EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Vol. 40. May, 1919. tf6. 



The organization of research and the functions of administration 

 in connection with it have been fertile subjects of dh on almost 

 from the beginning of our system of experiment stations. They are 

 important subjects, and while with a generation's experience a num- 

 ber of fundamental truths have come to be generally accepted there 

 is not unanimity of opinion as expressed in practice. 



It appears that interest in the relations between administration 

 and research in agriculture is by no means confined to workers in 

 this country. Not long ago an illuminating contribution was made 

 to the subject in an article printed in the Agricultural Journal of 

 India. This article is by Professor H. M. Leake, government eco- 

 nomic botanist and principal of the Agricultural College of Cawn- 

 pore. It was prepared primarily with reference to administrative 

 conditions in India, which are evidently quite different in some re- 

 spects from those found in this country, with a larger measure of 

 control and responsibility vested in the official representatives of the 

 Government. None the less the discussion is written from a broad 

 academic standpoint and with a frankness, appreciation, and clear 

 insight into the elements and essentials of research which makes it 

 of wide application. 



It appears that a reorganization of scientific effort in India is 

 under contemplation which would centralize the research of various 

 forms under independent departments of chemistry, botany, and the 

 like. This would associate in one service all men engaged in work 

 of the same branch of science, which it is thought by its advocates 

 would give rise to an esprit de corps at present lacking among the 

 scientific workers in India. The writer, however, argues rather for 

 evolution from the present system, and maintains that sound evolu- 

 tion "requires a clear appreciation of what it is essential to provide 

 and what to avoid." He attempts in his article to help to a true 

 appreciation of these essentials, and so to pave the way for "a pro- 

 portioned organization " giving the fullest scope for the development 



of research. 



601 



