10 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OP AGRICULTURE. 



Japan, where it is prepared and largely consumed, and exported in a 

 j)reserved condition similar to that of the ordinary figs of commerce. 



Numerous experiments are yearly made in the gardens with seeds 

 and plants received from foreign sources, mainly through the system of 

 exchange. Much information is gained from tlieso tests and trials, and 

 suggestions of value are thus obtained, as well as additions of more or 

 less value in economic plants that are applicable either for fibers, barks, 

 or fruits. 



The collection of economic plants is now considered one of the best in 

 the world, and is a constant source of interest as well as profit to visitors, 

 as well as supplying material for the increase of the industrial interests 

 of the country. 



Of the work prosecuted by the Chemical Division during the past 

 year, it may be said that the analytical portion, relating to original in- 

 vestigation, has been very much interfered with by the preparation and 

 care of material for exhibition at the International Exposition at Phila- 

 delphia. The material for this purpose, collected by the division, con- 

 sists of soils and fertilizers and of all vegetable substances it was possi- 

 ble to secure, the value of which depends upon their chemical coraposi- 

 ion, or the utilization of which involves chemical processes. 



Following this idea, the entire collection was divided into — 



A. Soils and fertilizers. 



B. Vegetable products. 



Under these general heads are included the following : 

 In the first division— 



I. Soils taken from different geological formations. 



II. Rocks of known composition, with samples of the soils formed 

 from them by disintegration and decomposition. , 



III. Marls. 



1. Calcareous or shell marls. 



2. Phosphatic marls. 



3. Greensand marls. 

 lY. Natural fertilizers. 



1. Mineral, 



3. Vegetable. 



3. Animal. 

 V. The combination of natural fertilizing materials, for the prodaction 

 of so-called commercial or artificial fertilizers. 

 The second division contains — 



I. Cereals and the products resulting from their utilization. 



II. Materials illustrating the production of sugar. 



III. Products illustrating the process of fermentation of amylaceous 

 and saccharine substances, and the production of alcoholic liquors from 

 the fermented materials by distillation. 



IV. Products illustrating the preparation of tobacco for consumption. 



V. Tanning and dyeing materials. 



