^^3 , G' -T U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY— BULLETIN NO. 10. K. T. GALLOWAY, Cliief 'if Rurcnli. RECORDS OF SEED DISTRIBUTION COOPERATIVE EXPERIMENTS WITH GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS. F. LAMSON-SCJRIBNER, Aorostologist, GRASS AND FORAGE PLANT INVESTIGATIONS. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1903. Neiragn^ Book_ ' ^f3 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2010 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/recordsofseeddisOOIams 3r/ U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY— BULLETIN NO. 10. B. T. GALLOWAY, Chief of Bureau. RECORDS OF SEED DISTRIBUTION COOPERATIVE EXPERIMENTS WITH GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS. BY F. LAMSON-SCRIBNER, Agrostologist, GRASS AND FORAGE PLANT INVESTIGATIONS. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1902. ^ 1^^ LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, Office of the Chief, Was/imgton, D. C, Decemher'26, 1901. Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith the manuscript of a paper entitled Hecords of Seed Distribution and Cooperative Experiments with Grasses and Forage Plants, by F. Larason-Scribner, Agrostolo- gist, and recommend its publication as Bulletin No. 10 of the Bureau series. Respectfully, B. T. Galloway, Chief of Bureau,. Hon. James Wilson, Secretary of Agriculture. JAN 8 1907 i>. ofD, PREFACE. This bulletin relates to the collection and distribution of seeds of grasses and forage plants by the Department of Agriculture through the Office of the Agrostologist, formerly Division of Agrostology, and to cooperative work in grass and forage plant investigations with a number of State experiment stations to whom these seeds were sent. The manner of keeping the records of this seed distribution is explained in detail, and the plan of conducting the cooperative experi- ments and the line of work or forage problem taken up with each sta- tion are fully given. This work was put into operation last year in compliance with an act of Congress, and has proven so satisfactory to all concerned that it has been continued the present year, although there are now no statutory regulations requiring that it should be. F. Lamson-Scribner, Ag?'ostologist. Office of the Agrostologist, Washington, D. C. , JVovember 29, 190 J. CONTENTS. Page. Purchase and collection of seeds, roots, and specimens 7 Cooperation with the stations authorized 8 Lines of investigations of forage problems 8 Articles of cooperation ._ 9 Seed distribution -- 11 Table showing distribution by i^ackages. 11 Table showing distribution by pounds in 1900-1901 . _ 12 Table showing amounts of the several varieties distributed 13 Seeds to private individuals 16 System of keeping records -_ 17 A list of experiment stations with which articles of cooperation liave been signed 22 Conclusion - 23 5 Agros. — 91. B. P. I.— 12. RECORDS OF SEED DISTRIBUTION AND COOPERATIVE EXPERI- MENTS WITH GRASSES AND FORAGE PLANTS. PURCHASE AND COLLECTION OF SEEDS, BOOTS, AND SPECIMENS. House bill No. 121, Fifty-sixth Congress, first session, making appropriations for the United States Department of Agriculture, con- tained the following clause : Provided, That six thousand dollars of the amount hereby appropriated [for grass and forage plant investigations] be used to purchase and collect seeds, roots, and specimens of valuable and economic grasses and forage plants to be distributed to the various experiment stations in the several States and Territories, to be by them used, under the direction of the Secretary of Agriculture, to ascertain their adapt- ability to the various soils and climates of the United States. In carrying out the plans necessary to meet this provision in the bill making appropriations for the Agricultural Department, Mr. C. L. Shear, an assistant in the Division of Agrostology, was put in charge of the seed and field work July 1, 1900, when the law makmg the appropriations went into effect; Mr. Shear was instructed to make collections of seeds of the valuable native grasses and forage plants and was directed to secure in quantity seeds of wild range grasses, also those species of probable value in the South for winter pasturage, those likely to prove good meadow grasses for high altitudes, and of those adapted to binding drifting sands. In carrying out this work it not infrequently happened that long, tedious journeys had to be made to regions inaccessible to stock before grasses in seed could be found and collections made. As a result of this work in the field during the season 4 tons of seed of about 130 varieties of grasses and forage plants were gathered, the quantities varying from 1 pound to 500 pounds. A list of the varieties of seeds gathered, with notes upon some of the more important species, was presented in Circular No. 9, issued from the office of the Secretary in December, 1900. In conducting the cooperative work with the stations, which will be referred to later ,^ it was necessary to supplement this amount of seeds of native varieties by purchasing from dealers seeds of the more important tame grasses and forage plants which the experiments called for. b COOPERATIVE EXPERIMENTS. COOPERATION WITH THE STATIONS AtTTHORIZED. Ill the House hill refeired to above, making appropriations for the Department of Agriculture for 1900-1901, there was this clause: And the agricultural experimental stations are hereby authorized and directed to cooperate with the Secretary of Agriculture in establishing and maintaining experi- mental grass stations for determining the best methods of caring for and improving meadows and grazing lands, the use of different grasses and forage plants, their adaptabilit}' to various soils and climates, the best nati\'e and foreign species for reclaiming tlie overstocked ranges and pastures, for I'enovating M'orn-out lands, for binding drifting sands and washed lands, for turfing lawns and pleasure grounds, and for solving the various forage problems presented in the several sections of our country. In order to cany out this feature of the law, the Secretarj- of Agri- culture, through the recommendation of the Agi'ostologist, directed Mr. Thomas A. Williams, then assistant chief of the Division of Agrostology, to visit the several experiment stations, especiallj' those in the Western States, to study the forage problems of most im- portance to each, and by consulting with the directors of the stations to arrange plans for carrying on cooperative work with them with the view of solving the prolilems determined upon. LINES OF INVESTIGATIONS OF FORAGE PROBLEMS. Mr. Williams says in his report, published as Circular No. 8 (revised), of the office of the Secretary: In brief, this series of visits to the stations demonstrates clearly not only that there are many problems which can be studied much better through station and Depart- mental cooperation, but that the station authorities themselves appreciate the desira- bility of such cooperative work and are eager to enter into it. It is recognized that in these general problems, while the stations are able to work out the details of experi- ments and matters of relatively local bearing, there is a most important phase of the investigations that can be much more satisfactorily handled by the Department, and, in order to secure the best results to the country at large, it is highly desirable that there should be the closest cooperation between stations and Departmental investi- gations. In addition to the assistance which the Department can render the stations in solving these special problems through the detailing of its experts for field investi- gations and supplying seed for experiments, this cooperation will have a most impor- tant bearing on the work of the stations in encouraging greater concentration on lines of greatest importance to the people and in rendering more readily available to the station workers the experience and training of the Departmental experts. Consultation with the station authorities has emphasized the desirability of coop- eration along a number of lines of investigation, the following being perhaps the most important at the present time and including every section of the country. (1) The formation, care, and management of pastures, including the selection of the best varieties, methods of preparing the soil and of planting the seed, and after treatment of grass lands, including grazing, rest, fertilizing, and cultivation. (2) Range improvement, or the best methods of bringing up the natural grass ands of the great range regions of the country and maintaining them in the condi- tion of greatest productivity, including the improvement of the native grass cover by reseeding, alternation of rest and grazing periods, scarifying, etc. ARTICLES OF COOPEKATION. y (3) Alkali-resistaiit crops, particularly those best adapted to furnishing forage that can be used to supplement the native ranges. (4) Cover crops for soils liable to wash, which will at the same time afford a sup- ply of forage or can be turned under for green manure. (5) A continuous soiling series for use in sections where tbe dairying industry is paramount. (6) Winter pasturage for the South and Southwest. (7) Sand-binding grasses for the coast regions and along the Great Lakes. (8) Jleadow crops for higher altitudes, particularly in the Rocky Mountain States, where, although pasturage is abundant, crops that will produce profitable amounts of hay are greatlj' needed. (9) Supplementary forage crops, particularly those with a short season of growth, that can be grown in rotation with wheat, cotton, and other primary crops, either for forage or for the improvement of the soil fertility. (10) Drought-resistant crops for arid sections. (11) The selection and development of improved varieties of grasses and forage crops adapted to special conditions and uses. As a result of visiting the State stations, and through correspondence, it has been ascertained that cooperative work can be arranged for the investigation of each of these problems with one or more stations most advantageously situated, and there is no question as to urgent need of such investigations. AKTICLES OF COOPERATION. A plan was devi.sed to carry on this work under articles of coopera- tion signed bj^ tiie station officials and officials of this Department, of which the following are presented as examples: Articles of cooperation in investigations on improvement of the Northwestern ranges between the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Division of Agrostology, United States Department of Agriculture. The object of these investigations shall be to find the best and most practical way of improving the forage conditions in the dry sections of the Northwest, and specially of renewing the worn-out ranges and devising methods of managing them whereby the highest degree of productivity may be maintained. The following plan of cooperation is agreed upon: 1. The Experiment Station to procure a suitable tract of range land; to undertake immediate supervision of the work through a member of its official staff; and to furnish all implements, fencing, etc., required by the investiga- tions, the same to be the sole property of the station when this cooperative arrangement is dissolved. 2. The LT. S. Department of Agriculture, through the Division of Agrostology, to assist in selecting the land and in planning and conducting, these investigations; to furnish seed of native and introduced grasses and forage plants for experiments on said tracts, and pay other expenses connected with the investigations, not to exceed in any one fiscal year, it being understood tliat under the appropriation act the Department can not assume responsibility for the continuance of its contri- bution beyond June 30, 1901. 3. The investigations conducted under this cooperative agreement shall be planned conjointly by the representatives of the Experiment Station and the Division of Agrostology, officially charged with the work, subject to the approval of the proper authorities in each case. 10 COOPERATIVE EXPERIMENTS. 4. Botli parties to this agreement shall lie free at any time to use the results obtained in these investigations in their official correspondence and publications, giving pi'oper credit to the fact that such results have been secured by cooperative work. Director Ex'periment Station. Approved : Chief Division nf A;iri/stoloi/ii. Secretary of Agriculture. Articles of cooperation in grass and forage pla7it- investigations between the • Agricultural E.xperimenl Station and the Divison of Agrostology, United States Depart- ment of Agriculture. The object of these investigations shall be to find the best crops for supplying for- age to supplement the natural ranges and for the improvement of cultivated lands. The following plan of cooperation is agreed npon: 1. The Experiment Station to provide land at the home station, or at outl3'ing representative points in that territory, upon which to make said exper- iments, and to undertake the immediate care and supervision of the work. 2. The U. S. Department of Agriculture, through the Division of Agrostology, to furnish all seeds necessary in making these experiments, and to otherwise assist in planning and conducting said investigations. 3. The investigations conducted under this cooperative agreement shall be planned conjointly by the representatives of the Experiment Station and . the Division of Agrostology officially charged with the work, subject to the approval of the proper authorities in each case. 4. Both parties to this agreement shall be free at an)' time to use the results obtained in these investigations, giving proper credit to the fact that such results have been secured by cooperative work. \ Director Experiment Station. Chief Division of Agrostology. Approved: Secretary of Agriculture. The following is the form in use since the organization of the Bureau of Plant Industry': Articles of cooperation in grass and forage jdant investigations between the ]\'yoming State Experiment Station and the Bureau of Plant Industry, United States Department of Agriculture. The subject of these investigations shall be grasses and forage plants for alkali soils and arid lands. 1. The Wyoming Experiment Station to furnish the land necessary for the said experiments, to undertake the immediate supervision and care of the work, and to assist in planning the investigations. 2. The United States Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Plant Industry, Office of Grass and Forage Plant Investigations, to assist in planning and conducting the said investigations, and to furnish all seeds necessary for making the experiments. SEED DISTBIBUTION. 11 3 The investigations conducted under this cooperative agreement shall be planned coujoIitV by thirepresentatives of the Wyoming Experiment StatK,n and the Bureau o? Plant Industry, officially charged with the work, subject to the approval ot the proper authorities in each case. ^^„-,ua "^ 4 Both parties to this agreement shall be free, at any tune, to use the results obtained in these investigations in their official correspondence and publications, gSg proper credit to the fact that such results have been secured by cooperative work. Elmer E. Smiley, Director Wyoming Experiment Station. B. T. Galloway, Chief Bureau of Plant Industry, United States Department of Agriculture. At the present time fifteen of the experiment stations are working in cooperation with the Department on one or more of the lines con- nected with grass and forage plant investigations. SEED DISTBIBTTTION. Since the organization of the Division of Agrostology seeds of grasses and forage plants have each year been distributed to the agri- cultural experiment stations and to many individual experimenters. The following table shows the number of packages of seed so distrib- uted during the fiscal years 1896-1901, inclusive; the total number ot packages sent to the experiment stations during this time being 4 166, and to individuals 9,377, or a total of 13,513 packages (see Tab e I). These for the most part were seeds which were obtained through the direct eflorts of the employees of the Division by collections in the field During the fiscal year 1900-1901 there were distributed to the experiment stations 16,101i pounds of seed, embracing 171 varieties, as shown in Tables II and III. Table l.-Number of packages of seed distributed to the experiment stations and to indi- viduals during the fiscal years 1896 to 1901, inclusive, or for five years, through the Division of Agrostology. °- Distribution. 1896 to 1897. 1897 to 1898. 1898 to 1899. 1899 to 1900. 1900 to 1901. 1 Total for the five years. Total number ot packages sent to experi- 2,281 6S2 184 2,749 462 1,739 292 2,709 947 1,548 4,166 9,377 Total number of packages sent to indi- Total number of packages distributed 2,913 2,933 2,201 3,001 2,496 13,643 'This does not include the packages distributed to foreign countries. 12 COOPERATIVE EXPERIMENTS. Table II. — Amount (in potmds) of Keed.f of tjrosses and forage plants dhlrihnted to the experbnenl stations and to Indinduals in the seceral States and. Territories in coopera- tion 'irilh the stations diirinff tlie tisral year 1000-1901. States and Territories. Aliibnma PoitntU. 710 California 444 Connecticut Delaware 171 Georg-ia Idaho 130 133 Indiana Iowa Seeds sent to experi- ment stations. Kansas Kentucky . Louisiana . Maine Maryland Massachusetts... Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Xebraslva New Hampshire. New Jersey New Mexico New York Nortli Carolina .. North Dakota . . . Nevada Ohio 136 65 360 380 Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania . . Rhode Island... South Carolina . South Dakota . . Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia "Washington West Virginia . . Wisconsin Wyoming 10 69U 193i 2491 1,700 75 563 814 773 485 202 100 30 670i Total . 50 17i 307i 440J 752i 35 107 1,695 30 125 1,014 16,101i Seeds seiit to individ- uals in cooperu' tion with the ex- periment stations. Pounds. Total weight seeds dis- tributed to each State. 46} 242J 108 51 -J 142 23J 283J 20 61 456i 262i 14 128 51SJ 214,1 63 119 66i 244i 227J 231} 134 238 76 J- 137 80 169 41 75i lOJ 2181 2141 78} 208S 252 117} 32} 3591 43 31 64 751 7, 051 1 Pimnds. 30 710 2.574 46} 686^ 108 171 .51 S 142 153J 410S 20 6i 1,6011 2921 149 193 S78i 214} 433 119 75i 936}- 421} 4S1 3, 834 313 6391 218i 863 654 243 175i 40} 888} 214} 50 95} 5' 6 692} 870} 67} 466} 1,738 33} 189 1,765 23, 152} SEED DISTRIBUTION. 13 Table III. — Varieties of grasses and forage plants, seeds of which were distributed through the Division of Agrostology in 1900-1901, the amount in pounds of each variety sent, out, both to the experiment stations and to individuals in cooperation with the stations, and the total amount distributed. Variety. Latin name. English name. Sent to stations. Sent to individ- uals. Total dis- tributed. Agropyron caninum Agropyron divergens Agropyron occidentale Agropyron richardsoni .\gropyron riparium Agropyron spicatum Agropyron tenerum Agropyron violaceum Agrostis alba Agrostis canina Agrostis stolonifera Alopecurufe occidentale Alopecurus pratensis Aristida humboldtiana Aristida fasciculata Ammophila arenaria Andropogon saccharoides .\ntho.\anthum odoratum Arrhenatherum elatius .\ triplex eanescens .\triplex confertifolia Atriplex eremicola Atriple.x halimoides Atriplex holocarpa Atriplex nuttallii Atriplex pabularis Atriplex semibaccata Atriplex truncata Atriplex volutans Avena sativa Beckmaunia erucEeformis Bouteloua oligostachya Bouteloua bromoides Bouteloua curtipendula Bouteloua eriopoda Bouteloua hirsuta Bouteloua humboldtiana Bouteloua polystaehya Brassica napus Bromus inermis Bromus marginatus Bromus pallidus Bromus polyanthus Bromus pumpellianus Bromus richardsoni Bromus schraderi Bromus unioloides Bulbilis dactyloides Calamagrostis canadensis var . Calamovilfa longifolia Bearded wheat grass Bunch wheat grass Western wheat grass Richardson's wheat grass . . Riparian wheat grass Bunch wheat grass Slender wheat grass Red top Rhode Island bent Creeping bent Mountain foxtail Meadow foxtail Humboldt's triple-awn . Triple-awn Beach grass Feather beard grass Sweet vernal grass Tall oat grass Shad scale Spiny saltbush Gray saltbush Annual saltbush . . Nuttall's saltbush . Australian saltbush Utah saltbush Tumbling saltbush Winter oats Slough grass Blue grama , Brome grama Side-oats grama Woolly-foot grama Bristly grama Humboldt's grama Low grama Rape Awnless brome grass Short-awned brome grass . Many-flowered brome Mountain brome grass Richardson s brome Schrader's brome Rescue grass Buffalo grass {roots only) , Canada blue joint , Sand grass , Po unds. 23i 10 491i 1 5 428 4281 U 2744 18 8 2 18 li i 167 186i 1 244 Hi 2 20i 49 124 43 11 108 12 21i 21 26 1291 10 52} 5i 11 6 721 13 459 154 9 19 4 9 1 3224 Pounds. 22 12 861 541 824 55 5i 934 25 28 54- 17j 64 67i 2i 14 18 351 7444 13 914 Pomids. 454 22 577J 1 5 4824 510} li 347 73 131 2 28 11 2604 2111 1 272 17 2 231 661 19 661 11 175} 12 23} 35 25 1471 10 58} 5J 11 5 724 481 1, 2034 167 9 19 1 414 14 COOPERATIVE EXPERIMENTS. Xahle III. — Tandic.v nf (/raKKix and forage plants, dr. — Continued. Variety. Latin uamc. I-]nt(lish name. Gram or chick pea Bermuda grass Crested dog's tail Orchard grass Button grass Tufted hair grass Beggarweed Perennial beggarweed . Carex macrocephahi Big head sedge ChEetocbloa composiia Arizona millet Chjetochloa italiea German millet , Chsetoehloa itjilica var Golden wonder millet. Chloris elegans Cicer arietinum .. Cynodon dactylon Cynosurus erislatus Dactylis glomerata Daetyloctenium australiense Deschampsja eaespitosa Desmodium tortuosum, var.. Desmodium sp Eatonia obtusata Eleusine coracaua Elymus ambiguus Elymus arenarius Elymus canadensis Elymus canadensis var Elymus coudensatus Elymus glabriflorus ' Smooth-flowered rye grass. . Elymus glaucus Mountain rye grass Elymus macounii ' Macoun's rye grass Elymus simplex j Alkali rye grass Elymus virginieus .submuticus i Short-awned rye grass Eragrostis neo-mexicana I Mexican love grass Sent to stations. African millet Sea rye grass Canada rye grass . do Giant rye grass . . . Eriochloa punctata Eriocoma cuspidata ... Erodium cicutarium . . Ervum lens Euchlffina mexicana .. Eurotia lanata Festuca arundinacea. . Festuca duriuscula Festuca elatior Festuca heterophylla . Festuca kingii Festuca ovina Festuca rubra Festuca thurberi Glycine hispida Helianthus sp Hilaria ceuchroides ... Hilaria mutica Hordeum vulgare Koeleria eristata Lathyrus sativus Leptochloa dubia Lespedeza striata. » Lolium italicum Lolinm perenne Lycurus phleoides Medicago dentieulata . Everlasting grass Indian millet Alfilaria Lentils Teosinte Winter fat Reed fescue Hard fescue Meadow fescue Various-leaved fescue . King's fescue Sheep's fescue Red fescue Thurber's fescue Soy bean Sunflower Curly mesquite Black galleta Barley Prairie June grass Bitter flat pea Japan clover Italian ray grass Perennial ray grass. Texas timotl^y Bur clover 5J ■20 2 20 7 424 25 2 2 3 1 5 167i 56J 491 93 151 11 17 86 13 oi 83 6 1 22 8i 41 17 4061 1 75 6S 24 3 361 J 9j 12 2 115 13.1 32 117 298 161 154 Sent to individ- uals. Total dis- tributed. Pounds. 132 49J 4 501 29J 130 3 2 3 15 6 9 5 54J 3 2571 15 63 65 20 145S 35 Poumts. 141 5i 69J t llj- 6 701 36.1 554 28 9 182i 62} ■m 93 191 11 20 S7J 13 2.1 91 11 1 763 81 41 20 6623 16 8 695 89 3 6651 9j 12 2 331 131 52 262i 333 16i 192 SEED DISTRIBUTION. 15 Table III. — Varieiies of grasses and forage plants, etc. — Continued. Variety. Latin name. English name. Sent to stations. Sent to individ- uals. Total dis- tributed. Medicago raacnlata Medicago sativa Medicago sativa turkestanica . Medicago sativa var Melilotus alba Melinis minutiflora Mucuna utilis Muhlenbergia racemosa Mublenbergia gracilis Onobrychis sativa Panicularia americana Panicum bulbosum .-. . . Panicum bulbosum var Panicum crus-galli Panicum miliaceum Panicum obtusum Panicum texanum Pappophorum apertum Paspalum compressum PaSpalum dilatatum Phalaris arundinacea Phaseohis mungo Phaseolus retusus Phaseolus sp Phleum asperum Phleum pratense Pisum arvense Pisum sativum var Poa compressa Poa fendleriana Poa glaucifolia Poa laeviculmis Poa laevigata Poalucida Poa macrantha Poa nevadensis Poa pratensis Poa Irivialis Poa wheeleri Poterium sanguisorba Puccinellia airoides Eumex sp Sorghum vulgare var Sorghum vulgare var Sorghum vulgare var , Sorghum vulgare var , Sorghum vulgare var Secale cereale Sporobolus airoides Sporobolus cryptandrus Sporobolus depauperatus Sporobolus wrightii Alfalfa Turkestan alfalfa . Oasis alfalfa Sweet clover Molasses grass Velvet bean Wild timothy Pounds. 2 1,371 6 11 80J 28 47 Pounds. 1,60U 57 Sainfoin American manna grass. Turnip grass do Barnyard grass Broom-corn millet Colorado grass. Carpet grass Large water grass Reed canary grass Green gram Metcalfe bean Vallo bean Sand timothy Timothy Russian blue field pea Black marrow-fat pea Canada blue grass Mutton grass Glaucous blue grass Smooth-stemmed blue grass Smooth blue grass Shining blue grass Sea-side blue grass Nevada blue grass Kentucky blue grass Rough-stalked blue grass .. Wheeler's blue grass Burnet Alkali spear grass Dock Kafir corn Colman cane Early amber cane Early orange cane Folger's cane Winter rye Fine saccaton Dropseed Steel grass Wright's saccaton J 138i 3 14 4» nbi 1,226 10 23 73 2 s 618 72 62 931 ■2 1 44 15 46 1774 4 3664 44 V4 754 16 2 12 6 6 122 294 12i 3 294 21 10 3684 230? 12 177 114 14 1724 914 604 , 2 1564 10 1 26 3 34 Pounds. 7 2, 8724 63 U 1084 •28 51 i 1594 13 14 4J 1,084 1, 456} 15J 547 4 12 ■214 23 94 1634 122 144 2 1 44 15 48 334 4 4434 144 84 1014 16 2 254 6 9 6 6 122 294 151 3 32i IG COOPEBATIVE EXPERIMENTS. Tahi.k III. — Varieties of rf raises and forage jjhinls, t'f<\ — Continued. Variety. Lntiii name. English iijime. Sent to stations. Sent to Total individ- 1 dis- uals. ' tributed. SporoboUis wrightii var Stipa viridula Stipa sp Triodia mutica Trifolium alexandrinum Egyptian clover. Trifolium hybriduni , ALsike clover Trifolium incarnatum ! Crimson clover . . Trifolium medium Trifolium pratcnse . Trifolium repeus , . . Triticum spelta Vicia mari tima Vicia villosa Vigna catjang Vigna catjang- vnr , Zea mays Zizania aquatica . . . Total Mammoth clover. Red clover White clover , Spelt Seaside vetch Hairy vetch Cowpea Black cowpea Indian corn Wild rice Pounds. 10 10 7i 2 10 615 135 21 18 309 2,180S 204 22; Potindif. 16,101i 100 mi 65 42 11 17 228 loOJ Pounds. 10 13 107J 5Si 75 657 146 38 IS 537 2,331 204 28i 2 7,051J 23, 162 j Note. — Total varieties, 171. SEEDS TO PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS. Mfiny applications were made to the Secretary of Agriculture by individuals for seeds of grasses adapted to special conditions for purely experimental purposes. In order to meet these requests and to keep all of our work in line of cooperation with the experiment stations, the following- letter was addressed to the directors of the several stations under date of Januarj^ 31, 1901: U. S. Department ot' Agriculture, BuKE.\u OF Plant Industry, Office of the Agrostologist, WdnJiington, D. C, January 31, 1901. Sir: Bequests for seeds of grasses and forage-plants for special purposes are received by this Department from many private individuals throughout the country and prior to the current fiscal year the Secretary has, so far as possible, generously responded to these requests. For the most part they have come from intelligent and progressive farmers who had definite objects in view and whose reports relative to the seeds sent them have oftentimes been ot great value. A record has been kept of every package of seed thus sent out and we have classed the parties as our "volunteer experi- menters" and our cooperation with them, costing only the seed sent, has been mutually advantageous. We would be glad to continue this line of work and hope that you will enable us to do so and respectfully ask your cooperation in the matter. If agreeable to you, we will refer all applications for seeds and grasses and forage plants made l)y individuals in your State to you by addressing them a letter like the inclosed (marked 1). If they then should write to you and you deem it wise for us to honor their request, the seeds will be forwarded, so far as our supply will permit. We will notify you of the shipment of the seed on a card similar to the inclosed SYSTEM OF KEEPING RECOBDS. 17 (marked 2), which is our preliminary step in tlie record. We could, if you wish, send seed in quantity to you to be redirected to individuals in your State from, your station. In such case we would expect you to furnish us the addresses of the parties to whom the seed was sent and the amount in each case. At the close of each season we send blanks (marked 3) to every individual to whom seeds have been sent from this office for the purpose of obtaining a report as to the results of the experiments or progress made. We arrange with every one receiving seeds in the way here described to report results to this office and we will, upon your request, send you duplicate copies of these reports and thus share with you in all the results obtained. I would be pleased to have an expression from you in regard to this plan of coopera- tion with individuals. Respectfully, F. Lamson-Sceibnbr, Agrostologist. Agricultukal Experiment Station, Manhattan, Kans. The scheme proi^osed in this communication met with very favorable reception on the part of the experiment stations, as will be seen by the replies here quoted, which are in the main expressions of all those i"eceived. Washington Agricultural College and School of Science, Pullman, Wash., February 8, 1901. Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your favor of January 31, and note carefully the plan outlined therein for the distribution of seeds of grasses and forage plants in the sev- eral States. The plan you propose meets with my approval and will have the hearty cooperation of this station. Yours, very truly, E. A. Bryan, President. F. Lamson-Scribner, Agrostologist, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. The Pennsylvania State College Agricultural Experiment Station, February 19, 1901. Dear Sir: Replying to yours of January 31, relative to the matter of distribution of seeds and forage plants, I beg to say that it would give this station pleasure to accept your very courteous and generous proposal in regard to cooperation. If you will refer applicants to us as requested, we will be very glad to advise you as to the matter of honoring their requests and to receive from you the duplicate reports of results. Very respectfully, yours, H. P. Armsby", Director. Mr. F. Lamson-Scribner, Unitea States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. The total amounts of seeds thus distributed to individuals in each State is shown in Table II, and the total quantity of each varietj' of seed so distributed is shown in Table III. SYSTEM OF KEEPING BECOBDS. In order to bring all this work into such shape that the results might be utilized by both the stations and the Department, the following plan of records was adopted. Upon the receipt of an application from a 13638— No. 10—02 2 18 COOPERATIVE EXPERIMENTS. correspondent in any given State, the following letter was sent to the applicant: U. S. Department of Agriculture, Grass and Forage Plant Investigations, Division of Agrostology, WasUnrjlon, D. C, , 1901. Dear Sir: Your letter of , addressed to , has been referred to this division. The law (House bill No. 121, Fifty-sixth Congress, first session, mak- ing appropriations for the Department of Agriculture) requires that all seeds of grasses and forage plants distributed by this division for experimental use be sent to the experiment stations. We will be pleased to honor, so far as possible, any requests for seeds made through the director of your agricultural experiment station, located at . Please state definitely to the director the object of your request. EespectfuUy, F. Lajison-Scribner, Agroslologist. If the request was indorsed by the director of the experiment sta- tion a card was then made out in accordance with the following blank, directing the shipping clerk to send the seed, and when the shipment was made this card was returned to the office of the Agrostologist and filed for record. State; . • , 1901. U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Office of Plant Industry, washington, d. c. Cooperative Experiments in Grass and Forage Plant Investigations with Experiment Station. Name and address of experimenter: . Variety of seed and amount sent: . Source and age of seed: . Object of experiment: • . Date of shipment: . At the same time a card, the form of which is shown below, was sent to the director of the experiment station, advising him of the shipment, and this card was designed for filing at the station : Cooperative Experiments in Grass and Forage Plant Investigations. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. Experiment Station Name and address of experimenter : . Variety of seed and amount sent : . Source of seed : . Object of experiment : . Seeds shipped , 190 — . Report received , 190 — . When seeds were sent to any individual under this plan he was advised of the fact by the following letter, in which the nature of final report expected from the correspondent was outlined. We found this to be important, for in many cases when we had called for reports as to results of seeds distributed the party receiving them often said that he wished he had known earlier the nature of the report wanted, SYSTEM OF KEEPING RECOEDS. 19 and he would have taken the necessary notes. This letter was designed to cover this ground. U. S. Dbpaetment of Agricultuee, Grass axd Forage Plant Investigations, Washington, D. C, , 190-. Dear Sir: In accordance with arrangements made with the director of the agri- cultural experiment station of your State for conducting cooperative experiments with grasses and forage plants, the following seeds are being sent to you: In sending you these seeds it is understood that you will try them in an experi- mental way to test their adaptability to your section or their special value. It is further understood that you will give them all the care necessary to meet the requirements of the experiment and report the result obtained on blanks which will be furnished you at the proper time. These reports will be filed in this oflice and copies will be sent to the director of your State experiment station. The following are the principal points to be noted: Conditou and preparation of soil. Yield per acre of forage or seed, or Date and method of planting. both. Method of cultivation, if any. Stand and amount of grow^th made. Date of full bloom. Value of the plant as food for stock. Date of ripening. Also any other miscellaneous notes of Date and method of harvesting. economic interest. Quality of the product. The seed produced by native and introduced plants, not obtainable from seedsmen, should be carefully saved. Respectfully, F. Lamson-Scribnee, Agrostologist. At the close of the season blanks for reports of the form here pre- sented will be sent to everyone who received seeds. Copies of these reports will be sent to the directors of the experiment stations in the States where the experimenters are located. . UNITED STATES DEPABTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Grass and Forage Plant Investigations. experiments with grasses and forage plants. Report on varieties cultivated at . [Name town, county, and State.} Common name, . Latin name, . Kind, condition, and preparation of soil, . Date and method of planting, . Cultivation, if any, . Date and method of harvesting and stageof maturity reached when harvested, . Date of full bloom, . Date of ripening, . Yield per acre (if practicable) , . Quality of product, . Notes on growth, . Your opinion of the value of the plant as feed for stock, Name of experimenter, . Post-office, . County, . State,- 20 COOPERATIVE EXPERIMENTS. [On reverse.] OKNEUAI, HEMy\IiKS. t^ 5 » ,_. r s- 1^ o X n B '-~' ,'7' K t 3 ^ ^ -^ s. -^ g 3 S 3 - P- S. £ ji D- 3 S 2-. a. o > a a y. 5 §i -^ ^ X B ■< o o f B p 3 o 3 s 3 S 3 p CD c X r The final record of distribution is kept upon a cai'd, the face and reverse side of which is lierewith shown. Only one species is entered on this card, and the cards are filed in alphabetical order. The amount we have on hand is shown at any time, together with the amount dis- tributed, and to whom. Agropyron tenerum (Slender wheat grass) Received erom — Amt. LBS. 12 Griffiths & Lange 31J Fiscal year 1900-1901. July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Deo. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. June. D. B. D. B. D. B. D. B. D. B. D. B. D. B. D. B. D. B. D. B. D. B. D. B. SYSTEM OF KEEPING RECORDS. [Reverse.] 21 Date. Amount. Xame. Post-office. State. 5 10 10 S. Dak. Feb. -25 Laramie Wvo. Feb. 27 Oreg. Feb. 28 1 1 ' It may interest .some to note the form of our accession cards, which is shown herewith: Seeds of — Agropyron tenerum. (Slender Tvheat grass) Collector's iSfo. Distribution Ko. 21. From Griffiths & Lange. Locality, Billings, Mont. Date, July 14, 1900. tude . Amount, pounds, 31 J. Alti- Habit of growth. Character of soil, . Use . By this system of records the Office of the Ag^rostologist has full data in regard to all seeds received or sent out, and it is possible to show at any time the variety or amount sent to any experiment station or to any individual in cooperation with the station. The totals of these amounts for the fiscal year 1900-1901 are shown in Tables II and in. Table IV contains a list of those experiment stations with which the Department of Agriculture, through the Office of the Agrostologist, is carrying on cooperative experiments in grass and forage plant investi- gations. This is a list of the stations with which the Department is working during the current fiscal year, for, although the law cited specifically directing the stations to cooperate with the Secretary of Agriculture along these lines is no longer in force, it having been omitted from the bill making appropriations for the Department dur- ing the present year, it has been deemed best to continue the work, apparently so well begun under the bill of last year. 22 COOPERATIVE EXPERIMENTS. Table IV. — List of experiment stations loith which articles of cooperation have been signed. State. Object of investigations. Department al- lowance. Arizona^ For improving the forage conditions and renovating the ranges. Seeds and funds Do. Colorado Grass and forage plants for alkali and arid soils The best method of pasture and range improvement.. To find the best crops for use in securing a continuous soiling. Do. Do. Seeds only. To find the best grasses for fixing the drifting sands along the Great Lakes and to determine the possi- Do. bility of converting these into lands productive of forage and other crops. Missouri Do. ment of meadows and pastures in the Middle West- ern States. Growing and testing of native and cultivated grasses for the Great Plains region. Do. New Hampshire Improvement and renovation of worn-out hay and pasture land. Seeds and funds. New Mexico. Forage crops to supplement ranges and the improve- ment of cultivated lands. Seeds only. To find the best sand-binding grasses and to determine the possibility of rendering sandy lands productive of both grasses and forage plants. South Dakota For testing drought-resisting forage plants with a view to finding varieties suitable for use in the range region. Do. Tennessee Formation and management of pastures and meadows in Middle Southern States. Texas Formation of meadows and pastures in the Middle Seeds and funds. Southern States. Washington For improving forage conditions and renewing worn- out ranges. Do Seeds only. Do. Delaware Cover crops for orchards Utah Do. 1 Not renewed for 1901-2. Since thi.s work of cooperation was first inaugurated the Bureau of Plant Industry, which includes the Office of the Agrostologist, has been established, and the new articles of cooperation now in force have been slightly' modified from those of last jeav to meet the new terms of expres.sion required by this new organization, and a similar modi- fication has been made in the letter addressed to individual applicants for seeds, as will appear from the copy presented below, which is that of the form now u.sed: U. S. Departmen't of Agriculture, Bureau op Plant Industry, Grass and Forage Plant Investigations, Office of the Agkostologist, Washington, D. C, , 190-. Dear Sir: Your letter of , addressed to — this office. The Department of Agriculture is conducting experiments with grasses requesting seeds, has been referred to CONCLUSION. 23 and forage plants in your State in cooperation with your agricultural experiment station located at . In order to continue the plans already made we would ask you to kindly present your request through the director of your experiment sta- tion. We will be glad to honor, so far as possible, all such requests. Please state definitely to the director of the station the object of your request. Respectfully, F. Lamson-Scribner, Agrostologist. CONCIitrSION. Thus far our plan of cooperation with the stations in grass and for- age plant investigations and the manner of keeping our records, as above described, have been quite satisfactory, but it is not unlikely that some changes or improvements may be made as the work pro- gresses. Doubtless the work can be rendered more effective and more certain of useful results if an official of the Department can be located at those stations where important cooperative work is being carried on. This officer may be a scientific aid — and we are already employing sci- entific aids in this way — or he may be someone more experienced. In any case, he should be given immediate charge of the work, to which he should give his whole time while at the station. During some months of the year, especially during the winter season, he could spend his time at the Department in order to familiarize himself with our methods and make up his reports. It is to be regretted that the important work of grass and forage plant investigations has not more funds available for conducting this cooperative work on a larger, more effective, and more striking scale. I have only to add that I wish to give expression here to our most sincere regrets at the loss of Mr. Thomas A. Williams, in whose charge this cooperative work had been placed and who had so successfully carried out the ideas of the Department while engaged upon it. The present season Prof. A. S. Hitchcock has been placed in charge of this work and has visited many of the stations and made a special study of the conditions existing where cooperative work is being carried on. O r LEMr^ '-;^ DDD27bST2Sl .^- '♦rf^ ^^) '^*. ■-^.^