606 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol. .17 



preserved, but there was general concurrence in the view expressed 

 that " the emergency presents special reason for some degree of 

 temporary adaptation and less rigid adherence to strict limitations 

 and the pursuit of established projects than under normal condi- 

 tions." 



Numerous specific suggestions were made as to how this redirec- 

 tion of effort could be accomplished. The situation may be sum- 

 marized by the following quotation from one of the addresses: 

 " The experiment stations can be of the greatest service at this time 

 by continuing to serve in the capacity of experts in agricultural 

 science and its interpretation, by supplying tested and reliable in- 

 formation and making this available and applicable, by expert 

 study of the general situation in its relation to agricultural produc- 

 tion, by supplying counsel and formulating broad plans and policies, 

 by being alert to detect and act upon the present necessities, and 

 by exercising foresight in preparing for post-bellum conditions. 

 They can do this — 



"(1) By letting their work be known — by seeing to it that it is 

 written up and published promptly. 



"(2) By maintaining unusually close relations with the publicity 

 and teaching agencies, seconding the efforts of the extension and 

 other agencies in helping and protecting the producer. 



"(3) By a revision of their project programs, selecting for special 

 attention those having an emergency or present importance, and by 

 adapting others so as to take account of the changed conditions re- 

 sulting from the war. 



"(4) By working close to the ground, reaching out into the State 

 and maintaining an imusually close contact with the actual condi- 

 tions of production. 



"(5) By inaugurating, to a limited extent naturally, new investi- 

 gations having war-time and post-bellum significance. 



"(6) By working close together, either in cooperation or with 

 mutual understanding, and at least with full recognition of other 

 similar work, in order that greater accuracy may be attained and 

 time economized." 



Aside from war questions the convention had before it a number 

 of other important matters. A development of the year which re- 

 ceived special consideration was the enactment of the Federal Voca- 

 tional Education Aid Act. Although this measure, as is well known, 

 deals with instruction of subcollegiate grade and makes no direct 

 reference to the land-grant institutions in its sdieme of administra- 

 tion, its workings are none the less of great interest to them. One 

 of the general sessions was largely devoted to this subject, and in 



