EXTENSIONS OP WORK OF THE TWO BUREAUS. 27 



The special need for it was in the demand for information in regard to 

 the relation of soils to meteorological conditions. The Office of Road 

 Inquiry was also established at this time in answer to a general demand 

 for the study of public roads and their improvement. The development 

 of the use of the bicycle contributed notably to this demand, Tlie Divi- 

 sion of Microscopy was abolished and its work distributed to the other 

 divisions. A Dairy Division in the Bureau of Animal Industry was 

 established on July 1, 1895, with H. E. Alvord as chief. 



The special agents in Europe employed under the special appropria- 

 tion for extending the demand in foreign markets for agricultural 

 products of the United States were withdrawn, and a new departure 

 made by the organization of a special section under the Secretary's 

 personal direction for the collection and diffusion of information in 

 regard to the requirements and productions of foreign countries. 



The irrigation inquiries were brought to a close and the office dis- 

 continued. 



^ Columbian Exposition — Discoveries and advances. — The Columbian 

 Exposition came just at the beginning of this administration. The 

 preparation of the Department exhibit had been placed in the hands of 

 Assistant Secretary Willits under Secretary Eusk, and he was subse- 

 quently appointed by President Hatrison chairman of the Government 

 Board. He was continued in charge till the Exposition closed and the 

 work was wound up. Of the total expenditures by the National (iov- 

 ernment for representation at this Exposition the Department's share, 

 as reported by Mr. Willits, was 1131,707.71. 



The Bureau of Animal Industry devoted considerable time to the 

 study of Texas fever, sheep scab, and tuberculosis; the iirotection of 

 human life from the dangers of tuberculous diseases was undertaken 

 actively. Inspections of beef and milk were made for this purpose, aTid 

 directions for the sterilization of milk were sent out for general inlor- 

 mation. It was at this time decided that inspectors in the Bureau 

 service must pass a civil-service examination, and must be veterinary 

 graduates. 



The Weather Bureau made arrangements with the Mexican Govern- 

 ment Observatory for exchange of data, and also established a cyclone 

 service in the West Indies. The period covered by forecasts was con 

 siderably extended and large additions were made to the number and 

 efficiency of weather observers. 



Under the special appropriation for the purpose, nutrition investi- 

 gations were undertaken in connection with the Office of Experiment 

 Stations and under the direct supervision of W. O. Atwater. 



Incidentally to these investigations large profits were disclosed in the 

 baking and supply of bread. It was shown that while tlour had fallen 

 much in price bread had not changed, and for a time in many cities a 

 reduction was secured in the price of the loaf. 



A valuable discovery was made in the Forestry Division; viz, that 



