128 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 



cutting the paper and substituting a perfectly satisfactory paper, 

 but of a cheaper grade, for a high-priced article no better fitted for 

 the purpose. The economy effected in this kind of work, however, is 

 not confined to the manuscript and illustrations after being sub- 

 mitted. The division's supervision has exercised a healthful in- 

 fluence throughout the department, tending to a more careful prepara- 

 tion of the manuscripts, a more critical selection and minimization 

 of illustrations, and less change in proof of the authors. The use 

 of a more durable paper for some of the publications of the depart- 

 ment has been adopted, insuring the permanent preservation of its 

 valuable publications and at the same time lessening the weight of 

 the bulletins; while for the publications issued in large editions and 

 of a more temporary value a lighter paper has been adopted, reduc- 

 ing both the cost to the department and the cost of transportation 

 through the mails. To add to the value and completeness of the pub- 

 lications indexes are prepared for those which are of such size as to 

 require it. The division also prepares and maintains a detailed card 

 index of the contents of all publications of the department — perhaps 

 the only one in existence. 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



During the year the division prepared 1,566 original drawings, 

 produced 71,221 photographs, and filled 224 orders from outside de- 

 partments for photographic work, which required the reproduction 

 of 2,694 photographs, costing the purchasers $596.53. On the order 

 of the department 1,252 duplicate electrotypes of illustrations were 

 made for miscellaneous applicants by private firms, for which the 

 applicants paid to the manufacturers a stipulated price per square 

 inch. This growth in the photographic work has continued without 

 increase in force. These facts do not convey an adequate idea of 

 the constantly increasing demand upon that branch of the division 

 from the other bureaus of the department, nor do they indicate 

 the amount of labor and skill necessary to produce such technical 

 and artistically correct illustrations as appear in the department's 

 publications. 



SALES or DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS. 



As stated above, the department is often unable to furnish publi- 

 cations requested by applicants, either because the supply is ex- 

 hausted, or because the publication is of such a character that it 

 can not be widely and gratuitously distributed. To meet such cases 

 Congress has wisely provided a relief through the Office of Superin- 

 tendent of Documents of the Government Printing Office. 



This official is authorized by law to sell Government publications 

 at the nominal cost of printing and paper plus 10 per cent, and his 



