REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. XI 



East and West, are being helped by the finding and mapping of suit- 

 able soils. Soil surveys are of benefit to Western irrigated districts. 

 State organizations are cooperating in soil investigations, and these 

 will be extended to the island possessions to help them in producing 

 what can not be grown in the United States. Extensive areas of alkali 

 lands in the mountain States are being reclaimed in cooperation with 

 the Bureau of Soils. New processes of tobacco fermentation avoid 

 losses by black rot. 



Chemistry. — The composition, nutritive value, and adulteration of 

 food products are inquired into, and extensive work is done in the 

 study of food preservatives. Much work has been done in the inves- 

 tigation of the adulterations of imported food products, and the results 

 will soon be given to the public. The chemistry of woods is studied 

 in cooperation with the Bureau of Forestry. A special study is made 

 of the problems relating to sugar-producing plants. The physical and 

 chemical study of road materials is now established in the laboratory. 

 Work is done in the laboratory of this Bureau for all Departments of 

 the Government. 



Forestry. — The study of forests, forest fires, forest grazing, com- 

 mercial trees, lumbering, and forest products for the Federal and 

 State governments and for private individuals is included in the work 

 of this Bureau. Tree planting for wood lots, shelter belts, and com- 

 mercial plantations is a prominent feature. Assistance is given to the 

 Interior Department in the study of the scientific work of the forest 

 reserves. This Bureau is getting into close touch with all the forest 

 interests of the country. Over 52,000,000 acres of forest lands 

 throughout the United States are under its consideration. Commer- 

 cial lumber companies in all parts of the country are asking help in 

 the management of their properties. An Appalachian forest reserve, 

 to protect the headwaters of important Southern streams, is recom- 

 mended. Investigations to improve the methods of turpentine 

 orcharding are being conducted. 



Experiment Stations. — Inquiry shows that the experiment stations 

 of the several States are working in the interest of their respective 

 localities. Satisfactory progress is being made and the States are more 

 liberal in helping the stations. The Department of Agriculture is coop- 

 erating extensively with the stations. Satisfactory reports come from 

 the work in Alaska, which the people there are appreciating. Prog- 

 ress is. being made in the establishment of experiment stations in 

 Hawaii and Porto Rico, and there is much need of a beginning in the 

 Philippines. Improvement is suggested in agricultural education. 

 The farmers' institute work might be assisted. Interest grows in the 

 study of the nutrition of man. Economy in the feeding of the human 

 family would promote health and save money. 



Irrigation. — The irrigation laws of the States have been studied 

 and investigations made of the methods by which water is conserved, 

 distributed, and used. The titles to water should be better understood 

 and the disposal of water should be safeguarded. The Department's 

 investigation is suggesting the enactment by the States of new and 

 more intelligent legislation. The people interested should sanction all 

 innovations, and they should be helped to do what localities can not 

 do. Extensive irrigation works, such as the damming of large rivers, 

 should be built by the Federal Government. 



