lnioi EDITORIAL, 407 



curity to the work. In other words, it will prevent drifting, which 

 i~ one of the most serious criticisms that can be passed on a piece <>f 

 experimental work. If station worker- of all classes could have im- 

 pressed upon them that drifting is inexcusable and intolerable it 

 would strengthen both the experimental and the research activities. 

 It would result in greater concentration as well as in more intensive 

 and critical study. If tho individual himself fails to recognize it 

 there should he a way to detect it and effectually discourage it. 



There is an important place for critical examination of the work 

 of the stations in particular lines — for unbiased critical study by 

 committees of experts into the soundness of the procedure, and espe- 

 cially of the problems as they are organized. Such a wholesome, 

 broad-minded criticism of the fundamental viewpoint on complex 

 questions and of the method of their approach and attack is now 

 largely lacking. It might serve to save effort and economize funds 

 if conducted and accepted in the proper spirit. 



The war has disclosed some deficiencies and gaps in the existing 

 fund of information, as was to be expected. The disclosure of these 

 as well as the nature of inquiries which arose will naturally lead to 

 a taking account of stock, and to new plans for amending or extend- 

 ing the lines of investigation. As a rule, however, the stations are 

 not in position to expand the range of their activities with their 

 present funds, and some are even under the necessity of restricting 

 it. Tho action of the legislatures in several of the States in increas- 

 ing the appropriations to the stations is encouraging and reflects an 

 appreciation of the situation. 



The Secretary of Agriculture has pointed to the role of tho Amer- 

 ican system of agricultural education and research in helping to win 

 the war. He has emphasized tho advantage of entering the war 

 with this well organized and highly efficient system, and declared it 

 "not extravagant to say that this Nation had agencies working for 

 the betterment of rural life and agriculture which in point of per- 

 sonnel and effectiveness exceed those of any other three nations in tho 

 world combined." There was no suggestion, even during tho progress 

 of the war. of a cessation of effort to acquire information which 

 would make American agriculture more resourceful and effective, 

 and enable tho country " to grow strong in agriculture while Europe, 

 and especially tho Central Powers, was growing weak." 



The war has been a great demonstration of the strength of Amer- 

 ican agriculture, and to those who stop to think it has been a forceful 

 lesson in the means by which it has grown strong. It is an element 

 of the country's strength that our research and experiments could 

 be continued with so little abatement in such a trine of stress. The 

 recognition of its necessity is a sign of our progress. 

 112S74°— 19 2 



