“Citizen Farmers, I beg to announce that the Blue Birds and Bobolinks are about to give a prize for the best kept farm in camp, another for the largest vegetable of ten varieties raised; the ten to be radishes, beets, cabbage, carrots, turnips, squash, beans, potatoes, onions, and corn.
“Another prize will be given for the greatest amount of good produce raised on one farm this summer. Yet another will be awarded to the farmer who makes the most of rotating crops. I have explained to you what that is.
“As most of you have just started the farms you can all begin fairly to try for the prizes. The age and size of the farmer will have much to do with the judgment of the Blue Birds. So I suggest that the farmers be divided in classes, one for boys of eight and over, one for girls of eight and over; another class for children—boys and girls—under eight years of age. The prize will be duplicated for these classes. Any remarks?”
There were none, so Uncle Ben led his young visitors to inspect the farms.
“Mr. Ta’mage, we’se gotta street cleanin’ squad, an’ a police force, an’ a health board wid nusses, an’ to say nuttin’ of dem firemen, but we hain’t got no head farmers in camp to show helpers all de time, what we wants to know,” ventured a voice from the crowd that followed at Uncle Ben’s heels.
“That’s so! Farmer Jones is master here, but he can’t be at everyone’s beck and call. We’ll have to plan a farmer club tomorrow, and I will send down books and pamphlets for all to read or study.”
“Why can’t some gals be in the farmer clubs as well as the boys that have everyt’ing goin’,” remarked Mother Maggie.
“You’re right, Maggie! We men have to share alike with you women now that you have the vote in New York State!” said Uncle Ben, smiling at his Citizens.
At the Little Farms the visitors were delighted to see what had already been done. Mr. Jones was there to explain things.
“You see, we worked very hard at digging the plots when the first Little Citizens arrived at camp, and now, as new arrivals come each day, they too are set to work at their farms; so we will have some farms harvesting while others are just sprouting their first crop.