Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-02-18
BOYS, CORN CONTEST.

More boy farmers In South Caro-
lima are interested in the growing OF
corn than ever before in the history
of the state. Over 1000 young men
will take part in the Boys Corn club
work and clubs have been organized
in many Of the counties Of the state.
The growing of corn by the corn club
Is educational in its nature, and Is
part of the state department OF edu-
cation.
The United States department Of
education has issued the following
tentative plans for the corn club work
in this state:
It is worth while to get boy to
form a good purpose and work per-
sistently toward its accomplishment.
II number of boys can be induced to
strive for the same goal, with a spirit
Of friendly rivalry which stimulates
observation, study, industry and econ
omy, then the good results will be In
creased many fold.
Such Is the plan Of the Boys Corn
clubs in the farm demonstration Work.
In order to get the best results 1t Is
not only necessary to get the boys to
unite their efforts, but 1t Is also essen
tial that other vital forces in the
county cooperate. One Of the strong
features about the demonstration
work Is that 1t Is cooperative. so In
the boys department we frequently
find the county superintendent Of edu-
cation and teachers, the demonstra-
ton agents, the business men, the
newspapers and the parents giving aid
and support
Where this work is being introduc-
ed in a county, the county superinten-
dent of education and teachers can
reach the boys in all sections Of the
county more quickly and more effec-
lively than any other agency. The
superintendent can explain the plan
to the teachers, and they can explain
Ii to the boys and secure the names
of all boys who will agree to plant one
acre Of corn. It Is best to begin with
corn. 1t Is a fine subject for study,
and our people need to raise more
corn in order to be prosperous and
independent.
After this is done. meeting Of all
boys interested should be held at the
court house for the purposes OF or
ganiZation and instruction. Such a
meeting should be held as early In
the season as possible, so that every
boy may have time for proper prep
aration of soil and selection Of seed.
For the first year 1t has been found
advantageous to see that first class
seed are furnished to all Of the boys
alike. After that each boy should
select and breed his own seed. When
ever a special agent Of the United
States department Of agriculture Is
located in county 1t will be found
that he will gladly help in giving in
structions and advice in regard to the
agricultural part Of the work, either
to the county club or to local groups
of boys whom he may meet In his
rounds over the county.
Just as soon as the names Of all OF
the boys are assembled by the county
superintendent Of education, duplicate
lists should be sent to DR.. 8. A.
Knapp, Washington, d. c., who has
charge Of the farmers cooperative
work. These boys will from time to
time receive circulars Of instructions
and information in regard to prepa-
ration, fertilization, cultivation, seed
selection, etc. These circulars furnish
excellent subject matter for discussion
at a club meeting or for a lesson In
school. They also lead to further
study of farmers bulletins and books.
A boy will profit from such lessons,
discussions and books because he Is
making practical application Of the
agriculture because he needs 1t and
not because 1t is scientific.
1t is not necessary to have many
rules. A few regulations, however,
are necessary in order to prevent mis-
understanding. It is we'll for the boys
to elect their own president, vice.
president, secretary and treasurer.
Some clubs have badges Of member
ship in the shape Of button with the
name Of the club, name Of the county
and state, and the year printed or en-
graved upon 1t.
The following rules might be adopt
ed by a club, with such notifications
and additions as may be found neces-
sary:
/. Boys joining clubs and entering
contests must be under Is years of
age.
2. No boy shall contest for a prize
unless he becomes a member Of a
club.
8. The members of the clubs must
agree to read the instructions Of the
demonstration work.
4. Each boy must plan his own
crops and do his own work.
5. Exhibits must be delivered to
the county superintendent Of educa-
ton by October 16.
6. The amount of the yield and the
method of measurement must be GER
titled by each boy and attested by at
least two disinterested witnesses, who
shall be satisfactory to the county su-
perintendent.
7. In awarding prizes the follow
ing basis shall be used: (a) greatest
yield per acre, 80 per cent; (b) best
10-ear exhibit, Is per cent; (c) best
written account showing history Of
crop and all expenses, 25 per cent;
(d) best showing of profit on invest
ment, 80 per cent.
Experts from agricultural colleges
and departments Of agriculture, and
leading farmers, should be invited to
act as judges and also to give talks on
corn judging and seed selection.
In estimating profits uniform prices
should be used, for instance: $5 per
acre for rent, 10 cents per hour for
the work of each boy, and cents per
hour for each horse.
Where there is a county fair the
boys exhibit should be shown there.
If no fair should be held in a county,
the boys exhibit should be collected
in the court house or some other pub
lie place easy Of access.
A good exhibit by a boys club may
lead to the establishment Of county
fair. Exhibits by local clubs at school
houses stimulate the work and give
fine opportunities for general instruc-
ton. Although the clubs may start
with corn, the development naturally
leads to exhibits Of other farm and
garden crops.
The object Of the boys demonstra-
ton work Is the same as that among |
men; namely, better methods Of farm |
ing and greater yields. Many Of the
boys in the clubs who begin to study |
agriculture in this way will continue |
the study in the agricultural colleges, |
others will continue such efforts on
their farms, and all Of them will make |
more useful and moro efficient citi-
zens. From the pleasant and profit |
able experience of owning and manag- |
ing their small plats they will develop |
into independent, intelligent farmers.
The country needs such citizenship,
and such life offers and will offer
great opportunities for some years.
The professions are crowded and the
wage -earners must pay high prices
for the necessities Of life. The wise
and judicious producer can enjoy |
health. wealth and contentment. The
question is how many boys can be
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