351 
Washington, D. C. From it one may check off the publications 
in which he is interested. An apphcation to the appropriate 
bureau usually brings the report requested, without charge, and 
for the few for which payment is required the amount is merely 
nominal. 
But as many of the most valuable reports soon go out of print 
and can then no longer be supplied by the Department of Agri- 
culture, it is well to have a second string to one's bow, such as is 
supplied by the price lists of the Superintendent of Documents, 
Government Printing Office, Washington. This official has charge 
of all public documents remaining after the needs of the several 
departments have been supplied. His office is the repository of 
all extra copies. 
The Superintendent of Documents is authorized to sell at cost 
any public document in his charge, the distribution of which is 
not otherwise provided for. 
The accumulation of government publications in this office 
amounts to several millions, of which more than a million are 
available as a sales stock, covering nearly every important De- 
partment, Bureau, and series. Many rare books are included, but 
under the law all must be sold ''at cost," regardless of their age or 
scarcity. Of many of the most valuable works but few copies 
remain. 
In ordering, it should be borne in mind that most of the books 
have been in stock some time, and are apt to be shopworn. In 
filling orders, however, the best copy available is sent. 
This office possesses the most complete collection of United 
States Government publications, and employs several document 
experts in reference work. Information regarding public docu- 
ments will gladly be supplied. 
As the sales officer for Government publications he is anxious 
to inform the people how and where to secure documents they 
may desire. 
PRICE LISTS. 
Descriptive lists of United States public documents relating to 
special subjects that are for sale by the Superintendent of Docu- 
ments at Washington are sent on application. The practice of 
publishhig lists embracing a variety of subjects has been discon- 
tinued. The numbers and subjects of the lists now available 
follow : 
10. Laws of the United States. 21. Fishes. 
11. Food and diet. 22. Superseded by Price List 52. 
12. Superseded by Price List 51. 23. Dairy industry. 
13. Superseded by Price List 50. 24. Indians. 
14. Superseded by Price List 51. 25. Transportation. 
15. Geological Survey publications. 26. Sociology. 
16. Secretary's office, Agric. Dept. 27. Ethnology. 
17. Superseded by Price List 52. 28. Finance. 
18. Engineering. Mechanics. 29. Economics. 
19. Army and Navy. 30. Natural wonders and antiqui- 
20. Lands. ties. 
