The National tribune., 1885-09-10

silks the collection in the Museum is probably
unsurpassed.
A collection of preserved birds embraces only
those that are noted either for their beneficial
or injurious propcnsities in fields and gardens,
and there are also representatives of pure
breeds and distinct varieties of domestic poul
try, as well as thousands of models from nature
of the best varieties of fruits and vegetables.
The chronological Branch Of the Museum
consists Of finely colorcd plates and cases of
preserved insects, illustrating the various trans
formations they undergo, the plants they feed
upon and the injuries they iltlct Beneficial
insects are also shown, so that the cultivator
may distinguish friends from enemies, it being
important that he should as zcalously strive to
protect the one as TO destroy the other.
THE STATISTICAL DIVISION,
under the charge of Prof j. r. Dodge, performs
a peculiarly important work, making monthly
collection OF data in regard to production and
consumption of ofdifferentcrops, obtained through
a corps of correspondents numbering several
thousands, embracing every County in the
United States from which information is sought
TO be procured. These correspondents are ap-
pointed with reference TO their facilities for
obtaining authentic information and their
ability TO insure impartiality and accuracy.
The acknowledged value of the accuracy of
data thus obtained clearly proves the excellence
of the system adopted, and whether it is desired
to ascertain the amount Of acreage in particular
crops, the condition of crops rs regards growth,
maturity or yield ut certain periods; the num-
bers and local values of horses, cows, sheep
oxen, or other cattle; the prices of labor in
different localities, anwers to any other series
of intcrrogatories, the information is promptly
returned in the time and in the manner re-
quired. The data thus acquired is immediately
prepared for publication in the monthly report
OF the Department.
THE CHEMICAL DIVISION
is in charge of Prof W. ii. Wiley, whose duty
is to collect and disseminate information relat-
ing to the practical application of the results of
chemical investigations on the nature and
properties of soils and their products; to deter
mine the value of natural fertilizers of mineral
or vegetable origin; the kind OF fertilizers and
their value in reference to the increase Of Spe-
cial products III plants, and such other inyeSti
cations and analysis as may tend to promote
agricultural interests and progress. Soil analy
ses are directed more particularly to the invcs-
tigation Of causes Immediately injurious TO
vegetation, with a view TO the determination of
practical methods for their removal. The rcla-
tive values Of the fcrtlizing properties Of peat,
muck, marls, and other natural deposits are
determined, and the results made known
through the Reports of the Department.
The Chemist is provided with weli-equip-
ped laboratory, and attached to this Division is
a carefully-selccted cabinet of geological and
meteorological specimens Illustrative of the for
nation and physical condition of soils, aud
otherwise contributing towards the solution of
questions submitted by correspondents, whose
letters OF inquiry on these and other subjects
relating to agricultural chemistry largely oc-
cupy his attention and consideration.
THE MICRoscoPIcAL DIVISION
has developed, under the charge Of Prof. Thos.
Taylor, into one of great importance to the in
tora &c T.t tl,n ,.,A lie
eases OF plants arc even yet but impeTfcctly
understood, though each year is adding to our
information upon this subject, and what is def
ntcly known conccriDg their pathology is to a
great extent, if not entirely, due to the rcvcla-
tiOns of the microscope The rot in tie po-
t2to, the blight in pear-trec branches, the yell
lows in the peach tree, leaf mildcw on the
grape and rot III its fruit, onion rust cranberry
rot, and blight on orange trees and fruits, and
similar subjects, have been carefully studied and
such remedies suggested as observation indi-
Gated. FungOid growths arc the active agents
lii the dissolution of plants, and whether their
presence IN each particular case rs cause or a
consequence OF disease can only be ascertaincd
by oit-rcpeated observations and close, properly
directed study. There is much OF promise to
the agriculLurist in the results Of microscopic
studies.
THE BOTANICAL DIVISION
is charged with tho collection, classification
aud preservation Of the Herbarium, and is pre-
sided over by DR. George Vasey. This Hcrba-
| rium is composed in part of the large botan-
ical collections made by the various Gov
crnment exploring expeditions, which have
been accrulng during many years III the natu-
raj history collections of the Smithsonian In
5titution and which were transferred to the
Department of Agriculture years ago. These.
with donations from foreign Governments and
private individuals in this and other countries,
together with additions constantly being made
by the Botanist of the Department. comprise a
Herbarium of great extent and value, which is
arranged, classified aud prepared for permanent