806 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



draft rather than to its subseiiuent editing, objections may be urged 

 against the practice which render its continuance in many cases a 

 doubtful econom3\ 



Aside from the obvious advantage of having material read and 

 criticised by more than one person before publication, it is common 

 knowledge that maii}^ scientific men are temperamentally unfitted 

 for editing their own Avork. The primary aim of the investigator is 

 the discoverj^ of truth rather than its dissemination. For him the 

 problem solved has lost its chief interest. Its utilization is the con- 

 cern of others. The preparation of manuscript is even an obstacle 

 in the way of new investigations. Doubtless the endeavor will be to 

 perform the duty with the conscientiousness which has characterized 

 the experimental work, but at best it is uncongenial, and uncongenial 

 work may easily become perfunctory. 



Another danger is that the point of view of the reader may be 

 lost sight of. A characteristic of the station publications is the 

 variety of purposes for which they are intended, l)ut tliis diversity 

 in requirement is not always taken into account by those preparing 

 them. As a result manj^ station bulletins are a confused jumble of 

 the technical and popular. Sometimes the author may be able to 

 prepare a creditable scientific rei)ort, but not a popular bulletin. Too 

 often it does not seem to be realized that if the publication is not 

 adapted to its purpose the whole work may go for naught. 



Xot infrequently scientific men are not good writers for other 

 reasons. They do not possess the power of clear and logical state- 

 ment, close coordinaticm of facts, and effective development of 

 thought. Seldom, too, have they the special and technical training 

 demanded for the critical examination of manuscript, the reading of 

 proof, and a host of other mechanical details which must be mastered 

 by some one in the station or committed by default to the local 

 printer. 



Doubtless a portion of this training may be acquired, at least in a 

 superficial way, as occasion requires, but for proficiency careful 

 preparation and long practice are essential. An indication of the 

 realization of this fact may be noted in the recent establishment at 

 the Kansas State Agricultural College of a four-year course in print- 

 inir leadino- to the deiiree of bachelor of science. In addition to the 

 practical work in printing, proof reading, and editing, this course 

 provides for instruction along scientific and cultural lines. Yet, 

 according to an announcement sent out regarding the course, '' It is 

 not expected that at graduation a student will be an expert in any 

 line," and a graduate course leading to a special degree is also 

 offered to provide for additional study. 



Indispensable in station editing as is nuich of the training 

 afforded by such courses, to be most useful the station editor nuist be 



