2 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



in consequence of this, and tlie investig-ation.s actually set back several 

 years. And, finally, improvement in huildings and equipment unmis- 

 takably carries with it increased obligations. The public quite natu rally 

 expects more from a station which has been amply provided with 

 quarters and equipment than one which has been compelled to run 

 along from year to j-ear without these improvements. 



These considerations are not cited as reasons why the stations should 

 not seek to obtain suitable acconmiodations for their work and ade- 

 quate and thoroughly modern equipment for it. The improved facili- 

 ties are one of the most encouraging signs of the times, as marking 

 real progress. But the time is coming in most of the States, and is at 

 hand in many of them, when increased funds for general maintenance 

 are a more real and pressing need than additional buildings, or men 

 even. The demands made upon the station for its services in a variety 

 of directions have necessitated broadening and extending its work, 

 until in many States it has reached the extreme limit which the pres- 

 ent funds will allow. In not a few cases we have more departments 

 than there are funds for, so that a part of them are stifled and held 

 down to the sheerest necessities. Moreover, the character of the work 

 of the stations is gradually undergoing a change. The simpler and 

 more superficial prol)lems in many lines of agriculture have been 

 solved to a large extent, and demonstrated l^e3^ond doubt. The more 

 complex and intricate investigations, involving deeper and more time- 

 consuming research, will be the field more largely occupied bj' the 

 leading stations in the future. Some have alread}- entered it, and 

 others are being stimulated and led on b}^ their example. This means 

 a more specialized station staff, assigned primarily to station work. 

 There is a gradual tendency in that direction, and any movement in the 

 direction of increasing the duties of station workers in elementary 

 instruction is uiunistakal)ly to be regarded as a retrograde movement. 



These conditions, as well as the more expensive plants of the sta- 

 tions, call for larger means for general maintenance; and this need is 

 becoming imperative if the stations are to continue to advaiice in 

 accordance with the demands which their popularit}- has lirought 

 about. Fortunately progress is ])eing made in that direction, and 

 State appropriations for special lines of investigation are increasing 

 every 3'ear. 



Ever}^ State has some leading branch of agriculture which would 

 be especially benefited by the station's work, or some line in which 

 special interest might ))e aroused which might be utilized in securing 

 State appropriations. The stations have so abundantly demonstrated 

 their usefulness and justified their cost that in most States organized 

 interests can be incited to action if the needs are brought before them 

 properly. It is a matter in which the interest is mutual. The suc- 

 cess of every station helps all the others b}" example and precedent, 

 and strenirthens the whole cause. 



