JUoral Park, Nri» fork 
Dear Friends:. January 1, 1906* 
I take this opportunity to address you on a subject 
that is dear to my heart: Teaching Horticulture and Gar¬ 
dening in our Public Schools. The Society of American 
Florists and Ornamental Horticulturists, at their last 
meeting in Washington, D. C., appointed a Committee to 
prepare a plan that will be simple, interesting, and prac¬ 
tical, that they hope to get adopted by the different 
Boards of Education throughout the country. To be suc¬ 
cessful, it will, first of all, have to interest the child. 
With the text-books and pamphlets for the children will 
have to go the clearest kind of suggestions to the teachers. 
Miss Sipe, of Washington, D. C., at the request of the 
Society of American Florists and Ornamental Horticultur¬ 
ists, delivered a lecture before the Convention, last sum¬ 
mer, on what is being done in the public schools of Wash¬ 
ington on this line. 
Miss Sipe told and proved what a benefit it was to 
children; how it occupied and developed all that was good 
in them: Physical, mental, and moral. Exercise of the 
very best kind; mental activity, by each day planning and 
caring for their plot; industry, because of the healthy 
strife in having things as good as the ir ne ighbor. Another 
point she made was a revelation: When the little and 
larger scholars were given a plot of ground for their own 
care, all signs and desire of vandalism ceased; the nat¬ 
ural romping and destructive nature was entirely changed 
by the sense of possession; each child respected the rights 
of others to a marked extent. I could say much more , but 
space does not permit. 
I want some help in this matter, so that J may be 
able to offer some suggestions to this Commi11ee. 
For the best method of teaching practical horticul¬ 
ture (this includes both vegetables and flowers) in our 
public schools , I will pay $10.00; to the next best , $5.00; 
third, $2.50; to be paid on the first of next September. 
Why I set this date is--should any be of great merit, I 
will submit them to the Committee at the next Convention 
held in August next. 
Should the Committee see fit to adopt any plans 
sent me, I will further increase the sum one-half more. 
Very respectfully yours, 
MARY E. MARTIN. 
