6 BULLETIN 346, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



. Competent supervision essential. — Supervision is necessary in "order 

 that those in charge niay be sure the work is carried out as outlined. 

 It is even more essential that some one take an active interest in 

 aiding with problems which may arise, and in giving encouragement. 

 Where it can be arranged it will prove most satisfactory as a rule to 

 have the teacher who is conducting the class work supervise the 

 projects connected with the courses given. The summer season is the 

 most important time for most projects, hence in States where the 

 teaching of agriculture is based upon the home project, teachers are 

 employed for the entire year. If any vacation is allowed them it is 

 taken in the winter. Effective supervision means frequent visits to 

 the homes of the students. In districts where the students are scat- 

 tered over a wide area, some special means of transportation will be 

 essential to efficient service. 



Detailed records to be kept. — A valuable part of the training secured 

 in connection with carrying out a project will be obtained in the 

 keeping of accurate records and accounts. It will be helpful, if not 

 absolutely necessary, to give a few lessons in elementary cost ac- 

 counting before the work is begun. The record should cover points 

 learned in connection with study relating to the project as well as 

 experience gained in practice. In keeping accounts such items as 

 rent of land and interest on investment should not be overlooked. 

 Accurate account should be kept of the time expended and charges 

 and credits made upon a fair basis.. Accuracy and fairness are 

 especially important in the keeping of accounts where there is any 

 contest feature in conducting the projects. 



The following record blank for a potato project may be adapted 

 to other crops. It is suggestive of forms which may be used for 

 other kinds of projects. 



Record blank for potato project. 



SOIL PREPARATION. 



Character of soil Crop for 5 years past 



Date of plowing Dates of harrowing 



Implement used Implements used 



Depth plowed Cost of harrowing 



Cost of plowing Condition of land when planted 



CROP PLANTING AND CULTIVATION. 



Variety of potatoes planted Kind of fertilizer 



Kind of seed Amount of fertilizer per acre. 



Cost of seed and planting Cost of fertilizer 



Depth of planting Dates of cultivation 



Distance of planting Implements used 



Percentage of stand Cost of cultivation 



