488 Reading- Course for Farmers. 



between them should be hoed and perhaps spaded now and then to keep 

 it in good tihh; and a Hberal appHcation of fertiUzer of some kind is to be 

 advised. When the shrubs and trees are first planted they should be well 

 headed back ; but after they are thoroughly established very little pruning 

 will be necessary except to correct a too rampant growth or to check an 

 awkward tendency. In farm yards the practice of shearing bushes should 

 be discouraged. The effect is always best when the place has a free and 

 natural look. 



FARMERS' READING-CLUBS 



When a dozen or more people from the same place are reading the 

 Farmers' Reading-Course Bulletins it is a good plan to organize a Fann- 

 ers' Reading Club. Much more of value may be obtained from the 

 Bulletins by discussing them in a Club of this kind after having read them 

 at home. The Club meetings may be made very enjoyable social occa- 

 sions, especially if a Farmers' Wives' Reading-Club is organized and 

 carried on in connection zvith the Farmers' Reading-Club. Literature on 

 the formation of Clubs and the conducting of Club meetings icill be sent 

 upon request. It is a good plan for the Secretary of the Club to send to 

 the various Experiment Stations for the Bidletins recommended as supple- 

 mentary reading. A full set of the Series of Bulletins being read zvill be 

 sent to the Secretary, so that these outside Bulletins may be obtai)ied in 

 time. 



BOOKS 



It is hoped that the reading of these Bulletins may lead to the 

 study of a fezv of the many good books available upon each subject. In 

 many of the bulletins, books are recommended. The Supervisor of the 

 Reading-Course Zi'ill be glad to send information regarding the purchase 

 of books and may be able in nmny cases to direct the readers to free 

 literature. Correspondence is solicited on questions which have not been 

 made plain; and if the Supcri'lsor himself caniiot answer the questions 

 he will refer them to competent authority in the College of Agriculture. 



