The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1913-05-10
A Note Of Warning

Gonlyn holland before the recent
meeting of the Pomona Grange in
Chestertown, Md. 1t is one OF
the best ever read before the
Grange.
Authorities all over the coun-
try are confronted with new and
growing problem upon the solu-
ton OF which depends the social
and economic welfare OF this IL
lustrious nation. The problem in
question is: How to keep the
young men and young women on
the farm.
"Our legislators and economists
have recently sounded note OF
warning that, unless some meas
ures be taken to stop this yearly
increasing flow OF population from
country into city, our nation will
soon be embarrassed by the ques-
ton OF deficiency in food produc-
ton and, that it involves itsel; up
on us, as good thinking citizens of
the commonwealth, to ascertain if
possible, the reasons for these
conditions and to offer, as best We
may, suggestions for their proper
correction.
1T has been the complaint OF
the country boy and girl that rural
life offers few of the social, educa-
tional, or financial advantages as
compared with the exceptional
opportunities of the city and we
can attribute to this cause, more
than any other, the basis OF their
discomfort.
1--WE shall not attempt to deny
or disprovc the truth OF these as
sertions. There is an undeniable
glitter and fascination in the con.
temptation of city life whether or
not purchased at a price far in ex-
cess OF the benefits accrued. and
there are instances of wonderful
achievements and fabulous sue
cess attained through the tireless
energy and exceptional individual
lty OF former country boys, though
countless Others have fallen vic
Tins to the relentless clutches OF
endless toll and avaricicus ambi-
ton.
wv hat we desire to do is to
paint out in very generaI outline
few ways by which we can con-
fer upon the boy or girl a fuller
realization Of the myriad resources
OF the soil and give them nobler
conception OF its golden opportu-
mites.
"By tfus causing them to view
from different angle the com
mandinG position attained by the
agriculturiSt in this new era Of
scientific advancement they can
not but pay heed to its striking
advantages in selecting field for
their life work. TO bring this
about VIC would suggest as the
most important method OF pro-
cedure: The installation OF a
complete and systematic course OF
nature study i'll our public schools.
1t is needless to say that the sue
cess OF this movement would de-
pend upon the subject being pre-
sentcd in pleasing and interest
ing manner as otherwise its effect
would be highly deleterious in the
attempted creation o. new ideals.
First bring to the child's at
tentr-n the continual occurrence OF
natural phenomena about him. Bv
the use OF textbooks, supplement-
ed by field work, begin an elemen
tary course in botany, zoology and
geology, gradually branching out
into more general and scientific
principles when his mind is able to
asslmmilatc them. Encourage
him to explore and experiment on
his own account and by thus gath
, t1ng the secrets from ncr wonder
It'll sstorehouse OF knowledge, we
will open his eyes to the beauty
and completely of nature and
things which beigre seemed to him
commonplace and insignificant will
assume new and interesting as
pect. BY the time the high school
is reached he will be prepared to
intelligently begin an elementary
course in agriculture giving him
further insight into the subject by
combining practice With study.
His interest may be further held
by the introduction OF prizes for
the best grown products at the
smallest cost OF production or
other methods suggested to the
instructor and occasional lectures
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