150 DEPAKTMENTAL REPOETS. 



gent control over the purchases of paper made by the United States 

 Government. In connection with these plans, suitable apparatus has 

 been designed for determining the physical properties of various 

 palmers. The work will also include extensive microscopical studies 

 of the fibers. 



(3) Cooperation with the Association of Official Agricultural Chem- 

 ists on analytical methods applied to feeding stuffs and tanning 

 materials. 



(4) Continuation of investigations on the composition and com- 

 mercial value of new forest products obtained in our island posses- 

 sions. Arrangements have been made with the Philipiiine Bureau of 

 Forestry whereby such materials Avill be systematically collected and 

 sent to this laboratory. 



(5) A study of the extent to which American turpentine is 

 adulterated. 



(6) An investigation of the com]3osition and relative wearing quality 

 of American tanned sole leather. A machine for determining the 

 wearing qualitj^ has been built and will shortlj^ b ? placed in position. 

 Arrangements have been made for the collection of a large number of 

 samples of such leather. 



(7) A stud}^ of the effect of dry and moist heat on the physical 

 properties of wood. At the request of this laboratory the Bureau of 

 Forestry has purchased a Riehle testing machine, which will be 

 placed in the road-material laboratory and will be used for compara- 

 tive work. 



(8) A continuation of the investigation on chemical methods for 

 killing trees. 



(9) Further studies on the chemistry and histology of the cellular 

 tissues of the wood and bark of trees. 



In addition the laboratory will, as heretofore, carry on cooperative 

 work with the other Bureaus and Divisions of the Department, in so 

 far as this work comes within the province of its special lines of in- 

 vestigation. The work on the card index embracing all literature 

 bearing on dendro-chemistry will be continued. A review of recent 

 progress in this field is contributed every month to Forestry and Irri- 

 gation, the official organ of the American Forestry Association and 

 the National Irrigation Association. 



SUGAR LABORATORY. 



The work proposed for the current year is a continuation of the 

 collaboration with the Weather Bureau and agricultural experiment 

 stations in studying the effect of environment upon the chemical com- 

 I^osition of plants. Since sugar and starch, together with otlier car- 

 bohydrates, make up by far the greater jDart of the organic matter of 

 which i^lants are composed, it is evident that these studies will be 

 carried on almost exclusively in the sugar laborator)^ In addition 

 the laboratory will make the following studies and investigations: 



(1) Investigation of raw materials and products for the advance- 

 ment of the sugar and allied industries. This will include an inves- 

 tigation of the sirup industry, with a view to tlie production of a more 

 uniform product; the analysis of samj^les of sugar cane, sugar beets, 

 and such other analytical work as may be necessary in a study of the 

 problems constantly arising in these industries. 



(2) The analj'sis of sugars in cooperation witli the Treasury 

 Department. 



