iy6 THE NATURE-STUDY RFA'IEW [5:7— oct., 1909 



better business men and the girls to be efficient home makers, 

 and are thus laying the foundations for better and happier homes. 



"This supplementary work when properly handled not only 

 makes the regular work of the school stronger and induces more 

 boys and girls to remain in the rural school tmtil they have 

 completed the eighth grade work, but it creates in them the un- 

 quenchable desire to know more things and to excel in doing 

 more things. As a result, we find more of such eighth-grade 

 graduates continuing work in high schools and colleges. A genuine 

 love for work comes from learning to do a few things well, makes a 

 better citizen of the child who must drop out of school at an early 

 age, and for others provides a proper foundation coupled with an 

 increased desire for higher education. 



"The success of our efforts created universal interest and 

 enthusiasm. In fact, one member of the school board remarked 

 that he did not know whether so much enthusiasm was a good 

 thing or not, as he could not keep his children at home, no matter 

 what the weather, and anyway it would be hard for the next 

 teacher to keep up such an interest. 



"As these rock beds are a permanent feature, it will be easy to 

 do the gardening the following spring. The greater value of the 

 school-garden comes in the interest aroused in plant culture which 

 induces the pupil to have a home garden, or assist with a better 

 spirit and with a better understanding the work of the home 

 which relates to vegetable gardening, flower culture, and agri- 

 cultural work in general. 



"Our pupils sent their addresses to the state manager who had 

 a supply of the government free distribution seeds mailed to 

 them. They were interested in planting these seeds, not only 

 those of common vegetables and flowers, but a keen interest was 

 taken in some plants which were heretofore unknown to them. 

 Ochra and spinach were among the first received. The pupils 

 learned all they could about these plants, how to grow them, 

 and how to prepare them for use. Especial interest was taken in 

 the girls in flower culture in their homes, the boys taking more 

 interest in corn, potatoes, and other farm crops. Some excellent 

 collections of grains and grasses were made by the school. 



"Now a word to the teachers. Do not undertake school 

 gardening unless you are willing to work — and work hard. On 

 you wholly depends its success or failure. Be willing to take the 



