EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Vol. XXIX. November, 1913. No. 7. 



The conventions of the Association of American Agricultural Col- 

 leges and Experiment Stations are of increasing importance from 

 year to year. The rapid development of these institutions and the 

 extension of their activities and relationships constantly present new 

 questions of common interest and importance to all the States, and 

 the methods to be followed in this comparatively new field are mat- 

 ters to which increasing importance is attached. Only by such gath- 

 erings can a broad common viewpoint be gained, and united action 

 secured for the advancement of the work as a whole. 



The Washington meeting in the middle of November was no ex- 

 ception to the rule of increasing importance, and in several ways 

 may be regarded as highly significant. It marked the culmination 

 of several matters which have been prominently before the associa- 

 tion for several years, and a clearer definition of policy. Among 

 these were the relations of the State and Federal agencies, and the 

 attitude of each toward extension enterprises, both matters of the 

 highest import at the present time. 



The keynote of the convention was a closer relationship and imder- 

 standing between the agricultural colleges and the experiment sta- 

 tions on the one hand and the Federal Department of Agriculture on 

 the other. These are the great recognized agencies for the advance- 

 ment of agriculture in the United States. They are bound together 

 by a common constituency, a common purpose, and in many respects 

 a common method ; and they are alike supported by public funds in 

 which the General Government is a large contributor. Together 

 they constitute an unparalleled system for agricultural development 

 and the enlightemnent of agricultural people. There is every reason 

 in logic and economy and efficiency of effort why they should occupy 

 the closest relationship and work together or independently, as the 

 case may be, with the fullest sympathy and understanding. The 

 Secretary of Agriculture is anxious that this condition should speed- 

 ily prevail, and his advances have been cordially reciprocated by the 

 executive committee of the association, as the representatives of the 

 colleges and stations. 



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