Objectives and Methods 3 



ject is that which combines classroom and textbook insinua- 

 tion with actual practice in the work of gardening. In gen- 

 eral, the relation between the classroom and the out- 

 door work is quite clear. Classroom and textbook 

 instruction deals primarily with principles ; it presents 

 the laws of plant growth and the fundamental relations 

 between plants and their environment in such a way 

 that their essential needs are understood. In all lines 

 of human effort, those individuals who understand the 

 reasons for what they are doing excel in practical work ; 

 thus, to obtain the best gardens we must give the pupils 

 an understanding of plant life. Secondarily, the class- 

 room and textbook instruction deals with the special 

 needs of the various vegetables and the special methods 

 of planting and caring for them in such detail that 

 with but little additional direction in the garden itself 

 the beginner can grow these successfully. 



In the actual outdoor work the pupil learns the art of 

 gardening. Mechanical skill in the use of tools is ac- 

 quired through their use. Acquaintance with plants is 

 gained from contact with them. The best methods of 

 caring for crops are learned by experience. Yet (for the 

 beginner especially) there is constantly the application 

 of principles learned in the classroom and judgment of 

 the methods employed according to the results attained. 

 The art of gardening becomes an intelligent application 

 of principles to methods, with eventually the discovery 

 of the most suitable methods. 



When both the principles and the practice of garden- 

 ing are taught, the subject has great educational and 

 utilitarian values, and it has taken its place in school 



