Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1855-11-24
AGRICULTURAL.
MODE OF CONDUCTING FARMERS,
LYCEUMS.


In late number Of the Farmer, we spoke
of the advantages of Farmers Lyceums, and
promised 10 give our thoughts on the best mode
of managing them. We now proceed, in part
at least, to fulfil that promise, throwing our
suggestions into the form of directions, with
the qualifying remark that the application Of
these suggestions, may be varied almost indef-
niely by the great diversity ia the circumstances
Of different neighborhoods.
i. Let two or three respectable farmers meet
informally and draw up a little constitution, the
simpler the better, for the organization and
government of the Association, arranging il as
nearly as they can in accordance with the de-.
mands of the community. As soon as may be
after they have done this, let them call meet
ing of the citizens, especially the farmers and
gardeners of the neighborhood, lay the plan be-
fore them, amend and adopt the constitution,
appoint board of officers. securing strong
Executive Committee, fix the time and place Of
meeting, agree upon a subject Of discussion, Sc
lecting one of the most intelligent men to lead
of at the onset.
If this work be well done, the movement,
Will be fairly under way. But in order to It's
being well done, several things will be impor-
iani, which we will state very briefly. Every
thing should be done at first with as little form
and ceremony as possible, or those who are not
familiar with these matters will be deferred
through difhdence from coming forward Let
the most thorough aad persevering men be put
forward at first Much depends on having
good beginning. Select good convenient, cen
trail place for the meetings. Take measures to
have the place well warmed and lighted, and
made every way comfortable and attractive
Have the meetihis publicly notified beforehand.
Do not meet to o ten. Take pains to have the
meetings on such evenings as may not interfere
with other popular engagements. And in con-
nection with this matter, we would suggest that
In making the winter arrangements for evening
meetings. you reserve place, and good one
for the Farmers Club.
III. The Club being now organized, and in
action, it must be kept in operation most Wig
orously. To effect this, the leading members
must take upon themselves some burdens.
They must attend themselves even in stormy
weather, when they are tired OF not very we'll
They must make their business away from home
conform, If possible, to the duty of the Club
They must animate the tagging zeal of others.
They must remind them Of the meetings. They
must help them 10 attend. They must encour-
age the younger members to take part in the
work. IL a youthful friend has been appointed
10 write an essay, or get up an address, they
must aid him in laying out the work--show him
how the thing is done, aDi point him 10 the au-
thorties where information may be obtained In
all these ways, and many others perhaps. will
they find it necessary to use their diligence in
keeping up the interest Of the Club. Some Of
the matters first alluded to will require some
tact and delicacy to manage them properly
And still every neighborhood almost, will FIR
nish some one or two men ofsuch faiherly ways
and such weight Of character, as will enable
them to do these things with all needful skill,
IL they will but have the courage and persever-
ance TO push forward.
H. The enterprise will not be in operation
long, before all will feel the need of library
of first rate authorities, and some Of the best
Agricultural and Horticultural journals. Ii
will not be needful TO incur any great expense
for these objects. If some of the bes, iarmers'
papers and gardening magazines, are taken in
the neighborhood, these many suffice in this de-
partmeni. If not, let one take one Of them
always giving due preference 10 the Ohio Far
naer-and another, another, till the needful num-
Der are within reach Of all. As to books, wa
will venture to mention the names of some Of
the best Downing's Fruits and Fruit Trees Of
America, Elliot's American Fruit Book, Bar.
rvs Fruit Garden. Thomas American Fruit
CultuIist, Youatt's Books on the Diseases Of
Animals, Morre's American Sheperd, Dadd',
work on Horses. Johnston's Agricultural Chem.
istry, Johnsion's Chemistry of Common Life
Wheeler's Homes for the People, and some 9th
ers of the same sort. These carefully read and
digested, and discussed freely at the meetings
would occupy one whole winter, and the knowl
edge gained therefrom would be mos, interest
ing and profitable. And the whole number W,
have just mentioned could be bought for 6fteeI
or sixteen dollars.
Nv. An important feature In the exercise,
Of the Club, after it has been a suitable time II
operation, would be addresses from Scienti6,
or experienced men, who have been successful
in some department connected Nth A gricul,ure
hut as men Of real ability cannot afford to worI
for nothing, and asthe Climb will naturally wisl
10 avoid all heavy expenses. especially at frs,
II may not be best TO aim at this luxury, excep
TO very limited extent, ill the interests of Az
rieulture have begun 10 assume their prone
Importance in The minds of the people. Sill
whenever good man is willing TO address th
Club, invite him TO do so, by all meaas, an
give him grateful aud appreciative hearing.
" We have said that all tho exercises sho'