G6 A'^:SVAL EEPOriTS OF DEPAr.TMEXT OF x\GrJCULTURE. 



pared for such data and all are as nearly up to date as it is practicable 

 to keep them. 



ISIaii}' data on the temperatures of the country have been accumu- 

 lated during the year, particularly with regard to the maximum and 

 minimum values. Extensive compilations of the daily and weekly 

 means of these factors for the 40-year period ending with 1918, have 

 l)een obtained from the various stations. It is hoped opportunity Avill 

 be afforded during the present year to properh^ analyze and interpret 

 these data and present them to the public. 



Near the close of the year steps were taken to present to the public 

 in general, but particularly for the benefit of the engineering pro- 

 fessions, through the press, more information on the daily state of the 

 moisture in the atmosphere, and at this writing these data are being 

 published for the three principal observations in practically all the 

 leading papers in the country. At the same time a revision of the 

 local station forms intended for puljlic distribution was being con- 

 sidered by whicli similar data will be presented to the public in much 

 greater detail than heretofore. 



The extensive utilization of our accumulated records by nearly 

 every class of our population has continued during the year, and the 

 fact that practically everj'^ request for information has been promptly 

 and fully met indicates the extensiAe character of the data we arc 

 collecting. The reputation of the Bureau for prompt service has been 

 fully maintained, as indicated by the many acknowledgments of 

 appreciation received for early and complete responses to requests 

 for information. 



AGRICULTURAL IMETEOROLOGY. 



The activities under this section mclude the supervision of special 

 services maintained in the interests of agriculture in the principal 

 grain, (otton, sugar, rice, alfalfa seed, cranberry, tomato, tobarco, 

 iruit, and potato-growing districts, as well as in the great grazing 

 districts for the benefit of those interested in stock production; all 

 maintained for the collection anl dissemination of information rela- 

 tive to current weather conditions throughout the country, and their 

 resulting efi'ects upon tlie develoj^ment of crops and the progress of 

 agricultural operations. 



In addition to the above, studies are conducted on the influence of 

 weather on the development of crops, and the relation of weather and 

 climate to agricultural activities and crop yields, including the super- 

 vision and distribution of forecasts of minimum temperatures dur- 

 ing critical periods in districts where protective methods are exten- 

 si\ely practiced. The fruit frost-work Avas very successfid during 

 the year, particularly in the Xorthwestern States, and gratifying 

 l)rogress was made during the year in studies of special mathematical 

 methods of forecasting minimum temperatures that may be injurious 

 to fruit. 



"Weather is a dominant factor in the success or failure of agi-icul- 

 tural or horticultural operations, and special effort was made during 

 the year to apply the information collected, through the vast organ- 

 ization of special and cooperative services of the AVeather Bureau, 

 to the important problem of food production in its various aspects. 



