ASPINWALL POTATO PLANTER.
Another educational force of immense value to the farmers is found in the experiment stations, which are established in every State of the Union. This work was started by an act of Congress, approved March 2, 1887, and known as the “Hatch Act.” By this act the sum of $15,000 per annum was appropriated for each State in the Union, to be specially provided by Congress in the appropriations from year to year. In addition to this sum, most of the States have made large appropriations for the purchase of suitable grounds and the erection of buildings, and to cover the expense of printing the reports and pamphlets which are sent out free to the farmers who apply for them.
To go a little farther, the questions requiring investigation by the agricultural experiment stations may be divided into three principal groups, according as they are related to the soil, to the growth of crops and vegetation, or to domestic animals and their products.
I. The soil is studied—
(1) In its varieties, as found in different parts of the farm and of the State.
(2) In its physical properties, as affected by tillage, drainage, irrigation, etc.
(3) In its chemical properties, as related to the maintenance of fertility by the use of fertilizers and otherwise.
II. In vegetation and crop production some of the objects of study are:—
(1) Varieties, including the selection and dissemination of new sorts; the elimination of synonyms; the comparison of strains of varieties; the production of improved varieties, etc., etc.
(2) Vegetable pathology, including studies of rusts, smuts, blights, rots, mildews, etc.