Skc. 16. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to designate in wtitinfi^ specifi-
cally officers, employees, and agents of the Department of Agriculture to aominister
oaths for the purpose of this act. All such officers, employees, and agents areauthor-
ized and empowered to administer to or take from any person an oath, affirmation, or
affidavit for the purposes of this act, or for use in prosecutions or proceedings there-
under. Any sucn oath, affirmation, or affidavit, authenticated by the official seal of
the Department of Amculture, shall when offered for use in any proceeding under this
act or m any coiut of the United States have like force and effect as if administered
or taken by or before the clerk of such court, without further proof of the identity or
authority of such officer, employee, or agent. No such officer, employee, or aeent
shall demand or accept any fee or compensation whatsoever for administering or taking
any oath, affirmation, or sdOfidavit under the authoritv conferred by this act.
