QUESTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS 317
as others, often shirk the duty of leadership. Membership in any
community, whether organized or not, is a responsibility which
no one should shirk. Educational advantage, property ownership,
residential location and other favorable circumstances add to
the responsibility.
The community spirit is better where all are willing and
anxious to do their parts. Many would become good leaders if they
would lay aside personal feelings and forget their old differences.
They should never hold fast to personal or family grudges. Com-
munity activities during the World War developed many good
leaders who should continue their good work and set examples
for others.
Surveys, Trips, Projects, Problems, and Exercises
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I. Improvement Survey.—In making a local survey concerning
improvements include such points as those given on the first page of
this chapter.
2. Problems.—Calculate the probable cost for each of the lines of
improvement, taking the same or a different place for each. Estimate the
proper increase in value of the farm if a buyer should be inspecting the
place after the improvement is made.
3. Projects.—Some students should plan definite projects along lines
of improvement and beautification including any or all of those suggested
at the beginning of this chapter. Decide at the outset what improvements
are to be made during the pursuit of the project. Let the work continue
through a year, more or less, as conditions may require.
4. Trips.—Students may take trips together or singly to inspect
projects of this nature; places where water supply is being installed,
where plumbing fixtures are being planned or installed. If septic tanks
er hot-water tanks are being installed, visit the place and assist in the
work. Visit other places already completed which are known for their
attractiveness and convenience.
5. Exercises.— (1) Dig shrubs and vines and study their means of
multiplying under ground. (2) Study methods by which vines climb.
(3) Make cuttings of shrubs and vines and plant them, using privet,
grape, barberry, spirea, syringa, deutzia, snowball, rose, weigelia, Boston
ivy, Virginia creeper. (4) Multiply winter shrubs and plants by root
division. (5) Replan on paper poorly arranged premises. (6) Make
drawings of water systems for your home or others in the neighborhood :
gravity from springs; kitchen pumps from wells and cisterns; hydraulic
rams; overhead tank systems: underground air-pressure tank svstems.
Questions and Investigations
1. Mention a number of ways in which your place or neighbors’ places
may be improved.
2. What are the benefits of such improvement?
3. Give directions for locating shrubbery.
4. Discuss uses of vines.
5. What kinds of shade trees would best suit your region?
6. List hedge plants you would use.
7. Suggest plans for a perennial flower bed. Name such flowers.
3. List good annual flowering plants. Which are most hardy?
