bussbll] FARM BOYS' ENCAMPMENT 121 



The best talent the country affords is assembled here to in- 

 struct them, with no cost to the boys. Corn and stock judging, 

 soil analysis, drainage surveys, a careful study of farm machinery 

 and helpful work in forestry are all carried on under the direc- 

 tion of an expert. Examinations are conducted at the close and 

 a certain number of those standing highest are given scholar- 

 ships in the Short Course in the Agricultural College in the 

 University of Illinois. 



The expenses are now met by popular subscription which is 

 taken in Greenfield and vicinity. The cost is about $300.00 each 

 year, which amount is raised without effort, as everybody is 

 much interested and gives freely and even asks the privilege of 

 contributing. The boys are at no expense save their railroad 

 fare and meals. Instruction, tents, lights and amusements are 

 furnished free to them. The day programs are open to all who 

 wish to enter the classes and actually study or take the work. 

 The evening programs are open to the general public and thou- 

 sands attend. The moving throngs are kept far enough away 

 frrom the lectures to insure good order at all times. The 

 grounds are policed day and night and the best of order prevails. 

 Boys from fifteen years up may attend and men who are 

 really interested may take the class work. The last school en- 

 rolled 138 boys from seven counties, about half of whom came 

 from the county in which the school is located. 



The boys are awakened to the wonderful possibilities of the 

 study of agriculture and are aided greatly in discovering them- 

 selves. They are inspired to look up and go on into better liv- 

 ing and thinking. Some twenty or more have each vear been 

 persuaded to attend the University. Their lives have been en- 

 larged and their usefulness increased. Contact alone with their 

 instructors has been of sufficient value to warrant the continu- 

 tion of the school. 



A full course in Domestic Science is given at the same time 

 and better health, better homes and better living have resulted. 

 In short it has set the young and old to thinking about self im- 

 provement and community advancement. 



Similar schools can be held in any county in any state, but 

 the dominant interests of the community should be made the 

 most prominent feature in the instructions. Similar schools 

 can be held in any city, where instruction should be given in 

 business, factory work, railroad work and other vocations. 



