Reports from Garden Supervisors 



WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 



In February throughout all grades above the third, we begin our 

 plans for the spring work. In the upper grades kinds of soil, 

 drainage, seed testing, choice of seeds, vegetables best adapted 

 to certain conditions and finally proper planting, cultivation and 

 care are taught. These subjects are in many cases demonstration 

 lessons and are simplified for lower grades. 



We have had a most successful and enthusiastic little army here 

 for two years and although, generally speaking, the war is over, I 

 think the high cost of food will make the boys and girls realize 

 that Uncle Sam still needs their help. 



We organized in companies of eight to fifteen soldiers with a 

 captain and one or two lieutenants. The lieutenants were respon- 

 sible to the captain and the captain to the garden supervisor. 

 Throughout the spring and summer months meetings for the officers 

 were held to discuss questions which troubled them and to make 

 reports on their inspections, for this was part of their work, keeping 

 a list of the members of their company and inspecting to see 

 whether or not they were being loyal soldiers, keeping out weeds, 

 cultivating, etc. 



In the early spring a garden pageant sent out by the Director 

 of the U. S. S. G. A. and revised for practical use was presented 

 by our army. It was a success and added greatly to the interest 

 in garden work. The entire city was interested for each school 

 was represented. The correlation with other subjects was splen- 

 did. The posters and costumes were designed and made by the 

 drawing and sewing classes. Language work and music also had a 

 share. 



For two years we have had a U. S. S. G. A. parade, companies 

 from all schools led by their officers only and carrying various 

 mottos and flags designed by themselves marched like true soldiers. 

 A float was a great addition to the parade last year, children from 

 the pageant who had been flowers and vegetables, etc., making a 

 very effective picture. 



Officers of the army kept note-books with the ratings of each 

 member of their company. They inspected every two weeks and 

 reported to the garden supervisor at the end of that time. 



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