energies of so many men. undoubtedly 

 skilled in other lines of thought and effort, 

 could be utilized to much greater advantage 

 in other directions? It would seem that 

 the use of the time in studying the food 

 situation, and in employing knowledge thus 

 gained to spread the truth concerning the 

 problems confronting the Nation would be 

 much more productive of tangible results. 

 Finally, there is considerable danger that a 

 great many of the people who cultivate a 

 plot of a few feet square, in anticipating far 

 more returns than are possible at best, will 

 sadly deceive themselves as to the value of 

 their contribution to the situation, or their 

 service to the country. I do not want to 

 be understood as discouraging any effort, 

 however insignificant ; under no circum- 

 stances would I suggest a discontinuance of 

 any one's project, however small and in- 

 consequential ; but let us not delude our- 

 selves in regard to our undertakings, and 

 if we do anything, let us employ our ener- 

 gies with a view to the result, not merely to 

 do something — and salve our consciences. 

 More than anything else needed at the 

 moment in connection with the food ques- 

 tion, is a thoro understanding of the 

 fundamental situation ; in other words, a 

 comprehensive realization of what the actual 

 problem is, what can be done to solve it. 

 and how this solution can be effected with 



