490 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



LEATHER AND PAPER LABORATORY. 



The follo-sving lines of work will define the researches proposed for 

 the cominff year: 



(1) The study of unusual paper-making materials and of methods 

 for the utilization of waste from paper making wnth a view to increas- 

 ing the availability of raw materials for this purpose. 



(2) Investigations of the service qualities and suitability of leather 

 for various purposes and experiments to improve its character with a 

 view to conserving raw material. Also the study of native tanning 

 materials, with particular attention to their conservation. 



(3) Studies on the production, refining, nature, and uses of wood 

 turpentine and products of wood distillation. Investigations looking 

 to the improvement of the quality of rosin and methods of grading 

 the same by the establishment of types. The testing of leather, tur- 

 pentine, and rosin, and the preparation and improvement of specifica- 

 tions for these materials for other departments of the Government 

 upon their request. 



CONTRACTS LABORATORY. 



The examination of routine samples from the various departments 

 will constitute the greater part of the work. The study of paint and 

 paint materials will be given as much attention as possible and work 

 on the testing of rubber, the revision of existing specifications, and 

 the preparation of specifications for materials for which there are no 

 satisfactory specifications obtainable will be continued. It is pro- 

 posed also to investigate enamel ware used for cooking utensils, in 

 order to ascertain the relative durability of the different makes and 

 the presence or absence of poisonous metals in the enamel coat; also 

 the relative solubility of such poisonous metals in water and in the 

 dilute acid and salt solutions w^hich would be used in cooking. 



MICROCHEMICAL LABORATORY. 



The work for the coming year will be largely routine and coopera- 

 tive as in the past, but in addition to this the following investigations 

 will be elaborated: (1) Condition of eggs and egg products, in con- 

 nection w'ith w^iich field work is contemplated. (2) The work on 

 ketchups wnll also be supplemented by commercial investigations, 

 especially with a view to obtaining more exact knowledge as to certain 

 forms of spoilage which occur in this product. (3) The studies on 

 alkaloids w^ill be continued along much the same lines as in the previ- 

 ous two years, studying new forms as they may be obtained, and 

 further studies will be made of the histological structure of drug 

 plants for the purpose of identifying the ingredients in medicinal 

 mixtures. The study of mustards will be completed and the informa- 

 tion obtained applied in connection with the examination of this 

 product under the food and drugs act. 



SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS. 

 ENOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. 



(1) The chemical examination of the grape and apple crops in the 

 northeastern and central fruit sections of the United States. 



(2) The preparation of samples of native wines and ciders from 

 the fruit in these districts as supplemental to those already in hand. 



