THE DEMONSTRATION WORK 



Some statement of reasons for Corn Clubs was thought 

 necessary, too, and it was made in these words : 



"Corn was selected for the first demonstrations, because it is a 

 plant that can be profitably produced in most sections of the United 

 States. The boys throughout the country have common knowledge 

 of it from childhood, and the lessons seem easy. Corn yields more 

 food to the acre in most sections of the United States, when properly 

 handled, than any other grain crop. Food for men and animals is 

 one of the first necessities. Cheapness of production is an important 

 item. The growing of more and better corn in the South is necessary 

 for better farm conditions. It forms part of a proper rotation 

 for soil building and will furnish feed for a more extended live- 

 stock industry. It is the foundation crop for home use in most of 

 the Southern States. Its more extensive growth will encourage 

 diversification." 



It was stated further that, ''The Farmers' Co-operative 

 Demonstration Work is not undertaking the organization of 

 these clubs to teach agriculture in the public schools, but it is 

 seeking through its field force to instruct boys in practical 

 agriculture on the farm. ' ' Of course it was realized that the 

 reflex action on the school would call for more interest and 

 activity among the teachers, in corn, in potatoes, in pigs, in 

 calves, and in farm matters generally. 



Dr. Knapp also observed: 



"The Demonstration Work undertakes to create in the school- 

 boy a love of the farm and a new hope by showing the wonderful 

 possibilities of the soil when properly managed and the ease with 

 which wealth and distinction are achieved in rural life when science 

 and art join hands. This is worked out by the cooperation of the 

 demonstration workers, the county superintendent of public instruc- 

 tion and the rural teachers." 



At the very beginning of the organization of Boys' Com 

 Clubs in connection with the Farm Demonstration Work, Dr. 

 Knapp insisted upon standardization. He said every boy 

 should undertake to demonstrate with an acre of land so that 



[42] 



