National and Educational Interests. 



79 



5. The term hybrid* should not be used, except in those rare instances in 

 which the variety is known to be of hybrid origin. 



6. The originator has the prior right to name the variety ; but the oldest 

 name which conforms to these rules should be adopted. 



7. This committee reserves the right, in its own publications, to revise 

 objectionable names in conformity with these rules. 



A very important movement in connection with the experi- 

 ment stations is the organization in the National Department 

 of Agriculture of an Office of Experiment Stations. The duty 

 of this office, as outlined by the Secretary of Agriculture, is 

 "to indicate lines of inquiry for the stations, to promote the 

 co-ordination of their work, to furnish them needed advice 

 and assistance, and to collate and publish the results of their 

 experiments. To this end it conducts a large and increasing 

 correspondence relating to the scientific, administrative, and 

 general interests of the individual stations and the enterprise 

 as a whole. Its representatives visit stations, agricultural col- 

 leges and kindred institutions. It collect statistics and other 

 information regarding agricultural science ; compiles results 

 of inquiry, past and present, in this country and in Europe, 

 which are greatly needed and earnestly called for by the sta- 

 tion workers and others interested in agricultural science ; 

 - and puts the result of station work in practical form for gen- 

 eral distribution in farmers' bulletins." 



In general, the Secretary of Agriculture regards "the devel- 

 opment of the experiment station enterprise in this country as 

 a noteworthy illustration of the readiness of the American 

 people to grasp and to utilize new and valuable ideas. Be- 

 ginning only fourteen years ago, it has grown out to the 

 farthest limits of the land, enlisted the best colleges and uni- 

 versities and the ablest investigators, and secured both state 

 and national resources for its maintenance. It now employs 

 nearly four hundred workers 'to promote agriculture by scien- 

 tific investigation and experiment,' and to diffuse as well as 

 increase the knowledge which improves farm practice and 

 elevates farm life. It has the favor of a great army of practi- 

 cal farmers, to whom it has already brought substantial 

 benefits. The experience thus far gained evinces the wisdom 

 of Congress in distributing the work throughout the country 



*A hybrid is the product of true species. There are few, if any, instances of true hybrids 

 among common garden vegetables. The union of varieties gives rise to a cross. 



