938 Rural School Leaflet. 



in the things that by chance have found a place in which to grow. But, 

 whatever the form of the wish, the substance is the same — it is the 

 natural man longing to express itself. It is the desire to be alone with 

 something that understands you. I have heard the gardener talk to 

 his plants and not one of them disputed with him." 



Gardening is now recognized as having much educational value. A 

 child properly trained in gardening gains knowledge of natural forces 

 in the most direct way. He forms habits of industry, learns patience 

 and perseverance, learns to meet adversity, develops his reasoning 

 powers, spends hours with useful and beautiful things, has physical 

 exercise under ideal conditions, and at the same time is laying the 

 foundation for delightful and wholesome recreation in later life. 



The increasing interest in social conditions promises much for the 

 future of this work. The time is coming when there will be in every 

 live community a playground, a children's garden, and a model kitchen. 

 The gardens will be under the direction of a trained horticulturist, a 

 man of personality who will direct the children in growing plants 

 under the best possible conditions. There will be also a market place 

 conducted largely by the children under an able director in which will 

 be sold vegetables, fiov/ers, small fruits, and the like, grown in the public 

 gardens. Such institutions will provide occupation for children 

 during the vacation time, giving them opportunity for work and play, 

 as well as practical preparation for life. 



But this day in many places is not yet come. In the mxeantime, 

 teachers, realizing the importance of school -gardening, can gradually 

 help in this movement by making gardening a part of the school work. 

 If there is not a large piece of ground for a school-garden, a little 

 corner can be found in which the class will be able to plant a few seeds 

 and perhaps harvest a small crop before the close of the school year. 

 Seeds are wonderful in themselves. The miracle of a poppy would 

 alone be a lesson worth the while. Let the child realize the wonder of 

 a radish plant coming from the small seed that is put into the earth. 



We have had some experience with school-gardens and in this 

 Leaflet we will give facts that have come largely from our own working 

 out of garden problems. Some of these facts and suggestions have been 

 pubhshed before. Since we are working with teachers in cities, villages, 

 and rural districts, we have thought it best to make suggestions for 

 gardens managed under different conditions. 



I wish every teacher might be with me once by day and once by night 

 in a garden that I kmow and love. The practical side of gardening is 

 distinctly important and of itself would be worth while in the education 



