EEPOET OF THE SECRETARY. 61 



effects of larkspur poisoning due to species of DelpJiinium have been 

 under study. The chief features of larkspur poisoning have been 

 ascertained, and some progress has been made on relief measures. 



In connection with reconnaissance work much attention has been 

 given, as heretofore, to trouble in the National Forests. Frequently, 

 as a result of a study of the flora of a suspected area, the source of 

 loss has been identified and simple measures which have reduced the 

 loss have been suggested. 



Laboratory studies have been directed toward a variety of sub- 

 jects, among others the further understanding of the loco-weed 

 problem. It has been showTi that the cause of this important dis- 

 ease is not yet well understood, and further work seems to be required. 

 This is now in progress. 



The relation of corn to pellagra has continued to receive attention. 

 The normal constituents of corn and such as are developed under the 

 action of agencies bringing about its deterioration have been sought 

 in the hope of getting some light on the cause of this malady. 



Some effort has been spent on a study of the alkaloids of the com- 

 mon solanaceous berries, both wild and cultivated. The utilization 

 of a number of sorts for table use, together with reports of their 

 harmful action, has made it necessary to get more information on 

 the properties of these products. 



PROGRESS OF WORK IN AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY. 



Official cotton grades. — Among the various tecluiolosrical 

 problems carried forward within the past year, the work of cotton 

 grading has been prominent, and in accordance with the recent act 

 of Congress nine oflicial grades of white American cotton have been 

 promulgated. Twenty-five sets of these types have been prepared 

 for storage in vacuum for the purpose of comparison in future ^'■ears. 

 This method of securing the permanency of the types is believed to 

 be a most fundamental and important improvement over methods 

 previously in use. A limited number of sets of the grades were 

 placed with agricultural colleges in the cotton belt and with exchanges, 

 institutions, and individuals who liad rendered service in connection 

 with the project and whose facilities were at the disposal of the 

 Department for quickly bringing the official types to the attention 

 of the cotton industry. Before this preliminary distribution was 

 finished the general sale of the grades was begun, and the official 

 types have for some time been supplied to all applicants at the cost 

 of preparation, so that the sets now in practical use cover a much 

 wider territory. 



The oflicial grades were established with the advice of a committee 

 composed of men of tlie highest standing drawn from every depart- 

 ment of the cotton industry. Numerous letters approving these 



