Station

Bulletin

418

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(7\ep0rt ef ine ^^cJirecjer

OF THE

New Hampshire

Agricultural Experiment Station

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE

CovKR : Professor Forrl S. Prince first came to the Univer-
sity of Xew Hampshire in 1913 as Instructor and Assistant Pro-
fessor of Agronomy. He returnecl to liis native State of Ohio from
1918 to 1925. Since 1925 he lias I)een engaged in teaching,
research, and extension work at the University. After nearly
thirty-five years of productive scientific effort and association with
farmers of the State. Professor Prince is still actively working in
Agronomv as Agronomoist in the Experiment Station and :n the
Cooperative Extension Service.

APRIL 1955

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR

OF THE

New Hampshire
Agricultural Experiment Station

July 1, 1953, to June 30, 1954

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Foreword

This bulletin represents the 66th annual report of the
Director of the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station,
an integral part of the College of Agriculture at the University of
New Hampshire. The progress reports for the formal research
projects were prepared by the respective project leaders. They are
grouped by departments and not necessarily by subject matter in
all instances. The diverse nature of New Hampshire's agriculture
is occasion for research in many areas.

In the United States today the number of farms and the
number of people living on farms is declining, and yet the total
population of the country is increasing rapidly. Only about four-
teen percent of the total population now lives on farms. In other
words, fewer and fewer farmers are producing the food and fiber
for more and more people. This is progress. No country in the
world today can enjoy even a modest standard of living and at the
same time maintain an increasingly larger proportion of its pop-
ulation on farms. Again in the United States, food is of higher
quality and is more plentiful today than ever before. Moreover, an
industrial worker can buy more food with an hour of work than at
any time in history. This is evidence of a healthier and more com-
fortable living for all segments of our society.

Agricultural research has contributed much to this economic
progress. The impact on all the people represents the dividends
on a public investment. Surely, it is only through research that
society can be assured of an adequate supply of good quality food
at a reasonable cost. Research in agriculture has therefore been
supported largely by public funds, both Federal and State. It was
never intended that producers alone should reap the benefits from
agricultural research. The beneficiary is our entire society.

Each state has one or more agricultural experiment stations
which are supported by both Federal and State funds. In nearly
all states, the funds are direct appropriations. For the United
States as a whole the experiment stations are expending more than
five dollars of state money for each dollar of Federal appropria-
tions. In four small states, including New Hampshire, consider-
ably less than one half of the expenditures are derived from State
funds.

The New Hampshire station has outgrown its facilities. A
spacious Agricultural Sciences building is badly needed to replace
the present Dairy Building and to house other departments, there-
by relieving the crowded conditions found in nearly all units of the
station. A Home Economics building must be forthcoming if this
department is to conduct a modest research program in addition to
its teaching obligations. Forestry is in a somewhat similar situa-
tion. Poultry disease work and dairy nutrition research are handi-
capped by space limitations, as are Chemistry, Economics, Agron-
omy, Botany, and Horticulture.

A review of the progress reports contained herein will evi-
dence an increasing attention toward investigations of fundamental

■ I

laws and principles. Applied research, however, continues as the
major part of the station's program.

Society gains from its investment in agricultural research
only as the results of that research are made available to those who
are in a position to apply them. It is particularly important that
these results be made available through publications and the Coop-
erative Extension Service, to producers and also to research
workers at other experiment stations. This matter of communica-
tion is of great concern and will be partially resolved by publishing
the results of applied research in the form of a periodical of some
three or four issues per year. This new publication will receive
general distribution among farmers. Moreover, it will replace the
progress reports of the Director's annual report. The bulletin
series of the experiment station will continue, and the results of
the more basic research will continue to be published in profes-
sional journals.

Harold C. Grinnell

Director

Mathias C. Richards
Associate Director

Contents

AGRICULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY

The Carbohydrates in Pasture Grasses 7

Effect of D-Amino Acids on Growth of Lactobacilli 7

Chemical Studies Concerning the Determination of Asconbic Acid

in Foods 7

Work with Lime and Chelated Comipounds on a Paxton Soil in the

Greenhouse 8

Lasting Effect of an Application of Lime and Cobalt to a

Gloucester Soil 8

Carotene Content of Grass and Clover Ensiled with Different

Preservatives 9

Other Active Projects 9

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS

Tank^Truck Assembly of Milk in New Hampshire 9

The Population of New Hampshire — Basic Trends and

Characteristics 10

A Description and Analysis of the Livestock Markets Available to

New Hampshire Dairymen and Beef Producers 11

The Economics of Dairy Herd Replacements 11

Marketing Mixed Grain Feed 12

Production Management Problems on Specialized Poultry Farms 13

Costs and Efficiency in Marketing Poultry Products 13

Effects of Reservoir Construction on the Agricultural Economy of

the Merrimack River Valley 13

Agricultural Damages, Reach 8, Merrimack River, 1936 Flood 14

Other Active Projects 15

x\GRONOMY

"Merrimac", a New Potato Variety 15

Search Continued for a Perennial Red Clover 15

Better Adapted and Higher Yielding Corn and Grain Varieties 15

Radioactive Phosphorus Absorption by Potato Leaves Shows that

Phosphorus Fertilizer Can be Applied as a Foliage Spray 16

Potato Scab Easier to Prevent Than to Cure 17

Legume-Grass Yields Highest Without Nitrogen Fertilizer 17

Narragansett Alfalfa Proves Superior 17

Breeding of Grasses and Legumes in the Search for Superior Plants .... 18

Irrigation Water and Nitrogen Fertilizer Can Be Wasted 19

Lime Makes Potash More Efficient 19

Birdsfoot Trefoil a Superior Legume on Soils of Low Fertility 19

Root Habits Can Be Changed 19

Other Active Projects 20

BACTERIOLOGY

Diagnosis and Control of Vibriosis in New Hampshire Dairy Herds .... 20

Studies on Bovine Mastitis 20

BOTANY

New Blight-Resistant Tomatoes Show Promise 20

Propagation of Woody Plants 21

4

New Organic Fungicides Show Promise for Disease Control Under

New Hampshire Conditions 21

Virus Diseases of Strawberries in New Hampshire 21

Effective Materials and Methods for Composting Sawdust and

Other Wood Wastes 21

The Flora of New Hampshire 22

New or Unusual Diseases in New Hampshire 22

Other Active Projects 22

DAIRY HUSBANDRY

New Method of Determining Gross Energy and Protein in Plant Materials

Shows that Silage Excells Comparable Hay in Nutritive Value 22

Methane Production Uniform in Ruminants Fed Roughages 23

The Excretion of Vitamin B12 by Cows 23

Vending Machines Increase Use of Fluid Milk 23

More Extensive Use of Grass Silage for Dairy Calves and Heifers 24

Bisulfate Applicator Can Be Made from Corn Planter 25

The Value of Balsam Fir as Food for Deer 26

Vitamin Synthesis in the Rumen of Deer 26

The Relation of Seminal Fluid Fructose Levels to Factors Affecting

Breeding Efficiency 26

Low Trace Mineral Content of Feed Does Not Appear to Adversely

Affect Reproduction in Dairy Cows 27

Other Active Projects 27

ENTOMOLOGY

Testing New Organic Insecticides under New Hampshire Conditions 27

Factors Affecting the Action of Acaricides 28

FORESTRY

Soil-Yield Relationships of White Pine in Southern New Hampshire .... 28
Alarketing Forest Products Is an Important Phase of the Agricultural

Economy of New Hampshire 29

The Utilization of Products from Chemically Treated Trees 29

Results of an Investigation of the Variable Plot Method of

Cruising Timber 29

Other Active Projects 30

HOME ECONOMICS

Human Nutrition Research 30

HORTICULTURE

Effect of Hay Mulch and Minerals on Yield of Northern Spy Apples.... 31

Sources of Magnesium for Apple Trees 31

Annual Cropping Northern Spy Apple Trees Are High Yielders 31

Fruit Trees for Northern New Hampshire 31

New Red Horticultural Bean Variety Named Scarlet Beauty 32

Korean Shrubs Are Ornamental and Attractive to Wildlife 32

Hybrid Chestnuts Resulting from Crossing Two Known Species 33

Superior Snap Bean Named Green Crop 33

New Hampshire Red Pickler Tomato 33

Chemical Weed Control Makes More Effective Fertilization in

Low Bush Blueberry Fields 33

5

Weed Killing Chemicals Are Essential in Reclaiming Blueberry Land .... 33

New Raspberry Variety Named New Hampshire 34

Do We Have a Virus in Our Apple Rootstocks? 34

The Occurrence of Over-Coloring and Blotching in Apples on

Double Worked Apple Trees 34

Alalus Sikkimensis as an Understock for Semi-Dwarfed Apple Trees .... 35

A New Wick Watering Method for Potted Plants 35

Introducing Monarda "Granite Pink" 35

Two Late Lilac Varieties Named 36

Progress in Breeding Rambler Roses for Cold Climates 36

Aluminum Foil Appears to Speed Healing of Wounds on Tree Trunks .... 37

Conserving Soil Moisture ^7

The Testing and Utilization of New Plants 37

POULTRY HUSBANDRY

Breeding for Whiter Dominant-White Crossbreeds 37

Growth Rate of Durham X New Hampshire Crosses 38

Breeds and Strains of Chickens Differ in Amount of Yellow Pigment

Present in the Shanks During the Growing Period 38

Selection of Poultry for Better Feed Utilization Efficiency 38

Good Poultry Ranges Can Lower Pullet Rearing Costs 39

Methionine and Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Alay Improve

Broiler Feeds 39

Mass Immunization of Chickens Against Newcastle Disease and

Infectious Bronchitis 39

Early Wing Web Vaccination for the Prevention of Newcastle Disease .... 40
No Detrimental Effect to Chickens from Nitrophenide Fed During

Their Entire Period of Growth 41

Conditions Under Which Hatching Eggs Are Held Influence Quality

of Chicks 42

Abnormal (Bulging) Eye in New Hampshires 42

Influence of Light and Humidity Upon the Physical Condition

of Broilers 42

STATE SERVICES

Inspection of Fertilizers and Feedingstuff's 43

Seed Inspection, 1953-1954 43

Soil Testing, 1953-1954 43

Diagnostic Services Performed at the Poultry Laboratory,

University of New Hampshire 44

Infectious Bronchitis ^^i^us 44

Pullorum Testing 44

ADDENDA

New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station Staff 45

Changes in Personnel 4/

Publications 48

Scientific Contributions 48

Research Mimeographs 48

Financial Statement 49

Agricultural and Biological Chemistry

The Carbohydrates in Pasture Grasses

The results of investigations made in cooperation with the U. S. Re-
gional Pasture Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University,
dealing with chemical changes in grasses as they mature, can be summarized
as follows :

Eight grasses common to the Northeastern United States were grown
in small plots at State College, Pennsylvania, and analyzed for their major
organic constituents, particularly for the carbohydrates. Analyses were
made on samples taken during the spring months when the grasses were
normally cut for silage or hay. All of the grasses during this period of time
underwent continuous decreases in protein, acid-soluble ash, and ether ex-
tract, and showed a continuous increase in lignin. All varieties show^ed an in-
crease in crude fiber and in true cellulose and natural cellulose up to the
flowering stage and in some grasses up to the seed-dough stage. In some,
fiber decreased after the flowering stage. On the basis of changes in lignin
and fiber, lignin is perferred over fiber as a criterion of feeding value.
Highly significant positive correlations were found among lignin, cellulose,
and fiber, and among protein, ether extract, and acid-soluble ash ; significant
negative correlations were found between the constituents of the two groups.
On the basis of chemical composition alone, grasses high in feeding quality
appear to be, in order, reed canarygrass, Alta fescue, and Kentucky blue-
grass ; of low relative quality were timothy and red top ; intermediate were
bromegrass, orchardgrass. and tall oatgrass.

In the second part of the project, chemical changes in grades in suc-
cessive cuttings at pasture stage were studied. The chemical analyses have
been completed and the results are being prepared for publication.

T. G. Phillips

Efifect of D-Amino Acids on Growth of Lactobacilli

Some D-amino acids, when present in relatively high concentration,
repress growth of various lactobacilli. In some cases, the L-forms of these
amino acids cause a similar, but more moderate, repression, indicating that
these D-amino acids do not act as antimetabolites for the L-forms. That
the effect is not permanent is indicated by the fact that repressions were ob-
tained only when the incubation period was relatively short. This suggests
a possible conversion of the D- to the L-form before utilization.

A. E. Teeri

Chemical Studies Concerning the Determination
of Ascorbic Acid in Foods

Results obtained during breeding trials to develop a high vitamin C
tomato variety have been compiled. The studies reveal the presence of an
enz3ane in the parent plant, but not in all the progeny. The enzyme is cap-
able of destroying ascorbic acid, and its presence (or absence) must be
taken into consideration in breeding work carried out to obtain tomato va-
rieties with high Vitamin C content.

Factors of importance which influence the determination of the amount
of ascorbic acid in frozen and stored strawberries were found as follows:
(1) the presence of a high sugar content. (2) changes due to hydrolysis of
carbohydrates during storage, and (3) presence of varying amounts of
dicarboxylic acids as noted by changes in total titratable acids and pH.
These factors must be taken into account when analyzing for the ascorbic
acid content of foods commonly accepted as rich sources of this vitamin.

S. R. Shimer

Work With Lime and Chelated Compounds
on a Paxton Soil in the Greenhouse

Oat plants were grown in pots in the greenhouse at two levels of soil
fertility and with variable amounts of lime. Chelated compounds were added
to the pots with the low level fertility soil. These pots had received the
equivalent of 3/2 ton of fertilizer and 2 tons of lime per acre. At both the
higher and lower levels of fertilizer, significant decreases at the 1 percent
level occurred where the two tons of lime equivalent had been applied. None
of the chelated compounds gave significant yield differences at the 1 percent
level, but applications of zinc and copper together gave significant increases
at the 5 percent level.

In a later test, corn was grown in the same soil and pots after the soil
was refertilized to the low and high fertility levels. There was an increase
in corn yields with the addition of lime up to 1 ^ ton equivalent in the low
fertility soil and up to 1 ton of lime in the high fertility soil. Additions of
lime in both cases beyond these amounts decreased yields. With equivalent
lime applications, there was a decrease in pH with higher fertilizer ap-
plications.

Effect of Fertilizer Soil Application on pH

No Lime

Equivalent

Equivalent

Added

1 Ton Lime

2 Tons Lime

To Soil

Per Acre
pH

Per Acre

Equivalent 1000 lbs.

of 5-10-10 per acre 5.19 5.90 6.39

Equivalent 2000 lbs.

of 5-10-10 per acre 5.04 5.65 6.16

G. P. Percival

Lasting Effect of an Application of Lime
and Cobalt to a Gloucester Soil

The pH values of soil samples taken at 2 inch levels from plots on
Gloucester soil showed that 5 years after application the effect of the 1 ton
of lime had penetrated 4 inches and that of the 3 ton application, 6 inches.

When an additional 50 pounds of nitrogen from nitrate of soda was
applied annually to the lime plots over and above the annual basic addition
of 15 pounds of nitrogen, the pH values increased at the upper levels as well
as at a greater depth.

Analyses of the forage samples taken from these same plots show that
while both 2 pound and 5 pound applications of cobalt were effective in in-

creasing the cobalt content of timothy, only the 5 pound appUcation in-
creased it well above the adequate requirement.

Nitrogen restricted the uptake of added cobalt. Lime and nitrogen
each restricted the uptake of manganese; when applied together, they re-
duced the manganese content to about 1/3 of that found in the untreated
plant.

G. P. Percival

Carotene Content of Grass and Clover Ensiled
with Different Preservatives

Fifty-five gallon oil drums painted inside with rubber-base paint and
lined with Sisalcraft paper were used in tests to compare various methods of
preserving silage. Weighed forage samples were placed in the middle of each
drum in Lumite plastic-screen cloth bags. The content of each drum was
weighted with sand to approximate silage conditions.

A cutting predominantly of grass was preserved with sodium bisulfite,
and a cutting predominantly of red clover was treated with sodium bisulfite,
dried stabilized molasses, and calcium formate. A check sample without pre-
servative was also ensiled.

The loss of carotene from the original samples was used to determine
the value of the treatment. Sodium bisulfite proved to be a very satisfactory
preservative, and dried stabilized molasses was next in value, closely fol-
lowed by the untreated sample. There was considerable loss of carotene in
the silage treated with calcium formate.

All of the materials used were easier to handle than sulfur dioxide gas
or liquid molasses. In all of the test treatments the silage had a good odor.

G. P. Percival

OTHER ACTIVE PROJECTS
Prevention of Discoloration of Pre-Peeled Raw Potatoes

W. A. AVERILL

Soluble Substances in Grass and Legume Silages

T. G. Phillips

Agricultural Economics

Tank-Truck Assembly of Milk in New Hampshire

Competition for the sale of milk and milk products necessitates that
every endeavor be made to reduce the costs of production, processing, and
distribution. The introduction of farm bulk tanks and tank-truck collection
is a move in this direction.

This study poses the problem created by numerous small farms and
dealers in New Hampshire and estimates the costs and savings for pro-
ducers, assemblers, and dealers. The choice of the right size of tank or tank-
truck in relation to potential production is a major determinant of cost.
Herd expansion must meet the problem of markets at a time when milk pro-
duction per cow and per herd is creating surplus milk problems in New
England,

9

A large number of small producers in New Hampshire will delay the
introduction of farm-tank assembly so that a 100 percent conversion cannot
,be expected in the near future. Its adoption is symptomatic of the economies
of scale, however, and strengthens the pressure for more efficient milk pro-
duction and marketing from larger operating units at lower costs.

J. R. BOWRING

The Population of New Hampshire —
Basic Trends and Characteristics

This is the forerunner of further studies on population with particular
emphasis on the rural-urban migration and the meaning of such migration
to rural institutions and communities. Characteristic of most rural areas
in the United States, technological progress in agricultural production is
reducing the number of people required on farms to provide the nation's
food supplies. Industrial employment opportunities have provided the ve-
hicle for movement out of agriculture, especially since 1940. Such shifts
create sociological problems in rural areas and in the urban areas to which
people have moved. It is opportune, therefore, that such problems be studied
and analyzed to enable individuals and government better to appreciate the
adjustments and to aid in the transition.

There has been a steady increase in the population of New Hampshire
since the turn of the century. The rate of increase has been relatively low
compared wdth some of the western states and even with the southern New
England states. However, the increase continues at a rate similar to the
neighboring State of Maine.

The northern counties of New Hampshire have not increased at as great
a rate as such southern counties as Strafford and Rockingham. There has
evidently been a larger emmigration from the northern counties. In com-
mon with the United States, the rural-farm population of New Hampshire
continues to decline. In contrast the rural-nonfarm population is increasing.

Canada is still the major national origin of the foreign born residents
of the state, but the relative number of foreign born to native born has de-
clined steadily for the past four decades.

The birth rate of New Hampshire residents is increasing and the num-
ber of children born to females between the ages of 20 and 34 compares
more than favorably with the United States average. Marriage rates were
greatly accelerated during the 1940's.

The education of New Hampshire people, or at least the number of
years they have attended school, has increased so that the current propor-
tion of urban and rural dwellers who have attended high school compares
very favorably with other states. There is a noticeable increase in the
schooling of younger age groups.

Age-sex data indicate males and females are more evenly distributed
in the urban population than in the farm population, where there is some
preponderance of males. The exodus of both males and females from farms
to urban centers occurs at the highest rate around the age of 20. There is a
growing proportion of older people in this state, but otherwise the age dis-
tribution is not dififerent from the rest of the country.

A net cash income from $2,000 to $4,000 is the most common per
family in New Hampshire. This includes all earnings of members of each

10

family. There is a somewhat lower proportion in the higher income groups
than for the United States, but net cash incomes below $2,000 per year are
less common in New Hampshire than for the nation as a whole.

J. R. BOWRING

A Description and Analysis of the Livestock Markets Available
to New Hampshire Dairymen and Beef Producers

There is active trading in livestock in New Hampshire. The sale of cull
cows, dairy herd replacement cattle, and a few hogs and sheep justifies the
existence of numerous small packing houses and custom slaughterers in the
state. In addition, licensed dealers trade in livestock and buy from farmers
to sell on local or out-of-state markets.

This study describes the size and location of dealers and packers and
discusses the market process. It shows the influence of the Brighton market
on local prices and the influence of Chicago price in New England. The
majority of hogs and sheep sold are custom slaughtered and the cull cows
or beef cattle are in general slaughtered by the packers in New Hampshire
and Massachusetts.

The price that producers receive from dealers is based on the dealers'
expected sale price. Market news from Brighton is published once a week
only, so that there are chances of inter-week price changes which may be
known by a dealer actively selling on the market but not known by the pro-
ducer. Independent selling by farmers reduces their bargaining position.

The predominance of meat and livestock shipments into New England
from western sources limits the extent to which livestock sales either for
slaughter or for dairy herd replacement can become more profitable. Within
this national price framework, certain economies of assembly by consolida-
tion of loads might be possible ; producers also might organize into a bar-
gaining cooperative to protect individual farmers not familiar with market
price changes and to protect buyers against diseased and low producers.

The competitive nature of the industry, however, relates prices in New-
England to prices in other livestock producing areas. Prevention of price
fluctuations or short-run price declines not justified by long-run market
demand and supply for meat are therefore national problems best solved at
that level.

J. R. BoWRING

The Economics of Dairy Herd Replacements

Detailed farm management records from a sample of New Hampshire
dairy farms have been summarized. About 40 percent of the farms visited
purchased no dairy replacements. The remaining 60 percent of the farms
purchased from one to all of the replacements necessary to maintain the
dairy herd. Many factors influence the replacement program, but the belief
that the quality of home-raised replacements is superior to purchased re-
placements seems to be of primary importance in farmers' considerations.

For herds which are primarily milk suppliers rather than combined
breeding stock and milk producers, there seem to be opportunities for prof-
itably purchasing replacement stock of good quality. Herd life, one of the
important considerations in comparing purchased and raised replacements,
does not seem to be significantly dift'erent for raised and purchased cows,
based on a summary of cow removal records for the New Hampshire Dairy

11

Herd Improvement Association and individual farmers. However, the prob-
lem of a replacement program is related to many factors peculiar to the in-
dividual farm. The relative prices of young stock, dairy replacements, beef,
and milk are important when considering the profitability of purchasing
versus raising replacements. Many of these factors are now being con-
sidered in order to provide New Hampshire dairymen with a complete anal-
ysis of the opportunities to increase farm income through selling or pur-
chasing dairy replacements.

W. F. Henry

Marketing Mixed Grain Feed

Mixed grain feed is the principal cash cost in poultry and dairy pro-
duction. In addition, feeding constitutes a major share of chore time on
poultry farms. Effecting economies in the distribution of grain feeds and in
farm feeding practices assume increasing significance in times of declining
farm prices and surplus production.

It is apparent from data obtained from feed dealers that distribution
costs can be reduced, even with the present market arrangements. This can
be accomplished through such things as rearrangement of delivery routes,
use of labor-saving equipment, and minimization of route delays. Increased
cooperation between dealers and farmers could eliminate many delays and
inefficiencies on the farm.

Bulk feed, while clearly advantageous to many farmers, poses difficult
cost problems for many dealers. Duplicate plant facilities and delivery
equipment are often involved. The "potential market" for bulk feed varies
from area to area and in accordance with such factors as farm unit size,
driveway conditions, company policies, and frequency of delivery. Its ex-
pansion is also limited by demonstrated economies in railroad vs. long-haul
truck costs.

Feeding grain to dairy cattle constitutes a minor share of chore time,
but any savings would come at a period of the day when demands upon
worker's time are heavy. Bulk feed might effect minor time savings. Me-
chanical feeding of grain to dairy cattle is just progressing beyond the ex-
perimental stage and is not yet used in New Hampshire.

Significant operating economies can be achieved by poultrymen
through use of auxiliary equipment in flock feeding. For example, where
feed rooms were located on each floor but feed was carried to pens in pails,
2.7 man minutes daily were required to feed 100 layers. Use of bulk feed
bins spouting into automatic feeders made it possible to cut daily feeding
time to 0.5 minutes per 100 layers. Bulk handling of feed as such may not
greatly reduce the labor required in feeding. The installation of feeding
equipment results in more significant time savings than a change to bulk
handling.

However, bulk handling in most cases has certain advantages that
should be considered :

1. The cost of feed in bulk, including bin cost, is lower than in bags.

2. Lifting of feed is reduced or eliminated.

3. Bulk handling can be combined with automatic or carrier feeding
with considerable ease and with significant time savings resulting.

G. B. Rogers

12

Production Management Problems on Specialized Poultry Farms

There have been a number of significant changes in the scope, structure,
organization, and seasonal aspects of the New Hampshire poultry industry
in recent years. No comprehensive poultry management study has been
carried out at this Experiment Station since 1929-30. With increasing
specialization in eggs or poultry meat, the problems of management differ
from those in earlier years. Information is needed on such matters as econ-
omies of scale, the effects of combining labor and capital in various pro-
portions, some of the advantages and disadvantages of various alternative
enterprises and combinations thereof, as well as an appraisal of the magni-
tude and direction of changes in the industry.

Some preliminary work was carried out during the year which would
enable rapid progress in this study, should it be reactivated. This involved
re-drafting field questionnaires, pre-testing these forms, assembling data
from secondary sources, revising field questionnaires, and selecting a sample
of poultry farms for study. It was decided to concentrate initially on poultry
farms specializing in market and/or hatching eggs. The sample of about 30
farms was selected to include both part-time and full-time operations, and
various unit sizes.

G. B. Rogers

Costs and Efficiency in Marketing Poultry Products

The production of poultry meat has become a very important source of
income to New Hampshire poultry farmers in the past 12 years. Since 1940
poultry meat production has increased fourfold. Changes in the marketing
system both as to kind and quantity of services offered have also occurred.
It is evident that this system, at present, possesses areas of inefficiency, and
that in some cases the resources involved are not being used fully. If the
poultry meat industry in this state is to develop further, it must meet the
competition for markets from producers in other areas, and its ability to do
this will depend to a large extent upon the economy with which its products
are marketed.

This research is concerned with discovering the problem areas in
poultry meat marketing and with finding ways to improve efificiency. Pre-
liminary results indicate that most of the broilers are marketed through an
integrated system which is relatively efficient, but that the fowl, coming
from many widely scattered and often small farms, is marketed largely
through many small handlers. Whether improvements can be made in this
area will be determined by this study.

W. F. Henry

Effects of Reservoir Construction on the Agricultural Economy
of the Merrimack River Valley

Future development of dry reservoirs for flood control is planned in
New Hampshire and other states. Various governmental agencies, farmers,
utility companies, and industrial firms are anxious to determine the benefits
and costs of such construction. Since farmers are primarily concerned with
the land acquisition in the reservoir sites, and are also benefited by reduced
flood danger in the valley below the dam, this study of the effect of reservoir
construction on agriculture is being made as an aid and guide to the farmer.

13

A preliminary report has been made for tlie area of the Merrimack
River Valley between Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire. Since the
agriculture of the whole valley is heterogeneous, it is not possible to expand
the analysis for the Manchester section to the whole river. The rest of the
study will be completed soon.

Damages of several types occur from flooding agricultural land. The
greater part of these are associated with land and crops on the land, but
some damages occur to buildings and livestock. Of the damages to land,
some are immediate in that growing crops are effected in some way, some
are of short-run effect to the land causing temporary loss of crop yields, and
some are of long-run effect in that land is lost permanently for agricultural
purposes or crop yields are permanently reduced.

For the Manchester-Nashua section of the Merrimack River, 7^
miles of the 116 mile length of the river, the flood damages in the 1936
floods are summarized in the following table. These figures are taken from
the actual experiences of farmers obtained by a survey of all farms in the
area.

Agricultural Damages, Reach 8, Merrimack River, 1936 Flood

Type and Duration Damages

(dollars) (percent)

Buildings $ 3,000. 2.7

Livestock 0

Land and Crops

Immediate 1,100. 1.0

Short-run 42,104. 38.0

Long-run 63,158. 57.0

Miscellaneous" 1,515. 1.3

Total $110,877. lOO.O

^ Fences, irrigation, drainage, small structures.

Others floods have caused damage, but to a much lesser extent than
the 1936 flood. The extent of these losses will be determined for the whole
river valley.

The farmers were asked specifically if the general flood danger from the
river had affected their land use and whether the reduction in flood danger
after the construction of the reservoirs affected their land use. Most of the
farmers stated that the reservoir operation had been beneficial, but that
flood danger before or after construction did not affect their land use. They
would not change their particular use of land if the river were fully
controlled.

The same answer was made to the question regarding any enhance-
ment in the use value of the land. Most farmers felt that the construction
of the dams did not make certain lands usable for intensive cropping which
were not usable before.

This means that to a considerable extent the farming decisions made
in the river valley are not based at all on danger of floods. Some minor ad-
justments are made in vegetable farming because of the danger of water
covering certain acreages in the spring, but farmers maintained that these
adjustments were of small consequence to their operations.

W. F. Henry
14

I I

OTHER ACTIVE PROJECTS
Factors Influencing Sales of New Hampshire Melons

L. A. Dougherty

Agronomy

"Merrimac", a New Potato Variety

For several years the Department of Agronomy has tested in New
Hampshire potato seedling progenies developed by the United States De-
partment of Agriculture, at Beltsville, Maryland, and Presque Isle, Maine.
One of the varieties thus far developed has proved to be of commercial value
and has been named Merrimac.

Merrimac is a high yielding variety of excellent quality which is very
well adapted to this state. It is excellent for the manufacture of potato chips,
has good keeping quality, and is resistant to late blight and ring rot.

More potato varieties are being tested and propagated, several show
promise, and may eventually replace some of the varieties now grown in
the state.

P. T. Blood

Search Continued for a Perennial Red Clover

New Hampshire perennial red clover was hand planted for comparison
with Dollard, Kenland, New Brunswick, and Pennscott red clovers in July,
1953. Each strain was replicated four times. Yield harvests were made in
mid-June and early August with considerable variation in yields due to the
slope of the land and position of the individual plots.

In July, 1954, the above tests were duplicated on more level land and
more uniform soil conditions. For comparison, three replications of each
strain were seeded with the new belt seeder and one replication was hand
seeded.

Some of the New Hampshire perennial red clover plants in the green-
house are now over three years old. These plants are the source of the new
breeder's seed. In recent years, seed has been taken from plants in the field
which had persisted for five years.

L. J. HiGGINS

Better Adapted and Higher Yielding Corn and Grain Varieties

Cornell 29-3 has been an important corn hybrid for both silage and
grain for several years. Unfortunately, it has suffered considerable stalk
breakage and is not as uniform as some of the more recently developed
hybrids.

In order to find which hybrids will best replace Cornell 29-3 and vmder
what conditions these varieties will give the best silage returns, the usual
corn variety trials were modified in 1953. Eight open pedigree hybrids in
the same maturity range as Cornell 29-3 were chosen for the tests.

The nine hybrids were each replicated four times for each of four
treatments. Two population levels of over 14,000 and over 19,000 plants
per acre were established by proper thinning. Two fertilizer variations were
set up by using 1-1-1 and 1-2-2 fertilizer ratios at planting and by varying
the amount of nitrogen added as a side-dressing when the plants were knee-
high.

The 1953 yields appeared to be somewhat masked by the extended

15

summer drought. There were no significant yield differences for either the
population levels or the fertilizer variations. There were significant yield
differences in the average yields of all treatments for the varieties. The
earliest maturing variety returned better than 14 tons of silage per acre and
the latest maturing variety produced 22 tons per acre. Four hybrids gave
higher silage yields than Cornell 29-3. In this dry year all varieties matured
except the latest hybrid.

A number of oat varieties were tested for forage as well as for grain sdelds.

In 1954 the same set-up with respect to treatments was used. Three
earlier maturing hybrids were substituted for the three latest maturing
varieties of 1953. To date, the rainfall has been ample and observed differ-
ences have been noted. The higher amount of nitrogen used as a side-
dressing seemed to give the desired response.

New Hampshire farmers planted the new Clarion oat in place of Clin-
ton for the first time in 1954. Results as regards yield and quality have
favored the Clarion over the Clinton in the northeastern uniform nursery
oat trials. The new improved Gerry and a New York selection appear to be
well adapted and high yielding in the trials. If they prove their worth, the
seed will be multiplied and available to oat growers. At this time, Clarion
and Ajax are the recommended varieties to plant.

L. J. HiGGINS

Radioactive Phosphorus Absorption by Potato Leaves Shows that
Phosphorus Fertilizer Can Be Applied as a Foliage Spray

Using phosphorus compounds tagged with radioactive phosphorus, it
was found that up to 3.5 percent of the total phosphorus in the tubers at
harvest time had been derived from the phosphorus sprayed on the potato

16

leaves. The seven sprays applied contained only a total phosphorus equiva-
lent to an application of 5.9 pounds of P2O5 per acre; therefore, its effi-
ciency of utilization was approximately 5.7 percent. On the other hand,
where 200 pounds of P2O.-, was applied to the soil as a fertilizer, its effi-
ciency of utilization was considerably less than 5 percent. The total phos-
phorus needs of the crop are more adequately taken care of by the native
soil- and fertilizer-phosphorus treatments since these tw-o together ac-
counted for more than 90 percent of the total phosphorus in the plant. It
appears improbable that foliar feeding of the potato crop wathout root
feeding can adequately take care of the plant's requirements for phosphorus.

L. T. Kardos

Potato Scab Easier to Prevent Than to Cure

Five hundred pounds of lime per acre per year were applied on scab-
free potato soils with a pH of 5.09. Potato scab gradually built up as the pH
was raised by the use of the lime to 5.28, to the point where the potatoes
were not marketable. The lime was then omitted until the pH dropped to its
original 5.09, and even at this pH, scab incidence was 63 percent. By con-
trast, nearby plots at the same pH which received no lime continued to be
free of scab. This indicates that once the scab organism population builds
up it is a very slow process to get rid of scab.

Adjacent plots in rotation which had received the same amount of lime
were scab-free. This means that it is important for a potato grower to use
soil-building crops in rotation in order to maintain a satisfactory level of
organic matter.

P. T. Blood

Legume-Grass Yields Highest without Nitrogen Fertilizer

During the second year of harvest, the highest yields of a ladino clover-
bromegrass mixture were made with no nitrogen fertilizer. The best yield
was slightly in excess of three tons of dry matter per acre, and the fertilizer
treatment consisted of 120 pounds of P2O5, 240 pounds of KjO, 10 pounds
of borax per acre, and no nitrogen fertilizer. The lowest yielding plot re-
ceived onl}' 60 pounds of PoO-, per acre.

Yields were in direct proportion to the amount of potash applied. The
percentage of ladino clover was decreased by the application of nitrogen fer-
tilizer, but increased by potash fertilization.

R. L. Donahue, P. T. Blood

Narragansett Alfalfa Proves Superior

Xarragansett alfalfa maintained its superiority in yield over five other
varieties for the third consecutive year. This variety of alfalfa has also been
outstanding in other northeastern states.

Yield tests were conducted in 1953 on alfalfa at Greenland, ladino
clover at Durham, and on smooth bromegrass at Dover and Colebrook.
Yield tests were established in 1953 for nine strains of ladino clover at
Dover and Colebrook.

Certified Oregon Ladino produced somewhat higher yields than the

ther strains in this test during 1953.

17

The southern type bromegrass varieties such as Fischer and Achen-
bach were superior to northern type varieties at both locations.

G. M. Dunn, L. J. Higgins, P. T. Blood

Breeding of Grasses and Legumes in the Search for Superior Plants

Breeding activities with bromegrass included: (a) The establishment
of a polycross nursery for progeny testing of selected plants; (b) The ar-
tificial inoculation and selection for resistance to brown leaf spot ; (c) A cor-
relation study on leafiness in bromegrass; (d) Crossing of selected brome-
grass plants in the greenhouse.

It was found that seedling bronie plants are very susceptible when ar-
tificially inoculated by the brown leaf spot organism, although some plants
produce more resistant progeny than others. Of about 1500 plants which
were inoculated, approximately 25 plants seemed to have some resistance
to this disease.

The correlation study on leafiness with approximately 200 selected
plants involved the following characteristics: (a) Leafiness as determined
by a visual rating; (b) Leafiness as determined by dried weight of the sep-
arated leaves and stems; (c) Leaf length; (d) Leaf width; (e) Height of
plant.

The plants dilTered greatly in leafiness as determined by weight of the
dried leaves and stems. A significant positive correlation existed between
(a) and (b) and between (b) and (e). A highly significant negative corre-
lation was found between (b) and (c). The objective here is to select for
and against leafiness, and to find associated characters which may aid in se-
lection for leafy plants.

Breeding activities with ladino included :

(a) The establishment of a breeding source nursery, involving ap-
proximately 2400 plants of 70 to 80 strains of ladino. Observa-
tions taken on these plants include winter hardiness, maturity,

^^*«v^ >

•*>-)i.^

Ladino clover in its second year of growth in the breeding nursery.

18

density, recovery from diseases, plant type, and the amount of
flowering",
(b) A greenhouse and field study of morphological characters associ-
ated with persistence. The characters studied in six widely dif-
ferent strains were: seedling root systems, date of initiation of
stolons, stolon number, stolon diameter, and petiole length. These
plants were transplanted to the field in an attempt to correlate
these characters with persistence.

It is expected that progeny testing of selected plants in ladino clover
and bromegrass will be begun next year to determine their suitability as
parents for new varieties. Selection will be continued for brown leaf spot
resistance in bromegrass, and it is planned to begin artificial cold-tempera-
ture studies with ladino clover as an aid in selection for persistence and
winter hardiness.

G. M. Dunn

Irrigation Water and Nitrogen Fertilizer Can Be Wasted

Highest yields of a soybean-Hungarian millet mixture were obtained
with one inch of water a week plus a top-dressing of 50 pounds of nitrogen
fertilizer. An additional inch of water and 50 pounds more of nitrogen did
not further increase yields.

The experiment was carried out on a deep sandy soil adjacent to the
Merrimac River. Fertilization at time of seeding consisted of an application
of 740 pounds per acre of a 5-10-10 fertilizer.

R. L. Donahue, P. T. Blood, S. A. Miller

Lime Makes Potash More Efficient

In northern New Hampshire, a ladino clover-bromegrass mixture
produced the most forage when the soil was treated with 2 tons of lime and
100 pounds of KoO applied in split applications. Responses in the southern
part of the state were similar. It is especially significant to note from this ex-
periment that at the higher levels of lime, it is not so important to apply
potash in split applications. It appears that lime makes potash available to
plants over a longer period of time.

L. T. Kardos

Birdsfoot Trefoil a Superior Legume on Soils of Low Fertility

Birdsfoot trefoil on soils of low fertility persisted longer than did al-
falfa, ladino clover, or red clover. This was true both in southern and
northen New Hampshire. Three years after seeding in the northern part of
the state, both alfalfa and ladino clover comprised less than 5 percent of the
stand. By contrast, birdsfoot trefoil comprised 17 percent.

On a droughty soil in southern New Hampshire, alfalfa averaged 2690
pounds of dry matter, birdsfoot trefoil 1930 pounds, and ladino clover 480
pounds per acre per year.

L. T. Kardos

Root Habits Can Be Changed

Experiments indicate that ladino clover and alfalfa roots can be made
to use the deeper layers of the soil more fully. For example, by fertilizing

19

and liming the deeper layers and at the same time increasing the air capacity
or "breathing capacity" of these layers, not only was a larger quantity of
ladino clover roots developed, but also there were four to five times as many
roots in the 12-18" layer as there were in the normal soil at this depth.

In the case of alfalfa, the tap root penetrated to a greater depth and the
quantity of fibrous roots in the 12-18" layer almost tripled.

In field plots where a chisel tool was used to loosen compact sub-soil
layers, the improvement in soil structure was found to persist into the
second year.

L. T. Kardos

OTHER ACTIVE PROJECTS

Soil Survey of Rockingham County

W. H. Lyford

Bacteriology

Diagnosis and Control of Vibriosis in New Hampshire Dairy Herds

Attempts were made to isolate strains of Vibrio fetus from cows in
New Hampshire dairy herds and to use these as antigens for studying the
prevalence of vibriosis in the state. No pure cultures of this organism
could be obtained from 6 fetuses submitted for culture. Apparently there
is little vibriosis infection at the present time in the dairy herds in this state
and it is difficult to obtain sufficient culture material for extensive studies.
The project will be terminated because of lack of culture material and
Vibrio fetus infected herds.

L. W. Slanetz

Studies on Bovine Mastitis

Particular attention was given to the use of staphylococcal toxoid for
the prevention or control of staphylococcal mastitis in dairy cattle. Two ex-
perimental cows developed definite increases in antitoxin titers following
the administration of the toxoid. These cows did not develop acute mastitis
when injected via the teat canal with virulent strains of mastitis staphylo-
cocci. These organisms did produce acute mastitis when injected into these
cows before the toxoid was administered. Forty milking cows have been
given 2 or 3 injections of this toxoid and studies are in progress to deter-
mine the value of this immunization for preventing the development of acute
cases of staphylococcal mastitis or new infections in these cows. Similar
studies are being conducted on a group of 20 pregnant heifers injected sev-
eral weeks before calving. Antitoxins titers are being followed in these
cows. Achromycin and a combination of aureomycin, neomycin, streptomy-
cin and penicillin ointment are being tested for the treatment of staphylo-
coccal and streptococcal mastitis.

L. W. Slanetz, F. E. Allen, G. V. Keeper

Botany

New Blight-Resistant Tomatoes Show Promise

About a dozen lines of tomatoes have been selected which are highly re-
sistant to Phytophthora infestans, the organism which causes late blight of

20

potatoes and tomatoes. Most of these lines have good fruit size and shape.
The more resistant Hnes which have the most desirable horticultural char-
acters will be selected for further trial and increase.

A. E. Rich

Propagation of Woody Plants

Two types of propagation beds have been tried, one under shade in a
greenhouse and the other an outdoor bed shaded with burlap. The latter was
tried as an inexpensive propagation method. Both beds were supplied with
constant mist by spray nozzles. The indoor bed gave a higher percentage of
rooting, but the outdoor one gave indication of being useful, especially with
a new type oil burner nozzle tested late in the season.

Limited tests with cuttings of other kinds, such as new Rnbus crosses
and those of hazel-filbert, gave indication that constant mist is a good
method for rooting these plants.

With sugar maple cuttings, a total of 190 rooted out of 1152 planted.
The rooted cuttings were potted in soil and stored in an outdoor bed cov-
ered with sawdust. Considerable winter-killing was noted the following
spring (1954). All but a few failed to survive.

S. Dunn

New Organic Fungicides Show Promise for Disease Control
under New Hampshire Conditions

Sulfur is being replaced by new organic fungicides for control of apple
scab because they give more effective control and better fruit finish. Phygon
has given excellent scab control, but sometimes causes injury to both foliage
and fruit. Captan and glyodin have given good scab control and excellent
fruit finish. Several phenyl mercury formulations have proved effective in
precover sprays as "eradicants", but they tend to delay ripening.

Maneb gave the best control of potato late blight in 1953, followed by
nabam plus zinc sulfate, dichlone, and captan.

Neither captan nor ferbam increased the yields of low-bush blue-
berries in 1953. However, the dusted foliage appeared healthier than the
untreated plants.

A. E. Rich

Virus Diseases of Strawberries in New Hampshire

Preliminary studies suggest that cultivated strawberries and wild
strawberries growing near them are rather generally virus-infested, even
though no marked foliage symptoms are evident. It is probable that the
viruses reduce both runner formation and yield.

A. E. Rich

Effective Materials and Methods for Composting
Sawdust and Other Wood Wastes

Experiments on composts of sawdust and shavings were continued. Re-
sults on yields of various crops grown in mixtures of these composts with
soil, as compared to those grown in soil only, showed again that hen manure
or green vegetation, or both, were good composting aids for wood wastes.
Sewage sludge was of doubtful value in this respect. Krilium as a soil con-

21

ditioner did not compare favorably with the best of these compost mixtures
in aiding crop growth. Commercial fertilizer, with and without lime, did
not produce good composts.

Outdoor wooden bins as containers for composts proved to be superior
to pits dug in the soil. Ease of handling and good drainage were important
factors here.

S. Dunn

The Flora of New Hampshire

The most important Herbaria have Ijeen canvassed for specimens of
woody plants. Plants have also been collected from all parts of New Hamp-
shire. Data has been taken with the aim of publishing a much needed review
on the flora of the woody plants of the state in the near future. Considerable
field work has also been carried on to increase our knowledge of the wild
plants in certain parts of New Hampshire. In particular, a fairly successful
attempt has been made to locate all of the wild Rhododendron colonies in
this area. One woody species, the Inkberry, was found for the first time in
New Hampshire last year. It has also been possible to cooperate in our flora
investigations with our plant pathologist in some of his studies involving
virus in strawberries as well as Ash rust.

A. R. HODGDON

New or Unusual Diseases in New Hampshire

Dutch Elm Disease continued to increase in distribution and severity
in 1953.

Ash leaf rust was very serious in southern New Hampshire in 1953
and 1954.

Needle browning of w^iite pines is prevalent in the young needles this
season (1954), apparently due to climatic conditions. No parasitic organism
appears to be involved.

Needle blight of red pines was again serious in 1953. Studies have
shown that it is associated with injury by a gall midge.

Pea root rot was a problem in 1953 and 1954. Preliminary studies in-
dicate that a Fusarium is involved.

A. E. Rich

OTHER ACTIVE PROJECTS
Control of New Hampshire Weeds Using Herbicidal Methods

A. R. HoDGDON

Dairy Husbandry

New Method of Determining Gross Energy and Protein in Plant Ma-
terials Shows That Silage Excells Comparable Hay in Nutritive Value

A new method for determining the protein and the gross energy of
silages and other high-moisture containing substances without drying the
samples by means of an adiabatic bomb calorimeter has been perfected at the
Agricultural Experiment Station.

The fresh sample is finely pulverized by means of a meat grinder and
95 percent ethyl alcohol is used as a primer in burning a weighed amount of
the fresh material in the bomb calorimeter to determine the gross energy.

22

I i

Tlie protein also is determined on a representative sample of the fresh ma-
terial. Comparison of the results of this method with those using conven-
tional drying show that there are losses of gross energy and protein as high
as 10 percent due to drying.

When these corrections are applied to the values for silages reported in
New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 409, p. 17, 1954,
the}- show that the silage excells both the mow-cured hay and the field-cured
hay in gross energy and digestible protein.

N. F. CoLovos, H. A. Keener,
A. E. Teeri, H. a. Davis

Methane Production Uniform in Ruminants Fed Roughages

In approximately 400 nutrition balance experiments with dairy cattle
at the Metabolism Laboratory of the New Hampshire Agricultural Exper-
iment Station, the methane production was measured directly with a Car-
penter methane gas analysis apparatus. In about 130 of these experiments,
dairy cows received a ration consisting solely of roughage. The production
of methane in all these roughage evaluations was remarkably uniform
within plant species when they were fed as a maintenance ration or slightly
above.

From this, it is concluded that a prediction formula for methane may
be worked out using the digestible energy content of the ration. Such a
value, along with the factor for estimating the energy loss in the urine, can
then be used to estimate fairly well the metabolizable energy of the ration.
If a similar prediction formula for heat increment of the ration can be
worked out, it will be possible to make an estimate of the net energy.

Efforts are being made in the laboratory to determine such factors for
estimating heat increment.

N. F. CoLOVos, H. A. Keener,

A. E. Teeri, H. A. Davis

The Excretion of Vitamin Bj^ by Cows

The amount of vitamin B12 synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract of
cows is relatively very great as indicated by the fact that excretion of this
substance exceeds intake by many times. The fact that approximately 99
percent of the excreted vitamin B^o is in the feces suggests that this vitamin
is either poorly absorbed or that it is metabolized to some other compounds.
Preliminary results with rations consisting of hay, hay with oats, and hay
with corn indicate that the extent of synthesis of this vitamin in the intes-
tinal tract of cows may be affected by alterations in the ration.

A. E. Teeri, D. Josselyn,
N. F. CoLovos, H. A. Keener

Vending Machines Increase Use of Fluid Milk

Vending milk in coin-operated package machines was started in the
University dormitories on the campus in the fall of 1951. During the Uni-
versity year 1951-52 there were only 6 machines in operation, but in the
fall of 1952, 7 more machines were placed in operation. For the last 2 years
there has been a machine in all of the dormitories on the campus.

In the first year of operation 61,376 half pints were sold in 6 machines ;
last year, 133,916 half pints, and this past year, 134,848 half pints were
sold in the 13 machines. The machines also are used for Summer School
and conferences, and the total sales to date has been 344,952 half pints of
homogenized milk, chocolate milk, and coffee milk. The containers with
coffee milk were added to the list in November, 1953. Over 86,000 quarts
of milk were sold ; nearly all of this can be considered as additional usage.

This year with three types of milk in the machines, the girls used 43.1
percent plain, 35.1 percent chocolate, and 21.8 percent coffee; the boys used
30.4 percent plain, 43.8 percent chocolate, and 25.8 percent coffee. Last
year the girls used 51.9 percent plain and 48.1 percent chocolate, while the
boys used 32.8 percent plain and 67.2 percent chocolate.

The consumption per student per day last year was 0.27 of a bottle
and this year it was 0.29 of a bottle. The consumption in the girls' dormi-
tories was 0.41 of a bottle last year and 0.46 of a bottle this year. In the
boys' dormitories the consumption was 0.22 of a bottle for both years. The
greater consumption on the part of the girls can be explained largely by the
fact that in two dormitories the girls do some cooking, and the consumption
per girl in these dormitories was 0.80 and 0.61 of a bottle per day. In a
dormitory where all the girls are freshmen and are required to eat in the
University Dining Hall, the consumption was 0.26 of a bottle per day.

A cone paper bottle with a cover cap is used at a cost of about 2.15
cents per unit. Depreciation and repairs to date has been about 0.5 cents
per unit, leaving 7.35 cents per bottle to cover cost of servicing the machines
and for the milk. Most of this time the price of a half pint of milk delivered
has been 6.5 cents, and if we assume we can process and deliver a unit to
to these machines for 6.5 cents, it leaves a profit of 0.85 cents per unit sold
in the machines.

Sales of soft drinks for the college year 1952-53 in the dormitories
dropped 33.9 percent compared with the previous year when 6 milk ma-
chines were in operation. When compared with the sales of soft drinks in
1950-51, when no milk vending machines were in operation, the drop in
sales of soft drinks last year was 59.1 percent.

H. C. Moore

More Extensive Use of Grass Silage for Dairy Calves and Heifers

The possibility of using grass silage more extensively in feeding dairy
cattle is being studied. Twelve Holstein and 12 Guernsey heifers are being
fed from a few days of age to calving on milk replacement, a limited amount
of concentrate mixture, and one of the following roughage combinations :
grass silage alone, grass silage plus limited hay, grass silage plus corn silage,
grass silage plus corn silage plus limited hay. The concentrate part of the
ration of each animal consists of 200 pounds dry calf starter and 300 pounds
16 percent dairy grain mixture. The maximum amount fed per day is 2.5
pounds and no grain at all is fed after the animals are 9-10 months of age.
This type of feeding program was planned in order to bring out maximum
differences between roughage combinations and also to determine what
gains can be obtained when limited amounts of grain are fed.

Results to date indicate that good quality grass silage can be fed suc-
cessfully to young dairy calves. No benefit has been observed from feeding
hay and grass silage to the Guernseys, but the Holsteins receiving limited

24

hay are considerably larger than those receiving grass silage as the sole
roughage. The animals receiving corn silage with grass silage have grown
the poorest in both breeds, but the addition of hay to this combination has
improved growth to some extent. The animals of this experiment appear to
be in good condition generally and would be accepted as normal in most
dairy herds.

H. A. Keener, N. F. Colovos

Bisulfate Applicator Can Be Made from Corn Planter

Gravity type applicators used for applying sodium metal)isulfite to for-
age at time of ensiling have not worked satisfactorily. The bisulfite bridged
over and constant attention was required to keep the material flowing.
Types tested included one built to be mounted on the field chopper and an-
other mounted above the feed table of the forage blower.

A revolving pan type fertilizer attachment from a corn planter or side
dressing cultivator was converted into a very satisfactory applicator. Pow-er

A bisulfite applicator made from the fertilizer attachment of a corn planter.

25

was supplied by a 34 H.P. electric motor, but it could be supplied by some
moving part of a blower or conveyor. A wide range of delivery could be ob-
tained by means of a thumb screw under the revolving pan. It appears that
a positive type of applicator is the most satisfactory.

P. A. Oilman

The Value of Balsam Fir as Food For Deer

The nutritive value of balsam fir. Abeis balsamea, an evergreen abun-
dant in New Hampshire woods, was determined in feeding tests with young
deer. Cooperative experiments were conducted by the Agricultural Experi-
ment Station and the Fish and Game Commission of the State of New
Hampshire to determine the nutritive value of the forages available in the
woods to deer during the winter.

Using yearling male deer, specially constructed metabolism stalls, the
indirect calorimeter, and the other facilities of the Metabolism Laboratory
of the Dairy Husbandry Department, a series of complete nutritive balances
were made on this forage with the deer receiving it as the sole ration.

The results of the experiment show that even though the deer ate at an
average rate of about 5 pounds of the balsam fir per 100 pounds of body
weight, the ration was considerably under maintenance level both in energy
and protein. The digestibilities of the energy and protein were quite low,
47 and 27 percent, respectively. The utilization of the ration was very low
also, with high minus balances in both energy and protein indicating that
the animal was drawing on its own body for maintenance. Loss in body
weight substantiated this.

It is concluded that this forage is of low nutritive value and at best can
serve deer only as a sub-maintenance diet which, if prolonged, would result
in the animal dying from starvation.

N. F. CoLovos, H. A. Keener,

A. E. Teeri, H. a. Davis

Vitamin Synthesis in the Rumen of Deer

There is a considerable amount of synthesis of certain vitamins in the
rumen of deer, as indicated by the urinary and fecal excretions of these vit-
amins v/hen deer were fed a ration consisting of balsam fir. While the syn-
thesis of nicotinic acid and riboflavin was slight, that of thiamine, and par-
ticularly of vitamin B12. was much more extensive,

Vitamin synthesis by rumen microorganisms is an activity common to
all ruminants, but it appears to be especially high in the case of deer. This
fact is of particular importance to those animals which often may be sub-
jected to a rather limited type of diet.

A. E. Teeri, N. F. Colovos, H. A. Keener

The Relation of Seminal Fluid Fructose Levels
to Factors Affecting Breeding Efficiency

Semen fructose analyses have been made on 408 ejaculates repre-
senting 34 bulls of the following breeds : Guernsey, Hereford, Holstein,
and Jersey. These ejaculates represent 306 first ejaculates, 86 second ejac-
ulates, and 16 third ejaculates.

26

ejaculates for the first, second, and third days after shipment.

Fructose analyses were made on the initial level and one, two, and
three hours after incubation. Breeding efficiencies were calculated on all

Although the data has not been treated statistically, there is evidence
that :

1. There is no relationship between the initial fructose level and
breeding efficiency.

2. There is a relationship between sexual libido and initial fructose
level.

3. There is a relationship between initial fructose level and first and
second ejaculates.

4. There is a relationship between the rate of fructose utilization and
breeding efficiency.

5. There are differences between the breeding efficiencies of first and
second ejaculates from the same bulls.

C. H. BOYNTON

Low Trace Mineral Content of Feed Does Not Appear
to Adversely Affect Reproduction in Dairy Cows

Timothy and ladino-clover-bromegrass hays grown under conditions
of heavy fertilization of the soil are low in cobalt, iron, and copper. The
content of certain other mineral elements appear also to be decreased some-
what.

When the low-mineral hays were fed to dairy calves and heifers along
with a low-mineral-grain mixture and a cobalt supplement, symptoms ob-
served in the animals were slow growth, anemia, ataxia of rear quarters,
and pulling of head upwards and backwards. In older cattle symptoms ob-
served were anemia, low milk production, very rapid loss of body weight
following parturition, and the giving birth to calves with goiter.

The feeding of the low-mineral timothy hay does not appear to have
had any adverse effect upon reproduction. During the first two years that
animals on the experiment were being bred, the ladino-brome fed animals
required over twice as many services per conception as the timothy fed
animals. The past year the ladino-brome fed animals conceived as well as
the timothy fed animals, l)ut the percentage of ladino clover in the mixture
was low. due to adverse weather conditions. While these results suggest
that some factor which interferes with conception may be present in ladino
clover, conclusive proof of this must await further studies.

H. A. Keener, F. E. Allen, C. H. Boynton,
H. A. Davis. K. S. Morrow, G. P. Percival

OTHER ACTIVE PROJECTS

The Influence of Herd Management Practices on Milk Production,
Efficiency of Reproduction, and Herd Replacement Maintenance

K. S. Morrow
Entomology

Testing New Organic Insecticides under New Hampshire Conditions

In comparative tests against mites on apple foliage, Malathion (25 per-
cent w. p.) at 2 pounds per 100 gallons was superior to Parathion (25 per-

27

cent w. p.) ; both materials gave satisfactory control for a period of one
month following a single application. ]\Ialathion has a distinct advantage
over Parathion for the average grower, inasmuch as it is much safer to
handle and will give very good results in controlling other important apple
insects, as well as mites.

An attempt was made to control horse flies and horn flies on dairy
cattle. Two materials were used for this purpose : Sulfoxide- Pyrexcel wet-
table powder and Sulfoxide-Pyrexcel emulsion. Under field conditions it
was found that both materials protected the animals from horse flies for
three days. The species of horse flies involved were Tebaniis typhus and
Tebanus lasiopthalmns. Both of the insecticides used gave protection to
cows from horn flies for nine days during the period when untreated ani-
mals were more or less continuously heavily infested.

Control of horse flies in the University Livestock Barn was attempted
by the use of Malathion sugar baits. It was found that the sugar bait method
was effective in reducing fly populations satisfactorily, providing the baits
were replenished every three days during the season when flies were par-
ticularly troublesome.

Fly breeding in manure was controlled effectively by the application
of Malathion sprays at intervals of four days.

J. G. CoNKLiN, R. L. Blickle, W. T- Morse

Factors Affecting the Action of Acaricides

An attempt was made to determine whether the two-spotted mite,
reared under different humidity conditions, would exhibit any difference in
susceptibility to acaricides. Acaricide tests were run on six different mite
populations which had been reared under constant humidity conditions of
10 percent, 28 percent, 44 percent, 60 percent, 75 percent, and 80 percent,
respectively, and under temperature conditions ranging between 75° F.
and 80° F. It was observed that mites reared at humidities between 10 per-
cent and 50 percent developed faster and in greater numbers than did those
at the higher humidities of 75 percent and 80 percent. In these tests there
were no significant differences in susceptibility to the acaricides under the
6 different humidities.

R. L. Blickle, W. J. Morse

Forestry

Soil-Yield Relationships of White Pine in Southern New Hampshire

Since 1952 data has been taken on Z7 white pine sample plots. The
mensurational characteristics of the forest and the properties of the soil
have been recorded for each plot.

A preliminary set of site-index-curves for white pine has been pre-
pared. Various regressions with their correlation coefficients have been cal-
culated and it was found that a strong correlation exists between certain
soil properties and site-index. As more plots are established in the coming
year, it is believed that stronger correlations will be found.

B. HuscH, W. Lyford
28

Marketing Forest Products Is an Important Phase
of the Agricultural Economy of New Hampshire

\\'oodland owners throughout the State were interviewed in order to
secure from them information about practices, facihties, and the prices they
receive from the sale of their wood products.

The information has been analyzed, and when a summary is completed,
it should reveal the present status of marketing from the woodlot owner's
point of view.

To present a balanced study, it is also desirable to secure information
from the buyer or the first handler of these products. This information is
now being gathered through interviews with owners of sawmills, pulp mills,
excelsior plants, wood dealers, and others. About 45 such contacts have
been made.

As soon as the samphng process is completed, all of the information
will be integrated and the results published.

L. C. Swain

The Utilization of Products from Chemically Treated Trees

Chemically kilhng instead of cutting unwanted trees to improve com-
position and quality of the forest is a new and economical approach to an
important practice.

When trees are killed and remain standing, changes take place in the
bark and \vood which may affect the utilization value of these trees. If they
are suitable for fenceposts, it is important to know their drying rate.

To secure information on white pine trees normally removed in thin-
ning, 70 pole size trees were selected and numbered in November, 1953.
The odd numbered poles were treated with sodium arsenite tabs. The even
numbered trees were untreated and used as controls.

At two-week intervals one treated and one untreated tree was cut.
seven-foot poles were sawed from both trees. At the end of the first 7-foot
cutting, wood samples were taken for moisture determination. Internodal
sections were also taken for the same purpose near the tops of the trees.

From 17 pairs of trees so far examined, it was found that a fairly
gradual moisture loss occurred during the first 26 weeks. After that, the
rate of loss was much greater.

A second plot of 100 trees received similar treatment in May, 1954.
Not enough observations have been secured so far to show definite trends.

L. C. Swain

Results of an Investigation of the Variable
Plot Method of Cruising Timber

A major activity in forestry is the determination of standing timber
volumes. Within recent years a new approach has been developed which
promises to speed up timber volume estimation. Briefly, this new variable
plot method consists of establishing a number of sampling points in the
timber stand to be inventoried. The estimator then occupies each sampling
point successively. He views the diameter of every tree visible from each
point, counting the trees whose diameter appears larger than a hand held
angle gauge. The total count of all trees, divided by the number of sampling
points, multiplied by a constant, will give an estimate of average basal area

29

per acre. Other timber survey statistics can be developed by varying; the
procedure.

In this study, four contiguous ten-acre tracts were cruised by the var-
iable plot method using the three critical angles : 52.09', 104.18', and 208.38'.
A complete tally of all trees was then made of the same area for comparison.

From the standpoint of efficiency based on both accuracy and required
time, the 208.38' critical angle proved best. The basal area determination
for the 40 acres was only 4.6 percent low and the boardfoot volume estimate
was 7.6 percent low. There were slightly greater deviations for the indi-
vidual 10-acre tracts. The results of the estimates with the 52.09' critical
angle were much more inaccurate. For the 40 acres the basal area deter-
mination was 47.8 percent low and the volume estimate was 47.5 percent
low. Again, somewhat greater deviations were found for the individual 10-
acre tracts. Using this angle, the number of estimating points that can be
used on an area are limited and many trees which should be counted are
missed because of adverse sighting conditions. The estimates with the
104.18' critical angle gave basal area and volume figures intermediate be-
tween those found for the other two angles. In addition, it required the
greatest length of time.

It would appear that the method of variable plot cruising works best
with a wide critical angle used at the maximum number of estimating points.

B. HuscH

OTHER ACTIVE PROJECTS

Reproduction Studies in White Pine

C. L. Stevens

Home Economics

Human Nutrition Research

This past year, twelve male students from the University voluntarily
participated in a nutritional research project to investigate the rate of
phosphorus supplement as it might effect the utilization of thiamine, one of
the B complex vitamins, and carbohydrate.

The young men, ranging in age from 18 to 24 years, were fed a con-
stant basal diet for a period of 10 weeks. All food for this experiment was
weighed, prepared, and served in the Food and Nutrition Laboratory in the
Department of Home Economics. The subjects were required to eat all the
food served to them and no additional foods were permitted. They lived
together as a unit at one of the men's dormitories.

The basal diet contained 2500 calories, 0.8 grams of phosphorus, and
was adequate in all other nutrients for the age group, according to the Rec-
ommended Allowances of the Food and Nutrition Committee of the Nat-
ional Research Council. Since the men differed in age, height, weight, and
activity, each individual's energy needs above the basal diet were provided
for by the addition of purified carbohydrate and fat. All subjects remained
on this regime for 5 weeks, after which time half of the students were given
additional phosphorus. None of the men knew who was receiving the ad-
ditional phosphorus as it was incorporated in the diet. The quantity of
phosphorus was increased at ten day intervals until they were eating four
times the quantity in the basal diet. Six of them remained on the basal diet

30

for the entire 10 day intervals until they were eating four times the quantity
contained in the basal diet. Six of them remained on the basal diet for the
entire 10 weeks to serve as controls.

Blood and urine samples were taken 24 hours after phosphorus intake
and analyzed at regular intervals throughout the experiment for a total of
6 collections. All subjects were periodically examined by the University
physician. The men remained in good health throughout the experiment.

On the basis of the blood and urine analyses performed, it does not ap-
pear that the varying levels of phosphorus had much, if any, significant
effect on the sugar or thiamine levels of the blood. This project is to be
published in detail as a Station Bulletin.

A. M. Light, S. R. Shimer

Horticulture

Effect of Hay Mulch and Minerals on Yield of Northern Spy Apples

Northern Spy apple yields from 1948-1953 were greatest on plots
which have received hay mulch since 1942-1945. Trees in mulched plots
which received nitrogen plus phosphorus and potassium, or phosphorus
plus potassium without nitrogen, gave no significant difference in yield
from those grown under mulch without added minerals. Although just short
of a 5 percent level of significance, there was an indication that yield was
slightly depressed in mulched plots that received phosphorus and potassium
without nitrogen. Trees in all hay mulched plots gave better yield than those
grown without mulch, although the latter received nitrogen applications. It
thus seems apparent that the main effect was an increased yield which re-
sulted from hay mulch, and that added minerals produced no additional
efifect.

L. P. Latimer, R. Eggert

Sources of Magnesium for Apple Trees

An experiment was set up in 1951 to compare magnesium sulphate,
dolomitic limestone, and sulpomag as sources of magnesium for root absorp-
tion by young Mcintosh apple trees which were showing symptoms of mag-
nesium deficiency. No differential effect due to treatments has yet been in-
dicated by visual examination.

L. P. Latimer, R. Eggert, G. P. Percival

Annual Cropping Northern Spy Apple Trees Are High Yielders

Over the period 1946-1953 inclusive, regular annual-bearing northern
Spy apple trees produced 50 percent more fruit than biennial-bearing trees.
Other trees, intermediate in bearing habit between annual and biennial
bearers, produced little more fruit than did strictly biennial bearers.

L. P. Latimer

Fruit Trees for Northern New Hampshire

Plums — Among the tree type plums. Red Coat has been outstanding

for vigor, hardiness, and production of large, attractive, red fruits of good

quality. Other promising varieties are : Tecumseh, Pembina, and Minnesota

No. 101.

31

Trees of Underwood are growing vigorously, but have been susceptible
to moderate to severe bark splitting in winter. Dietz, a European type, has
shown good vigor but as yet has not produced any fruit.

Dura and Opata are outstanding among the bush plums growing at
West Stewartstown. These are low growing and have produced the most
fruit of any of the bush plums on trial.

Apples — Whitney has been outstanding among the apple varieties,
being exceptionally vigorous and healthy and producing good fruit. Redwell
shows considerable promise because of its vigor, freedom from winter in-
jury, and production of some fruit this year. Red Duchess is very vigorous.
The trees are of good form and have produced some fruit.

Cortland still seems very promising when scab infection is kept under
control. Prairie Spy is healthy with some fruit, but may be too late to mature
properly. Fireside showed wood injury in winters 1948 to 1950. Trees, how-
ever, are now vigorous and show a good set of fruit. Alinjon is growing well
but needs further testing.

Among the small fruited crab apples. Red River and Piotosh are ex-
ceptionally vigorous, followed by Dolgo.

Pears — -None of the pears have produced fruit, although there has
been some bloom. It is not known whether this is due to frost injury to
blossoms or to lack of pollination. Patten is making excellent growth and is
far ahead of Bantam or Pioneer in this respect ; also, Patten has shown no
evidence of winter injury in the wood as have Bantam and Pioneer.

L. P. Latimer, D. A. O'Brien, A. F. Yeager

New Red Horticultural Bean Variety Named Scarlet Beauty

Good bright red seed color and large seeds at the green shell stage of
maturity are outstanding characteristics of the newly named Scarlet Beauty.
The seeds shell easily from the pods. The shelled beans make an attractive
market display because of the red seed color. Varieties of horticultural beans
adapted to shelling by machine, such as a rotary-cylinder type of pea huller,
are being developed.

E. M. Header, A. F. Yeager

Korean Shrubs Are Ornamental and Attractive to Wildlife

Seedlings of Sorb us alnijoUa from seeds collected in Korea in 1947
fruited at the Horticultural Farm for the first time in 1953. The 8-foot tree-
like shrubs w'hich are related botanically to both mountain ash and pear pro-
duced many clusters of small red fruits about ^ inch in diameter from the
white flowers that resemble those of the pear. Both flowers and fruit are
ornamental. The red fruits were particularly attractive to partridge or
ruffed grouse.

Seedlings of Elcagniis umhcUata from Korea have fruited for several
years. The spreading 6-foot shrubs with leaves green above and silvery
color on their underside will form a dense hedge. The rather inconspicuous
small white flowers have a spicey fragrance. Small red fruits having a shape
similar to and a single seed like an olive are attractive to fall migrating
birds. The fruits made an acceptable jelly with a flaver and color similar to
peach or plum jelly.

32

Seeds of both Korean shrubs have been distributed to interested per-
sons and nurserymen.

E. M. Meader

Hybrid Chestnuts Resulting from Crossing Two Known Species

Untimely low temperatures (27° F. on September 23, 1953) froze im-
mature chestnuts at the Horticultural Farm in Durham. Thus few nuts
could be harvested from the Korean chestnut seedlings.

It was possible at another location to secure mature nuts from a hardy
tree of Casfanea crcnata that had been pollinated with pollen from the
American Chestnut, C. dcntata. A few Fj -hybrid seedlings are being grown,
also some seedlings that were backcrossed to C. crenata.

E. M. Header

Superior Snap Bean Named Green Crop

Green Crop snap bean derived from crosses involving Bountiful, Aus-
tralian, and Streamliner varieties has been tested under code number N. H.
23. The new variety, Green Crop, has long flat stringless green pods with
white seeds and has proved valuable for processing. It is useful as a highly
productive market variety. Pods mature uniformly and thus may be adapted
to machine harvest.

Seed of Green Crop is being increased for distribution by the seed
trade.

A. F. Ye ACER, E. M. Meader

New Hampshire Red Pickler Tomato

This new determinate pear variety of tomato is preferred to the inde-
terminate types that are used for pickles. Because of uniform setting of
many green fruits at the same time, the crop of this determinate variety may
be harvested readily by pulling up the plant and shaking it to remove the
fruits. Over 1000 fruits have been harvested from a single plant.

A. F. Yeager

Chemical Weed Control Makes More Effective
Fertilization in Low Bush Blueberry Fields

Fertilizing low bush blueberry fields not only stimulates low bush blue-
berries, but also the competing weed plants such as Sweet Fern, Hard
Hack, Gray Birch, and others. In many cases the benefits of fertilizing the
blueberry fields were neutralized because of the stimulated growth of the
weeds which then dominated the fields. By proper use of the newly devel-
oped weed killing chemicals, it was possible to eliminate these weeds in the
blueberry fields, thereby making the application of fertilizer practical.

W. W. Smith

Weed Killing Chemicals Are Essential
in Reclaiming Blueberry Land

Blueberry fields have been abandoned because of the cost of controlling
weeds, especially woody plants such as Maple, Gray Birch, Cherries, and

33

so forth. By stump and basal spraying of these woody weed plants, the re-
claiming of abandoned blueberry land has become more profitable, and
many growers are taking advantage of this new technique. Properly sprayed
stumps do not resprout. while cutting without spraying is a continuous op-
eration as the unsprayed stumps sprout annually.

W. W. Smith

New Raspberry Variety Named New Hampshire

Taylor Raspberries pollinated with pollen from Rubits chamaemorus
more than 10 years ago were carried into the second generation and field
tested under a wide variety of climatic conditions. A selection from this
cross was distributed as New Hampshire raspberry No. 101. It is now
given the name New Hampshire. It is a late bearing spring variety. Plants
are medium in height, but strong and somewhat branched. The roots are
unusually vigorous. It is a reasonably good plant maker. The fruits are
conical in shape, very firm, good flavor, red in color with a very small cav-
ity. Tests indicate that it has a high degree of winter hardiness. It has a long
fruiting period carrying through much later than most standard varieties
of red raspberry. It offers promise as a market variety for climatic condi-
tions as found in New Hampshire.

A. F. Yeager, E. M. Meader

V

I

Do We Have a Virus in Our Apple Rootstocks? ^

The varieties Mcintosh, Cortland, and Spy, top-worked onto body
stocks of Virginia and Florence crab, came into production as quickly as
trees budded directly onto domestic roots. The trees that body-stock rooted
made excellent growth and production during the 12 year study. Trees of
the same scion body-stock combination that did not root became dwarfed,
developed "wood pitting" in the body stock, and broke down. Since the body
stocks were on domestic roots, the difference in performance of the trees
must be due to the variable domestic roots used for understocks. The incon-
sistent incompatabilities of Virginia crab with commercial apple varieties
that have been reported in the literature may well be a result of the hetero-
geneous seedlings that were used for nurse roots, or of the nurse roots' re-
sponse to a virus, and not an actual difference in the Virginia crab or in the
varieties with which they were grafted.

The "wood pitting" and general appearance and behavior of the abnor-
mal trees have a striking resemblance to the citrus trees infected with the
virus disease "quick decline".

W. W. Smith

The Occurrence of Over-Coloring and Blotching
in Apples on Double Worked Apple Trees

In 1950 in a hardy interstock planting it was noted that Cortland apples
on two of the trees that had a Florence crab interstock had a blotchy over-
color, there being areas on the surface of the apples that were green. These
areas were irregular in shape but had rather distinctive margins. In 1952
and 1953, more trees were discovered having apples of the same character-
istics. In 1954 some sixteen trees in the orchard showed this over-color
blotching. Fifteen of the trees were Cortland and one was Mcintosh.

34

At the present time we have no explanation for this pecuhar coloring.
The apples are normal in every other way but are not very attractive. Scions
of these trees bearing the abnormal colored apples have been budded into
Mailing 9 understocks to determine whether the characteristic blotchy color
will be transmitted with the scion.

W. W. Smith

Malus Sikkimensis as an Understock
for Semi-Dw^arfed Apple Trees

Malus sikkimensis is apomitic (producing a uniform progeny) and
thus has possibilities as a semi-dwarfecl understock for our apple varieties.
Some 40 grafted trees, including varieties such as Mcintosh, Macoun,
Northern Spy, Cortland, and Golden Delicious, are in their fifth season in
the rootstock plots at Gilford. A few of the trees bore apples this year.
At the present time, they appear to have a thicker trunk and wider
spreading branches than the same varieties on seedling understocks. Since
trees of Malus sikkimensis take 12 to 14 years to produce fruit, sikkimensis
has been budded onto Mailing 9 understocks in an attempt to obtain sikki-
mensis fruits, thereby obtaining sikkimensis seed for future studies of this
promising understock.

W. W. Smith

A New Wick Watering Method for Potted Plants

A unique adaptation of the wick watering system of Post and Seeley
was devised here as a means of supplying adequate water to pots of soil
growing new hybrid callas.

In 8-inch pans callas use more water in a day than can be supplied by
surface watering twice a day in sunny weather. Painted aluminum eaves
troughs, plunged in sand to their rims lengthwise of the bench, form the
reservoirs. A constant supply of water is maintained by a poultry float valve
in each trough. Large pots rest directly on the trough rims and are watered
by the capillary action of a glass fiber wick suspended in the water from the
drainage hole in each pot. Small pots with similar wicks are supported on
a ^-inch mesh wire screen laid over the whole bench of troughs. Callas in
sand over troughs filled with 20-20-20 nutrient solution at a concentration
of 1 teaspoon per gallon of water grew and flowered as well as those in soil
over water alone. African violets and Mcii::ics Tohncia did well also.

Although this system of wick watering is not recommended for com-
mercial production of greenhouse pot plants without modification, it is sug-
gested for use by retail florists, and by housewives who do not find time to
apply water correctly to mature, pot-bound flowering plants received from
the florist.

E. B. RiSLEY

Introducing Monarda "Granite Pink"

At the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station a new peren-
nial for northern flower gardens requiring only a minimum of maintenance
and suited to most all types of gardens has been named "Granite Pink".
Growing three feet tall and as wide across, this new member of the mint
family is a seedling from a much taller variety, "Croftway Pink", which was
introduced into the United States from Europe during World War II. Al-

35

though the Monarda (Bee Balm) is a North American wild flower, vir-
tually all garden varieties have been developed in Europe from seed of our
native species sent there as early as 1744. It is perhaps significant that we
are at long last developing our own garden flowers from our own native
species to fit the particular environment found here at home in Northern
New England.

"Granite Pink" Bee Balm attracts both bees and humming birds in
large numbers wherever it is grown. Its green-centered, bright pink flowers
2-^ inches in diameter literally cover the plants, not just over the top, but
down the sides as well, forming a large mound of color in the garden
starting about July 15th and not ending until September 1st. The plants are
outstanding, not only for their unusually long period of bloom, but also
for their ability to grow on wet or dry, heavy or light soils of moderate fer-
tility. Bee Balms spread rapidly by stolons making large round clumps
that may be divided to form new clumps frequently, if desired, or left to
form one large, sohd mass of pink flowers. This perennial is hardy without
winter protection in most gardens as far north as Canada.

Increase of Monarda "Granite Pink" is under way and it is hoped that
there will be plants available for everyone at local nurseries within three
years' time.

E. B. RiSLEY

Two Late Lilac Varieties Named

Two late blooming lilacs have been named during the past year. Both
are seedlings of the variety Royalty. The first, named Anna Amhoff, is a
white variety blooming about two weeks later than ordinary lilacs. The
flowers are white when fully opened but have a light pink cast while still in
the unopened stage. The second variety, Nellie Bean, a purple variety also
blooming two weeks later than common lilacs, has proved very vigorous
and productive. Both varieties are excellent landscape plants and make the
third of a trio which includes James MacFarlane, a pink variety named
several years ago now being propagated by a considerable number of nur-
series. Propagating wood of the two new varieties is now available, but
it will be some time before the plants are available to the general public.

A. F. Yeager, E. B. Risley

Progress in Breeding Rambler Roses for Cold Climates

Rambler roses of high quality, possessing winter hardiness sufficient to
permit survival of the canes without protection throughout all of the north-
eastern United States, are being developed at the University of New Hamp-
shire Horticulture Farm. Skinners Rambler, a "wild" appearing, single
pink flowered rose with twenty foot canes that are hardy in Manitoba, Can-
ada, forms the base for the breeding work. This summer, flowers were seen
on 46 of its descendants and it is expected that the majority of 200 more
will bloom in 1955. Of those that flowered this year, 4 may prove worthy
for distribution and others are being used for further breeding. These 4
include an 85 petal pink, a light yellow, and 2 whites, all doubled flowered
and vigorous.

E. B. Risley

36

Aluminum Foil Appears to Speed
Healing of Wounds on Tree Trunks

Open wounds on apple, sour cherry, and plum tree trunks resulting
from splitting due to winter injury in the winter of 1949-50 have been
wrapped with aluminum foil from September 15 to May 5 of each suc-
ceeding year. On May 5, 1954, all wounds on all species and varieties were
greatly reduced in size or healed completely. Wounds on trunks of un-
wrapped trees were nearly their original size and in some instances larger
than their original measurement.

R. Eggert

Conserving Soil Moisture

Bark mulch used around young Chestnuts and Blackberries resulted in
increased growth of these plants because of increased soil moisture. Or-
chard grass cut in early June and left where it fell reduced soil water loss
by 10 to 12 percent compared to that lost where grass was not cut.

Treeberries, Ruhus niorifolnia, which were supplied extra water in the
fall, survived the winter of 1953-54 in excellent condition, while plants of
this species which did not receive the extra w-ater were winter killed.

R. Eggert, E. M. Meader, A. F. Yeager

The Testing and Utilization of New Plants

A collection of Physalis (ground cherry) varieties from the U.S.D.A.
Bureau of Plant Introduction and elsewhere were grown at the Horticul-
ture Farm in Durham in 1954 and the following data obtained : Gold Nug-
get, also called Sugar Giant, appears similar to P. I. 197691. It was the most
productive of those tested. Some of the fruits reached a diameter of 2 inches,
but it has inferior quality. The common ground cherry is early and produc-
tive with good quality. The Cape Gooseberry from England is identical to
P. I. 193577. It has superior quality but is late. The Apple variety from
Hawaii is similar to the common variety but late in maturing. Crosses were
made between the most desirable types.

E. M. Meader, A. F. Yeager

Poultry Husbandry

Breeding for Whiter Dominant- White Crossbreeds

Considerable time and money has been spent by poultry breeders in
trying to develop a pure white crossbred chick. To help the breeders solve
some of their many problems a study was undertaken involving three color
factors.

The extended black, barring, and silver genes were studied in various
combinations with heterozygous dominant white. Results indicate sex dif-
ferences in the amount of red removed by extended black and silver. In
males, extended black generally does not remove as much red as it does in
females. However, the females generally show some black and may also
have black shanks. Barring has been found to eliminate the black shanks
but not all of the black in the body feathers. There appears to be a sex differ-
ence in the action of silver, but more data is needed to determine this point.

The work indicates that silver should probably be present in a domi-

37

nant white line, while the importance of extended black is questioned. Fur-
ther data is needed to determine the effect of barring on red, particularly
when in combination with silver.

F. L. Cherms, Jr., W. M. Collins

Growth Rate of Durham X New Hampshire Crosses

Three years' results of crossing Durhams with New Hampshires indi-
cates that the crosses grow much more rapidly than pure Durhams and at
about the same rate as the Experiment Station New Hampshires. In the
1953 and 1954 New Hampshire 4-H Chicken-of-Tomorrow contests, the
growth of Durham crosses compared quite favorably with the growth of
several good commercial broiler strains. Crosses of Durhams with the Ex-
periment Station New Hampshires usually have greater breast width than
the pure New Hampshires.

Improvement in growth rate within the Durham breed has resulted
over the past three years by selecting on a closed flock basis. It is planned
to compare the efficiency of the closed flock system with a newer breeding
method in selecting for combinability for growth rate and other characters
of economic importance.

W. M. Collins, F. L. Cherms, Jr.

Breeds and Strains of Chickens Differ in Amount of Yellow
Pigment Present in the Shanks during the Growing Period

It has been known for some time that relatively minor changes in the
content of a poultry ration may influence the degree of shank pigmentation
in chickens, and such modifications frequently result in changes in the effic-
iency of the ration. Certain diseases, such as coccidiosis, often effect changes
in the color of the shanks to the extent that chickens with pale shanks are
often discriminated against by the buyer of live poultry.

Breed, strain, and sex differences in shank pigmentation were observed
in a study involving chickens entered in three trials of the 1953 New Hamp-
shire Broiler Test. The study showed that the shanks of New Hampshires
were more deeply pigmented than the shanks of White Plymouth Rocks and
that certain strains within each breed differed significantly in shank color.
It was also observed that the shank color of males was significantly darker
than the shank color of females.

In each breed studied, the within-strain variation in shank color ap-
peared to be sufficiently large to enable the interested breeder to successfully
select for improvement in this character.

W. M. Collins, S. C. Thayer

Selection of Poultry for Better Feed Utilization Efficiency

For the past two years the feed consumption for maintenance of indi-
vidual adult males has been measured over a short feeding period. Feed
consumption of individual females similar in weight and producing at about
the same rate has been measured during a period of comparable length. Se-
lected males and females have been mated, and growth and feed consump-
tion data taken on the offspring, so as to develop two lines of chickens, each
differing in feed utilization efficiency for growth.

38

Some progress was made last year in separating the two lines. Prelim-
inary results this year indicate that the lines remain separated. Since during
the growing period efficiency data was obtained on individuals, and since
there are superior families in each line, the opportunity for selection within
each line is greater this year than last

W. M. Collins, F. L. Cherms, Jr.

Good Poultry Ranges Can Lower Pullet Rearing Costs

Pullets were reared from 10 to 22 weeks of age on range plots, on
which the predominant vegetation was ladino clover, in order to determine
the extent to which the feeding program might be modified and rearing
costs reduced. Full feeding of pullets was compared with scratch grain full
fed and with pellets and oats fed on a restricted basis. When compared to
pellets full feci, the scratch grain program decreased feed cost per pullet by
24 cents and the restricted feeding program decreased feed cost by 12 cents.
Egg production was delayed 1 1 days in the group fed scratch grain with no
difference for the other groups. At the termination of the test at 42 weeks of
age, there were only small differences among the groups in egg production,
feed consumed, egg size, and body weight. Considering the complete period
from 10 to 42 weeks of age, the pullets reared on scratch grain returned 64
cents more per bird above feed cost. There was no difference between the
other two groups. It would thus appear that the ladino clover was an impor-
tant supplement to this minimum grain feeding program.

R. C. RiNGROSE, R. ]\I. Hatch

Methionine and Methionine Hydroxy Analogue
May Improve Broiler Feeds

Currently there is much interest in supplementing starting and broiler
feeds with the amino acid methionine. This interest is a result of production
of methionine by the chemical industry at a price which warrants consider-
ation of its use.

In three experiments during the year, the value of methionine and
methionine hydroxy analogue has been studied. In two of the three experi-
ments growth and/or feed efficiency was im.proved. The use of either of
these amino acids resulted in an increased net return per 1000 broilers
raised which ranged between four and twelve dollars.

R. C. RiNGRosE, W. R. Sanson

Mass Immunization of Chickens against
Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bronchitis

Since the introduction of the mass vaccination technique a year ago by
the Experiment Station, a considerable amount of work has been conducted
here and elsewhere to improve on the techniques available and to develop
new approaches.

Field trials have been conducted in New Hampshire on over 5,000,000
birds, using the spray method at various chick age levels. Recently trials
with combination "dust vaccine have been started and the results are fairly
encouraging.

.39

Most of the birds were vaccinated during the first week of life. Those
being kept for replacement were revaccinated at 18 weeks. Recently chicks
have been vaccinated at all ages to maturity.

It is interesting to note that while a good take was observed in the
chicks vaccinated at an early age, the same birds revaccinated at 18 weeks
with combination Newcastle and Infectious Bronchitis vaccine by the spray
method showed little or no reaction. This conclusion was further borne out
by challenge and serological results, thus indicating that the resistance stim-
ulated by the spray technique for Newcastle and Infectious Bronchitis di-
seases may be present in chicks at 18 weeks of age.

The resistance to Newcastle and Infectious Bronchitis stimulated by
such a procedure appeared to carry breeders through the season with no
breaks recorded on well over 1,000,000 birds. Further parental immunity
for both diseases was quite satisfactory in day-old chicks so vaccinated
hatched from breeders.

During the past year, contrary to results of earlier experiments, it has
been found that parental immunity to Infectious Bronchitis does not have
as much bearing on early chick mass immunization as the Chronic Respira-
tory Disease Complex present in the chick at times of vaccination. Chronic
Respiratory Disease has also been found a complicating factor when birds
are vaccinated during the growing period.

Vaccination by means of a dust preparation containing the combination
vaccine for Newcastle disease and Infectious Bronchitis has been tried on
some 20,000 birds. While serological tests and challenge results are en-
couraging, further trials will be necessary. Dust vaccination has had insuf-
ficient field trials, but it is another means of mass immunization which saves
considerable time and labor.

In summarizing the work on this project, it has been demonstrated
that mass immunization by the spray technique is an effectual method of
controlling Newcastle disease and Infectious Bronchitis in replacement
flocks as well as in broilers, thereby emphasizing that mass immunization of
birds against Newcastle disease and Infectious Bronchitis is a reality today
in the poultry industry.

W. R. DUNLOP

Early Wing Web Vaccination for the
Prevention of Newcastle Disease

In order to determine the feasibility of vaccinating chicks under 4
weeks of age for the prevention of Newcastle disease with wing web vac-
cine, trials have been conducted utilizing the vaccine at 7 and 14 days of
age. Parallel groups of parentally immune and parentally susceptible chicks
were used. Each treatment group was run in duplicate.

In the trial when the chicks were vaccinated at 7 days of age, two
chicks out of 40 died from the susceptible groups and 5 others were visibly
abnormal. None of the parentally immune chicks were visibly affected.
Upon challenge with a virulent strain of Newcastle virus at 5 weeks, all
chicks remaining of the parentally susceptible groups survived except one
runt. In the case of the parentally immune groups, 1 1 died and 1 1 showed
symptoms upon the 5 week challenge.

In the trial when the chicks were vaccinated at 14 days of age, the ex-
perimental design was the same as with the younger chicks. Upon challenge

40

I

Examining a laboratory control test on experimental vaccine.

at 5 weeks with a virulent Newcastle virus, all survived except one bird.
Serological tests closely paralleled challenge results in both trials.

From the results of these trials, it is evident that there may be consid-
erable question as to the advisability of vaccinating chicks at 7 days of age,
particularly from the standpoint of mortality following vaccination and the
apparent lack of resistance to Newcastle disease at 5 weeks of age. How-
ever, when chicks are vaccinated by the wing web method at 14 days, the
mortality is low and the iriimunity at 5 weeks is good.

W. R. DUNLOP

No Detrimental Effect to Chickens from Nitrophenide
Fed during Their Entire Period of Growth

From time to time it has been suggested that the feeding of drugs for
the control of coccidiosis may interfere with the stimulation of resistance to
the disease. It is also suggested that the drugs may have a toxic effect when
fed over long periods of time. Some have even suggested that hatchability
and fertility may be affected by the prolonged use of drugs.

During the past year an attempt was made to critically evaluate the
continuous medication with nitrophenide for 22 weeks versus medication
over a 12 week period when subjected to natural exposure of coccidosis.
The results of the trials indicate that birds getting a prophylactic level of
the drug either for 12 weeks or 22 weeks were not prevented from picking
up a sufficient amount of exposure to develop immunity. Furthermore, ad-

41

ministration of the drug did not afifect the production or the hatchability and
fertility of the laying flock, thus indicating that under controlled field con-
ditions no detrimental effect could be attributed to the feeding of ni-
trophenide.

W. R. DUNLOP

Conditions Under Which Hatching Eggs
Are Held Influence Quality of Chicks

The importance of holding hatching eggs under ideal conditions prior
to incubation has been clearly demonstrated by recent trials at the Univer-
sity of New Hampshire Poultry Farms. Hatching eggs have been held from
two to fourteen days under ideal conditions in a refrigerated room ; under
average conditions in an egg holding room, and under poor conditions in a
hot, dry room.

In respect to hatchability, the eggs held under refrigeration have av-
eraged 2.7 percent higher hatchability than those held in the egg holding
room and 10.9 percent higher than those held in the hot dry room.

At hatching time the chicks were graded. The chicks from eggs held in
the egg holding room averaged 10.5 percent poor quality chicks as com-
pared to 15.3 percent for those held in the refrigerator and 18.3 percent for
those held in the hot dry room.

W. C. Skoglund

Abnormal (Bulging) Eye in New Hampshires

This unusual bulging eyed condition usually occurs between the fourth
and eighth week of age, although in some chickens it occurs much later. The
abnormal individuals appear to grow nearly as well as normal chickens, but
the few affected females which have thus far been raised to maturity have
laid few eggs and produced no offspring.

Because of the limited number of abnormal individuals produced to
date, little progress has been made in determining the mode of inheritance.
However, over sixty bulging eyed chickens were produced this season.

The characteristic is also being studied histologically.

W. M. Collins, P. A. Wilcox, F. L. Cherms, Jr.

Influence of Light and Humidity upon
the Physical Condition of Broilers

In order to determine the influence that light intensity in the pens has
upon the physical condition of broilers, experiments were carried out in
which chicks growing under conditions of natural sunlight, supplementary
artificial light, and darkened pens were compared.

At six weeks of age there was a tendency for the feathering score to
improve as light intensity was decreased. However, at market age this ad-
vantage is not still apparent and market weight, feed consumption, and feed
efficiency are practically identical under all of the various light intensity
conditions.

W. C. Skoglund

42

State Services

Inspection of Fertilizers and Feedingstuffs

During the 1953-54 fiscal year 123 samples of fertilizers and fertilizer
materials and 707 samples of feedingstufifs were analyzed, in accordance
with state laws regulating the sale of these materials.

Of the 123 samples of fertilizers analyzed, 52 equalled or exceeded
the guarantees in all respects. In general, the deficiencies found were small,
and manufacturers on the whole did a good job in providing a satisfactory
product for the farmers' use. Detailed results of the analyses of these sam-
ples are published in Bulletin 405 of the New Hampshire Agricultural Ex-
periment Station.

Of the 707 samples of feedingstuffs analyzed, 667 were ingredients
and mixed feeds, and 40 were canned cat and/or dog foods. These samples
represented the products of 165 manufacturers. Forty-three brands were
sampled two or more times during the year. There were fewer deficiencies
found this year than in the past several years and they were generally small.
Eight and eight tenths percent of the samples were deficient in protein, 5.2
percent were deficient in fat, and 3.8 percent contained excess crude fiber.
Detailed results of the tests were published in Bulletin 412 of the New
Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station.

As a measure of accuracy and effectiveness of the techniques and
methods used in the laboratory, two series of check samples were analyzed
during the year ; one series of 1 5 samples was supplied by the American
Oil Chemists and other 6 samples by the Association of Feed Control Offic-
ials. Approximately 100 Experiment Station and industrial laboratories
participated in these tests to insure that their w^ork was up to standard.

Collaborative work in the development and improvement of methods
for the determination of nitrogen, as a part of the program of the Associa-
tion of Official Agricultural Chemists, has been continued.

Inquiries received from residents of the state concerning the analyses
of silages, feeds, and fertilizers have been answered as received, including
11 which required analytical work.

H. A. Davis

Seed Inspection, 1953-1954

Seed inspection work for the New Hampshire State Department of
Agriculture has been conducted for the last 45 years. During the past year,
696 official seed samples were collected by the State Inspectors throughout
the State and results of the tests will be reported in Station Bulletin 415-
In addition, 1229 private samples were sent in by seed dealers and farmers,
making a total of 1925 samples handled by our laboratory.

This past year, 25 samples of seed were sent to 60 official laboratories
in the United States and Canada in a program of rating laboratories, and 12
regional referee samples were received. Our laboratory took part in all of
this work.

Bessie G. Sanborn

Soil Testing, 1953-1954

During the last fiscal year, residents of the state have submitted 6,358
soil samples for analysis of pH values and available nutrients. This work

43

entailed 44,506 individual determinations. Twenty-five peat and muck sam-
ples submitted for identification, and for possible commercial use were an-
alyzed for moisture and organic matter content and for pH value.

G. P. Percival

Diagnostic Services Performed at the
Poultry Laboratory, University of N. H.

From July 1, 1953, to June 30, 1954, a total of 5,965 specimens of all
kinds were submitted to the Poultry Laboratory for diagnosis. These repre-
sented 2,549 cases.

A total of 5,396 chicken specimens were examined, 147 turkeys, and
10 miscellaneous birds. Twenty-seven cases consisting of 44 specimens from
various animals were also handled by the laboratory personnel. There were
368 cases of blood samples submitted for the immunity tests.

A. C. CORBETT, W. R. DUNLOP

Infectious Bronchitis Virus

The Poultry Laboratory has continued to grow Infectious Bronchitis
on embryonating eggs, and after being tested for purity and potency, it is
sold to poultrymen of the state for inoculation of their susceptible birds.
During the last fiscal year. 989 lots of this virus were supplied to New
Hampshire poultrymen. This is used entirely for flock replacements, where-
as the U.N.H. experimental combination Newcastle and Bronchitis spray
vaccine is used with excellent results for either broilers or flock re-
placements.

F. E. Allen, A. C. Corbett, W. R. Dunlop

Pullorum Testing

Testing of the poultry for Pullorum disease in the State of New Hamp-
shire is done by the Poultry Laboratory at the University. During the fiscal
year, 1,528,170 birds were tested by means of the tube agglutination test,
in addition, 64, 893 retests were made, thus giving a total of 1,593,063 sam-
ples tested for the year.

Of 497 flocks tested, infection was found in 6. Thus 1.2 percent of
the flocks under test were infected.

F. E. Allen, A. C. Corbett, W. R. Dunlop

44

New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station Staff

June 30, 1954

Administration

Harold C. Grinnell, ph.d.. Director

Mathias C. Richards, ph.d.. Associate Director

Russell C. Smith, b.a.. Purchasing Assistant

Norman Myers, b.a., Assistant Treasurer

L. Franklin Heald, b.a., Editor

Henry W. Corrow, Jr., b.s., Assoc. Editor for Agr. and Home Economics

Thelma Brackett, A.B., Librarian

Cynthia Lovejoy, a.b., Librarian of Plant and Animal Sciences Library

^L\ISIE C. Burpee, Secretary

Theresa R. B.^tchelder, Mail Clerk

Agricultural and Biological Chemistry

Arthur E. Teeri, ph.d.. Associate Chemist

Thomas G. Phillips, ph.d.. Chemist

Stanley R. Shimer, m.s.. Associate Chemist

Gordon P. Percival, m.s.. Associate Chemist

Henry A. Davis, m.s., Assistant Chemist

Warren Averill, ph.d.. Assistant Chemist

Margaret Loughlin, m.s.. Research Assistant in .Agricultural and Biological

Chemistry
Dorothy Josselyn, Assistant
Vesta Staab, b.s., Assistant

Agricultural Economics

William F. Henry, m.s.. Agricultural Economist

Wilfred K. Burkett, ph.d.. Associate Agricultural Economist

James R. Bowring, ph.d.. Associate Agricultural Economist

Lawrence A. Dougherty, b.s.. Assistant Agricultural Exronomist

George Prick, m.s., B.A.E. Cooperator

Joseph Gartner, b.s.. Graduate Research Assistant

Agricultural Engineering

Robert S. Palmer, b.s.a.e.. Assistant Agricultural Engineer

Agronomy

RoY L. Donahue, ph.d.. Agronomist
*FoRD S. Prince, b.s.. Agronomist
Leroy J. Higgins, b.s., Associate Agronomist
Louis T. Kardos, ph.d.. Associate Agronomist
Paul T. Blood, m.s.. Assistant Agronomist
Gerald M. Dunn, ph.d.. Assistant Agronomist
Scott A. Miller, ph.d.. Assistant Agronomist
Bessie G. Sanborn, Seed Analyst
Walter Lyford, m.s.. Soil Surveyor
Donald A. Emery, b.s.. Graduate Research Assistant
Richard E. Thomas, b.s.. Graduate Research Assistant
Martin A. Townsend, b.s.. Graduate Researdh Assistant

Animal Husbandry

*G. L. Smith, m.s.. Assistant Animal Husbandman

*0n leave of absence.

45

I

Bacteriology

Lawrence W. Slanetz, ph.d.. Bacteriologist

Edward Katz, ph.d.. Assistant Bacteriologist

Fred E. Allen d.v.m.. Veterinarian

Agnes T. Richardson, b.s.. Laboratory Assistant

Norman W. Chmura, b.s.. Graduate Research Assistant

Garrett Keeper, b.a.. Graduate Research Assistant

Joseph Marelli, Departmental Technician

Botany

y\LBioN R. HoDGDON, PH.D., Plant Taxonomist
Stuart Dunn, ph.d.. Plant Physiologist
Charlotte G. Nast, ph.d.. Associate Cytologist
Avery Rich, ph.d.. Plant Pathologist
James D. Bilbruck, b.s.. Graduate Research Assistant
Harvey Toko, b.s.. Graduate Research Assistant
Judith Dorr, b.s.. Graduate Research Assistant

Dairy

Kenneth S. Morrow, m.s.. Dairy Husbandman

Harry Keener, ph.d.. Dairy Husbandman

Herbert C. Moore, m.s., Associate Dairy Husbandman

Nicholas F. Colovos, m.s.. Associate Animal Nutritionist

C. H. Boynton, M.S., Associate Dairy Husbandman

A. D. Littlehale, Herdsman

Barbara Sanders, b.s.. Research Assistant

Entomology

James G. Conklin, ph.d.. Entomologist
Robert L. Blickle, ph.d.. Associate Entomologist
Wallace J. Morse, b.s.. Research Assistant in Entomology

Forestry

Clark L. Stevens, ph.d.. Forester
Lewis C. Swain, m.f.. Associate Forester
Bertram Husch, ph.d.. Assistant Forester
Oliver Wallace, ph.d.. Assistant Forester

Home Economics

Anna M. Light, ph.d.. Home Economist

Horticulture

Albert F. Yeager, ph.d.. Horticulturist
L. Phelps Latimer, ph.d., Associate Horticulturist
Elwyn M. Meader, M.S., Associate Horticulturist
William W. Smith, ph.d.. Associate Horticulturist
Russell Eggert, m.s.. Associate Horticulturist
Edward B. Risley, b.s., Assistant Horticulturist
Radcliffe Pike, m.s.. Collaborator
Shih-an-Yu, b.s.. Graduate Research Assistant

Poultry

Winthrop C. Skoglund, m.s.. Poultry Husbandman

Richard C. Ringrose, ph.d., Poultry Nutritionist

Fred E. Allen, d.v.m., Veterinarian

Alan C. Corbett, d.m.. Pathologist

William R. Dunlop, d.v.m.. Research Pathologist

Walter M. Collins, m.s.. Poultry Geneticist

Frank L. Cherms, Jr., b.s.. Graduate Research Assistant

46

Richard M. Hatch, b.s.. Graduate Research Assistant
Richard G. Strout, b.s.. Graduate Research Assistant
Robert E. Leventhal, b.s.. Graduate Research Assistant
William R. Sanson, b.s., Graduate Research Assistant
E. T. Bardwell, b.s., R.O.P. Supervisor
C. F. ZoERB, Poultry Inspector

Don.\ld E. Coller, B.A., Senior Laboratory Technician
Donald S. Cross, Senior Laboratory Technician
Kathryn Moore, Assistant Laboratory Technician
Emily Donovan, Assistant Laboratory Technician
Harriet Fogg, Assistant Laboratory Technician

CHANGES IN PERSONNEL

Additions to Staff

Carey, Winifred A., Laboratory Technician in Poultry Husbandry (July 1, 1953-
February 5, 1954)

Chmura, Norman W., Graduate Research Assistant in Bacteriology (September 1,
1953- )

Coller, Donald E., Senior Laboratory Technician in Poultry Husbandry (July 1,
1953- )

Corrow, Henry W., Jr., Associate Editor for Agriculture and Home Economics
(July 1, 1953- )

Dorr, Judith, Graduate Research Assistant in Botany (September 1, 1953- )

Emery, Donald A., Graduate Research .-Assistant in Agronomy (July 1, 1953- )

Fogg, Harriet, Assistant Laboratory Technician in Poultrv Husbandry (December 1,
1953- ) '

Gartner, Joseph, Graduate Research Assistant in Agricultural Economics (Feb-
ruary 1, 1954- )

Hobby, Barbara Dustin, Laboratory Technician in Agricultural & Biological Chem-
istry (September 15, 1953-May 31, 1954^)^

Light, Anna M., Home Economist (July 1, 1953- )

Lockhardt, Esther E., Librarv Assistant, Plant and Animal Sciences Library (Jan-
uary 28, 1954-February 28, 1954)

Lovejoy, Cynthia, Librarian, Plant and Animal Sciences Library (June 1, 1954- )

Miller, Scott A., Assistant Agronomist (July 1, 1953- )

Palmer, Robert S., Assistant Agricultural Engineer (July 1, 1953- )

Sanders, Barbara, Research Assistant in Dairy Husbandry (July 1, 1953- )

Sanson, William R., Graduate Research Assistant in Poultrv Husbandry (.\ugust
24, 1953- )

Shih-an-Yu, Graduate Research Assistant in Horticulture (May 1, 1954- )

TowNSEND, Martin A., Graduate Research Assistant in Agronomy (August 17,
1953- )

Wallace, Oliver P., Assistant Forester (September 1, 1953- )

Losses from Staff

Baker, John R., Graduate Research Assistant in Botanv (September 1, 1951- August

31, 1953)
Bertram, Robert E. J., Jr., Graduate Research Assistant in Horticulture (September

21, 1953-January 31, 1954X
Bilbruck, James D., Graduate Research Assistant in Botany (July 1, 1952-June 30,

1954)
Carey, Winifred A., Laboratory Technician in Poultrv Husbandry (July 1, 1953-

February 5, 1954)
DA\as, Marvin, Laboratory Technician in Poultry Husbandry (September 1, 1952-
June 15, 1954)
Hatch, Richard M., Graduate Research Assistant in Poultry Husbandry (July 1,

1952-June 30, 1954)
Hobby, Barbara Dustin, Laboratory Technician in Agricultural and Biological

Chemistry (September 15, 1953-May 31, 1954)
Kardos, Louis T., Associate Agronomist (June 1, 1943-June 30, 1954)
K.A.TZ, Edward, Assistant Bacteriologist (July 1, 1951-June 30, 1954)

47

Keefer, Garrett, Graduate Researdi Assistant in Bacteriology (February 1, 1953-

June 30, 1954)
Leventhal, Robert E., Graduate Research Assistant in Poultry Husbandry (April

1, 1953-June 30, 1954)
LocKHARDT, EsTHER E., Library Assistant, Plant and Animal Science Library (Jan-
uary 28, 1954-February 28, 1954)
Payne, Putnam. Research Assistant in Horticulture (September 1, 1951-August 31,

1953)
Pelletier, Raymond, Graduate Research Assistant in Bacteriology (July 1, 1952-

August 31, 1953)
PouLiN, Roger J., Library Assistant in Charge of Plant & Animal Sciences Library

(July 1, 1951-January 15, 1954)
Strout, Richard G., Graduate Research Assistant in Poultry Husbandry (August 15,

1952-June 30, 1954)
Thomas, Richard, Graduate Research Assistant in Agronomy (July 1, 1952-June 30,

1954)
ToKO, Harvey, Graduate Research Assistant in Botany (February 1, 1953-June

30, 1954)
WooDWORTH, Harry C., Agricultural Economist (Deceased September 18, 1953)

Publications

Experiment Station Bulletins

403 Inspcciiou of Commercial Fccdiiu/stuffs. H. A. Davis and V. F. Staab.

404 Results of Seed Tests for 1953. Bessie G. Sanborn.

405 Inspection of Commercial Fertilizers. H. A. Davis and V. F. Staab.

407 Production Efficiency on Nciv England Farms. IF. Adjustments in the Organi-
zation of Machinery and Equipment. G. E. Frick, S. B. Weeks, and I. F.
Fellows.

408 Economical Tree Killing. L. C. Swain.

409 Report of the Director of the Nezv Hamp.^hire Agricultural Experiment Station.
H. C. Grinnell and M. C. Richards.

410 Tank-Truck Asscmblv of Milk for Neii' Hampshire. J. R. Bowring.

411 Cobalt Deficiency in Nezv Hampshire Cattle, Sheep, and Goats. H. A. Keener,
G. p. Percival, K. S. Morrow.

Scientific Contributions

145 Teeri. a. E. a New Fluorometric Determination of Thiamine. Jour. Biol. Ohem.
196: 547-550. 1952.

146 Meader, E. M. Accelerated Increase of High-Bush Blueberry by Forced Sojt-
ivood Cuttings. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 60: 97-100. 1952.

157 Keener, H. A., and A. E. Teeri. Metabolic Fate of S^^ in the LactaHng Cozv
When Fed S'^-'0~ Preserved Silage. Jour. Dairy Sci. 36: 1205-1211. 1953.

158 Teeri, A. E., and D. Josselyn. Effect of Excess Amino Acids on Grozvth of
Certain Lactobacilli. Jour. Bact. 66: 7Z-7i. 1953.

160 Teeri. A. E. Colorimetric Determination of Blood Calcium zcith Chloranilic

Acid. Chemist. Analyst. 43: 18-<21. 1954.
165 Header, E. M., W. W. Smith, and A. F. Yeager. Bush Types and Fruit Colors

in Hybrids of Hiqhbush and Loidmsh Blueberries. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci.

63: 272-27%. 1954.

Research Mimeographs

Agricultural Economics

12 Burkf;tt, W. K. Costs of Different Machine and Labor Methods in Potato
Production.

Forestry

1 HuscH, B. Preliminary Site Index Table for White Pine in Southeastern Nezv
Hampshire.

48

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