48 THE NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [ 3 : 2 _ FEB ., , go7 



Fellow-teachers, beware of the pessimistic croaking of some school 

 officials, some school patrons, and of some wealthy, but miserly, 

 childless tax-payers. Demonstrate what can be clone under existing 

 conditions in the way of elementary instruction in agriculture, and 

 th s will be the best argument for improved conditions which will 

 make possible large and better things in the future. 



(4) The speaker further believes that the systematic but elemen- 

 tary text-book study of agriculture should be taken up with the 

 seventh grade pupils as soon as practicable, and that the subject be 

 continued with increasing thoroughness throughout the rest of the 

 public-school course. 



In order that this may be speedily and effectually accomplished, 

 the speaker would respectfully urge: 



(1 st) The early and thorough revision of the course of study and 

 the giving of kindergarten and nature-study work, domestic science, 

 elementary agriculture, and manual training their rightful place in the 

 school-curriculum; 



(2nd) Consolidation of the rural schools as fast as conditions and 

 public sentiment will permit; 



(3rd) Lengthening of the school year in the country, and such 

 increase of wages as will secure the best teachers; 



(4th) The examination of teachers in the subjects of nature-study 

 and elementary agriculture; 



(5th) The general establishment of rural high schools, centrally 

 located in the farm communities which they serve, as fully equipped 

 and as ably manned as the best city high schools. 



In conclusion the speaker would call attention to the over-shadow- 

 ing importance of agriculture to the common weal and to the standing 

 and stability of our government and nation. 



Every one should have, at least, a tolerably intelligent view of 

 the nature and magnitude of the oldest and greatest of callings. 



Every one should have some knowledge of the problems and 

 achievements and sterling worth of the yeomanry of our land. 



The walls of separation between town and country are rapidly 

 breaking down under the influence of the new education, and they 

 should soon be banished forever. 



We are one people, north and south and east and west, denizens 

 of cities and dwellers in rural districts — all are one in fact and should 

 be one in sympathy, one in purpose and effort to make our common 

 country an earthly paradise and the United States the garden spot 

 of the world. 



