47 



tages and probable future, and are regarded as but small begin- 

 nings. Now Hampton has always had trade work as a part of 

 its plan and has found no incongruity in combining this work 

 with that of agriculture; it has, moreover, stressed teacher- 

 training particularly for teachers of rural and village schools. 

 Agricultural and industrial work is right at hand as a part of 

 the education of the teacher. And while no effort has been 

 made at Hampton to erect a theological school, many graduates 

 go into work specifically religious. 



It would seem wise, therefore, that all the interests in- 

 volved in Christian education in Central China consider the 

 advisability of developing possibly out of an existing school an 

 institution which shall stand definitely for the training of leaders 

 in agriculture, industry, rural school teaching and preaching. 

 It is recommended that the grade of work at the outset be not 

 higher than that of the middle school and not so high as that 

 if the student material probably available for such a school does 

 not warrant it. In time the school might become a college. 



If the Shantung institutions are to stress the preparation of 

 teachers and preachers for country work, here again this com- 

 bined agriculture industry teacher preacher training idea 

 might be utilized ; so also in Szechwan, rather, at the outset, 

 than a college of agriculture or engineering. 



The suggestions relative to the various aspects of this pro- 

 blem of agricultural middle schools, do not at all contravene the 

 plan for provincial training centers, projected not long ago by 

 some educational leaders in China, if funds are forthcoming 

 and the center plan seems the best one to those nearest the pro^ 

 blem to be solved. 



4. Higher Primary School of Agriculture. In case it seems 

 best to establish special schools for agriculture of elementary 

 grade, there should undoubtedly be one of as high grade as will 

 still educate farmers. One such school in a province should be 

 planned and located by agreement among the missions, but 

 managed by a single mission; this precaution should be taken 

 even if the school is an enlargement of an existing school. It 

 requires land for field work by the students and for tests and 

 demonstrations of varieties and methods. The course at the out- 

 set would probably be for one year, but with continuation 

 classes during the winter for those out of school. The types of 

 farming prevailing in the area which furnishes pupils for the 



