EDITORIAIi. 707 



The extension movement may do more harm than good if the 

 farmer is thereby made to believe that the government can make a 

 set program for agi^iciiltiiral progi-ess, and that he has only to follow 

 the advice given in publications or by itinerant lecturers and teach- 

 ers. It can not too often be said that research and instruction -will 

 never be able to establish and enforce definite rules for farming. 

 American agriculture is now just passing out of its crude pioneer 

 stage. It will become more and more a complicated and technical 

 industrj^j in the prosecution of which broader and more exact knowl- 

 edge, sounder judgment, and larger business ability will be required 

 for success. 



It is therefore essential that the extension system shall be developed 

 out of its present stage, where it is largely a stimulative propaganda 

 and a dissemination of information, and become truly educational, 

 giving the farmer sound training and a broader intelligence, so that 

 he will be able to take the new laiowledge that comes to him from 

 whatever source and apply it effectively in the conduct of his business 

 and the life of his famil}- and community. 

 42049°— No. 8—12 2 



