98 THE COUNTY AGENTS SERVICES 



of distribution. It is not enough to teach him how to grow 

 bigger crops, he must be taught to get the true value for these 

 bigger crops, else Congress will be put in the attitude of regard- 

 ing the work of the farmer as a kind of philanthropy. The itin- 

 erant teacher or demonstrator will be expected to give as much 

 thought to the economic side of agriculture, to marketing, stand- 

 ardizing and grading of farm products as he gives to the matter 

 of larger acreage and yields. He is to assume leadership in every 

 movement whatever it may be, the aim of which is better farm- 

 ing, better living, more happiness, more education and better 

 citizenship." 



It is clear from this authoritative statement that the 

 county agent is well within the intent of the law in assist- 

 ing farmers to work out more efficient methods of market- 

 ing and distribution. But since the administration of a 

 law is fully as important as determining its application to 

 practical problems, it is desirable to see what the attitude 

 of the States Relations Service in the Department of 

 Agriculture, which is charged with the administration of 

 the Lever Act, is on this question. Dr. A. C. True, the 

 chief of the States Relations Service, has recently ex- 

 pressed the Department's view as follows: 



"That the agents should assist the farmers of the county wih 

 every problem connected with their business from the prepara- 

 tion of the soil to the marketing of their products. It is natural 

 for the farmers to look to the agent as their agricultural adviser 

 and leader in marketing as well as production and to expect him 

 to give them information on questions of harvesting, grading and 

 packing. For the past two years the marketing problem has 

 been the most vital one to all branches of agriculture. It is be- 

 lieved that it is legitimate and proper for the agent to encourage 

 cooperative marketing, to obtain information as to what products 

 should be worth, where the best markets may be found and how 



