232 THE PLANT WOELD 



Editorial. 



The receipt of the sixth report of the extension work carried on by 

 Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station, leads us to call 

 particular attention to what we consider one of the most, if not the most, 

 important steps toward the uplifting of agriculture and the promotion 

 of science that has ever been taken. This work not only includes read- 

 ing courses especially prepared for farmers and their wives, but also 

 nature study work along three lines as follows : The formation of Junior 

 Naturalist Clubs, Lectures on Nature-Study Topics and the Home Nature 

 Study Course. The immense value of this work as bearing upon the 

 development of agriculture and the rural population of the State can 

 scarcely be conceived. The children who come under the influence of 

 this movement cannot fail to become better farmers and better citizens 

 than they otherwise would. An enthusiasm for nature and habits of 

 careful observation fixed in youth develops a permanent power for happi- 

 ness and good throughout life. Persons having the benefit of this 

 training will appreciate the importance and value of pure scientific 

 research, and hence botanical and other lines of investigation will 

 receive the intelligent encouragement and support which they deserve. 

 Other States would do well to follow the example of New York, and 

 introduce similar methods of reaching and improving the rising genera- 

 tion as well as the present. 



We regret very much to announce that, owing to illness, Mr. W. E. 

 Safford has been unable to prepare the current installment of his 

 " Notebook of a Naturalist in the Island of Guana." We trust he may 

 be sufficiently recovered to continue this interesting series in the first 

 number of the new volume. 



The prize in our cover design contest has been awarded to Mr. J. 

 Marion Shull, of New York City, and our readers will have an oppor- 

 tunity of passing judgment on the successful design in January. The 

 judges in the contest were Mr. W. E. Safford, Mr. David White and the 

 editors of The Plajs^t World. 



