EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Vol. XIV. Septkmrek, 1902. No. 1. 



Although fine buildings do not insure an eflieient and progressive 

 experiment station, they contribute to this end, and they show the 

 high regard in which the institution is held. They are indicative of 

 the place which the station occupies as a State institution, and of its 

 permanency; and, aside from furnishing superior facilities for inves- 

 tigation, they should stimulate to higher effort. Th(^ condition of the 

 stations in this respect has 1)een greatly improved within the past few 

 years, as the result of specific State appropriations, a recognition on the 

 part of the States which has lieen most gratifying, and has given 

 encouragement to directors and workers alike. 



But there is a danger that unless additional funds are given for gen- 

 eral maintenance, these fine l)uildings may prove an embarrassment to 

 the stations by increasing the expense of operation and the demands 

 ii[)on them. The increased laboratory and oflico facilities bring with 

 them additional expenses for heat and light, janitor service, and inci- 

 dental expenses, which are frequently not taken account of b}' those 

 who appropriate the money. It is but reasonable to expect that such 

 public buildings will l)e properly cared for and kept in good state 

 of repair. A dirty, unkempt building reflects discredit upon the whole 

 institution. Fortunatel}", such are not often found, although occa- 

 sionally lack of means is plead in extenuation of a condition which is 

 far from being a credit to a scientific institution. 



Moreover, if the appropriation for the new building is not sufficient 

 to cover the necessary equipment, as often happens, the departments 

 occupying it may be seriously embarrassed for several years. New 

 quarters invariably call for considerable additions to the movable 

 equipment of the laboratories. The old fittings are rarel}' suited or 

 adapted to the new rooms, and, at l)est, look out of place. More mod- 

 ern forms of apparatus and more permanent arrangements seem desir- 

 able in place of the former makeshifts. The result is that unless the 

 appropriation makes provision for these, the}' arc likel}- to be sup- 

 plied out of the regular allotment for the several dejDartments, dimin- 

 ishing the funds available for experiment and research. In a number 

 of cases the efficiency of the departments has been temporarily reduced 



