42 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OP AGRICULTURE. 



tion into the suLject of American wool. This report is now in press, 

 after several years' delay, and will soon be ready for distribution. 



Pending the investigations incident to the preparation of this re- ' 

 port experts and manuf actnrers became acquainted with the general 

 character of the results embodied therein, and this knowledge pro- 

 duced a demand for similar information relative to cotton. In res- 

 ponse to such demand from various sources the Department in 1883 

 and 1884 caused to be collected for investigation a series of samples, 

 as follows : 



(1) Cotton produced under different known conditions of seed, 

 soil, climate, and culture in all parts of the great cotton belt of the 

 United States. 



(3) Representative cotton from the different commercial grades of 

 the several cotton markets. 



(3) Cotton from different stages in various processes of manu- 

 facture. 



The material thus collected was to be used in the careful exami- 

 nation of the external characteristics — the length, fineness, strength, 

 and elasticity — upon all of which the value of the staple evidently 

 depends. 



This examination was begun and carried along in connection with 

 the final work of examination of wools, using the same apparatus and 

 similar methods, and in all about $5,000 expended upon it. In view 

 of the results thus far obtained and of those that may yet be secured, 

 as well as of the expense already incurred, it seems eminently desira- 

 ble that this investigation should be completed and the information 

 developed published at once. 



The information already obtained is voluminous, but I am sorry 

 to say is incomplete, and cannot be published until a large number 

 of tests are made. The work would no doubt be of inestimable 

 value both to the producer and consumer of this important staple, 

 and they are entitled to that benefit which was designed for them 

 when the work was instituted. I am assured the investigation can 

 be completed for $7,500, and I commend the proposition as worthy 

 of consideration by Congress. 



INVESTIGATIONS ABROAD. 



I have referred in a former portion of this report to my inability 

 to meet emergencies for specific investigations T>^liich naturally can- 

 not be anticipated and the expense annually estimated. The Depart- 

 ment is continually in receipt, through the State De]3artment and 

 otlier sources, of invitations and urgent requests for American rep- 

 rasontation at foreign exhibitions and enterprises of various kinds. 

 The amount of information to be gleaned by the attendance of in- 

 telligent representatives and specialists at these various centers for 

 observation and learning could be made of lasting benefit to our own 



