CHAPTER XXVII 



CO-OPERATION 



From the initial step of a Children's Garden, its 

 value and effectiveness depends much upon the co- 

 operation aroused in its interest. The parents of the 

 children, the neighbors, the big brothers and sisters, 

 the uncles, aunts and cousins, and all visitors must 

 be drawn into the atmosphere of contagious good 

 will. 



They should have reasonable freedom to visit and 

 watch the work, and have a feeling of sharing in its 

 prosperity. There are many ways that all can help 

 and benefit by it. The desire to help is strong in 

 human nature, and by securing it, we disarm hos- 

 tility. 



The man who sends a load of manure, or lends a 

 spade, will come in to see how things are progressing. 

 The loafers who come seeking mischief, and who can 

 be annoying, will be completely disarmed after they 

 have been diplomatically allowed to help with the work. 

 They will seldom do much, but this little breaks the 

 ice, and makes them helpful and willing to protect 

 the garden, if only by keeping away. 



Co-operative service is a potent means of develop- 

 ing good will, and because the garden does this, it 

 becomes important in developing civics. The garden 



175 



