with and without the use of certain fertilizers upon these lands. Extensive variety and fertilizer experiments on oats are also being carried on. Buckwheat is one of the important cereals of West Virginia, and if its value and cultivation were better understood there is no reason why it should not be a source of large income to the farmers of the State, and so various experiments have been conducted upon this crop. A number of varieties obtained in the United States and Canada, together with some varieties obtained through the Department of Agriculture from Europe, are being tested. A study, also, is being made of the best time of sowing this crop, and of various means of increasing its yield. Quite extensive experiments have been planned, some of which are now going on, to determine the value of various fertilizing materials to improve the yield and quality of grass in meadow and pasture. In 1897 a contract was made by my predecessor with the Fairmont Index for the printing of Station Bulletins and Reports. In the fall of that year I presented this matter to the Executive Committe of the Board for instructions, and was informed that it was the wish of the Committee to have this contract continued for a time, as the terms seemed to be satisfactory. Upon future investigation, I found that the work could be done cheaper, and with the approval of the President of the Board of Regents, I prepared specifications, which were submitted to a number of newspapers and other printing establishments in the State for bids. The Fairmont Index was the lowest bidder. A contract was made with it at prices about forty per cent. lower than under the old arrangement. This contract expired last fall, and with the same authority, and on the same terms, a contract was made with the Morgantown Post for doing this work, for an indefinite period. I should like to have instructions from the Board of Regents in regard to this work in the future. A copy of the contract is submitted herewith for your information. Respectfully submitted, J. H. STEWART, Director. 2 FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY Agricultural Experiment Station, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, |