included
:
(a). Descriptions and illustrations of diseases, sufficient
to enable any intelligent farmer to recognize them when
they attack his crops.
(6). Remedies and hygienic measures to prevent the
spread of these diseases.
(c). Illustrations of the best apparatus for applying
remedies.
96. One regular bulletin of 32 pages, and several parts of
bulletins, have been devoted to noxious and beneficial insects.
These bulletins have included :
(a). Name, illustrations, descriptions, and life histories of
all the more common and important noxious and useful
insects found in this State.
(b). Remedies and precautionary measures for repressing
noxious insects.
(c). Illustrations of apparatus for applying remedies.
97. Laboratory and field studies have been undertaken
with the purpose of discovering a practical method for spread-ing,
artificially, certain contagious bacterial diseases to which
insects are more or less liable.
98. A handbook on the best agricultural grasses and forage
plants has been prepared. This contains 100 pages and
includes:
(a). Descriptions and illustrations of all the best grasses
and clovers.
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXI
(b). Plain directions for sowing these plants, both as
single species and as mixtures, adapted to various sorts of
soil and for different purposes.
(c). The quantity of each kind of seed of known vitality
and purity, per acre, is given, so that guess work need not
be depended upon in laying down land to grass.
(d). Tables of analyses, showing the food and manurial
value of each kind of hay, are given, and thus their rela-tive
money value per ton calculated.
(e). The diseases to which grasses are subject are briefly
treated, and the value of irrigation, manures, etc., for grasses
are explained.
99. A large number of short and practical papers have
been contributed to the press bulletin issued by the Station.
These deal with various questions in economic botany and
entomology, and are calculated to be timely and of imme-diate
interest to farmers.
100. Lectures have been delivered before the State and
County Horticultural Societies, and exhibits made of spray-ing
apparatus and chemicals.
101. Numerous papers on economic botany and entomology
have been contributed to different newspapers which circu-late
largely in this State.
102. Many hundreds of specimens of noxious and useful
plants and insects have been identified for farmers and their
properties reported upon by letter to the senders.
103. Many photographs of root-systems of grasses, clovers
and grain-plants have been made to show the relation which
should exist between the root-growth and methods of culti-vation
of different crops.
104. Personal letters have been written to enquirers for
information of a botanical or entomological character.
105. All the more important discoveries in economic botany
and entomology, made by European scientists, have been
promptly made available to the readers of the Station bulle-tins
and newspapers of the State.
106. An extensive series of photographs relating to the
Station and its work have been contributed to the Station
exhibit at the World's Fair in Chicago. Specimens of appa-ratus,
records, and blanks, used in the botanical work of the
Station, have also been contributed to the same exhibit.
107. In conjunction with the Horticulturist of the Station,
a bulletin treating of orchard and garden fruits and their
diseases has been published. The botannical and entomo-logical
portion of which includes:
Xxii N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894.
(a). Illustrations and descriptions of parasitic fungi.
(b). Remedies for the same and apparatus for applying
them.
(c). Illustrations and descriptions of noxious insects.
(d). Remedies for the same and apparatus for applying
them.
(e). List of birds and quadrupeds injurious to fruit in
North Carolina.
108. In conjunction with the Agriculturist of the Station,
a bulletin treating of leguminous crops has been prepared
and published. This includes full notes of a two-years' test
of these plants and discussions of their value
:
(a). As improvers of the soil.
(b). As forage for animals.
(c). Their fungous and insect parasites.
109. A bulletin on the chestnut and its weevil has been
prepared and published. This includes a full discussion of
the losses entailed by the depredations of this pest, illustra-tion
and description of the weevil, with suggestions for pro-tecting
chestnut orchards.
110. A bulletin of 74 pages on seed-testing, its methods
and value, has been prepared. This is an exhaustive resume
of the subject, including:
(a). The uses and advantages of seed-testing.
(b). Experience of European countries in seed-testing,
(c). Methods and apparatus used in seed-testing.
(d). Structure and physiology of seeds.
111. A bulletin on the native medicinal plants of the State
and the cultivation of exotic and medicinal and essential
oil-bearing plants has been partly completed and will be
published during the year 1895. This will include:
(a). Illustrations and descriptions of all the important
wild medicinal plants of the State, with their particular
uses, and antidotes for such as are poisonous.
(6). Illustrations, descriptions, and uses of all the exotic
medicinal plants found to grow successfully upon the Sta-tion
farm.
(d). Methods of growing essential oil-bearing plants and
distillation of the same.
112. A bulletin on the parasites of domestic animals is
nearly ready for publication, including insect parasites of
horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, dogs, cats, and fowls, with reme-dies
for the same.
113. Notes have been made preparatory to a bulletin on
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XX111
the fungous and insect parasites of cereal grain crops. This
bulletin will be ready early in the winter of 1895.
114. Notes on a bulletin on the insect pests of the house-hold
have been made, and a bulletin on this subject will be
ready in the fall of 1895.
115. A special bulletin upon tests of useful forage grass is
now ready for publication, and in conjunction with the
Agricultural Division, will include hay-making, the laying
down and care of grass lands, and diseases and insects
attacking grasses.
HOW THE HORTICULTURAL DIVISION HAS BEEN OF BENEFIT.
116. The Horticultural Division has made numerous tests
of vegetables and fruits and published the results, and is
engaged in raising seedling fruits to improve our ordinary
varieties.
117. Is testing all the most promising new small fruits as
they appear, and has produced seedling strawberries that
promise well.
118. Has introduced nearly 40 varieties of figs, and has
distributed free for trial over 6,000 fig trees.
119. Is making experiments in tea culture with prospects
for success, and has sent tea seed to over 100 applicants.
120. It is also engaged in investigating the culture of
flowering bulbs for commercial purposes, with the prospect
of introducing a new culture of value.
121. Has made experiments in protecting grapes and other
fruits from fungous diseases.
122. Has developed a plan for making the late crop of
Irish potatoes certain,, which is likely to prove of great value
to the State, since these potatoes are rapidly coming in demand
in the North for seed.
123. Has built a grapery for culture of exotic grapes under
glass, and is investigating the question of the profit of forc-ing
fruits and vegetables under glass, with the view of in-structing
our growers in this profitable branch of horticulture.
124. Has inaugurated and is continuing a series of educa-tional
bulletins on practical horticulture, including vegeta-ble,
fruit, and commercial floriculture.
125. The division has put itself into close correspondence
with farmers and truckers in all parts of the State, and has
answered thousands of letters asking information on all sorts
of topics.
Xxiv N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894.
126. Has attended Farmers' Institutes in nearly all sec-tions
of the State and addressed meetings of farmers in this
and other states on subjects of interest.
127. Has contributed articles on subjects of interest to
farmers in all the leading agricultural and horticultural
journals.
128. Has made the horticultural work of the Station of
constant value in the practical training of classes of students
at the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, and through
them the work will be spread all over the State.
129. Special bulletins, describing the result of tests at the
Station of varieties of fruits and vegetables, have been
detailed as they were reached and widely disseminated.
130. Timely publications of interest have been distributed
concerning the culture of figs, the late crop of Irish potatoes,
onions, and the growing of celery.
131. A special bulletin on " Facts for Farmers," in plain
language for farmers' reading, has been sent out broadcast
over the State. The object of this publication was to describe
conditions affecting crop-growth, saving of manure, crop rota-tion,
fertilization of crops, and kindred information.
132. Another bulletin of great importance, is one on the
culture of orchard and garden fruits, prepared by the horti-cultural
and botanical and entomological divisions; is a com-plete
manual upon the subject, as evidenced by its complete-ness
and generally recognized value.
133. The propagation of flowering bulbs for commercial
purposes has been considered in a specially prepared publi-cation,
which paves the way for a very profitable industry in
North Carolina.
HOW THE METEOROLOGICAL DIVISION (STATE WEATHER
service) HAS BEEN- OF BENEFIT.
134. The work of the State Weather Service is arousing
much greater interest than ever before, and is educating the
people to the great importance of studying the effect of
weather and climate upon agricultural interests, which is
paramount.
135. Th*e Service has rendered practical benefit to the
people of the State by the distribution of daily weather fore-casts,
frost and cold-wave warnings, which may be put to
immediate use in the everyday operations of the farm :
(a). The daily forecasts, issued for 36 hours in advance
and distributed by telegraph to 60 places, and by mail to
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXV
nearly 500 towns in the State, are steadily improving in
accuracy, and hence in value to the farmer.
(b). The frost and cold-wave warnings yearly save thou-sands
of dollars of damage to the tobacco, trucking, and
fruit interests by giving information in advance of the
approach of sudden cold spells in autumn and spring.
136. The issue of the weekly Weather Crop Bulletin dur-ing
the season of growing crops, gives valuable information
to both farmers and merchants of the current condition of
crops and prevents outside misrepresentation, which would
be detrimental to their interests.
137. The Service has made a fair determination of the
climatic conditions of the State, with special reference to the
distribution of temperature and rainfall, and the local cli-matic
peculiarities of many places have been ascertained.
138. Charts of normal temperature and rainfall have been
published, which will be found of great value in studying
various important questions of the relations of the soil, crops,
and climate.
139. The accumulation of records of the meteorological
elements, now already carried on for eight years, is indispen-sable
for the study of important questions, the solution of
which has not yet been attempted by the Weather Service,
because the series of records is not long enough :
(a). Such questions are, for instance: What regions of
the State are climatically more suited to certain crops than
others? What conditions are most favorable for the pro-duction
of the largest crops of tobacco? Of cotton ? Of
corn ? What are the conditions of the weather which
cause insect pests to thrive?
140. By the publication of monthly and annual records
and their distribution, it has made widely known the splen-did
climate which North Carolina possesses, including par-ticular
points and sections in the State.
The Work Accomplished During the Past Year.
As has been previously stated, the North Carolina Agri-cultural
Experiment Station was established in March, 1877,
with a twofold object in view—first, to act as a Fertilizer
Control Station, and second, as an Agricultural Experiment
Station in the true sense of the word. Until 1887 the Station
was supported by the State from the tax on fertilizers, and,
as organized up to that time, was a part of the North Caro-
2
XXVI N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894.
lina Department of Agriculture. By legislative enactment
of that year the Station was made a part of the North Caro-lina
College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, and the funds
derived from the United States Hatch Act for the mainten-ance
of experiment stations in the various states and terri-tories
were appropriated to it. The Station receives also an
appropriation from the North Carolina Department of Agri-culture
for the work of the Fertilizer Control. The report of
the work of the Station for the year 1894 is embraced under
each of its legal functions, the first being:
I. THE FERTILIZER CONTROL STATION.
The beneficial results accomplished by the Fertilizer Con-trol
from the moment of its organization to the present time
are too well known to be necessary to repeat them here. A
history of the fertilizer trade in the State since 1876 would
be interesting and would show the vast advantages that have
accrued from its organization. The adulterated chemicals
and low-grade fertilizers (now happily very seldom seen) that
have been detected and brought to light, and the millions of
dollars that have undoubtedly been saved, illustrate the
value that the Control has been to North Carolina farmers.
The Fertilizer Control During 1894.
It will be remembered that up to 1891 the fertilizer trade
was controlled by a license tax on each brand. Commencing
from that year the tonnage charge has been in vogue.
In order to show the character of the trade for a num-ber
of years past, the subjoined table is inserted, giving a
description of the different brands on sale in the State during
previous years. It will be noted, however, that as licenses
did not lapse with the calendar year, a single brand could
extend through portions of two years. The numbers, there-fore,
while showing the number of brands licensed, do not
show the actual number on sale during each year. The large
increase in the number of brands after 1890 is due to the
change from the license tax on each brand to a definite charge
on each ton.
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXV11
1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894
Acid phosphates or
H simple superphos-phates
8 10 11 7 9 11 10 9 12 16 59 81 86 86
Superphosphates
with potash 9 15 15 10 10 9 8 7 5 4 13 24 22 24
Ammoniated super-phosphates
40 55 61 56 63 66 58 62 62 63 178 232 264 284
Ammoniated super-phosphates
with-er
out potash ._ — __ __ __ — — — __ 15 12 5 12
Potash, salts and
chemicals _ - - - - - - - - 22 29 38 44
Fish scrap — — — — — ________ 4 5 4 2
Miscellaneous 24653411214 68 10
Totals 59 86 92 80 85 90 77 79 81 84 295 389 427 462
The number of brands accredited to the several States is
as follows, and furnishes an interesting basis for comparison
1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1892 1893 1894
Massachusetts 33-2231462233 3
Connecticut 12243312111 ______
New York 365324311218 10 8
New Jersey 3311123244537 2
Delaware 22222444333—5 6
Maryland 21 25 45 42 SO 31 35 29 25 28 25 98 106 93
Pennsylvania — 1 1 — — 1 — 1 — 5 12 7
Virginia 7 9 15 17 20 18 21 14 12 12 16 96 106 146
North Carolina 3 3 6 6 8 9 10 11 13 14 18 78 89 98
South Carolina 5 6 9 14 12 11 11 10 13 15 13 85 82 97
Georgia - __ __ __ - .. __ __ __ - 13 7 1
Missouri __ __ __ __ __ __ — — __ __ __ __ 1
Totals 47 59 86 92 80 85 90 77 79 81 84 389 427 462
The foregoing and the following table are more particu-larly
valuable for comparison before 1891. During those
years the- number of brands indicated, in the best way obtain-able,
the amount of trade handled by the manufacturers in
the separate States. After 1891, the number of brands are
only of passing interest, because they do not give any indi-cation
of the sales of fertilizers.
A casual glance at the above table will show how the
number of fertilizer brands accredited to the States of Vir-ginia,
North Carolina and South Carolina have increased.
This is especially the case with North Carolina, where the
increase has been sixfold within the ten years previous to
1891.
As further illustrating this increase, the following calcula-tion
is inserted, which shows the proportion of the brands
on sale which were manufactured in the three States before
mentioned, as compared with the total number sold for the
different years :
THE NUMBER OF BRANDS OF FERTILIZERS MANUFACTURED IN THREE STATES,
VIRGINIA, NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA, FOR THE YEARS 1880 TO
1894, IN PER CENTS OF THE WHOLE MUMBER.
1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1892 1893 1894
Virginia—_")
N. Carolina
J-
31.92 30.50 34.88 40.21 50.00 44.70 46.67 45.45 48.10 50.62 55.95 66.61 64.87 73.81
S. Carolina J
XXviii N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894.
In reference to North Carolina alone, considering only the
number of licensed brands before 1891 as showiug the rela-tive
amount of fertilizer sold, the change is more decided :
NUMBER OF BRANDS OF FERTILIZERS MANUFACTURED IN NORTH CAROLINA FOR
THE YEARS 1880 TO 1890, IN PER CENTS. OF THE WHOLE NUMBER.
~ 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890
North Carolina- ^6.38 5.08 6.97 6.52 10.00 10.47 11.11 14.30 16.46 17.28 21.43
The increase from 1883 to 1890 has been nearly fourfold.
The following extract is taken from the Report of 1888, six
years ago, and gives a prediction which is surely becoming
true: "What does this change foretell? Considering the
number of brands as indicative of the amount sold, these
figures prove almost conclusively that the home manufac-turers
are gradually driving the other more distant compet-itors
from the field ; that the distance from the source of
supply of the various ingredients from the market where the
fertilizers are sold, and the consequent high freight which
these fertilizers must pay, are proving each year a more
effectual barrier to their entering the State. Taking our own
State and the two adjoining, it is plainly seen that the three,
while they controlled one-third of the trade eight years ago,
now control one-half. North Carolina alone, eight years ago,
controlled only one-sixteenth ; now controls one-sixth. With
this increase—and there is now no reason now why it should
not continue—it is not hazardous to assert that in ten years one-half
of the commercial fertilizers sold in North Carolina will be
made in North Carolina. An additional reason for this asser-tion
is that the State, either alone or by calling on South
Carolina, can furnish all the raw ingredients, except potash,
sufficient to make all of the fertilizers needed here."
The prediction made in 1888 can now, at the close of the
year 1894, be seen to be surely coming to pass. The year
1891 was the transition period between the privilege tax
system and the tonnage system, during which time some
brands were sold under both systems. Manufacturers who
came in for the first time only purchased tags for a portion
of the year. Nothing definite, therefore, can be stated for
1891. But in 1892 the records are complete, and show the
exact number of tons placed on the market for which tags
were sold. Comparing with the whole number of tons sold
in North Carolina in 1892, for the fiscal year closing Novem-ber
30, the North Carolina manufacturers handled 36.95 per
cent, of the whole number. The same calculation for 1893
shows 37.73, and 42.15 per cent, for the year 1894. Even this
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXIX
estimate is too low, because no tags were used in many cases
when the manufactories dealt at their doors directly with
the farmers. Again, cotton-seed meal is not subject to tax,
and is very largely used for fertilizing purposes. It is impos-sible
to state how large this amount really is, but it should
be also added to the total accredited to home manufacturers.
Carrying on, therefore, the preceding table, the growth of
North Carolina manufactories and the trade controlled by
them, can very readily be seen. The statement shows that
the prediction made in 1888, that in ten years one-half of
the fertilizers sold in North Carolina would be made in the
State, is rapidly becoming true.
TABLE SHOWING THAT THE PREDICTION OF 1S88 IS BEING VERIFIED.
1880 1882 1884 1886 1888 1890 1892. 1893 1894
North Carolina manufacturers sold in")
the various years in percentages ol ^6.38 6.97 10.00 11.11 16.46 21.43 36.95 37.73 42.15
whole fertilizer trade— j
The increase of the whole fertilizer trade in the State from
1892 to 1893 was about 30 per cent. Very probably the
home manufacturers were not equipped to handle such a
large increase, and this may account for the small increase
(as shown in the above table) in 1893 over the year previous.
RELATIVE AMOUNT OF FERTILIZER BUSINESS IN 1894.
The following table shows the number of firms doing
business in North Carolina, together with the location of the
fertilizer factories and the relative amount of business done
during 1894, for the fiscal year ending November 30, as
determined by the sale of tags for the same period
:
FIRMS DOING BUSINESS IN NORTH CAROLINA IN 1894, WITH RELATIVE
AMOUNT OF SALES..
Number Number ^I®^gh™«^" Amount of
of Firms, of Brands. e °
v I™, Business
per nrm. Handled.
Firms located in North Carolina 30 98 3 42.15 per cent.
" Virginia 21 146 7 37.84 "
" " South Carolina 17 97 6 8.69 " "
11 " " other States... 43 121 3 11.32 "
Total 111 462 5 100.00 " "
It is noticeable that a larger number of firms from distant
States register brands, but their trade is trifling compared
with North Carolina firms. The average number of brands
per firm is twice as great in South Carolina than in North
Carolina. Virginia has a still greater proportion as com-
XXX N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894.
pared with North Carolina. It is also noticeable that North
Carolina handles nearly one-half of the trade, and that
North Carolina and Virginia handle nearly four-fifths.
Digest of Fertilizer Laws Now in Force.
In order to give a short and concise statement of all laws
now in operation in regard to the fertilizer inspection and
control, the following carefully prepared digest of existing
laws is inserted
:
No manipulated guanos, superphosphates, commercial fertilizers or
other fertilizing material shall be sold or offered for sale unless a ton-nage
charge of twenty-five cents per ton has been paid. Each barrel,
package or bag shall have attached a tag representing this fact, which
tags shall be issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture according to
regulations prescribed by the Department of Agriculture. The Depart-ment
of Agriculture has power at all times to have samples collected of
any fertilizer or fertilizing material on sale, which must be taken from
at least ten per cent, of the lot selected. These samples are taken from
the goods in the hands of dealers after they are shipped from the manu-factories,
and accordingly represent the true grade of fertilizers offered
for sale.
Every package of fertilizer offered for sale must have thereon a plainly
printed label, a copy of which must be filed with the Commissioner of
Agriculture, together with a true sample of the fertilizer which it is pro-posed
to sell, at or before the shipment of such fertilizer into the State,
and which label must be uniformly used and not changed during the
year. This label must set forth the name, location and trade-mark of
the manufacturer; also the chemical composition of contents and real
percentage of the ordinary ingredients claimed to be present, together
with date of analyzation, and that all charges have been paid. There
must be no variation in the guaranteed percentages, but the bags must
be branded with the exact chemical composition of the contents. No
fertilizer can be sold with a content less than eight per cent, of avail-able
phosphoric acid, two per cent, of ammonia, and one per cent, of
potash. Cotton-seed meal is exempted from paying the tonnage charge;
also land plaster, agricultural lime, oyster-shell lime, marl, and bulk
materials for manufacturing purposes.
It is a misdemeanor, and a fine of ten dollars for each bag, for an
agent or dealer to offer for gale any such fertilizer or fertilizing mate-rials
not properly tagged, or a consumer to remove it, or a railroad agent
to deliver it. Goods kept over from last season must be tagged to rep-resent
this fact, and all dealers are required to report to the Commis-sioner
of Agriculture the amount on hand at the close of the fiscal year,
on November 30.
Any fertilizer or fertilizing material that does not contain the ingre-dients
as represented by the label is liable to seizure, and, after being
established on trial, its value is recovered by the Board of Agriculture.
Any person who offers for sale fertilizers or fertilizing material without
having attached thereto labels as provided by law, is liable to a fine of
ten dollars for each separate package—one-half, less the cost, going to
the party suing, and the remainder to the Department; and if such fer-tilizer
is condemned, the Department makes analysis of the same and
has printed labels placed on each package, giving the true chemical
ingredients of the same, and fixes the commercial value at which it may
be sold. The Department of Agriculture can require agents of railroads
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT. XXXI
and steamboat companies to furnish monthly statements of the quantity
of fertilizers transported by them. The Experiment Station analyzes
samples of fertilizers taken by the official inspectors, and publishes che
same whenever needful.
Increase in Number of Brands, and the Difficulty in
a Proper Control.
Daring the year 1890, the last year of the license tax sys-tem,
there were 84 brands of commercial fertilizers licensed
to be sold in North Carolina. It is very easy to see, under
those circumstances, where the number of brands was lim-ited,
how much easier it was to supervise the fertilizer trade
than under the present tonnage system, where the number
of brands is almost unlimited. Under the operations of the
latter system, the number of brands, including fertilizing
ingredients, offered for sale in the State, has increased from
84 in 1890, to 295 in 1891. For the year 1892, closing with
the fiscal year ending November 30, this number had in-creased
to 389, an increase of over 30 per cent, in a single
year. During the year 1893 the number had increased to
427, and during the year 1894 the number has further
increased to 462. There appears to be almost no limit to
this increase. The difficulties met with in the proper control
of the fertilizer trade, under these conditions, accordingly
have been very greatly increased.
Valuations of Fertilizers, and how they are
Determined.
The valuations of the three constituents, available phos-phoric
acid, ammonia, and potash, are intended to give the
market price for cash at the seaboard of the ingredients
making up a fertilizer. The cash prices for small lots in
bags, free on board cars, are intended. These valuations are
made up early in January of each year, to run through the
spring and fall seasons. It is expected that there will be
variations in the market price of the ingredients during the
course of the year, but experience has shown that this varia-tion
will be slight. This is because fertilizing materials are
largely contracted for in advance before the opening of the
year, and in many cases a large majority of the fertilizers are
already manipulated before the beginning of the season.
The valuation of the constituents are fixed by a careful
examination of existing conditions of the trade, the markets
at important centres, and from actual quotations given by
XXXii N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1894.
seaboard manufacturers and dealers upon the various ingre-dients
used for manipulating fertilizers. These quotations
are for cash in small lots free on board and bagged.
The relative commercial valuation given to the three val-uable
ingredients for the years 1893 and 1894 was
—
For available phosphoric acid _ 5 cents per pound
.
For ammonia 15 " " "
For potash 5 " " "
The valuation for phosphoric acid and potash remain the
same as for the years 1891 and 1892. The ammonia for
1893 and 1894 (15 cents per pound) is two cents more per
pound than for the valuation for the two preceding years.
This increase was caused by commercial advances in the
price of ammoniates.
These figures were based on the actual retail cash price of
the unmixed ingredients at the seaboard, in bags.
By the commercial valuation of a fertilizer, using these
figures, a farmer could see the actual cash worth of the
unmixed ingredients used in the fertilizer, at the seaboard.
For interior points freights, of course, must be added. In
the bulletins showing the analyses of fertilizers, a table giv-ing
the various freight rates from seaboard to interior points
has been inserted for the convenience of readers. ,
YEAR.
AVAIDABLE
PHOS. ACID.
AMMO-NIA.
POTASH
RELATIVE
SEABOARD
VALUE OF UN-MIXED
INGREDIENTS.
KIND OF FERTILIZER.
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OCLC number | 5218399 |