392 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



('arolina. It is estimated that to extend both the demonstrational 

 features of the work and the laboratory investigations an increase 

 of $12,000 will be necessary. 



Cotton standardization and marketing investigations. — During 

 the next fiscal year it is proposed to expend about $25,000 in the im- 

 portant work of cotton marketing, if the increase in the estimates for 

 this work is gi'anted. Millions of dollars are lost annually through 

 improper methods of handling, grading, and marketing cotton. This 

 work has been organized on a definite basis, and communities of 

 farmers are being induced to handle and also to market their cotton 

 cooperatively. 



Grain standardization. — The time is at hand when it will be pos- 

 sible to establish definite grades for corn, sufficient data having been 

 accumulated as a result of several years' investigation. In the esti- 

 mates for the coming year an increase of $10,000 has been asked for, 

 in order to establish standards for these grades, which Avill be on a 

 sound basis and fully aj^plicable to commercial conditions. To bring 

 this about, numerous conferences with representatives of the grain 

 trade will be necessary. 



It is also proposed to establish a new grain-standardization labora- 

 tory on the Pacific coast. Up to the present time practically no w^ork 

 has been done with grains in the Pacific States. Before standard 

 grades for any of the cereals can be established, a careful study must 

 be made of the methods of handling, storing, transporting, and grad- 

 ing grains in that section. Furthermore, the opening of the Panama 

 Canal will revolutionize the methods now in use, and it is of the 

 utmost importance that the department be in position to render assist- 

 ance, which can be effectively done through the establishment of a 

 laboratory at one of the important grain centers of this region. 



Biophysical investigations. — In the estimates for the next year 

 an increase of $8,000 is recommended, to be used for important work 

 in the West in connection with the malnutrition work, the object 

 of which is to determine the cause of the malnutrition of citrus and 

 other orchard trees in irrigated districts. Urgent appeals have been 

 received for an investigation of this subject in California, and work 

 of a preliminary character has been started. 



Seed-testing laboratories. — In connection \vith the act passed 

 August 24, 1912, to prohibit the importation into the United States 

 of seeds adulterated and otherwise unfit for seed purposes, w^hich 

 takes effect on February 24, 1913, and for the enforcement of which 

 regulations are now in process of preparation, a great deal of addi- 

 tional work will be thrown upon the Seed Laboratory. To care for 

 this work, and in order to establish another field seed-testing labo- 

 ratory, an increase of $5,000 has been submitted in the estimates. 



Cereal investigations.^ — The demand for definite scientific inves- 

 tigations of cereals in the South is very strong, and during the com- 

 ing year it is proposed to materially enlarge this work, which includes 

 the breeding and selection of varieties better adapted to southern con- 

 ditions. Requests for work of this character have been received from 

 many sections of the South. To properly carry on this important 

 work will require a material increase in the cereal funds, and the 

 estimate contemplates $20,000 additional. 



