34 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 



agement, could be admirably complied -witli in connection with sucli 

 plantations by the General Government, as beretofore suggested. 



Several States, notably New York, Ohio, Colorado, and California, 

 recognizing the value of their forests, have instituted commissions 

 or boards of forestry, with a view of at least protecting what remains 

 from useless destruction. Besides the National Forestry Congress, 

 which continues in its deserving missionary work, several State for- 

 estry associations are endeavoring to create a public sentiment in the 

 interest of forest preservation. These endeavors are worthy of encour- 

 agement, and this Department should be authorized in its discretion 

 to extend aid to such boards of forestry and to societies by the publi- 

 cation of their proceedings or in other ways. 



With the increasing interest in forestry the correspondence of a 

 technical character is constantly growing, and this work of giving 

 information and advice alone consumes a considerable amount of time, 

 and requires better office facilities than it has been possible to pro- 

 vide without curtailing other work. 



It will appear from these statements that the work of this division 

 ought to grow in importance as well as in scope; but that, in order to 

 do the work required for a country with such a vast area, such a great 

 diversity of climate, soil, and conditions, such immense variety of for- 

 est flora, more adequate means must be provided, if it is to be more 

 reliable, more exhaustive, and of more practical value, or a direct 

 benefit to our people. If forethought is the root of statesmanship, 

 here indeed is a worthy field for its exercise ; for the interests of for- 

 estry lie in the future rather than in the present. It is for future 

 generations rather than for our own that we must be wise in dealing 

 with this problem, and the time for dealing with it is now, when 

 favorable conditions are not yet entirely lost, and while it is still pos- 

 sible to avoid the disastrous effects of a policy of unconcern. 



SEED DIVISION 



In the Seed Division much attention has been given to improved 

 methods for handling, storing, ventilating, testing, and distributing 

 the large quantity of seed received. 



The detailed report of the division will show that, aside from the 

 usual distribution to miscellaneous applicants, a regular system of ' 

 distribution has been begun to experiment stations and agricultural 

 colleges and to agricultural societies. In view of the fact of imper- 

 fect returns relative to the adaptation of new and valuable seeds to 

 the various localities, I have prepared suitable circulars, asking for 

 more definite and full information from the directors of experiment 

 stations, agricultural colleges, State boards of agriculture, agricult- 

 ural societies, and individuals who are interested in experimental 

 work. The responses received at this date indicate tliat the plan will 



