826 P.OARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



not always rise to the level of their opportunities in a social way. We 

 are too easily discouraged by the criticism such a movement would call 

 forth from those not socially inclined. And again we fail to realize that 

 the family life should be the tyi>e of a high social life and that all social 

 interest in neighborhood affairs must center there. 



The most successful method of furthering social interest in the 

 country seems to be the organization of clubs. It matters not what may 

 be the declared purpose of the club so it includes a higher degree of cul- 

 ture, a broader outlook and a feeling of good will toward our fellow 

 workers. If that word "club" sounds to the men like cold dinners and 

 neglected homes, call it something else, but appoint officers, a definite 

 time of meeting, or you can never get the members together. 



In the meetings compare means and methods and discuss perplexing 

 home problems as well as the latest books and magazine articles. Take 

 advantage of the state circulating library if possible and it will repay 

 many times the small sum invested. Sometimes it will seem almost im- 

 possible to find time to attend the meetings, but remember those people 

 who work all the time do not accomplish as much as others who judi- 

 ciously plan their work for some recreation and take it up again with 

 better spirits. You will find that an afternoon spent in this way combines 

 a round of visits with your neighbors for which you would perhaps not 

 find time in a whole year. 



When a women's club has succeeded in bringing in the younger 

 women, the daughters and later the men it has justified its existence, 

 for no social conditions are sane unless ample provision is made for the 

 enjoyment of the young people, and if there is no other way to get the 

 men to go, promise them something to eat. Encourage the young people 

 to form a literary society, but remember it is not best to encourage only 

 those occasions which are instructive but also provide for good times 

 and fun— pure and unadulterated. Guide and guard their recreations, 

 make their homes attractive and hospitable, a place where friends are 

 always welcome, provide good literature, and the boys and girls will 

 not turn -from the farm home to the glaring diversions of the city. I 

 wish to speak briefly of the attempts toward social organization in our 

 own community. The Country Club has been in existence about four 

 years and you are more or less familiar with the organization, but to 

 its members and their friends it has been a great success socially. The 

 members are subscribers to the State circulating library and derive great 

 benefit from a supply of literature for the winter. But there is another 

 club in our community known as the "Social Circle." It was organized 

 about a year ago with eighteen charter members, a president, secretary 

 and treasurer. 



The meetings are held weekly except during the busy season. A lit- 

 erary program is provided, a question box is provided and discussed, the 

 liostess provides sowing for the guests and servos light refreshments. Oc- 



