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Publishers of

The American Agriculturist,
and of
Agricultural, Horticultural,
and Architectural Books.

Sole Agents for Crandall's Building Blocks.

Orange Judd Company, Proprietors.
No. 245 Broadway,
[sic.] Passaic, N. J., Feb. [?] 1881

Prof C. E. Bessey, Dear Sir:–

You are no doubt aware that the Department
of Agriculture at Washington has failed to meet the expectations
of the Agricultural community. Instead of being a
source to which farmers and agricultural teachers, and Editors
would naturally look for aid and information, it is almost ignored
by these, as an institution in which they have no part or interest.
Its largest force, as if it were its most important
function, is employed in placing the Government of the U. S. in
competition with the Seedmen of the country, in putting up seeds;
these are often of doubtful quality and of kinds just so rare and
new as may be found in the stock of any country store. Instead
of being a nucleus, or centre, around which all in any way interested
in the promotion of agriculture in all parts of the country
would naturally cluster, it has been from its beginning throughout
its existence, up to the present time, almost constantly
open to criticism — often the most severe in stating the facts —
and frequently the subject of merited ridicule.

If you have watched, as I have, the course of the Department,
you will be convinced, as I am, that this state of affairs
is mainly, if not wholly, due to the fact that, the official
Head of the Department — the Commissioner — has been a person
not in any manner identified with either the practice or science
of Agriculture.

If one who has been a cultivator in a small way has been
appointed, he has been utterly wi hout Scientific knowledge himself,
and quite unable to appreciate its value. It is quite
within bounds to say, that at no time since its establishment,
has the Department had for its official Head, one who was prominent
as a practical Agriculturist, educated in the sciences related
to agriculture, or who has been in any just sense a representative
of any department of the state of agriculture practice
or science in this country at the present time.

Several persons at Washington and elsewhere, eminent in
the scientific world, have suggested that Mr. Orange Judd should
allow his name to be presented to the President elect, as one
suitable for the position of Commissioner of Agriculture.

(over)