Michigan State University - Red Cedar Log Yearbook (East Lansing, MI)

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The Bacteriology Department under Dr. Ward Giltner, who is one of the country ' s authorities in this work, has kept up in its share of contributions to the Agricultural interests of the state and nation. The Bacteriological Build- ing at M. A. C. is the first one to be devoted entirely to the study of this science. Thru this department, Alichi- gan was the first state in the union to distribute legume inoculating cultures to its farmers. Also, Michigan is freer from hog cholera than any other hog raising state due to the serum put into the field by this department. A great deal of valuable work for the farmers is being accomplished by the Botany department in plant diseases, and plant physiology, under Dr. Coone, formerly Na- tional President of the Plant Physiology Association. Dr. E. A. Bessey is one of the best trained and prominent botanists in the country and is recognized as a leader and author in the study of Botany. The Entomology Department is contri- buting invaluable information to the con- trol of insects. A great deal of investigational and research work in insect control is being carried on by this department under Prof. R. H. Pettit, who is one of the leading Na- turalists of the country. Much of the pres- ent day information and knowledge of this subject is due to the results of his early re- ports and research work. Considerable work is being done for the large fruit growing interests of the state along the lines of marketing, spraying, fertilizing and variety work by the Horticultural Department. Some of the foremost fruit men of the country are alumni of M. A. C. M. A. C, according to Hoards Dairyman, has the best uniformity and symmetry in strength of development of live stock equipment, of all Agricultural institutions in ' I Page Thirty-four

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NatLirally, one ' s first thoughts of Agriculture are of the soil which is the foundation for all existence. Our soils department is under the direction of Dr. M. M. McCool, a national fig- ure in subjects relating to soils. Under his supervision a detailed soil survey of Michigan is be- ing completed, which will be of inestimable alue to the State ' s Agricultural interests. AI. A. C. has in Dr. G. J. Bouyoucos, the leading authority in the United States on temperature and water relations of soils. He has contributed more to the study of the physical properties of soils than any other investigator. The Farm Crops Department has brought many laurels to M. A. C. b - its brilliant work in the development of grain. The influence wielded by this department Spreads much further than the bound- aries of Michigan, and has become al- most national in scope. The story of the work accomplished by Prof. F. A. Spragg, seems like a fascinating myth. Many of the grains developed here have become nationally popular. Red Rock Wheat, the Robust Bean, Wolverine Oats, Barbless Barley, Rosen Rye — the undisputed champion of them all — and many superior strains of Alfalfa, show some of the wonderful work accomplished here at M. A. C. in plant breeding. In the Inter- national Hay and Grain show, these grains swept solid blocks of first places. The lead M. A. C. is taking in this work is undisputed by any other institution. Page Thirty-three

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this country. The Animal Hus- bandry section is without doubt one of the outstanding features of M. A. C. The list of stock includes the world ' s Champion Brown Swiss cow and the world ' s record full aged Guern- sey in the AA class. Many other noted individuals famous for their records are included in this department. The horse section is the most complete of any Agricultural College, and contains the First and Reserve Champions at the International Live Stock Show at Chicago. Another feature of the Agricultural Division is the Experiment Station which af- fords a great deal of protection to the farmers of the state in their purchases of fer- tilizers, feeding stuffs, insecticides, and fungicides. A close check on the analyses of all such materials is made by this department, thus enabling purchasers to determine the value of such products. The demand for teachers of Agriculture in public schools has increased rapidly and the Education Department under Prof. W. H. French has amply responded to the call. An excellent service is thus rendered to the students and the Agricultural interests of the state in general. The Michigan Agricultural College has always had as its ideal, real practicable service to the farmers of the state and nation. She renders this service by putting into the hands of the farmers thru the channels of her bulletin service, extension specialists and graduates all of the available information secured from her experimental, investi- gational and research work. By this valuable aid the Agriculture Division of M. A. C. has become nationally backed, not only as an educational institution but as a vital factor in the improvement of existing Agricultural conditions. N Page Thirty-five