CLIMATE. 373 



has become one of the most practical and essential utilities of 

 commerce and agriculture. 



It is to the benefit of agriculture that this discussion of the 

 weather bureau is directed. 



It is hereby desired to place the farm and school into a 

 closer acquaintance and relationship with the workings of the 

 weather bureau. 



Since 1890 the chief of the weather bureau has been under 

 the direction of the Secretary of Agriculture. 



The observations and forecasts are made in such a way that 

 it is important the public should know some of the following 

 facts : 



1. There are 200 observation stations in the United States. 



2. Each station represents 21,000 square miles. 



3. Each station is operated by one or more trained observers. 



4. Observations are made twice daily. 



5. Results are immediately telegraphed to the central office at 

 Washington. 



6. Weather forecasts are made for 36 to 48 hours in advance. 



7. Forecasts are telegraphed to more than 2,000 cities. 



8. Forecasts are sent to 135,000 addresses daily. 



9. Forecasts are received by 3,500,000 telephone subscribers daily. 



Special Benefits Derived from Reports and Warnings of the 

 Weather Bureau. 



1. Railroads regulate shipments of perishable products of the farm 

 according to forecasts of the weather bureau. 



2. It helps to regulate the temperature during extremes of weather, 

 in greenhouses, heating and lighting plants. 



3. It has a bearing on the advertisements of merchants. 



4. It helps the fruit grower to protect his fruit. 



5. It assists in harvesting, haying and saving of crops. 



6. It warns against storms and floods. 



7. It assists in the lake and ocean trade. 



8. It assists the manufacturer in regulating production. 



In short the whole business of the country is affected by the 

 reports of the weather bureau and millions of dollars are saved 

 to the great industries often by a single warning of a cold wave 

 or of a cyclone or some unusual weather disturbance that is on 

 the way. 



