HON. REINHOLD SADLER, SIR: Lieutenant and Acting Governor, I have the honor to transmit to you herewith, in compliance with the law of Congress, the Ninth Annual Report of the Agricultural Experiment Station of the Nevada State University. I am, with great respect, Your obedient servant, GEORGE H. TAYLOR, W. MCN. MILLER, B. S., M. D........... Bacteriology and Pathology AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, To the Honorable, the Board of Control of the Agricultural Experiment Station, Nevada State University: GENTLEMEN: I have the honor to submit herewith the annual report of the Agricultural Experiment Station of the Nevada State University for the year ended December 31st, 1896. This report includes the several reports of the Departments of the Station and the financial exhibit of both the Secretary and the Treasurer. Five bulletins have been published during the year as follows: Special Bulletin, 8 pages, "Sampling for Analysis." Bulletin No. 32, 48 pages, "Sugar Beets." N. E. WILSON. N. E. WILSON. Bulletin No. 33, 14 pages, "Field Notes on Some Nevada Grasses." F. H. HILLMAN. Bulletin No. 34, 16 pages, "Drinking Water." Bulletin No. 35, 24 pages, "Hops." N. E. WILSON, R. H. McDowell. In the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture the experimental growing of field crops has continued to be the leading feature of the Department. The subject of irrigation in relation to the growing of farm products under the general method of agriculture upon the ranches continues to be a subject of primary importance. While experimental work in general farming may not seem to be of so much value to the agricultural interests of this State, yet it must be clear to every thoughtful mind that the economic value of varied farm productions even in this State have a certain determinate worth which ought to be regarded in the experimental operations of the Agricultural Experiment Station. While the Station will not do less of this kind of work, it will at the same time broaden its field of experimental investigation. Nevada will continue to hold a first place as a stock-growing State. The cattle and sheep industry will be foremost in importance. In the near future the Station must needs reorganize its work so as to give special attention to this leading industry of the State. In this connection, I may say, that it is unfortunate that the State has not made the proper provision in land for the use of the Experiment Station. The money spent from year to year for permanent improvements and for increased facilities. should be made upon land belonging to the University and not upon land borrowed or leased for a short period of time. It is this condition that has limited the scope of the Station's work in the past. The Department of Botany and Entomology has given a great deal of study during the year to the injurious insects, such as the San Jose scale, and has given assistance to farmers and fruitgrowers whenever such assistance is desired. The nature and habits of these injurious insects were set forth in bulletins published in this Department last year. The Department of Chemistry and Dairying has directed its attention the past year to the subjects of soils and waters. This is the beginning of a work that will cover a period of some years but which, when completed, will place upon record the results of a careful study of the varieties of soils and the characteristics of the waters in this State. As soon as possible, the Director will |