202 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



Exposition Work. 



The department has been represented at all the exposi- 

 tions held in this country since it became a department. 

 At these expositions it has been the purpose of the depart- 

 ment to show to visitors what is being done for agriculture. 

 In this way many persons who feel that they cannot visit 

 Washington have an opportunity to see some of the depart- 

 ment's work. 



All proposed legislation pending in Congress that espe- 

 cially interests agriculturists is referred to the Secretary of 

 Agriculture, and he is aslvcd to give his views in regard to 

 the proposed measures ; and these views carry great weight 

 with members of both branches of the national Congress. 



The department is also consulted by executives who are 

 charged with the enforcement of laws for the protection of 

 agricultural interests, and has rendered valuable assistance 

 along these lines. 



The department takes a lively interest in the work of all 

 associations formed for the promotion of agriculture, and is 

 always glad to co-operate Avhen it is possible to do so ; in 

 short, the department will help all farmers who try to help 

 themselves. 



Statesmen appreciate more than ever before the vital im- 

 portance of guarding well this indispensable industry. They 

 look to the home-loving, law-abiding farmer to hold in 

 check organized capital and labor, whenever either seems 

 inclined to encroach upon the rights or interfere in any way 

 with the liberty and personal freedom of any citizen of the 

 Republic. The sons of the farmers who "fired the shot 

 heard round the world " will tolerate no improper interfer- 

 ence with the liberty bought and preserved at such a fearful 

 cost of human life and suffering. 



The Chair. I wish to say a word in regard to the lady- 

 bird. The question has been asked if there is any encour- 

 agement for any one to go into the raising of fruit, under 

 the present conditions of the San Jose scale. I met recently 

 rei)resentatives of the States of California, Washington and 

 Oregon. They said now they have nothing to fear from the 



