KEPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. LITI 



maps, a few remarkably fine specimens of trees, and a large number of 

 photographs, the exhibit inchided colored transparencies of typical 

 forest and agricultural lands, which are believed to be the largest ever 

 made. 



STUDY OF COMMERCIAL TREES AND OTHER INVESTIGATIVE WORK. 



The studies of commercial trees, the object of which is to ascertain 

 the rate of growth and production, and the other facts which are nec- 

 essary for the best kind of practical forestry, were considerably 

 extended during the year. Cooperation with the redwood lumbermen 

 of California continued as l)efore. The study of the Red Fir of the 

 Pacific Coast was continued, and that of the Western Hemlock was 

 lieguiL A study of the Longleaf Pine was begun and that of the 

 Lol)lolly Pine was practically completed. The investigation of the 

 Adirondack Fir, also begun, is particularly timely, because, with the 

 decrease of the supply of Spruce, Fir is used more and more largely 

 in the manufacture of paper. The data collected in the field for Adi- 

 rondack hardwoods has been worked up into tables intended particu- 

 larly to assist the private owner in managing his hardwood lands. 

 Studies of numerous other trees have been continued or begun. The 

 investigation of forest fires spread over twenty-six States and Territo- 

 ries, and many valuable results were reached. A history of forestry 

 in New York and a summary of the forest laws now in operation in 

 the various States are completed, and much material was gathered for 

 other forest histories. An investigation upon the reliability of the 

 widespread views regarding the efiect of denudation upon the once 

 forested lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea was begun; and in the 

 series of studies of North American forests, reports on the Red Cedar, 

 White Cedar, Cypress, and four commercial oaks were completed. 



OFFICE OF PUBLIC ROAD INQUIRIES. 



EFFORTS TO SECURE AND DIFFUSE INFORMATION REGARDING ROAD 



>L\TERIALS. 



There is much inquiry in all sections of the United States regarding 

 better roads and better methods of building them. In order that the 

 people might have accurate knowledge regarding road materials in our 

 country, it has been deemed wise to divide the United States into four 

 sections and appoint an expert agent in each of those subdivisions who 

 has knowledge regarding geology and civil engineering. This has been 

 done,' and Mr. L. W. Page has ])cen appointed in the Eastern States, 

 Mr. J. A. Holmes in the Southern States, Mr. J. H. Stout in the prairie 

 States, and Mr. James W. Abljott in the Rocky ^Mountain States. It 

 is my intention that these experts, in connection with laying a scien- 

 tific foundation for road building, shall also report regularly to this 



