1920] EDITOEIAL. 9 



supply the animatinfj spirit, and will arouse men to put forward tb.e 

 best there is in them. This is Avhat constitutes real leadership. The 

 investigator is by nature an optimist; he believes in the possibility 

 of doing things that have never been done before, and that are 

 w^orth while because they represent growth and progress. But he 

 needs encouragement and support, and above all he needs the inspira- 

 tion of opportunity. 



Not only do present conditions call for unusual administrative 

 attention to the station affairs, but the situation with respect to it 

 emphasizes a frequent inadequacy. The activities of the station need 

 study and sympathetic direction, contacts need to be closely main- 

 tained, and in not a few instances the product of investigation needs 

 adequate presentation in order that the station and the author may 

 receive credit and support through it. The deficiency in this regard 

 is often another result of doubling up in duties to save money ; and 

 the unusually large attendance at the colleges, with the difficulty in 

 securing teachers, has increased the burdens on both the adminis- 

 trative and working forces of the stations. 



The occasion is in no sense one for pessimism or discouragement, 

 but rather for plain speaking and right understanding. Those who 

 are in closest touch wath the situation are perhaps most optimistic 

 and confident of the ultimate outcome. But it is highly important 

 that there should be wider realization of the actual condition, and not 

 only of what the effects may be but what they already are. 



Alread}^ several of the States have come to the rescue with new or 

 added appropriations, and there are many indications of the readi- 

 ness of farmers' organizations and communities to contribute funds 

 or facilities where the necessities are j^roperly presented. Never 

 has there been such a great body of sound public sentiment to sup- 

 port the growth of our agricultural institutions as there is today, 

 and this sentiment is grow'ing in force and understanding. It needs 

 only to be informed and guided. 



These things give much encouragement for the continued sup- 

 port of agricultural research. They give confidence in the belief that 

 the keystone of the arch of agricultural education will not be allowed 

 to disintegrate and weaken to the danger of the whole superstructure. 



