SOME QUALIFICATIONS OF THE WOMAN COUNTY AGENT 



wise managing new and neglected orchards in their counties. 

 While there may be a great many agents who do not have the 

 advantage of proper preparation along these lines, it is cer- 

 tainly gratifying that they are anticipating the needs of the 

 work and are constantly keeping ahead in their private study, 

 short courses, reading and correspondence. 



There may be horticulturists who love plants, but do not 

 care so much for folks, but this is a person who must be fond 

 of both. Furthermore, she must able to inspire a love of 

 vegetables, flowers and trees. It is a very important qualifica- 

 tion in the Club Work to give the members a love of nature 

 and plants. After this is done it is a simple matter to teach 

 the fundamentals of horticulture and agriculture. The 

 Demonstration Agents have a great opportunity and mission 

 to give purpose, enthusiasm and direction to the teaching of 

 these things in the schools. There is so much abstraction, not 

 to say aloofness, in the practice of teaching such subjects from 

 text books in class rooms, that interest and vitality are greatly 

 weakened. When a growing child studies a growing plant and 

 strives to make something out of it, the results, both direct and 

 indirect, are sure to be good. Teachers cannot cooperate fully 

 and successfully with agents in Club Work without visiting the 

 gardens and homes of the Club members. When a teacher makes 

 such a visit she is sure to commend and help. She immediately 

 increases her influence and usefulness. She must increase 

 her knowledge also, if she is to continue to encourage and 

 aid the girls who are doing progressive work. No wonder 

 that so many teachers look upon the county agents as their 

 special helpers and as benefactors to the schools. When rural 

 school teachers are employed for twelve months in the year, 

 and when each one becomes an assistant Home Demonstration 



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