No. 4.] U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 203 



San Jose scale. Where the ladybird is now generally intro- 

 duced, it is holding the scale in check, and they think in a 

 short time the scale will be controlled by this insect. 



Question. I would like to inquire how our institution 

 of the free distribution of seeds is looked upon by the 

 Department of Agriculture? 



Mr. Brigham. That is a question we don't enter into. 

 We are there to obey the law, and we distribute them. 

 Any time any one makes warfare, Congress immediately 

 doubles the appropriation. A great deal of valuable seed 

 has been distributed ; a great deal, though, is common seed. 



The Chair. Is there not a great demand in certain parts 

 of the country for this seed ? 



Mr. Brigham. Three to five clerks are opening letters 

 in regard to seeds, — requests for seed. 



The Chair. When people talk against this seed distribu- 

 tion, they little realize the condition of farmers in other 

 parts of the countrj^, and if they did, they would have a 

 little more S3niipathy with the distribution of seeds by our 

 national government, 



Mr. Brigham. The department is working towards the 

 rare and new kinds of seeds and shrubs all the time. 



Secretary Stockwell. I would like to inquire how the 

 State of Massachusetts stands with reference to pure food 

 laws, with regard to other States. Is there anything more 

 that can be done than Massachusetts is doing in regard to 

 pure food laws? 



Mr. Brigham. Massachusetts is far ahead of many 

 other States. In some States the farmers even do not 

 appreciate the importance of dealing with these laws. 

 There is some opposition, but not very much. The cotton 

 grower down south thinks if you won't let him make oleo- 

 margarine you will ruin him. We expect Massachusetts to 

 lead. That is a good deal for a Bucke3^e to say. I am 

 glad to note the fact that you are at the front in this line. 

 We are going to help you all we can ; you must do your 

 part also. 



Secretaiy Stockwell. There is another point which 

 reflects upon the credit of the department at AVashington, 

 and that is, in connection with the work we have been 



