The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1916-01-20

of deficiency in equipment and facil-
tiles. The extension of this prin-
ciple has been as rapid as its advo-
Gates anticipated.
In certain localities where facil-
ties were inadequate, the patrons
have proceeded at once to provide
money by bond issue for additional
school buildings. There is every
reason to feel this spirit will be
manifested by the citizens Of other
localities, and that we may look for
a steady extension Of the principle
Of compulsory attendance.
TEACHERS.
1t is all-important that the pub
lie schools should be given adeqate
support and sufficient appropriations
to meet the urgent demands that
confront US, and which are increas-
ing yearly.
In this connection | wish to en-
phasize two important matters.
Permit me to urge upon you the
necessity for greater efficiency Of
those teachers, who do not have the
opportunity of having special train
! inc in teaching. The more efficient
the teacher, the more effective the
work of the pupils. | would urge,
therefore, a special provision for a
one-year course for training teach
ers in limited number of the high
schools of the State.
II call your attention also to the
Importance of certification of teach
ers by a State board. The bill now
on the calendar, known as the Mich
olson bill, should, in my opinion, be-
come law of the State"
AGRICULTURE IN COMMON SCHOOLS.
From personal inspection, the
experiment of teaching agriculture
IN the rural schools of Darlington
county. has so impressed me with
| its desirability and practicablility
that | do not hesitate to commend
this matter to your favorable con-
sideration, and | advise that pro-
visions be made so as to make this
character of work possible in other
counties. This work in Darlington is
now being done by the extension
division of Clemson college, in con-
nection with the consolidated schools
in Darlington. The teaching of
agriculture in these schools is prac-
tical, as we'll as scientific. 1t is the
training that will enable our boys to
make a profitable living on the
farm. to interest them in farm
work and rural life. and makes the
calling of agriculture attractive in
profits that will enable farmers to
secure the comforts and luxuries in
rural life that will compare favor
ably with incomes and comforts in
urban life. In order to make this
work possible, the question of con-
solidation of schools will be imper-
ative, and, in my judgment, no
wiser expenditure of public money
for educational purposes can be
made than to provide salaries for
trained and efficient teachers in
agriculture in rural schools. 1t
must be remembered that if train
ing for future life is to be given to
a large number of our rural popula-
ton, it must be given in the COM
mon schools. In my judgment, the
Importance of this subject cannot
be overstated or exaggerated. and l
earnestly commend it to your at
tention.
CATTLE TICK ERADICATION.
Another important question to be
considered in preparing to cope with
the situation that will confront us
when the boil weevil comes, will be
the raising of cattle. The money
that is now being spent on cattle
tick eradication is wise Investment
and is proving effective.
This matter has been so clearly |