EDITORIAL. 933 



We have been accused in our experimental work of having the 

 immediately practical results too constantly in mind. The immedi- 

 ately practical work is important and desirable. It has helped to 

 make the American stations strong in the confidence of their constit- 

 uents. It should be continued and tin 1 results carried to the farmer 

 in demonstrations, cooperative experiments, and other popular way-. 

 But it is equally important to get at the scientific facts, which have a 

 wider and more permanent application. Surely there is do conflict 

 between such investigation and the securing of practical results. 



Already our station work is coming to assume a more national char- 

 acter. To a noticeable extent we are departing from the view thai all 

 work must have a decidedly local flavor or application. The com- 

 munity of interest is being recognized. It is seen that much of the 

 research work has a wider field of usefulness. Its results are appli- 

 cable in the main to a wide extent of country, and require only to he 

 adapted to local conditions. 



If the Adams Act leads us to think more clearly along these lines and 

 to consider the strictly investigation problems which the practical 

 experiments and experience are constantly suggesting, it will have a 

 far-reaching effect and will materially stimulate the original research 

 and investigation it contemplates. 



