3G6 RURAL MlcnWAN 



]iart of middlemen as an unwarranted interference 

 with legitimate business operations, although the 

 farmers have undoubtedly greatly appreciated the 

 profits accruing to them through such cooperation. 

 Primarily, however, the work of the agricultural 

 agents is to suggest and to instruct; to promote care 

 in the selection of seed and live-stock, encourage 

 soil conservation, inform on market conditions, 

 bring expert assistance to bear on such emergencies 

 as may arise, such as epidemics and pests, and, in 

 general, to reinforce experience with knowledge 

 gained through education and expert investigation. 

 Results are not capable of mathematical determina- 

 tion, but without doubt the visible agricultural ad- 

 vance that has taken place in recent years is par- 

 tially attributable to the agents of the extension 

 service of the College. ^Yhether they have put forth 

 the effort that might be expected of them, may, in 

 some instances, be questioned. Whether or not the 

 work and investigations carried on by the College 

 qualifies its students and graduates to deal with the 

 great variety of problems confronting the Michigan 

 farmer in all portions of the State has been ques- 

 tioned repeatedly. Ultimately, this is a question of 

 administration belonging to the College itself, and 

 is susceptible of correction, when necessary, with a 

 vigorous administration of College affairs. 



Usually associated with the county agricultural 

 agent is the home demonstration agent, also operat- 

 ing under the Smith-Lever Law. This service, start- 

 ing in Erie County, New York, in 191-i, has been 



