64 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



The most important fact demonstrated is that a large proportion 

 of the corn which finds its way into commerce contains excessive 

 quantities of moisture, that under most favorable conditions no 

 appreciable reduction of this moisture takes place until March and 

 April, and that this excessive moisture is the primary cause of corn 

 spoiling in large quantities under commercial conditions. 



The methods of handling and marketing wheat have likewise been 

 studied during the year. More than 300 samples of the various 

 varieties, classes, and grades of wheat were obtained. In cooperation 

 with the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, these 

 samples were experimentally milled and baked with a view to cor- 

 relating the physical characteristics of wheats with their flour and 

 bread making qualities. The present indications are that these 

 factors may be correlated and a better understanding of wheat values 

 brought about. 



The effect of excessive moisture, "weathering," and the sulphur 

 bleaching of commercial oats and barley has likewise been studied 

 during the year, and much information relative to these subjects was 

 obtained. 



The results of laboratory experiments with commercial flaxseed 

 indicate that this seed will increase .considerably in volume and 

 decrease proportionately in test weight per bushel while being handled 

 and stored commercially, probably on account of the abrasion or 

 roughening of the seed coat during the various handlings necessary. 



SEED-TESTING LABORATORIES. 



During the past year additional seed-testing laboratories have 

 been opened in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of 

 Agriculture and the Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Sta- 

 tion. The laboratories in Nebraska, Missouri, and Oregon have been 

 continued. The work of each of these laboratories has increased 

 approximately 50 per cent each year since they were started, showing 

 the interest taken in them by the public. The Department is cooper- 

 ating with state institutions in order that the work may be done 

 locally when analyses can be furnished, with a great saving of time. 



During the summer a number of representatives of seed firms have 

 taken advantage of the opportunities offered by the laboratory to 

 become familiar with the technique of seed testing in order to carry 

 on similar work for themselves. 



Samples of forage-plant seeds have been collected and examined 

 for the presence of adulterants, and the names and addresses of the 

 dealers who offered adulterated seeds for sale have been published, 

 as formerly, with the result that fewer lots of adulterated seeds have 

 been found the past year than in any preceding year. 



