.582 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



has already been published. State-wide co-operation wth other clubs and 

 wth the agricultural college and experiment station should be secured, 

 and if possi'ble with the state superintendent of public instruction and the 

 state fair association. 



Occasional lectures and demonstrations should be made at county meet- 

 ings of members, which may sometimes be held with advantage in con- 

 nection with the county teachers' and farmers' institutes. As early as 

 practicable the organization should develop plans for an annual district 

 school exhibit of competing agricultural and domestic art products, fol- 

 lowed by township, county, and state exhibits, the latter in connection with 

 the state fair or the meeting of the state teachers' association. A distinc- 

 tive badge or button worn by the boy and girl members of the clubs adds 

 much to the feeling of community interest and dignity. 



TIIK FIRST MKKTIXG. 



The first meeting for organization should include as many boys and 

 girls of the county as can be brought together in the most convenient 

 place. This meeting should be called by the county superintendent (or 

 commissioner) of schools and should be thoroughly advertised in the 

 county schools and papers. If possible it should be held while the schools 

 are still in session, before the spring vacation; and it should announce 

 a definite o'bject. The following is suggested: 



"The boys and girls in the schools of County, and any others be- 

 tween the ages of 12 and 18 years who wish to join them, are cordially in- 

 vited to meet in the high school building in , on Saturday, — — 



19 — ; at — o'clock. 



"The object of this meeting is to organize for the purpose of engaging 

 in a county corn-growing and bread-baking contest this year. Each con- 

 testant will be supplied with seed, if necessary, and with complete direc- 

 tions for doing the work. An illustrated talk will be given by . 



Some fine prizes for the 'best work, amounting to $ , have been offered 



by . If you want to get acquainted with other boys and 



girls in the county and enter into a lively and happy competition with 

 them for these prizes, don't fail to be present at the time appointed 

 Bring your teacher with you and as many parents as wish to come. If 

 you come by rail, buy a "party ticket" so as to get the best rate. Don't 

 covic too late. 



"Yours, for better corn and bread. 



County Superintendent of Schools." 



The prizes offered in such contests can usually "be arranged for by co- 

 operation with the county grange, farmers' institute society, teachers' 

 association, bankers, leading merchants, and various local associations. 

 The prizes may take the form of money, trophy cups, or banners, culti- 

 vating tools or planters, bread-making sets, bicycles, suits of clothes, 

 "due bills" for merchandise, etc. 



