y" is the best army for women. Rain or shine, in heat and
cold, they have dug and ploughed and planted, and learned the lesson
American girls learned long ago--that team work is what counts!

A bit of one of their reports is translated here:

"The crops were fine--potatoes, radishes, greens
and beans were raised. The crop of potatoes,
especially, was so good that the Eclaireuses were
able to supply their families with them at a price
defying competition, and they always had enough
besides for their own use on excursions. (Our
hikes.)

"Such has been the reward of the care, given so
perseveringly and intelligently to the gardening.

"And what an admirable lesson! Not a minute was
lost in this out-of-door work; chests and muscles
filled out; and at the same time the girls learned
to recognize weather signs; rain or sun were the
factors which determined the success or
non-success of the planting. And each day, there
grew in them also love and gratitude for the earth
and its elements, without the assistance of which
we could harvest nothing.

"Is this not the best method of preparing our
youth to return to the land, to the healthy and
safe life of the beautiful countryside of France;
by showing them the interest and usefulness that
lie in agricultural labor?

"So the Eclaireuse becomes a model of the new
women, used to sport, possessing her First Aid
Diploma, able to cook good simple meals, marching
under orders, knowing how to obey, ready to accept
her responsibility, good-natured and lively in
rain or sun, in public or in her home.... They
continue their courses in sewing, hygiene and
gymnastics and assist eagerly at conferences
arranged for them to discuss the duties of the
Eclaireuses and what it is necessary to do to
become a good Captain.

"To make themselves useful--that is the ideal of
the Eclaireuses. They know that in order to do
this it is becoming more and more necessary to
acquire a broad and complete knowledge."

It is quite a feather in the cap of this great Scout Family of ours that
we are teaching the French girl, who ha