40 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [P. D. 4. 



delaying or averting adverse action against Massachusetts when 

 such action threatened. With the advent of the white pine 

 bhster rust the work of its control has been placed upon Dr. 

 Fernald, and here again has he displayed the same ability to 

 meet a diflBcult situation. 



Dr. Burton N. Gates, as Apiary Inspector, has also given to 

 the Board valuable service, not alone in the suppression of bee 

 diseases, but in hard work to build up the apiary industry. 



There is no doubt of the value to college workers in being 

 connected with such work, as the experience gained is most 

 valuable to them and the institution, too, for research and 

 teaching, but the duties imposed by these laws should not be 

 administered by members of the college staff, for in so doing 

 they are likely to be involved in lawsuits and cases in court. 

 The question of compensation is also difficult to adjust, and 

 makes it seem as if the college man is receiving an extra salary, 

 when in fact he is more likely to be underpaid by one depart- 

 ment or another. The secretary would recommend, therefore, 

 the adoption of recommendation VI. in the agreement between 

 the two Boards. 



In other respects the lines of work between the two organiza- 

 tions should be clearly drawn, so that there may be co-operation 

 and definite understandings upon all questions. 



There has been some falling off in attendance at the Agricul- 

 tural College this year. Some are inclined to lay the blame for 

 this to the investigation now going on in reference to the col- 

 lege, while others explain it as due to good industrial conditions, 

 where many young men are finding profitable employment. 

 Whatever the cause, it is to be regretted that there is a falling 

 off in attendance, and it is hoped that it is only temporary. 



The Commission for Investigating Agricultural Education has 

 had several public meetings at which questions relating to the 

 college were discussed. This commission is composed of L. 

 Clark Seelye, chairman, Pay son Smith, secretary, Charles E. 

 Burbank, Warren C. Jewett and William F. Whiting, and it is 

 understood that they are to investigate thoroughly all questions 

 relating to agricultural education. 



