708 EXPERIMENT STATION P.EC'OKD. [Vol. 43 



which improvement had already been effected, but it was pointed 

 out that the stations as a group "have reached the limit of their 

 ability to maintain a satis ract(n'3' output and to keep step with the 

 advance in the demands for teaching and extension. New problems 

 are crowding for solution. They ought to be solved in a more definite 

 and permanent way. This means an enlargement of the body of 

 advanced research. Provision for it will require not only means but 

 men adequately prepared for it. It will re<iuire guidance of the most 

 capable character, and the strengthening of the station organization 

 to prepare it to use larger funds." 



This summary of existing conditions was followed by a further 

 consideration of the situation by Director Burnett of Nebraiska, in 

 Avhose paper a plan for increased Federal aid was outlined. This 

 plan was the subject of considerable discussion, receiving the indorse- 

 ment of the subsection. Subsequently, following a vigorous presenta- 

 tion of the matter by Dean A, R. Mann of Cornell UniA'ersity, the 

 general session of the convention itself recorded its approval. 



Some methods of conducting State campaigns for station funds 

 were suggested by Director F. S. Harris of Utah and Vice Director 

 W. H. Chandler of Cornell Universit5\ The former took up some 

 of the findings from a questionnaire sent out to the station directors, 

 and the latter explained in some detail the successful results obtained 

 in New York through enlistment of various farmers' organizations. 



The practical importance of getting the stations into closer touch 

 with their constituency Avas further set forth in a paper by Director 

 F. D, Farrell of Kansas. Such details as prompt and accurate re- 

 plies to inquiries, courteous consideration of all visitors, holding 

 meetings on the station grounds, a wider use of newspapers in setting 

 forth station accomplishments, and exhibits at fairs, as well as the 

 maintenance of a just proportion of work between the fundamental 

 iind practical, Avere deemed useful in overcoming popular miscon- 

 ceptions, sometimes encountered, of the station as institutions isolated 

 and aloof from the farmers and practical affairs. 



Cooperation in research was again a fahiiliar theme of discussion. 

 A revicAv of previous efforts in this direction by the stations and 

 various societies was presented by Director P. F. Trowbridge of 

 North Dakota, illustrating the progress attained in the development 

 of this idea of a more intimate association of Avorkers in adA^ancing 

 research on subjects of common interest. A number of concrete 

 suggestions for the future were advanced in the report of the joint 

 committee on projects and correlation, Avhich gaA-e special emphasis 

 to the question of group conferences, both regional and topical. The 

 advantages and drawbacks of such conferences were discussed quite 

 fully by several speakers, with some differences of opinion as to 

 their general feasibility, but the suggestion of the committee that 



