Rural School Leaflet 945 



description is not complete enough and it is impossible for us to be sure 

 what it represents. Will you try to tell me all that you can find out about 

 the object, because by doing so you will not only help us to help you, but 

 you will be learning to look more closely at things yourself. 



Whenever you write to me, either in school or at home, I wish you would 

 be very sure to put the number of your school district, the name of the 

 township, and the name of the county at the top of the letter. Form the 

 habit of doing this because it helps me a great deal in keeping an accurate 

 record of your letters. Often I have great trouble to locate a letter, and 

 I want to be certain that all who deserve the picture which is given for 

 letters from boys and girls shall receive one ; so if you will do your part by 

 giving me the full address on every letter, I shall be able to do my part 

 much more quickly. I hope that all of you will write the three letters 

 this year and get the picture, but do not feel that you must stop at three. 

 Write to me as often as you like, for I am always glad to hear from you 

 and I promise to read every letter even though I cannot answer many. 

 I am afraid some of you were disappointed that I did not write to you per- 

 sonally last year. You will believe that I wanted to, and that I am doing 

 all that I can every minute. Have faith in me and hold to our friendship. 

 Some day we may both be glad of it. 



There is one thing I want to ask of you boys and girls. Try to be very 

 gentle and considerate toward others. It costs nothing; and how great 

 is the satisfaction when one has done a kind thing, or has been strong 

 enough to refrain from doing anything unkind! I do not mean that you 

 should be " goody-goody ' : in your attitude. Always remember that 

 the strongest people are the most gentle and tender. Watch and see 

 whether this is not so. To be loved by our fellows is the greatest of all 

 joys, but to win that love we have to be worthy of it. Do not needlessly 

 hurt any one's feelings; do not make fun of your playmates; do not lose 

 your temper. If you are not able honestly to speak well of a person, say 

 nothing. Better silence than unkind speech. Think about this, for even 

 the oldest of us can find room for improvement. 



This is a long letter, but you will have plenty of time to read it before 

 the next one in January. The things to remember are to read the leaflet 

 thoroughly, to do some fall cleaning up, to celebrate Corn Day, to send in full 

 and accurate descriptions, to put on the top of each letter where your 

 school is located, and to be respectful and considerate of others. Write often 

 and tell me all that you are doing and planning. Remember that at the 

 College of Agriculture at Ithaca you have 



A true friend, 



