114 



intelligent direction to scientific investigations. Science should be completely seg- 

 regated from politics as it is sometimes practiced, and she should not be dependent 

 for her existence upon the whims of the spoilsman. 



Science seeks to determine the truth. True science will not tolerate a falsehood 

 nor perpetrate a fraud, and there is no place for the drone in the ranks of science; there 

 have been a few who have made some progress by conjuring with scientific terms, 

 looking wise, cultivating society, and catering to the whims of those in temporary 

 authority and neglecting science. Others have had a brief but precarious existence 

 as scientific pirates, appropriating to themselves the work and results of others, some- 

 times of advanced students and underpaid and dependent assistants. All true teach- 

 ers and investigators enjoy having their assistants and students do good work and 

 secure noteworthy results. A true scientist can honestly rejoice at seeing his col- 

 league or coworker make a discovery. Petty jealousies are unworthy of science. 



Agricultural chemistry is a great constructive agency and wealth producer. We 

 are building our science for review by future generations. Let us build it well so as 

 not to be ashamed of the workmanship. The true scientist bequeaths to mankind an 

 invaluable legacy. Let us cultivate true science and not false ideals. 



The proposed changes in the constitution, which had been made 

 special order following the president's address, were considered. 

 These changes were as follows : 



In article 1, first sentence, substitute for the words " the United States," the 

 words "North America." 



In article 2, first sentence, second and third lines, insert the word "provincial" 

 after the word "State;" also, in the third line of this sentence insert after the word 

 "body" the phrase "in North America." 



After discussion, the amendments were put to a vote and were 

 carried. 



A motion was made by Mr. Wiley to the effect that a referee and 

 an associate referee on water analysis be appointed to study mineral, 

 sanitary, irrigation, and technical waters, inasmuch as, under the 

 food and drugs act, standard methods for potable waters were 

 needed as well as for foods, while the analysis of irrigation waters 

 was a purely agricultural question and also needed study and elabo- 

 ration. 



The motion that such referees be appointed was carried. 



FRIDAY AFTERNOON SESSION. 



REPORT ON SOILS. 

 By S. D. AVERITT, Referee. 



The association at its last meeting made only two recommendations affecting the 

 referee's work this year. 



(1) That the modified J. L. Smith method for total potassium be further tested. 



(2) That the sodium peroxid fusion method for total phosphorus be adopted as a 

 provisional method of this association and be further tested. 



Including this year, these methods have been before the association three years, 

 and it seemed very desirable to place before the association work sufficient in quan- 

 tity and of such a quality as to enable it to dispose of them. From his experience as 



