28 EEPOET OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 



September last, at which meeting he gave a statement of all the facts in 

 this case, illastratecl by eighteen drawings, of the respective crystals of 

 fats thus far found in them. 



A committee of five experienced microscopists, appointed by the pres- 

 ident of the society to examine the method as detailed by the micro- 

 scopist of this Department, subsequently reported the practical verifi- 

 cation of this discovery. 



In consequence of the development of these new facts, two convictions 

 have been made during the past month, by two distinct juries of the 

 criminal court of the District of Columbia, for violation of the butter 

 laws. 



This division has also prepared a description of edible mushrooms 

 common to the United States, with such information as will enable inex- 

 perienced persons to avoid injurious species. 



Examinations of milk, cream, cheese, water, parasitic injuries of 

 phuits, &c,, have also been made. 



As much extra work is now being imjiosed on this division in fur- 

 nishing testimony for the courts in butter prosecutions, extended facili- 

 ties will be required to enable it to continue its work of furnishing new 

 facts ; better instruments are needed, more room required, the labora- 

 tory rendered more complete, and the division library of reference ex- 

 tended. To meet these wants an expenditure of $2,000 is recommended. 



COUNTERFEIT BUTTER. 



I beg to call special attention to the unparalleled increase during the 

 past few years, of the manufacture and sale of various compounds of ani- 

 mal fats, vegetable oils, and other substances which are fraudulently 

 represented to the public as butter. The extent of this business threat- 

 ens the destruction of the legitimate dairy business, the interests of 

 which are of the largest magnitude, and affect all sections of the coun- 

 try. It is not competition with dairying that is deprecated, but the 

 simulation of true dairy products, the deception of misleading names, 

 the use of impure substances, and the dishonest sale, at high rates, of 

 products otherwise of little value — practices which demoralize trade, de- 

 fraud honest industry, and endanger health. 



To protect the public from these decei>tive practices, I would earn- 

 estly recommend the prompt passage of a stringent law by Congress to 

 prevent the continuance of this business, except under such regulations 

 as the necessities of the case demand, the enforcement of this law to 

 be placed under the control of the Internal Eevenue Department. 



WOOL INDUSTRY. 



An act of Congress of April 1, 1880, authorized the Commissioner of 

 Agriculture to attend the International Sheep and Wool Show to be 

 held in Philadelphia in September of that year, and to make a repori 



