REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. 21 



from insect attacks. In this way the field workers of the Bureau, in 

 cooperation with the State authorities, were able to deal more effec- 

 tively with insect problems in many sections of the country. Under 

 the provisions of the Food Production Act the Bureau has instituted 

 an extensive campaign to disseminate information concerning means 

 of preventing insect ravages and to demonstrate proper methods of 

 control. It is planned to place 40 additional expert entomologists in 

 the field to cooperate with the extension forces. Nineteen already 

 have been appointed. They are dealing with the Hessian fly in the 

 wheat areas, insects affecting truck crops — especially sweet potatoes — 

 in the Gulf States, and those damaging deciduous fruits in the Ap- 

 palachian region and citrus fruits in the South and in California. 

 In the Northwest they propose to inaugurate an educational cam- 

 paign directed against insects affecting cereal and forage crops. Six 

 specialists in addition to the regular force have been assigned to the 

 task of stimulating the production of honey. 



CONSERVING POTATOES. 



Sweet and Irish potatoes were planted more extensively than 

 ever before. To reduce the losses resulting from improper handling 

 and storage of the former, specialists were placed in the regions of 

 large production, and their work, it is estimated, already has resulted 

 in a saving of $3,000,000. The methods of storing and handling Irish 

 potatoes are well understood and the commercial practice in this 

 field is fairly satisfactory. There is room, however, for great im- 

 provement both in quality and yield. A special survey, therefore, 

 was undertaken to locate desirable fields of potatoes, free from dis- 

 ease and of good quality, which could be utilized for seed stock. 

 Experts are now working on the problem in Maine, Vermont, Massa- 

 chusetts, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado. 



PURCHASE OF SEED CORN. 



To relieve the situation caused by severe drought in certain sections 

 of Texas, and especially to insure a sufficient supply of good seed for 

 the next planting season, steps were promptly taken to purchase a 

 stock of approximated 37,500 bushels of seed corn for sale to farmers 

 for cash at cost, as provided in the Food Production Act. The Depart- 

 ment also, with the cooperation of the Food Administration Grain 

 Corporation, undertook to insure an adequate supply of seed wheat 



