304 DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS. 



ditions of high-bred, high-priced stock, the question of stable sanita- 

 tion, heating, lighting, and ventilation has assumed an importance 

 second only to that of house sanitation; but the data upon which to 

 base an efficient system of ventilation, for instance, are of the most 

 limited and unreliable character. It is believed that a study of the 

 subject of farm buildings will benefit our agriculture not only by the 

 saving of large sums of money in the selection and combination of 

 materials used, but by the adoption of better designs. 



(4) Farm implements and machinery. — Inquiries which might be 

 profitably undertaken under this head include — 



(a) Preliminary work in the collection and publication of informa- 

 tion regarding the evolution, character, and uses of farm implements 

 and machinery in this and other countries. This is important because 

 the available literatui-e of the subject is scattered, fragmentary, and 

 out of date. A small beginning has been made in this direction in a 

 bulletin on " The evolution of reaping machines," recently published 

 by this Office. 



(6) Laboratory and practical tests, involving a study of principles 

 of construction and methods of operation of farm implements and 

 machinery with special reference to efficiency and economy. These 

 might very properly include certain strictly technical inquiries regard- 

 ing the fundamental nature of the various mechanical farm operations 

 with a view to suggesting the best means of performing them with the 

 implements and machines at present available, or with others, the con- 

 struction of which will be indicated by the results of the inquiries. 

 Such inquiries would require considerable laboratory equipment, but 

 the results obtained would be useful to the farmer by securing for 

 him the most efficient implement or machine for performing the desired 

 operation and to the manufacturer by assisting him in the construc- 

 tion of the desired implements and machines. Other important 

 inquiries which might be pursued in the laboratory and in practical 

 trials are tests of the relative efficiency and best methods of applica- 

 tion of various kinds of power (hand, animal, steam, gas, hot air, com- 

 pressed air, water power, wind power, and electricity) when used in 

 driving different kinds of farm machinery under varying conditions, 

 and comparative tests of different classes of farm implements and 

 machinery when operated under different conditions, with a view to 

 improvement as regards ease of operation, practical efficiency (power 

 required and quantity and quality of work), and durability. Observa- 

 tions on draft under varying conditions would also be an important 

 feature of such tests. 



A special line of inquiry in this connection for which there is a 

 rapidly growing demand is that relating to pumps and pumping for 

 supplying water for irrigation and other farm purposes. 



From the above brief outline of proposed investigations on agricul- 

 tural engineering, it will be seen that these inquiries would be more 

 complete and fundamental than any yet attempted in this country. 

 It is hoped that funds to extend the work of this Department in these 

 directions may be provided at an early day, and I would suggest that 

 an initial appropriation of $25,000 for this purpose be asked for to be 

 used during the fiscal year 1904. 



