No. 4.] FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY. 31 



of the beetle to districts infested bj the San Jose scale, and 

 interesting results are expected from its introduction. The 

 importation of this beetle and its successful propagation 

 here undoubtedly constitute one of the most important 

 features of the work accomplished by the department 

 during the past year. 



Other Lines of Work. 



The operations I have described represent only a few of 

 the many lines of work carried on by the Department of 

 Agriculture. During the last four or five years the depart- 

 ment's work has been greatly broadened in scope, until 

 now it touches practically every subject that has a bearing 

 upon the agricultural interests of the country. 



Valuable assistance in this work is received from the 

 various experiment stations scattered throughout the several 

 States. The relationship of these stations to the department 

 is now one of active co-operation, under the general super- 

 vision of directing officials at Washington. 



With the more general duties of the department you 

 are doubtless familiar. The weather, not only in its direct 

 relations to agriculture, but also as affecting the safety of life 

 and of commerce on lake and sea, continues to furnish one 

 of the principal fields for study. 



The soil, which is the foundation of agriculture, has be- 

 come the subject of more active investigation than hitherto. 

 Special attention is given to the question of soil improve- 

 ment, including means of irrigation where the rain supply 

 is insufficient. The soils of the United States are being 

 examined on an extensive scale, and carefully tested in 

 order to determine their adaptability to various crops. 



In this work the chemical experts of the department 

 render valuable assistance, at the same time devoting atten- 

 tion, as formerly, to such important subjects of inquiry as 

 the nutritive value of agricultural products and the question 

 of food adulteration. Our chemists are also performing a 

 useful work in the study of materials with which to improve 

 our public roads, — another matter in which the department 

 is actively interested. 



