The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1911-01-20
CLASS IN AGRICULTURE.


There is widespread movement in the
country schools to make the subjects taught
more adapted to the life and work that will
very likely be the pupils lot after leaving
school. Through the philanthropic generosity
Of Mr.. Frank Steele, the West nottingham
Academy has been able to Introduce such a
course including Botany, Zoology, General
Agriculture, Horticulture and similar sub.
jects, covering all branches OF agriculture Of
general interest.
That the community and country at large
are keenly interested in such course is shown
by the interest taken in the work. While
some pupils have been drawn from distance
attracted blythe Agriculture feature that has
been introduced into the school, many have
come into the course from the immediate
neighborhood Of the school. The growth has
been extended throughout the term. as agri-
culture was entirelya new development in the
school curriculum. At the present time the
classes number as follows: Botany, 10; Zoology,
8; General Agriculture 10 horticulture, 8, and
Types and Breeds Of Farm Animals, L In all
the classes lively interest is shown. As yet
there are no pupils for more advanced classes.
Another development has been the estab-
lishment Of night class for those who are un-
able to avail themselves of the classes during
the day. For. this class no charges are made
except for the books which every one is adj
vised to get. Thelobject Of the class is to meet
as nearly as possible the needs and desires Of
those who attend. Every effort win be made
toward this end.
1 The class was organized on the evening Of
Jan. 6, when eight men met together bringing
the names Of five others who wished to join.
Since then the enrolment has increased to
twenty. At this first meeting it was decided
to hold the class once week, on Friday eve
ming, at 1880 O'Clock and to continue twelve
weeks If possible. All are welcome,
Agriculture is science embracing the
whole field Of natural and physical science.
And, in agriculture as in every other business
one cannot know too much. Heretofore our
country schools have been modelled too much
on the plans developed in the large and pro-
gressive city schools As consequence they.
have been better adapted to the needs Of the
city than to those of the country. The result
has beena tendency on the part Of the young
people to go to the city. and the develop
ment of doubt in the minds Of the
older people, of the value of an education to a
farmer. While farmer may be able to ssget
alongr without mans education. he needs
an education adapted to his conditions OF life,
if he is ever going to realize all that life con-
tains for him. Professor L. n. Bailey desig.
mated the needs of the farmer as: 1st-better
knowledge; 2nd-better education 3better
and more complete organization; 4th Quick
ened social and spiritual forces. When@we
get these no one will be willing to leave the
country.
A. L. LANSING.
Since the above was written there has been
q second meeting Of the night class in agri-
culture. In spite of unfavorable weather
twenty-five attended, with promise Of so many
more yet to come. that it was thought best to
divide the class, partmeeting on Friday eve
ming and part on Tuesday evening. both at the
Magraw House at 7:3O o'clock.