STATES EELATIONS SERVICE. 471 



draAvn. This accounts for the marked reduction not only in number of 

 chibs and enrolled membership, but also in the production as well as 

 conservation of food. Another factor that must be considered in this 

 connection is the reaction that came after the armistice was signed, 

 which led to a great letting down in activity, especially in production 

 of food. If the figures for the past year be compared with prewar 

 figures, however, it will be seen that in the Southern States there has 

 been a steady, normal growth in the home-demonstration work. 

 There has been a gradual increase year by year in the amount of 

 State and local funds appropriated. This indicates the growing 

 appreciation of the home-demonstration work among the people who 

 are receiving its benefits. 



As heretofore, food production was stressed, since it not only adds 

 to variety in the family diet but enables many girls and women to 

 add to their income. The reports show that 4,766,83G pounds of fruit 

 and vegetables, valued at $410,136; were used at home or sold fresh. 

 The food, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish, canned 

 or otherwise preserved, during the year had an estimated value of 

 over $12,000,000. 



Another important part of the work was that concerned with the 

 utilization of food and the improvement of the home dietary. It in- 

 cluded demonstrations and instructions in the home use of fruits^ 

 vegetables, eggs, milk, and milk products, improved methods of 

 bread making and other forms of home cookery, and various other 

 related subjects. 



The agents report a remarkable increase in enrollment and interest 

 in poultry Avork. Better breeds of poultry, early hatching so as to 

 have hens ready for winter laying, better feeding and housing of 

 l)irils, production of infertile eggs, and preservation of eggs in water 

 glass were the points most emphasized. 



Instruction in sewing is incidental to other lines of girls' club 

 work. Attractive uniforms for canning work, for frardeninir. and 

 even for dairy and ponltrv work are made for the girls. They also 

 receive help in preparing dainty articles for the home, such as lunch- 

 eon cloths and napkins, while a very special feature of the past year 

 has been the making of articles for th-3 girl's own room — curtains, 

 dre.sser covers, centerpieces, etc. 



Witli women, sewing as applied to the conservation of clothing 

 was a nio.st al sorbing topic. This work included the study of tex- 

 tiles, selection and care of clothing, and making or remodeling of 

 garments. The work in the care of clothing has naturally called 

 forth greater interest in proper methods of laundering. 



Undf)iibtedly the newest phase of home-demonstration work is the 

 beautification of the home, both Avithin and Avithout. During tlie 

 year just completed this has created a demand for assistance in the 

 planning of neAv homes and in the remodeling of others; in the re- 

 arranging of kitclions, especially for greater convt^nience. It has 

 led to the installing of Avater, and heating and lighting systems: the 

 introduction of both homemade and purchased labor-saving de- 

 vices; and the improA'ement of the home and adjacent buildings, by 

 the planting of lawns, flowers, shrubbery, and trees. 



The home-demonstration program includes Avoi-k Avith negro girls 

 and women. T'^^nder the supervision of the Avhite hoine-denionstra- 



