Missouri Country Life Conference. 



151 



By the way, a Babcock milk tester was seen at this school. This instrument was a 

 loan, but served the school as well as if really owned by the school. 



Ten more difficult things are: 



First. A splendid basement has been constructed under the house. The entire exca- 

 vation for the basement had to be made. The bottom and walls of the basement are of 

 concrete. This basement is about 8 feet from floor to ceiling, and furnishes ample space 

 for a heating plant, fuel room and play and workroom. 



Second. A hot air furnace has been installed. 



Third. Running water has been installed and a drinking fountain. This was installed 

 for about $.50. It is very simple and any plumber can install the system, a force pump in 

 the well, a pressure tank buried below the frost line, a bubbler and a few feet of pipe, and a 

 plumber who knows how to make the proper connections. 



Fourth. The house has been repainted both outside and inside, guttering put up to 

 insure a dry basement, and windows and door screened. 



Fifth. An organ has been secured and the children are taught to sing. The boys rang- 

 ing in age from six to eighteen years can sing entire selections without the aid of the girls. 



Sixth. The slate blackboard which was too high has been lowered so that it can be 

 used advantageously by the children. 



Seventh. Three or four dozen folding camp chairs have been secured. These can be 

 easily and compactly stacked away and used when needed for classes, visitors or community 

 gatherings. 



Eighth. A real home garden has been made at the teacher's cottage, and much of the 

 work on this garden has been done by the pupils. 



Ninth. A short course in agriculture has been arranged for November of this year. 



Tenth. By a voluntary arrangement transportation is provided for the pupils. One 

 of the older boys drives the school wagon. A standard 12-foot Delphi school wagon has 

 been purchased. 



Commenting further, Mr. Melcher says; 



It should also be noted especially that in making these improvements most of the labor 

 was performed by the patrons and pupils and teacher. Some of the patrons worked as many 

 as 20 days gratis, excavating, cementing, painting, etc. They are learning the meaning of 

 teamwork, and other improvements will be made this year. Indeed, several improvements 

 which are not mentioned have been made. 



AN INFORMAL TALK ON RURAL CONDITIONS. 



(Hon. B. F. Harris, chairman committee on agriculture, American Bankers' Association. 

 Champaign, III. Mr. Harris spoke informally. The following is as the official 

 reporter turned in the copy, which has not been revised by the speaker.) 



Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: In diverting your 



attention I hope I will not take your 

 minds and hearts from the remarkable 

 address Mrs. Harvey has just given us, 

 because in such work as she is doing, 

 and as can be done in the country 

 school, lies the solution of the better 

 agricultural problems and rural life 

 problems for which we are all working. 

 It is just such a solution as this, which 

 ought to prevail throughout this coun- 

 try, that is to make rural life in America 

 what it ought to be — the greatest rural 

 civilization the world has ever seen. 

 B. F. Harris. Wc all agree, I am sure, that the most 



