4 EXPEEIMENT STATION EECOED. [Vol.35 



The station workers sometimes need protection in another direc- 

 tion, namely, against unfair critics and unknowing or self-seeking 

 factions. These are far less common than formerly but they still 

 have to be reckoned with. Such a hostile attitude is sometimes di- 

 rected against the station as an organization but more often against 

 an individual member, especially the director. Upon these adminis- 

 trative officers the burden rests heavil}^ A variety of responsibilities 

 are entrusted to them. The various sections and interests of a large 

 State have to be considered, and often are in competition. Sugges- 

 tion and argument sometimes proceed to the point of attempted 

 dictation. Activity in the latter direction by organizations in a 

 number of States constitutes a new menace. In such cases the gov- 

 erning board can prove a tower of strength to the administrative 

 officers and can protect the station from being stampeded or subjected 

 to domination. 



Station directors, being human, make mistakes, but usually their 

 errors are errors of judgment rather than violations of principle. 

 They are honest, and they have the success of their work at stake. 

 Their interest in the welfare of the institution usually far transcends 

 that of private individuals or organizations who are attempting to 

 rule and threatening as an alternative to ruin. To cast lightly aside 

 a director or take awa}^ his power because of attack upon him is to 

 deprive the station of the main suj)port it has a right to expect from 

 the governing board, and to encourage a condition which will make 

 successful administration a difficult matter. 



Fortunately, the position of director has been almost entirel}'^ 

 divorced from politics and from personal influence, and has usually 

 been based on merit and ability alone. The good a successful director 

 does and the results he accomplishes far transcend his occasional 

 mistakes, and his case deserves to be considered squarely on its 

 merits, having in mind his record for constructive work and his 

 value to the State. 



The increase in physical equipment and in financial support of the 

 stations in this western section makes a deep impression on the casual 

 visitor. The crude conditions of a few years ago have given way to 

 substantial provision in accord with the present needs. It is an evi- 

 dence of the acceptance of the station as a necessary agency for safe 

 progress, and of a willingness to meet its real requirements. On every 

 hand there are signs of this, and of the fact that the people are not 

 only in a receptive mood and ready to follow the advice of the sta- 

 tions, but that they are leaning upon them for guidance — in the 

 development of such humble branches as goat farming as well as in 

 matters pertaining to the highly developed citrus industry. 



We find, for example, in Texas a system of eleven state stations, to 

 study the problems of particular regions and special industries or 



