20 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



than that which comes from the destruction of their forests, and it 

 is the duty of every one, whether in jmblic or private life, who sees 

 the danger confronting us to join in raising a note of warning before 

 it is too late. 



The Farmers' Institute work under the efficient supervision of the 

 Deputy Secretary of the Department, was successfully conducted 

 through the institute season of the year. The interest in this work 

 continues to increase. The Director, being himself a practical far- 

 mer, is able, by acquainting himself with changing conditions, to 

 organize each year, a lecture force that is able to meet the require- 

 ments of the time. From every section of the State, reports come 

 of the great good this educational agency is accomplishing. 



The work of the Veterinary Division is increasing every year. 

 The help afforded to the work of this Division by the creation of 

 the office otf Deputy State Veterinarian, was very much needed and 

 results have proved the wisdom of the General Assembly in affording 

 this relief. 



The Bureau of Zoology has achieved gratifying results during the 

 year. What with the original research and investigation work 

 placed upon this Bureau, by the last General Assembly, and the con- 

 tinuation of the demonstration work which has been growing in im- 

 portance and interest, the Chief of the Bureau has had his hands 

 full and the wisdom of the Legislature in providing the means for 

 increasing the force of the Division, is clearly seen. 



The Dairy and Food Bureau has continued its activity during the 

 year, and the very full report of the Commissioner contained in this 

 general report, possesses exceptional value and interest. The work 

 for pure food and pure dairy products for Pennsylvania has been 

 kept well to the front. A searching test of the new food law, pass- 

 ed by the Legislature of 1907, has iDeen made and the Commission- 

 er's report calls attention to some important changes needed. 



The oleomargarine and renovated butter laws of 1891, which still 

 remain upon the statute books of the State, have been vigorously 

 enforced, and the aggregate amount of oleomargarine license fees 

 and fines paid into the State Treasury in 1907, for the use of the 

 Commonwealth, is larger than ever before. 



Brief reference has been made to the specific work of the several 

 Divisions of the Department, for the reason that a full report of the 

 work of each Division will be found in its proper place in this vol- 

 ume. 



AGRICULTURAL, EDUCATION. 



Before closing this report, I wish again and more specifically to 

 refer to the importance of better training for the coming occupants 

 and operators of Pennsylvania farms, and the greatly improved ad- 

 vantages of the times in which we live, for securing such training. 



The act of Congress establishing colleges for the promotion of ag- 

 riculture and the mechanic arts was passed in a day when there was 

 little science that had a known relation to the art of agriculture. 

 Our land grant colleges failed in the early part of their history to 

 commend themselves to most practical farmers. Twenty-five years 



