172 BACKGROUND AND MEANS- OF SERVICE 



utilizing the boys to demonstrate that the South could grow 

 large yields of corn per acre, and thus- promote the diversi- 

 fication program. He began with corn clubs, organizing 

 his junior demonstrators in groups so as to conserve the 

 county agents' time. The clubs were used "to instruct boys 

 in practical agriculture on the farm" by requiring each boy 

 to grow a full acre of corn, keep cost records and write up 

 his work, as well as exhibit it. The general basis of award 

 was: Yield, 30 per cent; showing of profit, 30 per cent; 

 history, 20 per cent, and exhibit, 20 per cent. 



The first boys' club was organized in Holmes County, 

 Miss., in 1907. By 1910 the enrolment of boys had become 

 large in several of the states (in twelve Southern states it 

 totaled 46,225) and began to attract public attention. 

 Many boys made more than one hundred bushels of corn 

 per acre. Badges of merit and other insignia were awarded. 

 Encampments were held at fairs. Scholarships in agricul- 

 tural colleges, trips to colleges and to Washington, pigs, 

 calves and many other things were offered as prizes. Corn 

 clubs led naturally to pig clubs and these also grew apace. 



Of the work, Doctor Knapp said that it 



"may be regarded as a method of increasing farm crops . . . 

 or it may be considered a system of education for boys and adults 

 by which a readjustment of country life can be effected and 

 placed on a higher plane of profit, comfort, culture, influence 

 and power." 



The next step was the organization of similar clubs for 

 the girls. It began in 1910 in Virginia and South Caro- 

 lina with garden clubs. Tomatoes were a favorite crop. 

 The crop grown, the canning club was organized to take 

 care of it. Later, sewing, cooking and bread clubs were 



