604 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol. 36 



which can be stimulated and aided by the stations, and they can see 

 to it that failure is not due to lack of placing the knowledge and the 

 means properly before the extension and other publicity agencies. 

 The A^ery fact of unusual efforts at extending agricultural produc- 

 tion, often with a diminished or less expert labor supply, will make 

 it increasingly necessary that aid be given in overcoming obstacles 

 which may appear and in seconding the efforts of the extension forces 

 by the best advice and expert assistance that is to be had. Quite fre- 

 quently, no doubt, the assistance rendered will be in the nature of an 

 experimental demonstration, and its results may be found of intrinsic 

 value as an additional test of the actual efficiency of protective 

 measures. 



To some extent also investigation can doubtless be shaped to meet 

 special immediate needs. It will be necessary to conserve supplies of 

 fertility and feed as well as of human foods. Some studies may be 

 needed of waste and bad practice, as a foundation for advice for 

 correcting it. 



In some cases the stations may render a special service by averting 

 disaster from well-meaning but poorly advised attempts which may 

 be made by others to aid the farmers. When so many agencies are 

 offering advice and suggestions, there is an element of danger unless 

 some means of discrimination is at hand which will insure the 

 farmers protection from some of their would-be friends. The present 

 is above all a period for safe and sane advice resting on demonstrated 

 knowledge. It is no time to experiment with the farmer or to en- 

 courage him to experiment in methods or enterprises of uncertain 

 outcome. To supply the basis for this sound advice and procedure is 

 the function of the experiment stations primarily, working through 

 the extension divisions, the county agents, and similar agencies. 



In general, the activities of the stations may be to a considerable 

 extent directed to taking hold of those things which tend to increase 

 production, conservation, and the maintenance of the resources on 

 which production rests. This does not necessarily mean that estab- 

 lished lines and projects are to be abandoned or left to take care of 

 themselves, but that these may be adjusted as far as possible to other 

 work which is in the nature of exigency. And, above all, the stations 

 should be ready to adapt themselves to the special needs of the hour 

 and fully alive to their opportunity as well as to the general necessity. 



The war has already directed attention as never before to the inti- 

 mate relations between science and industry, including agriculture, as 

 well as to the vital necessity of fostering these relationships. In Eng- 

 land especially, agitation along these lines has been strong and con- 

 tinuous. Nearly two years ago Sir William Ramsay, in an address 

 before the British Science Guild on the national organization of 



