Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-10-16
Get into Il. Boys!

nations existence, depends upon the
hands that TIL the soil-if you are
that kind OF boy. you will do well to
get In touch with the State Leader Of
Boys Agricultural Clubs, Orono.
Maine. You will do better to keep in
touch with him and with other pro-
moters Of scientific agriculture. You
,, will do best to become expert in vari-
Gus means Of tickling the soil" and
the branches that naturally 90 with
it.
This is to the boys Of the farms. We
hope many Of them will see it. We
hope parents will try to interest their
sons in boys agricultural clubs. A
letter just sent out from Orono con-
corning the Maine Boys Sweet Corn
Clubs. says:
The boys interested in growing
sweet corn for 1915 should prepare
their one quarter acre plot this fall.
The plot should be located on an sle-
walton to afford good air drainage,
thereby preventing late ana early
frosts.
The soil should be well drained, pre-
feratgy sandy loan having a good sub
Foil that does not allow too much
teaching. Barnyard manure should
be applied at the rate Of to spread
er or dump cart loads to the plot and
plowed under to a depth Of s or
inches according to the depth Of the
surface soil. Do not pillow more than
one half inch deeper than the land was
plowed before.
II there Is danger Of washing, fur.
rows should be plowed from point in
the middle of, and eight or ten feet
above the upper end and extend down
to and along the sides Of the plat.
These burrows should be turned IN
towards the plot. Washing to any de-
gree will be prevented by this means.
Fall plowed land will absorb more
moisture and will be in a better con-
dition for corn than land plowed in
the spring. Manure applied in the
fall and plowed in has q chance to de-
compose, making the plant food avail
able to the crop. Manure applied in the
spring is likely not to decompose very
rapidly and the corn crop would suffer
from lack of available plant food.
1t should always be borne in mind
that land we'll prepared is half hoed,
that. little extra time spent in plow-
ing may mean a successful crop.
If the instructions are not clear,
please write Immediately to the State
Leader Of Boys Agricultural Clubs,
Orono, Maine.
Watch the paper for further an
nouncements regarding sweet corn
clubs
A letter from the United States De-
partment Of Agriculture says there has
been an increase Of more than 1900
in the membership Of various boys
and girls agricultural clubs conducted
by the State Agricultural Colleges and
the Department of Agriculture in the
northern and western states.
At the close of the fiscal year ending
June 80. 1914, there were 110,077 MEM
bers In the various club projects In the
80 states covered by this work. At
the close of the present fiscal year,
June 80. 1915. the membership was
ISL, 1874, exclusive of the enrolment in
the mother-daughter canning clubs.
This work is being carried on CO.
operatively in rs Of the 80 states in
the northern, central, and western ter
ritory by the Department Of Agricul-
ture and the extension departments Of
the State colleges of agriculture. In
practically every state short courses
for boys and girls and special demon
stration schools have been held at the
colleges and in the field. During the
past year 1857 club members attended
the mid winter courses at the colleges,
s6S Of these having their expenses
paid by local contributions as a recog-
milton of their achievements in club
work. OF the 80 clubs members who.
as champions in their states, districts,
or counties for 1914, have become
recognized as National All-Star Club
members. 81 are now attending high
schools. agricultural. or other colleges,
three of the remaining seven have al
ready graduated from high school. and
one will go to an agricultural college
this fall.
Experience has shown that the work
in the boys and girls clubs can be
carried on with even greater success
without the aid Of large cash prizes
and awards. The net profits from the
work itself have been found to be the
best possible incentive. The members
have their attention directed to
problems Of farm and home manage
ment, crop rotation, soil building, ETC.,
and in practically every state in which
the work is being carried on a large
number Of club members are now
working out three and four-year rota-
lions OF crops. The profits which they
derive from club work they are spend
ing on getting an education, or for
purchase Of pure bred stock and labor
saving machinery. Many are even
buying land and thus acquiring an in
valuable sense Of dignity and inde-
pendence.
In the canning work. 93S public
demonstrations were held during the
year, with a total attendance Of 49,
367. These demonstrations were held
primarily for the club members. but
parents were always invited and. as q
matter OF fact. more than half Of those
present were grown men and women,