45 



the fourth place, we have an advanced knowledge of the nature of the 

 diseases which affect the vahie of plants and the methods of successfully 

 combatting them. What has been said of botany is true, also, to a large 

 extent, of the science of entomology, although perhaps Indiana has not 

 I)een so prominent in entomological as it has Ijeen in botanical studies. 

 Nevertheless, most valual)le contribnlioiis liave been made l)y the ento- 

 mologists of our institutions of learning to the general store of knowledge. 

 In regard to animal diseases, we tind also that science has been of im- 

 mense use to our industries. The State has been well mapped in regard 

 to the plague of hog cholei-a and other animal diseases. Cttreful studies 

 have been made of the causes of these diseases and their distribution 

 coupled with the regulations for the restriction of these diseases and their 

 suppression. These studies have come largely from Purdue University 

 and the reports issued by Doctor Bitting of that institution upon animal 

 diseases have been of the highest utility. The health of the human ani- 

 mal has also not been neglected in the application of science to the public 

 welfare. The Indiana State Board of Health, Avhich is charged with the 

 general oversight of the hygiene of this commouAvealth, has been estab- 

 lished on a truly scientific basis. The State Board of Health is composed 

 of eminent physicians in active practice and its executive officer is a chem- 

 ist and pharmacist of national reputation. You are so familiar Avith the 

 coutril»utions whicli tliis distinguished body has made to the Avelfare of 

 yotir people that I can not enlighten you to any extent upon the subject. 

 There is one thing that I ought to say in reference to this work, and 

 that is, it should be supported more generously by the people. What the 

 State Board of Health needs from Indiana is a fund for the enlargement 

 of the activities, and to make its Avork more useful, a laboratory of hygiene 

 is necessary for the study of the foods and Avaters and a control of the 

 pathogenic germs therein. 



The execution of the pure food laAA' Avhieh Avas enacted, I believe, by 

 the last Legislature or the one before, is of prime importance. No one 

 Avill doubt the benefit which the pure food laAv gives to the people and 

 its helpfulness to the prosperity of agriculture and the honesty of com- 

 merce in foods. There is perliaps little lacking in the letter of the laAV 

 AA'hich has been carefully prepared and Avorded. I must say, hoAvever, that 

 from a careful study of the facilities at the disposal of the health office 

 I fear the law can not lie administered to the full measure of its letter 

 and spirit. The population of Indiana in round numl)ers is 2,ToO,(X)0 at 



