2 NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [7 :i— Jan., 1911 



numbered them. A meeting was called and the "land drawing" 

 took place. Each child had the right to exchange his ticket with 

 anyone else if he liked another's location better than he did his 

 own and could induce the other to exchange. Other meetings 

 were held and talks given on the subject of the proper condition 

 of soil, the time of planting different seeds and correct methods 

 of planting. Seeds sent by the U. S. Government were given out. 

 Other seeds were purchased as each child saw fit. 



The children were given perfect freedom in the matter of 

 planting. The bed was the child's. He could plant all vegetables 

 or all flowers or part of one and part of the other. One of the 

 most artistic beds was outlined and divided by tender green let- 

 tuce, and planted with radishes, onions, beets and flowers. Geese 

 got in and devoured the lettuce. Many children supplied the home 

 table with fresh vegetables until school was out ; some worked 

 until the hot weather and weeds affected them ; others worked 

 faithfully all summer and not only supplied their own table but 

 had plenty of flowers and some pocket money, — best of all, better 

 health. 



The Home Garden Club was made up of children who had 

 land at home which they could use. Many homes had gardens 

 for the first time. One mother said : "Think of the gardens I 

 might have had in fourteen years. The menfolks all laughed at 

 Marie's ash-pile garden, but they enjoy the radishes and onions 

 now/' Marie is in the high school this year, but two immense 

 bouquets of beautiful flowers sent us last week tell that she 

 raised something besides radishes and onions. Yards that were 

 mostly ashes and tin cans now show grass and flowers, — not 

 very beautiful, but a beginning. 



The Young Farmers' Club was made up of children wh-"» 

 lived on what is known as "The Flats", where there were many 

 lots thick with weeds. Some had not been planted for years. 

 This was the most expensive venture. The children were not 

 accustomed to any kind of work, neither were some of the par- 

 ents. The season was very dry just when potatoes needed rain, 

 and the crop was short, but it compared favorably with that of 

 older gardeners and the potatoes were of good quality on most 

 of the lots. 



The cost was : 



Rent of 8 lots at $1.00 $ 8.00 



Plowing 8 lots at $1.00 8.00 



