The Spectator., 1915-10-19

ShpioS oI corn 1TOWlnB TOT bOyS Clubs" tO "Fundamentals of Can. ming" co Science of Growing Pigs l5) Some B C's on Poultry Growing, l6) Primary Rules of Cotton Grow ing" The next two lessons will con sist of deanits suggestions for the club work. Extra proof sheets for each lessen will be kept for those who may decide later to undertake the course. IL is hoped that several hun dred teachers and others interested in work for the boys and girls will take this course.-J. H. Miller, Director Co operative Extension Work.
 ]. Educational Value Of Club Study.
 Education has been defined as that training which fits for the duties of life" If this is Q true definition of education, and we certainly believe 1t club work in any way its the boys and girls for their duties in life, then it must be conceded that there Is an educational value in the club work.
 Corn Club boys are instructed per. sonally and throuSh bulletins and let ters in the matter of CD Selecting their acre TOT demonstration. (2) the value and importance of sowing a win ter cover crop on this acre, (3) the proper methods and value of prepar- ing seed beds, (4) the selection, stor- ing and testing of seed corn. (5) the proper methods of planting and cufti vation, (6) the keeping of daily ex- pense account of all work performed on his aero. CD the submitting of this record at the end of the year. (S) and finally Is asked to make an exhibit of his products at the fairs.
 In the study and practice of the above instructions the boy is the prin. cipal actor, and his stage of action Is his acre of corn. His acre of corn may be likened to his laboratory and the daily practice of application of the principles taught him, are the experi- ments or tests that he makes and the fact that during the last two years the Corn Club boys have made an average yield of over forty bushels per acre as compared with an average of less than twenty for the whole state Is proof positive that the principles taught were not only safe and sound. but that they found daily application through the boy on his acre of corn laboratory. In the performance of all these activities or duties the boy is caused to think. plan and reason from year to year as he makes different tests on different sotls or in different laboratories All of this will give . training which will fit him for his du- ties in life because he has learned ito do by doing" He has used mother earth as his laboratory, has learned her principles. and has applied them
 What has been said Of the Corn Club boy is also true of the Pig Club boy In fact the Pig Club member is usually Corn Club member too. The Pig Club boy has for his laboratory the pig, and the tests that he makes are his daily care and the feeding of hts pig. He learns, as one pig club member said in reply to a question as to what he had learned that would
 
 help him next year. that clear water to drink, good pasture the year round, plenty of shade and little corn makes good cheap hogs. and further that these things are mighty good to keep off cholera" He learns what a balanced ration is and the value there of, He plans his crop to meet these needs. Doubtless he wonders if his body too does not call for balanced food Dealing with animals usually makes one kind and sympathetic His efficiency as producer Of wealth Is increased as a result of the applica- lion of the proper methods or feeding and caring for his pig. He. too. has learned ito do by doing"
 The Canning and Poultry Clubs of. fer at once profitable and pleasura- ble livelihood for girls The Canning