126 Missouri Agricultural Beport. 



ture in order tliat they may be qualified to answer the many questions 

 that are asked of them by the boys and girls. 



We feel that when a teacher is discussing the principles of corn 

 growing, butter making, bread making, and sewing, that they are teach- 

 ing agriculture in the very best and a most profitable way. This is not 

 only theory, but it is working out in the schools of Indiana exactly in 

 this way. The clubs have brought agriculture into the schools. With- 

 out any discussion among the people and teachers, we are accomplishing 

 without a law that which is most desired. 



The work of these clubs is also bringing the boys and girls into 

 closer touch with the work that their fathers and mothers are directly 

 engaged in. These contests are changing the viewpoint of our boys and 

 girls. They think of corn growing, butter making and bread baking, 

 not as drudgery, but as work which is full of interest and which re- 

 quires the highest intellect to secure the best results. In their study 

 of the subject the labor entailed is forgotten. 



In connection with these contests, a show is held when the product 

 of the season's work is exhibited for premiums. The corn, bread and 

 butter, etc., are scored by experts, and the boys and girls are then able 

 to see just where their product is strong or weak. The premium given 

 in these contests is very important. It is our belief that these should 

 be educational. The offering of large cash premiums has not proved 

 a satisfactory practice. In these contests, we suggest that the first 

 premium in each class be a trip for the winner, with all expenses paid, 

 to the Purdue Farmers' Short Course. The boys and girls who re- 

 ceive this trip are placed in a special class under competent instructors 

 at Purdue, and are given interesting and valuable instruction through- 

 out the week. At this course the boys and girls come in touch with a 

 great educational institution, their view of the work of the home and 

 farm are widened, and they go back into their schools and community 

 filled with inspiration and enthusiasm, which means that they have not 

 only been started on the right path, but they interest every other boy 

 and girl with whom they come in contact. 



EXHIBITS. 



As a means of presenting in a direct manner the work of the Sta- 

 tion and School of Agriculture, county and state fair exhibits are em- 

 ployed. Through these exhibits an attempt is made to place before the 

 people the results of the various lines of work. This is accomplished 

 by means of grains, fruits, soils, feed stuffs, fertilizers, large charts, pho- 

 tographs, etc. The materials are so arranged that they tell a story that 

 the visitors can readily understand. Experts from the several depart- 



