102 State 11 ort I cultural Society. 



^'Agriculture iu Schools." We believe that it would be narrow to con- 

 fine ourselves to a discussion of horticulture alone. The great subject 

 is agriculture, of which horticulture is a part. We should take the 

 broad view and endeavor to carry into the schools the teaching of the 

 underlying principles of agriculture. 



CONSERVATISM RECOMMENDED. 



The committee believe that it will take many years to bring about 

 the systematic instruction in agriculture which they would like to see. 

 They realize that among the great difficulties in the way of its early 

 introduction into the elementary schools are the deep seated prejudice 

 against wdiat is termed "book farming/' and the lack of teachers pre- 

 pared to give even the elementary instruction here recommended. They 

 believe, however, that a beginning should be made. In suggestions given 

 as to methods of instruction, the attempt has been made to outline a 

 method which may be followed as a whole or in part. Any part of the 

 instruction suggested, if given in the proper manner, will tend to make 

 the pupil more observant and intelligent. It will better fit him to 

 understand and appreciate the vocation of agriculture which in the high- 

 est degree determines our national prosperity. 



PREPARATION OF TEACHERS. 



Persons who have taken a course of study by the laboratory method, 

 in biology, botany, physics, or chemistry in any good high school 

 should be able to give part of the instruction here recommended. If 

 they have studied several of these sciences in a high school, or if they 

 nave studied them in any of the state normal schools, in a good college 

 or university their preparation will be better. The short course in agricul- 

 ture and horticulture offered during the winter, or the special summer 

 course in agriculture and horticulture offered at the Missouri State 

 University is the best special preparation that a teacher may make in a 

 limited time. Those who liaA^e had no laboratory work in any of the 

 sciences will hardly make a success in teaching elements of agriculture- 

 as hereafter recommended. 



