96 



raising certain staples in accordance with the hest scientific 

 methods. Under the leadership and direction of members of 

 the faculty of the Massachusetts Agricultural College, a wide- 

 spread interest in agriculture has been developed. Seed of 

 approved quality is distributed to the members of these clubs, 

 and full directions are given regarding culture and harvesting. 

 Exhibits are held at the close of the season under the auspices 

 of local granges or other organizations. Prizes are awarded 

 for the best results. By these means the boys are stimulated, 

 by emulation and friendly rivalry, to put both skill and in- 

 dustry into their individual undertakings. Some notable 

 results have been secured through this movement, in the culture 

 of both corn and potatoes. 



4. Summer Courses. The Massachusetts Agricultural Col- 

 lege, by its summer courses for the training of teachers, by its 

 conferences on rural conditions and by the travelling school of 

 instruction, in which use is made of the train and trolley ser- 

 vice of the State, is doing valuable work in stimulating an in- 

 terest in farming and in spreading a knowledge of scientific 

 method among teachers. 



5. The Work of the Board of Education. An agent of the 

 Board of Education is giving a large part of his time and atten- 

 tion to the encouragement and direction of teachers and super- 

 intendents in the establishment and conduct of elementary 

 work in agriculture. Under his direction a manual is being 

 prepared which gives directions for carrying out a number of 

 projects in agriculture. This publication furnishes detailed 

 and specific instructions, whereby superintendents and teachers 

 will be enabled to conduct classes in the different projects in- 

 telligently and effectively. In Part II. of this chapter a brief 

 description of this manual, and an example of one of the projects 

 are given. 



Provisions for Extension and Development. 

 In order that elementary agriculture in the grammar grades 

 may be carried on with success, it is necessary that teachers 

 should receive some training for the work. Such preparation may 

 be given in several ways. The manual to which reference has 

 already been made should enable an alert, progressive teacher, 



