Report Of The Commissioner Of Agriculture 1886 - American Agricultural Concerns From The Mid-1880S. Government Printing Office

This fascinating compilation of reports was assembled under the U.S. Commissioner of Agriculture (Norman Jay Coleman) in 1886 and published the following year by the Government Printing Office. The annual records of thirteen different contributing scientists offer detailed insight into the contemporary priorities and scope of the predecessor organization of the Department of Agriculture. Entries include reports from the Botanist, Chief of the Seed Division, Pomologist, Entomologist, Chemist, Division of Forestry, Mycological Section, and the Bureau of Animal Industry. Several are heightened with color plates, maps, and folding charts. Of particular interest are a series of maps showing the spread of common fungi that affect grapes, a microscopic examination of the composition of animal fat, butter, and margarine, and a highly persuasive chart titled 'The Farmers' Interest in Forest Property.' Sheet Width (in) 8.9 Sheet Height (in) 5.5 Condition Description 720 pp. bound in original black cloth boards with gilt title on spine. Covers are soiled with bent corners. Small chip in the title page, but overall contents are quite good. Scattered spotting and some dirty fingerprints, consistent with age and use. Includes numerous color plates, diagrams, and fold-out maps.