EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Vol. 40. January, 1919. No. 1 



There was n perceptible vein of foreboding at the reeent "Baltimore 

 meeting of the association over the position and future outlook of 

 the experiment stations. It was especially noticeable in the station 

 section, where certain conditions and tendencies were discussed. 

 The question was frankly raised whether the stations would be able 

 to maintain their accustomed position and standards unless there is 

 a change. A variety of circumstances have contributed to bring 

 about this situation, most of which have been in operation in greater 

 or less degree for some time but have gradually come to assume the 

 proportions of a tendency which is looked upon as threatening. 



Some of this misapprehension rests in the financial condition in 

 which the stations find themselves. With no general increase in 

 revenues, while the cost of supplies and all other expenses have 

 gradually increased, they now r have to meet a shortage of funds 

 which not only precludes desirable expansion but often makes neces- 

 sary a restriction of lines alread}' established. Even more serious 

 than the decreased purchasing powder of their funds is the tendency 

 to impose fiscal regulations and other restrictions which hamper the 

 free use of funds and affect the progress of station work. This has 

 become a source of much annoyance, if not indeed a menace in some 

 instances. 



The difficulty of attracting and holding men of sufficient training 

 and ability for research in the stations is likewise a handicap which 

 is being felt in many institutions, especially in connection with 

 advanced lines of research. There is also a feeling on the part of 

 some that the importance of the station is being overshadowed in 

 some degree by other rapidly growing agencies of large means. 



While there is no real ground to question the future security and 

 continued progress of the experiment stations, it can not be denied 

 that there are some features in the situation which give cause for 

 apprehension. They need to be frankly recognized, and to be faced 

 and overcome or modified as far as possible. The.y do not represent 

 an antagonism to the station or a lack of general appreciation; 

 rather they represent a failure to take special account of it and its 



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