Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1895-04-18
SCIENCE AND FARMING.
The Variety OF Information Sup.
piled by the Agricultural
Department.
Special TO the Press.
WAsHIsGros, April I. "a.

WAsHISGroS, April I, "a.
The growing Importance and digni-
ty of the Department Of Agriculture
i, due largely to the intimate connec-
ton which it maintains with large
class Of the population. 1t is COM
monty supposed that the Department
is maintained mainly for the benefit
of the farmer, but this is not strictly
the case. The scope Of the Depart
ment has been so much broadened OF
late years, the addition Of the Wealth.
er Bureau being a noticeable instance
that It's clientage is much more ex-
tended than merely those whose occu-
patton is that Of farming. The dis
tribution Of seeds 10 an illustration IN
point. The farmers are, OF course,
expected IN reap the main advantage
from having placed at their disposal,
free Of cost, 9 variety Of seeds.
The fact is, however, that every
householder who has a little patch of
garden has as much right to these
packages of seed as il he ii led acres.
The seed distribution has reached such
enormous proportions that a vigorous
effort Is being made TO bring IL down
within what is regarded rs reasonable
limits. The present Secretary esti'
mates that since the beginning Of the
system of seed distribution 81 years
ago, there has been expended more
than three millions of dollars, or an
average Of nearly sixty thousand each
year.
Ii is now the intention TO furnish
only those variety of seeds that have
been tested, and which have been
found to be suitable for cultivation
in the various sections Of the coun
try.
The ordinary varieties are not to bt
provided by the government free Of
expense. This charge is largely due
to the establishment of the agricultu
tai experiment stations which are
scattered throughout the country.
At these local points all sorh Of ex
periments can be made in regard tc
soil and the adaptability of seed,
and plants to the condition OF local
climate.
In fact the activity of the Depart.
ment on these particular lines, is 9
striking phase of its extensive opera
tons. Take, for instance, what il
being done in the examination offoot
preparations. The adulteration O
various articles Of food has been such
a crying evil that there has been ,
general demand for some official su
pervision. State laws have unite,
with National laws in accomplishing
good results. A marked improvement
is found in the system Of canning
goods 50 that poison from lead top
is OF rare occurrence. and . bette
quality o. tin 10 used for the cans.
The amount Of information wbicl
has been disseminated from the De
partment of Agriculture in regard t
canned goods alone has PRACTICAL
. wrought an entire change in method
of carrying on the business and ha
y contributed materially to the healt
y of the people. A similar reform ma
be noted IN such articles Of commo
: use as tea and coffee, and chocolate
-four, etc.
= The inspection Of meat should nc
. be overlooked. This system apple
70 not only TO meat intended for dome
r tic con- umpion, but to the produce
. for direct consumption. The micro
scoplc inspection has been made esp,
cially rigid.
u Information as to the best means
u preventing the rsvages Of destructi'
70 insects is furnished freely to the pu'
" Inc, and great assistance as we'll ~
T. saving of money has resulted TO II
ID farmers Of the country. The extel
a of the information, which is supple
It by the bulletins Of the department ca
'. hardly be appreciated by any one wi
r, has not looked into the matter car
&c fully. Everything that affects grow
" ing plants in ali the stages has bes
e. made the subject Of careful iDvsssig
Itiss, svn - hsbias q ND - q
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