Gloucester County Democrat., 1907-10-24
HE CIR ANGE
Conducted By
J. W. DARROw. Chatham. N. X.
Press Correspondent Nesv York State
GrGnge
JUVENILE GRANGE WORK.
How One Organization of Young Peo-
pie Is Conducted With Success.
Especial correspondence.l

PIC 10 GoFQGCkcO WHIT SUCCESS.
Especial Correspondence.
AS the organizing of juvenile oranges
is becoming more and more popular, a
few hints on different ways of making
their meetings successful and profita-
BILE may be of interest AS so much
depends upon the matron, one should
be chosen with reference to her fitness
for the place. She should be able to
govern In kind, inconspicuous way,
but never in such manner as will
antagonize the children, for no good
work can be done unless the matron
is entirely in sympathy with them and
shows a lively interest In all of their
plans
As soon as the officers and members
once learn to conduct the meetings
they should be allowed to do so and to
attend to all business pertaining to the
Order without any interference from
the matron, so long as it is properly
done. Correct business methods and
parliamentary rules should be taught
from the outset.
That the meetings may not be-
come monotonous pleasant seasonable
amusements are planned. Last sum-
mer our juveniles enjoyed picnic
and this winter sleigh ride party.
All necessary expenses were paid from
the juvenile treasury.
Nature study lessons are profitable
to introduce into the lecturers pro-
gramme, and the children enjoy them
If their interest is aroused by having
them collect specimens, dissect and ex-
anime buds, fruits, roots, etc. Bulle-
tins on this subject can be obtained
by applying to J. w. Spencer, College
of Agriculture, Cornell university.
Last year the boys each had garden
and reported their successes and fail
ures from time to time In the meet
ings, while the girls tried their skill at
raising sweet peas. This year I plan
to have the boys compete for prize
which | will give to the one raising
the largest pumpkin. I Will furnish
the seed that it may be uniform, and
they will be instructed in some simple
methods that will increase their
chances for success, such as literally
fertilizing the soil, allowing but one
plant in each hill and removing all the
sets except the one most promising.
The girls will raise zinnias, as they
are hardy and easily grown. This
seed will also be furnished and prize
be given for the best bouquet cut from
these flowers.
At one meeting each member was
asked to write verse about his or her
right hand neighbor as they were seat
ed in the grange and bring it to the
next meeting. Every child responded,
and such originality and humor as all
showed At another time each girl
brought some homemade candy and
showed her ability In that line of the
culinary art.
The little miss who holds our lectur-
ers chair is one of our brightest mem
bers and will arrange a very nice pro
gramme entirely unaided. My Favor
| ite Pets and my Favorite Study
are subjects which she has had dis
cussed, while there are always recita-
tons, selections, music, question box,
| conundrums or quotations to vary the
programme. The Juveniles are often
asked to contribute something to the
programme of the subordinate grange
and always willingly respond. This
work is all the while bringing the chill
dren into closer touch with the elevat-
ing influence of the grange and pre-
pairing them for the duties Of maturer
years. MELYA L. BRADT.
| North Hannibal, N. y.