Department of Home Economics. f(3^ 



reference to both farm and farm-home subjects, and some clubs have a 

 membership of both men and women. The number of such clubs is 42. 



Whenever practicable, addresses have been given outside the College on 

 the subjects taught in the College. There have been given by members 

 of the department 120 addresses, half of which have been in farmers' 

 institutes. 



The Housekeepers' Conference, held in February last, is officered by 

 the farm women of the State, and the annual meeting is held during 

 Farmers' Week. Lectures, demonstrations, and exhibits are provided 

 throughout the week by members of the staff and others. It is proving 

 an excellent means of affiliation between the College interests and the 

 women of the State. 



The Winter Course in Home Economics was attended by a larger 

 number of farm women, for whom the work is planned, than in former 

 years. The number enrolled was 30. Several applicants were refused 

 admission because of lack of time on the part of the staff to handle the 

 extra laboratory sections thus necessitated. 



RECOMMENDATIONS. 



The rapid growth of the department during the past year urges the 

 necessity of prompt action to ensure new accommodations. It is recom- 

 mended that the department develop at once (a) Domestic Art (including 

 textiles, sewing, designing, etc.), which must be included in a well-bal- 

 anced course in Home Economics, (b) the regular work already being 

 done in the department, (c) the extension work, which is becoming yearly 

 more popular and for which there is greater demand and greater need 

 than ever before. 



Much attention has been directed from other States to New York 

 because of the start it has made on extension work for women. The 

 feminine public mind is ready to receive special instruction and training 

 in the concerns of the home. While working to attain this condition of 

 affairs the amount of service and funds previously available have done 

 fairly well. Now, a larger amount of work, time, and money is needed 

 to place the extension work on its right basis. It is the belief of the 

 heads of this department that the College as a whole is strengthened by 

 the extension work ; that the teaching staff is better prepared for the 

 class room by an acquaintance with rural conditions in the State ; that 

 extension work ensures a much steadier and sturdier departmental 

 growth. On the other hand, nothing short of academic work should 

 be given to the people through University Extension. Therefore, it is 

 recommended that the extension teaching be reinforced by an additional 



