Rural School Leaflet. 895 



is being taken in agricultural education. We feel that the effort to 

 establish Corn Day and to have the children do this definite piece of 

 work in the interest of the betterment of a valuable crop is the most 

 important work that we have requested this year. We shall send out 

 blanks on which the teachers of the State can give us a report of Corn 

 Day in their districts. 



We shall also report the number of schools that send exhibits of corn 

 for Farmers' Week, Februar}'- 7-12, at Cornell University. While the 

 preparation of such an exhibit is made at a cost of time and energy of 

 teachers, I believe that if sufficient thought be given to the matter, 

 teachers will realize it is worth the while. It gives a concrete piece 

 of work for the children and will lead them to think of the importance 

 of contact with a higher institution of learning. 



On January 28th, then, we hope that every school will celebrate 

 Corn Day. Last year this work, started by Mr. M. P. Jones, was a success. 

 This year we hope it will be a greater success. 



Suggestions for Outdoor Lessons in January. — Have the children 

 bring in specimens of every evergreen in the community. Label them 

 and put them on a table in the schoolroom. If the children and teacher 

 are not able to identify specimens, send them to the Question Box, Cor- 

 nell Rural School Leaflet, College of Agriculture, and we shall return 

 them properly identified. 



What winter birds are seen by the children as they go to and from 

 school? Keep a list of these birds. Have the children describe them 

 as accurately as possible, and if they cannot be named send the descrip- 

 tion to us. Wc shall be able to identify them at the College. 



Renew discussion of apples in the neighborhood. Have each child 

 bring an apple from the home. Discuss the varieties that have kept in 

 good condition until January and how they have been kept. 



Note any insect life that winters in the neighborhood, either in the 

 house or in the bams or under the bark of trees. What are the wood- 

 peckers seeking in winter time as they thrust their bills under the bark ? 

 Teach children habits of observation of insect life. 



During at least one winter month have the children keep a weather 

 record. 



