-j()0 Rural School Leaflkt 



4. The school building. Make observations on the outside of the school- 

 house. Consider paint, bhnds, steps, eaves troughs, roof. 



5. The school grounds. Note fences, paths, and condition of trees. 



It may be that this leaflet will go into many rural districts in which all 

 of the foregoing suggestions have been carried out long ago. If your 

 schoolhouse is neat and attractive inside and out ; if the grounds have been 

 planted; if the fences are in good condition; if the outhouses are cared 

 for; if you work with your teachers to keep things in shape — we shall 

 be glad to have you write and tell us. If you are just beginning to con- 

 sider having better surroundings at school, write to us as soon as you 

 make any improvements. 



6. At home. Last year Professor Warren made the following sugges- 

 tions for improving the home surroundings : (a) Clean up old machinery, 

 boards, and the like, (b) Pile all the lumber that is worth saving in one 

 place, (c) Pile all the lumber and rubbish that is good for firewood only 

 in one place, (d) Cut out the dead limbs in the trees in the yard, but do 

 not prune the trees too severely, (e) Repair all the leaky eaves troughs, 

 (f) See that all the door latches in the house work easily. If the doors 

 stick so that they will not open, fix them, (g) Repair the door steps, 

 (h) Arrange the garden so that all work can be done with horses, 

 (i) Plant a few flowers or shrubs from the woods in the yard. Put them 

 in groups but not in the center of the lawn, which should be kept clear 

 so that it will be easy to mow and will look better. 



NOTES 



The three subjects following have a special message for boys and girls. 

 " The Spirit of the Garden " is for older pupils. Read it many times, 

 then in a garden of your own try to find the spirit. 



The next subject, "A Rural School Garden, " is for the younger boys 

 and girls. Try to have a garden at your school this year. 



Both the older and the younger pupils should read "A Home Garden." 

 Have the best home garden this year that you have ever had. Write 

 to Mr. Tuttle about it. 



" The garden is a lovesome thing, God wot; 

 Rose plot, 



Fringed pool, 



Ferned grot, 

 The veriest school of Peace; 

 And yet the fool 



Contends that God is not. 

 God not! In gardens! When the eve is cool! 



Nay, but I have a sign, 

 'Tis very sure God walks in mine." 



