Department of Rural Economy. cxxiii 



Devoted to current literature and the study of monographs. 



79. Investigation. — Primarily for graduates. By arrangement. 



The aim and purpose of these courses is to round out the tech- 

 nical education of those who are to be engaged in agriculture along 

 such lines as will give them a fundamental knowledge of the general 

 economic and social problems of agriculture in their historical aj 

 well as present-day aspects, in order that the State and the nation 

 may have a body of leaders in the general uplift of agriculture 

 not merely along technical lines. 



No general changes are contemplated other than the introduction 

 of a new course for first-year students. This course is to give a 

 general view of the whole field of agriculture. It is realized that 

 in some of the courses a very satisfactory type of laboratory work 

 could be introduced, but this would require additional teaching foi;ce 

 as well as a laboratory of large size. 



II. INVESTIGATION. 



The investigational work of the Department is at present con- 

 fined to the development of facts of importance in the teaching 

 activities. Means are not available for the employment of ass'st- 

 ants to enlarge our knowledge along, for example, statistical lines^ 

 where investigation could develop much of value. 



III. EXTENSION. 



No extension work has been done by the Department other than 

 by correspondence. In this way it has been of assistance in the 

 organization of a co-operative buying enterprise organized at Bed- 

 ford Station, in which the Hon. Seth Low has taken a prominent 

 part. 



IV. RECOMMENDATIONS. 



The needs of the Department lead to the following recommenda- 

 tions : 



I. Teaching. — If the work along the three lines mentioned above 

 is to be developed, it is necessary that an assistant be appointed in 

 order that he may grow in the work. 



The lecture room now available will not seat with comfort some 

 of the classes, and being on the main thoroughfare, is constantly 

 exposed to noises and interruptions. A new class-room should be 

 made available, and a workroom and laboratory, where charts and 

 diagrams may be made and laboratory work conducted, is also a 

 great need. 



