4 SPECIAL CONTESTS FOR CORN-CLUB WORK. 



We need the bo3^s for the present efficiency of the farm, and we 

 must have their work, their leadership, and their influence for the 

 future if American agriculture and rural interests are to endure and 

 contribute as the}^ should to human comfort and prosperity. 



The purpose of this circular is to suggest lines of interest and 

 instruction in addition to the regular club work, which has to do 

 with the acre yield at a reasonable cost of production. These club 

 contests may well be taken up in connection with the rural and 

 A'illage schools; country, district, and State fairs; short courses, 

 farmers' institutes, educational gatherings, etc., with a view to giving 

 direction and interest as well as important training during the 

 entire year. The club contests will enable both teacher and parent 

 to win the boy for better things in needed education and efficient 

 farm life. Much could be said about the influence of this kind of 

 work upon actual production and land values. 



Boys' corn-club work should be constructive and permanent, and 

 in order that it may be so the following lines of contest work are 

 suggested to the club membership. These contests should offer some 

 relaxation from the main line of work and should be practical and 

 recreative as well as instructive. 



A FEW OBJECTS OF CLUB CONTESTS. 



The following are a few of the objects of corn-club contests : 



(1) To increase members' interest in corn in all of its important phases. 



(2) To secure better seed corn and consequently better yields. (All seed 

 should be returned to the exhibitors.) 



(3) To give industrial activity and practice to club members for the entire 

 year. 



(4) To give members greater interest in club work through combined play 

 and contest methods. 



(5) To furnish profitable diversion to the boys during the otherwise idle 

 hours of playtime and vacation periods. "An ounce of prevention is worth a 

 pound of cure." 



PREMIUM LIST SUITABLE FOR AWARDS IN CLUB CONTESTS. 



To stimulate interest in the contests the following premiums are 

 suggested : 



(1) Free trips and expenses paid to district and State fairs, educational 

 institutions, summer Chautauqua s. etc. 



(2) Top buggy, saddle, gold watch, automobile, etc. 



(3) Clear title to one or more acres of laud (to encourage land ownership). 



(4) Farm implements, tools, equipment, etc. 



(5) Thoroughbred pigs, cattle, horses, mules, iien of chicljens. 



(6) Club emblems, banners, and pennants. 



(7) Manual-training workbench, set t)f tools, cameras, trunk, leather hand 

 bag, writing desk, etc. 



(8) Poultry equipment, such as incubators, watering and feeding troughs, 

 brooders, fencing, and gates. 



[Cir. 104] 



