OFFICERS AND STAFF October 31, 1920. BOARD OF CONTROL.. His Excellency, Marcus H. Holcomb, ex-officio, President. James H. Webb, Vice President.. George A. Hopson, Secretary... E. H. Jenkins, Director and Treasurer. .Hamden New Haven New Haven . Avon Orange .Southington .South Willington Administration. Chemistry. STAFF. E. H. JENKINS, PH.D., Director and Treasurer. MISS L. M. BRAUTLECHT, Bookkeeper and Stenographer. Analytical Laboratory. E. MONROE BAILEY, PH.D., Chemist in Charge. OF THE CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION To His Excellency, Marcus H. Holcomb, Governor of Connecticut: As required by law, the Board of Control of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station herewith respectfully presents its report for the year ending October 31, 1920. CHANGES IN THE STATION STAFF. Miss Etta L. Avery, who had rendered efficient service for nine years as stenographer in the forestry department, died on March 8, 1920. Michael D'Esopo, assistant chemist, resigned December 1, 1919, to accept an engagement elsewhere. To fill vacancies in the staff of the chemical department, R. E. Andrew, M.A., began his duties on November 10, 1919, and Owen Nolan on April 1, 1920. John T. Ashworth succeeded I. W. Davis as deputy in charge of gipsy moth work, on June 1, 1920. K. F. Chamberlain, assistant in entomology, resigned March 1, 1920. Samuel T. Sealy was appointed deputy in charge of mosquito work in April of this year. W. C. Pelton, in charge of vegetable work, resigned May 1, 1920, to accept an assistant professorship in Pennsylvania State College. A brief summary of the work of the year follows: THE BOTANICAL DEFARTMENT. Dr. Clinton in Charge. An extensive study of the life history of the rusts, Petrie dish infections with rusts, as well as a special study of the pine blister rust, are being carried on by Dr. Clinton with the assistance of Miss McCormick. Dr. Clinton also continues his study of peach yellows. During the year a disease survey of tobacco has been prosecuted in coöperation with the Extension Department of the Conn. Agricultural College and the Hartford County Farm Bureau; and for the purpose a temporary summer laboratory for the Station's use was established through the courtesy of the Hartford County Farm Bureau at its headquarters in Hartford. A report of this survey has been prepared. Special studies of the black rot of tobacco (Thielavia) are being carried on by Miss McCormick. In the field, an experiment on the merits of spraying versus dusting for control of the insects and fungi attacking apples has been carried on by Mr. Stoddard of this department, in coöperation with the entomologist. Other spraying tests on apples and peaches have been conducted by Dr. Clinton and Mr. Stoddard. The tests of the effect of different fertilizers on the prevalence of fungus troubles are continued. Work on the improvement of the quality of sweet corn seed by the prevention of disease and by improvement in curing has been carried on under the supervision of Mr. Stoddard. Four hundred and sixty-three samples of field and garden seeds have been tested for farmers and dealers, chiefly by Mr. Graham. Several hundred samples of sweet corn seed have also been tested in the course of our experiments. The special publications of the department have been: Report of the Botanist, Bulletin 222, of 86 pp. and 24 plates; Treatment of Apple Trees Girdled by Mice, by E. M. Stoddard, Bulletin of Immediate Information No. 10, 8 pp. THE CHEMICAL DEPARTMENT. Dr. Bailey in Charge. Some time has been given to the study of improved methods, especially for the determination of caffein. But the larger share of the time of this department has been taken up with the work of chemical analysis. The testing of samples for the Dairy and Food Commissioner has required much more work than ever before. Seven hundred and sixty-four samples of fodder materials and field crops, over six hundred samples of fertilizers, and about twenty-four hundred samples of foods, drugs and miscellaneous articles have been analyzed and the results prepared for publication-the latter a matter involving much labor. Twenty-four hundred and sixty-two pieces of Babcock glassware have been tested and either certified correct or rejected. About two per cent. were found to be inaccurate. Expert testimony in court has been required in 16 cases. The department has coöperated with the Police and Health authorities in a number of other cases, notably in Hartford in December, 1919, which was the first of a series of prosecutions growing out of the distribution, sale and consumption of liquor containing wood alcohol, by which many persons were poisoned. This department has issued the annual report on Fertilizers, Bulletin 217; annual report on Food Products and Drugs, Part 1, Bulletin 219; Part 2 (Diabetic Foods), Bulletin 220; annual report on Feeding Stuffs, Bulletin 221. |