Department of Rural School Education clxxix 



fitting than that this work should be centered in a modern rural school- 

 house of model design. Such a building serves as an object-lesson and 

 an inspiration to those who visit it, in a way that could not be accom- 

 plished by any amount of printed propaganda. It should contain repre- 

 sentative rural-school equipment, a well-selected library for teachers and 

 pupils, and the like. 



We cannot recommend too strongly that, in the event of the final 

 disposition of the present building, either a new model schoolhouse shall 

 be built or that this one be moved to a new location. In any case, pro- 

 vision should be made as soon as possible so that the work of the Depart- 

 ment, continuous throughout the year, may not be seriously interrupted. 

 Should it be determined to move the building now in use, it would be 

 highly advisable to enlarge the cellar capacity for the purpose of storage 

 facilities, to connect the toilets with a higher-pressure water system, and 

 to remove the hot-air furnace and connect the building with the central 

 heating plant. A new building should, of course, include the above 

 features. 



RECOMMENDATIONS 



In general it may be said that there is evidence of a very decided grow- 

 ing interest in the teaching of elementary agriculture and nature-study in 

 rural schools. On January i, 1912, the 114 school commissioners of the 

 State were superseded by 207 district superintendents for a term of five 

 years. The extension work of this Department is meeting with enthu- 

 siastic commendation from teachers, district superintendents, city super- 

 intendents, members of the State Education Department of New York, 

 and educators all over the country. 



Maintenance 



In the spring of 1912 a detailed estimate was made of the funds 

 necessary for maintenance of the extension work of the Department 

 of Rural School Education for the year 1912-1913. It included funds 

 for the publication of the Cornell Rural School Leaflet monthly, for 

 mailing envelopes, supplies, and stationery, extra clerical help, manu- 

 script and drawings for the leaflet, children's pictures, traveling expenses. 

 Farmers' Week, the loaning of Babcock-test outfits, additional office 

 furniture, express, telephone, telegraph, printing, and livery expenses. 

 The total amount needed, based on actual data, was $3,703. 



The amount appropriated for the maintenance of this work for the 

 year 1912-1913 is $1,500. In consequence, the scope of the work is much 

 curtailed. We are obliged to issue four instead of nine leaflets, to cut 

 out almost all traveling, and to limit all other items. It is most im- 



