DAVIS] INSTRUCTION IN AGRICULTURE 9 



"Corn was tested in large quantities — boxes filled with different 

 kinds of soil used to test different seeds, germination, the effect of 

 moisture, etc." 



"The work was managed by both the pupils and the teacher in co- 

 operation. One pupil would be given a certain experiment to perform 

 and another pupil or group of pupils would be given another." 



"Dividing the school into three or four classes and allowing time 

 each week to each class and when possible give each a plot of ground 

 to care for and study. When with this class, others are left to do their 

 own work." 



"Teacher illustrates the process and then asks pupils to perform 

 similar operation with different materials. Their work is for most part 

 done at home." 



"I appoint committees or certain pupils to do certain definite work. 

 They are held responsible, and are expected to report at different times 

 regarding their work." 



In making an estimate of the success of agriculture as a 

 school subject patrons as well as pupils should be considered. 

 Unless results reach beyond the school into the home its place 

 in the curriculum can hardly be justified. All but four teachers 

 responding to this question (11) regarded their work in agri- 

 culture as successful in this respect. 



"One boy increased daily yield of milk about one-half in family cow 

 by adopting feeding standard — great enthusiasm. Others tried other 

 animals with varying success. Gardens at home and decoration of home 

 grounds are carried on by pupils to the extent of perhaps 75 per cent." 



"One of my patrons whose home has never had any care and where 

 there has never been any attempt at cultivating the yard, has made a 

 flower bed along the front of the yard, and has planted out other flowers. 

 They are now talking of fixing the house as soon as they can." 



"To a gratifying degree. Special crops are tried out in many in- 

 stances ; rations for dairy, brood and draft animals are in use ; modified 

 irrigation is being permitted for boys on their o'wn tracts, and remedies 

 for animal diseases have w^on favor with the patrons." 



"hi one instance the farms at home were treated with lime as a result 

 of the lime experiment on acid soils at school. Flowers were grown and 

 cared for more intelligently." 



"By pupils planting experiment fields of their own and trying to 

 raise crops that are not raised here; such as cotton, tobacco. By pupils 

 grafting and budding different fruit trees." 



"Patrons have been extremely well satisfied. They help in every 

 way posssible. In several cases tests have been made which disprove old 

 theories held for years." 



"It has interested boys in school that were never interested before 

 and the parents think it is grand." 



"Japanese plum trees set in connection with school. This has been 

 the direct cause of setting at least five hundred in the neighborhood and 

 the end is not yet. Pure bred Leghorn chickens have been introduced. 

 Also alsike clover, deeper tillage, home mixing of fertilizers, etc." 



