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North Carolina State Library GIFT OF Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from LYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation http://archive.org/details/annualreportofno1922nort 4» North Carolina State LiDrary O^ Raleigh FORTY- FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION CONDUCTED JOINTLY BY THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND ENGINEERING Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1922 Statistical Report Year Ending December 1, 1922 LETTER OF SUBMITTAL Raleigh, 1ST. C, June 30, 1922. To His Excellency, Cameron Morrison", Governor of North Carolina. Sir:—I have the honor to submit herewith report of the operations of the Agricultural Experiment Station, conducted jointly by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina State College of Agriculture and Engineering, for the year ended June 30, 1922. This work is under the immediate direction of the "Joint Committee for Agricultural Work," provided for in chapter 68 of the Public Laws of 1913, and amended by chapter 223 of the Public Laws of 1917, and the report is made in accordance with the requirements of the act of Congress, approved March 2, 1887, and known as the Hatch Act. Very respectfully, Director. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Letter of Submittal 3 Staff of Workers 5 General Summary of the Work of the Station During the Year .... 7 Financial Report 19 Report of the Division of Agronomy 21 Report of the Division of xVnimal Industry 37 Report of the Division of Entomology 54 Report of the Division of Horticulture 63 Report of the Division of Plant Pathology and Bacteriology 73 Report of the Division of Markets and Rural Organization 77 Report on Drainage '. 87 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE *W. A. Graham, Chairman. F. P. Latham Belhaven *A. T. McCallum Hot Springs J. J. Harris Macon *C. C. Wright Hunting Creek *R. L. Woodard Pamlico W. B. McClelland Stony Point "Clarence Poe Raleigh H. Q. Alexander Matthews R. W. Scott Haw River A. Cannon Horse Shoe BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE COLLEGE 'Governor Cameron Morrison, Chairman. M. B. Stickley Concord *T. T. Thorne.. .Rocky Mount T. T. Ballenger Tryon *C. W. Gold. Greensboro W. H. Williamson Raleigh T. E. Vann Como *0. L. Clark Clarkton P. S. Boyd Mooresville W. R. Bonsal Hamlet W. S. Lee Charlotte D. R. Noland Crabtree C. F. Tomlinson High Point Claude B. Williams Elizabeth City *J. F. Diggs Rockingham Clarence Poe Raleigh E. R. Johnson ..Currituck W. C, Riddick (President College) Raleigh STAFF OF THE NORTH CAROLINA EXPERIMENT STATION AND EXTENSION SERVICE B. W. Kilgore Director, Experiment Station and Extension Service C. B. Williams Vice-Director, Experiment Station F. E. Miller Assistant Director, Branch Stations J. M. Gray Assistant Director Extension F. H. Jeter. Agricultural Editor A. F. Bowen Bursar Miss Mary H. McKimmon Bursar Miss Mary S. Birdsong Secretary to the Director H. C. Evans.. Auditor and Executive Assistant AGRONOMY C. B. Williams.Chief Division of Agronomy G. M. Garren Assistant in Plant Breeding W. F. Pate Soil Agronomist S. W. Hill .Assistant in Plant Breeding E. C. Blair Extension Agronomist L. G. Willis Soil Chemist R. Y. WiNTERS.Agronomist in Plant Breeding fW. E. Hearn Soil Survey S. K. Jackson Assistant in Plant Breeding fS. O. Perkins Soil Survey CHEMISTRY W. G. Haywood ..Fertilizer Chemist L. M. Nixon. Assistant Chemist E. S. Dewar Assistant Chemist B. C. Williams Assistant Chemist F. W. Sherwood Assistant Chemist Z. B. Bradford Assistant Chemist B. Naiman Assistant Chemist C. L. Williams Assistant Chemist ENTOMOLOGY Franklin Sherman Chief, Division of C. S. Brimley Assistant Entomologist Entomology T. B. Mitchell Assistant Entomologist Z. P. Metcalf Entomologist W. B. Mabee .Extension Entomologist R. W. Leiby Assistant Entomologist C. L. Sams .Specialist in Beekeeping HORTICULTURE C. D. Matthews ...Chief, Division of Horticulture J. P. Pillsbury Horticulturist L. H. Nelson Assistant Horticulturist E. D. Bowditch Assistant Horticulturist F. E. McCall Garden Specialist R. F. Payne. Extension Horticulturist C. L. Williams Research Assistant Horticulturist "Members of Joint Committee for Agricultural Work. Officers and Staff animal industry R. S. Curtis Acting Chief, Animal Indu&try Division Earl Hostetler. „ Beef Cattle and Swine F. T. Peden „ Beef Cattle and Swine fGEORGE Evans Sheep Extension W. W. Shay... ,. Swine Extension J. W. Watts ... Assistant in Swine Extension B. F. Kaxjpp Poultry Pathologist A. G. Oliver ..Poultry Extension E. G. Wardin Assistant in Poultry Extension Stanley Combs Dairy Experimentalist J. A. Arey Dairy Farming fF. R. Farnham Assistant Dairy Farming A. C. Kimrey Assistant Dairy Farming tH. S. Wilson ...Assistant Dairy Farming J. O. Halverson.. Feed Chemist and Specialist in Nutrition PLANT PATHOLOGY F. A. Wolf.... Plant Pathologist S. G. Lehman Assistant Plant Pathologist G. W. Fant Extension Pathologist DRAINAGE F. O. Bartel Drainage Engineer MARKETS AND RURAL ORGANIZATION B. F. Brown Chief, Division of Markets Gorrell Shumaker Marketing Fruits and Vegetables R. O. Moen.. Credit Unions J. M. Workman Warehouse Construction fP. H.Hart Cotton Grading J. I. Johnson Assistant in Cotton Grading fJ. P. Brown Warehouse Inspection and Operation V. W. Lewis. .Livestock Marketing |Frank Parker Agricultural Statistician W. M. Rhodes, Jr . Assistant Agricultural Statistician BRANCH STATIONS R. E. Currin, Jr Assistant Director Edgecombe Branch Station F. T. Meacham Assistant Director Piedmont Branch Station S. C. Clapp Assistant Director Mountain Branch Station Charles Dearing Assistant Director Coastal Plain Branch Station E; G. Moss Assistant Director Tobacco Branch Station J. L. Rea, Jr Assistant Director Blackland Branch Station FARM FORESTRY fH. M. Curran Farm Forestry Specialist FARM ENGINEERING E. R. Raney ...Specialist in Farm Engineering FARM DEMONSTRATION C. R. Hudson State Agent S.J. Kirby Assistant State Agent E. S. Millsaps ! District Agent, Piedmont District C. C. ProffItt .District Agent, Mountain District T. D. McLean District Agent, Central District O. F. McCrary. ...:_ District Agent, Northeastern District E. W. Gaither District Agent, Southeastern District HOME DEMONSTRATION Mrs. Jane S. McKimmon . . State Home Demonstration Agent Miss Maude E. Wallace 1 .Assistant State Home Demonstration Agent Mrs. Estelle T. Smith Eastern District Agent Mrs. Cornelia C. Morris Central District Agent Miss Martha Creighton Piedmont District Agent Miss Pauline Smith.. Tidewater District Agent fin co-operation with United States Department of Agriculture. [0] FORTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION For the Year Ended June 30, 1922 B. W. Kilgore, Director F. E. Miller, Assistant Director Branch Stations F. H. Jeter, Agricultural Editor The true title of this report should be, "Why North Carolina is Fifth in Value of Farm Crops." The Agricultural Experiment Sta-tion and the Agricultural Extension Service of the State College of Agriculture and the State Department of Agriculture are so closely related in North Carolina that it is easy to take the results of in-vestigations directly to the farmer through the extension organization. The farmers, on the other hand, have freely used the service proffered them and through the year, because of their close association, there has been built a more solid and substantial agriculture in the State. This past year has been one of service to the State by all the workers of the two organizations. The year has seen the organization of the two great cooperative marketing -associations, and while the investigational workers did not devote such a large part of their time to this work, they did give such aid as the limited time at their dis-posal permitted, and there is no doubt but that the careful investiga-tions previously made pointed the way to this successful undertaking by North Carolina farmers. The year 1922, therefore, marks an epoch in the farm life of North Carolina. It marks an epoch also in that the farming population of the State began its recovery from the after-effects of the Great "War and in spite of local hardships at various points, in spite of some few cases of marking time, on the whole the State is going forward in a pro-gressive, wholesome way that is to be commended and admired. The Experiment Station undertakes to solve the fundamental facts about good farming. It wants to prove by actual tests the right way or the wrong way to handle a farm problem, and after the solution has been determined by long continued studies under all conditions, it is passed on to the extension group to be transmitted in turn to the men and women actually engaged in farming. It can be seen from the following pages that the Experiment Station has tried to concern [71 8 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station itself with the big, outstanding- problems of farming in the State. Some of the projects have been completed and the results have been issued in printed form or otherwise given into the hands of the farm folks. There are many problems that must be studied for years and ia number of investigations are continued year after year with reports being printed from time to time and with the project remaining as a subject of study in order that the farmer may be correctly informed each year. Other problems there are which are of interest purely to those of a scientific mind and which furnish material for other investigators to make of practical benefit to the farmer. In this latter class, the Station also takes high rank, as some of its investigators have contributed scientific papers to the best scien-tific journals and publications of the day, and lectures before the leading scientific organizations. The agricultural press and the general press have carried many articles giving reports on the work of the Station and in this way the Station is also trying to render service. CHANGES IN STAFF Changes in staff since the last report include the following: Resig-nations : W. W. Magill, Assistant Horticulturist ; Fred R. Yoder, Specialist in Rural Credits; J. M. Dyer, Assistant Horticulturist; Miss Mamie Sue Jones, Tidewater District Agent in Home Demon-stration Work; J. E. Ivey, Assistant in Poultry Investigations; A. S. Cline, Assistant Director, Blackland Branch Station; H. H. B. Mask, Assistant State Agent in Farm Demonstration work; and R. W. Green, Editor. Appointments: E. D. Bowditch, Assistant Horticulturist; F. E. McCall, Garden Specialist; R. F. Payne, Extension Horticulturist; E. G. "Wardin, Assistant in Poultry Extension; G. W. Fant, Exten-sion Pathologist; J. L. Rea, Jr., Assistant Director Blackland Branch Station; H. M. Curran, Farm Forestry Specialist; S. J. Kirby, As-sistant State Agent in Farm Demonstration work; Miss Pauline Smith, Tidewater District Agent in Home Demonstration work; F. H Jeter, Editor ; L. G. Willis, Soil Chemist, and R. O. Moen, Specialist in Credit Unions. PUBLICATIONS Publications issued during the past year are as follows: Bulletins : Number 243 — Winter and Summer Fattening of Steers in North Carolina. By R. S. Curtis, F. T. Peden and P. W. Parley. Number 244 Methods and Cost of Raising Pigs to the Weaning Age. By Dan T. Gray and Earl Hostetler. Number 245 Rural Organization. By Carl C. Zimmerman and Carl C. Taylor. Director's Summary 9 Technical Bulletins: Number 20 Studies on the Physiology of Some Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. By Frederick A. Wolf, L. V. Shunk, and A. C Foster. Number 21 — The Gloomy Scale. By Z. P. Metcalf. Annual Report: Forty-fourth Annual Report for the Year Ending June 30, 1921. By Director B. W. Kllgore. These publications are sent to the mailing list of the Station, which now numbers about 7,562 names divided into small lists under subject matter heads. Approximately 11,000 copies of the publica-tions issued have been mailed to this list. In addition to the above publications, a number of bulletins have been issued by Experiment Station workers and published by the State Department of Agriculture. These bulletins are reported in the Annual Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture. AGRONOMY As in previous reports, the Agronomy Division maintains that the soil survey is the basis of the intelligent planning and carrying on of work in soil fertility, crop adaptation, crop rotation, and the fertilization of crops. Despite the fact that there was a temporary reduction in the field force, the division has surveyed about 900,000 acres during the past year. Cumberland and Haywood counties have been finished, about one-half of Sampson has been worked, and the Currituck-Camden area is now being surveyed. The division conducts fertility investigations on all of the branch station farms, as well as the central station farm located at the college near Raleigh. General deductions made from these fertility investigations show that on the mountain soils phosphoric acid, nitro-gen, and lime are the main controlling plant food factors in crop growth. Organic matter added to the soils will also increase the average yields. Acid phosphate has proven to be the most efficient carrier of phosphoric acid with general field crops, legumes and grasses, though basic slag is also showing up as an efficient source of this element. Soybeans for annual growth and red clover of the longer growing varieties fit in well with the crop rotation adapted to this section. On the Piedmont soils phosphoric acid and nitrogen must first be supplied for profitable crop growth. Potash is not so essential. It has been shown also that there is a greater need for longer crop rotations in which legumes are included and that organic matter is very necessary on the heavy soils. Lime is beneficial where legumes 10 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station are grown; acid phosphate is the most economical carrier of phos-phoric acid; nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia are the best carriers of nitrogen of the inorganic compounds, and cottonseed meal is one of the best carriers of nitrogen of the organic compounds. Orchard grass, red top, and red clover should be included in the pasture mixtures. On the Coastal Plain soils results show that nitrogen and potash are first needed for the most profitable crop production. Lime and organic matter are also beneficial on these soils and increase the efficiency of fertilizers. Acid phosphate is the best carrier of phos-phoric acid; nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia are the most efficient carriers of nitrogen. Results show also that larger amounts of fertilizers than are generally used can be used with profit under cotton on these soils. For the muck and peat soils of eastern North Carolina, lime is the first essential for a profitable crop. This is true, however, only after proper drainage has been secured. Experiments show that about two tons of ground limestone per acre broadcast over three years is the Correct amount to apply. Burnt lime is about as good as limestone and both give better results than marl. Planting and cultivating on the ridge give better crop yields than disking shallow and planting flat. On account of the general destruction of crop diseases in this territory, there is a great need for better crop rotations. In soil chemistry, L. G. "Willis was appointed during the year to succeed Dr. J. K. Plummer and is now beginning a study of two problems. His first problem will be to study the effect of different soil treatments on the availability of potash in the common soil forming minerals. The results are expected to show whether or not the petrographic analysis of a soil can be relied upon to indicate the needs of the soil for potash. Another problem will be to determine the cause of unsatisfactory crop yields on the muck soils. In experiments with tobacco, dolomitic limestone applied at the rate of one ton per acre across one end of each of the 36 fertilizer plots show that there is less leaf-spot trouble on the limed end than on the unlimed section. The limestone does not depreciate the value of tobacco. The division, therefore, recommends the use of dolomitic limestone where the content of magnesium carbonate runs as high as 25 per cent. On the 20 plots where special potash work is being conducted, results show that from 36 to 40 pounds of actual potash is about the right quantity to use on the type of soil mapped as the Durham sandy loam. Muriate of potash gives increased yields over sulphate, though the burning quality of the tobacco so produced is not so good as where the sulphate is used. On the 18 plots where the different carriers of magnesium and potash are studied, results show Director's Summary 11 that dolomitic limestone will control the disease known as "sand-drown/V and that both the yield and quality is improved. Where calcite was applied, both sand-drown and leaf-spot were serious except where double manure salts and kainit were used as the source of potash. On those plots where no limestone was applied, both sand-drown and leaf-spot were serious except where double manure salts and kainit were applied, and the yield of tobacco was from 35 to 40 per cent less than on the other series. Breeding work and selections in im-proving existing varieties of tobacco are still being carried on, and satisfactory results are beginning to appear. Rotations are also being worked out which are proving to give better yields and to improve the quality of tobacco grown in this rotation. Experiments in which tobacco follows cowpeas or soybeans to provide nitrogen show that a crop of tobacco of average quality can be produced without the application of nitrogen in a commercial form. However, this is not recommended indiscriminately because of the fact that some growers will produce tobacco of poor quality. It has also been definitely proven that a permanent seedbed can be established at a convenient location to the farm home, provided the seedbed is thoroughly steril-ized from year to year with live steam. A seedbed of this kind when once established will grow healthy, strong plants. In crop improvement work the study of association and inheritance of economic qualities in cotton has been continued and much data has been secured for publication. The division is carrying on a "place effect" study of cotton in cooperation with the Mississippi Experi-ment Station. At the Central Station Farm the division has made a number of studies with new crops, with different seed selections and a number of cultural tests. Some interesting facts have been developed about many of these new crops and indications are that some of them will be adapted to North Carolina conditions. Of the new strains of cotton grown for the first time, the variety known as Delfos from the Missis-sippi station gave the best results last year. Seed improvement work in-cludes plant-to-the-row, and increase plots of cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, rye, and sorghum. All of the cotton breeding work is being done on the strain of Mexican big boll variety. This strain is rapidly gaining favor in North Carolina on account of its large yield and extra length of staple. In plant-to-row tests a number of the rows furnished staple 1% inches long and have been unusually productive. Breeding work with corn is being continued with strains of Cocke's Prolific. Unusual success has attended the work of the division in the improvement of soybeans. Three pedigree strains of Virginia, three of Haberlandt and eight of Mammoth Yellow soybeans have been increased and compared with the original varieties from which they came. The best strain of these varieties have been distributed 12 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station to branch station farms and to private growers over the State, where they are meeting with unusual success. In cotton spacing tests it is shown that the unthinned plots con-tinue to give the highest yields and in the other plots thicker spacing has also yielded best. At each of the branch station farms an effort is •being made to improve those crops best adapted to that particular section, and so far excellent results are being secured. This is done in the case of the Edgecombe Branch Station, where about 200 bushels of highly improved cotton seed were sold in 1921 and 1,200 bushels are offered for sale from the 1922 crop. ANIMAL INDUSTRY In this division the work of animal nutrition is receiving close attention. Hogs are being fed various kinds of feeds to determine the effect of oily feeds on the bodies in producing soft pork. The division has also studied the nutritive value of the peanut and its . results and effects. It has been known for some time that better livestock is produced in the limeststone regions, and for that reason the effect of calcium in commercial feeds is also receiving attention. The division has found that there is no fishy flavor detected in the resulting pork from feeding fish meal. Feeding hogs with various amounts of oily feeds such as peanuts indicate that this oil is the chief factor in making soft pork. A number of other tests are being made to determine the effects of different feeds on the carcasses of pigs, using 12 pigs on peanuts, 12 on soybeans, and making ship-ments of three pigs to the Bureau of Animal Industry at intervals of four weeks each, beginning with the close of the grazing period. During the past year approximately $100 was won by the hogs bred and owned by the Experiment Station. At the Edgecombe Branch Station it was found that it costs $4.07 to raise a pig to the weaning age. It was found also that hogs grazing on about 7 /10 of an acre of peanuts will make an average daily gain of about % pound, at the cost of $11.40 per hundred pounds of gain. These hogs may be finished at a cost of $7.70 per hundred pounds of gain, using shell corn, tankage, and peanuts. At the Blackland Branch Station it was found that corn can be marketed through hogs for $1.10 per bushel instead of 65 cents, the prevailing price of corn when the experiment was begun. At the Piedmont Branch Station it cost $3.97 to raise a pig to the weaning age. On this farm also it was shown that pigs made over a half-pound average daily gain on soybean pastures. With dairy cattle, the division is seeking to determine the effect of cottonseed meal on cows and heifers in reproduction. Some inter-esting results have been secured from the heavy feeding of cotton- Director's Summary 13 seed meal, and the results show that this is not advisable. At the Coastal Plain Station the division is seeking to develop a herd of registered Jerseys. At the present time there are 53 registered Jerseys on this farm, consisting of 23 cows in milk, which are producing an average of above 300 pounds of butterfat during a year. Four years ago only two cows of the herd had ever produced as much as 300 pounds of fat in one year, and this was done only once. The operating expenses of the dairy are being taken care of by the cash receipts. The increase in value of the herd and the manure have been sources of profit. Excellent results have been secured during the year in the study of poultry. A number of scientific articles have been prepared by the division and a great mass of correspondence has been carried on in answer to letters of inquiry. It has been found that the normal tem-perature of the adult is about 107.4 degrees F. and that at night the temperature will fall to 105 degrees. This knowledge has been of value in the study of fowl typhoid, in which the temperature rises as high as 114.5 degrees F., or 7 degrees of fever. A curve showing the rate of growth of single-comb White Leghorns has been established from their period of hatching to 34 weeks of age. The average size fowl weighing 8 or 9 pounds will breathe normally about 20 times a minute. A hen of this same breed will breathe about 35 times a minute. It is not profitable to give a constant fourteen-hour feeding period to laying hens by the use of lights, as the second year shows a decrease in egg production. After the first of April the extra light should be lessened. A fowl may go 365 days without replenishing its grit, as shown by the fact that two hens were in perfect health and good flesh at the end of this period during which no grit had been given. Extra facilities have been added to the division for carrying on investigational work at the Mountain Branch Station and at the Coastal Plain Station. In feeding cottonseed meal to beef animals in reproduction, results show, as in the case of the dairy animals, that excess amounts of this feed cause abortion, weak calves, and soft bones. The milk pro-duced from the cows receiving such ration fails to produce normal growth with calves. When the meal has been fed to ewes in moderation, there is no bad effect. Experiments show also that stomach worms can be eliminated from sheep by the use of copper sulphate. Good results have attended the feeding tests of cattle in western North Caro-lina, and the work shows conclusively that beef cattle can be produced profitably in that section. 14 Forty-fifth Annual Report W. C. Agri. Exp. Station ENTOMOLOGY Potato spraying and flea-beetle control work at the Mountain Branch Experiment Station shows that a gain of 57 bushels of potatoes per acre over unsprayed plot was secured on the plot treated with home-made poison Bordeaux mixture. In boll weevil work, studies made show that the migration of 1922 completes the invasion of the entire cotton growing territory of Worth Carolina with the exception of Currituck County. Two species of boll weevil parasite have been reared, one of which is known to have killed 13 per cent of the weevils in one field. Experiments in dusting with calcium arsenate show a return of $25 worth of cotton per acre resulting from dusting treatment costing $5.00 per acre. Field tests conducted in the sandhill section of Worth Carolina show that 38 per cent of the fruit on peach trees were wormy when not sprayed, while an adjacent plot that had been carefully treated showed only 6 per cent of the harvested fruit to be wormy. The Division of Entomology is carrying along definite projects in the study of pecan insects, the larger corn stalk borer, spraying of potatoes, the use of laundry soap in water for aphids, insect survey of Worth Carolina, black corn weevil, dusting cabbage and collards, green clover worm, control of mosquitoes, cut-worms, household insects, peach borer, canker worm, parasites of the Hessian Ely, and the bean-leaf beetle. This bean-leaf beetle is an insect pest of the first magni-tude that was first established around Birmingham, Alabama, in 1919. It has since spread rapidly and in 1921 invaded the Worth Carolina counties in the southwestern part of the State. Indications are that it will be another serious pest affecting Worth Carolina agriculture. The work in using laundry soap in water to control aphids has been completed, and it was found that one pound of laundry soap to four gallons of water will give good results. During the year, Wovember, 1921, to Wovember, 1922, 235 species have been added to the list of insects being secured by the division, and the total has now been brought up to 6,344. Experiments in the dusting of cabbage and collards to control worms show that the pest may be controlled by dusting every ten days with a mixture at the rate of one pound of lead arsenate to six pounds of air-slaked lime, dusting while the plants are moist. Experiments to control peach borer by the use of paradi-chlorobenzine indicate that five-year-old trees will withstand an ap-plication of three-fourths of an ounce of this material without in-jury and that a high per cent, of the borers will be killed by the gas given off. Some results have been secured in determining a safe date for planting corn to escape the attack of corn root worm. Other experiments have been made to determine whether a soil repellent can be secured to use against this pest. Directors Summary 15 HORTICULTURE Due to the fact that there have been a number of changes in the workers of this division, considerable effort has been given to a more thorough organization of the work during the past year. The division has attempted to develop a program of horticultural work that will contain live projects definitely adapted to the basic and special problems of North Carolina. Experimental work is being conducted with apples, peaches, pecans, sweet potatoes and Irish potatoes. A number of projects were discontinued temporarily for lack of funds. The training and pruning experiments with apples at the Mountain Station has been one of the outstanding pieces of work done by the division last year. The results indicate that the growers have been pruning the apple trees too severely, causing a reduction in the pro-duction of fruit. Studies of pecan varieties have proved the value of the Schley, Stuart, Alley, and Success varieties for Eastern North Carolina. Additional proof has also been secured of the value of the Coastal Plain region for successful pecan production. It was found that it is necessary to cultivate pecans during dry weather. Work with Irish potatoes has proven the value of the rural New Yorker group for production and storage in "Western North Carolina. An important phase of work in developing seed potatoes in Western North Carolina for planting in Eastern North Carolina is being con-tinued vigorously and indicates that a large seed potato industry can be developed in the western part of the State to prove of mutual advantage to both sections. The division is making a study of the natural fruits of North Carolina, and paintings and photographs are being made of the important varieties. In peach breeding work, about sixty varieties of peaches were planted at the Coastal Plain Station and an effort is being made to im-prove commercial varieties grown, suited to North Carolina conditions. Twenty varieties of peaches were planted at the Mountain Station to determine the relative hardiness of these peach varieties in that section. About 32 varieties of pecans are being studied to determine the best varieties to use in this State. A study is also being made of the individual trees so as to improve the standard yields by bud selection. In vegetable culture about 29 varieties of sweet potatoes are being studied to determine the most desirable varieties for Eastern North Carolina, keeping in mind the production, marketing value, keeping qualities, and food qualities of the varieties under consideration. Con-siderable work is also being .done in studying storage methods. Variety tests of Irish potatoes, using 20 different varieties, are being con-ducted in Western North Carolina. The observation garden at the Coastal Plain Branch Station continues to give valuable data as to 16 Forty-fifth Annual Keport N. C. Agri. Exp. Station the different varieties and best planting dates for vegetables in Eastern North Carolina. Genetic studies with bramble fruits, especially raspberries, show that good wild stock can be secured so as to carry on the work of crossing varieties at the station farm. Twenty-six combinations in crossing rotundifolia grapes with other species were made in 1921, and 49 combinations during the past year. This year 30 seedlings, representing eight special species combinations, have been grown to size for transplanting. The research work being attempted on the Central Station farm is being carried along satisfactorily with good progress being made in nearly all projects. PLANT PATHOLOGY In plant pathology it has been found that the organism causing tobacco wilt will also attack a number of other crop plants, like Irish potatoes, tomatoes, and egg-plants, as well as a number of com-mon weeds. The rust resistant varieties of wheat tested in cooperation with the Division of Agronomy are not suited to North Carolina. The bacterial leaf blight of the soybean has been found to be distinct from other bacterial diseases of clover which have been studied in the labora-tory and greenhouses. A number of scientific articles have been prepared by this division for the various scientific journals during the past year, and of much local interest was the one about Indian Tuckahoes, which are under-ground structures known since the early settlement of America, but remaining a botanical mystery until this investigation was made. This paper was published in the Journal of Elisha Mitchell Society and created considerable interest throughout the State. MARKETS AND RURAL ORGANIZATION The year 1922 was a great year for encouragement of cooperative marketing in North Carolina. It saw the formation of the cotton and tobacco marketing associations and the continued growth of coopera-tive marketing in a smaller way among the individual farmers of the State. Having in charge the State Warehouse System, the Division of Markets reports that this system has grown from 3'2 warehouses last year with an aggregate capacity of 49,050 bales of cotton, to 78 warehouses having a total capacity of 212,620 bales of cotton. All cotton in these warehouses is insured by the State Warehouse Superin-tendent and is carried in such a manner as to effect a large saving to the growers. There has been little demand for the classing of cotton during 1922 because of the organization of the cooperative cotton marketing association. The division has operated only two grading offices out- Director's Summary 17 side of Raleigh, in which about 12,000 hales of cotton have been classed. The division is now cooperating with the cotton association in carry-ing on classing work, and at present there are eight classers and five helpers engaged in this work. The division also assisted in the con-struction of two warehouses with an aggregate capacity of 10,000 bales. A survey was made of 300 towns as marketing and storage centers for cotton. Plans have been drawn and warehouses con-structed at four other points in the State, and when finished these warehouses will have a total capacity of 26,000 bales. A number of places have been visited during the year in the interest of improving the warehouse facilities for cotton. With livestock there has been great activity in the cooperative marketing of hogs for farmers. During the year about 13 counties produced and sold cooperatively about 33 cars of hogs, fed under the direction of the Office of Swine Extension and sold through the division. A great deal of this work has been done in the cotton grow-ing section and has been largely a 'boll weevil measure. The division has found that there are certain times during the year when hogs bring a higher price, and is encouraging farmers to take advantage of this market condition. "With lambs, the market has been much better during the past year and farmers have been encouraged to sell their lambs on local markets when they received from 15c to 20c per pound gross weight, and to make cooperative shipments later when the price is less. The wool pool conducted by the division last year was thoroughly success-ful; over 300 growers consigned nearly 45,000 pounds of wool for which they received an average price of 30c per pound. Some work has also been done in the cooperative sale of cattle, and one sale at Spruce Pine where 300 head of cattle were sold gave very satisfactory returns to the farmers taking part. An effort is being made by the division to create a good market for cheese in North Carolina and adjoining states. The cooperative factories in the western part of the State are now producing around 400,000 pounds of cheese per year. One other important project during the past year was the carrying on of the farm fencing campaign to encourage the building of pastures for growth of livestock. With fruits and vegetables the greatest activity during the year has been with sweet potato growers. Several local associations have been welded into a State Federation, which had for sale 70,000 bushels of potatoes last year. All the legal forms used by this federation were prepared by the division. With the assistance of the farm and home agents, a number of curb and city market stalls have been organized and established for 2 North Carolina State Library Raleigh 18 Forty-fifth Annual Report "N. C. Agri. Exp Station the cooperative selling of farm produce. The division -has con-tinued its work in the standardization of grades, in getting out news about market prices, and in furnishing agricultural statistics to the people of the State. The crop reporting service has done excellent work during the past year in furnishing economic data and interpretations about farming, and this work is now showing the most complete re-sults of any period of its existence. In making the farm census, the division has had reports from 85,000 farm tracts. Each report covers 34 basic items of information. During the year Mr. R. O. Moen has been secured as specialist in credit unions and an effort is now being made to put these organi-zations on a sound financial footing. FARM DRAINAGE The Earm Drainage Division has continued its services in assisting in the improvement of land now under cultivation by the use of proper drainage and terracing methods. It has also helped in the establishment of drainage districts in order to make other land fit for cultivation. The division has assisted in teaching club boys over the State how* to locate terraces, holding several schools for this purpose. During the past twelve months 44 farms in 22 counties were visited for the purpose of studying tile drainage. The area of the tracts covered by this survey and for which plans and reports were prepared covers a total of 1,016 acres on 16 farms. Over 88,000 feet of tile, reaching about 17 miles, have been put in on 13 farms in nine counties. About 22,000 feet of open ditch was staked out for construction during the year. In terracing, 61 farms in 17 counties were assisted in preventing loss of soil by hillside erosion and about 28 miles of terraces were laid out. The division reports that the past year has been outstanding on account of the great interest taken and the work accomplished in tile drainage. In fact, it is the best record yet made by the division in this line of work. DIVISION REPORTS More complete information as to the work of the Station will be found in the reports by divisions, which follow the financial report. FINANCIAL REPORT The North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, In Account With the United States Appropriation, 1921-1922. Dr. Hatch Fund Adams Fund To receipts from the Treasurer of the United States, as per appropriations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1922, under Acts of Congress approved March 2, 1887 (Hatch Fund), and March 16, 1906 (Adams Fund) .$15,000.00 $15,000.00 Cr. Salaries $ 9,096.33 $15,000.00 Labor 4,012.65 Postage and stationery 240.72 Freight and express 223.48 Seeds, plants and sundry supplies 289.99 Fertilizers 392.30 Feeding stuffs 736.07 Buildings and land 8.46 Total $15,000.00 $15,000.00 The North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, In Account With Farm and Miscellaneous Receipts. Dr. To balance on hand $ 920.49 Receipts from other sources than the United States for the year ending June 30, 1922 7,417.87 Total $8,338.36 SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT Cr. Labor $ 25.00 Publications 91.22 Postage and stationery 12.58 Freight and express 16.63 Heat, light, water and power 467.62 Chemicals and laboratory supplies 120.90 Seeds, plants, and sundry supplies 31,25 Feeding stuffs • 24.54 Library 123.09 Tools, machinery, and appliances 231.45 Furniture and fixtures 44.25 Scientific apparatus and specimens 296.26 Traveling expenses 303.00 Contingent expenses 5,916.67 Buildings and land 633.90 Total $8,339.36 [19 1 20 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station We, the undersigned, duly appointed auditors of the corporation, do hereby certify that Ave have examined the hooks and accounts of the North Carolina Experiment Station for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1922; that we have found the same well kept and classi-fied as above, and that the receipts for the year from the Treasury of the United States are shown to have been $30,000, and the corresponding disbursements $30,000, for all of which proper vouchers are on file, and have been by us examined and found correct, thus leav-ing nothing. And we further certify that the expenditures have been solely for the purposes set forth in the Acts of Congress, approved March 2, 1887, and March 16, 1906. (Signed) T. T. Ballenger, J. F. Diggs, Auditors. (Seal) Attest : A. F. Bowen, Custodian. REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF AGRONOMY To the Director:—During the .year the work of the Division of Agron-omy has gone forward mainly along the same lines mentioned in our last report. In the latter part of the year we secured the service? of L. G. Williams to fill the position of Soil Chemist left vacant by Dr; Plummer. We expect this addition to our force to be of im-mense help in our soil investigational work and fertility studies. The work in the main has been conducted along the general lines indicated below : SOIL SURVEY During the year, the soil survey work has been carried on actively by the Division in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Soils. Since the last report, Cumberland and Haywood counties have been finished, about one-half of Sampson has been worked, and work in the Currituck-Camden area has been started. The areas finished during the year embrace approximately 900,000 acres. As stated in previous reports, anyone at all familiar with agricul-tural work must realize that a soil survey properly conducted is of the most fundamental importance to the intelligent planning and con-ducting of work in soil fertility, crop adaptation, crop rotation and the fertilization of crops. During the past few years there has been a steadily growing demand for the reports and maps of the survey of the different counties of the State. ISTot only have farmers shown interest in these, but rural school teachers, prospective settlers, lumber-men, highway engineers, secretaries of chambers of commerce, and others. The survey has suffered during the year a temporary reduction in its force. It is hoped that it will soon be possible to increase the force back to at least its original number. SOIL FERTILITY Soil fertility investigations are being made by the Division of Agronomy at the following experimental farms : Central Station Farm at Raleigh Mountain Branch Station Farm at Swannanoa Piedmont Branch Station Farm at Statesville Blackland Branch Station Farm at Wenona Coastal Plain Branch Station Farm at Willard Tobacco Branch Station Farm at Oxford. [21 J 22 Forty-fifth Annual Report 1ST. C. Agri. Exp. Station At Mountain Branch Station Farm Field A.—An experiment is being conducted on Field A to determine the correct amount of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash and lime to apply on the crops grown in a rotation of corn, wheat and red clover. This experiment is being continued and the results so far secured indicate that phosphoric acid, nitrogen and lime are all needed to produce large crops, with phosphoric acid the first plant-food requirement. Lime used on red clover gives large gains, and when the clover is turned into the soil it furnishes a part of the nitrogen needed for larger crop yields. Field D.—The experiment on this 'field is designed to show the relative value of acid phosphate and finely ground rock phosphate as carriers of phosphoric acid for crops grown on the Mountain Valley soils when used alone, with cover crops, and with manure. In this experiment, the rotation of crops consists of corn, oats, wheat and red clover. The results so far show that acid phosphate is a more econom-ical carrier of phosphoric acid than is rock phosphate used on this soil. The fact is borne out when the two carriers are used with nitrogen and potash, with stable manure, and with legumes turned into the soil. Field D (Continuous Corn with Crimson Clover and Phosphates). —In this experiment, corn is grown every year and crimson clover is sown each fall and turned under in the spring. The experiment is designed to show the relative value of acid phosphate and rock phos-phate used under corn when a cover crop is turned under each year. Also, if sufficient nitrogen from the air can be secured by the legumes in the rotation to maintain large crops of corn. The results so far indicate that acid phosphate is the most efficient carrier of phosphoric acid when compared with rock phosphate. This holds true until the amount of rock phosphate used is about four times that of acid phosphate. Under the latter conditions, the rock phosphate treated plats are giving somewhat larger yields of corn. The experiment has been running now eleven years and the residual effect of the phosphates are beginning to show up. Field F.—On this field the experiment is being conducted to study the best fertilizer to use in a rotation consisting of Irish potatoes, corn, wheat and red clover. Different amounts of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash are used in order to determine the best fertilizer formulas. Also muriate of potash, sulphate of potash and kainit were used comparatively as sources of potash. The different sources of potash have not materially differently in-fluenced the yield of Irish potatoes. The normal fertilizer used for potatoes was 800 pounds of an 8-4-6. This amount seems to pay better than when the different plant-food materials were increased in Agronomy 23 amount. The use of lime is showing up to advantage with the red clover. i Field B (Rotation).—This field is planned and used to study the effect of growing crops continuously, in a two-year rotation and a three-year rotation with fertilizer. One end of this field has been limed to study the effect of liming with the different crop rotations. Con-tinuous corn has shown to be nearly as good as when a rotation of corn and wheat is used; but the yield of wheat was nearly twice as good with the two-year rotation. Legumes in the two-year rota-tion have given increased yields of both corn and wheat. With a three-year rotation, when red clover was used, the yield of both corn and wheat was greatly increased. The uses of lime and phosphates have increased materially the yield of all the crops. Field G.—This experiment is being made to compare phosphoric materials with a complete fertilizer, with limestone, and with stable manure. The results so far secured indicate that limestone and manure with fertilizers give better results than when fertilizer is used alone. Acid phosphate has proven better than rock phosphate, except when large quantities of the latter are applied. Basic slag is showing up fine, especially on the unlimed plants. At Piedmont Branch Station Farm Fields A, B, and C.—Fields A, B, and C of this farm are used to de-termine the most profitable formulas and right amount of fertilizers to be used with each crop, with and without lime, with a rotation of crops consisting of cotton, corn, wheat and red clover. In this experi-ment, acid phosphate, rock phosphate and basic slag are compared as carriers of phosphoric acid, used with and without manure. In these regular fertilizer experiments the results are quite conclusive in show-ing that phosphoric acid, nitrogen and lime in some available form are essential for larger and more profitable crop yields. It has been found that up to a certain limit, increasing the amounts of the plant-food materials has given increased yields. From observations made while doing Extension work, it was found that farmers are not using enough of any of these materials for best results. Increasing the amounts of potash has not, however, generally resulted in much gain in yield. Field D (Rotation).—This experiment is designed to work out the same general results for the Cecil clay soil as is indicated as being done for the Toxaway soil of Field D at the Buncombe farm. In a comparison continuous cropping and the same crops in a two-year rotation have given about the same results. When legumes are used in the two-year rotation, better results are secured; and when the rotation is broadened and red clover is used for one year 24 Forty-fifth Annual Keport N. C. Agri. Exp. Station out of three, increased yields are the result. With the addition of limestone, the ^gumes make a much more satisfactory growth. Field F (Different Nitrogenous Materials).—This experiment was started to compare some commonly used nitrogenous materials that are being used by fertilizer companies in making different fertilizer mix-tures. In studying different carriers of nitrogenous materials under cotton and corn, the efficiency of the materials tried, when measured by crop yields, have been as follows : First, nitrate of soda ; second, nitrate of ammonia ; third, sulphate of ammonia ; fourth, cottonseed meal; fifth, calcium cyanamid; and sixth, sewage sludge. These results are in accord with other results secured during a long period of years. Field G.—This experiment is designed to show the relative value for the soils of this farm of acid phosphate and different amounts of rock phosphate ; beginning with 500 pounds of rock phosphate to the acre once in every three years and going up as high as 3,000 pounds per acre once in every three years. The crops used on this field are corn, wheat and red clover. In comparing acid phosphate with rock phosphate in different amounts, acid phosphate has given greater efficiency, except when 8,000 and 4,000 pounds of rock phosphate per acre were used every three years broadcast. From these results, it is believed that if farmers wish to use rock phosphate, it should be applied in large quantities at stated intervals in order to furnish enough available phosphoric acid to the crops the first year. Field K (8oft Phosphate).—This field is used to study the compara-tive value for increasing crop yields of acid phosphate and soft phos-phate rock used on corn, cotton and wheat. Studying the results with acid phosphate and soft rock phosphate with corn, cotton and wheat, they are very positively in favor of acid phosphate. When the amount of soft rock phosphate was doubled the yields were not increased. It has been noted by the superintendent of the Iredell farm the marked improvement of the texture of the soils of the experimental plat to which lime has been added, as is evidenced by the portion washing less and plowing better than where no lime has been added. Logan Field.—This field is used to study the comparative value of burnt lime, hydrated lime, and ground limestone used in amounts varying from one, two, to three tons per acre, applied every four years in a rotation consisting of velvet beans, rye, cotton, cowpeas, oats, vetch, red clover and crimson clover. In this test, acid phosphate is added in sufficient amounts for larger crops and the rotation is designed to furnish enough nitrogen for large crops. The results from this field are inconclusive at the present time, especially as to the right amount and form of lime to use. So far, with the rotations used, enough nitrogen has been gathered by the Agronomy 25 legumes grown in the rotations to supply the non-leguminous crops with nitrogen to make very good yields. It is hoped that this experiment will show the value of long rotations, including the legumes, and in cutting down of fertilizer bills. At Edgecombe Branch Station Farm This year, the only experiment carried on at this farm was a con-tinuation of the Rotation Experiment (Field D), designed similarly to the one being conducted at the Piedmont and Mountain farms. The main fertilizer experiments were discontinued during the year. These have in the past shown the need of the soil for nitrogen and potash for larger crop yields. Still larger gains were made when nitrogen and potash applications were increased two and three times the normal amounts. The use of phosphoric acid has shown good results, especially when moderately good applications of nitrogen and potash have been made. Lime has shown to good advantage and can be recommended for use in any good crop rotation scheme. From the results, it is evident that farmers might use, especially for cotton, larger quantities of fertilizer per acre. They might increase the amount from 400 to 500 pounds to 700 or 800, or more per acre for best paying results, when cotton is selling at a reasonable price. From the results on Field D, the practice of growing either cotton or corn continuously in the same field is to be discouraged. When summer or winter legumes are used in rotation with cotton and corn crops, yields have been increased some and when a three-year rotation is used, even greater yields are secured. It will be possible, it appears, by the use of legumes in a longer rotation, to cut down fertilizer bills to some extent. At Coastal Plain Branch Station Farm Field A.—This field is being used for an experiment to work out the best fertilizer formulas to use for cotton, corn, oats, and vetch in a three-year rotation in which summer or winter legumes are used every year. One-half of this field is limed once every three years, to study the relative effects of lime against no lime on the growing of legumes for building up the productiveness of the soil and on the efficiency of the different fertilizer treatments. The results so far secured indicate the value of the use of more nitrogen and acid phosphate on this soil for both cotton and corn than is commonly used. When nitrogen was added in large quantities, larger crops were secured. The use of lime has given very good results and its use broadcast every three or four years with a rotation, including oats and vetch and soybeans, is recommended. 26 Forty-fifth Annual Report N". C. Agri. Exp. Station Field B.—In this experiment, a study is being made of the relative efficiency of different carriers of phosphate with and without lime. The rotation is the same as is 'being used on Field A. Acid phosphate has shown greater efficiency than either phosphate rock, soft phos-phate or basic slag on this type of soil, as measured by the increase in crop yields from a unit application of phosphoric acid. Field E.—This is an experiment which is designed to determine the plant food deficiencies of the soils occurring in that section of the State. Results show that this type of soil is in need of nitrogen and potash for greater crop yields. When both of these are used, phos-phoric acid aids in making larger yields of crops. The use of lime has been found to give good results with leguminous crops. The attention of visiting farmers has been called to the decidedly good effects of the use of lime, the disastrous effects of using no ferti-lizer and the poor economy of using heavy applications of fertilizers without the use of lime and the growing and turning under of organic matter. At Blackland Branch Station Farm ' Field A.—The experiment at this farm consists of a study of differ-ent fertilizer applications for corn, oats and Irish potatoes. No fertilizer combination used has given any practical increase in crop yields, while the use of lime gave a decided increase. Thus far, corn has been the only crop grown successfully. The field has now been divided across the plats into three one-acre plats which will be used for corn; for oats and soybeans; for Irish potatoes every year. Only one year's results have been secured from the residual effects of fertilizers and lime previously added to the different plats. Lime Field.—In this experiment, burnt lime, marl and ground lime-stone are compared, using one, two, three and four tons per acre of each. Fertilizer is used on plats with the different amounts of ground limestone to determine if fertilizer will pay on this soil. The results thus far secured show that between two and three tons of lime are needed on these peat soils for the best results with corn when the lime is applied once every three years. A complete fertilizer with limestone has not given any crop increase over the use of ground limestone alone used at the rate of one, two, three and four tons per acre broadcast. Marl has not given as good returns as either hydrated lime or ground limestone. Cultural Experiments.—In this experiment, different crops are used with the land disked four inches; plowed eight inches and rolled; and plowed twelve inches and ridged. Results so far secured indicate that ridge culture and disking four inches deep are best for corn and soybeans on this kind of soil. With small grain crops, rolling seems Agronomy 27 to be an advantage. Stable manure has given good results, but causes crab-grass to grow and gives a lot of trouble. Grass Plats.—This experiment consists of fifteen plats with the different mixtures of grasses that were thought to be of value for pasturage and hay in that section of the State. Miscellaneous Experiments To study the effect of cowpeas on the yield of crops, an experiment is being conducted on Alamance Silt Loam in Anson County. The cowpeas are being grown and turned under with and without lime. This experiment was started to check up the prevailing local opinion that the yield of crops was decreased when a crop of cowpeas is turned previously into the land. The plowing under of cowpeas on this type of soil has been found to give beneficial results, which is con-trary to local opinion where these soils occur, but it is in harmony with the idea that organic matter from cowpeas is beneficial in the soil to future crops. In the study of the use of gypsum on peanuts on the farm of B. B. Everett, Palmyra, it was found last year that where this material was applied to peanuts it gave an increase in the crop yield of more than enough to pay for the material and the expense of making the application. In a study made of the plant-food needs of Huston sandy loam soil in Cumberland County, in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Plant Industry, it was found that all plant food ingredients are needed for best results with cotton. The results, too, indicate that best returns come from the use of about 900 pounds per acre of a fertilizer analyzing about 8 to 10 per cent phosphoric acid, 5 per cent ammonia and 4 per cent potash. In cooperation with the Bureau of Plant Industry, some coopera-tive work, too has been carried on on the Georgeville sandy loam type of soil in Randolph County. The results thus far indicate very strongly that phosphoric acid and nitrogen are at present the main limiting plant-food factors for large crop yields. Potash used alone seems to give about the same or less than no fertilizer treatment. This is in accordance with previous results on heavy soils of the Piedmont section of the State. Results from cooperative fertilizer work with the Bureau on cotton in Craven County on the Portsmouth sandy loam type of soil have shown that the use of phosphoric acid and nitrogen gave best results. Potash has shown some gains after phosphoric acid and ammonia are applied. Under cotton boll weevil conditions, it is advised for soils in average condition to increase the phosphates in fertilizer mix- 2S Forty-fifth Annual Keport N. C. Agri. Exp. Station tures for cotton on these soils to at least 12 per cent, and use with it about 5 per cent ammonia and 3 per cent potash. In the fertilizer experiment at Wilkinson on Portsmouth fine sandy loam soil, an application of fertilizer has not shown very much in-crease over the untreated plats. With cotton, basic slag and finely ground rock phosphate have given some increase in yields. Phosphates alone have not given very much increase over the no-treatment plats. ]Yew Soil Experiments New experiments have been started in cotton-variety fertilizer studies on Norfolk sandy loam near Whiteville; and on Portsmouth fine sandy loam near Edenton; also fertilizer experiments to determine the best fertilizer formulas for cotton grown on Norfolk sandy loam at Salemburg; on Marlboro fine sandy loam at Koseboro; and on Norfolk sandy loam at Speed. A study of effect of potash on the yield of corn and cotton grown on Alamance silt loam has been started at Monroe. Some General Deductions from Field Soil Fertility Investigations For Mountain Soils.—It has been found that phosphoric acid, nitro-gen and lime are the main controlling plant-food factors in the growth of more profitable crops on mountain soils. This includes both bottom and uplands. Organic matter incorporated in these soils has been found to increase crop yields materially. Acid phosphate is the most efficient carrier of phosphoric acid with general field crops ; with legumes and grasses, basic slag has been found also to be an efficient source of phosphoric acid. In any scheme of crop rotation adopted, there should be included both annual and perennial legumes. Soybeans for the annual and red clover for the longer growing periods, fit in and do well in this section of the State. For Piedmont Soils.—Phosphoric acid and nitrogen have to be supplied for the most profitable growth of crops on these soils. Potash is not nearly so essential. Longer crop rotations than are usually used, including more legumes, are needed. Organic matter is very essential for most of the heavy soils of this section. Lime is very beneficial especially when legumes are grown. Acid phosphate is the most economical carrier of phosphoric acid ; and nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia are the best and most efficient carriers of nitro-gen. Cottonseed meal is one of the best carriers of nitrogen in the organic class. In any pasture mixture of grasses, orchard, redtop and red clover should be used for best results. Agkonomy 29 For Coastal Plain Soils.—Our results are conclusive in showing the need generally with most soils of this section of nitrogen and potash for larger and more profitable crop production. Lime and organic matter are very beneficial on these soils and greatly increase the effici-ency of fertilizers applied to the crops. Acid phosphate gives better returns than do other carriers of phosphoric acid tried out. Nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia stand out as the most efficient carriers of nitrogen. Cottonseed meal is one of the best organic carriers of nitrogen for Coastal Plain soils. On an average, larger amounts of fertilizers could be used with profit for cotton on these soils than is usually used, provided the right kinds are used and the crop is properly cultivated. For Much and Peat Soils.—Lime is very essential for profitable crop production on these soils, after proper drainage has been established. Two tons of ground limestone broadcast to the acre every three years seems to be about the correct amount to apply. Burnt lime is about as good as limestone, and both have been found to give better results than has the use of mlarl. This may be partially explained by the fact that the marl applied was much coarser than the other liming materials applied. Native grasses are choked out by crab grass when stable manure is applied to these soils. Planting and cultivating on a ridge has given crop increases over what was secured by disking shallow and planting flat. Better crop rotations should be established in this section of the State than is generally being used on account of the destructiveness of crop diseases and insects. Publications A bulletin on "The Results of Fertilizer Experiments with Corn on Mountain Soils" has been submitted for publication. Bulletins on the "Relative Efficiency of Different Nitrogenous Materials Used on North Carolina Soils," "Value of Lime on Peaty Soils," and "Results of Fertilizer Experiments with Wheat Grown on Piedmont Soils" will soon be ready for the printer. Field Work in Soil Surrey There were found 40 different types of soil in Cumberland County; 17 in Cherokee; and 8 in Haywood. Typical samples were taken for chemical analyses of all these types, including the subsoil. Cumber-land has both Piedmont and Coastal Plain soils, which accounts for the large number of soil types found in that county. Over sixty per cent of the soil area of the State has now been sur-veyed, and it seems very desirable that the whole area of the State should be finished in the next few years. 30 Forty-fifth Annual Report "N. C. Agri. Exp. Station SOIL CHEMISTRY After remaining vacant for several years, L. Gr. Willis has been appointed to fill the position of Soil Chemist, succeeding Dr. Plummer. In carrying out the soil fertility investigations, it is necessary for the Soil Chemist to work out many problems in order to reinforce and interpret the field results on crops and fertilizers. Two problems are now being started as follows: A study will be made of the effect of different soil treatments on the availabilty of the potash in the common soil forming minerals. This will comprise pot culture tests with muscovite and biotite micas and feldspar; orthorclase and microcline, the common soil forming potash minerals of the State, using rye and wheat as winter crops and soybeans and cowpeas as summer crops. The influence of the fineness of division of the minerals on the availability of their potassic constituents will be determined as well as the effect of lime, organic matter, and the nature and amounts added of different nitrogenous fertilizers. The results are expected to show whether or not the petrographic analyses of a soil can be relied upon to indicate the probable needs of the soil for potash under different cultural practice^. Experiments have been started, too, to determine the cause of un-satisfactory yields on the muck soils of the Eastern section of the State. This work will be developed as a study of the nature of the acidity of these soils and methods will, if possible, be devised for ihe elimination of toxic compounds present in them. EXPERIMENTS WITH TOBACCO Eor the past few years quite a large amount of experimental work is being conducted at Oxford under the immediate direction of E. G. Moss, and at Reidsville with E. H. Mathewson in charge. This work is being carried on in co-operation with the Office of Tobacco Investi-gations of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Below is given a brief resume of some of the more outstanding results. At Tobacco Branch Station! Farm Main Fertilizer Experiments.—There are 36 fertilizer plats in this experiment on which are being tested out the different sources of nitro-gen, phosphoric acid, and potash. One half of each of these plats dolomitic limestone has been broadcasted at the rate of one ton per acre. Results thus far secured show, dolomitic limestone has increased the yield on all the plats, that there was less leaf spot trouble on the limed end than on the unlimed end of plats, and that the limestone did not depreciate the value of the tobacco, while previous experiments with the use of ground calcite showed the calcite did darken the Agronomy 31 tobacco. For that reason we would not recommend the average ground limestone for tobacco, but do not hesitate to recommend dolomitic limestone where magnesium carbonate runs as high as 25 per cent. Special Potash Field Work.—The Special Potash Experiment con-sists of 20 plats on which is used different amounts of sulphate and muriate of potash, with and without ground limestone. The nitrogen and phosphoric acid under those plats remain constant and the potash varies from 12, 24, 36 to 80 pounds of actual potash per acre derived from sulphate and muriate of potash. Results show that 36 to 40 pounds of actual potash per acre is apparently about the right quantity to use for best results on the type of soil, mapped as the Durham sandy loam. The muriate of potash gives an increased yield over the sulphate of potash, but does not improve the burning quality. Magnesium and Potash Experiments.—This consists of 18 plats on which is used Trona muriate, German muriate, Nebraska sulphate, German sulphate, double manure salts, and kainit. On one series of plats is applied dolomitic limestone at the rate of 1,000 pounds per acre in the drill at the time of applying the fertilizer. On the other series is used ground limestone derived from calcite. On the third series no lime was applied. Results show that on these plats where dolomitic limestone was applied no "sand drown" was present and both yield and quality of tobacco were improved. On plats where cal-cite was applied "sand drown" and leaf spot were serious on all plats, except where double manure salts and . kainit were used. On series where no lime was applied both "sand drown" and leaf spot were serious, except where double manure salts and kainit were applied and the yield of tobacco was 35 to 40 per cent less than on the other two series of plats. Special Fertilizer Tests.—These consist of 12 plats on which were used C. P. fertilizer materials testing out the effects of magnesium sulphate as compared with magnesium chloride; also studying the effects of sodium chloride and sodium sulphate, and potassium nitrate as compared with dicalcium phosphate. The results in these tests have not been ascertained yet as this was the first year e this series of plats were run. Variety Tests.—We were continuing our work with the different varieties of tobacco which has been carried on for the past several years. We have begun to do some breeding work and selections. The breed-ing consists of crossing a variety which cures bright and makes big growth and poor body and texture on to a variety which has body and weight but does not cure out as well as some of the others, with the hope of getting a combination which will make a better tobacco than we have at present. It is felt we are getting some very satisfactory results along this line. 32 Forty-fifth Annual Report 1ST. C. Agri. Exp. Station Rotation Experiments.—We are trying out several rotations of two, three and four years duration. The one that gives, perhaps, the most satisfactory results is the three-year rotation which consists of to-bacco, first year; oats second year, followed by cowpeas or soybeans for hay or to be plowed under as conditions may justify; Abruzzi rye for seed the third year.. After the rye the stubble land is to be plowed deep in the fall of the year, to be planted to tobacco the following season. On farms where tobacco land is limited and a short rotation is desired, this seems to be one of the most satisfactory rotations that could be suggested. Our results thus far have shown that where such a rota-tion is followed the tobacco crop shows improvement both in yield and quality. Tobacco after Cowpeas.—This experiment has been running for ten years, using cowpeas or soybeans to provide nitrogen, with a liberal application of phosphoric acid and potash supplied, but no nitrogen is applied of a commercial form. Where tobacco is planted fairly thick in the drill and is harvested by priming, provided it is not topped too low, a crop of tobacco of average quality is produced. There are four crops grown on this land, tobacco followed by oats, oats followed by cowpeas or soybeans plowed under, and land seeded to rye to be plowed under in the spring. This is a two-year rotation; however, we do not recommend such a rotation to be followed indiscriminately, as many farmers would undoubtedly get in trouble and produce tobacco of poor quality, but it could be used with satisfactory results if followed very intelligently. Permanent Tobacco Seedbed.—A permanent seedbed can be estab-lished at a convenient location on the farm, provided it is thoroughly sterilized from year to year with steam. Such a seedbed when once established will grow healthy plants more consistently than a seedbed located at different places. The only handicap to this plan is the scarcity of portable steam boilers on tobacco farms. At Reidsville The work being^ carried on at Reidsville is planned similarly to that being conducted at Oxford. The results there, as at Oxford, were quite striking in showing the marked influence of the use of magnesia in overcoming entirely or greatly reducing the ravages of "sand-drown." It is regretted to have to report that late in the year the work at this farm sustained a great loss in the losing of Mr. Mathewson from the work, to take up work in the Orient with a big commercial tobacco company. Agronomy 33 CROP IMPROVEMENT Adams Project Project No. 1J+.—The cotton study of association and inheritance of economic qualities has been continued. This work has consisted of preparation of data and notes for publication and further study of certain smooth seeded types that were not included in the plantings during the past three years, on account of the lack of space. Due to old seed and unfavorable spring weather, a very poor stand was 'secured in the plantings of this season. Sufficient seed were saved to continue the strains. The results from this project are being put in shape and it is hoped to publish them with the deductions some time during the coming year. Project No. 15.—The "Place effect" study of cotton conducted in cooperation with the Mississippi Experiment Station has been con-tinued. The unfavorable weather in the spring destroyed so many seedlings that a fair comparison of the two sources of seed was rendered impossible on account of the irregular stand. It is planned to continue this work for another year. At Central Farm.—The field crop work at the Central Station farm has consisted of trials with new crops, seed selections and cul-tural studies. In the trial plats were included the Subterranean clover, seredella, Yicia disperma, Jap.an clover (Tennessee strain No. 76), three new varieties of cotton, four new varieties of soybeans, and two strains of the annual sweet clover. . The Subterranean clover is a Bureau of Plant Industry introduction from Australia and has given very promising results. Judging from its growth, earliness of seeding in spring and resistance to drought, it will be superior to burr clover for soil improvement and grazing. The young seedlings which volunteered on the plats in the summer withstood the dry, hot weather of August and September. This crop is being tried this fall on a larger scale here and in another section of the State. The narrow leaf vetch {Yicia disperma) has continued to show more resistance to the false anthracnose that has been very destructive to ordinary hairy vetch. Seed of the Japan clover, strain No. 76, from the Tennessee Experiment Station, was grown in comparison with ordinary commercial seed. The Tennessee strain has been found to be more upright in growth and much superior in quantity of growth. Of the new strains of cotton grown for the first time on this farm, Pelfos from Mississippi Station has given the best results. 34 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. 0. Agri. Exp. Station The seed improvement work includes plant-to-row and increase plats of cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, rye and sorghum. On this farm all of the cotton breeding work is confined to strain No. 6 of Mexican Big Boll. It has continued to gain favor in the State on account of its large yield and extra length of staple. In the plant-to-row plats, a large portion of the rows furnished 1% inch staple and have been unusually productive. The corn breeding work has been continued with the strains of Cocke's Prolific that has been grown on the farm several years. No other seed improvement work of the Division of Agronomy has yielded better returns than the soybean work. Three pedigreed strains of Virginia, three of Haberlandt, and eight of Mam-moth Yellow soybeans were increased and compared with the varieties from which they came. The best strains of these varieties have been distributed to the Branch Station farms and to private growers of the State where they are being increased. Haberlandt No. 38 and Vir-ginia No. 11, have shown up well in community tests throughout the Piedmont section. The selection of Mammoth Yellow for higher oil content has been continued. Some interesting results have been secured from a chance hybrid between the Haberlandt No. 38 and Virginia soybeans. Some E3 plants were grown this year. In the lot was considerable variety of types ranging between the two parent varieties. One of the most prom-ising selections from the F3 material is the progeny of one plant, all of which are of the Virginia type of growth, having yellow seed in-stead of brown. The main stems are stifTer than the original Virginia, furnishing a more upright plant at the time of harvest. Strain No. 12 of Leap's Prolific wheat has been continued, though the 1922 crop was not offered for sale on account of the mixture of volunteer oats and rye in it. Seed of it have been recleaned by hand for further increase this fall. Through the variety studies on this and other farms it was found that the earlier North Carolina wheats are more productive on the average North Carolina soil. Our average yield for the State of approximately 8 bushels of wheat per acre in-dicates that a large portion of our wheat is grown on land low in fertil-ity. The variety tests made upon soils which produced 15 to 20 bushels per acre have been misleading when the average conditions of our State are considered. The tests on soils producing 8 to 10 bushels per acre have shown conclusively the need for an early maturing variety of wheat. To meet this need, the Division of Agronomy has started work on the selection and increase of an early variety known as Alabama Blue Stem. This variety is an early strain of Purple Straw which has given splendid results in field trials during the past three years. The strain was secured originally from the Alabama Experiment Station. The pedigreed strain of Abruzzi rye was in-creased on a larger scale. Several plant selections were made for Agronomy 35 the plant-to-row comparison and increase. Three hundred bushels of this strain were sold to growers of the State to be grown for seed purposes. On account of the high production of the Honey or Japanese Seeded Eibbon sorghum in the variety tests, work has been started in the selection and increase of seed of this variety. Plant selections have been made and are being examined for juice and sugar content. The Field Culture work has consisted of cotton spacing tests in which distances between hills were as follows : "No thinning/' 8, 12, 18, and 24 inches in 4-foot rows. The unthinned plats have con-tinued to yield highest and in each of the other plats the thicker spacing has yielded more than the thinner spacing. Hay Mixtures.—Small broadcast seedings of different varieties of cowpeas, soybeans, and sorghum, were planted to determine the varieties which matured nearest the same time and were best suited for hay mixtures. Data was secured upon the habit of growth and time of maturing of five varieties of sorghum, seven varieties of cowpeas and six varieties of soybeans. At Mountain Branch Farm.—The work at the Mountain Branch farm has consisted of seed selection with corn and soybeans, and variety tests of wheat, oats, rye and soybeans. The plant-to-row breed-ing of Bigg's corn has been continued with encouraging results. This Branch Station has become a source of good seed in that section of the State and its seed are likely to become more popular on account of the recent standing of this corn in community variety tests of that section of the State. The increase of Haberlandt Wo. 38 soybeans at this farm has been more successful this summer on account of the longer season between frosts. In order to insure its maturity in that section, a large number of plants were selected this fall. At Piedmont Branch Station.—The field crop work of this farm con-sists of cultural studies of wheat and oats, and improvement work with cotton, corn, wheat, oats and A'bruzzi rye. The past season completed a six-year test of rate and date of seeding wheat and oats. The results of this test are being prepared for publication. The pedi-greed strains of cotton, wheat, oats and rye are being increased for sale to growers cf that section. At Tobacco Branch Station.—The Tobacco Branch Station has been used for the increase of any early strain of Purple Straw wheat, Abruzzi rye, and seed corn. At Edgecombe Branch Station.—At the Edgecombe farm, seed im-provement work with Mexican Big Boll cotton and Biggs' corn has been continued. The Mexican cotton has been isolated down to one pedigreed strain, Wo. 18. This strain has less vegetative growth than the original strain and has proven more productive. The staple is l 1 /! q inches and its yield has been equal to that of Cleveland Big Boll, 36 Forty-fifth Annual Report N". C. Agri. Exp Station our highest yielding short staple cotton. The corn work at this farm has been delayed by the introduction of two new varieties last spring. The number of varieties will be reduced to one and new selections will be made this fall. Two hundred bushels of improved cotton seed were sold from this farm last season and 1,200 bushels will be offered this season. At Coastal Plain Branch Station.—The work at this farm has con-sisted of seed improvement of Cleveland Big Boll cotton and the in-crease of two pedigreed strains of soybeans from the Central Station farm. At Blackland Branch Station.—At the Blackland farm work lias been continued on the improvement of Latham's Double corn for that section. Special attention is being given to the selection of seed which will give a firmer corn, shorter shanks, better shucks covering and a higher yield. The seed plats of this season have some very promising strains. In closing this report, I wish to commend most heartily the fidelity to duty of each individual member of the working staff of the Division of Agronomy. Dr. Winters and his co-workers have actively pushed the experimental work in crop improvement; Mr. Pate in soil fer-tility; and Mr. Moss and Mr. Mathewson in the tobacco investigations. Respectfully submitted, C. B. Williams, Chief, Division of Agronomy. REPORT OF THE ANIMAL INDUSTRY DIVISION To the Director:—The following report sets forth the fundamental lines of work which have been conducted 'by the Experiment Station workers during the past fiscal year. It is not necessary to state that it would be impossible to go into the details of this work because of the magnitude and variety of subjects on which work has been done. The work of the Animal Industry Division is not only going along well but the scope and influence of the work is constantly broadening as shown by the extraordinary number of calls for information from our investigators in different lines of work. The following subjects covered are of State-wide importance and many of them are of South-wide importance. The latter is particularly true of the work being done in the Experiment Station and represented by such problems as soft pork, mineral requirements of growing ani-mals, effect of cottonseed meal on the health and reproduction of breeding animals, and the digestive co-efficiency of feeds in fowls. ANIMAL NUTRITION J. 0. Halverson, In Charge Assistants, F. W. Sherwood and B. Naiman 1. Soft Pork Studies. The following feeding projects, in cooperation with Mr. Hostetler, have been successfully completed; analytical work on Soft Pork Experiment 5 is being completed and data worked up on all experiments with which will be incorporated a review of the Soft Pork Investigations. Completed to Date. 1. (a) Lot feeding to 108 lb. pigs on peanuts; (b) On peanut meal, both for 131 days. 2. Individual feeding to 150 lb. pigs for 70 days. 3. Individual feeding to 120 lb. pigs for 77 days. 4. Individual feeding 67 lb. pigs for 110 days. 5. Individual feeding to 103 lb. pigs for 74 days, with hardening feeds. Projected Work. The complex effect of food on the body carcass of the hog is pronounced. Three distinct lines of attack are contemplated, given briefly in separate report. I37| 38 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station 2. The Nutritive Value of the Peanut. These studies are Hearing completion; the following are completed: (a) The raw peanut without hulls but with sheath. (b) The roasted peanut without hulls, but with sheath. (c) Peanut meal without hulls. (d) The study of Nutritive Value of peanut meal in the form of baked bread, without the addition of wheat flour, will take considerable more work. The unexpected results obtained tend to give futher in-sight into the feeding value of the heated peanut meal and its defi-ciencies. (e) Studies are now under way supplying the deficiencies of the peanut kernel by means of the peanut leaf itself, soybean leaf, and alfalfa leaf in varying amounts. 3. Mineral Supplements, Chiefly Calcium, for Southern Animals. One phase of this problem of practical importance in limestone-free regions is the calcium content of commercial mixed feeds. Two years' work, including the analysis of 120 mixed feeds containing six or more feed ingredients exclusive of salt, has been done in cooperation with the feed laboratory. This work is completed ready for publication under the title of "The Calcium Content of Mixed Feeds in Relation to the Feeding Requirements of Animals," by J. O. Halverson and L. M. Nixon. 4. The Nutritive Quality of Butter from Cows Fed Exclusively on Dry Feed, Cottonseed Meal and Hulls. (Combs and Curtis Project). By feeding the butter from such dry-fed cows to growing albino rats, an attempt is made to ascertain whether fat Soluble A is present in the normal amount. Six series of such feeding experiments are nearing completion. This work is being done on the butter-fat on hand. Certain definite results have been obtained, but more butter-fat is needed to eliminate the influence of the length of storage upon the fat-soluble A content. 5. Publications—Year, 1922. (a) Extension Pamphlet—The Optimum Diet with the Relative Im-portance in the Diet of Fruits, Vegetables and Milk. (b) The Need of Milk in the Diet.—'Sunday edition News & Observer. (c) The Calcium Content of Mixed Feeds in Relation to the Feeding Requirements of Animals, by J. 0. Halverson and L. M, Nixon. N. C. Academy of Science, May 19, 1922, University of North Carolina. Southeastern Meeting: Feed, Food and Drug Officials, Asheville, August 24, 1922. Other Activities: (a) A Series of Lectures and Demonstrations were given on The Effects of Various Diets before the Annual Conference of Home Demon-stration Agents. (b) Co-operated with the Home Demonstration Division at the State Fair. (c) Co-operated with the Extension Division of Dairying in the Char-lotte Milk Campaign and Statesville Live Stock Show with exhibits. Animal Industry SWIjVE EVYESTIGATIONS Earl H. Hostetler, In Charge The following special experiments were carried out during the past year: 1. Fish Meal for Swine. Object: To determine if pigs of different weights will consume enough fish meal in the ration to transmit a fishy flavor to the meat. Plan: (a) To allow two pigs of different weights to have fish meal and shelled corn from a self-feeder. (b) To feed one pig 10% of fish meal in the ration. Record: Table 1. Fish Meal for Swine. Pig No. Initial Weight Final Weight Davs on Feed Feed Consumed ' Shelled Corn Fish Meal 34 36 18 126 63 128 280 95 321 114 43 118 888 230 743 19 15 82 Pigs No. 34 and 36 were fed the shelled corn and fish meal in separate compartments of self-feeder, while Pig No. 18 was fed a mixture containing 9 parts cracked corn and one part of fish meal. It is interesting to note the variation in the amount of fish meal consumed by Pigs No. 34 and No. 18 since they were of practically the same initial weight and on feed practically the same number of days. No "fishy" taste was detected in any of the meat from these three pigs which would seem to indicate that the danger of tainting pork from feeding fish meal to swine is negligible. Results: No "fishy flavor" was detected. 2. Soft Pork Studies in Cooperation with J. O. Halverson. A. Individual Work. Object: To determine the effects of feeding various amounts of oil (peanuts) on the carcass of pigs of various weights; keeping the energy and protein equal in each case. Plan: (a) To make up rations containing approximately 8, 12, 16, and 20 per cent oil, then in addition to these four rations have one ration containing peanuts alone and another ration which shall be used as a check, containing 60% corn meal, 30% shorts, 5% tankage and 5% linseed meal. (b) This work as planned will necessitate only one pig on each ration. 40 Forty-fifth Annual Report 1ST. C. Agri. Exp. Station Record: Table 2, Soft Pork Investigations with Individual Pigs. No. of Experiment No. Pigs Used Average Final Weight Average Daily Gain Feed per 100 pounds Gain Cost per 100 pounds Gain 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 5 260 227 218 224 1.56 1.41 1.43 1.69 335.0 327.0 286.1 332.0 $ 14.21 12.50 11.23 8.79 Results: The results so far seem to indicate that oil is the chief factor in making soft pork, although enough work has not been done to make it conclusive. B. Lot Work. Object: To determine if the size of the pig, when he is put in the finishing lot, after being fed on so-called softening feeds, is a factor in determining the firmness of the carcass after a 60-day finishing period on shelled corn and tankage self fed. Plan: To feed 30 pigs as soon as weaned on peanuts alone for at least eight weeks. Thereafter to divide these 30 pigs into three lots of ten pigs each, using pigs in Lot 1, weighing approximately 90 pounds; in Lot 2, weighing over 100 pounds and in Lot 3, weighing less than 80 pounds. Record: Experiment in progress. Results: Incomplete. 3. Soft Pork Studies in Co-operation with Bureau of Animal In-dustry. Object: (a) To determine the effects of feeding peanuts from a self feeder in a dry lot, and the effects of grazing soybeans with a 2y2% ration of shelled corn, upon the carcass. (b) To determine the effects on the carcass of pigs by finishing them in a dry lot for 12 weeks on corn and fish meal, self fed, after 8 weeks on softening feeds. Plan: To use 12 pigs on peanuts and 12 on soybeans, making ship-ments of three pigs to the Bureau of Animal Industry at intervals of four weeks each, beginning with the close of the grazing period. Record: Experiment in progress. Results : Incomplete. 4. Exhibit of Pure Bred Duroc Jersey Swine at 1922 North Carolina State Fair. Object: To determine the merit of our hogs as compared with others in the show ring. Plan: To use such animals in the herd as are available for this purpose. Record: Fifteen hogs were entered in the show and competed in a creditable manner. Results: The winnings amounted to $91.00. Animal Industry 41 Edgecombe Branch Station Farm The herd of grade Berkshires that has been kept at this farm is being disposed of as rapidly as possible. In May, 1922, nine pure bred Hampshire gilts and a Hampshire boar were purchased for this farm and will be maintained to produce pigs for experimental work and to use for demonstration purposes. The special experiments completed at this farm during the past year are as follows: 1. Cost of Raising Pigs to Weaning Age. Object: To determine the cost of producing pigs to the age of ten weeks. Plan: To use the farm herd for this purpose. Record: • Reported in Experiment Station Bulletin No. 244. Results: Each pig cost $4.07. 2. Peanuts for Swine. Object: (a) To determine the amount of pork produced by a given area of peanuts. (b) To determine the condition of the carcasses after pigs have been grazed on peanuts for 8 weeks. (c) To determine the effects of an 8 weeks finishing period on corn and tankage after pigs have been grazed for 8 weeks on peanuts. Record: Table 3. Peanuts for Fattening Swine. A. Grazing Period. Period: September 27, to November 22, 1921—56 days. No. in Lot Ration Average Final Weight Average Daily Gain Feed Per 100 Pounds Gain Peanuts Cost Per 100 Pounds Gain 18 Peanuts 151.9 .87 .76 A. $11.40 B. Finishing Period. Period: November 22, 1921, to January 17, 1922—56 days. No. in Ration Average Final Weight Average Daily Gain Feed Per 100 Pounds Gain Cost Per Lot Shelled Corn Tankage 100 Pound Gain 9 Shelled Corn and Tankage 238.4 1.95 370.8 30.9 7.70 42 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station Prices Used: Shelled corn per bu $ 1.00 Tankage per ton 70.00 Peanuts per acre 15.00 Results: 1. One acre of peanuts produced 151% pounds pork. 2. None of the pigs were strictly "hard" after an 8 weeks finishing period on corn and tankage. Note: For some unaccountable reason the gains made on peanuts during this experiment were extremely low. Record of Farm Work Animals. This experiment was closed December 31, 1921, and a complete record of the work done is shown in September, 1922 Bulletin of the Depart-ment of Agriculture. Blaekland Branch Station The swine work at this farm was begun in January, 1922, by the pur-chase of a car load of pigs in South Georgia. Six of these pigs were retained on the farm at the close of the following experiment for use as brood sows. The special experiment carried out is as follows: Marketing Corn in Eastern North Carolina Through Hogs. Object: (a) To determine if the corn grown on the farm could be marketed through hogs more profitably than to be sold as grain, (b) To compare tankage and fish meal as supplements to corn for fattening swine. Plan: (a) To purchase one carload of pigs in South Georgia and feed them out on corn raised on the farm, for a sufficient length of time to make two carloads of hogs for market. (b) To divide the pigs obtained into two equal lots, feeding lot 1 on shelled corn and fish meal, and lot 2 on shelled corn and tankage, using three self feeders in each lot. Record: Table 4. Tankage vs. Fish Meal. Period: February 1 to April 12, 1922—70 days. Lot No. No. in Lot Ration Average Final Weight Average Daily Gain Feed Per 100 Pound Gain Cost Per Shell Corn Fish Meal Tank-age 100 pounds Gain 1 68 67 Corn and Fish Meal Corn and Tankage 151.5 146.9 1.16 .96 330.3 364.5 43.5 $5.14 2 49.8 5.83 Note: On March 16, 40 hogs out of Lot 1 and 29 hogs out of Lot 2 were sold. Results: (a) The corn was marketed through the hogs for $1.10 per bushel instead of 65c, the prevailing price when the experi-ment was begun. (b) Fish Meal was more valuable as a supplementary feed to corn than tankage. x\nimal Industry 43» Piedmont Branch Station Farm A pure bred herd of Poland China hogs is kept at this farm for experi-mental and demonstration purposes. Cost of Baising Pigs to Weaning Time. Special experiments conducted during the past year are as follows: Object: To determine cost to produce pigs to weaning age—70 days. Plan: To use all sows and litters for this purpose. Record: Reported in Experiment Station Bulletin No. 244. Results: Each pig cost $3.97. Value of Soybean Pasture for Swine. Object: To determine value of allowing pigs to graze soybeans, begin-ning the test about time the beans are in the "dough stage." Plan: To use 16 spring pigs and allow them a 2% ratipn of shelled corn 910 and tankage v10 , in addition to the soybeans. Record: Table 5. Soy Bean Pasture for Swine. Period: August 31, to October 13, 1922. Ration Average Final Weight Average Daily Gain Feed Per 100 Pounds Gain Cost Per 100 Pounds Lot Gain Grain Pasture 16 Soybean Pasture with Grain 111.6 .59 295.0 .547 A. $11.24 ' Results: Pigs made only .59 pound average daily gain. Note: The area used was seeded to soy beans, but because of a late frost one-half acre was replanted to cow peas. The cow peas were beginning to dry up when the pigs were turned into the field. Record; Table 4. Tankage vs. Fish Meal. 3. Feeding of Parni Work Animals. This work is being carried on at the present time in the same way as in former years, but new work will be undertaken as soon as a definite plan can be decided upon. The results of the past seven years are shown in the September, 1922, Department of Agriculture Bulletin. Co-operative Project with U S. Department of Agriculture Soft Pork Work. The eight States that are co-operating in soft pork work this year, ship all hogs to the Bureau of Animal Industry Farm at Beltsville, Md.. to be slaughtered. After these hogs are slaughtered the carcasses are held in the cooler at an approximate temperature of 36° F. for forty-eight hours. At the close of the cooling period a representative committee makes a physical examination of these carcasses to determine their condition. This committee is composed of the following men: Earl H. Hostetler, Raleigh, N. C, representing the experiment stations. Howard Smith, Baltimore, Md., representing the packers. Dr. Walters, Washington, D. C, representing the Federal Department. In addition to the physical grading made by the above committee, a 44 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station chemical examination is made on one sample of back fat and one sample of leaf fat from each carcass. In the work that has been done up to the present time approximately 1,000 hogs have been used and in addition to the eight States that are cooperat ng th s year the Bureau of Animal Industry is including tests made at Beltsville, Md. and at McNeill, Miss. DAIBY EXPERIMENTATION Stanley Combs, In Charge Central Experiment Farm 1. Object : To Determine the Effect of Cottonseed Meal on Cows and Heifers in Reproduction. (Cooperative, Combs and Cur.tis). This herd consists of sixteen grade Ayrshire cows in the milking herd with six yearling heifers and a herd bull. Two of these cows have been in the herd since 1915. The other fourteen were purchased from the Pinehurst Dairy as calves and during January, 1920, as yearlings. They were divided into lots and fed as follows: Grain Ration Cottonseed meal—1 part Cracked Corn Cottonseed meal—1 part Crushed corn—1 part Cottonseed meal Cracked corn—3 parts Wheat bran—1 part Linseed meal—1 part Roughage Cottonseed hulls—ad libitum Corn stover—1 part 1 Corn silage—2 parts J lib Cottonseed hulls—1 part ) Corn silage—2 parts [• i-. Corn stover—1 part J Alfalfa hay—1 part Corn silage — -2 parts / libitum This young herd was bred to calve the first time during the fall of 1921. On these rations indicated in the first four lots above some of the animals aborted before five months, while others carried their calves the full length of time. However, the calves that were carried full time were weak, small, some blind, and none lived over sixty hours. Those aborted were deformed, blind, and some appeared to have very soft bones and showed oedema in various portions of the animal body. The following is a brief discussion of the work of these cows as in-dividuals: Cow No. 102 aborted twins in 1921. Never came into milk. Ration changed to cottonseed meal 90 pounds, calcium carbonate % pounds, butter fat 2 pounds, casein 10 pounds, early in the year. She was bred April 3, 1922. Has gained in flesh and seems to be safe with calf. Cow No. 103 aborted October 1921. She is being continued on the same ration this year. "Was bred March 24, 1922, and is with calf. Cow No. 104 failed to breed in 1921. Her ration was changed to 100 pounds cottonseed meal and % pounds calcium carbonate. She was bred January 19th. Failed to conceive, and died during the summer. Her ovaries were diseased. Cow No. 106 produced a calf that lived 36 hours during 1921. Her 1922 ration consists of cottonseed meal 90 pounds, casein 10 pounds, calcium carbonate % pounds. .She was bred January 21, 1922, and still carries her calf. The cow is blind. Animal Industry 45 Cow No 107 aborted July, 1921. Early in November, 1921, she developed cataracts in both eyes. She is now totally blind. Her ration for 1922 is cottonseed meal 100 pounds, butter fat 2 pounds, calcium carbonate % pounds. She was bred April 23, 1922, and appears to be with calf. Cow No. 105 calved normally in check lot during 1921. She was transferred to Lot 1 early in the year. In about two months she be-came weak and sluggish, finally developing a severe fit or spasm. After suffering from this for four or five hours we were able to help her up and move her to a shed, and shade. She appeared to be suffering from some kind of poison. However, rats suffer in much the same way when suffering from vitamine starvation. Thinking this might be the trouble, she was given yeast. One pound1 was given before she regained her appetite. She has received one pound each week since this time. She was bred March 28th and again at a later date. She is probably with calf at present. The four cows in Lot 11 produced calves last year that were weak and died soon after birth. Several years ago Wisconsin found a ration made up entirely from the corn plant satisfactory. Therefore, half this lot was changed to their ration which consists of cracked corn 5 pounds, corn gluten meal 2 pounds, and corn stover 7 pounds. Three of these cows are due to calve during the next few days while the fourth is due in January, 1923. Cow No. 402 aborted in 1921. Her ration was changed to cottonseed meal 90 pounds, casein 10 pounds, and calcium carbonate % pounds. She was bred January IS, 1921, and dropped a living calf weighing 62 pounds on October 30th. This calf was very weak, but by careful feeding we have been able to keep it alive so far. Cow No. 403 aborted during 1921. Was kept on the original ration and bred March 1, 1922. She aborted again July 27, 1922. Her ration was changed to cottonseed meal 96 pounds, U-Cop-To Special Steam Bone Mineral Meal 4 pounds, together with Pleischmann's yeast each week. She will be bred during November, 1922. Cow No. 303 aborted during 1921. Cow No. 304 dropped a weak calf during 1921, which soon died. Both cows were continued on the same ration for another year. They were bred on April 12th and March 23d respectively and are both with calf at present. Lot No. 5 is our check lot and all animals are in good condition and have never been off feed. They produce normal calves each year. Two have already calved. The milk produced by these experimental cows during the winter and spring of 1922 was fed to calves with the object of determining its growth producing quality. Nineteen calves were used. Curves have been plotted showing the effect upon the milk produced by these various rations. Calves fed milk produced by the cows in Lot 1 made only about one-half as much gain in weight during the first six months as did the calves that received milk produced in Lot 5. The calves fed milk from Lot 5 mi.de the be?t gains. Lots 3 ami 2 came in for second placs. Lot 4 came next, while tho milk produced by the cows in Lot 1 made the poorest gains. Data is also available showing the amount of milk produced by each cow in the various lots and its cost per hundred pounds. 46 Forty-fifth Annual Report 1ST. C. Agri. Exp. Station Coastal Plain Station Farm 2. Herd Development. A herd of fifty-three registered Jerseys is now on this farm. This herd may he divided as follows: 23 cows in milk 10 bred heifers 15 open heifers and calves 1 herd bull 3 young serviceable bulls 1 bull calf Herd development work has been given first consideration during the last year, the same as in the past. The daughters of Eminent 19th are all in milk and most of them have been tested officially and have won their Register of Merit Certificate. Some have made good records. Pender Eminent Lass E, No. 369040 completed her second re-test in July with 13,774 pounds of milk and 792.48 pounds of fat, Class A. A. This makes her the Grand Champion Fat Producing Cow of North Carolina over all . breeds and entitles her to the American Jersey Cattle Club's Gold Medal. She is the third and best daughter of Eminent 19th to win a gold medal. Thus, when Lass E. finished her record, Eminent 19th, became the South's first and only Gold Medal Bull. Only twenty-four such bulls have ever been produced in the United States. His daughters hold the Junior two-year-old Class State Record for production, the Senior three-year-old, and the Junior four-year-old in addition to the Grand Champion of all breeds. In considering all his Register of Merit daughters that are out of Register of Merit dams, it is found that he has increased their production 35%. This is a remarkable increase considering the fact that the dams were good producers as is indicated by their official records. His daughters out of ordinary, or average, cows would show a larger increase than this. A few of the granddaughters of Eminent 19th are not in milk. Ten more are safe with calf to a son of Eminent 19th. They are a nice appearing lot of heifers and give promise of maturing into high pro-ducing individuals. They are sired by Rumina's King No. 160969. King is a line bred "Eminent" bull. Search is not being made for a suitable junior herd sire to breed to the daughters of King. Owing to the lack of silage, not much experimental feeding was ac-complished during the past year. This work consisted largely of the continuation of the projects which were already started. The cooperative velvet bean meal work conducted with the South Carolina and Alabama Stations was completed. In this experiment it was quite noticeable that the cows preferred the wheat bran with cottonseed meal rather than the wheat bran and velvet bean meal. In fact, under pasture conditions we found it necessary to add crushed corn to the ration in order to get the animals to consume enough of the grain ration to maintain their milk flow. The cows consuming the velvet bean meal lost flesh more than animals receiving cottonseed meal. The calf feeding work was discontinued during the year; i.e., no more animals were added to either of the two lots. The animals already started on the work were continued on the ration. They should all finish during the coming year. This work was a comparison of the feeding value of peanut meal with cottonseed meal as a protein carrier for maturing dairy heifers. So far the actual results show very little difference in the Animal Industry 47 feeding value of these two feeds. However, cottonseed meal is much more readily obtained, is usually a few dollars cheaper per ton, and gives less trouble while in storage. The peanut meal seems to cake and finally mould when held in the feed room for some time. These are factors worth considerable consideration. Peanut meal should have a place in livestock feeding. It is a good feed and will add variety to the protein content of the ration. During the spring and summer the milk produced daily by this herd was summarized for the purpose of determining the effect of weather conditions upon the daily production of milk. Two years and six months records have been reviewed. The weather report has been obtained from the Wilmington weather bureau covering the same period of time. The milk produced during the early spring months shows a variation of five gallons per day; i. e., the days with 75% or more of sunshine show an increased production of this amount over those days with less than 75% of sunshine. The humidity reports have not yet been assembled, but it is planned to do this at a future date. COMPARISON OF 1921 PRODUCTION WITH 1922 PRODUCTION Month Cows in Herd Milk Fat Milk Fat Cows in Herd 28 28 25 25 26 26 26 25 25 24 24 24 13491.1 13845.1 13722. 1 12223.9 10385.0 14027.2 13193.5 14602.6 12906.3 12104.4 12126.7 9659.2 698.90 774.48 736.10 665.94 518.90 707.65 682.40 749.20 619.72 613.12 598.88 488.07 9934.7 10373.5 11620.7 12216.6 12468.0 16266.5 14003.8 10674.4 9610.3 11053.6 11188.7 9716.7 527.90 589.26 633. 72 648. 15 654.81 844.46 713.52 546.99 496.86 560.52 562.36 500.22 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 22 22 July 22 22 23 Totals 25K 152,287.1 $7,081.35 5972.0 7823.36 139127.5 $6,469.41 6229.5 7278.77 23| Total values Average production per cow.. . ... . 306.5 325.9 Four years ago only two cows in the herd had ever produced as much as 300 pounds of fat in one year and they each produced this amount once only. The average for the past two years has been above 300 pounds. The operating expenses have all been taken care of during the past two years by the cash receipts. The' increase in the value of the herd and manure have been sources of profit to the farm. POULTRY INVESTIGATIONS AND PATHOLOGY Dr. B. F. Kaupp, In Charge A Study of the Diseases of the Fowl: Encephalocele of a Baby Chick.—A case of encephalocele of a baby chick was studied in one case. The eyes were only partially formed with no eyelids. There was a fleshy looking mass protruding from the top of the skull which upon microscopic examination proved to be a portion of the cerebrum. A Horny Growth from, the Foot of a Hen.—From the top of a Barred Plymouth Rock hen there had developed a horny growth one and one-half inches in diameter at the base and more than two inches long. 48 Forty-fifth Annual Report N". C. Agri. Exp Station Edema of the Larynx.—Edema of the pharyngeal mucous membrane was studied in a Pit Game cock. The mass measuring more than two inches long protruded from the mouth. Polypus of the Oviduct.—A case of a tumor measuring two cm. in di-ameter was located in the oviduct of a hen. This prevented the hen from laying. The tumor was attached to the wall by means of a pedicle. Many fowls have been sent to the laboratory for study and diagnosis and two outbreaks of a disease resembling fowl typhoid are now being studied and will be reported on in full in the next annual report. These cases were treated by a vaccine made from the germs isolated from the two respective territories. The vaccine proved quite efficient in the treat-ment. 2. Laboratory Studies. 'Normal Temperature of the Adult Fowl.—In order that we may know, from a clinical standpoint, the normal temperature of the fowl, many series of tests were made. This included taking temperatures of the same fowls in the morning, noon, evening, and at midnight to determine the average day temperature and also when the surplus temperature was eliminated from the body. It was found that the normal temperature of the adult fowl is 107.4° P. and at night the temperature will fan to 105° F. This knowledge has been of value to us in the study of Fowl Typhoid in which the temperature ranges as high as 114.5° P. or 7° of fever. The Study of Temperatures of the Houses with the Draft System, and hy the Diffusion System..—The unit system house was used in these tests one end being ventilated by diffusion and the other by draft. It was found that the difference in temperature depended upon the direction of the wind. There was from one to four degrees difference which makes ventilation by draft slightly in favor of ventilation by diffusion in the summer time. Rate of Groioth of Single Comb White Leghorns.—A growth curve was established at the central plant for the pullets of the S. C. White- Leghorns from hatching to 34 weeks of age or the time when the pullets go into the laying pens. The Relative Value of the Various Vegetable Proteins was published in Poultry Item in a series of ten articles. Animal food is necessary to place pullets into heavy early egg production. Animal food is essential for best growth. When pullets are reared on very limited animal food when put into the laying pens and given a mash with animal food they soon come into full laying. In the Veterinary Journal was published under the heading of "A Contribution to the Study of Tumors of the Domestic Fowls" the result with illustrations of a compound tumor from a Golden Wyandotte cock lympho Carcomas of S. C. White Leghorns, Myxo-Sarcoma of a Barred Plymouth Rock cock, and an interesting case of volvulus or gut tie of a hen. The effects of velvet bean meal upon growing chicks was published in the Journal of the American Association of Instructors and Investigators in Poultry Husbandry. An article on the rate of growth of the S. C. Rhode Island Reds, both males and females, was published in Poultry Science. The Effects of Weather Temperature upon the Temperature of the Hen.-—It was found by taking the temperature of the same fowls the first day of each month that the temperature of a fowl that was, say 107° F. Animal Industry 49 in the winter time, may be 110.5° F. in the summertime on a hot noonday. The temperature of the body of the hen is affected by the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere. The Normal Respirations of the Fowl.—A study was made of the number of normal respirations made by the hen per minute. It was found that an average sized cock of 8 or 9 pounds will breathe normally about twenty times a minute. A hen of the same breed will breathe about thirty-six times a minute. This knowledge is of value in the study of disease. A hen with fowl typhoid with a temperature of 114° P. breathes 120 times a minute. The Effects of Feeding Hours on Egg Production.—Extending the length of feeding hours on pullets is profitable, but it is not profitable to give a constant 14 feeding hours to laying hens. The second year shows a decrease in egg production. After the first of April the extra light should be gradually lessened to normal daylight till the following late fall or winter when the short days and high priced eggs attain. How Long Does a Hen's Toe Nails Grow in 365 Days?—This question was answered by measuring the toe nails of two Barred Plymouth Rock hens at the end of 365 days. They had grown 1.9 cm. The Fate of Grit in the Gizzard.—It was found that a fowl may go 365 days without replenishing its grit. At the end of this time there was enough grit in the gizzard of the remaining two hens to grind the food, as shown by the fact that the hens were in perfect health and in good flesh. the Cost of Hatching Baby Chicks Artificially.—When the eggs cost 30c per dozen for hatching, a chick was produced for 9c and when the eggs cost $1.50 per setting of 15 eggs the chicks cost 29c. The Effects of Latitude on Egg Production.—This work is in its third year. In the second year the results were similar to those of the first. There are more possible hours sunshine at Winnipeg, Canada, but there are more actual hours sunshine at Raleigh, N. C. The hens at Raleigh weighed heavier than those at Winnipeg, and the birds at Raleigh laid' more eggs per hen than those at Winnipeg, Canada. The Digestive Coefficients of Poultry Feeds.—A summary is being made of the seven years' work on the determination of the digestive coefficients of poultry feeds conducted on poultry. This covers 19 feeds and 101 in-dividual tests. To the world's work of 89 individual tests we have added 101, and from thfs have compiled a table of digestible nutrients of 30 poultry feeds based on poultry digestion trials. Assistance to Fairs of the State. During the fall several fairs were given assistance by sending senior students to judge poultry- Mr. W. F. Armstrong, a senior student in Agriculture, specializing in poultry, judged the Forsyth County Fair at Winston-Salem and also the Johnston County Fair at Smithfield, N. C. Mr. G. L. Booker, a senior student in Agriculture, specializing in poultry, judged the poultry at the Person County Fair at Roxboro, and also the Fair at the Franklin County Fair at Louisburg, N. C. Mr. J. F. Johnson, a senior student in Agriculture, specializing in poultry, judged poultry at the Old Hickory Fair at Lexington, N. C, and also at the Knightdale Community Fair in Wake County. 4 50 Forty-fifth Annual Kepoet ~N. C. Agri. Exp. Station ,4. Extension Lectures by Members of Poultry Organization. February 17, 1922, Prof. D. H. Hall gave a talk at Farm Life School at Zebulon, N. C. February 24, 1922, Mr. J. E. Ivey gave a poultry talk at Farm Life School at Cary, N. C. February 22, 1922, Dr. B. F. Kaupp gave a poultry talk at Method High School at Method, N. C. May 2, 1922, talk before Central Carolina Poultry Association meeting at Greensboro, N. C, on European Poultry Observations. By Dr. B. F. Kaupp. June 29, 1922, a dissection of a fowl and a description of the course of the feed through the digestive tract. Demonstration of caponizing. By Dr. B. F. Kaupp. August 6, 1922, A talk before the Farmers' Convention on Culling of Fowls with demonstration. By Dr. B. F. Kaupp. February, 1922, Dr. B. F. Kaupp gave dissection and description of digestion of the fowl before the Virginia State Veterinary Medical Association at Richmond, Va. Dr. B. F. Kaupp gave a talk before the Madison Square Garden edu-cational program at New York in January, 1922, on things learned by his European trip of poultry study and gave talks along this same line before the Poultry Science Club, The Research Society, and The Swine Club. The Mountain Poultry Plant Work 5. Poultry Work at the Mountain Branch Station Farm. The work intended for the Mountain plant was removed from States-ville to Swannanoa in April, 1922. There was some work during the year done at the Iredell Test Farm. Velvet Bean Meal Tests.—14 pounds of velvet bean meal were mixed in each 100 pounds mash mixture. The chicks receiving the velvet bean meal with water weighed an average of 0.84 pounds each at the end of eight weeks, while the chicks receiving this same ration with the addi-tion of milk, weighed an average of 1.15 pounds each and the controls receiving no velvet bean meal but ground oats instead, averaged 1.43 pounds each at the end of eight weeks. The control flock produced a pound gain on .319 pounds feed while those on velvet bean meal and milk produced a pound on 4.9 pounds feed and those on velvet bean meal and water produced a pound on 8.1 pounds. Value of Eggs from a Farm Flock.—The value of the eggs per hen for the year at the Iredell Farm was $3.01 and the number of eggs was 113 per hen. These hens had been culled two years and the start was made from 76 eggs per hen per year. Tne Coastal Plain Poultry Work 6. Poultry Work at the Pender Test Farm. From 100 hens kept at the Coastal Plant $930.30 worth of products were sold, leaving a surplus of 51 fowls at the end of the year in addition to the 100 of the old stock. The net profit per hen, after all over-head had been paid, was $1.67. Incubator House Experiments.—The experiments with an incubator house built entirely above ground and on the plan of a sweet potato house proved successful up to the hot weather about the middle of May. Animal Industry 51 Animal Feed Tests.—At this station tests are being run to determine the value of the various animal feeds. It is found that for best results, birds whether growing or laying, must have animal feed such as digester tankage, meat scrap or milk. These three feeds are about equal from a feed standpoint. Rate of Growth.—The rate of growth of S. C. Rhode Island Reds is being carried on. A growth curve representing normal growth is being determined and plotted. From this we can measure the value of the various feeds. Cause of TJnlivable chicks.—The cause of weak chicks is being studied. It was shown that chicks made weak from improper incubation would cause a poor hatch, heavy loss as growing birds as well as range birds and heavy loss as layers. The birds were not strong and transmitted a weakness to their chicks the following year. 7. Miscellaneous. Circular Letters Issued.—1,700 circular letters were issued to boost the Seventh Official State Poultry Show November 30, to December 1 and 2, 1922. There were distributed 2,200 bulletins and reprints. Correspondence.—During the year 2,196 letters were written to persons inquiring in regard to disease, feeds, feeding, supplies, poultry house con-struction, where they could buy eggs and breeding fowls, and many other problems confronting the poultry keeper. State Association Work.—The head of the Department acted as secre-tary of the State Poultry Association during the year and was its official delegate at the Annual Meeting of the American Poultry Association which convened at Knoxville, Tenn. August 8-12, 1922. He also gave a talk before the Central Carolina Poultry Association which is located at Greensboro, N. C. Culling Demonstrations.—A culling demonstration was given before the Farmers' Convention at State College the first week in August, 1922. Articles and Papers.—During the year three technical articles have been furnished scientific journals and thirty-six to the Poultry Press. In addition to this there have been issued two popular circulars for distri-bution in the State, one on the operation of the incubator and the other on culling and feeding. BEEF CATTLE AND SHEEP INVESTIGATIONS R. S. Curtis, In Charge 1. The Effect of Cottonseed Meal on Beef and Dairy Females in Reproduction. This project has been reported on in detail under the Office of Dairy Experimentation with Mr. Stanley Combs in charge. This work is being conducted jointly by the Office of Beef Cattle and Sheep and the Office of Dairy Experimentation, and it is, therefore, considered unnecessary to repeat the accomplishments on the project at this time. It may be stated, however, that this is one of the big problems con-fronting the cattle producers of the South, and more especially in the cotton producing areas where the tendency is to feed large quantities of cottonseed meal. Good progress has been made on the project. A report on progress was made at the last meeting of the Southern Agri-cultural Workers held at Atlanta, Ga. 52 Forty-fifth Annual Keport N. C. Agri. Exp. Station Great danger in feeding too much cottonseed meal is shown in the tendency toward abortion and abnormal development of the foetus which seems to be lacking in mineral matter in the bones and otherwise a retarded or incomplete development. Wintering and Summer Fattening of Cattle in "Western North Carolina. The following summary gives the results of wintering cattle in Western North Carolina on various rations, the problem being to determine how cattle can be most economically handled and return the largest profits under these conditions. Lot 1 Lot Lot 3 Lot 4 Lot Lot 6 25 831 764 -67 $15.34 25 826 775 -51 $16.01 25- 799 740 -59 $13.49 25 795 741 -54 $15.34 827 748 -79 $15.34 25 851 776 -75 Total cost of feed per head 112 day period $17.12 The following prices were charged for feeds used: Cottonseed meal $ 45.00 Cottonseed hulls 18.00 Corn silage 7.50 Straw 10.00 Mixed hay 30.00 Corn and cob meal .75 Corn stover < . , 15.00 The rations given below were used in the above experiment: Lot 1. Hay 10 lbs., cottonseed meal 1 lb., crushed corn and cob 1 lb. Lot 2. Hay and straw mixed, 5 lbs., corn silage 15 lbs., cottonseed meal lb. Lot 3. Lot 4. lb. Lot 5. lb. Lot 6. Hay and straw mixed 5 lbs., corn silage 15 lbs. Hay 10 lbs., cottonseed meal 1 lb., crushed corn and cob meal Hay 10 lbs., cottonseed meal 1 lb., crushed corn and cob meal Cottonseed meal 2 lbs., cottonseed hulls 12 lbs. At the conclusion of this wintering period these cattle were placed on pasture for 140 days with the following gains made by each lot: Lot 1 Lot Lot 3 . Lot 4 Lot 5 Lot 6 Average daily gain in pounds 2.39 $2.98 2.30 $3.09 2.59 $2.75 2.39 $2.98 2.S2 $2.53 2.50 $2.84 This work shows conclusively that beef cattle cannot only be produced profitably in Western North Carolina, but also that the use of corn silage Animal Industry 53" in a wintering ration and cottonseed meal and hulls in a wintering ration are not detrimental in making gains the following summer on pasture. It has been thought that these two rations produced deleterious effects, but extended work along this line does not so prove. 3\ Effect of Cottonseed Meal Upon the Reproductive Qualities of Ewes. The work which has been done at the Central Experimental Farm and the Piedmont Branch Station along this line shows that when these products are fed in moderation that there is no deleterious effect, either in the condition of the animal or in their reproductive qualities. The work shows that the feeding of cottonseed meal may be practiced safely up to three-fourths of a pound per animal daily and with large sheep as much as one pound per animal daily. The work at the Piedmont Branch Farm was considerably inter-rupted last year owing to the fact that all the pastures were plowed up, with minor exceptions, and it was necessary to alter the work somewhat. The above results, however, are clearly evident. 4. Cleansing Sheep of Stomach Worms. One of the greatest drawbacks to sheep production in this country, and especially in the South, where the rainfall is excessive, is the stomach worm. Up until the past few years this problem has baffled sheep producers and Experiment Station workers. The difficulty has been to get a dosage of treatment of sufficient strength into the stomach of the sheep. It has been found, however, that bluestone or copper sulphate is very effective and treatments under proper conditions will no doubt save large numbers of sheep. The following treatment has been tried out and found to be effective: For lambs, one and one-half ounces copper sulphate, 50 c. c. water. For ewes, three ounces copper sulphate, 100 c. c. water. This treatment should be given after the sheep have been kept off feed and water over night. This is very essential in order that the treat-ment does not become absorbed by the food in the stomach. This concludes the fundamental lines of work which are being performed by the various Experiment Station workers. Respectfully submitted, R. S. Curtis, Animal Industry Division. REPORT OF DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY To the Director:—In presenting this report of the work for the year I shall, as suggested by you, include also a brief discussion of the progress or results on all the projects, outlines of which have been filed wi
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Title | Annual report of the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station |
Other Title | Forty-fifth annual report of the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station |
Date | 1922 |
Publisher | [Raleigh, N.C.?] : Board of Agriculture |
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 | 96 p.; 7.27 MB |
Digital Collection | North Carolina Digital State Documents Collection |
Digital Format | application/pdf |
Audience | All |
Pres File Name-M | pubs_ag_aragriculturalexperiment1922.pdf |
Pres Local File Path-M | Preservation_content\StatePubs\pubs_ag\images_master |
Full Text | North Carolina State Library GIFT OF Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from LYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation http://archive.org/details/annualreportofno1922nort 4» North Carolina State LiDrary O^ Raleigh FORTY- FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION CONDUCTED JOINTLY BY THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND ENGINEERING Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1922 Statistical Report Year Ending December 1, 1922 LETTER OF SUBMITTAL Raleigh, 1ST. C, June 30, 1922. To His Excellency, Cameron Morrison", Governor of North Carolina. Sir:—I have the honor to submit herewith report of the operations of the Agricultural Experiment Station, conducted jointly by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina State College of Agriculture and Engineering, for the year ended June 30, 1922. This work is under the immediate direction of the "Joint Committee for Agricultural Work," provided for in chapter 68 of the Public Laws of 1913, and amended by chapter 223 of the Public Laws of 1917, and the report is made in accordance with the requirements of the act of Congress, approved March 2, 1887, and known as the Hatch Act. Very respectfully, Director. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Letter of Submittal 3 Staff of Workers 5 General Summary of the Work of the Station During the Year .... 7 Financial Report 19 Report of the Division of Agronomy 21 Report of the Division of xVnimal Industry 37 Report of the Division of Entomology 54 Report of the Division of Horticulture 63 Report of the Division of Plant Pathology and Bacteriology 73 Report of the Division of Markets and Rural Organization 77 Report on Drainage '. 87 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE *W. A. Graham, Chairman. F. P. Latham Belhaven *A. T. McCallum Hot Springs J. J. Harris Macon *C. C. Wright Hunting Creek *R. L. Woodard Pamlico W. B. McClelland Stony Point "Clarence Poe Raleigh H. Q. Alexander Matthews R. W. Scott Haw River A. Cannon Horse Shoe BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE COLLEGE 'Governor Cameron Morrison, Chairman. M. B. Stickley Concord *T. T. Thorne.. .Rocky Mount T. T. Ballenger Tryon *C. W. Gold. Greensboro W. H. Williamson Raleigh T. E. Vann Como *0. L. Clark Clarkton P. S. Boyd Mooresville W. R. Bonsal Hamlet W. S. Lee Charlotte D. R. Noland Crabtree C. F. Tomlinson High Point Claude B. Williams Elizabeth City *J. F. Diggs Rockingham Clarence Poe Raleigh E. R. Johnson ..Currituck W. C, Riddick (President College) Raleigh STAFF OF THE NORTH CAROLINA EXPERIMENT STATION AND EXTENSION SERVICE B. W. Kilgore Director, Experiment Station and Extension Service C. B. Williams Vice-Director, Experiment Station F. E. Miller Assistant Director, Branch Stations J. M. Gray Assistant Director Extension F. H. Jeter. Agricultural Editor A. F. Bowen Bursar Miss Mary H. McKimmon Bursar Miss Mary S. Birdsong Secretary to the Director H. C. Evans.. Auditor and Executive Assistant AGRONOMY C. B. Williams.Chief Division of Agronomy G. M. Garren Assistant in Plant Breeding W. F. Pate Soil Agronomist S. W. Hill .Assistant in Plant Breeding E. C. Blair Extension Agronomist L. G. Willis Soil Chemist R. Y. WiNTERS.Agronomist in Plant Breeding fW. E. Hearn Soil Survey S. K. Jackson Assistant in Plant Breeding fS. O. Perkins Soil Survey CHEMISTRY W. G. Haywood ..Fertilizer Chemist L. M. Nixon. Assistant Chemist E. S. Dewar Assistant Chemist B. C. Williams Assistant Chemist F. W. Sherwood Assistant Chemist Z. B. Bradford Assistant Chemist B. Naiman Assistant Chemist C. L. Williams Assistant Chemist ENTOMOLOGY Franklin Sherman Chief, Division of C. S. Brimley Assistant Entomologist Entomology T. B. Mitchell Assistant Entomologist Z. P. Metcalf Entomologist W. B. Mabee .Extension Entomologist R. W. Leiby Assistant Entomologist C. L. Sams .Specialist in Beekeeping HORTICULTURE C. D. Matthews ...Chief, Division of Horticulture J. P. Pillsbury Horticulturist L. H. Nelson Assistant Horticulturist E. D. Bowditch Assistant Horticulturist F. E. McCall Garden Specialist R. F. Payne. Extension Horticulturist C. L. Williams Research Assistant Horticulturist "Members of Joint Committee for Agricultural Work. Officers and Staff animal industry R. S. Curtis Acting Chief, Animal Indu&try Division Earl Hostetler. „ Beef Cattle and Swine F. T. Peden „ Beef Cattle and Swine fGEORGE Evans Sheep Extension W. W. Shay... ,. Swine Extension J. W. Watts ... Assistant in Swine Extension B. F. Kaxjpp Poultry Pathologist A. G. Oliver ..Poultry Extension E. G. Wardin Assistant in Poultry Extension Stanley Combs Dairy Experimentalist J. A. Arey Dairy Farming fF. R. Farnham Assistant Dairy Farming A. C. Kimrey Assistant Dairy Farming tH. S. Wilson ...Assistant Dairy Farming J. O. Halverson.. Feed Chemist and Specialist in Nutrition PLANT PATHOLOGY F. A. Wolf.... Plant Pathologist S. G. Lehman Assistant Plant Pathologist G. W. Fant Extension Pathologist DRAINAGE F. O. Bartel Drainage Engineer MARKETS AND RURAL ORGANIZATION B. F. Brown Chief, Division of Markets Gorrell Shumaker Marketing Fruits and Vegetables R. O. Moen.. Credit Unions J. M. Workman Warehouse Construction fP. H.Hart Cotton Grading J. I. Johnson Assistant in Cotton Grading fJ. P. Brown Warehouse Inspection and Operation V. W. Lewis. .Livestock Marketing |Frank Parker Agricultural Statistician W. M. Rhodes, Jr . Assistant Agricultural Statistician BRANCH STATIONS R. E. Currin, Jr Assistant Director Edgecombe Branch Station F. T. Meacham Assistant Director Piedmont Branch Station S. C. Clapp Assistant Director Mountain Branch Station Charles Dearing Assistant Director Coastal Plain Branch Station E; G. Moss Assistant Director Tobacco Branch Station J. L. Rea, Jr Assistant Director Blackland Branch Station FARM FORESTRY fH. M. Curran Farm Forestry Specialist FARM ENGINEERING E. R. Raney ...Specialist in Farm Engineering FARM DEMONSTRATION C. R. Hudson State Agent S.J. Kirby Assistant State Agent E. S. Millsaps ! District Agent, Piedmont District C. C. ProffItt .District Agent, Mountain District T. D. McLean District Agent, Central District O. F. McCrary. ...:_ District Agent, Northeastern District E. W. Gaither District Agent, Southeastern District HOME DEMONSTRATION Mrs. Jane S. McKimmon . . State Home Demonstration Agent Miss Maude E. Wallace 1 .Assistant State Home Demonstration Agent Mrs. Estelle T. Smith Eastern District Agent Mrs. Cornelia C. Morris Central District Agent Miss Martha Creighton Piedmont District Agent Miss Pauline Smith.. Tidewater District Agent fin co-operation with United States Department of Agriculture. [0] FORTY-FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION For the Year Ended June 30, 1922 B. W. Kilgore, Director F. E. Miller, Assistant Director Branch Stations F. H. Jeter, Agricultural Editor The true title of this report should be, "Why North Carolina is Fifth in Value of Farm Crops." The Agricultural Experiment Sta-tion and the Agricultural Extension Service of the State College of Agriculture and the State Department of Agriculture are so closely related in North Carolina that it is easy to take the results of in-vestigations directly to the farmer through the extension organization. The farmers, on the other hand, have freely used the service proffered them and through the year, because of their close association, there has been built a more solid and substantial agriculture in the State. This past year has been one of service to the State by all the workers of the two organizations. The year has seen the organization of the two great cooperative marketing -associations, and while the investigational workers did not devote such a large part of their time to this work, they did give such aid as the limited time at their dis-posal permitted, and there is no doubt but that the careful investiga-tions previously made pointed the way to this successful undertaking by North Carolina farmers. The year 1922, therefore, marks an epoch in the farm life of North Carolina. It marks an epoch also in that the farming population of the State began its recovery from the after-effects of the Great "War and in spite of local hardships at various points, in spite of some few cases of marking time, on the whole the State is going forward in a pro-gressive, wholesome way that is to be commended and admired. The Experiment Station undertakes to solve the fundamental facts about good farming. It wants to prove by actual tests the right way or the wrong way to handle a farm problem, and after the solution has been determined by long continued studies under all conditions, it is passed on to the extension group to be transmitted in turn to the men and women actually engaged in farming. It can be seen from the following pages that the Experiment Station has tried to concern [71 8 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station itself with the big, outstanding- problems of farming in the State. Some of the projects have been completed and the results have been issued in printed form or otherwise given into the hands of the farm folks. There are many problems that must be studied for years and ia number of investigations are continued year after year with reports being printed from time to time and with the project remaining as a subject of study in order that the farmer may be correctly informed each year. Other problems there are which are of interest purely to those of a scientific mind and which furnish material for other investigators to make of practical benefit to the farmer. In this latter class, the Station also takes high rank, as some of its investigators have contributed scientific papers to the best scien-tific journals and publications of the day, and lectures before the leading scientific organizations. The agricultural press and the general press have carried many articles giving reports on the work of the Station and in this way the Station is also trying to render service. CHANGES IN STAFF Changes in staff since the last report include the following: Resig-nations : W. W. Magill, Assistant Horticulturist ; Fred R. Yoder, Specialist in Rural Credits; J. M. Dyer, Assistant Horticulturist; Miss Mamie Sue Jones, Tidewater District Agent in Home Demon-stration Work; J. E. Ivey, Assistant in Poultry Investigations; A. S. Cline, Assistant Director, Blackland Branch Station; H. H. B. Mask, Assistant State Agent in Farm Demonstration work; and R. W. Green, Editor. Appointments: E. D. Bowditch, Assistant Horticulturist; F. E. McCall, Garden Specialist; R. F. Payne, Extension Horticulturist; E. G. "Wardin, Assistant in Poultry Extension; G. W. Fant, Exten-sion Pathologist; J. L. Rea, Jr., Assistant Director Blackland Branch Station; H. M. Curran, Farm Forestry Specialist; S. J. Kirby, As-sistant State Agent in Farm Demonstration work; Miss Pauline Smith, Tidewater District Agent in Home Demonstration work; F. H Jeter, Editor ; L. G. Willis, Soil Chemist, and R. O. Moen, Specialist in Credit Unions. PUBLICATIONS Publications issued during the past year are as follows: Bulletins : Number 243 — Winter and Summer Fattening of Steers in North Carolina. By R. S. Curtis, F. T. Peden and P. W. Parley. Number 244 Methods and Cost of Raising Pigs to the Weaning Age. By Dan T. Gray and Earl Hostetler. Number 245 Rural Organization. By Carl C. Zimmerman and Carl C. Taylor. Director's Summary 9 Technical Bulletins: Number 20 Studies on the Physiology of Some Plant Pathogenic Bacteria. By Frederick A. Wolf, L. V. Shunk, and A. C Foster. Number 21 — The Gloomy Scale. By Z. P. Metcalf. Annual Report: Forty-fourth Annual Report for the Year Ending June 30, 1921. By Director B. W. Kllgore. These publications are sent to the mailing list of the Station, which now numbers about 7,562 names divided into small lists under subject matter heads. Approximately 11,000 copies of the publica-tions issued have been mailed to this list. In addition to the above publications, a number of bulletins have been issued by Experiment Station workers and published by the State Department of Agriculture. These bulletins are reported in the Annual Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture. AGRONOMY As in previous reports, the Agronomy Division maintains that the soil survey is the basis of the intelligent planning and carrying on of work in soil fertility, crop adaptation, crop rotation, and the fertilization of crops. Despite the fact that there was a temporary reduction in the field force, the division has surveyed about 900,000 acres during the past year. Cumberland and Haywood counties have been finished, about one-half of Sampson has been worked, and the Currituck-Camden area is now being surveyed. The division conducts fertility investigations on all of the branch station farms, as well as the central station farm located at the college near Raleigh. General deductions made from these fertility investigations show that on the mountain soils phosphoric acid, nitro-gen, and lime are the main controlling plant food factors in crop growth. Organic matter added to the soils will also increase the average yields. Acid phosphate has proven to be the most efficient carrier of phosphoric acid with general field crops, legumes and grasses, though basic slag is also showing up as an efficient source of this element. Soybeans for annual growth and red clover of the longer growing varieties fit in well with the crop rotation adapted to this section. On the Piedmont soils phosphoric acid and nitrogen must first be supplied for profitable crop growth. Potash is not so essential. It has been shown also that there is a greater need for longer crop rotations in which legumes are included and that organic matter is very necessary on the heavy soils. Lime is beneficial where legumes 10 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station are grown; acid phosphate is the most economical carrier of phos-phoric acid; nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia are the best carriers of nitrogen of the inorganic compounds, and cottonseed meal is one of the best carriers of nitrogen of the organic compounds. Orchard grass, red top, and red clover should be included in the pasture mixtures. On the Coastal Plain soils results show that nitrogen and potash are first needed for the most profitable crop production. Lime and organic matter are also beneficial on these soils and increase the efficiency of fertilizers. Acid phosphate is the best carrier of phos-phoric acid; nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia are the most efficient carriers of nitrogen. Results show also that larger amounts of fertilizers than are generally used can be used with profit under cotton on these soils. For the muck and peat soils of eastern North Carolina, lime is the first essential for a profitable crop. This is true, however, only after proper drainage has been secured. Experiments show that about two tons of ground limestone per acre broadcast over three years is the Correct amount to apply. Burnt lime is about as good as limestone and both give better results than marl. Planting and cultivating on the ridge give better crop yields than disking shallow and planting flat. On account of the general destruction of crop diseases in this territory, there is a great need for better crop rotations. In soil chemistry, L. G. "Willis was appointed during the year to succeed Dr. J. K. Plummer and is now beginning a study of two problems. His first problem will be to study the effect of different soil treatments on the availability of potash in the common soil forming minerals. The results are expected to show whether or not the petrographic analysis of a soil can be relied upon to indicate the needs of the soil for potash. Another problem will be to determine the cause of unsatisfactory crop yields on the muck soils. In experiments with tobacco, dolomitic limestone applied at the rate of one ton per acre across one end of each of the 36 fertilizer plots show that there is less leaf-spot trouble on the limed end than on the unlimed section. The limestone does not depreciate the value of tobacco. The division, therefore, recommends the use of dolomitic limestone where the content of magnesium carbonate runs as high as 25 per cent. On the 20 plots where special potash work is being conducted, results show that from 36 to 40 pounds of actual potash is about the right quantity to use on the type of soil mapped as the Durham sandy loam. Muriate of potash gives increased yields over sulphate, though the burning quality of the tobacco so produced is not so good as where the sulphate is used. On the 18 plots where the different carriers of magnesium and potash are studied, results show Director's Summary 11 that dolomitic limestone will control the disease known as "sand-drown/V and that both the yield and quality is improved. Where calcite was applied, both sand-drown and leaf-spot were serious except where double manure salts and kainit were used as the source of potash. On those plots where no limestone was applied, both sand-drown and leaf-spot were serious except where double manure salts and kainit were applied, and the yield of tobacco was from 35 to 40 per cent less than on the other series. Breeding work and selections in im-proving existing varieties of tobacco are still being carried on, and satisfactory results are beginning to appear. Rotations are also being worked out which are proving to give better yields and to improve the quality of tobacco grown in this rotation. Experiments in which tobacco follows cowpeas or soybeans to provide nitrogen show that a crop of tobacco of average quality can be produced without the application of nitrogen in a commercial form. However, this is not recommended indiscriminately because of the fact that some growers will produce tobacco of poor quality. It has also been definitely proven that a permanent seedbed can be established at a convenient location to the farm home, provided the seedbed is thoroughly steril-ized from year to year with live steam. A seedbed of this kind when once established will grow healthy, strong plants. In crop improvement work the study of association and inheritance of economic qualities in cotton has been continued and much data has been secured for publication. The division is carrying on a "place effect" study of cotton in cooperation with the Mississippi Experi-ment Station. At the Central Station Farm the division has made a number of studies with new crops, with different seed selections and a number of cultural tests. Some interesting facts have been developed about many of these new crops and indications are that some of them will be adapted to North Carolina conditions. Of the new strains of cotton grown for the first time, the variety known as Delfos from the Missis-sippi station gave the best results last year. Seed improvement work in-cludes plant-to-the-row, and increase plots of cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, rye, and sorghum. All of the cotton breeding work is being done on the strain of Mexican big boll variety. This strain is rapidly gaining favor in North Carolina on account of its large yield and extra length of staple. In plant-to-row tests a number of the rows furnished staple 1% inches long and have been unusually productive. Breeding work with corn is being continued with strains of Cocke's Prolific. Unusual success has attended the work of the division in the improvement of soybeans. Three pedigree strains of Virginia, three of Haberlandt and eight of Mammoth Yellow soybeans have been increased and compared with the original varieties from which they came. The best strain of these varieties have been distributed 12 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station to branch station farms and to private growers over the State, where they are meeting with unusual success. In cotton spacing tests it is shown that the unthinned plots con-tinue to give the highest yields and in the other plots thicker spacing has also yielded best. At each of the branch station farms an effort is •being made to improve those crops best adapted to that particular section, and so far excellent results are being secured. This is done in the case of the Edgecombe Branch Station, where about 200 bushels of highly improved cotton seed were sold in 1921 and 1,200 bushels are offered for sale from the 1922 crop. ANIMAL INDUSTRY In this division the work of animal nutrition is receiving close attention. Hogs are being fed various kinds of feeds to determine the effect of oily feeds on the bodies in producing soft pork. The division has also studied the nutritive value of the peanut and its . results and effects. It has been known for some time that better livestock is produced in the limeststone regions, and for that reason the effect of calcium in commercial feeds is also receiving attention. The division has found that there is no fishy flavor detected in the resulting pork from feeding fish meal. Feeding hogs with various amounts of oily feeds such as peanuts indicate that this oil is the chief factor in making soft pork. A number of other tests are being made to determine the effects of different feeds on the carcasses of pigs, using 12 pigs on peanuts, 12 on soybeans, and making ship-ments of three pigs to the Bureau of Animal Industry at intervals of four weeks each, beginning with the close of the grazing period. During the past year approximately $100 was won by the hogs bred and owned by the Experiment Station. At the Edgecombe Branch Station it was found that it costs $4.07 to raise a pig to the weaning age. It was found also that hogs grazing on about 7 /10 of an acre of peanuts will make an average daily gain of about % pound, at the cost of $11.40 per hundred pounds of gain. These hogs may be finished at a cost of $7.70 per hundred pounds of gain, using shell corn, tankage, and peanuts. At the Blackland Branch Station it was found that corn can be marketed through hogs for $1.10 per bushel instead of 65 cents, the prevailing price of corn when the experiment was begun. At the Piedmont Branch Station it cost $3.97 to raise a pig to the weaning age. On this farm also it was shown that pigs made over a half-pound average daily gain on soybean pastures. With dairy cattle, the division is seeking to determine the effect of cottonseed meal on cows and heifers in reproduction. Some inter-esting results have been secured from the heavy feeding of cotton- Director's Summary 13 seed meal, and the results show that this is not advisable. At the Coastal Plain Station the division is seeking to develop a herd of registered Jerseys. At the present time there are 53 registered Jerseys on this farm, consisting of 23 cows in milk, which are producing an average of above 300 pounds of butterfat during a year. Four years ago only two cows of the herd had ever produced as much as 300 pounds of fat in one year, and this was done only once. The operating expenses of the dairy are being taken care of by the cash receipts. The increase in value of the herd and the manure have been sources of profit. Excellent results have been secured during the year in the study of poultry. A number of scientific articles have been prepared by the division and a great mass of correspondence has been carried on in answer to letters of inquiry. It has been found that the normal tem-perature of the adult is about 107.4 degrees F. and that at night the temperature will fall to 105 degrees. This knowledge has been of value in the study of fowl typhoid, in which the temperature rises as high as 114.5 degrees F., or 7 degrees of fever. A curve showing the rate of growth of single-comb White Leghorns has been established from their period of hatching to 34 weeks of age. The average size fowl weighing 8 or 9 pounds will breathe normally about 20 times a minute. A hen of this same breed will breathe about 35 times a minute. It is not profitable to give a constant fourteen-hour feeding period to laying hens by the use of lights, as the second year shows a decrease in egg production. After the first of April the extra light should be lessened. A fowl may go 365 days without replenishing its grit, as shown by the fact that two hens were in perfect health and good flesh at the end of this period during which no grit had been given. Extra facilities have been added to the division for carrying on investigational work at the Mountain Branch Station and at the Coastal Plain Station. In feeding cottonseed meal to beef animals in reproduction, results show, as in the case of the dairy animals, that excess amounts of this feed cause abortion, weak calves, and soft bones. The milk pro-duced from the cows receiving such ration fails to produce normal growth with calves. When the meal has been fed to ewes in moderation, there is no bad effect. Experiments show also that stomach worms can be eliminated from sheep by the use of copper sulphate. Good results have attended the feeding tests of cattle in western North Caro-lina, and the work shows conclusively that beef cattle can be produced profitably in that section. 14 Forty-fifth Annual Report W. C. Agri. Exp. Station ENTOMOLOGY Potato spraying and flea-beetle control work at the Mountain Branch Experiment Station shows that a gain of 57 bushels of potatoes per acre over unsprayed plot was secured on the plot treated with home-made poison Bordeaux mixture. In boll weevil work, studies made show that the migration of 1922 completes the invasion of the entire cotton growing territory of Worth Carolina with the exception of Currituck County. Two species of boll weevil parasite have been reared, one of which is known to have killed 13 per cent of the weevils in one field. Experiments in dusting with calcium arsenate show a return of $25 worth of cotton per acre resulting from dusting treatment costing $5.00 per acre. Field tests conducted in the sandhill section of Worth Carolina show that 38 per cent of the fruit on peach trees were wormy when not sprayed, while an adjacent plot that had been carefully treated showed only 6 per cent of the harvested fruit to be wormy. The Division of Entomology is carrying along definite projects in the study of pecan insects, the larger corn stalk borer, spraying of potatoes, the use of laundry soap in water for aphids, insect survey of Worth Carolina, black corn weevil, dusting cabbage and collards, green clover worm, control of mosquitoes, cut-worms, household insects, peach borer, canker worm, parasites of the Hessian Ely, and the bean-leaf beetle. This bean-leaf beetle is an insect pest of the first magni-tude that was first established around Birmingham, Alabama, in 1919. It has since spread rapidly and in 1921 invaded the Worth Carolina counties in the southwestern part of the State. Indications are that it will be another serious pest affecting Worth Carolina agriculture. The work in using laundry soap in water to control aphids has been completed, and it was found that one pound of laundry soap to four gallons of water will give good results. During the year, Wovember, 1921, to Wovember, 1922, 235 species have been added to the list of insects being secured by the division, and the total has now been brought up to 6,344. Experiments in the dusting of cabbage and collards to control worms show that the pest may be controlled by dusting every ten days with a mixture at the rate of one pound of lead arsenate to six pounds of air-slaked lime, dusting while the plants are moist. Experiments to control peach borer by the use of paradi-chlorobenzine indicate that five-year-old trees will withstand an ap-plication of three-fourths of an ounce of this material without in-jury and that a high per cent, of the borers will be killed by the gas given off. Some results have been secured in determining a safe date for planting corn to escape the attack of corn root worm. Other experiments have been made to determine whether a soil repellent can be secured to use against this pest. Directors Summary 15 HORTICULTURE Due to the fact that there have been a number of changes in the workers of this division, considerable effort has been given to a more thorough organization of the work during the past year. The division has attempted to develop a program of horticultural work that will contain live projects definitely adapted to the basic and special problems of North Carolina. Experimental work is being conducted with apples, peaches, pecans, sweet potatoes and Irish potatoes. A number of projects were discontinued temporarily for lack of funds. The training and pruning experiments with apples at the Mountain Station has been one of the outstanding pieces of work done by the division last year. The results indicate that the growers have been pruning the apple trees too severely, causing a reduction in the pro-duction of fruit. Studies of pecan varieties have proved the value of the Schley, Stuart, Alley, and Success varieties for Eastern North Carolina. Additional proof has also been secured of the value of the Coastal Plain region for successful pecan production. It was found that it is necessary to cultivate pecans during dry weather. Work with Irish potatoes has proven the value of the rural New Yorker group for production and storage in "Western North Carolina. An important phase of work in developing seed potatoes in Western North Carolina for planting in Eastern North Carolina is being con-tinued vigorously and indicates that a large seed potato industry can be developed in the western part of the State to prove of mutual advantage to both sections. The division is making a study of the natural fruits of North Carolina, and paintings and photographs are being made of the important varieties. In peach breeding work, about sixty varieties of peaches were planted at the Coastal Plain Station and an effort is being made to im-prove commercial varieties grown, suited to North Carolina conditions. Twenty varieties of peaches were planted at the Mountain Station to determine the relative hardiness of these peach varieties in that section. About 32 varieties of pecans are being studied to determine the best varieties to use in this State. A study is also being made of the individual trees so as to improve the standard yields by bud selection. In vegetable culture about 29 varieties of sweet potatoes are being studied to determine the most desirable varieties for Eastern North Carolina, keeping in mind the production, marketing value, keeping qualities, and food qualities of the varieties under consideration. Con-siderable work is also being .done in studying storage methods. Variety tests of Irish potatoes, using 20 different varieties, are being con-ducted in Western North Carolina. The observation garden at the Coastal Plain Branch Station continues to give valuable data as to 16 Forty-fifth Annual Keport N. C. Agri. Exp. Station the different varieties and best planting dates for vegetables in Eastern North Carolina. Genetic studies with bramble fruits, especially raspberries, show that good wild stock can be secured so as to carry on the work of crossing varieties at the station farm. Twenty-six combinations in crossing rotundifolia grapes with other species were made in 1921, and 49 combinations during the past year. This year 30 seedlings, representing eight special species combinations, have been grown to size for transplanting. The research work being attempted on the Central Station farm is being carried along satisfactorily with good progress being made in nearly all projects. PLANT PATHOLOGY In plant pathology it has been found that the organism causing tobacco wilt will also attack a number of other crop plants, like Irish potatoes, tomatoes, and egg-plants, as well as a number of com-mon weeds. The rust resistant varieties of wheat tested in cooperation with the Division of Agronomy are not suited to North Carolina. The bacterial leaf blight of the soybean has been found to be distinct from other bacterial diseases of clover which have been studied in the labora-tory and greenhouses. A number of scientific articles have been prepared by this division for the various scientific journals during the past year, and of much local interest was the one about Indian Tuckahoes, which are under-ground structures known since the early settlement of America, but remaining a botanical mystery until this investigation was made. This paper was published in the Journal of Elisha Mitchell Society and created considerable interest throughout the State. MARKETS AND RURAL ORGANIZATION The year 1922 was a great year for encouragement of cooperative marketing in North Carolina. It saw the formation of the cotton and tobacco marketing associations and the continued growth of coopera-tive marketing in a smaller way among the individual farmers of the State. Having in charge the State Warehouse System, the Division of Markets reports that this system has grown from 3'2 warehouses last year with an aggregate capacity of 49,050 bales of cotton, to 78 warehouses having a total capacity of 212,620 bales of cotton. All cotton in these warehouses is insured by the State Warehouse Superin-tendent and is carried in such a manner as to effect a large saving to the growers. There has been little demand for the classing of cotton during 1922 because of the organization of the cooperative cotton marketing association. The division has operated only two grading offices out- Director's Summary 17 side of Raleigh, in which about 12,000 hales of cotton have been classed. The division is now cooperating with the cotton association in carry-ing on classing work, and at present there are eight classers and five helpers engaged in this work. The division also assisted in the con-struction of two warehouses with an aggregate capacity of 10,000 bales. A survey was made of 300 towns as marketing and storage centers for cotton. Plans have been drawn and warehouses con-structed at four other points in the State, and when finished these warehouses will have a total capacity of 26,000 bales. A number of places have been visited during the year in the interest of improving the warehouse facilities for cotton. With livestock there has been great activity in the cooperative marketing of hogs for farmers. During the year about 13 counties produced and sold cooperatively about 33 cars of hogs, fed under the direction of the Office of Swine Extension and sold through the division. A great deal of this work has been done in the cotton grow-ing section and has been largely a 'boll weevil measure. The division has found that there are certain times during the year when hogs bring a higher price, and is encouraging farmers to take advantage of this market condition. "With lambs, the market has been much better during the past year and farmers have been encouraged to sell their lambs on local markets when they received from 15c to 20c per pound gross weight, and to make cooperative shipments later when the price is less. The wool pool conducted by the division last year was thoroughly success-ful; over 300 growers consigned nearly 45,000 pounds of wool for which they received an average price of 30c per pound. Some work has also been done in the cooperative sale of cattle, and one sale at Spruce Pine where 300 head of cattle were sold gave very satisfactory returns to the farmers taking part. An effort is being made by the division to create a good market for cheese in North Carolina and adjoining states. The cooperative factories in the western part of the State are now producing around 400,000 pounds of cheese per year. One other important project during the past year was the carrying on of the farm fencing campaign to encourage the building of pastures for growth of livestock. With fruits and vegetables the greatest activity during the year has been with sweet potato growers. Several local associations have been welded into a State Federation, which had for sale 70,000 bushels of potatoes last year. All the legal forms used by this federation were prepared by the division. With the assistance of the farm and home agents, a number of curb and city market stalls have been organized and established for 2 North Carolina State Library Raleigh 18 Forty-fifth Annual Report "N. C. Agri. Exp Station the cooperative selling of farm produce. The division -has con-tinued its work in the standardization of grades, in getting out news about market prices, and in furnishing agricultural statistics to the people of the State. The crop reporting service has done excellent work during the past year in furnishing economic data and interpretations about farming, and this work is now showing the most complete re-sults of any period of its existence. In making the farm census, the division has had reports from 85,000 farm tracts. Each report covers 34 basic items of information. During the year Mr. R. O. Moen has been secured as specialist in credit unions and an effort is now being made to put these organi-zations on a sound financial footing. FARM DRAINAGE The Earm Drainage Division has continued its services in assisting in the improvement of land now under cultivation by the use of proper drainage and terracing methods. It has also helped in the establishment of drainage districts in order to make other land fit for cultivation. The division has assisted in teaching club boys over the State how* to locate terraces, holding several schools for this purpose. During the past twelve months 44 farms in 22 counties were visited for the purpose of studying tile drainage. The area of the tracts covered by this survey and for which plans and reports were prepared covers a total of 1,016 acres on 16 farms. Over 88,000 feet of tile, reaching about 17 miles, have been put in on 13 farms in nine counties. About 22,000 feet of open ditch was staked out for construction during the year. In terracing, 61 farms in 17 counties were assisted in preventing loss of soil by hillside erosion and about 28 miles of terraces were laid out. The division reports that the past year has been outstanding on account of the great interest taken and the work accomplished in tile drainage. In fact, it is the best record yet made by the division in this line of work. DIVISION REPORTS More complete information as to the work of the Station will be found in the reports by divisions, which follow the financial report. FINANCIAL REPORT The North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, In Account With the United States Appropriation, 1921-1922. Dr. Hatch Fund Adams Fund To receipts from the Treasurer of the United States, as per appropriations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1922, under Acts of Congress approved March 2, 1887 (Hatch Fund), and March 16, 1906 (Adams Fund) .$15,000.00 $15,000.00 Cr. Salaries $ 9,096.33 $15,000.00 Labor 4,012.65 Postage and stationery 240.72 Freight and express 223.48 Seeds, plants and sundry supplies 289.99 Fertilizers 392.30 Feeding stuffs 736.07 Buildings and land 8.46 Total $15,000.00 $15,000.00 The North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, In Account With Farm and Miscellaneous Receipts. Dr. To balance on hand $ 920.49 Receipts from other sources than the United States for the year ending June 30, 1922 7,417.87 Total $8,338.36 SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT Cr. Labor $ 25.00 Publications 91.22 Postage and stationery 12.58 Freight and express 16.63 Heat, light, water and power 467.62 Chemicals and laboratory supplies 120.90 Seeds, plants, and sundry supplies 31,25 Feeding stuffs • 24.54 Library 123.09 Tools, machinery, and appliances 231.45 Furniture and fixtures 44.25 Scientific apparatus and specimens 296.26 Traveling expenses 303.00 Contingent expenses 5,916.67 Buildings and land 633.90 Total $8,339.36 [19 1 20 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station We, the undersigned, duly appointed auditors of the corporation, do hereby certify that Ave have examined the hooks and accounts of the North Carolina Experiment Station for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1922; that we have found the same well kept and classi-fied as above, and that the receipts for the year from the Treasury of the United States are shown to have been $30,000, and the corresponding disbursements $30,000, for all of which proper vouchers are on file, and have been by us examined and found correct, thus leav-ing nothing. And we further certify that the expenditures have been solely for the purposes set forth in the Acts of Congress, approved March 2, 1887, and March 16, 1906. (Signed) T. T. Ballenger, J. F. Diggs, Auditors. (Seal) Attest : A. F. Bowen, Custodian. REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF AGRONOMY To the Director:—During the .year the work of the Division of Agron-omy has gone forward mainly along the same lines mentioned in our last report. In the latter part of the year we secured the service? of L. G. Williams to fill the position of Soil Chemist left vacant by Dr; Plummer. We expect this addition to our force to be of im-mense help in our soil investigational work and fertility studies. The work in the main has been conducted along the general lines indicated below : SOIL SURVEY During the year, the soil survey work has been carried on actively by the Division in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Soils. Since the last report, Cumberland and Haywood counties have been finished, about one-half of Sampson has been worked, and work in the Currituck-Camden area has been started. The areas finished during the year embrace approximately 900,000 acres. As stated in previous reports, anyone at all familiar with agricul-tural work must realize that a soil survey properly conducted is of the most fundamental importance to the intelligent planning and con-ducting of work in soil fertility, crop adaptation, crop rotation and the fertilization of crops. During the past few years there has been a steadily growing demand for the reports and maps of the survey of the different counties of the State. ISTot only have farmers shown interest in these, but rural school teachers, prospective settlers, lumber-men, highway engineers, secretaries of chambers of commerce, and others. The survey has suffered during the year a temporary reduction in its force. It is hoped that it will soon be possible to increase the force back to at least its original number. SOIL FERTILITY Soil fertility investigations are being made by the Division of Agronomy at the following experimental farms : Central Station Farm at Raleigh Mountain Branch Station Farm at Swannanoa Piedmont Branch Station Farm at Statesville Blackland Branch Station Farm at Wenona Coastal Plain Branch Station Farm at Willard Tobacco Branch Station Farm at Oxford. [21 J 22 Forty-fifth Annual Report 1ST. C. Agri. Exp. Station At Mountain Branch Station Farm Field A.—An experiment is being conducted on Field A to determine the correct amount of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash and lime to apply on the crops grown in a rotation of corn, wheat and red clover. This experiment is being continued and the results so far secured indicate that phosphoric acid, nitrogen and lime are all needed to produce large crops, with phosphoric acid the first plant-food requirement. Lime used on red clover gives large gains, and when the clover is turned into the soil it furnishes a part of the nitrogen needed for larger crop yields. Field D.—The experiment on this 'field is designed to show the relative value of acid phosphate and finely ground rock phosphate as carriers of phosphoric acid for crops grown on the Mountain Valley soils when used alone, with cover crops, and with manure. In this experiment, the rotation of crops consists of corn, oats, wheat and red clover. The results so far show that acid phosphate is a more econom-ical carrier of phosphoric acid than is rock phosphate used on this soil. The fact is borne out when the two carriers are used with nitrogen and potash, with stable manure, and with legumes turned into the soil. Field D (Continuous Corn with Crimson Clover and Phosphates). —In this experiment, corn is grown every year and crimson clover is sown each fall and turned under in the spring. The experiment is designed to show the relative value of acid phosphate and rock phos-phate used under corn when a cover crop is turned under each year. Also, if sufficient nitrogen from the air can be secured by the legumes in the rotation to maintain large crops of corn. The results so far indicate that acid phosphate is the most efficient carrier of phosphoric acid when compared with rock phosphate. This holds true until the amount of rock phosphate used is about four times that of acid phosphate. Under the latter conditions, the rock phosphate treated plats are giving somewhat larger yields of corn. The experiment has been running now eleven years and the residual effect of the phosphates are beginning to show up. Field F.—On this field the experiment is being conducted to study the best fertilizer to use in a rotation consisting of Irish potatoes, corn, wheat and red clover. Different amounts of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash are used in order to determine the best fertilizer formulas. Also muriate of potash, sulphate of potash and kainit were used comparatively as sources of potash. The different sources of potash have not materially differently in-fluenced the yield of Irish potatoes. The normal fertilizer used for potatoes was 800 pounds of an 8-4-6. This amount seems to pay better than when the different plant-food materials were increased in Agronomy 23 amount. The use of lime is showing up to advantage with the red clover. i Field B (Rotation).—This field is planned and used to study the effect of growing crops continuously, in a two-year rotation and a three-year rotation with fertilizer. One end of this field has been limed to study the effect of liming with the different crop rotations. Con-tinuous corn has shown to be nearly as good as when a rotation of corn and wheat is used; but the yield of wheat was nearly twice as good with the two-year rotation. Legumes in the two-year rota-tion have given increased yields of both corn and wheat. With a three-year rotation, when red clover was used, the yield of both corn and wheat was greatly increased. The uses of lime and phosphates have increased materially the yield of all the crops. Field G.—This experiment is being made to compare phosphoric materials with a complete fertilizer, with limestone, and with stable manure. The results so far secured indicate that limestone and manure with fertilizers give better results than when fertilizer is used alone. Acid phosphate has proven better than rock phosphate, except when large quantities of the latter are applied. Basic slag is showing up fine, especially on the unlimed plants. At Piedmont Branch Station Farm Fields A, B, and C.—Fields A, B, and C of this farm are used to de-termine the most profitable formulas and right amount of fertilizers to be used with each crop, with and without lime, with a rotation of crops consisting of cotton, corn, wheat and red clover. In this experi-ment, acid phosphate, rock phosphate and basic slag are compared as carriers of phosphoric acid, used with and without manure. In these regular fertilizer experiments the results are quite conclusive in show-ing that phosphoric acid, nitrogen and lime in some available form are essential for larger and more profitable crop yields. It has been found that up to a certain limit, increasing the amounts of the plant-food materials has given increased yields. From observations made while doing Extension work, it was found that farmers are not using enough of any of these materials for best results. Increasing the amounts of potash has not, however, generally resulted in much gain in yield. Field D (Rotation).—This experiment is designed to work out the same general results for the Cecil clay soil as is indicated as being done for the Toxaway soil of Field D at the Buncombe farm. In a comparison continuous cropping and the same crops in a two-year rotation have given about the same results. When legumes are used in the two-year rotation, better results are secured; and when the rotation is broadened and red clover is used for one year 24 Forty-fifth Annual Keport N. C. Agri. Exp. Station out of three, increased yields are the result. With the addition of limestone, the ^gumes make a much more satisfactory growth. Field F (Different Nitrogenous Materials).—This experiment was started to compare some commonly used nitrogenous materials that are being used by fertilizer companies in making different fertilizer mix-tures. In studying different carriers of nitrogenous materials under cotton and corn, the efficiency of the materials tried, when measured by crop yields, have been as follows : First, nitrate of soda ; second, nitrate of ammonia ; third, sulphate of ammonia ; fourth, cottonseed meal; fifth, calcium cyanamid; and sixth, sewage sludge. These results are in accord with other results secured during a long period of years. Field G.—This experiment is designed to show the relative value for the soils of this farm of acid phosphate and different amounts of rock phosphate ; beginning with 500 pounds of rock phosphate to the acre once in every three years and going up as high as 3,000 pounds per acre once in every three years. The crops used on this field are corn, wheat and red clover. In comparing acid phosphate with rock phosphate in different amounts, acid phosphate has given greater efficiency, except when 8,000 and 4,000 pounds of rock phosphate per acre were used every three years broadcast. From these results, it is believed that if farmers wish to use rock phosphate, it should be applied in large quantities at stated intervals in order to furnish enough available phosphoric acid to the crops the first year. Field K (8oft Phosphate).—This field is used to study the compara-tive value for increasing crop yields of acid phosphate and soft phos-phate rock used on corn, cotton and wheat. Studying the results with acid phosphate and soft rock phosphate with corn, cotton and wheat, they are very positively in favor of acid phosphate. When the amount of soft rock phosphate was doubled the yields were not increased. It has been noted by the superintendent of the Iredell farm the marked improvement of the texture of the soils of the experimental plat to which lime has been added, as is evidenced by the portion washing less and plowing better than where no lime has been added. Logan Field.—This field is used to study the comparative value of burnt lime, hydrated lime, and ground limestone used in amounts varying from one, two, to three tons per acre, applied every four years in a rotation consisting of velvet beans, rye, cotton, cowpeas, oats, vetch, red clover and crimson clover. In this test, acid phosphate is added in sufficient amounts for larger crops and the rotation is designed to furnish enough nitrogen for large crops. The results from this field are inconclusive at the present time, especially as to the right amount and form of lime to use. So far, with the rotations used, enough nitrogen has been gathered by the Agronomy 25 legumes grown in the rotations to supply the non-leguminous crops with nitrogen to make very good yields. It is hoped that this experiment will show the value of long rotations, including the legumes, and in cutting down of fertilizer bills. At Edgecombe Branch Station Farm This year, the only experiment carried on at this farm was a con-tinuation of the Rotation Experiment (Field D), designed similarly to the one being conducted at the Piedmont and Mountain farms. The main fertilizer experiments were discontinued during the year. These have in the past shown the need of the soil for nitrogen and potash for larger crop yields. Still larger gains were made when nitrogen and potash applications were increased two and three times the normal amounts. The use of phosphoric acid has shown good results, especially when moderately good applications of nitrogen and potash have been made. Lime has shown to good advantage and can be recommended for use in any good crop rotation scheme. From the results, it is evident that farmers might use, especially for cotton, larger quantities of fertilizer per acre. They might increase the amount from 400 to 500 pounds to 700 or 800, or more per acre for best paying results, when cotton is selling at a reasonable price. From the results on Field D, the practice of growing either cotton or corn continuously in the same field is to be discouraged. When summer or winter legumes are used in rotation with cotton and corn crops, yields have been increased some and when a three-year rotation is used, even greater yields are secured. It will be possible, it appears, by the use of legumes in a longer rotation, to cut down fertilizer bills to some extent. At Coastal Plain Branch Station Farm Field A.—This field is being used for an experiment to work out the best fertilizer formulas to use for cotton, corn, oats, and vetch in a three-year rotation in which summer or winter legumes are used every year. One-half of this field is limed once every three years, to study the relative effects of lime against no lime on the growing of legumes for building up the productiveness of the soil and on the efficiency of the different fertilizer treatments. The results so far secured indicate the value of the use of more nitrogen and acid phosphate on this soil for both cotton and corn than is commonly used. When nitrogen was added in large quantities, larger crops were secured. The use of lime has given very good results and its use broadcast every three or four years with a rotation, including oats and vetch and soybeans, is recommended. 26 Forty-fifth Annual Report N". C. Agri. Exp. Station Field B.—In this experiment, a study is being made of the relative efficiency of different carriers of phosphate with and without lime. The rotation is the same as is 'being used on Field A. Acid phosphate has shown greater efficiency than either phosphate rock, soft phos-phate or basic slag on this type of soil, as measured by the increase in crop yields from a unit application of phosphoric acid. Field E.—This is an experiment which is designed to determine the plant food deficiencies of the soils occurring in that section of the State. Results show that this type of soil is in need of nitrogen and potash for greater crop yields. When both of these are used, phos-phoric acid aids in making larger yields of crops. The use of lime has been found to give good results with leguminous crops. The attention of visiting farmers has been called to the decidedly good effects of the use of lime, the disastrous effects of using no ferti-lizer and the poor economy of using heavy applications of fertilizers without the use of lime and the growing and turning under of organic matter. At Blackland Branch Station Farm ' Field A.—The experiment at this farm consists of a study of differ-ent fertilizer applications for corn, oats and Irish potatoes. No fertilizer combination used has given any practical increase in crop yields, while the use of lime gave a decided increase. Thus far, corn has been the only crop grown successfully. The field has now been divided across the plats into three one-acre plats which will be used for corn; for oats and soybeans; for Irish potatoes every year. Only one year's results have been secured from the residual effects of fertilizers and lime previously added to the different plats. Lime Field.—In this experiment, burnt lime, marl and ground lime-stone are compared, using one, two, three and four tons per acre of each. Fertilizer is used on plats with the different amounts of ground limestone to determine if fertilizer will pay on this soil. The results thus far secured show that between two and three tons of lime are needed on these peat soils for the best results with corn when the lime is applied once every three years. A complete fertilizer with limestone has not given any crop increase over the use of ground limestone alone used at the rate of one, two, three and four tons per acre broadcast. Marl has not given as good returns as either hydrated lime or ground limestone. Cultural Experiments.—In this experiment, different crops are used with the land disked four inches; plowed eight inches and rolled; and plowed twelve inches and ridged. Results so far secured indicate that ridge culture and disking four inches deep are best for corn and soybeans on this kind of soil. With small grain crops, rolling seems Agronomy 27 to be an advantage. Stable manure has given good results, but causes crab-grass to grow and gives a lot of trouble. Grass Plats.—This experiment consists of fifteen plats with the different mixtures of grasses that were thought to be of value for pasturage and hay in that section of the State. Miscellaneous Experiments To study the effect of cowpeas on the yield of crops, an experiment is being conducted on Alamance Silt Loam in Anson County. The cowpeas are being grown and turned under with and without lime. This experiment was started to check up the prevailing local opinion that the yield of crops was decreased when a crop of cowpeas is turned previously into the land. The plowing under of cowpeas on this type of soil has been found to give beneficial results, which is con-trary to local opinion where these soils occur, but it is in harmony with the idea that organic matter from cowpeas is beneficial in the soil to future crops. In the study of the use of gypsum on peanuts on the farm of B. B. Everett, Palmyra, it was found last year that where this material was applied to peanuts it gave an increase in the crop yield of more than enough to pay for the material and the expense of making the application. In a study made of the plant-food needs of Huston sandy loam soil in Cumberland County, in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Plant Industry, it was found that all plant food ingredients are needed for best results with cotton. The results, too, indicate that best returns come from the use of about 900 pounds per acre of a fertilizer analyzing about 8 to 10 per cent phosphoric acid, 5 per cent ammonia and 4 per cent potash. In cooperation with the Bureau of Plant Industry, some coopera-tive work, too has been carried on on the Georgeville sandy loam type of soil in Randolph County. The results thus far indicate very strongly that phosphoric acid and nitrogen are at present the main limiting plant-food factors for large crop yields. Potash used alone seems to give about the same or less than no fertilizer treatment. This is in accordance with previous results on heavy soils of the Piedmont section of the State. Results from cooperative fertilizer work with the Bureau on cotton in Craven County on the Portsmouth sandy loam type of soil have shown that the use of phosphoric acid and nitrogen gave best results. Potash has shown some gains after phosphoric acid and ammonia are applied. Under cotton boll weevil conditions, it is advised for soils in average condition to increase the phosphates in fertilizer mix- 2S Forty-fifth Annual Keport N. C. Agri. Exp. Station tures for cotton on these soils to at least 12 per cent, and use with it about 5 per cent ammonia and 3 per cent potash. In the fertilizer experiment at Wilkinson on Portsmouth fine sandy loam soil, an application of fertilizer has not shown very much in-crease over the untreated plats. With cotton, basic slag and finely ground rock phosphate have given some increase in yields. Phosphates alone have not given very much increase over the no-treatment plats. ]Yew Soil Experiments New experiments have been started in cotton-variety fertilizer studies on Norfolk sandy loam near Whiteville; and on Portsmouth fine sandy loam near Edenton; also fertilizer experiments to determine the best fertilizer formulas for cotton grown on Norfolk sandy loam at Salemburg; on Marlboro fine sandy loam at Koseboro; and on Norfolk sandy loam at Speed. A study of effect of potash on the yield of corn and cotton grown on Alamance silt loam has been started at Monroe. Some General Deductions from Field Soil Fertility Investigations For Mountain Soils.—It has been found that phosphoric acid, nitro-gen and lime are the main controlling plant-food factors in the growth of more profitable crops on mountain soils. This includes both bottom and uplands. Organic matter incorporated in these soils has been found to increase crop yields materially. Acid phosphate is the most efficient carrier of phosphoric acid with general field crops ; with legumes and grasses, basic slag has been found also to be an efficient source of phosphoric acid. In any scheme of crop rotation adopted, there should be included both annual and perennial legumes. Soybeans for the annual and red clover for the longer growing periods, fit in and do well in this section of the State. For Piedmont Soils.—Phosphoric acid and nitrogen have to be supplied for the most profitable growth of crops on these soils. Potash is not nearly so essential. Longer crop rotations than are usually used, including more legumes, are needed. Organic matter is very essential for most of the heavy soils of this section. Lime is very beneficial especially when legumes are grown. Acid phosphate is the most economical carrier of phosphoric acid ; and nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia are the best and most efficient carriers of nitro-gen. Cottonseed meal is one of the best carriers of nitrogen in the organic class. In any pasture mixture of grasses, orchard, redtop and red clover should be used for best results. Agkonomy 29 For Coastal Plain Soils.—Our results are conclusive in showing the need generally with most soils of this section of nitrogen and potash for larger and more profitable crop production. Lime and organic matter are very beneficial on these soils and greatly increase the effici-ency of fertilizers applied to the crops. Acid phosphate gives better returns than do other carriers of phosphoric acid tried out. Nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia stand out as the most efficient carriers of nitrogen. Cottonseed meal is one of the best organic carriers of nitrogen for Coastal Plain soils. On an average, larger amounts of fertilizers could be used with profit for cotton on these soils than is usually used, provided the right kinds are used and the crop is properly cultivated. For Much and Peat Soils.—Lime is very essential for profitable crop production on these soils, after proper drainage has been established. Two tons of ground limestone broadcast to the acre every three years seems to be about the correct amount to apply. Burnt lime is about as good as limestone, and both have been found to give better results than has the use of mlarl. This may be partially explained by the fact that the marl applied was much coarser than the other liming materials applied. Native grasses are choked out by crab grass when stable manure is applied to these soils. Planting and cultivating on a ridge has given crop increases over what was secured by disking shallow and planting flat. Better crop rotations should be established in this section of the State than is generally being used on account of the destructiveness of crop diseases and insects. Publications A bulletin on "The Results of Fertilizer Experiments with Corn on Mountain Soils" has been submitted for publication. Bulletins on the "Relative Efficiency of Different Nitrogenous Materials Used on North Carolina Soils," "Value of Lime on Peaty Soils," and "Results of Fertilizer Experiments with Wheat Grown on Piedmont Soils" will soon be ready for the printer. Field Work in Soil Surrey There were found 40 different types of soil in Cumberland County; 17 in Cherokee; and 8 in Haywood. Typical samples were taken for chemical analyses of all these types, including the subsoil. Cumber-land has both Piedmont and Coastal Plain soils, which accounts for the large number of soil types found in that county. Over sixty per cent of the soil area of the State has now been sur-veyed, and it seems very desirable that the whole area of the State should be finished in the next few years. 30 Forty-fifth Annual Report "N. C. Agri. Exp. Station SOIL CHEMISTRY After remaining vacant for several years, L. Gr. Willis has been appointed to fill the position of Soil Chemist, succeeding Dr. Plummer. In carrying out the soil fertility investigations, it is necessary for the Soil Chemist to work out many problems in order to reinforce and interpret the field results on crops and fertilizers. Two problems are now being started as follows: A study will be made of the effect of different soil treatments on the availabilty of the potash in the common soil forming minerals. This will comprise pot culture tests with muscovite and biotite micas and feldspar; orthorclase and microcline, the common soil forming potash minerals of the State, using rye and wheat as winter crops and soybeans and cowpeas as summer crops. The influence of the fineness of division of the minerals on the availability of their potassic constituents will be determined as well as the effect of lime, organic matter, and the nature and amounts added of different nitrogenous fertilizers. The results are expected to show whether or not the petrographic analyses of a soil can be relied upon to indicate the probable needs of the soil for potash under different cultural practice^. Experiments have been started, too, to determine the cause of un-satisfactory yields on the muck soils of the Eastern section of the State. This work will be developed as a study of the nature of the acidity of these soils and methods will, if possible, be devised for ihe elimination of toxic compounds present in them. EXPERIMENTS WITH TOBACCO Eor the past few years quite a large amount of experimental work is being conducted at Oxford under the immediate direction of E. G. Moss, and at Reidsville with E. H. Mathewson in charge. This work is being carried on in co-operation with the Office of Tobacco Investi-gations of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Below is given a brief resume of some of the more outstanding results. At Tobacco Branch Station! Farm Main Fertilizer Experiments.—There are 36 fertilizer plats in this experiment on which are being tested out the different sources of nitro-gen, phosphoric acid, and potash. One half of each of these plats dolomitic limestone has been broadcasted at the rate of one ton per acre. Results thus far secured show, dolomitic limestone has increased the yield on all the plats, that there was less leaf spot trouble on the limed end than on the unlimed end of plats, and that the limestone did not depreciate the value of the tobacco, while previous experiments with the use of ground calcite showed the calcite did darken the Agronomy 31 tobacco. For that reason we would not recommend the average ground limestone for tobacco, but do not hesitate to recommend dolomitic limestone where magnesium carbonate runs as high as 25 per cent. Special Potash Field Work.—The Special Potash Experiment con-sists of 20 plats on which is used different amounts of sulphate and muriate of potash, with and without ground limestone. The nitrogen and phosphoric acid under those plats remain constant and the potash varies from 12, 24, 36 to 80 pounds of actual potash per acre derived from sulphate and muriate of potash. Results show that 36 to 40 pounds of actual potash per acre is apparently about the right quantity to use for best results on the type of soil, mapped as the Durham sandy loam. The muriate of potash gives an increased yield over the sulphate of potash, but does not improve the burning quality. Magnesium and Potash Experiments.—This consists of 18 plats on which is used Trona muriate, German muriate, Nebraska sulphate, German sulphate, double manure salts, and kainit. On one series of plats is applied dolomitic limestone at the rate of 1,000 pounds per acre in the drill at the time of applying the fertilizer. On the other series is used ground limestone derived from calcite. On the third series no lime was applied. Results show that on these plats where dolomitic limestone was applied no "sand drown" was present and both yield and quality of tobacco were improved. On plats where cal-cite was applied "sand drown" and leaf spot were serious on all plats, except where double manure salts and . kainit were used. On series where no lime was applied both "sand drown" and leaf spot were serious, except where double manure salts and kainit were applied and the yield of tobacco was 35 to 40 per cent less than on the other two series of plats. Special Fertilizer Tests.—These consist of 12 plats on which were used C. P. fertilizer materials testing out the effects of magnesium sulphate as compared with magnesium chloride; also studying the effects of sodium chloride and sodium sulphate, and potassium nitrate as compared with dicalcium phosphate. The results in these tests have not been ascertained yet as this was the first year e this series of plats were run. Variety Tests.—We were continuing our work with the different varieties of tobacco which has been carried on for the past several years. We have begun to do some breeding work and selections. The breed-ing consists of crossing a variety which cures bright and makes big growth and poor body and texture on to a variety which has body and weight but does not cure out as well as some of the others, with the hope of getting a combination which will make a better tobacco than we have at present. It is felt we are getting some very satisfactory results along this line. 32 Forty-fifth Annual Report 1ST. C. Agri. Exp. Station Rotation Experiments.—We are trying out several rotations of two, three and four years duration. The one that gives, perhaps, the most satisfactory results is the three-year rotation which consists of to-bacco, first year; oats second year, followed by cowpeas or soybeans for hay or to be plowed under as conditions may justify; Abruzzi rye for seed the third year.. After the rye the stubble land is to be plowed deep in the fall of the year, to be planted to tobacco the following season. On farms where tobacco land is limited and a short rotation is desired, this seems to be one of the most satisfactory rotations that could be suggested. Our results thus far have shown that where such a rota-tion is followed the tobacco crop shows improvement both in yield and quality. Tobacco after Cowpeas.—This experiment has been running for ten years, using cowpeas or soybeans to provide nitrogen, with a liberal application of phosphoric acid and potash supplied, but no nitrogen is applied of a commercial form. Where tobacco is planted fairly thick in the drill and is harvested by priming, provided it is not topped too low, a crop of tobacco of average quality is produced. There are four crops grown on this land, tobacco followed by oats, oats followed by cowpeas or soybeans plowed under, and land seeded to rye to be plowed under in the spring. This is a two-year rotation; however, we do not recommend such a rotation to be followed indiscriminately, as many farmers would undoubtedly get in trouble and produce tobacco of poor quality, but it could be used with satisfactory results if followed very intelligently. Permanent Tobacco Seedbed.—A permanent seedbed can be estab-lished at a convenient location on the farm, provided it is thoroughly sterilized from year to year with steam. Such a seedbed when once established will grow healthy plants more consistently than a seedbed located at different places. The only handicap to this plan is the scarcity of portable steam boilers on tobacco farms. At Reidsville The work being^ carried on at Reidsville is planned similarly to that being conducted at Oxford. The results there, as at Oxford, were quite striking in showing the marked influence of the use of magnesia in overcoming entirely or greatly reducing the ravages of "sand-drown." It is regretted to have to report that late in the year the work at this farm sustained a great loss in the losing of Mr. Mathewson from the work, to take up work in the Orient with a big commercial tobacco company. Agronomy 33 CROP IMPROVEMENT Adams Project Project No. 1J+.—The cotton study of association and inheritance of economic qualities has been continued. This work has consisted of preparation of data and notes for publication and further study of certain smooth seeded types that were not included in the plantings during the past three years, on account of the lack of space. Due to old seed and unfavorable spring weather, a very poor stand was 'secured in the plantings of this season. Sufficient seed were saved to continue the strains. The results from this project are being put in shape and it is hoped to publish them with the deductions some time during the coming year. Project No. 15.—The "Place effect" study of cotton conducted in cooperation with the Mississippi Experiment Station has been con-tinued. The unfavorable weather in the spring destroyed so many seedlings that a fair comparison of the two sources of seed was rendered impossible on account of the irregular stand. It is planned to continue this work for another year. At Central Farm.—The field crop work at the Central Station farm has consisted of trials with new crops, seed selections and cul-tural studies. In the trial plats were included the Subterranean clover, seredella, Yicia disperma, Jap.an clover (Tennessee strain No. 76), three new varieties of cotton, four new varieties of soybeans, and two strains of the annual sweet clover. . The Subterranean clover is a Bureau of Plant Industry introduction from Australia and has given very promising results. Judging from its growth, earliness of seeding in spring and resistance to drought, it will be superior to burr clover for soil improvement and grazing. The young seedlings which volunteered on the plats in the summer withstood the dry, hot weather of August and September. This crop is being tried this fall on a larger scale here and in another section of the State. The narrow leaf vetch {Yicia disperma) has continued to show more resistance to the false anthracnose that has been very destructive to ordinary hairy vetch. Seed of the Japan clover, strain No. 76, from the Tennessee Experiment Station, was grown in comparison with ordinary commercial seed. The Tennessee strain has been found to be more upright in growth and much superior in quantity of growth. Of the new strains of cotton grown for the first time on this farm, Pelfos from Mississippi Station has given the best results. 34 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. 0. Agri. Exp. Station The seed improvement work includes plant-to-row and increase plats of cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, rye and sorghum. On this farm all of the cotton breeding work is confined to strain No. 6 of Mexican Big Boll. It has continued to gain favor in the State on account of its large yield and extra length of staple. In the plant-to-row plats, a large portion of the rows furnished 1% inch staple and have been unusually productive. The corn breeding work has been continued with the strains of Cocke's Prolific that has been grown on the farm several years. No other seed improvement work of the Division of Agronomy has yielded better returns than the soybean work. Three pedigreed strains of Virginia, three of Haberlandt, and eight of Mam-moth Yellow soybeans were increased and compared with the varieties from which they came. The best strains of these varieties have been distributed to the Branch Station farms and to private growers of the State where they are being increased. Haberlandt No. 38 and Vir-ginia No. 11, have shown up well in community tests throughout the Piedmont section. The selection of Mammoth Yellow for higher oil content has been continued. Some interesting results have been secured from a chance hybrid between the Haberlandt No. 38 and Virginia soybeans. Some E3 plants were grown this year. In the lot was considerable variety of types ranging between the two parent varieties. One of the most prom-ising selections from the F3 material is the progeny of one plant, all of which are of the Virginia type of growth, having yellow seed in-stead of brown. The main stems are stifTer than the original Virginia, furnishing a more upright plant at the time of harvest. Strain No. 12 of Leap's Prolific wheat has been continued, though the 1922 crop was not offered for sale on account of the mixture of volunteer oats and rye in it. Seed of it have been recleaned by hand for further increase this fall. Through the variety studies on this and other farms it was found that the earlier North Carolina wheats are more productive on the average North Carolina soil. Our average yield for the State of approximately 8 bushels of wheat per acre in-dicates that a large portion of our wheat is grown on land low in fertil-ity. The variety tests made upon soils which produced 15 to 20 bushels per acre have been misleading when the average conditions of our State are considered. The tests on soils producing 8 to 10 bushels per acre have shown conclusively the need for an early maturing variety of wheat. To meet this need, the Division of Agronomy has started work on the selection and increase of an early variety known as Alabama Blue Stem. This variety is an early strain of Purple Straw which has given splendid results in field trials during the past three years. The strain was secured originally from the Alabama Experiment Station. The pedigreed strain of Abruzzi rye was in-creased on a larger scale. Several plant selections were made for Agronomy 35 the plant-to-row comparison and increase. Three hundred bushels of this strain were sold to growers of the State to be grown for seed purposes. On account of the high production of the Honey or Japanese Seeded Eibbon sorghum in the variety tests, work has been started in the selection and increase of seed of this variety. Plant selections have been made and are being examined for juice and sugar content. The Field Culture work has consisted of cotton spacing tests in which distances between hills were as follows : "No thinning/' 8, 12, 18, and 24 inches in 4-foot rows. The unthinned plats have con-tinued to yield highest and in each of the other plats the thicker spacing has yielded more than the thinner spacing. Hay Mixtures.—Small broadcast seedings of different varieties of cowpeas, soybeans, and sorghum, were planted to determine the varieties which matured nearest the same time and were best suited for hay mixtures. Data was secured upon the habit of growth and time of maturing of five varieties of sorghum, seven varieties of cowpeas and six varieties of soybeans. At Mountain Branch Farm.—The work at the Mountain Branch farm has consisted of seed selection with corn and soybeans, and variety tests of wheat, oats, rye and soybeans. The plant-to-row breed-ing of Bigg's corn has been continued with encouraging results. This Branch Station has become a source of good seed in that section of the State and its seed are likely to become more popular on account of the recent standing of this corn in community variety tests of that section of the State. The increase of Haberlandt Wo. 38 soybeans at this farm has been more successful this summer on account of the longer season between frosts. In order to insure its maturity in that section, a large number of plants were selected this fall. At Piedmont Branch Station.—The field crop work of this farm con-sists of cultural studies of wheat and oats, and improvement work with cotton, corn, wheat, oats and A'bruzzi rye. The past season completed a six-year test of rate and date of seeding wheat and oats. The results of this test are being prepared for publication. The pedi-greed strains of cotton, wheat, oats and rye are being increased for sale to growers cf that section. At Tobacco Branch Station.—The Tobacco Branch Station has been used for the increase of any early strain of Purple Straw wheat, Abruzzi rye, and seed corn. At Edgecombe Branch Station.—At the Edgecombe farm, seed im-provement work with Mexican Big Boll cotton and Biggs' corn has been continued. The Mexican cotton has been isolated down to one pedigreed strain, Wo. 18. This strain has less vegetative growth than the original strain and has proven more productive. The staple is l 1 /! q inches and its yield has been equal to that of Cleveland Big Boll, 36 Forty-fifth Annual Report N". C. Agri. Exp Station our highest yielding short staple cotton. The corn work at this farm has been delayed by the introduction of two new varieties last spring. The number of varieties will be reduced to one and new selections will be made this fall. Two hundred bushels of improved cotton seed were sold from this farm last season and 1,200 bushels will be offered this season. At Coastal Plain Branch Station.—The work at this farm has con-sisted of seed improvement of Cleveland Big Boll cotton and the in-crease of two pedigreed strains of soybeans from the Central Station farm. At Blackland Branch Station.—At the Blackland farm work lias been continued on the improvement of Latham's Double corn for that section. Special attention is being given to the selection of seed which will give a firmer corn, shorter shanks, better shucks covering and a higher yield. The seed plats of this season have some very promising strains. In closing this report, I wish to commend most heartily the fidelity to duty of each individual member of the working staff of the Division of Agronomy. Dr. Winters and his co-workers have actively pushed the experimental work in crop improvement; Mr. Pate in soil fer-tility; and Mr. Moss and Mr. Mathewson in the tobacco investigations. Respectfully submitted, C. B. Williams, Chief, Division of Agronomy. REPORT OF THE ANIMAL INDUSTRY DIVISION To the Director:—The following report sets forth the fundamental lines of work which have been conducted 'by the Experiment Station workers during the past fiscal year. It is not necessary to state that it would be impossible to go into the details of this work because of the magnitude and variety of subjects on which work has been done. The work of the Animal Industry Division is not only going along well but the scope and influence of the work is constantly broadening as shown by the extraordinary number of calls for information from our investigators in different lines of work. The following subjects covered are of State-wide importance and many of them are of South-wide importance. The latter is particularly true of the work being done in the Experiment Station and represented by such problems as soft pork, mineral requirements of growing ani-mals, effect of cottonseed meal on the health and reproduction of breeding animals, and the digestive co-efficiency of feeds in fowls. ANIMAL NUTRITION J. 0. Halverson, In Charge Assistants, F. W. Sherwood and B. Naiman 1. Soft Pork Studies. The following feeding projects, in cooperation with Mr. Hostetler, have been successfully completed; analytical work on Soft Pork Experiment 5 is being completed and data worked up on all experiments with which will be incorporated a review of the Soft Pork Investigations. Completed to Date. 1. (a) Lot feeding to 108 lb. pigs on peanuts; (b) On peanut meal, both for 131 days. 2. Individual feeding to 150 lb. pigs for 70 days. 3. Individual feeding to 120 lb. pigs for 77 days. 4. Individual feeding 67 lb. pigs for 110 days. 5. Individual feeding to 103 lb. pigs for 74 days, with hardening feeds. Projected Work. The complex effect of food on the body carcass of the hog is pronounced. Three distinct lines of attack are contemplated, given briefly in separate report. I37| 38 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station 2. The Nutritive Value of the Peanut. These studies are Hearing completion; the following are completed: (a) The raw peanut without hulls but with sheath. (b) The roasted peanut without hulls, but with sheath. (c) Peanut meal without hulls. (d) The study of Nutritive Value of peanut meal in the form of baked bread, without the addition of wheat flour, will take considerable more work. The unexpected results obtained tend to give futher in-sight into the feeding value of the heated peanut meal and its defi-ciencies. (e) Studies are now under way supplying the deficiencies of the peanut kernel by means of the peanut leaf itself, soybean leaf, and alfalfa leaf in varying amounts. 3. Mineral Supplements, Chiefly Calcium, for Southern Animals. One phase of this problem of practical importance in limestone-free regions is the calcium content of commercial mixed feeds. Two years' work, including the analysis of 120 mixed feeds containing six or more feed ingredients exclusive of salt, has been done in cooperation with the feed laboratory. This work is completed ready for publication under the title of "The Calcium Content of Mixed Feeds in Relation to the Feeding Requirements of Animals," by J. O. Halverson and L. M. Nixon. 4. The Nutritive Quality of Butter from Cows Fed Exclusively on Dry Feed, Cottonseed Meal and Hulls. (Combs and Curtis Project). By feeding the butter from such dry-fed cows to growing albino rats, an attempt is made to ascertain whether fat Soluble A is present in the normal amount. Six series of such feeding experiments are nearing completion. This work is being done on the butter-fat on hand. Certain definite results have been obtained, but more butter-fat is needed to eliminate the influence of the length of storage upon the fat-soluble A content. 5. Publications—Year, 1922. (a) Extension Pamphlet—The Optimum Diet with the Relative Im-portance in the Diet of Fruits, Vegetables and Milk. (b) The Need of Milk in the Diet.—'Sunday edition News & Observer. (c) The Calcium Content of Mixed Feeds in Relation to the Feeding Requirements of Animals, by J. 0. Halverson and L. M, Nixon. N. C. Academy of Science, May 19, 1922, University of North Carolina. Southeastern Meeting: Feed, Food and Drug Officials, Asheville, August 24, 1922. Other Activities: (a) A Series of Lectures and Demonstrations were given on The Effects of Various Diets before the Annual Conference of Home Demon-stration Agents. (b) Co-operated with the Home Demonstration Division at the State Fair. (c) Co-operated with the Extension Division of Dairying in the Char-lotte Milk Campaign and Statesville Live Stock Show with exhibits. Animal Industry SWIjVE EVYESTIGATIONS Earl H. Hostetler, In Charge The following special experiments were carried out during the past year: 1. Fish Meal for Swine. Object: To determine if pigs of different weights will consume enough fish meal in the ration to transmit a fishy flavor to the meat. Plan: (a) To allow two pigs of different weights to have fish meal and shelled corn from a self-feeder. (b) To feed one pig 10% of fish meal in the ration. Record: Table 1. Fish Meal for Swine. Pig No. Initial Weight Final Weight Davs on Feed Feed Consumed ' Shelled Corn Fish Meal 34 36 18 126 63 128 280 95 321 114 43 118 888 230 743 19 15 82 Pigs No. 34 and 36 were fed the shelled corn and fish meal in separate compartments of self-feeder, while Pig No. 18 was fed a mixture containing 9 parts cracked corn and one part of fish meal. It is interesting to note the variation in the amount of fish meal consumed by Pigs No. 34 and No. 18 since they were of practically the same initial weight and on feed practically the same number of days. No "fishy" taste was detected in any of the meat from these three pigs which would seem to indicate that the danger of tainting pork from feeding fish meal to swine is negligible. Results: No "fishy flavor" was detected. 2. Soft Pork Studies in Cooperation with J. O. Halverson. A. Individual Work. Object: To determine the effects of feeding various amounts of oil (peanuts) on the carcass of pigs of various weights; keeping the energy and protein equal in each case. Plan: (a) To make up rations containing approximately 8, 12, 16, and 20 per cent oil, then in addition to these four rations have one ration containing peanuts alone and another ration which shall be used as a check, containing 60% corn meal, 30% shorts, 5% tankage and 5% linseed meal. (b) This work as planned will necessitate only one pig on each ration. 40 Forty-fifth Annual Report 1ST. C. Agri. Exp. Station Record: Table 2, Soft Pork Investigations with Individual Pigs. No. of Experiment No. Pigs Used Average Final Weight Average Daily Gain Feed per 100 pounds Gain Cost per 100 pounds Gain 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 5 260 227 218 224 1.56 1.41 1.43 1.69 335.0 327.0 286.1 332.0 $ 14.21 12.50 11.23 8.79 Results: The results so far seem to indicate that oil is the chief factor in making soft pork, although enough work has not been done to make it conclusive. B. Lot Work. Object: To determine if the size of the pig, when he is put in the finishing lot, after being fed on so-called softening feeds, is a factor in determining the firmness of the carcass after a 60-day finishing period on shelled corn and tankage self fed. Plan: To feed 30 pigs as soon as weaned on peanuts alone for at least eight weeks. Thereafter to divide these 30 pigs into three lots of ten pigs each, using pigs in Lot 1, weighing approximately 90 pounds; in Lot 2, weighing over 100 pounds and in Lot 3, weighing less than 80 pounds. Record: Experiment in progress. Results: Incomplete. 3. Soft Pork Studies in Co-operation with Bureau of Animal In-dustry. Object: (a) To determine the effects of feeding peanuts from a self feeder in a dry lot, and the effects of grazing soybeans with a 2y2% ration of shelled corn, upon the carcass. (b) To determine the effects on the carcass of pigs by finishing them in a dry lot for 12 weeks on corn and fish meal, self fed, after 8 weeks on softening feeds. Plan: To use 12 pigs on peanuts and 12 on soybeans, making ship-ments of three pigs to the Bureau of Animal Industry at intervals of four weeks each, beginning with the close of the grazing period. Record: Experiment in progress. Results : Incomplete. 4. Exhibit of Pure Bred Duroc Jersey Swine at 1922 North Carolina State Fair. Object: To determine the merit of our hogs as compared with others in the show ring. Plan: To use such animals in the herd as are available for this purpose. Record: Fifteen hogs were entered in the show and competed in a creditable manner. Results: The winnings amounted to $91.00. Animal Industry 41 Edgecombe Branch Station Farm The herd of grade Berkshires that has been kept at this farm is being disposed of as rapidly as possible. In May, 1922, nine pure bred Hampshire gilts and a Hampshire boar were purchased for this farm and will be maintained to produce pigs for experimental work and to use for demonstration purposes. The special experiments completed at this farm during the past year are as follows: 1. Cost of Raising Pigs to Weaning Age. Object: To determine the cost of producing pigs to the age of ten weeks. Plan: To use the farm herd for this purpose. Record: • Reported in Experiment Station Bulletin No. 244. Results: Each pig cost $4.07. 2. Peanuts for Swine. Object: (a) To determine the amount of pork produced by a given area of peanuts. (b) To determine the condition of the carcasses after pigs have been grazed on peanuts for 8 weeks. (c) To determine the effects of an 8 weeks finishing period on corn and tankage after pigs have been grazed for 8 weeks on peanuts. Record: Table 3. Peanuts for Fattening Swine. A. Grazing Period. Period: September 27, to November 22, 1921—56 days. No. in Lot Ration Average Final Weight Average Daily Gain Feed Per 100 Pounds Gain Peanuts Cost Per 100 Pounds Gain 18 Peanuts 151.9 .87 .76 A. $11.40 B. Finishing Period. Period: November 22, 1921, to January 17, 1922—56 days. No. in Ration Average Final Weight Average Daily Gain Feed Per 100 Pounds Gain Cost Per Lot Shelled Corn Tankage 100 Pound Gain 9 Shelled Corn and Tankage 238.4 1.95 370.8 30.9 7.70 42 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station Prices Used: Shelled corn per bu $ 1.00 Tankage per ton 70.00 Peanuts per acre 15.00 Results: 1. One acre of peanuts produced 151% pounds pork. 2. None of the pigs were strictly "hard" after an 8 weeks finishing period on corn and tankage. Note: For some unaccountable reason the gains made on peanuts during this experiment were extremely low. Record of Farm Work Animals. This experiment was closed December 31, 1921, and a complete record of the work done is shown in September, 1922 Bulletin of the Depart-ment of Agriculture. Blaekland Branch Station The swine work at this farm was begun in January, 1922, by the pur-chase of a car load of pigs in South Georgia. Six of these pigs were retained on the farm at the close of the following experiment for use as brood sows. The special experiment carried out is as follows: Marketing Corn in Eastern North Carolina Through Hogs. Object: (a) To determine if the corn grown on the farm could be marketed through hogs more profitably than to be sold as grain, (b) To compare tankage and fish meal as supplements to corn for fattening swine. Plan: (a) To purchase one carload of pigs in South Georgia and feed them out on corn raised on the farm, for a sufficient length of time to make two carloads of hogs for market. (b) To divide the pigs obtained into two equal lots, feeding lot 1 on shelled corn and fish meal, and lot 2 on shelled corn and tankage, using three self feeders in each lot. Record: Table 4. Tankage vs. Fish Meal. Period: February 1 to April 12, 1922—70 days. Lot No. No. in Lot Ration Average Final Weight Average Daily Gain Feed Per 100 Pound Gain Cost Per Shell Corn Fish Meal Tank-age 100 pounds Gain 1 68 67 Corn and Fish Meal Corn and Tankage 151.5 146.9 1.16 .96 330.3 364.5 43.5 $5.14 2 49.8 5.83 Note: On March 16, 40 hogs out of Lot 1 and 29 hogs out of Lot 2 were sold. Results: (a) The corn was marketed through the hogs for $1.10 per bushel instead of 65c, the prevailing price when the experi-ment was begun. (b) Fish Meal was more valuable as a supplementary feed to corn than tankage. x\nimal Industry 43» Piedmont Branch Station Farm A pure bred herd of Poland China hogs is kept at this farm for experi-mental and demonstration purposes. Cost of Baising Pigs to Weaning Time. Special experiments conducted during the past year are as follows: Object: To determine cost to produce pigs to weaning age—70 days. Plan: To use all sows and litters for this purpose. Record: Reported in Experiment Station Bulletin No. 244. Results: Each pig cost $3.97. Value of Soybean Pasture for Swine. Object: To determine value of allowing pigs to graze soybeans, begin-ning the test about time the beans are in the "dough stage." Plan: To use 16 spring pigs and allow them a 2% ratipn of shelled corn 910 and tankage v10 , in addition to the soybeans. Record: Table 5. Soy Bean Pasture for Swine. Period: August 31, to October 13, 1922. Ration Average Final Weight Average Daily Gain Feed Per 100 Pounds Gain Cost Per 100 Pounds Lot Gain Grain Pasture 16 Soybean Pasture with Grain 111.6 .59 295.0 .547 A. $11.24 ' Results: Pigs made only .59 pound average daily gain. Note: The area used was seeded to soy beans, but because of a late frost one-half acre was replanted to cow peas. The cow peas were beginning to dry up when the pigs were turned into the field. Record; Table 4. Tankage vs. Fish Meal. 3. Feeding of Parni Work Animals. This work is being carried on at the present time in the same way as in former years, but new work will be undertaken as soon as a definite plan can be decided upon. The results of the past seven years are shown in the September, 1922, Department of Agriculture Bulletin. Co-operative Project with U S. Department of Agriculture Soft Pork Work. The eight States that are co-operating in soft pork work this year, ship all hogs to the Bureau of Animal Industry Farm at Beltsville, Md.. to be slaughtered. After these hogs are slaughtered the carcasses are held in the cooler at an approximate temperature of 36° F. for forty-eight hours. At the close of the cooling period a representative committee makes a physical examination of these carcasses to determine their condition. This committee is composed of the following men: Earl H. Hostetler, Raleigh, N. C, representing the experiment stations. Howard Smith, Baltimore, Md., representing the packers. Dr. Walters, Washington, D. C, representing the Federal Department. In addition to the physical grading made by the above committee, a 44 Forty-fifth Annual Report N. C. Agri. Exp. Station chemical examination is made on one sample of back fat and one sample of leaf fat from each carcass. In the work that has been done up to the present time approximately 1,000 hogs have been used and in addition to the eight States that are cooperat ng th s year the Bureau of Animal Industry is including tests made at Beltsville, Md. and at McNeill, Miss. DAIBY EXPERIMENTATION Stanley Combs, In Charge Central Experiment Farm 1. Object : To Determine the Effect of Cottonseed Meal on Cows and Heifers in Reproduction. (Cooperative, Combs and Cur.tis). This herd consists of sixteen grade Ayrshire cows in the milking herd with six yearling heifers and a herd bull. Two of these cows have been in the herd since 1915. The other fourteen were purchased from the Pinehurst Dairy as calves and during January, 1920, as yearlings. They were divided into lots and fed as follows: Grain Ration Cottonseed meal—1 part Cracked Corn Cottonseed meal—1 part Crushed corn—1 part Cottonseed meal Cracked corn—3 parts Wheat bran—1 part Linseed meal—1 part Roughage Cottonseed hulls—ad libitum Corn stover—1 part 1 Corn silage—2 parts J lib Cottonseed hulls—1 part ) Corn silage—2 parts [• i-. Corn stover—1 part J Alfalfa hay—1 part Corn silage — -2 parts / libitum This young herd was bred to calve the first time during the fall of 1921. On these rations indicated in the first four lots above some of the animals aborted before five months, while others carried their calves the full length of time. However, the calves that were carried full time were weak, small, some blind, and none lived over sixty hours. Those aborted were deformed, blind, and some appeared to have very soft bones and showed oedema in various portions of the animal body. The following is a brief discussion of the work of these cows as in-dividuals: Cow No. 102 aborted twins in 1921. Never came into milk. Ration changed to cottonseed meal 90 pounds, calcium carbonate % pounds, butter fat 2 pounds, casein 10 pounds, early in the year. She was bred April 3, 1922. Has gained in flesh and seems to be safe with calf. Cow No. 103 aborted October 1921. She is being continued on the same ration this year. "Was bred March 24, 1922, and is with calf. Cow No. 104 failed to breed in 1921. Her ration was changed to 100 pounds cottonseed meal and % pounds calcium carbonate. She was bred January 19th. Failed to conceive, and died during the summer. Her ovaries were diseased. Cow No. 106 produced a calf that lived 36 hours during 1921. Her 1922 ration consists of cottonseed meal 90 pounds, casein 10 pounds, calcium carbonate % pounds. .She was bred January 21, 1922, and still carries her calf. The cow is blind. Animal Industry 45 Cow No 107 aborted July, 1921. Early in November, 1921, she developed cataracts in both eyes. She is now totally blind. Her ration for 1922 is cottonseed meal 100 pounds, butter fat 2 pounds, calcium carbonate % pounds. She was bred April 23, 1922, and appears to be with calf. Cow No. 105 calved normally in check lot during 1921. She was transferred to Lot 1 early in the year. In about two months she be-came weak and sluggish, finally developing a severe fit or spasm. After suffering from this for four or five hours we were able to help her up and move her to a shed, and shade. She appeared to be suffering from some kind of poison. However, rats suffer in much the same way when suffering from vitamine starvation. Thinking this might be the trouble, she was given yeast. One pound1 was given before she regained her appetite. She has received one pound each week since this time. She was bred March 28th and again at a later date. She is probably with calf at present. The four cows in Lot 11 produced calves last year that were weak and died soon after birth. Several years ago Wisconsin found a ration made up entirely from the corn plant satisfactory. Therefore, half this lot was changed to their ration which consists of cracked corn 5 pounds, corn gluten meal 2 pounds, and corn stover 7 pounds. Three of these cows are due to calve during the next few days while the fourth is due in January, 1923. Cow No. 402 aborted in 1921. Her ration was changed to cottonseed meal 90 pounds, casein 10 pounds, and calcium carbonate % pounds. She was bred January IS, 1921, and dropped a living calf weighing 62 pounds on October 30th. This calf was very weak, but by careful feeding we have been able to keep it alive so far. Cow No. 403 aborted during 1921. Was kept on the original ration and bred March 1, 1922. She aborted again July 27, 1922. Her ration was changed to cottonseed meal 96 pounds, U-Cop-To Special Steam Bone Mineral Meal 4 pounds, together with Pleischmann's yeast each week. She will be bred during November, 1922. Cow No. 303 aborted during 1921. Cow No. 304 dropped a weak calf during 1921, which soon died. Both cows were continued on the same ration for another year. They were bred on April 12th and March 23d respectively and are both with calf at present. Lot No. 5 is our check lot and all animals are in good condition and have never been off feed. They produce normal calves each year. Two have already calved. The milk produced by these experimental cows during the winter and spring of 1922 was fed to calves with the object of determining its growth producing quality. Nineteen calves were used. Curves have been plotted showing the effect upon the milk produced by these various rations. Calves fed milk produced by the cows in Lot 1 made only about one-half as much gain in weight during the first six months as did the calves that received milk produced in Lot 5. The calves fed milk from Lot 5 mi.de the be?t gains. Lots 3 ami 2 came in for second placs. Lot 4 came next, while tho milk produced by the cows in Lot 1 made the poorest gains. Data is also available showing the amount of milk produced by each cow in the various lots and its cost per hundred pounds. 46 Forty-fifth Annual Report 1ST. C. Agri. Exp. Station Coastal Plain Station Farm 2. Herd Development. A herd of fifty-three registered Jerseys is now on this farm. This herd may he divided as follows: 23 cows in milk 10 bred heifers 15 open heifers and calves 1 herd bull 3 young serviceable bulls 1 bull calf Herd development work has been given first consideration during the last year, the same as in the past. The daughters of Eminent 19th are all in milk and most of them have been tested officially and have won their Register of Merit Certificate. Some have made good records. Pender Eminent Lass E, No. 369040 completed her second re-test in July with 13,774 pounds of milk and 792.48 pounds of fat, Class A. A. This makes her the Grand Champion Fat Producing Cow of North Carolina over all . breeds and entitles her to the American Jersey Cattle Club's Gold Medal. She is the third and best daughter of Eminent 19th to win a gold medal. Thus, when Lass E. finished her record, Eminent 19th, became the South's first and only Gold Medal Bull. Only twenty-four such bulls have ever been produced in the United States. His daughters hold the Junior two-year-old Class State Record for production, the Senior three-year-old, and the Junior four-year-old in addition to the Grand Champion of all breeds. In considering all his Register of Merit daughters that are out of Register of Merit dams, it is found that he has increased their production 35%. This is a remarkable increase considering the fact that the dams were good producers as is indicated by their official records. His daughters out of ordinary, or average, cows would show a larger increase than this. A few of the granddaughters of Eminent 19th are not in milk. Ten more are safe with calf to a son of Eminent 19th. They are a nice appearing lot of heifers and give promise of maturing into high pro-ducing individuals. They are sired by Rumina's King No. 160969. King is a line bred "Eminent" bull. Search is not being made for a suitable junior herd sire to breed to the daughters of King. Owing to the lack of silage, not much experimental feeding was ac-complished during the past year. This work consisted largely of the continuation of the projects which were already started. The cooperative velvet bean meal work conducted with the South Carolina and Alabama Stations was completed. In this experiment it was quite noticeable that the cows preferred the wheat bran with cottonseed meal rather than the wheat bran and velvet bean meal. In fact, under pasture conditions we found it necessary to add crushed corn to the ration in order to get the animals to consume enough of the grain ration to maintain their milk flow. The cows consuming the velvet bean meal lost flesh more than animals receiving cottonseed meal. The calf feeding work was discontinued during the year; i.e., no more animals were added to either of the two lots. The animals already started on the work were continued on the ration. They should all finish during the coming year. This work was a comparison of the feeding value of peanut meal with cottonseed meal as a protein carrier for maturing dairy heifers. So far the actual results show very little difference in the Animal Industry 47 feeding value of these two feeds. However, cottonseed meal is much more readily obtained, is usually a few dollars cheaper per ton, and gives less trouble while in storage. The peanut meal seems to cake and finally mould when held in the feed room for some time. These are factors worth considerable consideration. Peanut meal should have a place in livestock feeding. It is a good feed and will add variety to the protein content of the ration. During the spring and summer the milk produced daily by this herd was summarized for the purpose of determining the effect of weather conditions upon the daily production of milk. Two years and six months records have been reviewed. The weather report has been obtained from the Wilmington weather bureau covering the same period of time. The milk produced during the early spring months shows a variation of five gallons per day; i. e., the days with 75% or more of sunshine show an increased production of this amount over those days with less than 75% of sunshine. The humidity reports have not yet been assembled, but it is planned to do this at a future date. COMPARISON OF 1921 PRODUCTION WITH 1922 PRODUCTION Month Cows in Herd Milk Fat Milk Fat Cows in Herd 28 28 25 25 26 26 26 25 25 24 24 24 13491.1 13845.1 13722. 1 12223.9 10385.0 14027.2 13193.5 14602.6 12906.3 12104.4 12126.7 9659.2 698.90 774.48 736.10 665.94 518.90 707.65 682.40 749.20 619.72 613.12 598.88 488.07 9934.7 10373.5 11620.7 12216.6 12468.0 16266.5 14003.8 10674.4 9610.3 11053.6 11188.7 9716.7 527.90 589.26 633. 72 648. 15 654.81 844.46 713.52 546.99 496.86 560.52 562.36 500.22 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 22 22 July 22 22 23 Totals 25K 152,287.1 $7,081.35 5972.0 7823.36 139127.5 $6,469.41 6229.5 7278.77 23| Total values Average production per cow.. . ... . 306.5 325.9 Four years ago only two cows in the herd had ever produced as much as 300 pounds of fat in one year and they each produced this amount once only. The average for the past two years has been above 300 pounds. The operating expenses have all been taken care of during the past two years by the cash receipts. The' increase in the value of the herd and manure have been sources of profit to the farm. POULTRY INVESTIGATIONS AND PATHOLOGY Dr. B. F. Kaupp, In Charge A Study of the Diseases of the Fowl: Encephalocele of a Baby Chick.—A case of encephalocele of a baby chick was studied in one case. The eyes were only partially formed with no eyelids. There was a fleshy looking mass protruding from the top of the skull which upon microscopic examination proved to be a portion of the cerebrum. A Horny Growth from, the Foot of a Hen.—From the top of a Barred Plymouth Rock hen there had developed a horny growth one and one-half inches in diameter at the base and more than two inches long. 48 Forty-fifth Annual Report N". C. Agri. Exp Station Edema of the Larynx.—Edema of the pharyngeal mucous membrane was studied in a Pit Game cock. The mass measuring more than two inches long protruded from the mouth. Polypus of the Oviduct.—A case of a tumor measuring two cm. in di-ameter was located in the oviduct of a hen. This prevented the hen from laying. The tumor was attached to the wall by means of a pedicle. Many fowls have been sent to the laboratory for study and diagnosis and two outbreaks of a disease resembling fowl typhoid are now being studied and will be reported on in full in the next annual report. These cases were treated by a vaccine made from the germs isolated from the two respective territories. The vaccine proved quite efficient in the treat-ment. 2. Laboratory Studies. 'Normal Temperature of the Adult Fowl.—In order that we may know, from a clinical standpoint, the normal temperature of the fowl, many series of tests were made. This included taking temperatures of the same fowls in the morning, noon, evening, and at midnight to determine the average day temperature and also when the surplus temperature was eliminated from the body. It was found that the normal temperature of the adult fowl is 107.4° P. and at night the temperature will fan to 105° F. This knowledge has been of value to us in the study of Fowl Typhoid in which the temperature ranges as high as 114.5° P. or 7° of fever. The Study of Temperatures of the Houses with the Draft System, and hy the Diffusion System..—The unit system house was used in these tests one end being ventilated by diffusion and the other by draft. It was found that the difference in temperature depended upon the direction of the wind. There was from one to four degrees difference which makes ventilation by draft slightly in favor of ventilation by diffusion in the summer time. Rate of Groioth of Single Comb White Leghorns.—A growth curve was established at the central plant for the pullets of the S. C. White- Leghorns from hatching to 34 weeks of age or the time when the pullets go into the laying pens. The Relative Value of the Various Vegetable Proteins was published in Poultry Item in a series of ten articles. Animal food is necessary to place pullets into heavy early egg production. Animal food is essential for best growth. When pullets are reared on very limited animal food when put into the laying pens and given a mash with animal food they soon come into full laying. In the Veterinary Journal was published under the heading of "A Contribution to the Study of Tumors of the Domestic Fowls" the result with illustrations of a compound tumor from a Golden Wyandotte cock lympho Carcomas of S. C. White Leghorns, Myxo-Sarcoma of a Barred Plymouth Rock cock, and an interesting case of volvulus or gut tie of a hen. The effects of velvet bean meal upon growing chicks was published in the Journal of the American Association of Instructors and Investigators in Poultry Husbandry. An article on the rate of growth of the S. C. Rhode Island Reds, both males and females, was published in Poultry Science. The Effects of Weather Temperature upon the Temperature of the Hen.-—It was found by taking the temperature of the same fowls the first day of each month that the temperature of a fowl that was, say 107° F. Animal Industry 49 in the winter time, may be 110.5° F. in the summertime on a hot noonday. The temperature of the body of the hen is affected by the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere. The Normal Respirations of the Fowl.—A study was made of the number of normal respirations made by the hen per minute. It was found that an average sized cock of 8 or 9 pounds will breathe normally about twenty times a minute. A hen of the same breed will breathe about thirty-six times a minute. This knowledge is of value in the study of disease. A hen with fowl typhoid with a temperature of 114° P. breathes 120 times a minute. The Effects of Feeding Hours on Egg Production.—Extending the length of feeding hours on pullets is profitable, but it is not profitable to give a constant 14 feeding hours to laying hens. The second year shows a decrease in egg production. After the first of April the extra light should be gradually lessened to normal daylight till the following late fall or winter when the short days and high priced eggs attain. How Long Does a Hen's Toe Nails Grow in 365 Days?—This question was answered by measuring the toe nails of two Barred Plymouth Rock hens at the end of 365 days. They had grown 1.9 cm. The Fate of Grit in the Gizzard.—It was found that a fowl may go 365 days without replenishing its grit. At the end of this time there was enough grit in the gizzard of the remaining two hens to grind the food, as shown by the fact that the hens were in perfect health and in good flesh. the Cost of Hatching Baby Chicks Artificially.—When the eggs cost 30c per dozen for hatching, a chick was produced for 9c and when the eggs cost $1.50 per setting of 15 eggs the chicks cost 29c. The Effects of Latitude on Egg Production.—This work is in its third year. In the second year the results were similar to those of the first. There are more possible hours sunshine at Winnipeg, Canada, but there are more actual hours sunshine at Raleigh, N. C. The hens at Raleigh weighed heavier than those at Winnipeg, and the birds at Raleigh laid' more eggs per hen than those at Winnipeg, Canada. The Digestive Coefficients of Poultry Feeds.—A summary is being made of the seven years' work on the determination of the digestive coefficients of poultry feeds conducted on poultry. This covers 19 feeds and 101 in-dividual tests. To the world's work of 89 individual tests we have added 101, and from thfs have compiled a table of digestible nutrients of 30 poultry feeds based on poultry digestion trials. Assistance to Fairs of the State. During the fall several fairs were given assistance by sending senior students to judge poultry- Mr. W. F. Armstrong, a senior student in Agriculture, specializing in poultry, judged the Forsyth County Fair at Winston-Salem and also the Johnston County Fair at Smithfield, N. C. Mr. G. L. Booker, a senior student in Agriculture, specializing in poultry, judged the poultry at the Person County Fair at Roxboro, and also the Fair at the Franklin County Fair at Louisburg, N. C. Mr. J. F. Johnson, a senior student in Agriculture, specializing in poultry, judged poultry at the Old Hickory Fair at Lexington, N. C, and also at the Knightdale Community Fair in Wake County. 4 50 Forty-fifth Annual Kepoet ~N. C. Agri. Exp. Station ,4. Extension Lectures by Members of Poultry Organization. February 17, 1922, Prof. D. H. Hall gave a talk at Farm Life School at Zebulon, N. C. February 24, 1922, Mr. J. E. Ivey gave a poultry talk at Farm Life School at Cary, N. C. February 22, 1922, Dr. B. F. Kaupp gave a poultry talk at Method High School at Method, N. C. May 2, 1922, talk before Central Carolina Poultry Association meeting at Greensboro, N. C, on European Poultry Observations. By Dr. B. F. Kaupp. June 29, 1922, a dissection of a fowl and a description of the course of the feed through the digestive tract. Demonstration of caponizing. By Dr. B. F. Kaupp. August 6, 1922, A talk before the Farmers' Convention on Culling of Fowls with demonstration. By Dr. B. F. Kaupp. February, 1922, Dr. B. F. Kaupp gave dissection and description of digestion of the fowl before the Virginia State Veterinary Medical Association at Richmond, Va. Dr. B. F. Kaupp gave a talk before the Madison Square Garden edu-cational program at New York in January, 1922, on things learned by his European trip of poultry study and gave talks along this same line before the Poultry Science Club, The Research Society, and The Swine Club. The Mountain Poultry Plant Work 5. Poultry Work at the Mountain Branch Station Farm. The work intended for the Mountain plant was removed from States-ville to Swannanoa in April, 1922. There was some work during the year done at the Iredell Test Farm. Velvet Bean Meal Tests.—14 pounds of velvet bean meal were mixed in each 100 pounds mash mixture. The chicks receiving the velvet bean meal with water weighed an average of 0.84 pounds each at the end of eight weeks, while the chicks receiving this same ration with the addi-tion of milk, weighed an average of 1.15 pounds each and the controls receiving no velvet bean meal but ground oats instead, averaged 1.43 pounds each at the end of eight weeks. The control flock produced a pound gain on .319 pounds feed while those on velvet bean meal and milk produced a pound on 4.9 pounds feed and those on velvet bean meal and water produced a pound on 8.1 pounds. Value of Eggs from a Farm Flock.—The value of the eggs per hen for the year at the Iredell Farm was $3.01 and the number of eggs was 113 per hen. These hens had been culled two years and the start was made from 76 eggs per hen per year. Tne Coastal Plain Poultry Work 6. Poultry Work at the Pender Test Farm. From 100 hens kept at the Coastal Plant $930.30 worth of products were sold, leaving a surplus of 51 fowls at the end of the year in addition to the 100 of the old stock. The net profit per hen, after all over-head had been paid, was $1.67. Incubator House Experiments.—The experiments with an incubator house built entirely above ground and on the plan of a sweet potato house proved successful up to the hot weather about the middle of May. Animal Industry 51 Animal Feed Tests.—At this station tests are being run to determine the value of the various animal feeds. It is found that for best results, birds whether growing or laying, must have animal feed such as digester tankage, meat scrap or milk. These three feeds are about equal from a feed standpoint. Rate of Growth.—The rate of growth of S. C. Rhode Island Reds is being carried on. A growth curve representing normal growth is being determined and plotted. From this we can measure the value of the various feeds. Cause of TJnlivable chicks.—The cause of weak chicks is being studied. It was shown that chicks made weak from improper incubation would cause a poor hatch, heavy loss as growing birds as well as range birds and heavy loss as layers. The birds were not strong and transmitted a weakness to their chicks the following year. 7. Miscellaneous. Circular Letters Issued.—1,700 circular letters were issued to boost the Seventh Official State Poultry Show November 30, to December 1 and 2, 1922. There were distributed 2,200 bulletins and reprints. Correspondence.—During the year 2,196 letters were written to persons inquiring in regard to disease, feeds, feeding, supplies, poultry house con-struction, where they could buy eggs and breeding fowls, and many other problems confronting the poultry keeper. State Association Work.—The head of the Department acted as secre-tary of the State Poultry Association during the year and was its official delegate at the Annual Meeting of the American Poultry Association which convened at Knoxville, Tenn. August 8-12, 1922. He also gave a talk before the Central Carolina Poultry Association which is located at Greensboro, N. C. Culling Demonstrations.—A culling demonstration was given before the Farmers' Convention at State College the first week in August, 1922. Articles and Papers.—During the year three technical articles have been furnished scientific journals and thirty-six to the Poultry Press. In addition to this there have been issued two popular circulars for distri-bution in the State, one on the operation of the incubator and the other on culling and feeding. BEEF CATTLE AND SHEEP INVESTIGATIONS R. S. Curtis, In Charge 1. The Effect of Cottonseed Meal on Beef and Dairy Females in Reproduction. This project has been reported on in detail under the Office of Dairy Experimentation with Mr. Stanley Combs in charge. This work is being conducted jointly by the Office of Beef Cattle and Sheep and the Office of Dairy Experimentation, and it is, therefore, considered unnecessary to repeat the accomplishments on the project at this time. It may be stated, however, that this is one of the big problems con-fronting the cattle producers of the South, and more especially in the cotton producing areas where the tendency is to feed large quantities of cottonseed meal. Good progress has been made on the project. A report on progress was made at the last meeting of the Southern Agri-cultural Workers held at Atlanta, Ga. 52 Forty-fifth Annual Keport N. C. Agri. Exp. Station Great danger in feeding too much cottonseed meal is shown in the tendency toward abortion and abnormal development of the foetus which seems to be lacking in mineral matter in the bones and otherwise a retarded or incomplete development. Wintering and Summer Fattening of Cattle in "Western North Carolina. The following summary gives the results of wintering cattle in Western North Carolina on various rations, the problem being to determine how cattle can be most economically handled and return the largest profits under these conditions. Lot 1 Lot Lot 3 Lot 4 Lot Lot 6 25 831 764 -67 $15.34 25 826 775 -51 $16.01 25- 799 740 -59 $13.49 25 795 741 -54 $15.34 827 748 -79 $15.34 25 851 776 -75 Total cost of feed per head 112 day period $17.12 The following prices were charged for feeds used: Cottonseed meal $ 45.00 Cottonseed hulls 18.00 Corn silage 7.50 Straw 10.00 Mixed hay 30.00 Corn and cob meal .75 Corn stover < . , 15.00 The rations given below were used in the above experiment: Lot 1. Hay 10 lbs., cottonseed meal 1 lb., crushed corn and cob 1 lb. Lot 2. Hay and straw mixed, 5 lbs., corn silage 15 lbs., cottonseed meal lb. Lot 3. Lot 4. lb. Lot 5. lb. Lot 6. Hay and straw mixed 5 lbs., corn silage 15 lbs. Hay 10 lbs., cottonseed meal 1 lb., crushed corn and cob meal Hay 10 lbs., cottonseed meal 1 lb., crushed corn and cob meal Cottonseed meal 2 lbs., cottonseed hulls 12 lbs. At the conclusion of this wintering period these cattle were placed on pasture for 140 days with the following gains made by each lot: Lot 1 Lot Lot 3 . Lot 4 Lot 5 Lot 6 Average daily gain in pounds 2.39 $2.98 2.30 $3.09 2.59 $2.75 2.39 $2.98 2.S2 $2.53 2.50 $2.84 This work shows conclusively that beef cattle cannot only be produced profitably in Western North Carolina, but also that the use of corn silage Animal Industry 53" in a wintering ration and cottonseed meal and hulls in a wintering ration are not detrimental in making gains the following summer on pasture. It has been thought that these two rations produced deleterious effects, but extended work along this line does not so prove. 3\ Effect of Cottonseed Meal Upon the Reproductive Qualities of Ewes. The work which has been done at the Central Experimental Farm and the Piedmont Branch Station along this line shows that when these products are fed in moderation that there is no deleterious effect, either in the condition of the animal or in their reproductive qualities. The work shows that the feeding of cottonseed meal may be practiced safely up to three-fourths of a pound per animal daily and with large sheep as much as one pound per animal daily. The work at the Piedmont Branch Farm was considerably inter-rupted last year owing to the fact that all the pastures were plowed up, with minor exceptions, and it was necessary to alter the work somewhat. The above results, however, are clearly evident. 4. Cleansing Sheep of Stomach Worms. One of the greatest drawbacks to sheep production in this country, and especially in the South, where the rainfall is excessive, is the stomach worm. Up until the past few years this problem has baffled sheep producers and Experiment Station workers. The difficulty has been to get a dosage of treatment of sufficient strength into the stomach of the sheep. It has been found, however, that bluestone or copper sulphate is very effective and treatments under proper conditions will no doubt save large numbers of sheep. The following treatment has been tried out and found to be effective: For lambs, one and one-half ounces copper sulphate, 50 c. c. water. For ewes, three ounces copper sulphate, 100 c. c. water. This treatment should be given after the sheep have been kept off feed and water over night. This is very essential in order that the treat-ment does not become absorbed by the food in the stomach. This concludes the fundamental lines of work which are being performed by the various Experiment Station workers. Respectfully submitted, R. S. Curtis, Animal Industry Division. REPORT OF DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY To the Director:—In presenting this report of the work for the year I shall, as suggested by you, include also a brief discussion of the progress or results on all the projects, outlines of which have been filed wi |
OCLC Number-Original | 05218399; 228904 |
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