TEACHING AND INFORMATION GIVING 57 



thousands of bulletins. In the past these have been dis- 

 tributed largely on lists, but of late distribution is being 

 made to farmers and others only on request or through 

 county agents who usually keep a supply on hand. Prob- 

 ably bulletins are best used in answer to specific requests 

 or questions. They may also be used by county agents to 

 good advantage in connection with the discussion of specific 

 subjects of which they treat at community meetings. Some- 

 times they can be distributed to good advantage in connec- 

 tion with exhibits at fairs. Bulletins which have a bearing 

 on a subject of concern or interest to farmers are always 

 useful as references. 



COEEESPONDENCE COUESES AND STUDY CLUBS 



In a few of the states there have been organized what 

 are commonly known as correspondence courses ; which make 

 systematic use of bulletins to teach given subjects. A num- 

 ber of these states prepare bulletins in simple and logical 

 form specifically for use in such courses. These are sup- 

 plemented by the use of other bulletins and sometimes by 

 the use of text-books as references. The student is regu- 

 larly enrolled, answers question papers after each lesson 

 and has his papers corrected and his questions answered by 

 a qualified instructor at the college. He cannot secure an- 

 other lesson until he has satisfactorily completed the previ- 

 ous one. In most of the states, as, for example, in Penn- 

 sylvania and Ohio, a certificate or diploma is issued, and 

 in a few states college credit is even given, upon the satis- 

 factory completion of the course. 



When such courses are used by communities in organized 

 study clubs as in New York state, they are especially val- 

 uable as a method of teaching, reaching many persons and 

 affecting the practices of whole communities. College or 



