148 Farmer and his Wife as Leaders of the Young 



And let the choice be in the direction of the chooser's 

 leading social interest. As a means of preparation 

 for efficient work a brief course of training is to be 

 much commended. It may be found practicable to 

 slip away from home during the winter months and 

 take a farmers' short course in one of the agricultural 

 colleges. Or, one may find the peculiar instruction 

 and inspiration needed by attending a convention or 

 conference of the ablest leaders representative of the 

 work. One of the rural-life conferences now fre- 

 quently held might be found ideal. Go prepared to 

 take notes, to ask questions, and especially to obtain 

 a large number of literary references. 



The use of helpful literature is most important at 

 this stage. A magazine which admirably covers this 

 particular field is Rural Manhood, published by the 

 Association Press, New York City. Then, secure 

 the report of the Country Life Commission, and a 

 number of the latest works of a similar nature, some 

 of which are listed below. Write to the Department 

 of Agriculture at Washington for their bulletin on 

 the organization of boys' and girls' clubs. Also from 

 the extension department of the agricultural college 

 may be obtained for the asking all available literature 

 of this same general class. 



Now, make a careful survey of the neighborhood, or 

 the larger field, with a view to finding out the specific 

 conditions in relation to the chosen line of service. 

 Make lists of names and ages of the boys and girls, 



