Section was enacted as a part of the Agricultural Appropriation Act for the fiscal year 1909, act May 23, 1908.

Section was formerly classified to section 534 of Title 31 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 31, Money and Finance, by Pub. L. 97–258, § 1, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 877.

1972—Pub. L. 92–310 struck out provisions which required chiefs of field parties to give bonds.

“Government Accountability Office” substituted in text for “General Accounting Office” pursuant to section 8(b) of Pub. L. 108–271, set out as a note under section 702 of Title 31, Money and Finance, which redesignated the General Accounting Office and any references thereto as the Government Accountability Office. Previously, “General Accounting Office” substituted in text for “Treasury Department” pursuant to act June 10, 1921, which transferred all powers and duties conferred upon Comptroller, six auditors, and certain other officers of the Treasury to General Accounting Office. See section 701 et seq. of Title 31.