DAIRY, SEED IMPROVEMENT, STOCK BREEDERS' MEETINGS. 257 



various feeds. The would-be farmer learns the chemical side 

 of soil cultivation and of plant growth. He learns the physical 

 side of crop production, for he learns when to plow, depth to 

 plow and cultivate and many similar operations. An agricul- 

 tural student learns the improved methods for many things, 

 like corn selection, seed testing and the use of machinery in all 

 crop production. 



Of course it is possible for the farmer to learn these things 

 without entering a school building, but every subject may be 

 mastered by the student without the school. Schools were 

 organized for the purpose of more quickly passing the knowl- 

 edge of one to the next, and for that purpose the school is as 

 valuable to agriculture as to other subjects. 



Agriculture benefits the student who plans to be a farmer, in 

 teaching him how to study or read agricultural publications. 

 He learns to ask the reason for results obtained from new 

 methods, or for the variation of results under apparently the 

 same conditions. He learns to ask proof for statements before 

 believing them. He learns to apply the experience of other men 

 to his own conditions of location, soil and climate. He learns to 

 study agricultural department bulletins and books and papers on 

 agricultural subjects, to learn newly discovered facts. 



There is no quicker way for a young farmer to get in touch 

 with the world of agricultural research than through the course 

 in agriculture in secondary schools. He may become ac- 

 quainted personally with leaders in agricultural work, or he at 

 least hears speakers of that type. He learns that the agricul- 

 tural department is really doing something and he naturally 

 wishes to hear the speakers who come within reach of his 

 home from time to time. 



Thus the farmer, who has a secondary school education in 

 agriculture, looks for help in his work to agricultural bulletins, 

 agricultural papers and books, and the men of the agricultural 

 department. 



17 



