New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-07-01
THE WEATHER BUREAU.
1T Is HEREAFTER UNDER THE DEPART
MENT OF AGRICULTURE.
PROFESSOR MARK w. HARRINGTON APPOINTED
ITS CHIEF-BENEFITs EXPECTED
FROM THE CHANGE.

that of Agriculture was practically accomplished
today by the choice of new civilian head for
the service, though the formal announcement Oh
the change will be made tomorrow. This trans
fer marks another step In the effort OF the Amer
lean Government to prove its practical beneflt 10
the agricultural classes. That this important
step was taken by Republican Congress acting
in harmony with Republican Administration Is
fact worth noting by the farmers of the coun-
try, as is, too, the fact that the Weather Bureau
now comes under chief who has shown himself
for so many years, and in his present office as
Secretary of Agriculture, so cOnspicuously capable
and energetic in forwarding the interests Of agri-
culture. it is natural at this time to turn to the
last report of Secretary Rusk and see what he
has TO say III regard TO the future conduct OF
bureau whose transfer had been only just decided
upon when that report was written. Referring
then to this subject the Secretary said:
| deem it evident from the discussion which
attended the passage OF, the, act. and from the
transfer of the Weather Bureau TO this Depart
ment it the intention Of Congress that the
work of the Bureau should be extended, In so
far might be necessary, TO full cooperation
of the branch Of the service with the work OF the
several divisions already established in this De
partment for the benefit OF agriculture, withous
in any way restricting its general scope.
These words show the spirit in which, under
the new control, the effort will be made TO ex-
tend and enlarge the work of the Weather Burear,
as we'll as the tenor of the consultations which
have attended the consideration by the Secretary
of Agriculture during the past eight months OF
plans for its future conduct.
The several divisions Of the Department o. Ag!t-
culture are already engaged In constant investiga-
tiOns both in field and laboratory. into the phe-
nomena of plant and animal life. That in con
junction with such investigations especially in the
field. and in order fully TO develop their practical
utility to the farmers. investigation Of the cli-
matte conditions of all sections OF the country
should also be carried on. seems to be selfevi-
dent proposition. That such is the intention OF
Secretary Rush cannot be doubted. He has al.
ready given ample evidence of his desire TO organ
ize his department into effective army in
which all divisions shall cooperate. each in its
own sphere, but all participating in the same
great movement-a desire which he has also shown
the capacity TO realize.
The Secretary appreciates fully all that has
been done far by the weather service under
its former conditions and ne recognizes the value
of its work, which he declares shall be carried
on in the future but he desires to see this work
amplifed and extended so that without in any
way diminishing its service to other than agri-
cultural interests these last shall be especially
benefited in future by union of meteorological
investigation with the other forces at his COM
mand, as well as by wide extension of the
present service in the way of weather forecasts
In the matter of plant growth, climate is
determining factor; in animal life II is at least
one of potent influence, and these facts indicate
clearly enough the value of intelligent cooperation
on the part of the meteorological with other
scientific investigations, all bearing upon the
phenomena of animal and plant life a clear apprc-
henson of which can alone make agriculture pros
porous in these days of extensive competition. and
the DAYS now near at hand when the limitt
of tillabe area will be reached and the increase
of population will make heavy drafts on the
generosity of mother earth.
Another feature connected with this important
transfer should be noted. The present system OF
the Department of Agriculture calls for an enor
Gus body of representatives and correspondents.
culled from the ranks of the most intelligent
farmers throughout the entire country. Fractl-
cal hortculturists stoclI-growers and grain-grow-
ers, cotton and tobacco growers are to-day more
than ever in active sympathy and communication
with the Department of Agriculture TO say moth
ing Of its army of regular correspondents to whom
circulars of inquiry are frequently sent. That
some way will be found by which these intelligent
and practical workers in the field Of agriculture
shall be enlisted in the service of meteorological
Secretary Rusk's broad and enlightened methods
and have had occasion 10 observe his eminently
practical policy.
Again. it must not he forgotten that attached,
even though it be by slender cord to the De-
partment Of Agriculture, there is large corps
of trained scientists outside of its own force-men
already engaged in studies and investigations
closely analogous to the work of the Department.
itself and distributed in every State and Territory
in the Union-men whose instincts and training
will lead them to cooperate in any effort 10 extend
the field of climatic observations, and whose scen-
tifc attainments and close contact with agriculture
will render their aid of the highest value.
These are the professors in the agricultural col
lcges and the directors and other workers at the
agricultural experiment stations who are to-day
heuefciaries of the National Treasury to the eX-
tent of over Sl,35OOOO yeary-a sum which,
under the law passed at the last session of Con-
gress. will he steadily increased until it reaches
nearly 81, 900, 900 yearly. 1t is made by law part
of the duty of the Secretary Of Agriculture TO sug-
gest to these stations lines of inquiry in the in-
terest of agriculture, and some of them have al
ready, no doubt in anticipation of the transfer
OF the Weather Bureau and its great availability
to the cause Of agricultural science, undertaken
certain lines of meteorological work.
The selection of Mark W. Harrington, the pro.
feseor of astronomy at the University of Michigan
and Editor of The American Meteorological
Journal as the chief of the Bureau reorgan
lied is a good augury for its future efficiency.
Indeed, it is worthy of note that only few months
ago, in anticipation Of the transfer, but long be.
fore the question as to who should be the new
chief was even considered, Professor Harrington
published an article in his journal reviewing the
scope of the meteorological work which the trans.
RIM fba 81
Agriculture should develop. and indicating the
lines OF work which could be advantageously un-
deraken and the methods by which they could be
most successfully carried out Professor Harrins.
toms experience has been varied and extensive,
.l-- Irn.aA.