A Dkcknnial Kkc'oki) 



ber of far corners of the world for iiifornuition, publications, and ad- 

 vice on general and specific phases of 2)roblenis arising in every con- 

 ceiva})le sort of wood-using industry. If a problem conies within the 

 field covered by the laboratory — and this field has })een indicated in 

 other chapters of this book — the mail and telegra])]i will tap the lal)- 

 oratory's reservoir of information on demand. ^lany companies and 

 individuals have found personal conference of value, and this medium 

 of communication with the industries is welcomed. Further, the lab- 

 oratory is always available for either a short or extended study and 

 investigation of its methods and lines of work not only l)y American 

 citizens but by accredited representatives of foreign Avood users or 

 governments. 



Xaturally, for any of the services rendered as just outlined, there 

 is no charge. A vast amount of material — reports and articles, printed 

 bulletins, photographs and diagrams has been prepared for distri1)u- 

 tion and, as far as available, will be furnished gratis on bona fide 

 request. 



With the establishment of fundamental principles and processes, 

 and the outlining of standard methods of testing, the laboratory 

 gradually has entered, in the past two years, a new phase of relations 

 with the wood-using industries, namely, cooperative service. While 

 essentially a government activity conducting research in forest prod- 

 ucts for the l)enefit of the people of the United States, its purpose is 

 best served when the results of its work are of broadest application and 

 of most permanent value in promoting the economical use of wood. 



The laboratory is maintained and operated by annual appropria- 

 tions made by the Congress of the United States. These ap])r()])ria- 

 tions are based upon general estimates of work to be undertaken 

 during the ensuing fiscal year, so that the amount of money ap])ro- 

 priated by Congress for the lal)oratory's use must be spent in accord- 

 ance with an annual program of work. In kee])ing with the i)ur})ose 

 of the laboratory, it is the policy of the Government to make this 

 program, in so far as possible, one of fundamental research, the results 

 of which will be of greatest l)enefit and of most lasting value from a 

 public standpoint. In addition, it is necessary to ])rovide sufficient 

 money to disseminate its data and information, free of charge, through 

 correspondence, which averages 3,000 letters a month, and through 

 reports and special articles. 



