Protection of the national forests, inaugurated by the Department of
the Interior in 1897, has been continued during the past year and much
has been accomplished in the way of preventing forest fires and the
protection of the timber. There are now large tracts covered by forests
which will eventually be reserved and set apart for forest uses. Until
that can be done Congress should increase the appropriations for the
work of protecting the forests.
The Department of Agriculture is constantly consulting the needs of
producers in all the States and Territories. It is introducing seeds and
plants of great value and promoting fuller diversification of crops.
Grains, grasses, fruits, legumes, and vegetables are imported for all
parts of the United States. Under this encouragement the sugar-beet
factory multiplies in the North and far West, semitropical plants are
sent to the South, and congenial climates are sought for the choice
productions of the far East. The hybridizing of fruit trees and grains
is conducted in the search for varieties adapted to exacting conditions.
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