80 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OP AGRICULTURE. 



from the Division of Entomology indicates how botany aids that 

 science: 



Very frequently insects are sent to the Division of Entomology for determination 

 and report, accompanied by specimens of their food-plants. The latter are fre- 

 quently in a fragmentary condition, and when known to the sender are kno^v^l only 

 by some local name. In such cases as this it is our custom to consult the Botanist, 

 and the information which we obtain from him is of material aid to our own divis- 

 ion. The two divisions are, in fact, closely related in their work. 



The Chemist states as follows: 



The relations of the Botanical to the Chemical Division are of the most important 

 nature. A large part of the plant material which is sent to the Chemist must be 

 accurately identified by the Botanist before being submitted to analysis, in order 

 that there may be no doubt as to the exact species examined. The data are thus 

 preserved for the future and accurately fixed as relating to some particular plant 

 On the other hand, this identification prevents the repetition of an analysis, by mak 

 ing it possible to search for previous analyses of the known species in hand. 



In studies of the adaptability of plants to chmatic condition the Chemist and Bota- 

 nist work hand in hand, and m all the analytical investigations which are under- 

 taken by the Chemical Division the confidence that their results are applied in the 

 right places is due to the certainty derived from the identifications of the Botanist. 



As an example of the manner in which the two divisions work together may be 

 cited the studies at present being made of one of the prickly pears of Texas, which 

 is attracting attention as of value for stock. The Botanist's knowledge as to the 

 growth and distribution of the plant and his observations of its habits of growth 

 are a necessary complement to the chemical study of its food value. 



With an increased force the fields which the Botanical Division might enter in 

 conjunction with the Chemical would be numerous. 



The relations of the Botanical to the Seed Division are becoming 

 increasingly important. In the purchase of seeds for distribution 

 the Botanist's knowledge of the natural habits of a plant is essential 

 to the determination of its probable agricultural value. Some of the 

 native grasses investigated by the Botanist have been introduced into 

 cultivation through the Seed Division, and further work of the kind 

 is needed to supply the demand for grasses adapted to different parts 

 of the country. Every year the aid of the Botanist is required to de- 

 termine the purity of seeds purchased by the Seed Division for dis- 

 tribution. 



The relation of the Botanical to the Horticultural Division is too 

 obvious to require mention. The greenhouses and grounds are a 

 constant source of supplies to the herbarium, and each division is an 

 aid to the other in many ways. 



INVESTIGATION OF FUNGOUS DISEASES. 



At the last Congress an approj^riation was made for the investiga- 

 tion of the fungous diseases of plants, such as mildew, smut, blight, 

 grape-rot, potato-rot, &c., and for experiments necessary to deter- 

 mine suitable remedies for those diseases. The mycological section 

 has accordingly been organized, and is conducting investigations 

 in this line of work which will, it is hoped, result in great good, by 

 preventing the immense losses which farmers and horticulturists are 

 subject to by the frequent occurrence of those diseases. Special bul- 

 letins on the subject will be published for general distribution. 



DIRECTIONS TO CORRESPONDENTS. 



In order that the division may be more useful to those who consult 

 it, the following directions regarding plants for identification are 

 inserted. Plants are often received by the Botanist for name in so 



