404 EXPEEIMEXT STATION RECORD. 



is probably with its application or its interpretation in practice 

 rather than with the science itself. But it is becoming more prac- 

 tical and dependable every year, and it is the most reliable basis of 

 information aA"ailable to the agricultural industry. 



So far from being incompatible or antagonistic, therefore, science 

 and common sense supplement each other in forming practical judg- 

 ment, and as the former becomes disseminated it enters more and 

 more largely into the composition of the latter. The two are not to 

 be contrasted or set over against each other, or thought of as some- 

 thing essentially different in kind. It is very evident that through 

 the years practical experience and judgment unaided have not proved 

 an adequate basis for progress ; and our present experience is demon- 

 strating that the more science there is incorporated in common sense, 

 the sounder Avill it be. The more the farmers can be brought to see 

 and understand this, the easier will extension teaching become, 

 because the attitude will be more receptive. 



Those who are in close contact with the farming people are con- 

 scious of a very decided change in the great body of them, in the 

 attitude toward science itself, as well as toward its teachings. Along 

 with the growing ajipreciation and expectation of science has come 

 a deeper understanding of it and of its nature. It manifests itself 

 in something more than confidence in science and a readiness to ac- 

 cept its teachings. It is an evidence of the wider growth of the 

 science spirit, a gathering of something of the spirit of science by the 

 people, not necessarily a conscious change or recognized under that 

 name, but evident in a broadening of views and a change in attitude. 



It is a natural result of association. It has come with a wider 

 familiarity with science and its methods, with the development of it, 

 and with an almost daily association with it in practice and reason- 

 ing. It is an effect on the man himself and his mental habit. To him 

 science is no longer for a special class or merely of theoretic interest; 

 but it is practical, it is for use, and it is within the reach and under- 

 standing of busy practical men. 



Xo one can come to something of an understanding of science and 

 associate it with his daily life without being influenced by it. It 

 is not merely employed in a thoughtless routine wa}', but it becomes 

 a part of him just as his practical experience is, and it affects his 

 outlook and attitude toward new things, just as it does his action. 

 It makes him more critical and discriminating in regard to the 

 source of new infoiTnation, it breaks down his prejudices, and it 

 strengthens his judgment and " hard common sense.'' Instead of 

 leading him to follow rules blindly it makes him thinlc and reason 

 intelligently ; it develops an inquiring habit, a desire to understand. 



