308 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol. 41 



facts. It is like one division of agricultural science attempting to 

 develop an agricultural program for the country in war time. A 

 combination of experts is more likely to vieAv the matter with proper 

 perspective and arrive at trustw'orthy conclusions. This promises 

 more for the speedy solution of complex questions than the attempt to 

 carrj' the methods of one science over into another, or the adoption 

 of the findings of other branches of science while working in seclu- 

 sion. 



The combined action of investigators at different institutions who 

 are engaged on common topics also offers opportunity for profitable 

 joint effort. Competition and rivalry are less pronounced than 

 formerly, and there is more disposition to meet upon a conmion 

 ground if given encouragement. There is less reserve among those 

 engaged in the more advanced lines of research in disclosing what 

 they are doing, and regret if often expressed for the limited time at 

 their disposal and the lack of helj) in following out suggestions which 

 come to them. 



But the largest opportunity for cooperation is perhaps in the less 

 exacting and intensive class of experimental work, much of it local 

 in character and dealing with conditions as they exist. This com- 

 prises a vast amount of the station work. A simple form is illus- 

 trated by variety testing, done quite independently by different sta- 

 tions and with little attempt to determine the range of varieties or 

 the factors which modify their local adaptation. There is a lack of 

 attempt to fix certain basic facts relating to classes of varieties which 

 will relieve each State from going over much the same ground 

 sooner or later, and often repeating this in different localities within 

 its borders. It should not be difficult to determine the factors which 

 underlie the success of a variety, and this w^ould be made easier if a 

 range of environmental conditions Avere involved in the plan, as in 

 the case of a cooperative undertaking. 



Field work is one of the most expensive types of experimental 

 work and accounts for the necessity for large tracts and overhead 

 in maintenance. It is being carried on by stations in the same region 

 to test similar or like points, and involves a great amount of repeti- 

 tion and duplication of expense. But its results are largely local in 

 character and contain relatively little that is basic because unrelated ; 

 and it usually does not go deep enough into the conditions repre- 

 sented to disclose the reasons for the results and the factors which 

 modify them locally. A proper organization of such activity would 

 offer opportunity for real economy and for more rapid advancement. 



The need for more adequate funds for agricultural research is 

 very generally recognized and relief is confidently expected sooner 



