THE RURAL COMMUNITY 323 



regular school work may be made to relate itself to the 

 problems of the farm and home. Many country schools now 

 include in their work such assistance to patrons as corn- 

 germination tests, Babcock tests for butter fat, fertilizer 

 estimates, milk records, and home projects, such as canning, 

 garment making, gardening and similar activities. 



We have here a suggestion well worthwhile: The parents 

 and others in the community should cooperate with one 

 another and with the teacher for the best interest of the pupils ; 

 and the pupils should cooperate in their school work or under 

 the direction of the teacher in helping solve some of the 

 problems that arise on the farm and in the homes. 



Church relations. Little need be said of the importance 

 of church relations, except to point out the desirability of 

 making the most of them. The church affords an opportunity 

 for landowner, tenant and hired help to meet on a common 

 basis. It already has its organization and leader, the pastor. 

 It also has for its guidance the highest ideals of fellowship 

 and cooperation. But the organization, leadership, and ideals 

 must affect the community through the church members. 

 This means more than mere belief in the church or attendance 

 only. It means active participation, not only in church 

 matters but in all that pertains to the welfare of the com- 

 munity. 



Social relations. In general, social relations include the 

 various forms of intercourse where individuals meet one 

 another. They may be casual, as on the road, in the store, or 

 at church. Even a business transaction may have in it ele- 

 ments of a social nature. In these examples the social features 

 are more or less incidental. 



There are other ways in which people come into contact 

 with one another where enjoyment of fellowship predominates, 



