4 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



duction to an extent impossible to conapute. A single insect sud- 

 denly appears by myriads and completely overruns eotire States; a 

 fungus growth multiplies in such enormous numbers as to blight 

 and completely destroy whole crops in a single week. The germs of 

 disease fill the atmosphere, and finding their way to the vital organs 

 of animal life, sweep the country clear of cattle. Food products are 

 doctored with substances injurious to health, whose identity only the 

 most skillful and painstaking microscopist or chemical examiner can 

 detect. Beverages are doctored with poisons to simulate the flavor 

 of wholesome drinks, or to conceal the decomposition that has al- 

 ready begun. 



Whoever else may settle down to the stupor of routine, the De- 

 partment of Agriculture cannot, if it is to fulfill its mission and do 

 the work which it was created to perform. Its vigilance cannot be 

 relaxed for a single moment. Unceasing, indefatigable work must 

 characterize its officers and employes. The Department must keep 

 informed with regard to the latest and most reliable discoveries in 

 the scientific world, which affect agricultural people, or their indus- 

 try in anv of its parts, and must promptly disseminate this knowl- 

 edge throughout the State. It must keep in touch with educational 

 institutions, agricultural organizations, workers and experts in 

 other States and in foreign countries. It must, in short, be a great 

 information-giving bureau, intelligent and ever active; collecting and 

 sending forth reliable data for public use, correcting false im- 

 pressions and condemning ill-judged practices where they exist. 



To properly meet these demands the best service that the most 

 capable possess is required. 



The Department force has become familiar with the performance 

 of the several duties with which each is entrusted, and the work 

 of the several Divisions is, therefore, more satisfactory than ever 

 before. Division officers, attorneys, agents, chemists, inspectors, 

 clerks and messengers have come to know what is expected, and they 

 are able to promptly and effectively perform their respective duties. 



CROPS. 



The general condition and yield of the crops during the year, have 

 been about an average. Wheat was affected by early drouth, but 

 afterwards had abundance of moisture. The rains continued 

 through harvest, and a good deal of wheat was injured by sprouting. 

 The yield, however, is above expectation. 



Corn in middle and western Pennsylvania, was caught by the early 

 September frosts and a large amount of immature and soft corn is 

 the result. 



Oata was a good crop. Potatoes rotted considerably in many sec- 

 tions. The late crop is of good size and quality. 



