488 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTx\IENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Another series of experiments was made with hens' eggs, the mean 

 specific heat being determined over two temperature ranges, 12° C. 

 to 15° C. and 15° C. to 19° C, and the heat elimination at three tem- 

 peratures, 11° C, 15° C, and 19° C. The data obtained were of an 

 entirely different order from those with celery, the eggs showing a 

 small moisture elimination (due to evaporation) and almost no heat 

 output, while the celery gave out much moisture and heat. The re- 

 sults of these experiments, like earlier ones with apples, provide 

 definite data regarding matters which must be taken into account 

 in storage. The best results in storage will be possible when such 

 definite information supersedes empirical data, a fact appreciated by 

 the storage industry in this country and elsewhere. 



During the year the large respiration calorimeter was thoroughly 

 calibrated for little-known constants and much information collected 

 which will greatly facilitate work not only at room temperature, 

 about 22° C, which is that commonly prevailing in such experiments, 

 but also at other temperatures. Its heat capacity was also measured, 

 as well as other factors which aid in research and its interpretation. 



The small respiration calorimeter was also reconstructed to adapt it 

 to more accurate and convenient work on storage problems requiring 

 other than room temperatures. 



Because of the subject matter with which it deals, particularly that 

 on food selection and dietetics, the Office of Home Economics has 

 always stood in an important position between the investigator and 

 the public, and its work is of vital importance in the everydaj' life of 

 the people. Recent developments have made its position in this re- 

 spect more significant than ever before, for food shortage has stimu- 

 lated research and on the other hand has increased the need among 

 housekeepers and teachers for immediately applicable facts about 

 food. This need is not limited to those who can understand scientific 

 and technical terms, and is often most pressing among those who must 

 be taught in the simplest language or by means of pictures, diagrams, 

 and models. For these reasons the office feels an increasing responsi- 

 bility for interpreting the results of scientific investigation so that 

 they can be unclerstood by all. Its responsibility grows greater, too, 

 as avenues for the distribution of information open up. Not only 

 has the home demonstration and extension work of the department 

 and the agricultural colleges grown, but such agencies as the Federal 

 Board for Vocational Education and the Red Cross are standing 

 ready to make use of and distribute material based on the depart- 

 ment's work. The same is true also of many private organizations 

 interested in home economics and in child welfare, particularly in 

 problems of right feeding for health and normal development. The 

 office has, therefore, given considerable attention to the preparation 

 of graphic material, including photographs, models, and charts re- 

 lating to food selection and combination, labor involved in household 

 tasks, and other phases of home economics. 



Owing to lack of funds only a limited amount of work has been 

 done with clothing and textiles and with household equipment and 

 its care. Of special interest is the study and standardization of 

 materials and methods for cleaning and repair, chiefly of floors and 

 floor coverings. The information thus obtained, together with that 

 obtained through cooperation with the Bureau of Standards and 



