1917] EDITOBIAL. 305 



this is made a misdemeanor punishable by fine or imprisonment or 

 both. 



Provision is made for further extending the market news service of 

 the Department to include grain, hay. seeds, and dairy and poultry 

 products, and to supply additional information as to the marketing, 

 movement, and distribution of perishable products. Steps to decrease 

 waste of food in storage or during transit and sale are also contem- 

 plated, such as the working out of improved methods of packing and 

 handling. The Department is empowered to examine and certify 

 to shippers the condition as to soundness of fruits, vegetables, and 

 other food products when received at important central markets 

 designated by the Secretary of Agriculture, and it is provided that 

 these certificates will be received as prima facie evidence in the courts. 

 It is anticipated that this inspection service, among other benefits, 

 will tend to inspire confidence in the minds of producers and so 

 increase shipments of perishable commodities. 



An appropriation of $885,000 is made for additional work relat- 

 ing to the meat supply. Enlarged production of hogs and poultry 

 is the special object to be sought, since these are the two live-stock 

 products capable of most rapid increase. The pig and poultry clubs 

 are to be further developed and specialists added in the principal 

 States. The further development of dairying and the better utiliza- 

 tion of dairy products are also to be fostered. Efforts will likewise 

 be made to increase animal production indirectly by extending the 

 campaign against animal diseases and pests, especially hog cholera, 

 the cattle tick, and tuberculosis. 



For the combating of insect pests and plant diseases and the con- 

 servation and utilization of plant products $441,000 is appropriated. 

 Special efforts are to be made to disseminate knowledge of methods 

 of insect and plant disease prevention and control through demon- 

 strations, the supplying of specialists in case of serious outbreaks, 

 and in similar ways. One phase of the entomological work to receive 

 increased attention is that dealing with insect infestations of stored 

 products, a separate division for which has been recently established 

 in the Bureau of Entomology. Black rust of wheat, grain smut, 

 and the diseases of potatoes, beans, and truck crops are to receive 

 special prominence in the Bureau of Plant Industry, which will also 

 seek to stimulate conservation of food products by demonstrating 

 proper methods of storing such crops as may be kept in common 

 storage, by improving the methods of storage, and otherwise. 



In order to overcome a possible shortage of seed in localized areas, 

 authority is given the Department, whenever an acute need arises 

 5750°— 17— No. 4 2 



