200 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Division of Foreign Markets. 



The organization of the Division of Foreign Markets was 

 prompted by the need of wider foreign markets, resulting 

 from tlie rapid development of domestic agriculture and 

 the consequent increase of farm produce which must find a 

 foreign market. In order to take advantage of the favorable 

 conditions abroad, the Division of Foreign Markets insti- 

 tuted investigation into the needs of foreign countries, in 

 order to gain a thorough knowledge of the peculiar require- 

 ments of foreign consumers, and accurate information as to 

 the supplies furnished by competing nations. 



The success or failure of a line of trade depends on the 

 ability of the producer to supply the article suited in quality 

 and taste to the purchaser. Not less important in many 

 cases is the need of yieldino- to the local custom reffardinoj 

 the terms of payment. It is the constant endeavor of the 

 division to ascertain and disseminate information that will 

 prove of value to the exporters of agricultural products of 

 the United States. In stating^ the conditions of demand and 

 supply in foreign countries, official statistics are supple- 

 mented by further details obtained from reports of consular 

 officers, trade journals and various other sources of informa- 

 tion. In cases of special importance, where printed returns 

 and correspondence prove inadequate, the office has sent 

 special agents to obtain by personal investigation the in- 

 formation desired. 



Division of Entomology. 

 Important work has been done and is being done by the 

 Division of Entomology, — work of vital importance to 

 the farmers of the United States. In the past year, through 

 the personal researches of an emi)loyee of the division, the 

 original home of the San Jose scale has been found to be 

 North China, whence it came in the earl}'^ '70's to California, 

 probably on some ornamental Chinese stock. A native 

 Asiatic ladybird enemy has been found in China, which there 

 kee})s the San Jose scale in check. This insect has been im- 

 ported to America, and is now being distributed in the prin- 



