THE PROGRAM OF WORK 27 



persons agreeing to join and support the proposed asso- 

 ciation. 



Some reactions or results can be measured definitely and 

 some can hardly be measured at all. But the fourth step 

 of recording and using the result to multiply the value of 

 the program is important in carrying out the plan fully. 

 Results may be measured both quantitatively and quali- 

 tatively, in terms of activity (numbers present and influ- 

 enced, etc.), or in terms of reactions or actual accomplish- 

 ment in terms of practices changed. Measurements of ac- 

 tivity are much easier to secure but of less value than rec- 

 ords of things actually done as a result of the program. It 

 is less useful to know how many persons attend a pruning 

 demonstration than to know how many persons changed 

 their practices with good results because of it. But meas- 

 urements of activity are necessary. Records of yields se- 

 cured by better methods as compared with old or present 

 methods and yields may be used to great advantage in 

 multiplying results. 



A system of record-keeping designed so as to measure 

 accurately both activity and accomplishment as a result 

 of this activity, so far as this is possible, is an indispensa- 

 ble part of every county agent's equipment. He needs 

 such measurements for his own guidance and for the justi- 

 fication of his work. Local executive committees and mem- 

 bership, state and federal supervising officers, need them 

 to study and compare results and to keep the public, the 

 legislatures and the Congress informed. 



There is no one best record system. Any plan that 

 gives the necessary data with a minimum of effort should 

 be satisfactory. A daily entry in some form is a necessary 

 basis for monthly and annual summaries. State super- 

 visors' offices usually have well worked out systems which 

 they require of their respective agents. 



