22 NATURE-STUDY REVIEW ]11:1— Jan., 1915 



boys succeeded in leveling the lot at the back, so that it formed 

 a terrace about three feet higher than the front. 



After we had done what we could, we petitioned the board 

 of education for help in grading and supplying black soil. Both 

 in the educational and business departments our plans met with 

 approval; water plugs were installed and tools for taking care 

 of the grounds were supplied. 



The large garden was divided into twenty-five plots, each 

 garden being twenty-four feet square, before the paths were 

 deducted. The squares were divided into smaller beds when 

 the teachers saw fit. In the smaller lot we laid out five plots, 

 ten by thirty feet in the low part ; and on the terrace, we planted 

 tomatoes and sweet com. 



When each room had planted what it desired, we had, in addi- 

 tion to some flowers, the following variety of vegetables and grains : 



The pupils showed great interest in this work, both boys and 

 girls taking an active part in caring for the garden. When the 

 lettuce and radishes were ready to eat, the children were eager 

 to sell them, realizing the practical value of this work. It was 

 a regular business transaction; they looked upon it as such. 

 The work called for thought in planning, exactness in making 

 things tally, and diligence in "keeping on the job." We found 

 the reflex influence on the school work good. Boys of the motor 

 type showed the most improvement, and many of the girls did 

 excellent work. 



Some of the larger boys had worked on truck farms in the 

 neighborhood, and were thus able to give the younger children 

 instruction in how best to weed and care for the plants. Several 

 teachers' meetings were held at which we discussed the best way 

 of handling this work. This practical training in applied botany 

 has been very helpful to teachers and pupils. 



