494 NATURE-STUDY 



Gardening: Nursery work — grafting,* budding,* (232, 

 229, 230, 240, 223, 222, 241. See page 288.) 



Culture of boxed and potted plants. (See Chapter XVI 

 for list. 235, 221, 229, 224, 245.) 



Talks about farmers' institutes. Attend. Call attention 

 to the free distribution of Farmers' Bulletins (see reference 

 246). Send for lists. 



Talks about agricultural colleges or rural industrial schools. 

 Send for catalogue. Encourage boys and girls to attend if 

 they have a fondness for country life. 



Encourage the pupils to keep poultry, doves, etc., to take 

 care of the cow or horse at home. Perhaps their parents 

 may give them a calf or a colt, etc., to take care of. Let them 

 read about how to feed, etc., and apply their knowledge. 

 Encourage home reading of elementary books on agriculture 

 and horticulture, seed catalogues, farm papers, etc. (See 

 references 222, etc.) Discuss the comparative advantages 

 of farm and city life, emphasizing the healthfulness and the 

 beauty of the country, and the independence of the farmer. 

 Read literature appreciative of rural life and scenes. Refer 

 to the great men who have lived on a farm. Consider the 

 modern improved machinery of the fairm, the conveniences 

 and even the luxuries to-day possible, such as gas, telephone, 

 free delivery, books, and papers, rural electric lines, and con- 

 solidated schools. 



Bacteria: Connect with physiology above. Simple ex- 

 perimental cultures to show bacteria of decay. Experi- 

 ments in inoculation of culture media; sterilization; canning 

 fruit; bad fruit and meat. Bacteria in dust. — Hardwood 

 floors vs. carpets; mopping vs. sweeping and "dusting." 

 Bacteria in milk. Bacteria and disease. Contagion. Dis- 



