DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 55 



Soils 2a 190 



Soils 2b 194 



Soils 4a 28 ' 



Soils 4b 40 



Soils 4c 45 



Short Courses 249 



Graduate 4 



With respect to the extension activities in the past there is not a 

 great deal to say, inasmuch as the department has not had funds for this 

 purpose at its disposal. Probably it is well that such has been the case, 

 inasmuch as all of our time and energy have been taken up by other mat- 

 ters. We have considered that an efficient organization locally is of 

 prime importance but following this more attention could well be given 

 to outside activities. With the increase of the Smith-Lever funds and 

 additional knowledge of the soils of the State, we are firmly convinced 

 that the field work should be strongly supported. Never was there more 

 discussion of the various soil management problems, such as the use of 

 lime, green manures, fertilizers, etc., and, indeed, greater need for vigor- 

 ous, educational campaigns along these lines than at present. We are 

 forced to so conclude, when we note in the last year's report of the State 

 Leader of the Extension Division that the County Agents place various 

 soil problems in the foreground and when we take cognizance of a large 

 number of requests for such information by farmers. Indeed, the lack 

 of definite information concerning these lines is almost unbelievable. 

 Certainly this department of the College should be represented by highly 

 trained men in the One Week Schools that are to become such effective 

 means of dissemination of scientific knowledge of agriculture. These 

 representatives should be provided with well outlined extension courses 

 dealing with soils and fertilizers and, unquestionably, should be re- 

 sponsible to tlie department that has charge of and is carrying on fer- 

 tility work in different parts of the State, being thus enabled to obtain 

 first hand information with respect to the results obtained and their in- 

 terpretation. 



The writer wishes to express his appreciation of your timely advice 

 and suggestions, as well as of the loyalty and hearty cooperation of the 

 various members of the department. 



Respectfully vours, 



m". M. McCOOL, 

 Professor of Soils. 



East Lansing, Mich., June 30, 1916. 



