680 PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION K. 



assistance of the local press. There should be a strong local com- 

 mittee formed by the chief to arrange for halls, advertisements, 

 and conveyance of teaching apparatus, models, &c. Subjects that 

 interest the farmers' wives and children may also form a part of 

 the curriculum. 



It will be seen that the leader of this propaganda work needs 

 to be a man of exceptional parts, and his services worthy of high 

 remuneration. His mission is to popularize science in relation to 

 agriculture, and to create a strong public interest in the problems 

 associated with rural life; thus broadening the horizon of agricul- 

 turists generally. 



The short course, the summer schools, the rural camp schools, 

 and live stock judging schools would also come within the scope of 

 this organization, and possibly a corresponding branch in con- 

 nexion with the journal of the Agricultural Department. 



One important objective of this school would be to create an 

 interest in co-operative experimental work on the farm. Here per- 

 sonal touch with the farmer is essential to a successful issue. 



The link that will coniiect the farmer to the University and the 

 Agricultural College should be the Itinerant School of Agriculture. 

 The Experimental Union of Canada has demonstrated what might 

 be done in this direction. A wide-spread interest in experimental 

 work creates ' a spirit of observation and exactness among farmers 

 that make it possible for them to develop and improve the cereals 

 they grow, as several of the observant farmers of the Common- 

 wealth have already done. 



Work in the direction outlined is done in America at the 

 Farmers' Insitutes, where instruction is given direct to the farmer, 

 and, practically, at his farm. A certain amount of amusement is 

 provided in order to have a change from grave to gay. Human 

 susceptibilities have to be reckoned with in the organization of this 

 school. 



I believe the Itinerant School of Agriculture should have its 

 own organization, as the limited staffs of the Universities and col- 

 leges make it impracticable for the members to take a prominent 

 part in its activities. Still the Itinerant School should be asso- 

 ciated with these teaching centres, as occasions will arise in which 

 they can materially assist it. 



The mission of the Itinerant School of Agriculture, whose 

 duties I have outlined, is to practically go direct to the man on the 

 land, and take him out of the rut of routine, and to make him 

 think more of himself as a social and economic being. 



The spirit of the movement will influence his attitude to educa- 

 tion generally, though primarily to the practical and scientific side 

 of his business. 



