26 THREE ACRES AND LIBERTY 



prevent loss. By the end of the season he had learned so 

 to utilize his time and to organize his work and execute 

 our plans that we were able to recommend him to a farmer 

 who was looking for a handy man about the place. 



In twenty years our Associations have made demonstra- 

 tions of the following facts, each demonstration proving more 

 clearly than the former ones : 



First. That many people out of employment must have 

 help of some kind. 



Second. That a great majority of them prefer self-help, 

 and many will take no other. Nearly all are able and willing 

 to improve any opportunities open to them. 



Third. That to open opportunities to them does not pau- 

 perize or degrade, but has the opposite effect of elevating 

 and ennobling. It quickly establishes self-respect and self- 

 confidence. The best and most effective way of helping 

 people in need is to open a way whereby they may help 

 themselves. The most effective charity is opportunity ac- 

 companied with kindly advice and a personal interest in those 

 less fortunate than ourselves. 



Fourth. That the offering of gardens to the unemployed 

 with proper supervision and some assistance by providing 

 seeds, fertilizers, and plowing accompanied with instruction, 

 is the cheapest and easiest way of opening opportunities yet 

 devised. 



Fifth. That it possesses many advantages in addition to 

 providing profitable employment; among others, that the 

 worker must come out into the open air and sunshine ; must 

 exercise, and put forth exertion, all of which are conducive 

 to health, and, most important of all, he knows that all he 

 raises is to be his own. This is the greatest incentive to 

 industry. 



