The Lafayette advertiser. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], La.) 1865-19??, 1909-06-25
STERE0PT|C0N
LECTURE GIVEN
BY Mr.. Howe Wednesday Night at In
stitute illustrating Farm Life
Proves Very Interesting.

On wednesday evening Prof. Howe
delivered a very interesting and in.
structive stereopticon lecture to the
students of the Summer Normal. show
ing the progress made in the organi-
zation of school clubs in the various
states and the great necessity of in
Producing the study of scientific agri-
culture in the schools of the country.
| Many boys leave school before finish
ing the course because of too much
book study, and the speaker knew of
instances where young men actually
returned to school when afforded an
opportunity to pursue studies that
opened the way to action i'm some
line OF industry. Prof Howe gave
brief statement, by way of introduc-
ton, giving some idea of the scope
and magnitude of The National agri-
cultural department and the benefits
that the system was intended to con.
fer.
A series of illustrations thrown
on the screen proved highly entertain
ing and exhibited many scenes Of
farm life. Clubs had been formed bv
boys and girls in many states and the
pictures showed most vividly the prog.
ress made in corn culture, domestic
science and live stock breeding. Tho
boys in addition to study carry out
practical experiments in the cultiya-
ton OF corn, potatoes and other crops.
and prizes are awarded to stimulate
their efforts. Girls are taught domes-
tic science, and go to the fairs with
specimens of pastry, millinery, etc.
All the representations were grarhic |
stories of the life and activity now
being introduced into the schools. .af.
fording avenues for the DEVELOPMENT
along scientific lines of the hereto.
fore repressed energies of the chill.
dren. To look upon the scenes de-
picted gives fair conception of the
work being done not only through
state and country, but through the
general government. Students are
supplied with seed and plants and Civ
en- directions for soil preparation and
care and cultivation to produce the
best results. If the boys and girls
are to be kept on the farm some
thing must be provided to make the
life pleasant and profitable.
One fact that impressed itself was
the important part played by county
and state fairs in promoting general
interest in agriculture. Even the
boys and girls are recognized in these
great exhibits, having special depart
nent assigned them and being ac- il.
corded place on the regular pro-
gram. The corn and grain exhibits ,
ire simply wonderful, and the live ,
stock shows present the highest .
ypes of cattle, horses, sheep, etc
Two years ago planter won prize ,
or the best corn in the West and !,
I
vas awarded prizes aggregating $1,000
'esides selling his samples for $28 per :
ar In all these great undertakings
he boys and girls figure as important
actors, and the lecture demonstrated
My too plainly the deficiency Of our
peal school system in its failure to
rovide a course that opens up so
reat an opportunity for natural prog
ess and the development Of science
hat antedates all other sciences. It
true small beginning has been
lade. but when the advance Of other
tates is shown, the condition Of local
fairs shows great need Of improve
lent. The agricultural character Of
ur country demands not only the sys-
ematic study Of the science in the
chools. but the institution Of parish
air to stimulate the industry and
lace 1t upon that eminent plane
here It Justly belongs in the arts Of
uman endeavor.