REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF STATES RELATIONS SERVICE. 321 



In the performance of the work outlined above a great number of 

 questions arise regarding relationships, approved methods of pro- 

 cedure, action of State legislatures in appropriating money for ex- 

 tension work, the use of funds from various sources within the State 

 as offset to Federal funds, the propriety of certain expenditures of 

 both Federal and State funds, etc. 



WORK OF COUNTY AGRICULTURAL AGENTS. 



The county agent work of the Office of Extension Work in the 

 North and West was consolidated into a single section January 1, 

 191G, with W. A. Lloyd in immediate charge. The number of county 

 agents cooperatively employed increased during the year from a total 

 of 330 on June 30, 1915, to 414 on June 30, 1916. "Every State has 

 now accepted the plan of extension work by means of paid leaders 

 usually known as county agents, and located permanently in the field, 

 usually in an area the size of a county and paid in part with local 

 funds. 



Work in Relation to Crops. 



The following are a few specific results of county agent work dur- 

 ing the past fiscal year based on the reports submitted by the agents 

 on January 1, 1916, and supplementary reports received from 

 county agent leaders since that date. Twenty-one thousand seventy- 

 five farmers were assisted in selecting seed corn. The average in- 

 crease corn yield per acre on all demonstration fields where results 

 were reported was 12.8 bushels. County agents conducted demon- 

 strations relating to wheat growing on 7,363 farms. The average 

 increase in wheat yield per acre on all demonstration fields where 

 results were reported was 8.4 bushels per acre. Probably the most 

 important line of demonstration work in relation to farm crops was 

 that conducted in connection with seed oats for smut. Twenty-two 

 thousand seven hundred and sixty-two farmers were induced to treat 

 their oats for smut by county agents, involving a total acreage of 

 708,056. The average increase oat yield per acre on all demonstra- 

 tion fields where results were reported was 11.7 bushels. These 

 demonstrations relating to the elimination of oat smut have now been 

 carried on in some counties for a period of three years and as a 

 result the practice of treating seed oats has become practically uni- 

 versal in these counties. Potato demonstrations were conducted on 

 3,793 farms. Hay was grown following suggestions of the agents on 

 3,317 farms. Alfalfa was introduced on 11,311 farms. Particular 

 attention was given to the growing of leguminous crops for green 

 manures. The principal crops used in this connection were sweet 

 clover, soy beans, common red clover, and cowpeas. 



Work in Relation to Live Stock. 



During the past year special emphasis was placed on the stand- 

 ardization of breeds within particular communities in an effort to 

 get a majority, at least, of the farmers to keeping the same breed. 

 In carrying out this project, 49 registered stallions, 216 registered 

 bulls, 69 registered rams, and 172 registered boars were secured. 

 Many of these animals were secured by cooperative associations of 



