EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Vol. XIX. February, 1008. No. G. 



The International Institute of Agriculture, at Rome, is a unique 

 institution. It is in a class b}' itself. It is not for instruction, as 

 some inquiries would imph', but strictly for investigation, the collec- 

 tion of data, and the prompt dissemination of information of interest 

 to the nations of the earth. It is to deal especially with the economics 

 of agricultural production and distribution, and with the sociological 

 problems of agriculture. Its novel character makes the plans for 

 its development a matter of no small interest. 



Credit for the conception of an international institute of agricul- 

 ture belongs to an American. ]Mr. David Lubin. of California, who 

 sought the assistance of the King of Italy in carrying the idea into 

 ejfect. The plan appealed to the King, who issued a call, through 

 the Italian ambassadors, to the ditierent nations of the world for a 

 conference at Eome to consider the adWsability of establishing such 

 an international institute. The conference took place in May, 1905, 

 one himdred and fourteen delegates representing forty^ countries 

 being present. After deliberating something over a Aveek on the 

 matter, the " acte final "" was adopted and signed by the delegates 

 present, providing for the establishment of the institute and out- 

 lining its constitution and functions. The convention was after- 

 wards ratified by plenipotentiaries of the respective countries, 

 TAventy-five nations, including nearly all of agricultural importance, 

 iiave joined in the undertaking and pledged their support. 



This country has made an appropriation of $4,800 for the pay- 

 ment of its quota toward the support of the institute for the fiscal 

 year 1907. and $8,()00 for the salary of a member of the permanent 

 connnittee and for the expenses of delegates to the general assembly 

 of the institute. The Italian Government is erecting a palace in the 

 gardens of the Villa Borghese in Rome, to serve as headquarters of 

 the institute. This is a handsome two-story building, containing an 

 assembly hall, and executive and clerical offices. Announcement has 

 been made that the first meeting of the permanent committee in 

 charge of the institute will be held this spring, and the institute will 

 be inaugurated and enter upon active work as soon thereaftxir as 



possible. 



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