^76 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



In most of the States, cooperative relations have been perfected 

 between the negro agricultural colleges and the extension division 

 of the college for whites. The negro in charge of the negro agents 

 has his headquarters at the negro agricultural college. The work 

 with negroes has been very effective in stimulating the production 

 of home supplies, especially the home garden. In some States 

 marked progress was made in encouraging negro farmers to keep 

 a cow for supplying milk and butter to their families, and the rais- 

 ing of pigs to supply meat. 



OFFICE OF EXTENSION WORK IN THE NORTH AND WEST. 



C. B. Smith, Chief, 

 ADMINISTRATION. 



The Office of Extension Work in the North and West has charge of 

 the cooperative extension work of the department in the 33 Northern 

 and Western States. Its administrative duties, organization, and 

 relationships w^ere not materially modified during the year. 



Many important administrative questions were handled. In the 

 first feAv months these problems had to do Avith the organization and 

 direction of war emergency extension activities, so that not only 

 increased food production but also strict food conservation might be 

 attained. In addition, methods of clothing conservation were given 

 the careful attention they merited. All these activities were con- 

 ducted in such a way that the permanent improvement of agriculture 

 and home-making conditions, methods, and practices might result. 

 After the signing of the armistice numerous problems arose out of 

 the changed agricultural economic conditions, the return to a peace 

 program of work, and the adjustment necessary because the special 

 war emergency funds Avere not to be available after the end of the 

 fiscal year. 



Each of the Northern and Western States was visited as usual dur- 

 ing the year and the expenditures of the Smith-Lever funds ex- 

 amined, conferences held Avith the extension director and his staff, 

 and progress and plans of Avork discussed. 



COUNTY AGENT WORK. 



This section continued under the immediate charge of W. A. Lloyd. 

 The number of counties employing agents on June 30, 1919, Avas 

 1,106, approximately the same as on June 30, 1918. In addition, 

 there Avere 45 district agents, covering 105 counties, and 104 assistant 

 county agents. The number of county agents reached its maximum 

 about December 1, 1918, at which time there Avere 1,136 county agents, 

 52 agents in larger districts coA^ering 156 coimties, and 61 assistant 

 county agents. At that time approximately 82 per cent of the agri- 

 cultural counties in the 33 Northern and Western States Avere being 

 reached. In a feAV counties where the Avork Avas started in coopera- 

 tion with county councils of defense the county agents Avere discon- 

 tinued shortly after the signing of the armistice because of lack of 

 local funds. 



