106 EXPEEIMENT STATION EECOKD. 



information on subjects connected with the world's agriculture, it 

 is now generally recognized that the institute has made a permanent 

 place. At the same time there is room and need for the international 

 commission and congress of agriculture to provide a forum for the 

 free and broad discussion of the ever-changing problems of agricul- 

 ture and country life. 



These two organizations may therefore supplement each other, and 

 by cultivating close and cordial relations may together greatly 

 strengthen and promote the world movement for the improvement 

 of civilization through a better agriculture, and the more efficiei t 

 and satisfactory organization of rural communities. 



One of the most inspiring and gratifying returns for service is 

 appreciation, and especially when it comes from those for whom the 

 service has been primarily rendered. It is a rich reward. Such an 

 expression of gratitude and esteem was recently accorded Prof. 

 Charles E. Thorne, director of the Ohio Experiment Station, whose 

 farsighted plans and persistent labors have made that station one 

 of the largest and most influential in any State, and carried its name 

 far beyond the confines of this country. 



The occasion was the celebration of Professor Thome's twenty-fifth 

 anniversary as director of the Ohio Station, and the setting was the 

 annual Field Day which has become an established institution at 

 the station. Some five thousand persons gathered to do him honor 

 and to listen to the tributes of appreciation and gratitude and high 

 regard which were voiced b}^ the speakers. The governor of the 

 State was there, and many prominent men, but the assemblage was 

 composed largely of farmers and citizens, a fact which it is safe to 

 say gave special satisfaction and pride to the central figure of the day. 



Rarely has a man been more worthy of the occasion. For his 

 course has embodied the unselfish and all-absorbing will to serve his 

 fellow men, and he has focused his attention on things that are worth 

 while. In sharp contrast to superficial brillancy which seeks quick 

 and striking results, his work well exemplifies patient, determined 

 thoroughness, an absorption in the search for controlling principles, 

 an attitude which is all essential to success in working out the things 

 that shall endure. These, with the calm, unbiased, conservative 

 judgment of his interpretations, have given great confidence in his 

 ultimate findings. 



He sought no honor for himself and no other return thaji the 

 advancement of agriculture on a safe and logical basis. His fidelity 

 to his trust and to his opportunity make him worthy of all the con- 

 fidence and esteem bestowed upon him. 



