Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1913-11-27

Of agriculture. That all of them have
done superb work no one can question;
that some of them have not lived up to
their opportunities admits of no manner
of doubt.
Those colleges that are not doing their
duty toplheir States are not wholly to
blame, but in my judgment they are
largely tSblame. The trouble in too
many of 6Se-States has arisen from
dispersion of agencies undertaking to
aid in the advancement of agriculture
and to consequent jealousy and antagon.
ism.
just as there is individual selhshness
so there is institutional sel6sbness, and
some institutions like individuals get
to thinking SO much about themselves
that they forgetsthe people whom they
serve and who make them possible. ]
could point to State after State where
the State department of agriculture is
jealous of the Slate college of agricul-
ture and is buster watching the advan-
ces of the State college than it is with
its job of helping the people. | could
point to State after State where the
State college of agriculture and the
State university. created by the same
people and maintained for the service
of the same people, are buster prevent.
ing extensions of one anotber's activi-
ties than they are with extensions of
their own activities for the service of
the people. Neither is content to find
out the job it can do best and to do it.
It is trying to prevent the other from
doing a job thatit might do.
Mr.. Houston continued:
a. You may be interested to know that
in the estimates just submitted 10 Con-
gfess it has been recommended that
the distribution of ordinary vegetables
and flowers seeds be discontinued and
that part of the $500. 600 heretofore de-
voted to this purpose be used to procure
propagate and distribute among the
people, new and valuable seeds and
plants If Congress sees fit in its wis.,
dom to accept the recommendation,
particular attention will be given-to the
securing and distribution of new and
valuable seeds and plants. including
forage crop seeds, whose character and
quality will be thoroughly known and
tested: and pains will be taken in every
instance to sec that sufficient supply
is sent to make it worth while. for the
Individual farmer to make an expert
ment.
DEMONSTRATION WORK TO BE EXTENDED
Heretofore the work of the Depart
ment has lain chiefly in the field Of
production, and even in this field it has
been conscious of limitations. The
Chief difficulty has been to make its re-
suits known effectively to the great
mass of the farmers who most needed
the knowledge. There can be little
doubt that the federal department Of
agriculture and the various State col
leges and the best farmers have enough
knowledge to revolutionlze the nation
if it could be conveyed to all farmers
and they could be induced to utilize it.
Suppose what is known about hog
cholera. tick eradication, the boil weevil
and other things could be made init
mately known to every farmer and he
could be induced to apply the remedyl
What hideous waste could be avoided
How to get this information to the
last man on the farm has been one OF
the most troublesome problems con
fronting the Department. After many
years. an effective method has at, last
been devised. The demonstration plan
shas made its demonstration. The old
lesson that personal contact is of the
highest value has been taught.
A DEcENTRALIzING PLAN,
Il is perfectly apparent that an ex-
tension Of tins Demonstration work viii
be made and . bill is now pending in
Congress, known as the Smith-Level
Agricultural Cooperative Extension Bill,
which embodies The main principles ap-
proved by experience. It viii insure
the closest cooperation Of the Fedora
Continued o. fourth page.)