338 GEOGRAPHIC WORK OF GENERAL GOVERNMENT 



The Division of Forestry is engaged in the study of sylvicul- 

 ture, and in the management, protection, and utilization of our 

 forests. 



The Division of Agrostology investigates the natural history, 

 geographic distribution, and uses of grasses and other forage 

 plants. 



The Division of Botany investigates the purity and value of 

 seeds, methods of controlling the spread of weeds or preventing 

 their introduction. It studies the native plant resources of the 

 country. 



The Division of Entomology studies insects injurious to vege- 

 tation, their distribution and spread, and the methods for reduc- 

 ing their ravages. 



The Division of Pomology has to do with the culture of fruits. 



The publications of this department are of three classes : 

 first, serial publications ; second, scientific and technical reports. 

 These two classes are issued in limited editions and are not in- 

 tended for general distribution, being particularly designed for 

 libraries, institutions of learning, and scientific students. Third, 

 popular bulletins, which are issued in large editions and are sent 

 free to applicants. Lists of the publications are sent on appli- 

 cation. 



FISH COMMISSION 



This office was created for the purpose of maintaining and in- 

 creasing the supply of food fishes, both upon our shores and in 

 our rivers. As a necessary adjunct to this work, exhaustive 

 studies are being made of the life history of fishes and of their 

 distribution. The publications of the Fish Commission consist 

 of an annual report. 



BUREAU OF AMERICAN REPUBLICS 



The function of this Bureau is to obtain and publish com- 

 mercial information concerning the American republics. Its 

 publications consist of handbooks of these countries, a monthly 

 bulletin containing the latest information regarding their re- 

 sources and commerce, and a commercial directory. 



INTERCONTINENTAL RAILWAY COMMISSION 



This Commission was formed for the purpose of examining 

 the best routes for an intercontinental railwa}^ to connect the 

 United States with the republics of Central and South America. 

 Its work is completed and reports and maps will shortly be 

 issued. 



