8 EXPEEIMKXT STATION RECORD. [Vol.43 



sharin<r time Avith other branches of the college, the distractions of 

 other duties, and sometimes inadequacy of ja reparation. In the 

 latter case, deficient vision, a lack of insight into the nature of the 

 problems and of understanding of the methods of research, result in 

 retarding investigation and diminish the general efficiency of the 

 station force; and too often in such cases there is an absence of 

 sufficient administrative supervision to overcome or minimize the 

 effects. 



One of the most serious aspects of the present situation is that 

 relating to the personnel. The grade of workers and the incentive 

 to adequate preparation are being held down by the maintenance of 

 a dead level of salaries which does not recognize the superior quali- 

 ties and training required for research. Surprisingly little progress 

 has been made in propagating within the institutions the idea that 

 investigation is a type of creative effort which calls for the highest 

 training and ability it is possible to secure, and that as such it is 

 entitled to special recognition in the matter of rank or compensation. 



We say that research is paramount, is fundamental to all other 

 functions of the college; that the experiment station is at the apex 

 of the American system of agricultural education. No one disputes 

 the statement — it seems to be frankly and unreservedly accepted; 

 but there is a reserve about expressing it in terms of salary or ad- 

 vanced rank. As a result, many of the mature investigators whose 

 work has attracted attention to them are going out into other lines, 

 and very few young men are preparing themselves by severe training 

 to take up this exacting line of original inquiry. The stations are 

 obliged to recruit their forces from the best material to be found, 

 frequently realizing that the men taken on do not fully conform to 

 the standards of a few years ago. 



It is time to realize and to express in concrete action the fact that 

 the most profitable investment of research funds is in men and 

 women of outstanding ability; that these are no less entitled to 

 remuneration which recognizes their qualities than a similar class 

 in the professions; and that if salary inducements are to be held 

 down, either by the general attitude toward the teaching profession 

 or otherwise, agricultural investigation at the colleges will continue 

 to decline, more rapidly even than in recent years. 



The interruptions and the letting down of research during the war 

 had a more lasting effect than was anticipated. The staffs and their 

 leaders were diverted; they were affected by the general state of 

 mind which prevailed. It seems hard for them to return to a peace 

 basis. Conditions are still against it. The readjustment is slow, and 

 the depleted value of the station revenue stands as a distinct obstacle. 



There is greater need of administrative leadership than ever be- 

 fore since the stations were well under way — of a kind that will 



