1917] EDITORIAL. 305 



vestigation have proved to be highly practical. It is a mark of real 

 progress in public confidence when a station can secure a State ap- 

 propriation and embark on the most technical studies in the theory 

 of animal nutrition, the relation of ash constituents to nutrition and 

 growth of animals, or the fundamentals of breeding sex-linked char- 

 acters, with opportunity to pursue its work undisturbed. Indeed, 

 the kind of work which is now in large measure occupying the sta- 

 tions shows how far we have come and the large freedom allowed, 

 provided the ultimate aim is right. 



The inspection work has become a much less conspicuous feature of 

 the stations, and has been so organized as to avoid interference with 

 the work of investigation and experiment. Research publications 

 have increased many fold in the last ten years. A considerable num- 

 ber of stations have established research series of bulletins, or other- 

 wise differentiated their technical publications from the regular bul- 

 letins intended for the general public. The publication of scientific 

 papers in current journals of this country and Europe has become 

 very common, where formerly it was quite exceptional. The Journal 

 of Agricultural Research has been established and furnishes a special 

 medium for station contributions. 



Progress is seen also in the organization of station work. It is 

 being developed more largely out of a constructive purpose and in 

 accordance with a definite plan. It is not contingent on something 

 turning up or on what may occur to various members of the staff 

 to undertake. The subject attacked are to considerable extent a 

 part of a general plan for the station, recognizing that it can not 

 cover all questions at any one time, and that a selection must be made 

 based in large measure upon the special requirements in the State. 

 The station is made up of its departments, but it is larger than any 

 single department and in many respects it must act as a unit. 



The project system was practically inaugurated with the beginning 

 of activities under the Adams Act. It is an attempt to formulate in 

 an orderly way the purpose and general plan of each separate under- 

 taking. It involves care and thoughtful study in the outlining of 

 new work, in order to take full account of what has been done pre- 

 viously, and to give the work originality and direction. Some time 

 is required in preparation, but this is by no means lost, since it 

 gives force and method to the attack. It is characteristic of all inves- 

 tigation that it is purposeful and is ordered, to the best of ability. 

 The project system guards against aimless, ill-considered, premature 

 undertakings, and it provides a basis, not only for judging of the 

 character of new ventures but of the requirements in carrying them 

 out. 



