THE CARNEGIE INSTITUTION GRANT 



very broadest meaning; and, next, it must 

 be aid devoted, as he is devoted, to the welfare 

 of the world, which should enable him to at- 

 tain in his own way a still larger measure of 

 usefulness than he could have accomplished 

 alone. Important as his work has already 

 been, even more must have been accomplished 

 had there been greater freedom of service. 



During a period of fifteen or eighteen years 

 there had been frequent suggestions made by 

 those who knew the work best that aid of 

 some kind should be given in order that the 

 work should not suffer. Suggestions, now and 

 then came in reviews in local newspapers of 

 the wonderful things being accomplished. 

 Now and then some government official, in- 

 terested in the scientific and practical depart- 

 ments of the broad subject of plant develop- 

 ment, visited Mr. Burbank, was amazed at the 

 enterprise under way, and was full of regret 

 that the government could not take hold of 

 the work and help carry it forward, — it would 

 be impossible, was the usual line of thought, 

 for the government to offer any specific aid 

 without incurring the charge of paternalism 

 and opening the way to an indefinite and 



279 



