EDITORIAL. 507 



instruction work of the college and the experimental work of the 

 station have been more sharply differentiated, there has been a nar- 

 rowing- of the functions of the teacher and the danger that he would 

 allow himself to be segi'egated from the acquisition of knowledge. 

 The effect of this upon the men themseh^es is of far more importance 

 than the loss to science; and coupled with this is the influence upon 

 the development of advanced instruction at the agricultural college. 

 The latter is of vital importance in the preparation of suitable 

 workers for the experiment stntions and other expert service. 



Nothing can be more sterilizing to a teacher than a restriction of 

 his activity to the routine of teaching, a habit which may easily be 

 fallen into and one to be guarded against in the early stages of a 

 teaching career. It is not easy to use profitably odds and ends of 

 time, and this often leads to deferring the beginning of investigation 

 to a more convenient time. But despite the manifold duties which go 

 with a college professorship the vacation periods leave considerable 

 time free for study, in addition to the unoccupied hours during term 

 time; and there are many opportunities afforded by the laboratories, 

 apparatus, greenhouses, farms, libraries, and other facilities usually 

 at hand. The freedom from pressure for results or the more popular 

 forms of experimentation often felt by the station worker is also 

 a favorable condition. There is a great deal of research which at 

 certain stages needs regular attention, rather than large amounts of 

 time, and the more time-consuming operations can often be deferred 

 until there is greater freedom from interruption. One of the prime 

 requisites is a research habit and a definite planning for some work 

 of that nature. 



The raising of the standards of the agricultural colleges and the 

 provision of graduate courses will almost necessarily call for greater 

 activity in original study within the college dej^artments proper. 

 The student must be given something of the spirit of investigation 

 and introduced to its methods. He will naturally come to look for 

 this to the men who are themselves active in investigation, and will 

 learn from them to appreciate the bearing and the importance of such 

 work. Such advanced students will also give added opportunity for 

 following some line of investigation. 



It would seem that the time has come when the college generally 

 should give more attention to this feature, and take it into account in 

 its relations with the faculty. It is due to the men it enlists in its 

 service, and will contribute breadth and strength to the Avork of the 

 whole institution. It need involve little money or readjustment; it 

 calls rather for encouragement and recognition as a desirable part 

 of the life of the teacher, — for a favorable atmosphere and an attitude 

 of expectation. 



60863°— No. 6—10 2 



