232 GARDENS AND THEIR MEANING 



developed in them, — a matter of great importance in rural dis- 

 tricts, where the isolated condition of the people has long been a 

 great hindrance to progress. 1 



The accompanying letter speaks for itself in showing how one 

 agricultural college is organizing corn and potato clubs. 



Massachusetts Agricultural College 



Department of Agricultural Education 



Amherst, Massachusetts 



To the Boys and Girls of Massachusetts : 



You are invited to join a Corn Club or a Potato Club. My object in 

 asking you to join one of these clubs is to help you to learn more about 

 raising corn and potatoes. If you wish to join, you must agree to plant, 

 cultivate, and harvest the crop without any help. After the crop is 

 gathered there will be a contest for premiums for the best corn and the 

 best potatoes. 



The corn and potatoes that win prizes at home will be taken to 

 Worcester in November to compete for prizes at the Corn Exposition. 

 Give your name and post-office address to your teacher or superintendent 

 as soon as you make up your mind to join. 



As soon as your names are sent to me I shall send you some direc- 

 tions for planting and cultivating. Every member of the Corn Club will 

 get a half-pint of corn, and every member of the Potato Club will get 

 three Green Mountain potatoes free. 



Very respectfully yours 



W. R. Hart 



1 United States Department of Agriculture, Farmers' Bulletin Xo. j8j. 



