248 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



SUMMARY OF WORK. 



No. Attendance. 



Farms visited IGO 



Demoustratious 10 95 



Lectures at Farm Schools 15 615 



Lectures at Other Meetings 13 369 



Fairs attended 4 



East Lansing, Mich., June 30, 1917. 



KEPOKT OF EXTENSION WORK IN HOUSEHOLD 



ENGINEERING. 



BY O. E. ROBEY. 



The work in Household Engineering has been carried on in practically 

 the same manner as in the previous years. It is encouraging to note that 

 there is a growing interest in home improvement in the country. A num- 

 ber of forces are assisting along this line. Several firms are actively en- 

 gaged in selling water systems, lighting plants, and other equipment 

 which help in improving home conditions. The automobile has had an 

 educational effect; it has Avidened the field of observation and brought 

 the farmer in contact with city conditions. 



The work under this project liPS been carried on long enough to begin 

 to show results. For instance, one community in Kent county where the 

 writer explained the construction of a septic tank three years ago, has 

 now installed twenty-five tanks. 



In order to determine whether our type of septic tank has proven satis- 

 factory, a circular letter was sent to a number of people who have had 

 them installed; practically every one replied. All reported that the 

 tanks have given no trouble. The following quotations taken from some 

 of the letters would seem to indicate that the work is appreciated : 



"I consider this system of sewage disposal a necessity for the country 

 home and the cost not excessive in any way." 



"I have not had any trouble; I think the system perfect." 



"It is my belief that if farmers generally realized the comfort and 

 health safe guard that your septic tanks really are, the farm home with- 

 out one would be the exception, rather than the rule as at present." 



The w^ork of the year has been divided as follows : 



Extension Schools, Round-Up and Conference.. 14 weeks 



Fairs 5 weeks 



Preparation of literature 5 weeks 



Drainage 3 weeks 



Household Engineering, Field and Office Work. . 21 weeks 



48 weeks 



Extension Schools: Lectures similar to those given last year were 

 delivered at thirteen one-week schools. Practically 400 people attended 

 the lectures. 



