tness and
zeal than that displayed in the South. In certain directions the South
has proved a leader in the inauguration and administration of new
activities. In other directions the Southern States have followed
actively and energetically.

A traveler through the New South stumbles unavoidably upon countless
illustrations of the part which modern education is playing in Southern
life. Individuals, families, communities, are being re-made by the new
education.

III Jem's Father

Jem wasn't a good boy, but he was interested in his school. He was one
of those fortunate boys who lived in a county that had been possessed by
the corn club idea, and the corn club was the thing which had given Jem
his school interest.

Jem never took to studies. Each year he had told his mother that "there
weren't no use in goin' back to that there school again." Persistently
she had sent him back, until one year when Jem found a reason for going.

A new teacher came to Jem's school--a young man fresh from normal
school, full of enthusiasm, energy, and new ideas. The boys felt from
the start that he was their friend, and before many weeks had elapsed,
the community began to feel his presence. This new teacher was
particularly enthusiastic over the "club idea." "We must get the boys
and girls doing something together" he kept saying to his classes.

The year wore on, but interest in the school did not flag, because all
through the winter months there were entertainments, parents' meetings,
literary meetings, spelling bees, reading hours, and other evening
activities. In fact, the time came when there was a light in the
school-house three or four nights in each week.

Toward spring the new teacher began to push the "club idea." He started
with the boys, and, as luck would have it, picked out Jem. "Jem," he
said one day, "I want you to stay after school, I want to speak to you a
minute." Jem stayed, not knowing exactly what was coming. When the rest
of the pupils had tumbled out of the school door, and disappeared along
the muddy road, the teacher and Jem sat down together.

"Jem," said the teacher, "we ought to have a corn club in this school."

Jem looked up doggedly, but gave no sign of interest or enthusiasm.

"You see," the teacher said, "it's this way. Farming isn't all that it
might be around here. People raise things the way they have always been
raised. Our county superintendent has an idea. He proposes to teach the
farmers