Objectives and Methods 3 
ject is that which combines classroom and textbook instruc- 
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 
