SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
-OF TIHE
Agricultural Experiment Station
-OF THTE--
A. & M. COLLEGE,
AUBURN, ALABAMA,
JANUA RY 15, 1894.
MONTGOMERY, ALA.:
THE BROWN PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS AND BINDERS.
1894

AGRICULTURAL & MECHANICAL COLLEGE,
AUBURN, ALA., Jan. 15, 1894.
To Governor THOs. G. JONES,
Executive Department,
JMontgomery, Ala.
SIR:-I have the honor herewith to transmit to you the
Annual Report of the Agricultural Experiment Station of
the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama, for
the year 1893.
This report is 
made in accordance 
with the provisions 
of
an act of Congress establishing Experiment Stations in the
different States, and contains the report of the Treasurer,
the Botanist, the Agriculturist, the Biologist, the Chemist,
and the Veterinarian.
Very respectfully,
WM. LEROY BRoTN,
I 
President.

TRUSTEES.
His Excellency, THOMAS G. JONES, 
President.............. Ex-Officio.
J. G. HARRIS, Superintendent of Education 
............... Ex-Officio.
I. F. CULVER......... ...............................
U nion Springs.
J. C. RICI..............................Mobile.
H. CLAY ARMSTRONG................ ................
Auburn.
R. H. DUGGAR..............................................Gallion.
J. G. GILcuaRIsrT............................Hope 
Hull.
WM. SMAW.................................................Boligee.
C. C. HARRIS...........................................Decatur.
JONATHAN HARALSON................................ 
Selma.
R. F. LIGoN..........................................Tuskegee.
J. A. BLBR ao.........................................Gadsden.
E. T. GLENN, Treasurer.
OFFICERS
OF THE
AGRIGCIhTURA EXPERIMENT STATION.
- BOARD3S OF VISITfOR S '
'---
COMMITTEE OF TRUSTEES ON EXPERIME-NT STATION.
I. F. CULVER ......................................... U nion Springs.
J. G. G ,CI ISJ R T........................................ H ope H ull.
H. CLAY ARMSTRONG ...........I....................Auburn.
-- c>-,BOARD OF DIRECTION.-o
W l'. LEROY Biou N ........................................ President
A. J. BONDURANT .............................. ....... .Agriculturist.
B . B . R o ss ................ .......... ....................... C h em ist
P . H . R .ELI ........................... ...................... B otan ist
J. M . STE M AN ............................................. B iologist.
C. A. CARY, D. V. M....... ...................... Veterinarian.
-- ASSISTANTS.i--
J. T. ANDERSON............................... First Assistant Chemist.
R. E. NOBLE .................................Second Assistant Chemist.
C. L. HARl,................................. Third Assistant Chem ist.
R. L BIVINS ........................... Clerk, and Assistant Botanis.
T. U. CU.vE ............. ................... Superintendent of Farm .
TREASURER'S REPORT,
For the fiscal year ending July 1st, 1893.
THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION OF THE
A. AND M. COLLEGE OF ALABAMA,
In account with U. S. Treasurer.
RECEIPTS.
To amount from U. S. Treasurer ................
DISBURSEMENTS.
By amount paid Salaries.....................
6 4 " Library ......................
" " 6" Printing........................
c" Labor and current 
expenses of
Experiment Station ........
.. 6C 
Soil Test......................
41 .. .
Chemical Department 
..........
c" . . Building.....................
.. .. Biology.....................
" Botany......................
.. . .
Exhibits at World's 
Fair ...... .
.. . . Incidentals .............. 
....
.$ 15,000 00......... $ 15 0
8,550 34
510 71
983 56
2,000 59
64 85
422 69
750 00
1,070 38
205 46
199 27
242 15$ 15,000 00
E. T. GLENN, Treasurer,
A. & M. College.
THE STATE OF ALABAMA,
Lee County. Personally appeared before me W. S. J.
Lampkin, a Notary Public in and for said county and State, E. T
Glenn, known to me as Treasurer of the Agricultural and Mechanical
College of Alabama, who, being duly sworn, deposes and saith that
the above and foregoing account is true and correct.
Witness my hand, this 6th day of January, 1894.
W. S. J. LAMPKIN, Notary Public.
This is to certify that I have compared the above account with the
Ledger account of the Treasurer, and this is a correct transcript of
same.
WM. LEROY BROUN, President,
A. & M. College.

REPORT OF THE BOTANIST.
DR. 'W. LERoY BRouN, 
President,
Alabama Agriculatural and iMechanical College:
SIR-I have the honor to present to you the following an-
nual report of work performed in Botany during the year
1993:
During the spring, summer and autumn months many
native plants were collected and added to the herbarium,
and much of the material is in shape for a bulletin on the
botany of Lee county. It is my intention to study each
county in the State in this manner until a complete botani-
cal survey is made.
Investigations are under way to determine the strength
of the native timbers and the physiological effects produced
on lumber under the different methods of seasoning prac-
ticed in the State.
The experiments on the improvement of cotton have been
continued during the past year with marked success. This
makes the third year of this work, and a bulletin is about
completed giving the results of these investigations. The
following so-called varieties have been under examination:
Allen's long staple, T. J. King,
Bailey, Okra leaf,
Barnett, Peeler,
Cherry's cluster, Peerless,
J. C. Cook, Peterkin,
W. A. Cook, Petit Gulf,
Dixon, Rust Proof,
Gold Dust, Rameses,
Hawkins, "Scrub,"
Herlong, Storm Proof,
Hunnicutt, Southern Hope,
Jones' improved, Truitt,
Jones' long staple, Welborn's Pet,
Keith. Wonderful,
Zellner,
10
The following species have also been under examination
to determine their value for this climate:
Bamieh (Egyptian cotton).
Mit-Afifi (Egyptian cotton).
Nankeen.
Sea Island.
Several hundred cross-experiments were made during the
season and a large number of well developed bolls were
secured, giving decided evidence of the effects of the cross-
breeding. The species of Egyptian cotton were received
from the Department of Agriculture, and the results secured
have been very gratifying. It will take, however, another
year's planting to determine whether the plant will beof
service to the farmers of this State. The fiber is very much
like that grown on our sea coast and known as "Sea Island
Cotton."
A botanical garden has been inaugurated during, the year
by the authority of the Board of Trustees and experiments
have been planned to determine the value to this State of
the following character of foreign plants" Those relating
to forage, such as grasses, &c., bread producing plants, for-
eign fruits and vegetables. The native grasses of Alabama
will receive special attention in this garden.
Respectfully submitted,
P. H. MELL,
Botanist.
REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURIST.
DR. WM. LEROY BROUN, President:
SIR:-I respectfully submit the following report of the
work in the Department of Agriculture during the past year.
The following bulletins have been issued from the Agri-
cultural Department of the Experiment Station
[Bulletin No. 40.]
EXPERIMENTS WITH COTTON.
Comparison of thirty varieties of cotton reporting results
of different kinds of cotton experimented with as a variety
test, tabulated statement of classification and valuation, and
experiment with fertilizers.
[Bulletin No. 42.]
This bulletin contains the report of experiments of co-
operative soil test experiments, made by thirty-six farmers
in different parts of the State, with fertilizers sent to them
from this department. The information gained from these
co-operative soil test reports, as published in the bulletin,
has excited much interest.
[Bulletin No. 44.]
TOBACCO BULLETIN.
This bulletin discusses the experiments conducted in
raising plants in the station the past year, and the comp ri-
son of several varieties of tobacco grown. I t contains illus-
trations showing the method of covering the plant beds with
canvass, and different methods of raising the plants, trans-
planting, field culture, suckering, topping and harvesting
the plants, a modern barn, and methods of stripping, prizing
and curing. It gives a detailed statement of the method of
preparing the plant beds, the raising and transplanting the
12
plants, the preparation of the field, and the way tobacco
should be worked, harvested, cured and prepared for market;
the aim being to give the farmers of the State, in a brief gnd
concise form, all the information that is needed for the sue-
cessful cultivation of this plant.
[Bulletin No. 46.]
RYE VS. ENSILAGE.
This bulletin contains results of the effect of rye and
ensilage in the yield of milk, in the experiment made with
the object of comparing the effect of these two feeds.
[Bulletin No..47.]
FRUITS.
This bulleten is a summary of eight years experiments in
cultivating different fruits, and the conclusions reached from
careful observation, of which the following is a brief synop-
sis: Of the 86 varieties of grapes tested, only eight are re-
commended for general use-the Concord, Ives, Deleware
and Perkins of the Lebrusea type, and the Mish, Memory
Scuppernong and Flowers of the Rotundifolia.
Forty-five varieties of apples have been tried and only
seventeen have proven a success. A list in order of ripen-
ing, with a brief description is furnished.
Of the 40 varieties of pears, all have fallen victims to the
blight, except six.
Thirty-seven varieties of budded peaches have all done
well, and a test of sixteen is given as a choice selection.
Out of 14 -varieties of plums, only four have been a suc-
cess. Not one of the eight kinds of cherries have succeeded.
Among 25 varieties of raspberries, only two are recom-
mended; and six of the 53 .varieties of strawberries tested,
are adapted to the general conditions of soil and climate,
the most profitable being the Sharpless and Wilson.
Experiments in 28 varieties of water-melons and 30 of
cantaloupes, result in six of each being recommended.
13
[Bulletin No. 49,]
WHEAT AND GRASSES.
Contains experiments of wheat and grasses. These ex-
periments in varieties of wheat were begun in 1890, the re-
suits of which were published in bulletins 32 and 39. This
investigation was continued in 1892. Of the fifteen varieties
experimented with, only six can be recommended for culti-
vation in this State. This bulletin contains an analysis of the
Spurry plant, a forage plant which is little known in the
South, but is exciting interest in other sections. Further
trial is necessary before conclusions can be established as
to the value of this plant; and the same is applicable to the
different grasses tested on the Station the past year. Some
of these, however, promise favorable results.
[Bulletin No. 51.]
VEGETABLES.
This bulletin shows the results of experiments with a few
leading varieties of vegetables grown on the Station.
In addition to the publications issued during the year
from the Agricultural Department the bulletins containing
the experiments in cotton and corn in 1893 are ready for
publication.
The bulletin on experiments in tobacco for 1893, is being
prepared and soon will be ready for publication.
CO-OPERATIVE SOIL-TESTS..
The Co-operative Soil-Test bulletin for 1893 which was in
charge of Mr. A. F. Cory, is being prepared by him for pub-
lication, and will give the results of the experiments made.
Fertilizers have been mixed at the station by Mr. A. F.
Cory, and distributed to farmers engaged in the work in
different parts of the State, for experimenting in corn and
cotton in 1894.
The typical soils of the State were collected by the De-
partment of Agriculture and sent to the Columbian Exposi-
tion as a part of 
the exhibit of 
the Alabama 
Experiment
Station.
14
DISTRIBUTION OF SEED, &C.
The following shows the distribution to farmers in 1894:
1,000 grape roots, 10,000 grape cuttings, 500 raspberry
plants, 509 strawberry plants, 2,500 papers garden seed, 500
papers watermelon seed, 500 papers cantaloupe seed, 495
papers tobacco seed, 50 packages corn and cotton seed, 20
pecks wheat.
EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED AT THE STATION.
The following shows the experiments conducted at the
station:
15 varieties wheat, 22 varieties tomatoes, 7 varieties cab-
bage, 7 varieties Irish potatoes, 2 varieties sweet potatoes,
7 fertilizer tests of sweet potatoes, 2 varieties cantaloupes,
3 varieties water-melons, 60 varieties grasses, 42 experiments.
of 14 varieties of tobacco, 20 experiments with fertilizers for
chemist, 86 experiments of crosses of cotton for botanist.
The above experiments were entrusted for the details of
management to Mr. James Clayton, Ass't. Horticulturist,
who in addition to his duties in experimental work, gave in-
struction to the students in practical work. In addition to
the above the following experiments were conducted under
the management of Mr. A. F. Cory, Ass't. Agriculturist:
16 acres fall seeded oats, 10 acres spring seeded oats, 3
acres fall seeded rye, 20 acres spring seeded rye, 10 acres
wheat, 20 acres experiment station yellow corn, 5 acres Clay-
ton white bread corn, 2 acres corn for soiling, 1- acres variety
test of corn, 31 acres sorghum for soiling, 25 acres experi-
ments in cotton, 3 acres corn for ensilage, 21 acres experiment
in Texas blue grass, duplicate of co-operative soil-test experi-
ments with fertilizers on corn, experiment with 17 varieties
of cotton, experiment in rotation, which is designed to be
continued five years. An application interculturally of nitro-
gen fertilizers to cotton, experiment comparing floats and
cotton seed meal with acid phosphate and cotton seed meal.
15
IMPROVEMENTS.
Much of the fencing has been repaired. The unsightly
fence in front of the residence of the agriculturist, has been
removed, and a durable galvanized wire fence with iron posts
and gates put in its place. The residence of the assistant
horticulturist has been added to and improved. The old
stable, pig pens and other unsightly buildings, have been re-
moved from the front and rebuilt. A new barn conveniently
arranged for securing the experimental crops, and as a lab-
oratory for students at practical work, has been built. The
water-power has been improved by the increase of a wind-
mill with attachments of pipes conveying water to the new
barn, cattle and hog lots. A modern tobacco barn, with
curing apparatus, has been built to meet the requirements
in this line of station work.
RECEIPTS.
The receipts from the station farm amount to fourteen
hundred and two dollars and fifty-five cents ($1,402.55) for
the year ending December 31st, 1893.
FARMERS INSTITUTES.
In accordance with the request of Hon. Hector D. Lane,
Commissioner of Agriculture, I spent one month of vacation
in Farmers Institute work, delivering lectures on agricul-
tural subjects to the farmers of the State at the following
places: Evergreen, Conecuh county; Whitesburgh, Madison
county; Albertsville, Marshall county; Gadsden, Etowah
county; Collinsville, DeKalb county; Scottsboro, Jackson
county; Huntsville, Madison county; Jeff, Madison county;
Wooley Springs, Limestone county; Elkmont, Limestone
county; Athens, Limestone county; Rogersville, Lauderdale
county; Lexington, Lauderdale county; Florence, Lauderdale
county; Leyton, Colbert county; Courtland, Lawrence county.
The farmers seemed much interested at these meetings,
and the audiences were good at every place where we held
institutes.
16
In the experiments conducted on the station during the
past year, I was efficiently aided by Mr. James Clayton, As-
sistant Horticulturist, and by Mr. A. Cory, Assistant Agri-
culturist.
Respectfully,
ALEX. J. BONDURANT,
Agriculturist.
January 10th, 1894.
REPORT OF THE BIOLOGIST.
DR. Wx. LEROY 
BROUN, President,
Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical College:
SI :-I have the honor to submit the following report of
the work in the Department of Biology during the past
year:
Two bulletins have been published as follows:
Bulletin No. 45, June, 1893, entitled "Injurious and Bene-
ficial Insects. Some Insect Pests of the Farm and Garden."
This bulletin, which is the first of a series to follow on the
same subject, contains, first, some general remarks of value
to all who wish to understand in a general way the life his-
tories of insects, and the reasons why they are to be com-
batted in certain stages, and why an insecticide is to be used
at a certain period, and why it is of no value at another
period. In other words, the why and wherefore of the
methods of combatting and destroying injurious insects is
briefly stated. Then follows the different kinds of insecti-
cides in use with directions for preparing and applying the
same, and the nature of the insects to be destroyed by each.
Some of the most useful machines for applying the various
kinds of insecticides and fungicides are given with a view to
enable the farmer to make a better choice. The following
insects are discussed: Colorado Potato-Beetle, Cabbage
Worms and Butterfies, Harlequin Cabbage Bug, Cabbage
Cut-Worms, Cotton Leaf-Worm, Cotton Boll-Worm, Apbids
or Lice on Cotton, Corn Cut-Worms, Corn-Worm or Boll-
Worm.
Bulletin No. 50, November, 1893, entitled "Fruit-Tree
Blight in General," covers a field but little understood by
the agriculturist, The nature, cause, and.remedies to be
18
used for this dreaded disease are discussed in a popular
style so as to be readily understood by all.
A bulletin is in the course of preparation on a New Cot-
ton Disease Affecting the Fibre and Seed. This is a very
serious bacterial disease that is causing a loss of 30% in the
affected districts. The pure cultures of the germ and suc-
cessful inocculations have been made, and the bulletin is
well under way.
The Phytopathological or Plant Laboratory has been
put in working order, and several valuable experiments
are being carried on in it that would otherwise be
difficult to conduct. Work is progressing on the diseases
of cotton with a view to obtain preventive or curative
methods of general application.
Diseases of beans, corn, radishes, beets, melons, cucum-
bers, and tomatoes are being investigated, and experiments
on the prevention and cure of the same are being conducted.
Methods and experiments on the prevention and cure of
blight by chemical means are receiving attention. The life his-
tories, habits and work of injurious and beneficial insects are
being investigated and the means to destroy them tested,
while a collection of the same is in course of formation.
Work is also being conducted in the study of general
bacteriology, mycology and entomology with a view to a
better understanding of the injurious forms and of the 
re-
lations existing beiween them.
During the summer, nineteen lectures were delivered 
before
Farmers Institutes in various portions of the State, on the
subject fungoid and bacterial diseases of plants and inju-
rious and benficial insects.
Respectfully submitted,
J. M. STEDMAN,
Biologist.
RIEPORT OF THE CHEMIST.
DR. Wv. LERoY 
BROUN, President,
Alabama Agricultural Mechanical College:
SIR: -The following report of the chemical department is
herewith submitted:
Since the undersigned assumed charge of the chemical
department, about the middle of September last, a consid-
erable proportion of the work performed in the laboratory
has been in connection with the analysis of commercial
fertilizers for the commissioner of agriculture.
A bulletin embodying the results of analyses of about 180
samples of fertilizers and at the same time describing in
detail, the sources, utility and modes of application of the
chief classes of fertilizers upon the market, is now in press.
In addition to the analyses of fertilizers referred to, a
number of samples of waters, marls, ores and miscellaneous
minerals have been examined either qualitatively or quan-
titatively.
Several samples of insecticides have also been subjected
to analysis, and it is intended to make a more comprehen-
sive investigation of this subject during the coming spring.
Bulletin No. 48, issued in July of the past year, gives the
result of analysis of several hundred samples, and also a
report of experiments conducted under the supervision of
Dr. IN. T. Lupton, to test the comparative merits of crude
natural phosphates and acid phosphates as a fertilizer for
cotton.
There are also reported in this bulletin a large number of
laboratory tests with regard to the influence of decomposing
organic matter upon natural phosphates, with especial refer-
ence to the availability of the phosphoric acid after long
contact of the phpsphates with the organic matter.
The following work is reported by Dr. -Anderson, assist-
ant chemist, as having been performed in the laboratory of
the experiment station during the past year.
(1.) Analysis of twelve typical soils for the Columbian
Exposition.
(2.) Analysis of waters and other substances, reported to
commissioner of agriculture.
(3.) Investigation of a method of. estimating needs of
soils, especially with reference to the growth of the cotton
plant, with analysis of the plant at different stages of growth-
to be published in next bulletin.
Respectfully,
B. B. Ross,
Chemist,
REPORT OF THE VETERINARIAN.
Mn. Wm. LEROY 
BROUN,
President Alabama Aqricultural and Mechanical College.
Sir:-The following is a synopsis of the work accom-
plished by the Veterinary Department during the year 1893:
Six lectures were delivered in Barbour county; three in
Russell; four in Bullock; two in Crenshaw; one in Madison;
one in Macon; two in Henry; two in .Lee; one in Mont-
gomery; one in Dale; and one in Elmore. The primary
purpose of these lectures was to disseminate practical and
rational methods of handling and treating the most common
diseases of domestic animals, and to suggest methods and
means by which many diseases may be prevent3d.
In May this department issued Bulletin 
No. 43."Eye
Diseases of Domestic Animals."
In this bulletin, the following subjects were explained in
as simple and plain terms as possible:
I. Anatomy of the horse's eye.
II. Disease of the eye-lids
III. Disease of the "Haw," or "eye-washer."
IV. Diseases of the lachrymal, or tear, apparatus.
V. Diseases of the tissues surrounding the eye-ball and
in the orbital cavity.
VI. Diseases of the conjunctiva.
VII. Diseases of the cornea.
VIII. Diseases of the iris.
IX. Cataract-opacity of the lens.
X. Amaurosis-paralysis of the retina and optic nerve.
XI. Glaucoma-diseases of the vitreous humor.
22
XII. Hydropthalmus-excess of water in the aqueous
humor.
XIII. Exopthalmus-dislocation of the eye-ball.
XIV. Strabismus-squinting-cross-eye.
XV. Causes of indistinct vision and shying.
XVI. Animal parasite's of the eye.
XVII. Periodic opthalmia-moon-blindness.
XVIII. Methods of examining eyes.
XIX. Reports of diseases from various parts of the
State.
The subject of moon-blindness, or periodic opthalmia, re-
ceived special attention; since it is the most frequent and
common cause of blindness among horses and 
mules in the
State.
During the time that college was in session, and when the
weather permitted outdoor work, public, clinical lectures
were given every Saturday. These lectures were always 
de-
livered in connection with surgical operations, or with the
examination and treat ment of cases having internal or con-
stitutional diseases. This clinical work was given for the
special instruction of the farmers and the students. The
practical cases formed excellent object lessons for instruct-
ing the students and farmers in the most practical and
scientific ways of treating sick or diseased animals.
During the year, 287 cases were handled at the Saturday
free clinics and lectures.
The work of securing anatomical and pathological speci-
mens, and collecting records of the animal diseases in the
various parts of the State, has been continued.
BUILDING.
A building, for this department, has just been completed;
it contains a two-story portion, in which is a section robom,
a museum room, an office and four upper rooms that are to
be used for a bacteriological and pathological laboratory;
the single story portion contains an operating room and six
23
hospital stalls. It is hoped that this 
building will be fully
equipped in the near future, in order 
that infectious and
contagious diseases may be properly 
studied and investigated.
Respectfully,
C. A. CARY.
Yeterinarian.