XXIV REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. 



diirino- the 3'ear has been of the composition and adulteration of pre- 

 served meats, a subject in which the whole country' has lately taken 

 particular interest. In all, 513 samples have been purchased in the 

 open market, consisting of preserved meats of all kinds, including 

 soups and potted meats. 



An examination of the meat of the horse has also been carried out, 

 39 samples having been purchased and anal3^zed with the object of 

 determining a method whereby horse meat could be easil}^ detected if 

 sold under any other name. In so far as can be discovered, this meat 

 is not offered for sale in any part of the United States under its own 

 name, and it is believed that very little of it is sold under any other 

 name. 



The Division has during the year been engaged in active cooperation 

 with other organized bodies, notably the Pure-Food Congress of the 

 United States, to promote the effort to secure State and national legis- 

 lation on the subject of food adulteration. In quite a number of the 

 States the laws which have been passed have been modeled upon the 

 Brosius pure-food bill, which is now pending before Congress, and 

 which, by its passage, would secure a perfect control of interstate 

 traffic in adulterated foods. It is only by such national legislation 

 that the excellent work which the States are doing in controlling State 

 legislation can be properly supplemented and made efficient. Every 

 consideration of honesty and justice to the producer and consumer 

 demands that Congress should take early and favorable action upon 

 the pure-food bill which is now pending. 



SOIL BACTERIA. 



The studies of soil bacteria have been continued, with results which 

 are of the most encouraging nature in regard to practical agriculture. 

 The studies of the relation of the crop to the composition of the soil 

 have also been continued, completing a term of five years, which covers 

 a sufficiently long period to warrant the tabulation and publication of 

 the results alread}^ secured. 



SUGAR-BEET INTESTIGATION8. 



The chemical work attending the sugar-beet investigations has been 

 pursued wnth vigor during the past year, and comparative data have 

 been collected from all parts of the United States relating to the influ- 

 ence of soil and climate on the character of the beet produced. These 

 investigations have already led to a tentative mapping out of the areas 

 of the United States suited to beet culture, and their continuance will 

 enable intending investors to locate definitely in those areas most 

 favorable to the production of the highest quality of beets. 



It is only by careful attention to these scientific details that the beet- 

 sugar industry in this country can hope to compete with the carefully 

 controlled industry in Europe. 



