INCREASING THE FOOD SUPPLY 
425 
of adults that were cultivating war gardens during the years 
of 1917-1918, there were approximately one million and a 
half school children enlisted in the United States School 
Garden Army during the summer of 1918. It is believed 
that an average of one fifteenth of an acre per pupil is a 
conservative estimate. This would make a total of one 
hundred thousand acres. The average production per acre 
under intensive cultivation at a low estimate ought to be $50, 
Figure 379. —War Garden. 
which would give a total of fifty million dollars in value 
(Figure 379). Experienced truck gardeners expect to make 
from $1000 to $1200 per acre. How much did you make? 
In addition to increasing the general food supply, there are 
two other reasons why the War Garden idea should be per¬ 
petuated. In the first place, the vacant lots of a city or town 
present a more attractive appearance when under cultivation 
than when occupied by weeds and rubbish. Secondly, they 
furnish a splendid opportunity for boys and girls to learn how 
many of their food plants grow and the meaning of labor. 
