150 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



He looked at me and blushed as I spoke. Do you think he had been properly- 

 taught at home? Kespect for the old, kindness, love and reverence are first 

 taught in the home and are continually being taught in the schoolroom, if it is pre- 

 sided over by a true teacher. 



As a teacher of considerable experience I have always found that the pupil who is 

 the easiest to govern in. the schoolroom is the one who has had 



GOOD TRAINING AT HOME. 



A child's suiTOundino-s in his home hive somunh to do with his work in the school- 

 room. A child who comes to school in the morning with his mother's pleasant good- 

 bye still ringing in his ear has more courage to begin his work for the day. And 

 then his dinner— if he carries a cold dinner to school he deserves a good one, and 

 why should he not look forward with pleasure to the opening of his dinner pail 

 or on seating himself at the table after a short walk in the open air? 



When school closes for the day he should he able to go home feeling that he will 

 be welcomed and not to hear his mother say, "Oh, dear, you are so noisy; I always 

 dread to see school close!" The evening should be spent in study or games of a 

 harmless character, and not on the street. I believe if every child would sleep from 

 eight to ten hours each night we would not have so much trouble in the school- 

 room. So many parents allow their children to spend the whole evening on the 

 street and then wonder why they got along so slowly with their studies. So many, 

 many times the teacher and school receive all the blame, when, if the parents were 

 to stop for a moment and look at the training the child receives at home, they 

 would cease finding fault with others and do more home training. Some parents 

 find it necessary to punish their children quile often to secure obedience, but if 

 the teacher is compelled to punish them, the parents think it is unnecessary and in 

 a great many instances take sides with the child against the teacher. 



in conclusion I Avill say, parents, train your children as well as you can at home, 

 and then co-operate witli the teacher in her efforts, and God will reward you. Let 

 the influence of your home be a good influence that will raise the moral standard of 

 the schoolroom. 



FARM HOME ADORNMENT. 



MISS GRACE TAYLOR. Douglas, at ALLEGAN COUNTY Institute, Fennville. 



Adorn means more than to decorate or beautify. As one writer puts it, "Adorn 

 is more lofty and spiritual, referring to a beauty which is not material and cannot 

 be put on by ornaments or decorations." It is with this thought in mind that we 

 must furni.sh our homes. Make the kitchen as pleasant as any room in the house. 

 If possible, have one window face either the rising or the setting sun. The swift 

 change of thought and the inspiration gained from even casual glimpses of Nature 

 an her morning or evening greeting will surely infuse one with courage to go for- 

 ward. 



Then have the flowers (for wo all do have flowers) within easy range from this 

 room's door or Avindows. Should the care of annuals be too fatiguing, have a few 

 perennials; phlox, peonies, Japan Iris, dahlias and chrysanthemums. Any of those 

 have been so improved of late as to give endless shades and various colors. If cost 

 of plants is an item to be considered, go to the woods and there find the hepatica, 

 spring beauty, violets, ferns, wild asters, gentian and goldenrod, thus obtaining 

 a succession of bloom well worth the time and trouble. 



IN THE HOUSE. 



If possilile, have the kitchen walls painted some light neutral tints, thus making 

 a permanent finish and one easily cleaned. 



In selecting wall paper for the living rooms, choose those that are cheery and 

 light, and that also harmonize with the furniture already possessed. Pictures look 

 better on light colored walls. Low walls should have narrow borders, or, better 

 still, have the molding placed in the angle of ceiling and wall. In bedroom papers, 

 avoid all endless patterns— those so interlaced and intertwined as to have no resting 

 place for the eye. In cases of illness this is often an important feature. Vivid, 



