ities in foreign countries and with the statistical bureaus of our own Government.
"It has been a labor of love for Mr. Swank to do what he could to preserve from oblivion the achievements of the pioneers in the manufacture of iron and steel in our country. In 1878 he published in book form an 'Introduction to a History of Iron Making and Coal Mining in Pennsylvania.' Having been selected by General Francis A. Walker to collect the statistics of iron and steel for the census year 1880, he accompanied his final report in 1881, which contained these statistics, with a historical sketch of the manufacture of iron and steel in all countries and particularly in each State and Territory which had been engaged in their production, the work of the colonial and other pioneers receiving special attention. The historical part of this report was afterwards published in book form. A second edition, greatly enlarged, appeared in 1891, both editions being entitled 'Iron in All Ages.' The columns of the Bulletin have also contained many contributions from his pen of a historical character. In December, 1898, at the close of twenty-five years of continuous service as the executive head of the Association, Mr. Swank published for the members of the Association a souvenir volume of 228 pages, containing thirty selections from his tariff and historical writings, which was entitled 'Notes and Comments on Industrial, Economic, Political and Historical Subjects.' While chief clerk of the Department of Agriculture he prepared a history of the Department."
Mr. Swank still gives his personal attention to all the details of the office of the American Iron and Steel Association.
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