The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1875-06-18
Agrica l..'raI Department at Wash
ingtOn.


! A&TlcU .sFiI DtpaTlMtHl at WISH
ingtOn.
From IL Psttsburgh Telegraph.
An idea has obtained some currency
that the Agricultural Department at
Washington is a sort Of fancy institu;ion
and not of much practical utility to
farmers Sorghum was introduced by
this Department; even in 1870 the man
factured zyrup was reported at 100000
gallons, worth S, 100000. Jute was al
so introduced by it. Many semi trupi
cal plants owe their cultivation in the
country to the same source. The East
India banana and the Asiatic guava may
4 be cited, with several new varieties OF
orange plants, and plants with medicinal
properties have been introduced by this
Department. Among them the cincho-
na-fnrnishing quinine; the aloe, giving
the bitter aloes of commerce, and the
crot0n oil plant will serve for notable
specimens Besides the iute already
mentioned, there are very many tropical
plants producing valuable fibre. The
practical benefit from their growth upon
the Pacific coas; will very soon be appa-
rent, where, at the present cost of sacks
in that region, the wheat crops must
either be shipped in bulk or the farmer
must expend so much for his sacks that
his profits are materially reduced. These
plants will give the desired material at
rates which every one can pay.
Here is a matter which the most pro-
sale farmer can appreciate. The Secre-
tary of the Iowa Board of Agriculture
stated that the value of the oat crop IN
that State increased 100000 after the
distribution of seed oats from the ma
tional department, made through his
own agency, while in several counties
the production of wheat has been donb-
led after the distribution of new seed In
but small quantities. The departmeni
possesses the greatest facilities for pro-
curing accurate information in regard to
all products: and the written inquiry OF
any farmer, no matter how remote his
residence, will receive the promptest at
tention.
In the chemical laboratory there is
made the most careful analysis of soils
and fertilizers; the best methods of drain |
age are thoroughly stndied estimates
are shown of the influence which atmos- |
heric changes exert upon various crops. |
and he ft11lncf inf,
either to individuals or societies npon all |
points included in a chemists experience |
The recent experiments with Paris green |
and the arsenates of potash on the growth |
of plants illustrate the curious contribu- |
tions by this department to our informa-
tion on subjects of practical science.
The Statistical Division is under the |
care of Mr.. J. R. Dodge It is the duty
of this division to take careful note of |
all agricultural statistics in this and in |
foreign countries. availing itself Of all |
the regular and special ministerial or |
consular reports, and making constant
exchanges of reports with foreign gov
ernments concerning industrial associa-
tions and experimental schools. 1t is in |
rural Societies in America, and has or
ganized county bureau of current crop
news in 100 counties, covering four
fifths of the entire agricultural area of
of intelligent, practical farmers, capable
of returning the most reliable data
Their working is exceedingly systemat-
ic, managed under specific rules of the
department, in order to secure regularity
and unity. Their reports are made eth
er monthly or semi-menthly, enabling
the Statistical Division to make special
statements daily to foreign offices, COM
mittees of Congress, boards of agricul
ture and trade, and representative indi-
viduals everywhere. Of course, the Ia
Dor involved is enormous.
In regard to the museum, Professor
Glover designs when it is completed that
each State shall have its own case. divi-
ded into three compartments. The low
er one shall show native minerals; the /
second, agricultural products; while in
the upper there shall be the substances
manufactured from both these sources.
One may know exactly what fruits or
vegetables can be grown in any locality;
what grains will there produce the sur
est returns; what insects will prove an
noyances, and what remedies will re-
move the pests; so that farming, with
the assistance Uncle Sam freely provides
in this department, may afford much
more certain returns than our forefath
ers knew. Desirable seeds are sent in
gu" ntities large enough for thorough |
testing to societies and correspondents,
while members of Congress receive their
quota.