70 



ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT (JF AGRICULTURE. 



There lias been so much denuind for an extension of this work, so 

 many expressions of its value by automobile associations, road com- 

 missioners, and the travelin^^ public that it has been diflicult to resist 

 pressuie for extensions. It is a work that the Weather Bureau is 

 best fitted to perfoim; its value is unciuestionable, and it is hoped 

 that appropriations may become available wliereby the public de- 

 mands may be met. 



WEATHER MAPS. 



The ilemands for the resum[)tion of the weather maps, which were 

 discontinued at more than 50 stations during the war, are numerous 

 and insistent. Weather maps have been issued for more than 40 

 years. They aie the most effective means of distributing weather in- 

 formation, and the educational, scientific, agricultural, commercial, 

 and navigation interests of the country appreciate their value and 

 expect the service in this form. No serious objection was made to 

 their discontinuance during the war and as a war necessitv. Now 

 that nearly two 3'ears have elapsed since the war terminated, they 

 can not understand Avhy this service should not be resumed. How- 

 ever, the high cost of paper, materials, and service, which made 

 their discontinuance necessary, have not abated. No additional funds 

 have been appropriated, and it is impossible for the Bureau to resume 

 the service with present appropriations. Weather maps should be 

 resumed at a considerable number of the stations that are located 

 in large cities and populous centers. 



VERIFICATION OF FORECASTSk 



The question of the accuracy of the forecasts and warnings issued 

 by the Weather Bureau is of public interest. The present system of 

 verification has not been changed for five 3'ears. The following 

 table shoAvs the percentage of accuracy attained in the forecasts 

 issued for all States and sections of the countiy from 1915 to 1919,^ 

 inclusive : 



Verification of a. m. 36-hour iveatJier aiid temperature forecasts. 



