Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-04

ly such as could have been effectually
guarded against by the owners of the AZ
fected cattle.
While contagious pleuro-pneumonis N
cattle has been eradicated. animal tubercu-
losis. disease Widespread and more dan
gerous to human life than pleuro-pneumo-
MIA, is still prevalent investigations have
been made during the past year as to the
means of its communication and the meth
cd Of its correct diagnosis. Much progress
has been made in this direction by the stu
dies Of the division OF animal pathology,
but the work ought to be extended, In oo-
operation with local authorities until the
danger to human life arising from this
cause is reduced to a minimum
The number OF animals arriving from
Canada during the year and inspected by
bureau officers was 462 092, and the number
from transatlantic countries was l.2s7
No contagious diseases were found among
imported animals.
The total number Of inspections of cat
tie for export during the past fiscal year
was 611,54 The exports show q falling
off OF about . per cent from the preceding
year. the decrease occurring entirely in the
last half of the year. This suggests that
to an increase in the price Of American ex-
port cattle
During the year ending June 80. 1893,
exports Of inspected pork aggregated TO-
o"'4lo pounds as against IS, 152,S14 pounds
Tor the preceding year. The falling or In
tnis export was not confined. however. to
inspected pork. the total quantity exported
for 1892 being e65. 49o, ols pounds, whns In
1888 1t was only 527.s0s. Cos pounds
join the Secretary in recommending that
hereafter each applicant for the position Of
inspector or assistant inspector in the bu-
reau OF animal industry be required, a. q
CONDITION precedent to his appointment to
exhibit to the United States ciyil service
COMMISSION his diploma from an established
regular and reputable veterinary college
ana that this be supplemented by such an
examination In veterinary science as the
commission may prescribe
The exports of agricultural products Yrorn
the United States for the fiscal year ending
June 80. 1892 attained the enormous figur~
OF $sVoUO.OOO. In round numbers being
1874 per cent OF our total exports In the
last fiscal year this aggregate was greatly
reduced. but. nevertheless, reached els MILL
Ions. being ISL per cent Of all American
commodities exported.
Agricultural Exports.
"A review OF our agricultural exports with
special reference to their destination win
show that in almost every line the United
Kingdom OF Great Britain and Ireland alb
serbs by far the largest proportion. OF the
cattle the total exports aggregated in value
Tor the fiscal year ending June yO, lsss,
s2o'ooo.ooo. OF which Great Britain took con-
sioeraoiy over s25.OoO.0O0. OF beef products
OF all kinds our total exports were s2s.O00.-
NJ xr-hf
or pork products the total exports were
ssi."oo,ooo. OF which Great Britain took
$SS.oo0.ooo. In bread-stuffs, cotton. ana m,-
nor products like proportions sent to the
same destination are shown.
The work of the Statistical D,yisi, m or
the Department of Agriculture deals with
all that relates to the economies Of farm
ing.
The main purpose of its monthly reports
is to keep the farmers Informed as fully as
possible OF all matters having any influence
upon the worlds markets. in which their
products find sale. Its publications relate
especially to the commercial side of farm
ing.
1t is therefore OF profound Importance
and vital concern to the farmers OF the
United States. who represent nearly one
half OF our population. and also or direct
| interest TO the whole country. that the
work of this division be efficiently perform
ed and that the Information 1t has gath
cred be promptly diffused.
1t is a matter for congratulation to know
that the Secretary will not spare any EFFORT
to make this part OF his work thoroughly
useful.
In the year 1SS2 the Congress approprf-
ated 81, 900. to be taken from the Patent Of
7 f,,o ,,vaA~ Co. ~
distributing rare and improved varieties OF
seeds. and for prosecuting agricultural in
vestigations and procuring agricultural sta
tistics. From this small beginning the Seed
Division Of the Department OF Agriculture
has grown to its present unwieldy and un-
justifiably extravagant proportions.
During the last fiscal year the cost Of
seeds purchased was sG654s61. The re-
mainder OF an appropriation OF s135. 600 was
expended in putting them up and distrfbut-
| ing them. 1t surely never could have en-
tered the minds Of those who first sanction
ed appropriations of public money for the
purchase of new and improved varieties OF
seeds for gratuitous distribution that from
this would grow large appropriations for the
purchase and distribution by members Of
Congress Of ordinary seeds. bulbs and cut
tings which are common In all the States
and Territories ana everywhere easily OBJ
tainable at low prices.
Experiment. Stations.
In each State and Territory an agricul-
tural experiment station has been establish
ed. These stations. by their very character
and name, are the proper agencies to ex-
pertinent with and test new varieties OF
seeds; and yet this indiscriminate and waste
full distribution by the legislation and letis-
lators continues, answering no purpose unless
1t be to remind constituents that their repre-
sentatives are willing TO remember them
with gratuities at public cost
Under the sarction OF existing legislation
there was sent out from the Agricultural
Department during the last fiscal year
enough of cabbage seed TO plant IL. 200 acres
of land. a sufficient quantity OF beans to
plant 1000 acres. beet seed enough to plant
$500 acres, sweet corn enough to plant
1850 acres. sufficient cucumber seed to
cover 2O25 acres with vines, and enough
muskmelon and watermelon seeds 10 plant
2.6I5 acres. The total quantity OF flower
and vegetable seeds thus distributed was
contained In more than nine million pack
ages. and they were sufficient IL planted. TO
coyer S9596 acres Of land.
In view Of these facts this enormous ex-
r,s.1