45 



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

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

 coml)attiny them. What has been said of botany is true, also, to a large 

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

 been so prominent in entomological as it has been in botanical studies. 

 Nevertheless, most valuable contributions have been made by the ento- 

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

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

 mense use to our industries. The Htate has lieen well mapped in regard 

 to the plague of hog cholei-a and other animal diseases, (ireful studies 

 liave l)een made of tlie causes of these diseases and their distribution 

 coupled witli tlie regulations for the restriction of tliese diseases and their 

 suppression. These studies have come largely from Turdue 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 tlie application of science to tlie public 

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

 general oversight of the hygiene of this commonwealth, 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 with the 

 contributions which this distinguished liody has made to the welfare of 

 your 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 l)y the people. What the 

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

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

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

 pathogenic germs therein. 



The execution of the pure food law which was enacted, I believe, by 

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

 will doubt the benefit which the pure food law gives to the people and 

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

 merce in foods. There is perhaps little lacking in the letter of the law 

 which has been carefully prepared and worded. I must say, however, that 

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

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

 and spirit. The population of Indiana in round numljers is 2,750,000 at 



