REPORT OF CHIEF OF SEED DIVISION. 
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S1r: In presenting my third annual report I am able to announce 
rogress in the direction of efficiency and usefulness. For thisI am 
indebted to your practical suggestions and hearty co-operation, as 
well as that of my assistants, who have manifested a lively interest 
in making my Division a creditable one in one of the most impor- 
tant Departments of the governmental service. 
The system of testing the seeds which has now been in successful 
operation for more than two years is all that is to be desired in that 
direction. Asa result of this, the amount of worthless and sterile 
seeds offered for sale to the Department for distribution by this Di- 
vision has become so small as to be hardly appreciable. 
This, together with the strong guaranty now required of those 
who furnish seeds to the Department, has eifected the most desirable 
results, for it is an indisputable fact that a better class of seeds has 
never been disseminated than that which is now being distributed 
annually. The following quotations from a few of the many recipi- 
ents of them in all parts of the country are but a fair sample from 
the many hundreds of reports that are received each year: 
‘When I compare the vegetables that: are now in our market with the market 
forty years ago there is a marked difference, and [ believe the distribution of seeds 
by the Government has been a potent factor in making the difference.” 
‘“We have found all seeds sent to us from your Department exceptionally clean 
and of good germinating qualities.” 
“* All seeds received from the Department have germinated well and proved true 
to description. I consider the distribution of great value to this country. as it places 
new and desirable varieties in the hands of people in different localities.” 
‘‘The garden seeds received from you compare favorably with those received from 
our best seedsmen, and possess the advantage of being more certain to germinate.” 
‘‘T am confident the system of distribution by the Department of Agriculture has 
not only introduced many new and valuable varieties but has been the means of 
improving standard seeds.” 
“There is no doubt as to the practical value of the Department of Agriculture to 
the farming interests of the nation.” 
A prominent agricultural writer, in speaking of the benefit of the 
seed distribution, says: » 
A great deal of good has been done by the Department of Agriculture. The in- 
troduction of the Sorghum plant is a noticeable example, for the value of the crop, 
according to the census of 1880, was $11,000,000. Scores of varieties of most ex- 
cellent seeds have been put within the reach of the masses of the people, who would 
not otherwise have obtained them because of the exorbitant prices charged for them 
by unscrupulous dealers who have been among the first to condemn the Agricult- 
ural Department. 
The business of the Seed Division is to receive, keep a correct and 
classified list of seeds; to subject these to a double test before accept- 
ing them; to store away systematically all the seeds purchased; to 
receive and care for all the miscellaneous supplies needed in putting 
up and distributing the same; to make paper pockets and cotton bags 
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