Even  in  the  early  or  pioneer  dasrs  of  home  economics,  it  was  not  ex-
cusable to  place  this  work  in  basements.  If  basements  had  to  be  used
because  of  lack  of  space  then  these  should  have  been  used  interchange-
ably with  other  lines,  so  as  not  to  require  one  instructor  to  remain  in
these  quarters  more  than  one  teaching  period.  This  same  adjustment
could  be  employed  at  the  present  time.  This  is,  however,  not  the  best
or  ideal  solution  of  the  problem.  I  do  not  think  that  basement  rooms
should  ever  be  used  for  teaching  space;  let  this  space  be  used  for  other
purposes.    Rather  cut  down  the  teaching  period  of  various  branches,


466  THE  JOURNAL  OF  HOME  ECONOMICS  [Octobcr

or  lengthen  the  teaching  day  than  to  use  basements;  a  touch  of  the
Gary  System  would  help  solve  the  problem.
Those  who  have  conducted  work  in  basements,  know  something  of
its  extreme  hardships  and  difficulties.  It  means  working  in  cold,  damp,
and  often  unsanitary  surroimdings,  amid  noise  and  clatter  from  various
sources.  At  the  present  time  when  new  buildings  are  being  erected
there  is  no  possible  excuse  for  using  basement  rooms  for  teaching.
Wherever  new  schools  are  being  bxiilt,  the  work  in  home  economics
should  be  given  the  choice  rooms,  and  most  decidedly  on  upper  floors.
This  work  should  be  housed  where  there  is  good  light,  good  ventilation,
proper  heating,  possibilities  of  good  sanitation,  and  opportimities  for
attractiveness  and  dignity.
It  has  long  been  recognized  that  food  is  a  most  important  factor  m
the  health  and  welfare  of  the  individual.  Good  dean  food  makes  for
good  citizenship.
