6 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol. 88 



It need hardly be said that such a sorting of projects will require 

 thoughtful and sympathetic consideration of the nature and special 

 requirements of established lines. Violent and sweeping changes 

 are not to be advised. No one would wish to see systems of plat 

 experiments abandoned, or long-time breeding studies interrupted, or 

 investigations disturbed for which special provision has been made 

 in the form of herds, flocks, orchards, or other living collections. 

 But there are other lines where interruption would be less serious. 



The real question is how the stations can make their work most 

 useful, while remaining in their recognized field. Without taking 

 any narrow view it will be evident that the study of fundamentals 

 which have no particular present application to agriculture or the 

 changing situation in view will be less imperative and may often be 

 laid aside temporarily for those promising more direct benefits. 

 Furthermore, in deciding upon new lines or projects, their suitability 

 at this time evidently ought to receive unusual consideration. Serv- 

 ice where it is needed should be the watchword. 



One important relationship which should be especially emphasized 

 is that of the station to the extension service. As the station's duty 

 lies primarily in the field of providing reliable knowledge and ad- 

 vice, it is highly important that unusually close and helpful rela- 

 tions be maintained with the extension service which has been en- 

 larged to assist in translating this useful knowledge into practice. 



Such relations have not always prevailed in the past. Indeed, there 

 are cases in which little or no intercourse has existed, and in others 

 the gap between the station and the extension organization and forces 

 has frequently been too wide. This does not make for efficiency. It 

 weakens both branches of service very materially. 



There is an interdependence between these two agencies. While 

 separate in organization, they are by no means independent of each 

 other, but for the highest results they are mutually dependent upon 

 one another. They can ill afford to work independently, especially 

 at such a time as this. Recognizing the special field and function of 

 each of these services, it seems clear that, especially in this emergency, 

 it is incumbent upon the experiment stations to see to it that their 

 results are adequately extended to the people. This does not mean 

 that station rilen are to carry the results themselves in any regular 

 way, or serve as extension specialists, but it implies working in very 

 close contact with the extension forces, interpreting the results of 

 station work to them, maintaining a touch with the farming people 

 through them, keeping advised of the special needs of the times, and 

 supplying the answer as far as possible. 



Everything points to the necessity of concentrating our efforts. 

 The two agencies need to advise and counsel together. The stations 



