Science in Conservation During War Times 53 
is gratifying to note that within recent years this attitude is 
rapidly breaking down. 
Neither is it intended to imply through these comnu'iits that 
all scientific endeavor should have as its objective only practical 
application. The very foundations would be torn from under 
science and progress if workers in this field, who choose to do 
so, were not free to investigate and follow through at will 
wherever their interests lead them and upon whatever ramifica- 
tions present themselves. It is an insult to Science itself when 
the "practical" or administrative field requires any investigator 
to set forth data, presumably factual, when those data are any- 
thing else but the truth. There may be times when the use and 
presentation of such data would be so far in advance of the 
public mind that their application must be postponed until such 
time as the public is ready to accept them, but there should be 
no justification for an administration to propound an untruth in 
the guise of scientific fact. Science is entirely justified in holding 
to such standards. 
Scientific Endeavor Finding Its Place in the 
Administrative Field 
The writer remembers the time when there were practically 
no technical or research men on any of the administrative staffs. 
Then came a time when here and there a few began to filter in. 
They were viewed with reserve on the part of administrators, 
and were viewed somewhat as outcasts by scientific groups. Then 
followed the time when a few with research training, or at least 
wuth a full appreciation of scientific and research work, took up 
administrative positions. At the present time there is ample evi- 
dence that a premium is being placed by administrative agencies 
upon thoroughly technical men, especiall}- if these men have had 
experience with practical field problems. 
It is gratifying to note that, where formerly an administrator 
had to be diplomatic, adroit, and skillful if he presented to the 
lajman any results dealing with wildlife management that were 
contrary to popular belief or commonly accepted tenets, he may 
now do so more and more without impugning his own reputation 
or that of his entire department Again, it is gratifying to note 
that more and more administrators feel free to adhere to funda- 
mentals resulting from scientific investigation regardless of for- 
mer popular opinion, and that there is a growing realization of 
the necessity of adhering to such fundamentals, no matter by 
what group or agency they are developed and established. There 
