b4 
mentary biology as a high-school subject. The proposed intro- 
duction of courses in general science and community civics in the 
first year of New York Cty high schools created the possibility of 
the elimination or serious curtailment of biology. It was the 
unanimous opinion of every speaker that biology, both in con- 
tent and in educational discipline, contributes something essential 
in the preparation of young men and young women for citizen- 
ship and which is not afforded by any other subject and it was 
the expressed opinion of all of the principals that the elimination 
er curtailment of general biology from the high school course of 
study would be an educational mistake. All of the speakers 
emphasized the necessity of planning the content of the course 
so as to make a very intimate and obvious co-relation with the 
everyday life of the individual. 
The conference is considered by many as the most important 
meeting for the consideration of this question that has ever been 
held in New York City, and the result was especially significant 
in view of a commonly expressed opinion—shown by this con- 
ference to be wholly erroneous—that many if not all of the high 
school principals were opposed to the subject of elementary biol- 
ogy. The conference was well attended, and the calling of it was 
greatly appreciated by teachers of biology and others. 
Children’s Gardens—During the year 320 boys and girls were 
registered for plots in the children’s garden. They came from 
45 Brooklyn schools, including 25 public elementary schools, 9 
public high schools, 9 parochial schools, one private school, and 
one training school. The average value of the crop produced 
by an 8’ X 10’ plot was $16.89; from a 10’ X 20’ plot, $34.46. 
The total value of the produce taken from the gardens during the 
season was $3,914.24. Fees paid by the children amounted to 
$75.45, making a total income of $3,989.69. The total cost to 
maintain these gardens, including salaries, was $1,839.33. Keep- 
ing in mind the fact that the primary purpose of the children’s 
garden is educational and not commercial, it will be recognized 
at once that the total returns on the investment, in the form of 
health, happiness, education, character, and good citizenship for 
320 boys and girls, plus nearly $4,000 worth of wholesome food, 
stamp the children’s garden as a most efficient and successful 
