Are Exhibits and Prizes of Value? 



A. N. Roberts 

 State Normal School, Potsdam, N. Y. 



One naturally wonders if the interest so strongly manifested 

 in school gardens during the war, will be continued now that it is 

 over. The pressure of food production was of sufficient interest 

 then. While high prices for the present will be a compelling 

 force, the time may come when the tax paying public and the 

 children's interest will again be factors for consideration unless 

 the psychological moment was seized by school officials and garden- 

 ing made a permanent part of the school curriculum during the 

 war. 



Throughout the state of New Hampshire the school garden work 

 culminates in an exhibit of products. It is considered one of the 

 best factors in the program of supervised gardening for it not only 

 retains the interest of the children during the year but gives a 

 comprehensive idea to the public which furnishes the money, of 

 the work the schools are accomplishing. In many communities 

 such exhibits are a surprise as the people do not realize what the 

 children are doing. They see not only good returns for well spent 

 labor but the educational value as well. 



The time for holding the school garden exhibit will have to be 

 determined by local conditions. It should be when the crops are 

 in good condition, when both flowers and vegetables are at the 

 height of bloom, fruit and foliage. This will usually be about the 

 second or third week of September in this latitude. 



The place where it is held should be easy of access and a place 

 where the exhibits can be displayed to the best advantage. If it 

 can be held in the gardens or near them so much the better, for 

 visitors would then have the opportunity to see how the work is 

 conducted. Access to a large assembly hall where a program can 

 be given is also desirable. This program may include garden 

 essays, a play or a pageant. If the children have written the play 

 so much the better. "The Garden Health Drive" published in the 

 current number of The Nature-Study Review is quite easily 

 produced and the simple costuming most pleasing. 



Awarding the prizes should be a part of the program. 



This brings up the question should prizes be offered ? Judging 

 by the common practice through out the country I would say 



ia5 



