11 



night tliroughont the winter. Mpet oftener if yon wish, bnt inter- 

 vals of more than two weeks between meetings are nsually nnde- 

 sirable. JN^ot less than two meetings should be devoted to each 

 lesson. Thresh out the whole subject thoroughly. Do not run it 

 over superficially. Conscientious criticism and courteous disagree- 

 ment are much better than carelessness and indifference. Kemember 

 that our main object is to help the farmer to a better understanding 

 of the underlying principles of his calling. There are no fees and 

 no dues. The expense of this work is provided for by State appro- 

 priation under the provisions of the Agricultural Extension (Nixon) 

 bill. 



The Farmers' Reading-Course enterprise divides itself into three 

 parts : 



1. Reading. Organization of clubs. Lectures before these clubs 

 by members of the Cornell College of Agriculture. Mutual corre- 

 spondence and help. There are now three series of reading, either 

 one or all of which may be taken up by the club : 



A. The soil and fertility ; plant growth. 



B. Dairying and stock feeding. 



C. Fruit growing. 



2. Experifiienting. When a Club finds that there is some serious 

 agricultural difficulty in its region, arrangements may be made for 

 field experiments on the subject during the summer season. Special 

 attention is now called to a circular on cooperative experiments 

 being carried on with field crops and commercial fertilizers. 



3. Winter-Course teaching. Beginning early in January, a wm- 

 ter-course of 11 weeks will be given by the University Extension 

 Staff of the College of Agriculture. This course is designed to 

 meet the heeds of the busy farmer's son. A circular giving explicit 

 information regarding tliis course may be had on application. 



No'V. 6, 1900. JOHN CRAIG, 



Professor of University Extension 

 and Siopervi^or of Fa^'niers^ Heading -Course. 

 365 



