1019] EDITORIAL. 707 



This attitude has much to commend it. It hesitates to acknowledge 

 defeat, and it recognizes the detrimental effects oi frequent change 



and the disposition of some to give up too easily. It reflects confi- 

 dence in the worker. But this attitude should not stand in tin- way 

 of a critical examination as to progress and tin- feasibility or com- 

 petency of the undertaking. It should lead t<> modification or re- 

 alignment which has become more logical or more promising oi suc- 

 cess; and it would be unfortunate if it stood in the way of a simpli- 

 fication of the inquiry by a narrower limitation of it- range. 



There is reluctance also on the part of some investigators to termi- 

 nate a project after it has been practically concluded. They hesi- 

 tate to state the results and close out the investigation for the pres- 

 ent, on the ground that some new data may later come to light or 

 some suggestion which will lead to further inquiry. No one would 

 urge undue haste in publication or the dropping of lines of inquiry 

 which were contributing new light or strength, but science is never 

 complete and publication merely expresses the " time of day " in a 

 given line of investigation. 



Wiih every regard for the time element in research and the de- 

 sirability of thoroughness and deliberation', certain individual tend- 

 encies are sometimes encountered which need to be kept under ob- 

 servation. Unless this is done projects are likely to be carried from 

 year to year after they have ceased to make progress and to all in- 

 tents and purposes have reached their end as research inquiries. 

 They thus become not only an element of expense but a tax on the 

 investigator's time, serving to dissipate his energies and attention. 

 The difficulties of "sugaring off" are among those which the ad- 

 ministrative officer sometimes has to meet, and in these the personal 

 equation often figures prominently. 



Intensive and concentrated effort is the price of success in agricul- 

 tural research. To be productive it requires close application, with 

 critical attention to the accuracy and the meaning of the results. It is 

 an intensive, diligent application of the powers of inquiry. Intermit- 

 tent, fragmentary effort arrives late, if at all. It is uneconomical of 

 the station's funds, and its encouragement breeds a habit which is det- 

 rimental to highest efficiency. 



Not a few of the long-continued projects would probably have been 

 further advanced or nearer conclusion if they had been energetically 

 and systematically pushed forward. Various causes have contributed 

 to prevent an aggressive, sustained attack upon them. In the past it 

 has often been due to a multiplicity of duties. Sometimes it is a re- 

 sult of trying to carry too many lines of work, leading to a diversion 

 of effort and attention. The relatively small progress from season to 

 season has its effect upon the worker's zeal and enthusiasm. 



