36 THE NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [i, i, jan. 1905 



for each class, and a spading contest open only to the third and 

 fourth year boys. The exhibit is for the young gardeners what 

 the closing day was to the pupils in the old district schools. Par- 

 ents, teachers and friends are all invited to be present. An effort 

 is made by every gardener to have his garden in perfect condition, 

 and the rivalry in arranging the produce on the tables is keen. 

 The hoeing and spading contests show visitors something of what 

 the boys have learned in the methods of handling tools, while the 

 gardens and produce show what they have accomplished in apply- 

 ing these methods. There are also at the exhibit spinning wheels 

 and a hand-loom in operation, and the different fibre plants grown 

 at the school — jute, cotton, flax, ramie, and hemp — are all shown 

 in their various stages of development and manufacture from the 

 growing product to the finished cloth. This has been explained 

 to the children ; although this is the only practical demonstration 

 that they have the opportunity to see. There are also exhibits of 

 the handicraft courses as well as the school-gardens, which aid 

 in making the school-garden exhibit not only very attractive but 

 of educational value. 



What is done at the School of Horticulture can be done in 

 many schools. It may not be possible to have as large gardens, 

 and often it will be necessary to secure land in the public parks 

 or in vacant lots. The grafting work and potting can often be 

 arranged in the basement or on a table in the schoolroom, and 

 the " window- gar den'' is the teacher's greenhouse. In it can be 

 grown all of the early vegetables and flowers started for the 

 gardens outside, and greater interest and enthusiasm will develop 

 if the children see the plants growing day by day. Of course, 

 there must be an instructor who is equal to the task. 



While we may not be able to make many farmers and gar- 

 deners, we may help to make much better men and women. It is 

 hoped that we may check the flow of people to the city and turn 

 some back again to the country. The school-garden creates a 

 love for industry, a love for the country, for nature and things 

 beautiful, and makes boys and girls stronger, more intelligent, 

 nobler, truer men and women. 



