XXXII REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. 



the United States exported 380,222 barrels of apples, valued at 

 $1,210,459. In 1900 526,636 barrels were exported, valued at $1,446,- 

 555. Already in 1901 855,673 barrels have been exported, valued at 

 $2,058,964. The value of the oranges exported in 1901 is double that 

 of 1900, all of which can largely be traced to the interest aroused by 

 the work at Paris. 



EXTENSION OF FBUIT MARKETS. 



In order to open up additional markets for our fruit and to bring 

 about better methods of harvesting, packing, storing, and shipping the 

 same, a small fund was secured for the present fiscal year, and the 

 results accomplished with this encourage the belief that there are great 

 possibilities for trade in American fruit abroad. Trial shipments of 

 pears, peaches, and other fruits have been inaugurated with such 

 encouraging results that it is believed the work will be undertaken 

 next year on a commercial scale by private interests. With the 

 unrivaled facilities America possesses for growing the finest fruits, 

 and with a clear understanding as to the proper methods of handling, 

 there is no reason why a fine foreign trade should not be developed. 



ENCOURAGING THE PRUNE INDUSTRY OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 



The prune industry of the Western States has grown to large pro- 

 portions, but in order to compete with foreign trade the need has long 

 been felt for a better knowledge of methods of growing and handling 

 the crop and the best varieties to plant. Ply an arrangement between 

 the Pomologist and the Botanist an agent was sent during the year to 

 France to study the prune industry there. The work of this agent 

 resulted in the discovery and introduction of several important varie- 

 ties that promise to be of value in the Pacific Northwest. 



GROWING EUROPEAN GRAPES IN THE SOUTH. 



The United States imports every year large quantities of European 

 grapes, which are sold mostly for table use. It was believed that some 

 of these varieties could be grown in the South, and to test the matter 

 a number of plantings were made there three years ago. These grapes 

 fruited one year ago, and the indications are that some of the varieties 

 will be found valuable for our markets. 



EXPERIMENTAL GARDENS AND GROUNDS. 



Under the new arrangement through which the experimental gar- 

 dens and grounds become a part of the Bureau of Plant Industry, 

 plans have been made for using them in connection with nearly all 

 lines of work. The greenhouses and conservatories prove valuable 

 for the propagation of many useful plants secured by the agricultural 

 explorers and others. Much has been done during the year toward 



