PREFACE 



IN the preparation of this book I have had in 

 mind two classes of readers; namely, the rural 

 parents and the many persons who are interested in 

 carrying forward the rural work discussed in the 

 several chapters. It has been my aim to give as 

 much specific aid and direction as possible. The 

 first two chapters constitute a mere outline of some 

 of the fundamental principles of child development. 

 It would be fortunate if the reader who is unfa- 

 miliar with such principles could have a course of 

 reading in the volumes that treat them extensively. 

 Nearly every suggestion given in the main body of 

 the book is based on what has already either been 

 undertaken with a degree of success or planned for 

 in some rural community. 



I am very greatly indebted to the following per- 

 sons and firms for their kindness and generosity in 

 lending pictures and cuts for illustrating the book : 

 E. T. Fairchild, State Superintendent of Public 

 Instruction, Topeka, Kansas ; J. W. Crabtree, 

 Principal State Normal School, River Falls, Wis- 

 consin ; George W. Brown, Superintendent of Edgar 

 County, Paris, Illinois ; O. J. Kern, Superintendent 

 of Winnebago County, Rockford, Illinois; Miss 



