THE ADAMS ACT. 73 



Again, research presupposes a definite aim and a definite problem 

 to be soh'ed, a specific end to be attained rather than the mere ac- 

 cnmnlation of data. In the matter of projects the Office has insisted 

 that this definite aim should be apparent, and that the work should 

 be directed toward some problem or phase of a problem which would 

 result in a contribution to our knowledge, making it less empirical 

 and more definite. It has declined to approve plans for conducting 

 surveys, the making of collections of and for themselves, the making 

 of compilations and of monographs, studies of broad questions rather 

 than specific problems or phases, the making of analyses or experi- 

 ments merely to add to the general fund of data, the accumulation 

 of observations not correlated with a definite line of investigation, 

 the mere attempt to secure agricultural products of a superior quality 

 without a recognition of the scientific principles involved and an 

 attempt to add to our knowledge of them, or the conduct of experi- 

 ments which add merely to our empirical knowledge but do not aim 

 to throw light upon the fundamental principles. In a word, the 

 effort has been made to set up the same standards for investigation 

 and research in agriculture that are generally recognized in older 

 branches of science. 



While it is not planned to publish the projects presented by the 

 different stations, a review of the list as a whole, with some of its 

 salient features, will indicate the character and high grade of the 

 work proposed and the broad field Avhich these investigations cover. 



As was natural to expect from the present interest in the subject, 

 a large number of projects were proposed in plant breeding. These 

 include thorough studies upon heredity' in plants, the variability in 

 morj^hological characters in cultivated wheat, the extent of Iwbricl- 

 izing in nature and the environmental conditions associated there- 

 with, effects of external environmental factors upon hereclitable 

 morphological characters, and the correlation of visible morphological 

 characters with the presence and distribution of such constituents as 

 gliadin, glutenin, and starch in the grain. Corn breeding for the 

 semiaricl region is being taken up from the standpoint of the factors 

 which constitute drought resistance as a basis for such breeding, and 

 the development of immune disease-resistant strains of crops on 

 the basis of studies upon what constitutes immunit}^ in different 

 cases and the principles underlying development of disease resistance. 

 These physiological studies will take up anatomical and chemical 

 phases of the subject, such questions as the functions of tannin in the 

 economy of the plant, its presence in pathological tissues, effect on 

 parasites, etc. 



In general, the pathology and physiology of disease is to be studied 

 in a more comprehensive way than heretofore, taking up such matters 

 as the relation between the character of the soil and certain diseases, 



