J 1
CIRCULAR No. 38
FEBRUARY, 
1918
ALABAMA
Agricultural 
Experiment 
Station
OF THE
Alabama 
Polytechnic 
Institute
AUBURN
Annual Report 
of the Director 
of the Ex-
periment Station 
on Work Done 
Under
the Local 
Experiment 
Law in 1917
By
J. F. DUGGAR
Director
Opelika, Ala.
Post Publishing 
Company,
1918

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
OF THE
ALABAMA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
CHAS. C. THACH, President
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
His Excellency, Charles Henderson, President-- Ex-Officio
Spright Dowell, Superintendent of Education- -Ex-Officio
A. W. Bell-------------------------------Anniston, Ala.
Harry Herzfeld----------------------Alexander City, Ala.
Oliver R. Hood-------------Gadsden,Ala.
C. S. McDowell, J-.----------Eufaula, Ala.
W. K.. Terry-----------------------------Biringh~lam, Ala.
W . H. Oates-- - - - - -- - - ------- - - -Mobile, Ala.
T. D. Samford ------------------ Opelika, Ala.
R. F. Kolb---- ----------------- Montgomery, Ala.
J. A. Rogers-------------------------------Gainesville, Ala.
C. M. Sherrod-----------------------------Courtland, Ala.
P. S. Haley-----------------------------------Corona, Ala.
COMMITTEE OF TRUSTEES ON EXPERIMENT STATION
R. F. Kolb-------------------------Montgomery
A. W. Bell------------------------Anniston
J. A. Rogers-----------------------------------Gainesville
C. S. McDowell, Jr.------------------------- ------ Eufaula

Auburn, Ala., Feb. 19, 1918.
HON. J. A. WADE,
Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries,
Montgomery, Ala.
Dear Sir :-In accordance with Section 5 of the Local
Experiment Law, requiring me, as Director of the Ex-
periment Station of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute,
to make a full and complete annual report through the
Commissioner of Agriculture to the Governor of Ala-
bama, I herewith hand you my report of work done
under the Local Experiment Law in the calendar year
1917, with the request that you transmit this report to
his Excellency, Governor Charles Henderson.
Yours very truly,
J. F. DUGGAR,
Director Experiment Station of
the Alabama Polytechnic Institute.
STAFF OF SPECIALISTS ENGAGED IN
WORK UNDER THE LOCAL EX-
PERIMENT LAW
J. F. DUGGAR, Director
AGRICULTURE AND PLANT BREEDING
* J. F. Duggar, in charge.
* E. F. Cauthen_ _ _ _ Associate Agriculturist
* M. J. Funchess-------------------Associate Agriculturist
J. T. Williamson--------------Field Agent in Agriculture
**H. B. Tisdale-------------------Associate 
Plant Breeder
* 0. H. Sellers--------------------Assistant in Agriculture
LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY INVESTIGATIONS
* Geo. S. Templeton, in charge.
E. Gibbens _-----------Assistant in Animal Husbandry
F. W. Wendt--------------Assistant in Animal Husbandry
A. E. Hayes---------------Assistant in Animal Husbandry
ENTOMOLOGY
* W. E. Hinds,,in charge.
* F. . hoas---------AsitninEomlg
* D. C. Warren 
----------------
Field Agent in 
Entomology
DRAINAGE
* * Guy 
A. Hart, 
in charge.
FARM MACHINERY
* R. U. Blasingame***---------------Agricultural Engineer
HORTICULTURAL INVESTIGATIONS
* G. C. Starcher, in charge.
* J. C. C. Price------------------- Associate Horticulturist
C. L. Isbell------------------- Field Agent in Horticulutre-
JUNIOR AND HOME ECONOMICS EXTENSION
* *L. N. Duncan, in charge.
* *Miss Mary Feminear _-_-_- State Agent Girls' Canning Clubs.
*J C. Ford-------------------------_In charge Pig Clubs.
* * C. E. Newman ------------ Assistant in Boys' Corn Clubs
**Miss Gladys Tappan---------------------_Poultry Clubs.
PLANT DISEASES
* G. L. Peltier, in charge.
* Devoting only part time to Local Experiment Work.
* *In co-operation with United States Department of Agricul-
ture.
** Resigned.
REPORT OF WORK DONE DURING 1917
UNDER THE LOCAL EXPERIMENT LAW.
PART I
IDIRECTOR'S SUMMARIZED REPORT OF WORK IN
ALL DEPARTMENTS
BY
J. F. DUGGAR, Director of Experiment Station.
This annual report, for the calendar year 1917, 
of
work done under the Local Experiment Law, and
chiefly outside of Lee County, is submitted as required
by law. The following is a brief resume of the lines
of work reported by each head of department and pub-
lished in more detail elsewhere:
PUBLICATIONS.
The following publications of the Alabama Experi-
ment Station were published at the expense of
the State appropriation for Local Experiments:
Bulletin No. 198: Velvet Beans Compared with Cottonseed
Meal for Fattening Steers.
Velvet Beans, Cottonseed Meal and Corn as Feeds for
Dairy Cattle.
Velvet Bean Pasture Compared with Corn and Dried
Blood; Velvet Bean Meal Compared with Corn for
Fattening Hogs; by the Animal Husbandman and As-
sistants.
Circular No. 35: Annual Report of the Director of the Experi-
ment Station on Work Done Under the Local Experi-
ment Law in 1916.
Circular No. 36: Preserving Eggs for Home Use; by the Ani-
mal Husbandman.
Press Bulletin No. 67: (Reprint.) Oat Smut; by the Director.
FARM MACHINERY
The Agricultural Engineer has given the greater part
of his time to Extension work, including the drawing
of plans and furnishing of blue prints for barns and
other farm structures, assistance in the installation of
water systems, construction of silos, operation of trac-
tors, etc.
Under the head of the Local Experiment work he has
continued to give attention to certain lines of machin-
14
cry, especially for the harvesting and. threshing of
cowpeas and other legumes, and to the lines indicated
in report made a year ago.
INJURIOUS INSECTS
The Entomologist and his assistants have continued
to give attention to the boll weevil, with special refer-
ence to studying the effects of weather conditions as
determining the extent of injury and as a possible
means of forecasting the extent of future injury.
The presence of the dreaded sweet potato root
borer in Florida, and the fear that its depreda-
tions had been extended into the southern coun-
ties of Alabama made necessary a number of
trips and careful examination of sweet potatoes on a
number of farms in that part of the State. It is grati-
fying for me to be able to report that no evidence could
be found that the Alabama line had yet been crossed
by this dangerous insect. Quarantine regulations,
adopted as the result of these investigations, will pre-
vent, it is hoped, the entrance of the sweet potato
borer into any part of Alabama.
The Argentine ant, a troublesome household and
farm pest in some localities, especially in Central Ala-
bama, and the soft brown scale and other insects affect-
ing citrus fruits have received the attention of the En-
tomologist.
LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY INVESTIGATIONS
The experimental feeding of beef cattle has been
continued at Allenville, on the line between Hale and
Marengo Counties. A comparison between cottonseed
meal and velvet beans showed that when twice as
many pounds of unhulled velvet beans as of cottonseed
meal were fed the average daily rate of gain to steers
was practically the same.
In a comparison of corn silage with sorghum silage
for steers each 100 pounds of gain in weight required
3235 pounds of sorghum silage as compared with only
2811 pounds of corn silage.
At Allenville the relative carrying capacity of pas-
tures of Bermuda, Johnson grass, and large water
grass (Paspalum) was continued, using one-year old
heifers as experimental live stock.
Feeding experiments with steers, especially with ref-
erence to determining the best methods of preparation
15
of velvet beans, are in progress at Allenville during tle
winter now drawing to a close.
Experimental work in feeding hogs has been con-
ducted at Ozark, Dale County, and later near Union
Springs, Bullock County. One outstanding practical
point in these experiments was the profit from feeding
a small amount of tankage to hogs while grazing on
peanuts. This increased the daily rate of gain from
1.27 pounds to 1.67 per day per pig. Moreover, the
tankage reduced the cost per pound of gain; that is,
notably increased the profit. The application of this
practice throughout the region where hogs are fattn-
ed extensively on peanuts would add many thousands
of dollars to the profits of the farmers who grow hogs.
At Union Springs data were secured to determine
whether it is more profitable to sell peanuts to the oil
mills at present prices or to utilize them by "hogging
off." Both the yield of peanuts and the yield of pork
per acre showed large profits in utilizing the crop by
either method. This experiment will need to be re-
peated for one or more years before a final conclusion
is justified.
The experimental feeding of several lots of purebred
Leghorn laying hens has been continued at Citronelle,
Mobile County. Experiments were made in testing
methods of preserving eggs.
LOCAL WORK IN HORTICULTURE
Various kinds of spraying materials were tested in
an orchard near Opelika, Lee County, with most grati-
fying results in the increased crop of apples and im-
proved condition of the trees.
A fertilizer experiment was begun in an orchard in
Madison County.
Fertilizer experiments with satsumas are being con-
ducted in an orchard at Silverhill, Baldwin County,
partly as a means of noting their effect in assisting in
the recovery of trees injured by the destructive freeze
in February, 1917. Extensive studies have been
made of the effects of various preceding methods of
tillage, fertilization, etc., in reducing or increasing the
amount of damage to satsumas, grape-fruit, and kum-
quats from the freeze mentioned. The results are in
press as an Experiment Station Bulletin.
Numerous tests of varieties and specimens of new
fruits and also. of dasheens were continued.
16
PLANT DISEASES
The Plant Pathologist has been confronted with an
-,even larger array of plant diseases than heretofore.
Among those receiving especial attention during the
past year are the following:
A leaf disease of Sudan grass and Johnson grass, for
the prevention of which he is working out a method
of treating the seed of these grasses;
Stem and leaf diseases of vetch, bur clover, and
-crimson clover, for which there is hope of prevention
by seed treatment;
A diseased condition of peach trees in South Ala-
lama, apparently connected both with the frost injury
and the presence of a fungus;
A disease of the corn plant, serving to darken and
otherwise injure the leaves and leaf sheaths, has been
widely prevalent, and has apparently caused noticeable
injury, especially in bottom lands in the central part
of the State. This subject is under investigation;
Two diseases of soybeans;
Two leaf spots and a root rot of velvet bean plants;
The various rots with which the dasheen is affected
during storage have been investigated.
The Pathologist has devoted much time to correspon-
dence, giving information regarding the best method of
combatting numerous plant diseases, and to determin-
ing the kinds of diseases and the extent of injury
throughout the State. His work is closely connected
with the effort to increase the production of diversified
crops.
PLANT BREEDING
One feature of this work consists in the testing out
by farmers in all parts of the State, of new varieties
and strains of wheat, oats, corn, cotton, and other
crops bred up by systematic selection at the Experi-
ment Station at Auburn. In this way seed of improv-
ed varieties are multiplied and disseminated without
the demoralization resulting from free seed distribu-
tion.
A feature of the study of soils and fertilizers which
was prominent during the past year consisted in field
experiments to determine the effect of lime on different
crops and various soils.. Moreover, laboratory tests
were made to measure accurately the amount of lime
required to overcome the acidity in most of the types of
soils on which fertilizer experiments were conducted.
The results showed that more than half of the soils in-
17
vestigated required at least 1 
ton per acre of ground
limestone to correct their natural acidity, and thus 
fit
them for the maximum production of 
certain of the di-
versified crops.
JUDICIOUS FERTILIZING PROFITABLE
A single instance may serve to exemplify the 
im-
mediate financial value to an individual farmer and 
to
an entire section of the State of the fertilizer experi-
ments that are being conducted under this law. In
one such experiment in Conecuh County the increased
value of the cotton crop per acre, after paying the
cost of the fertilizer was as follows:
$10.16 from 240 pounds of acid phosphate alone;
$28.92 from a mixture of this amount of acid phos-
phate with 200 pounds of cottonseed meal.
When 200 pounds of kainit per acre was used the
present high price of potash absorbed all the profits
from the other two fertilizers, bringing the net loss
from using this combination, including potash, to $1.36
per acre.
On the other hand note the difference in the fertilizer
requirements of a soil in the adjacent county of Wilcox
where potash was highly profitable in spite of the pres-
ent high price. In this case the last named mixture
of all three fertilizers gave a net profit of $23.72 per
acre, a large part of which net profit was due to the use
of potash in spite of the fact that it was applied in the
form of kainit costing $140.00 per ton.
With sweet potatoes a judicious combination of ferti-
lizers increased the yield in one case by more than 99
bushels per acre. Other similar instances are men-
tioned in the report of the Field Agent.
FIELD CROPS AND FERTILIZERS
In 1917 442 field experiments were made to deter-
mine the fertilizer requirements of the principal soils
of Alabama, and the crops and varieties best adapted
to each part of the State. Such experiments were
made in every county, four or more being located in
nearly every county. A full list of the field experi-
ments under way is given in the report of the Field
Agent (page 21).
In this connection it is not inappropriate to state that
the general adoption of velvet beans in all parts of the
State in 1916, and especially in 1917, was in part the
result of numerous tests of the principal varieties of
velvet beans made; by this Station in preceding years
18
under the provisions of the Local Experiment 
Law.
Such tests constituted a basis for the-information
which caused county farm demonstration agents 
to
urge the universal growing of this plant, with the 
re-
sulting acreage of more than 2,400,000 acres in 1917.
DRAINAGE WORK
As heretofre there has been cooperation between
the Experiment Station and the U. S. Department of
Agriculture. By this agreement the expert services
of the Government Drainage Engineer have been avail-
able to supervise this work.
Mr. R. L. Grabell, acting as Assistant Drainage Engi-
neer, has done most of the experimental drainage work
under the supervision, first, of Mr. Lewis A. Jones, and
later of Mr. Guy A. Hart, U. S. Drainage Engineer. A
detailed statement of the drainage activities is found
in this report under the heading, "Drainage Engi-
neering."
As heretofore, much attention has been paid to tile
drainage. Examinations have also been made of six
tracts of land, with a view to advising their owners as
to means by which such land might be irrigated; four
of these projects have been surveyed for irrigation.
Boys' CLUB WORK
The toal enrollment in corn and other boys' clubs in
1917 was 7,138. Short courses-in agriculture for club
boys were held ini forty counties, and the usual State
Short Course for boys was held at Auburn in the sum-
mer of 1917.
HOME DEMONSTRATION WORK
In the Home Demonstration Work a larger increase
has been made in the number of employees than in any
other activity of the Extension Service. A part of the
salary and expenses of a few of these workers are paid
from the Local Experiment Fund.
During the past summer Miss Mary Feminear was
appointed State Home Demonstration Agent and the
staff of Assistant State Home Demonstration Agents
has been increased from two to four. By means of
the funds from Congress under the Emergency Food
Law it has been possible to increase the number of
County Home Demonstration Agents from 29 to 52.
Those counties not having the full time of one agent re-
ceive half the services of an agent working in two coun-
ties.
The enrollment in girls' clubs was 4,595, an increase
of about 100 per cent compared with the preceding
19
year. Seventy per cent of these girls reported and put
up nearly 670,000 cans or equivalents. Sewing and
gardening were among the activities in which most of
the club girls engaged.
In home demonstration clubs 2818 women were en-
rolled. Among their activities were cooking, canning,
gardening, butter making, poultry raising, and the in-
tallation of household conveniences. More than a mil-
lion and a half containers were packed with fruits and
vegetables, of an estimated value of $307,639.00.
The annual short course of instruction for club girls
was held last summer at Montevallo and was attended
by 115 girls from 23 counties.. In 21 counties local
short courses were held, attended by 1,004 girls, in ad-
dition to its visitors.
That home demonstration is successfully performing
one of its functions,-providing the girls and women on
the farms with a source of personal income,-is evi-
denced by the fact that about 75 girls are reported as
paying all or part of their expenses in high schools with
funds earned through club activities.
This branch of the Extension Service has borne the
chief responsibility for the conservation of food in the
home. In addition to the routine work along this line
by all county home demonstration agents, a special
course in food conservation, including canning, was
conducted at Auburn near the beginning of the canning
season by the combined forces of the home demonstra-
tion leaders and the horticultural department of the
Extension Service of the Alabama Polytechnic Insti-
tute. This was in large part repeated by the same staff
at most of the colleges and normal schools in Alabama.
Home demonstration agents held 3,975 meetings and
demonstrations, attended by 619,724 people.
PIG CLUBS
The enrollment was 2,428 in 53 counties. This work
has especially appealed to bankers, who in many lo-
calities have loaned funds on most liberal terms to en-
able needy boys to purchase pigs. At this time when
the production of an increased supply of meat, and es-
pecially of fat, is essential to the success of our coun-
try and of our country's allies, the boys, in their or-
ganized pig clubs, are doing a work that is extremely
important. It will require the continued efforts of
both the boys and of mature farmers to effect the in-
crease of 30 per cent. in pork production which the
government asks as one of Alabama's contributions in
1918 to the winning of the war.
20
TREASURER'S REPORT LOCAL EXPERIMENT
FUND FOR THE YEAR 1917.
RECEIPTS
To cash balance from 1916 $ 3,269.19
To cash. from State--_ ------------------------ 27,000.00
Total-----------------------------$30,269.19
DISBURSEMENTS
By amount paid Agriculture ------- 7,433.01
By amount paid Horticulture --------------------- 2,025.65
By amount paid Animal Husbandry-3,664.50.
By amount paid Extension (Junior and H. B.)-------4,437.12
By amount paid Printing and; Administration------1,998,39
By amount paid Entomology --------------------- 2,430.67
By amount paid Drainage and Farm Machinery_ 1,011.08
By amount paid Plant Breeding _-__--------836.64
By amount paid Plant Pathology------------------1,118.48
By amount paid Poultry Husbandry---------------1,005.26
By balance carried to 1918 ________--------------4,308.39
Total ------------------------------- $30,269.19
Respectfully,
M. A. GLENN,
Treasurer, Alabama Polytechnic Institute.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 19th' day of
January, 1918.
B. L. SRI, Notary Public.
This is to certify that I have compared the account
with the ledger account of the Treasurer, and this is a'
correct transcript of the same.
C. C. THACH,
President, Alabama. Polytechnic Institute.
PART 11
DETAILED REPORTS OF HEADS OF DE-
"PARTMENTS
REPORT OF AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT
Professor J. F. Duggar, Director,
Alabama Experiment Station,
Auburn, Ala.
Sir:
I1 respectfully submit the following as a report on
the work done under the Local Experiment Fund by
the Agricultural Department of the Alabama Experi-
ment Station in 1917:
The number of distinct lines of experimentation con-
ducted by this Department was forty-two. As in pre-
vious years it was necessary to locate the experiments
in every county in Alabama in order to secure infor-
mation relative to as many soils as possible,. and un-
der the different climatic conditions which the State
affords. No county received less than two experi-
ments, and all but three counties had four or more
tests. The total number of experiments arranged for
the season of 1917 was 442, with 304 experimenters.
The following list shows the kind of experiments
which were undertaken by this Department in 1917:
Barley, extensive variety experiments.
Corn, complete fertilizer experiments.
Corn, complete lime experiments.
Corn, time of applying nitrate of soda.
Corn, sources of nitrogen experiments.
Corn, extensive variety experiments.
Corn, short variety experiments.
Corn, ear-to-row breeding experiments.
Corn, multiplication.
Cotton, complete fertilizer experiments.
Cotton, complete lime experiments.
Cotton, time of applying nitrate of soda.
Cotton, sources of nitrogen experiments.
Cotton, extensive variety experiments.
Cotton, extensive wilt variety experiments.
Cotton, short variety experiments.
Cotton, short wilt variety experiments.
Cotton, multiplication.
Cowpeas, extensive variety experiments.
F-ertilizer, rotation ,experiments.
Forage crop experitnents, extensive.
22
Forage crop experiments, miscellaneous, 
winter.
Forage crop experiments, miscellaneous, summer.
Kudzu multiplication.
Lespedeza, complete fertilizer 
experiments.
Medicago, short variety experiments.
Oats, extensive variety experiments.
Oats, multiplication.
Peanuts, complete fertilizer experiments.
Peanuts, extensive variety experiments.
Plant-lime experiments.
Rye, extensive variety experiments.
Rye, multiplication of Abbruzi.
Soybean's, short variety experiments.
Sudan grass, experiments.
Sugar cane, complete fertilizer experiments.
Sugar cane, multiplication of Japanese.
Sweet potatoes, complete fertilizer experiments.
Velvet beans, extensive variety experiments.
Yetch, short variety experiments.
Wheat, extensive variety experiments.
Wheat, multiplication.
The testing and multiplying of small grains was
given special attention during the past season. Varieties
of wheat, oats, rye, and barley were tested in compari-
-son with other varieties of the same crop. Extreme cold
weather in February damaged many of these tests
but good results were secured in the experiments in the
southern part of the State. In a wheat variety experi-
iment at Canoe, Escambia County, all varieties were
ruined by rust except Alabama Blue Stem from Au-
burn, which produced about eight bushels per acre.
The Station had for distribution in the fall of 1916 a
a small quantity of a pure strain of Alabama Blue Stem
wheat. This seed was distributed to a few farmers,
with the understanding that they were to sell all of the
product, which they did not plant, to farmers which
the Station would designate. By this means, several
growers of this variety of seed are now to be found in
various parts of the State. It is hoped that by the fall
of 1918 there will be several hundred bushels of this
pure seed for sale.
All strains of oats which were distributed by the
Station during the fall of 1916 were killed by cold.
The variety of forage crops tested in 1917 was in-
creased by the addition of several medicago varieties
to the bur clover experiments and by the addition of
several new grasses to the summer experiments.
Unusual care was given to the seeding of the winter
forage crop tests and Station representatives made
special efforts to asist the experimenters at seeding
time. Several of the true clovers, vetches, medicagoes,
23
and snmall grains were tested as winter forage crops,
Among the summer growing forage crops were various.
grasses (Sudan, Rhodes, Natal, etc.), cowpeas, soy-
beans, Japanese sugar cane, velvet beans, and Kudzu.
The velvet bean variety experiments were made to
include the Wakulla variety in addition to the six other
varieties which were tested in 1916. Kudzu is being
studied closely with a view of ascertaining its value
as a grazing crop and as a hay crop, also whether or not
it can be eradicated after it is well rooted. The num-
ber of Japanese sugar cane experiments in North Ala-
bama was increased in order to further test its value
as a forage and for syrup.
One form of experimentation to which this Depart-
ment continues to give considerable attention is the
conducting of fertilizer experiments. The high .price
.of commercial fertilizer made it necessary to reduce
the. number of complete fertilizer tests, but, even with
this handicap, more than eighty-five experiments were
made with commercial fertilizers and more than twen-
ty with lime. These experiments were made chiefly
.with corn, cotton, peanuts, lespedeza, sweet potatoes,
and sugar cane. Many of -these tests show large in-
creases, and in many cases, large profits were obtained
even when cottonseed meal, acid phosphate, and kainit,
costing respectively, $50.00, $18.00, and $140.00 per ton
were used. Interesting data from some of these tests
can be found further on in this report.
The question as to whether a variety of cotton which
blooms early really sets its fruit early was studied dur-
ing the bloomniing and early opening period of three of
the cotton variety experiments in 1917. Counts of the
blooms that opened on fifty stalks of each variety were
made each day for fifteen days on each experiment;
and at opening time, three counts, each five days apart,
were made of the open bolls. This work will be con-
tinued in 1918 after which time the results will pi ob-
ably be published.
The cooperation of this department with the Divi-
sion of Soils which was. begun in 1916, to determine
the lih e requirements of various soils of the State, was
continued. Further samples of soil were secured
from our experimental plots, and additional laboratory
tests ~were made to see if lime was required by these
soils. The results show a lime requirement varying
from no lime to a calcium carbonate requirement of
24
-4,000 pounds per acre. Soil from sixty-three different
plots was tested for lime requirement, and of this num-
ber, approximately 57 per cent. need at least one ton
of lime to correct the acidity.
A letter was written to each experimenter from
whose farm a sample of soil was taken, stating the lime
requirement of his particular soil, and giving him ad-
dresses of dealers in ground limestone. Bulletin 161
of this Station, "Lime for Alabama Soils," was .also
mailed to him.
The usual number of extensive variety experiments
with cotton, corn, peanuts, cowpeas, and velvet beans
were conducted during the past season. The tests
are more valuable than those of 1916 because there
were no damages by excessive rains, and in the case
of cotton, by boll weevils.
It is interesting to note the value of experimental
work with varieties. For instance, in the case of va-
riety tests with corn at Athens, the variety that ranked
first there, was thirteenth at Uniontown, and eigh-
teenth when carried to Uriah, Monroe County. Rela-
tive yields of the different varieties of corn varied from
25.6 bushels to 42.2 bushels in one experiment and
yields of the different varieties of cotton in one experi-
ment varied more than 450 pounds per acre.
Taking the average price of corn as $1.25 per bushel
and seed cotton at cl per pound (these are approxi-
mately the figures given by Mr. F. W. Gist of the Bu-
reau of Statistics) we find from the experiments men-
tioned that a man planting the highest yielding variety
of corn would make a profit of $20.75 per acre more
than by planting seed of the lowest yielding variety.
In the case of cotton his profit would be $49.50 more per
acre by planting the highest yielding variety than by
planting the lowest. (It is interesting to know that the
variety of corn which yielded lowest, 25.6 bushels per
acre min the above named experiment, ranked first in
another test in 1917.)
The value of making fertilizer experiments through-
out the State cannot be over estimated. The farmers
are showing special interest in the fertilizer question
today and are wanting to know whether or not to use
fertilizers for such crops as corn, cotton, and peanuts
when fertilizing elements are selling at prices ranging
from 30 to 500 per cent, and even more, above normal.
It was in anticipation of such condition that the nuni-
25
her of fertilizer experiments was kept as large as pos-
sible during the year 1917, and the value of some of
these experiments may be seen from the following:
Comparing two experiments with cotton, located in
North Alabama, one near Hartsell, the other about
thirty miles north, near Athens, we find at Hartsell
acid phosphate, when applied alone at the rate of 240
pounds per acre gave a profit of $9.28 per acre; but
at Athens, when applied to a soil of a somewhat differ-
ent nature, it gave the remarkable profit of $27.76 per
acre. In the same experiment a mixture of 200 pounds
of cottonseed meal and 240 pounds of acid phosphate
gave a profit of $42.12 at Hartsell and $36.84 at Athens.
Note that in the latter case the larger profit is on the
Hartsell soil, while in the former the Athens soil pro-
duced the larger profit. Note also the necessity of fer-
tilizers as indicated by profits.
In Conecuh County near Herbert, a profit of $10.16
was received from the application of 240 pounds of
acid phosphate alone. A profit of $28.92 was received
from the application of a mixture of 200 pounds of
cottonseed meal and 240 pounds of acid phosphate;
while the application of a mixture of 200 pounds of
cottonseed meal, 240 pounds of acid phosphate, and
200 pounds of kainit resulted in a financial loss of
$1.36 per acre.
Compare the above with the results from an experi-
ment on a different soil at McWilliams, which is in the
adjoining county. We find that on the McWilliams
soil an application of 240 pounds of acid phosphate
proved unprofitable by 40c per acre; the application of
200 pounds of cottonseed meal and 240 pounds of acid
phosphate gave a profit of $13.08 per acre; while a
mixture containing 200 pounds of cottonseed meal, 240
pounds of acid phosphate, and 200 pounds of kainit
gave a profit of $23.72 per acre. Note that on
the McWilliams soil kainit gives a profit when
applied in a complete fertilizer, although it is calcu-
lated as costing $140.00 per ton.
When the proper fertilizers were applied the yield of
sweet potatoes was increased over an unfertilized plot
as much as 99.7 bushels per acre, while a loss of 9.5
bushels per acre is recorded in the same experiment
when other, fertilizing elements were used.
How these results are taken and used, directly, by the
farmer may be seen by the following:
26
A farmer in North Alabama who had been buying
mixed fertilizers containing five per 
cent. potash was
induced to take an experiment with cotton. 
The first
year's experimentation showed that his soil 
did not
need potash for cotton. However, he was 
not satisfied
with the results and asked for the test the second year;
the second year's results were practically the same 
as
the first, and so have been other year's 
results since
then. This farmer has since the second year of his
experimental work been using fertilizers containing
only nitrogen and phosphate.. Further than this, 
he
has been buying his own raw materials, mixing them
himself, and applying 400 pounds of home mixed 
goods
per acre instead of 200 pounds of ready-mixed goods,
and in 1918, he will probably apply 600 pounds per
acre instead of the smaller amounts.
Another example: The farmer at Herbert whose re-
sults are cited in another .parargaph in 
this report,
had, planned to use acid phosphate alone 
to his cottton
in 1918, because, as he said, cottonseed 
meal was too
costly at $50.00 per ton. The Station representative
who visited him had but little trouble in getting 
this
man to .promise to add cottonseed 
meal to his acid
phosphate when the representative presented 
the re-
sults of the former year's work. As can be seen 
by re-
ferring to another paragraph in this report, 
acid phos-
phate gave a profit of $10.16 per acre on this soil, 
while
a mixture of cottonseed meal: and acid phosphate gave
a profit of $28.92 per acre.
One line of experimental work which is being 
con
ducted that is of much assistance to 
the farmer, as well
as to the Experiment Station, is the making 
of short
variety experiments of varieties of various 
crops. In
conducting one of these experiments the 
farmer is fur-
nished a small quantity of seed, 
usually four varie-
ties of the crop which he wishes 
to test, after he has
signed an agreement to compare 
these varieties with
his own variety of the same crop. 
Such experiments
not only secure information for the 
Station, but are the
direct cause of the farmer's becoming' acquainted 
with
new varieties which are often superior 
to his own.
The experimenter secures seed of the 
highest yielding
variety, and through him the community 
becomes ac-
quainted. with a, variety which is often 
more suitable
to their conditions than others which are 
grown there.
Respectfully submitted,
J. T. WILLIAMSON, Field Agent.
REPORT OF ENTOMOLOGIST
Auburn, Ala., January 23, 1918.
Prof. J. F. Duggar,: Director,
Alabama Experiment Station,
Auburn, Alabama.
Sir:
Herewith I give you a report of the Local Experiment
work done during the calendar year 1917.
Boll Weevil. The boll weevil has now advanced so
it occurs in all of Alabama except for a distance of
about fifteen miles southwest from the extreme north-
eastern corner of the State.
Argentine Ant. The Argentine Ant has been locat-
ed in Lowndes, Montgomery, Dallas and Mobile Coun-
ties. Some control work has been done, and some ad-
ditional work along this line is planned.
Citrus Insects. Citrus insects have been greatly re-
duced in numbers this year following the most severe
cold experienced since 1899, except soft brown scale
which has been more abundant than ever before and
has also proven harder than usual to control. Fumi-
gation investigations will be extended to include this
,subject.
Sweet Potato Root Borer (Cylas formicarius). Sweet
potato root borer presence in Alabama has been sus-
pected but quite extensive inquiry and field and ship-
ping shed inspections have failed to give as yet a single
positive proof of the presence of this pest in Alabama.
Very truly yours,
W. E. HINDS, Entomologist.
REPORT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDMAN
Auburn, Ala., February 18, 1918.
Prof. J. F. Duggar, Director,
Alabama Experiment Station,
Auburn, Alabama.
Sir:
I respectfully submit the following report of Local
Experiment Work conducted by the Animal Husband-
ry Department during the past fiscal year:
BEEF CATTLE
The cooperative steer feeding work at Allenville,,
Marengo County, Alabama, was continued during the
year. Judge B. M. Allen, of Allenville, furnished the
feed and cattle for the experiment and the Alabama Ex-
periment Station furnished a man, Mr. Ernest Gibbens,
to live on the farm and have personal supervision of
the work.
At present sixty head of cattle, divided into four
lots of fifteen each, are being fed as follows:
Lot. 1. Velvet beans in pods, and sorghum silage.
Lot 2. Velvet beans in pods, natural condition, and
sorghum silage.
Lot 3. Velvet beans in pods, ground to a meal, and
sorghum silage.
Lot 4. Cottonseed meal and sorghum silage.
The above experiment is being conducted to test
the various methods of preparing velvet beans as the
concentrate part of the ration for fattening steers; and
the relative feeding value of velvet beans and cotton-
seed meal as the concentrate part of the raftion for
fattening steers.
The experiment now under way is the third year's
work in testing the relative feeding value of cotton-
seed meal and velvet beans for fattening steers. A
second report of this experiment is found in Bulletin
No. 198, issued by this Department in November, 1917.
The general summary statements of the past year's
work on this subject are as follows:
1. The steers used in this test were from one to
two years old. They were grade Angus, Hereford,
and Shorthorn.
2. At the beginning of the test they averaged about
775 pounds.
29
3. The thirty head of steers were divided into two
lots and fed as follows:
Lot 1. Velvet beans in the pod and corn silage.
Lot 2. Cottonseed meal and corn silage.
4. For the 119 day feeding period average daily
gains of 1.6 and 1.55 pounds were secured in Lots I and
2 respectively.
5. It cost $9.30 and $10.42 to make 100 pounds of
gain in Lots 1 and 2 respectively.
6. The steers cost six cents per pound when they
were put in the feed lot. At the close of the experi-
ment they were sold in St. Louis. The velvet bean
steers sold for $9.75 per hundred weight, and the cot-
tonseed meal steers for $9.40 per hundred weight.
7. Each steer in Lot 1 (velvet beans) netted a clear
profit of $19.62; and Lot 2 (cottonseed meal) $16.39.
8. The velvet bean ration was relished by the steers.
9. In this experiment one pound of cottonseed meal
took the place of 2.05 pounds of velvet beans in the
pod. The velvet bean lot, however, required only
approximately two-thirds as much silage as the cot-
tonseed meal lot.
During the past year an experiment was conducted
with a view of determining the relative carrying ca-
pacity of some pasture grasses adapted to the lime
lands of West Alabama. The three grasses compared
in this experiment were Bermuda, Paspalum, and
Johnson grass. The experiment will be repeated the
coming summer and will give us sufficient data to
draw definite conclusions on this subject.
HoGs
The cooperative experimental work with hogs was
transferred during the year from Ozark, Dale County,
Alabama, to Union Springs, Bullock County, Ala-
bama. The experimental work with this class of live
stock is now being conducted on the farm of Mr. T. R.
Martin, at Union Springs. Mr. Martin furnishes the
hogs, feed and equipment for the work, and the Ala-
bama Experiment Stattion furnishes a trained man
to live on the farm and have personal supervision 
of
the experiments.
Sixty head of hogs were grazed on peanuts for eight
weeks this past fall. Following the peanut pasture
period forty-five head were divided into three lots 
of
fifteen each and fed in dry lot for five weeks as follows:
30
Lot 1. Two weeks on corn and tankage in self 
feed-
er, and three weeks corn 2 parts, and cottonseed meal
1 part, in self feeder.
Lot 2: Velvet beans one part and corn 
four parts.
Lot 3. Corn and tankage in self feeder.
The three lots of hogs were sold at the close of 
the
period to the Birmingham Packing Company, Birming-
ham, Alabama. The packer classed the hogs as med-
ium soft, consequently the finishing period 
increased
the value of the hogs one-cent over straight peanut-fed
hogs (oily carcass).
Lot 3 returned the greatest profit per hog, while Lot
2 returned the least profit.
An experiment was conducted at Allenville under
the personal supervision of Mr. Gibbens testing the
best method of grazing alfalfa pasture with hogs, and
to test the relative profits to be derived from an alfal-
fa crop when sold as hay as compared with being
grazed by hogs. Four one-acre plots were used in this
test as follows:
1. Enough hogs were kept on this acre throughout
the grazing period so that the entire crop was con-
ssumed by the hogs with as little injury as possible to
the stand.
2. A limited number of hogs were kept on this acre
so that the alfalfa made a fair growth and was cut oc-
casionally for hay.
3. This acre was hurdled off so that the hogs were
kept moving every few days in rotation, and enough
hogs were used to consume the alfalfa without injury
to the stand.
4. This acre was cut for hay at the proper stage of
growth.
Lots 1, 2, and 3 were fed a uniform ration of corn.
This experiment will be repeated this coming summer.
POULTRY
The cooperative experimental work with Mr. Her-
man Schlueterbusch at Citronelle, Mobile County, Ala-
bama, was continued throughout the year. The experi-
ments being conducted are as follows:
1. A study of several feeds as to their relative ef-
ficiency and economy in egg production.
2. A study of the influence of selection on egg pro-
duction.
31
3. A study to determine the best age to market poul-
-try.
4. A study as to the relative profits derived from
a-farm flock of poultry as compared with a flock hand-
led on a commercial basis.
5. -A study of several methods of preserving eggs
for home use.
Very .respectfully,
GEO. S. TEMPLETON, Animal Husbandman.
REPORT OF HORTICULTURIST
Auburn, Ala., February 15, 1918
Prof. J. F. Duggar, Director,
Agricultural Experiment Station,
Auburn, Alabama.
Sir:
I submit herewith report on the work being done
with Local Experiment Funds in this Department:
There has been a continuation of the work in testing
varieties of:
Almond Loganberries
Apricots Nectarines
Butternuts Olives
Dasheens Peaches
Calomindin Pistaches
Caraca papaya Prunes-Italian
Feijoa Quince
Figs-Smyrna, Capri Sapota
Grapes-Vinefera Walnuts English
Gauva
One local experiment with various kinds of spray-
ing materials was started in the orchard of Mr. W. E.
McClendon, Opelika, Alabama. The first season's re-
sults were most gratifying indeed and plans have been
completed for the continuation of the work at this
place.
Another spraying experiment was put on in the or-
chard of Mr. E. E. Polla, Montgomery, Alabama, but,
owing to severe freeze injury, no results were secured.
A small experiment with nitrate of soda, used at
varying rates, was inaugurated in the orchard of
Kelly Brothers, at Jeff, Alabama. This work will be
enlarged considerably during the present year to in-
clude not only fertilizing experiments, but spraying
experiments as well.
Two experiments, covering considerable scope, were
put on in the orchard of Dr. O. F. E. Winberg, Silver-
hill, Alabama, to test the value of various fertilizers,
applied at different seasons, on satsumas, which had
been injured by freeze.
A large amount of data was collected, showing the
influence on freeze injury to satsumas, grapefruit,
kumquats and other citrus fruits; of various methods
of tillage, fertilization, etc. These data have been pre-
pared and are ready for publication in bulletin form.
33
Since we have secured'a new man, Mr. Leon A. Haw-
kins, we Will be able to enlarge the scope of work dur-
ing the next year.
Very sincerely yours,
G. C. STARCHER, Horticulturist.
REPORT OF DRAINAGE ENGINEERING
Washington, D. C., January 17, 1918.
Prof. J. F. Duggar, .Director,
Alabama Experiment Station,
Auburn, Alabama.
Sir :
Following is a brief resume, prepared for your ref-
erence, of the work done by this Office during the cal-
endar year of 1917, under the cooperative agreement
between this Office and the Alabama Experiment Sta-
tion.
From January 1st to September 1st, Mr. Lewis A.
Jones, Senior Drainage Engineer, was in charge of
the Office at MontgomIery and directed the work of
the other engineers.- Since the 1st of September the
Office has been under the direction of Mr. Guy A.
Hart, Drainage Engineer, while Mr. R. L. Grable has
assisted with the work done by the Office from Feb-
ruary 25 to December 1.
SWAMP AND OVERFLOW
Plans with the estimated cost of construction wec
completed for the proposed drainage improvements
along the Mud Creek bottoms in Jackson County. The
area of this district is about 5,000 acres, but due to the
high cost of the work under present conditions, to-
gether with the possibility of having a dam establish-
ed on the Tennessee River by the War Department,
a short distance below the outlet of Mud Creek, no le-
gal steps have yet been taken toward any district or-
ganization.
At the request of Hon. Edward B. Almon, U. S. Rep-
resentative from the Eighth District of Alabama, a sur-
vey was made and a report written giving the probable
cost of the proposed drainage improvements along
Pond Creek and Dry Creek, located just east of Tus-
cumbia and Sheffield, in Colbert County. The Dry
Creek project is the more feasible from an engineering
standpoint with the cost of reclamation of the 2,000
acres being about $19.50 per accre, the cost of the Pond
Creek project would be nearly $45.00 per acre. There is
considerable interest in favor of drainage in these two
districts but outlet conditions are such that it is doubt-
ful if either will be put through at present.
35
r. preliminary examination was made of the Blue
Girth and.Beech Creek Swamp, a district of about
5,200 acres a short distance east of Selma in Dallas
County. The cost of the drainage-of this area prom-
ises to be very reiasonable and, because of the improve-
ment of health conditions :so close to Selma, the co-
operation of the city is anticipated.
In addition to the above a survey was made of the
Gulf water front at Coden, in Mobile County, and re-
commendations made regarding the building of a sea-
wall for the protection of the agricultural lands and
other property against erosion froni high water during
storm periods.
FARM DRAINAGE
Surveys, with plans and recommendations for drain-
age have been made for the following tracts, some of
them having proceeded with the installation of the
proposed improvements:
Judge B. M. Allen Ohatchee, Calhoun County.
F. A. Ames Mobile, Mobile County.
J. 0. Banks - Eutaw, Greene County.
H. C. Bankston ___________Albany, Chambers County.-
,Black Belt Stock Farm ---- -Bates, Perry County.
Henry T. Bouchelle - -- Boligee, Greene County.
Dr. W. H. Chishoim Florence, Lauderdale County.
J. R. Christopher Athens, Limestone County.
W. E. Davis_-_ Opelika, Lee Couaty.
W. Durall Dobbins_-_ Marion, Perry County.
J. J. Douglas - Florence, Lauderdale County.
Dr. Gaston J. Greil ------ Montgonery, Montgomery County.
W. B. Harrison - ------------ Talladega, Talladega County.
W. C. Harrison _________Gallion, Marengo County.
A. J. Hendricks-------------_______Coden, Mobile County..
D. G. Holloway------------------ _ _ _ Repton, Conecuh County.
W. E. Hotchkiss -______Courtland, Lawrence County.
J. T. Kirk ----------- Tuscumbia, Colbert County.
H. C. Marks - -Montgomery, Montgomery County.
W. H. Mead ____________ Autagaville. Autaga County..
W. G. Mitchell --------- Demopolis, Marengo, County.
Mrs. Harriet A. McKay _ Union Springs, Bullock County.
T. E. McKinley ---------------- Demopolis, Marengo County.
J. G. Pettyjohn __________Hartsell, Morgan County.
John S. Pollard ____________Selma, Dallas County..
S. A. Scott - - ----------- Lillian, Baldwin County.-
F. R. Smith ---- _________Newbern, Hale County.-
Sugar Valley Farms, Inc. -------- Athens, Limestone County.
A. C. Summerford--------------- _ _ _ Falkville, Morgan County.-
John H. Thigpen-------------------- Uchee, Russell County.
S. E. Washburn ----------------- Bolling, Butler County.
J. H. Wilson-------------------_Lincoln, Talladega County..
R. E. Wright-----------------------_Creola, Mobile County..
An -inspection trip was made covering practically
every tile drained tract in the State and data were gath--
36
ered concerning the success of, and the benefits to land
and crops, derived from the installation of the drains.
The data are to be used in the preparation of a bulletin
covering the subject of drainage in this state.
Terracing demonstrations were made on several
farms in different parts of the State. Six different
tracts of land were examined in connection with pro-
posed irrigation, four of these have been surveyed and
plans drawn up showing the proposed improvements.
The bulk of the work done by this Office was during
the first six 
and the last 
two months 
of the
year, while during the dry season, from July to Octo-
ber, very little field work was required.
Very truly yours,.
P. ST. J. WILSON,
Chief Engineer, U. S. Dep't. Agr.
REPORT OF JUNIOR AND HOME ECONOMICS
EXTENSION DEPARTMENT
Professor J. F. Duggar, Director,
Alabama Experiment Station,
Auburn, Alabama.
Sir:
Below I am giving you brief reports on the following
lines of work in progress in this department for the
past year:
Boys' Corn Clubs,
Boys' Four-Crop Clubs,
Girls' Canning Clubs,
Home Demonstration Work,
Boys' Pig Clubs.
BOYS' PLANT CLUBS
C. E. NEWMAN, Assistant Boys' Club Agent.
The following figures show the enrollment in the
various Plant Clubs in Alabama in 1917, with the num-
ber and percentage of reports from members in each
club.
Kind of Number Number Percent
Club Enrolled Reported Reported
Corn Club Members - 4560 471 10.3
Cotton Club Members 835 51 6.0
Oat Club Members - 817 110 13.4
Peavine Hay Club Members _ 817 51 6.0
Peanut Club Members 51
Potato Club Members -58
Total -- 7138 683
Corn Club members were enrolled in every county
in Alabama. The work reported was very satisfac-
tory, despite the unfavorable seasons in many parts of
the State. The average yield from the acres reported
was 46.41 bushels at a cost of $0.41 per bushel; with an
average profit of $50.69 per acre.
The percentage of reports received was disappoint-
ing, and can be attributed largely to unfavorable sea-
sons and inadequate supervision.
Four Crop Clubs were organized in the twenty-one
counties traversed by the Central of Georgia Railway,
this company offering a registered Shorthorn bull as
a prize in each county. To qualify for membership
each boy agreed to grow an acre of corn, an acre of
cotton, and an acre of oats followed by peas. This
year calf clubs are being organized instead on a com-
mnunity basis; the Shorthorn bulls being again offered
by the Central of Georgia Railway to the community
in each county doing the best work.
Peanut and Potato Clubs received very little atten-
tion.
The Clubs were organized chiefly through the schools
by the combined efforts of County Agents, County Su-
perintendents, and teachers. The various clubs were
organized separately, and in many instances were com-
bined to make the Junior Community Agricultural
Club. 247 of these clubs were organized in 41 coun-
ties of the State. Monthly; meetings were held and
programs containing timely instructions and sugges-
tions for carrying on the club work were supplied from
the office at Auburn. Furthermore, bulletins and let-
ters of instruction were sent from time to time to each
member. The County Agents in most counties aided
greatly in instructing the members by personal visits
and lectures at the club meetings.
Another means of instructing members was the
county short courses held in forty counties in 1917 in
connection with the teachers' institutes. These short
courses usually lasted about three days and consisted
of lectures and demonstrations in the various phases
of Club Work; such as fail breaking, cover crops, seed
selection, seed testing, preparation of seed bed, ferti-
lization, cultivation, swine judging, feeding, grazing
crops, diseases of swine, etc.
The Annual State Short Course for club boys also
aided greatly in instruction and created a stronger
sentiment for conlmmunity organization.
REPORT OF HOME DEMONSTRATION WORK
IN ALABAMA
MARY FEMINEAR
State Home Demonstration Agent.
STATE ORGANIZATION
The past year witnessed a notable and most satis-
factory growth in the Home Demonstration Work in
Alabama. During part of the time one general agent
and two assistants supervised the work, but under the
present organization there is one State Agent, whose
duties are largely administrative, and four assistant
state agents, Mary E. Keown, Louise Thomas, Gladys
Tappan, and Mrs. Marjorie P. Trafford. Each assis-
tant is a specialist in her line and will supervise some
particular phase of the work Miss Keown, the Home
Demonstration Clubs for Women; Miss Thomas, the
clubs for girls; Miss Tappan, the poultry clubs; and
Mrs. Trafford, the development of the city work made
possible by the passage of the new Food Production
Bill of August, 1917. Mrs. Trafford has headquarters
at the Alabama Girls' Technical Institute, Monteval-
lo, which institution cooperates with the Extension
Service in employing an assistant state agent. The
other state workers have their headquarters at Auburn.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION COOPERATES WITH HOME
DEMONSTRATION WORK
The State Department of Education cooperates act-
ively with the Home Demonstration Work conducted
by the Extension Service. Herbert Spencer says the
function education has to discharge is to prepare us for
complete living. From his viewpoint, Home Demon-
stration Work is educative in the highest degree, for
it trains its members in the "Four-Square" needs of
citizenship and home life. The four H's, emblematic
of the girls' work, represent the equal training of the
head, heart, hands and health the head to think, plan
and reason; the heart to be kind, true and sympathetic;
the hands to be useful, helpful and skillful; the health
to resist disease, enjoy life and make for efficiency.
The canning club. products, therefore, are labeled the
4-H brand.
40
The center of .education is the school system of the
State. The demonstration work, to make it most
effective, needs the school system. The school system,
to make it most effective, needs the home demonstra-
tion work. Just to the extent that the school system
puts its energy into this phase of education, so much
will the energy return to the school to vitalize its
course of study. Not only will the pupils exhibit great-
er zeal in their daily tasks, but their influence will
radiate from the school throughout the whole comr
munity of which it is the center. There is a constantly
increasing demand for club organization each year.
One county agent alone cannot answer all the calls, but
with the assistance of teachers and other local leaders
-efforts will be put forth to reach many more communi-
ties in .1918.
In counties where well trained women are secured
as agents to serve the greater portion of the year, fi-
nancial asistance is given by the Boards of Education
as well as by the Boards of Revenue. During the past
year the Boards of Education in each of the following
counties assisted in the employment of a Home Demon-
stration Agent: Autauga, Baldwin, Coosa, DeKalb,
Escambia, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Macon, Madison,
Marshall, Pickens, Shelby, St. Clair, Tallapoosa, Walk-
er, and Perry. After combining the funds from all
sources, there are not then enough funds to put the
work in this state on the same financial basis as that
of other states, but steady improvement is being made.
Many of the counties that have voted the three-mnill tax
have been able to increase their appropriations and are
cooperating with the Extension Service in employ-
ing home demonstration agents that are second to none
in the United States. The people in these counties
point with pride to the excellent results accomplished.
GIRLS' AND WOMEN'S CLUBS
On July 1st, 1917, the following twenty-nine counties
were doing regularly organized home demonstration
work: Autauga, Baldwin, Calhoun, Chilton, Cone-
cuh, Coosa, DeKalb, Elmore, Escambia, Etowah, Frank-
lin, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lee, Macon, Madison, Ma-
rengo, Marshall, Mobile, Monroe, Perry, Pickens, Pike,
Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa,
and Walker.
41
GIRLS' CLUBS
In the above counties 4,595 
girls between the ages of
ten 'and eighteen grew one-tenth 
acre gardens accord-
ing to Government 
instructions and were taught 
how
to successfully preserve 
the products from their 
own
gardens as well as those 
from the home farms and or-
chards. This was an increase of 100 per 
cent. over
the previous year.
About 70 per cent. of these girls 
sent in their records
and report:
Number pounds of tomatoes 
grown on tenth-acre
gardens 1,021,132
Number containers tomatoes canned from 
tenth-acre
gardens _ 309,512
Number containers other products 
from tenth-acre
gardens------------------------------------154,152
Number containers canned from farm and orchard. 
205,800
Total number containers canned by 
girls-------- 669,464
Total value of products from tenth-acre 
gardens -$ 92,732.80
Total value all products ------------
113,892.89
Average profit per tenth-acre _? 
22.25
Many of the girls were more successful and 
report
profits of $65.00, $70.00 and even greater amounts.
Beside the growing and canning of fruits and vege-
tables, the girls' clubs include various activities as
shown below:
Number girls growing winter gardens---------------864
Number perennial gardens established -------------- 142
Number girls making demonstrations in cooking club
products 1,264
Number girls making demonstrations in homes 317
Number caps and aprons made --------------------- 2,968
Number dresses made ------------------------------ 188
Number towels and holders made ---------- 191
WOMEN'S HOME DEMONSTRATION CLUBS
In the regular home demonstration clubs 2,818 wo-
men were enrolled. These carried on demonstrations
in cooking, canning, poultry management and dairy-
ing in their homes according to instructions by the
county agent. While we have not a complete record
of their activities, the following will give an idea of
some of the work done by them:
Number members enrolled in poultry clubs ------------ 298
Number making demonstrations in cooking -------- 2,108
Number carrying on bread demonstrations -------- 1,283
Number fireless cookers made -----_-_-- -- 315
Number iceless refrigerators made --------------------- 56
Number fly traps made ---- -413
Number kitchen cabinets made __- --- ---- 26
Number ironing boards_- ___----------151
42
Number shower baths 37
Number houses screened 36
Number improved equipment for dairies 293
Number pounds of butter made .26,416
Number women growing winter gardens 1,252
Number containers fruits and vegetables packed 1,538,194
Number gallons brined vegetables stored 16,284
Number pounds dried fruits and vegetables stored 124,601
Total value canned products ------------------ $307,639.00
Often the best work done by a County Agent cannot
be recorded in mathematical terms showing either an
increased food production or greater financial returns.
If, for only a few of her members, she has lifted the
daily routine of housekeeping from the category of
drudgery into the realm of art, she has rendered incal-
culable service. Hence it cannot be said with any de-
gree of certainty that one county surpassed all others.
Each has its strong points. This year, however, food
conservation measures have been emphasized and it
may be interesting to note from the table below some
of the results accomplished in seven different coun-
ties:
CLUB GIRLS
No. No. No. Value Prof- Winter
Enroll- Report- Con- of Pro- its Gar-
ed ed tainers ducts dens
Chilton ..---- 256 192 32,037 $6,714.63 $4,476.42 0
Coosa --...... 102 73 29,557 5,750.46 3,833.64 25
Elmore _______ 25 85 23,148 6,601.85 4,401.27 75
Etowah ......-250 196 41,339 9,455.66 6,303.76 100
Lee _ _ 300 130 38,344 6,702.00 3,910.40 200
Talladega .. 280 280 24,529 4,835.43 3,223.86 65
Tuscaloosa ___468 293 90,865 10,586.24 7,050.82 40
Total 1781 1091 279,819 50,646.27 33,200.17 505
WOMEN
No. En- No. Contain- Value of Cann- Winter
rolled ers Put Up ed Products Gardens
Chilton -.. -68 25,964 $ 4,743.41 0
Coosa ------ 28 20,000 4,400.00 40
Elmore - 150 50,000 8,334.00 150
Etowah 9 88,000* 14,667.00 0
Lee --------- 300 53,995 9,792400 250
Talladega ___177 22,754 4,450.00 0
Tuscaloosa 123 50,975 11,245.11 100
Total _855 311,688 $57,631.52 540
* There are only nine regular home demonstration members
in Etowah County, but there were more than 200 women who
followed instructions given by the county agent who kept re-
cord of their canning activities.
43
DAIRY WORK WITH FARM WOMEN
Through the efforts of the home demonstration
agents in a few counties, not only a better grade of
butter has been produced, but the housewives have
learned to prepare it for market in the commercial
one-pound package. The result is that higher prices
have been obtained. In Coosa County the advance
was 28 cents; in Elmore, 10 cents; in Lauderdale, 35
cents; Lee, 20 cents; Macon, 15 cents, and Tuscaloosa,
15 cents; an average increase in these six counties of
about 20 cents per pound.
POULTRY WORK
Last year some definite work was started with
the girls and women of the State to increase and im-
prove farm poultry.
Clubs were organized in each of twelve counties with
a total enrollment of 610 girls, women, boys and men.
Decided improvement has been made along the fol-
lowing lines: Flocks increased, poultry houses built
and repaired, more feed planted, pure bred poultry
purchased and improved methods of feeding and man-
agement practiced. Better prices for poultry products
have also been reported.
The record for Chilton County, which ranks first in
poultry work the past year,-is given below
No. members enrolled -102
No. demonstrators taking charge of.entire flock 98
Average number of fowls in flock -- - -- 40
No. demonstrators purchasing pure bred stock 15
Approximate number of chickens raised ...... 4,500
No. cooperative egg circles organized 5
No. dozen eggs sold cooperatively (8 months) 4.271
Value of eggs sold cooperatively $ 741.12
Total number of eggs sold _ -- 6.986
Total value of eggs sold .. . .. . $2,554.21
Under the direction of Miss Gladys Tappan, Poul-
try Specialist, this important phase of Home Demon-
stration Work will be emphasized and definite plans
in poultry husbandry undertaken in each county of the
State.
STATE AND COUNTY SHORT COURSES
The Annual State Short Course for club girls was
held in Montevallo at the Alabama Girls' Technical
Institute. June 13-23. This was attended by 115 girls
from 23 counties and by 18 county agents. The latter
with the teachers of the school very materially assisted
44
the state workers in making this course a success. The
girls entitled to attend the State Short Course are
the first prize winners in their respective counties.
County Short Courses were also held in twenty-one
counties for an average period of three days. These
were attended by 1004 girls and a large number of vis-
itors.
At both State and County Courses, special instruc-
tions were given in canning, drying, brining; preserv-
ing, jelly making, and the uses of Alabama grown
products, potatoes, corn meal, peanuts and soy beans,
as well as practical lessons in sewing, cooking, care of
the sick and poultry raising. Model club meetings
were held at which the girls presided. New plays and
games furnished the necessary recreation,
Girls who have the benefit of attending these courses
develop into splendid local leaders and return to their
communities not only instructed along the lines of
better home making, but each one is fired with enthu-
siasm and a desire for a broader and better education
than is possible for her to obtain in the average rural
school. She therefore resumes her duties with renew-
ed determination to succeed in her year's work and
earn' sufficient funds to put her through high school
at least. There are approximately 75 students in the
various county high schools and other state schools
who are paying all or part of their expenses with funds
earned through club activities.
SPECIAL MEASURES TO MEET FOOD EMERGENCY CONDITIONS
Canning and other food conservation methods were
the chief subjects for conservation among all the girls
and women of the State, both rural and city. Many
of the club women have laid aside literary studies for
awhile to become soldiers of the commissary, and are
now studying home economics. It is gratifying to note
that many of the wealthiest are practicing the most ri-
gid economy in their homes. Some are using the
"Ten Lessons on Food Conservation" and other ma-
terial furnished by the Food Administration and Home
Economics Department, and others are following the
course outlined in the "Twelve Lessons on Food Thrift
for the Housekeeper," published by the U. S. Depart-
ment of Education, Washington, D. C., as a basis for
their studies. Each federated club in the State has at
least one meeting during the year on subjects pertain-
ing to home economics.
45
Special Courses Given: Early in the spring of 1917,
to help meet the urgent demands for instruction along
the lines of food production and conservation, a spe-
cial school of instruction was given at the Alabama
Polytechnic Institute, Auburn, by the Horticultural and
Home Economics Departments. The course was at-
tended by 171 persons from 33 counties of the State,
not to mention the local residents who were regular
attendants at all meetings and demonstrations. The
courses given embraced lectures and demonstrations
on the following subjects: Canning, Drying, Brining,
Gardening, Bee Culture, and Poultry Husbandry. This
course was given by the same instructors at the several
:state schools. Numbers of students in attendance at
these schools went back to their home communities and
instructed not only their families and neighbors in the
art of canning and other methods of food conserva-
tion, but they also offered their services free to those
counties desiring their assistance. We have no defi-
nite report as to what was thus accomplished 
but a
number of students did splendid work along 
this line.
The State Normal School at Florence conducted special
training classes for students who volunteered 
to give
their services to any community or county that 
de-
sired help in methods of food 
preservation. Many Ala-
bama girls served their State in this way 
and helped
to store numberless pantries with wholesome 
products
for winter use.
In Montgomery and Tuscaloosa cooperative 
can-
neries were established by the club women to 
care for
the surplus produced by the city gardens 
and that
brought in from the surrounding country. Both these
canneries proved very successful and filled a need 
long
felt by the people. In Montgomery, committees 
from
various women's clubs supervised the work at the 
can-
nery, each committee serving on certain days 
of the
week, and most excellent results were accomplished.
In Tuscaloosa one of the prominent women person-
ally supervised the work during the whole season 
and,
succeeded in operating the cannery on 
a successful
business basis. The outtput of this cannery was 
30,000
cans of fruits and vegetables valued at $6,900.
Besides these two canneries undertaken for philan-
thropic purposes, there have been forty commercial
canneries established in Alabama the past year, 
with
an approximate output of 5,000,000 containers 
valued
at $750,000.
46
THE HOME. DEMONSTRATION AGENT
The work done in these twenty-nine counties has
been supervised by earnest and efficient county home
demonstration agents.
Better trained agents have been employed. Seven
are college graduates, twenty-two have attended col-
lege, five are normal school graduates, and all twenty-
nine have had special training in home economics and
agriculture. Twenty-one hold teachers' certificates.
In a number of counties this year's contracts have
been written for ten or eleven months instead of.twelve,
to enable the agents to make further preparation for
more efficient service.
Twenty-one agents own cars for travel, and two have
horses and buggies. Sixteen new cars have been pur-
chased this year, eighteen offices fitted up at the court
house or other convenient places, and thirteen women's
rest rooms established.
These agents have traveled 109,496 miles over all
kinds of roads in all kinds of weather and given 1,725
demonstrations. These demonstrations were attend-
ed by 538,146 persons. In addition to these regular
meetings, 2,198 others were held with an attendance of
81,578, making a total of 3,975 meetings with a total
attendance of 619,724 persons.
EMERGENCY HOME DEMONSTRATION AGENTS EMPLOYED
Since the passage of the new Food Production Bill
of August, 1917, the State Home Demonstration De-
partment has been enabled to greatly increase its
sphere of usefulness. Beginning September 1st, there
were 52 county agents in the State instead of 29, the
number on duty the 1st of July. By the middle of Feb-
ruary, 1918, the work will have been carried to every
county in the State. Where local financial coopera-
tion is not secured it is necessary to group two counties
under the direction of one agent.
During the early fall months the new emergency
agents organized their respective counties, gave de-
monstrations in canning, brining, drying, and stressed
winter gardens and improved poultry flocks. Num-
bers of demonstrations were also given in the uses of
corn, potatoes, peanuts, soy beans, wheat, and meat
substitutes.
47
COUNTY FAIRS
Seventeen counties put on attractive exhibits of 
the
club products at their county fairs. The county agents
also gave demonstrations at the fairs in different 
meth-
ods of preserving foods.
SUMMARY
The Extension Work in Home Economics and Agri-
culture now being conducted by the United States is
a great piece of educational work and is destined 
to
be one of the most potent factors in the uplift and gen-
eral improvement of rural life in America.
In Alabama this work has continued to grow from
year to year, both in interest and numbers. For 1917:
The canning club girls numbered 4,595
Home demonstration members 2,818
Poultry club members ------------------------ 610
Total - --.- 7,023
Total number of containers of canned products by
club members - 2,207,658
Value ---------------------------------- $421,531.89
This work is i eceiving the loyal support and coopera-
tion of the business men and women of the State, as
well as the educational forces. In Jefferson County,
the Birmingham Civic Association advanced money to
the club girls to purchase cans and accepted the girls'
notes as a guaranty of payment. These notes were all
met at maturity. Similar arrangements hav.e been
made in other counties.
The past year has proven that people 
in general are
awaking to the fact that "Alabama must feed herself.'"
Men and women, 
girls and boys, 
are beginning 
to pride
themselves on being of some real use in the world work.
So, in the confidence that all pantries will be well
stocked with home preserved products, plans on a larg-
er and broader basis than ever before are being outlin-
ed for 1918.
48
BOYS' PIG CLUBS
J. C. FORD, State Agent, Pig Cub Work
The following report shows some concrete results of
the pig club work during the year 1917.
1. Number of counties reporting ------------------- 
53
2. Total number members enrolled 3,428
3. Total number of members reporting (feed phase)_- 325
4. Average weight of meat and pure bred hogs at 
be-
ginning (brood sows and litters not included) 52.5
3. Average weight at close of work (brood sows and
litters not included) 192.6
43. Average profit made on each meat hog $12.31
7. Average profit made on each meat hog when pas-
ture was used-------------------------------$14.23
:8. Average profit made on each meat hog without pas-
ture------------------------------------$ 9.37
9. Average initial value of meat hogs $ 7.62
10. Average final value of meat hogs----------------$32.23
Again the slogan adopted for the pig club work has
been "Good Pastures on Every Farm, and Good Hogs
in Every Pasture." The value of good pastures has
been kept before the club members.
Through short courses for club members and appeals
to the teachers in various institutes a special effort was
made to reach the greatest number of members and to
increase the enrollment. These visits to institutes were
in most cases followed by a week's work in the counties
with the County Agents and County Superintendents
in the interests of club work.
in October two agents, Messers. Wise and Bowers,
were stationed in this State by the Bureau of Animal
Industry, to help in club work.
In nearly all the counties bankers have agreed to let
boys and girls borrow money with which to buy pigs
for club work. The money to be repaid when the
members have made money from their work. Many
members are taking advantage of this offer. In sev-
eral counties the County Agents have ten well organiz-
ed Community Agricultural Clubs. The idea has been
to coordinate and unify club work having a well organ-
ized active Agricultural Club in each community made
up of members doing various phases of club work in-
stead of having separate pig club, corn club, etc., in
each community. Each club, if possible, has adopted
one breed of pigs and every member owns a registered
pig.
A feature of the work has been the school pig. In
Franklin County about forty schools own registered
49
Duroc-Jersey pigs. Prizes of $50.00 will be given to
the schools of Franklin County that do the best with
their school pig. A show of these school pigs will be
held at the end of the contest.
A picture of a community club with their register-
ed gilts, in Limestone County, is to appear in the Year
Book of U. S. Department of Agriculture.
The Southern Bell Telephone Co. gave out six reg-
istered, bred gilts worth $75.00 each to club boys in
Tallapoosa County. The boys are to return pigs to the
Company to pay for the gilts given them.
Respectfully,
L. N. DUNCAN,
Supt. Junior and Home Economics Dep'L.
REPORT OF PLANT PATHOLOGIST
Auburn, Ala., January 23, 1918.
Professor J. F. Duggar, Director,
Agricultural Experiment Station,
Auburn, Alabama.
Sir:
I am herewith submitting a brief statement relative
to the Local Experiment Work in the Department of
Plant Pathology for the past year.
A large share of the time -devoted to Local
Experiment work was used in answering letters
,of inquiry. These letters were much more
numerous than in previous years, due to the in-
crease in the number of plant diseases, caused in part
by the unusual weather conditions prevailing during
the past season. It may be stated that the greater
part of these letters had to deal with the diseases of
tomatoes, especially Fusarium wilt, blossom end rot,
-and root knot. The unusual weather during the early
part of the season was one of the contributing factors
to the destructiveness of wilt.
The loss from blossom end rot can be traced direct-
ly to the extreme dry weather at the time the fruit was
setting. As usual, root knot was reported from .all
.parts of the State.
In the northern part of the State, black rot of apples
causes more loss to the grower than all the other dis-
eases of the apple combined. Due to neglect and
carelessness, black rot canker is being allowed to go on
unchecked, and it is just a question of a few years,
unless rigid measures are taken, that the apple indus-
try will be destroyed.
During the last five years cabbage "drop" has been
spreading rapidly in the Gulf Coast section, especially
in Mobile County. Owing to the very severe weather
prevailing early this year, the loss from drop was very
large. Unless precautions are adopted by the grow-
er this trouble will increase each year until the grow-
er will either be forced to use new land or discontinue
raising cabbage.
Cabbage "yellows," a very serious trouble in the
cabbage growing districts of the North, is just begin-
ning to make its appearance in Alabama, and undoubt-
edly it will spread rapidly in the sandy loam 
of the
51
trucking section. Seed of three varieties resistant 
to
"yellows" were obtained from the Wisconsin Station
for testing in the infected sections last winter. Un-
fortunately, the severe freezes killed the young plants
so that the tests were not completed.
Because of the propaganda which is now at its height
to greatly increase the production of cereals in the
South, much more attention must be devoted to the
diseases of these crops. Since the South cannot, as
yet, supply the demand for seed, Northern seed is be-
ing shipped in, and new diseases are introduced. This
point can be well illustrated by the finding of the
stripe, net blotch, and Rhynchosporium diseases of
barley for the first time in Alabama last spring, the
seed of which was obtained from the North.
Another trouble which developed last spring on the
cereals was anthracnose. Associated with this trou-
ble was some scab and a septoria. On mammoth rye
anthracnose was very severe, on the nodes, heads, and
roots. Further observations will be made this coming
season and some treatment devised to prevent this
trouble.
The Physoderma disease of corn was observed for
the first time in Alabama last spring. During the sum-
mer this trouble was found in practically every corn
field in the State. In the majority of the fields it was
causing no apparent damage, although in two or three
counties infection was more severe, one to five per
cent. loss being recorded. The concensus of opinion
is that the trouble has been present for many years,
and that it has been confused with other diseases.
The anthracnose of Sudan and Johnson grass was
very severe in some sections of the State, causing a
partial crop failure. These two grasses are widely
grown in the South for hay, and some seed treatment
is being worked out to prevent it from developing in
the field. A seed borne anthracnose is also prevalent
on the various varieties of vetch and the clovers, bur
and crimson. Some seed treatment must be worked
out for the control of this trouble also.
Fusarium wilt of soybeans is now reported for the
first time in Alabama. It may become as destructive
as other wilts in the South. Some work should be
started in deyeloping resistant varieties. A leaf spot
has also caused considerable defoliation of the early
maturing varieties. The late maturing varieties are,
52
as a rule, more resistant. Mammoth, the variety com-
monly grown, is quite susceptible.
This past season two leaf spots and a root rot have
been found on velvet beans. The velvet bean has
heretofore been regarded as resistant to all plant dis-
eases.
The two outstanding diseases of the potato were re-
ported from the southern section of the State, where
a large acreage of early potatoes was planted. Late
blight was general throughout this section, in some
fields causing a loss of forty per cent or more. A
new stem end rot was also observed. At some ship-
ping points the tubers had to .be regraded, because of
the abundance of this end rot.
A study of the storage rots of the dasheen has also
been made. Five fungi causing rots of dasheen in stor-
age were studied in the laboratory. During the sum-
mer an attempt was made to determine what rots on
the dasheen would develop in the field, from the use
of diseased corms. All results were negative, show-
ing that while the rots are very destructive in storage
they do not seriously affect the germination of the
corm and are unable to attack the growing plants.
Some attempt is being made to find some method of
storing the dasheens to hold the rots in check.
The peach industry has suffered severly from the
abnormal weather conditions of the past two seasons.
Coupled with the weakened vitality of the trees a
fungus reported on last year has appeared. A study
of this trouble is still in progress, together with a study
of a second fungus associated with the former on
Japanese persimmons and plums. Apparently the
same fungus is associated with frost injury, which
was very severe on the pecan this past spring.
In going over the report it will be seen that the ma-
jority of diseases discussed are reported for the first
time. Most of these troubles are also found on crops
which are of extreme importance in the present
scheme of crop rotation and diversification. As time
and facilities will permit, they will be investigated,
with a view of preventing or controlling them so that
they will not be a menace to the successful and profit-
able growing of these important crops.
Respectfully submitted,
GEO. L. PELTIER, Plant Pathologist.