THE HESPERIA MOVEMENT 113 



lars. The results of the work in Kent County 

 were thus summarized by the commissioner of 

 schools of the county: 



To teachers, the series of meetings is a series of mid- 

 year institutes. Every argument in favor of institutes 

 applies with all its force to these associations. To farmers 

 they afford a near-by lecture course, accessible to all 

 members of the family, and of as high grade as those 

 maintained in the larger villages. To the schools, the 

 value is in the general sentiment and interest awakened. 

 The final vote on any proposed school improvement is 

 taken at the annual school meeting, and the prevailing 

 sentiment in the neighborhood has everything to do 

 with this vote. And not only this, but the general 

 interest of patrons may help and cheer both teacher and 

 pupils throughout the year. On the other hand, indif- 

 ference and neglect may freeze the life out of the most 

 promising school. There is no estimating the value to 

 the schools in this respect. 



The Kent County association had a very 

 simple constitution. It is appended here for 

 the benefit of any who may desire to begin this 

 beneficent work of endeavoring to draw more 

 closely together rural schools and country 

 homes. 



Article i. — Name 



This association shall be known as "The Kent County 

 Teachers and Patrons' Association." 



