16 EEPORT OF OFFICE OF EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 



which the stations are connected. This has led to a more exact 

 limitation of expenditures from these funds to those directly con- 

 nected with experimental work and the publication of the results 

 thereof. In February, 1000, announcement was made through a 

 circular letter that, beginning with the fiscal year 1000-10, no ex- 

 penses could be permitted from Federal sources for extension work 

 or the issuing of extension bulletins. This has led to a closer scru- 

 tiny of the accounts for such expenditures during the past year, 

 and in places where there has not been a clear understanding to occa- 

 sional readjustment. In a number of instances disallowances have 

 been necessary as a result of inappropriate charges, and in less serious 

 cases promise has been required of a change of practice before the 

 financial reports have been approved. 



One important result of the year's inspection, therefore, has been 

 a clearer understanding as to the elimination from the Federal funds 

 of all expenses for extension enterprises, and a putting into practice 

 t)f the policy of confining the use of the Federal funds strictly 

 within the limits of conducting experiments and investigations and 

 reporting the results of the same. 



The treatment of the station work in the text of popular bulle- 

 tins, in such manner as to distinguish such bulletins from mere 

 compilations of information from general sources and to give the 

 station credit for its work, has received considerable attention. This 

 has been strongly urged as desirable from the standpoint both of 

 the reader and of the station, for it shows the source of the experi- 

 mental evidence on which directions or generalizations are based and 

 definitely connects the preparation and issuing of such bulletins with 

 the station's work. The public, which does not usually distinguish 

 between these different branches of activity, should be led in that 

 direction as far as possible. 



To meet the demand for studies of problems involving special or 

 local conditions, the work of the stations is being scattered over the 

 States more broadly than formerly. There has been increased 

 activity in the establishment of demonstration and experimental 

 farms under State appropriations, and in a number of States such 

 work is now organized on an extensive basis. Aside from this, the 

 station experts are extending their investigations to particular locali- 

 ties where special problems or conditions are presented. ^Vliere the 

 Adams fund has been expended in connection with such outlying 

 investigations, it has been desirable to include these in our annual 

 inspection, and this has increased the time required for an examina- 

 tion of the station work. 



During the year several cases have arisen which have called for 

 an unusual amount of attention from the office. These have usually 

 been associated with the removal of the director of the station. There 



