New Yorx AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 7 
Mr. Lowe was granted a six months’ leave of absence and is 
now pursuing special zoological studies at the University of 
Chicago. 
STUDENT ASSISTANTS. 
So far in the history of American experiment stations the 
number of well trained young men available from which to choose 
investigators has been altogether too limited, especially in biolog- 
ical lines. Graduates of our colleges when fresh from laboratory 
instruction seldom have much facility in making a logical attack 
upon a difficult problem affecting practice until after they have 
been for a time in the atmosphere of real research. It was felt 
that it would be possible to associate with our work young men 
having taste for investigation in experiment station lines, in such 
a way as to derive mutual benefit. In view of this conclusion 
and in accordance with authority granted me by you, a cireular 
letter containing the following statements was addressed to a 
large number of the land grant colleges: 
“ By authority of the Board of Control of this Station, we are prepared 
to admit to our laboratories three student assistants; one in each of the de- 
partments of botany (plant pathology), bacteriology (dairy), and entomology. 
In order to be eligible to these positions, candidates must be graduates of a 
four years’ course in science, preferably at a land grant college where the 
sciences are taught with especial reference to their bearing upon the art of 
agriculture. It is essential, moreover, that such candidates shall have pursued 
studies specially fitting them to undertake work in one of these departments 
and that they shall have shown such proficiency and enthusiasm in special 
directions as will warrant their choosing one of these lines of study and in- 
vestigation for a life work. 
“As their main work, it is proposed, under the guidance of the heads of 
departments, to associate these assistants with one or more important sub- 
jects of investigation, with the understanding that they shall devote a minor 
proportion of each day, perhaps two hours, to the care of the laboratories, 
preparation of materials and other routine duties. They must be prepared 
to enter immediately, under proper direction, upon a study of one or more 
problems, without spending a considerable period of time in acquiring the nec- 
essary preparatory knowledge and skill of a fundamental character. For in- 
stance, the student assistant in-bacteriology should be familiar in a practical 
way with the technics of making culture. 
“Full credit will be given in our publications for work accomplished. 
