242 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan., 



something that attracts his attention, by the shape of a stone, 

 or the history of a stone, or about a plant, you can open his eyes 

 in three minutes to more than he ever thought to see. I be- 

 Heve if any teacher can do that they will open their eyes and see 

 and study what is in nature. That is the kind of teaching that 

 you want at present, and you want the kind of teachers who 

 will work upon that plan. 



In this matter of the opportunities for agricultural instruc- 

 tion we want, first of all, sound instruction, and we want that 

 of a primary character, and that depends upon the habit of see- 

 ing a little. A teacher that sees things in nature and under- 

 stands their import and importance, if that teacher has the 

 faculty of imparting that information to her pupils, she can 

 accomplish much. Some people go through this world blind as 

 bats. Others find amusement everywhere, and instruction, as 

 they go about the fields and woods. Some cannot settle down 

 anywhere, but they see something to enjoy, and such people are 

 filled with the enjoyment of living and the profitableness of life. 

 I commend to everyone the cultivation of the habit of learnmg 

 to see and learning about common things. 



Mr. McLean. Ex-Secretary Gold has outlined what he 

 thinks should be the instruction in this line in the common 

 schools, and I want to add to that, that I think if we could only 

 have Secretary Gold in every one of our schools the problem 

 would be solved. If we could have Mr. Gold we would have 

 no need of legislation or agitation. 



Mr. Kirkham. Mr. President, I was glad that Mr. 

 McLean voiced what I had in mind, but I am sorry that he said 

 that it should not be technical education in this case, for it 

 seemed to me to cut the ground all out from under the feet of 

 those who would have the study of agriculture made more 

 prominent in our public schools. It has been suggested and 

 urged here that some action ought to be taken by this board. 

 Well, it is all right for us to express our opinion. As my friend 

 from West Hartford said, " We should do something," but I 



