324 PRINCIPLES OF FARM PRACTICE 



as in church socials, farmers' clubs, school entertainments 

 picnics and the like. 



The very nature of farm life tends toward isolation. Homes 

 are far apart. Farm work itself deals with nature rather 

 than people. There are few occasions or opportunities for 

 extended acquaintance with people. Rural life is especially 

 lacking in adequate social interests for boys and girls who 

 are passing from childhood to maturity. Yet contact with 

 others is quite as important for the farmer and his family as 

 it is for the city dweller and his family. Human intercourse 

 making acquaintances and friends is too valuable an 

 experience to be left out of life. 



How to secure adequate social life is a difficult problem 

 for most rural communities. A partial solution has already 

 been suggested. It lies in the fullest cooperation and in the 

 use of all existing agencies, such as business organizations, 

 schools, churches, clubs and the like, to furnish occasions for 

 social intercourse. The value of having an occasion for getting 

 together is well illustrated by the influence of the Red Cross 

 Society. During the Great War branches of this society 

 were organized in most rural communities. People came 

 together who never before had found a common interest. 

 The members did a fine, patriotic service, but they also 

 learned how to work in harmony and to know and appreciate 

 each other; they made the beginnings of real friendship. 



One of the best agencies for the promotion of social life 

 in rural communities is the farmers' club. In general, its 

 object is to promote the interests of the community whenever 

 there may be need for united action. The meetings are 

 occasions for getting acquainted and encouraging sociability, 

 as well as for purposeful activity. *! 



Recreation. The need of wholesome recreation, es- 



