II52 



The Cornell Reading-Courses 



each person studied alone; they would surely enjoy more. They might 

 first discuss the subjects of the lessons and afterward have a social hour 

 with something worth while to talk about. In themselves the lessons are 

 not sufhcient to give a thorough understanding of the subjects of which 

 they treat. They do, however, introduce those subjects and stimulate 

 to a further acquaintance with them. For such wider acquaintance 

 provision is made by reference to books, so many and so carefully selected 

 that any desired phase of the various subjects may be studied. That 

 the Reading-Course is not only profitable but necessary, has been repeat- 

 edly shown by correspondence. 



Let me tell you why one woman organized a study club. " I had told 

 my husband all I knew," she said, " and he had told me all he knew; so 

 there was nothing left but for me in the evening to dam stockings and for 

 him to read the papers. Sometimes we were too tired to do even this and 

 went to bed, to get up to go over the same program the next day. Afraid 

 of the monotony of such routine, I asked my husband to drive with me to 

 all the neighbors' houses. When I suggested the formation of a club, 

 one neighbor said, ' I am too old, I have forgotten all my schooling and 

 could not take any part in a program.' Another woman declared: ' I 

 am too busy to spend any time in study.' Still another said, ' I am sure 

 we would have trouble and I guess I will keep out of it.' Nevertheless, 

 I invited all the neighbors to my home. Enough came to elect officers 

 and arrange for future programs. The nimiber grew until both men and 

 women organized for a study of subjects relating to their work. Acquaint- 

 ance was renewed among those who did not often meet; women who had 

 once been musical practiced again and contributed to the program; and 

 it must be said that refreshments added not a little to the interest of our 

 meetings. One member gave this testimony: ' I feel younger ever since 

 I began to think of something besides getting the meals and washing 

 dishes and cooking and cleaning.' Another said, ' I have only just begun 

 to be interested in farm work. Since studying for the club I like to think 

 my housework is scientific just the same as the farm work. I like knowing 

 the reason why I do things.' " 



It may not always be expedient, however, to organize a new group. 

 There may already be a good grange in the community, or there may be 

 other means to keep up mental stimulus and to provide for the social 

 side of life. If there is reason for forming a club, some one should assume 

 its leadership, see others in the community, and arrange for a time and 

 place for meeting. The meetings may be started in a home. Members 

 may take turns in inviting the club to their homes. In some cases mem- 

 bership in such clubs as have been described has increased so rapidly that 

 the schoolhouse, the church, or the hall is used as a place of meeting. 



