The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1878-11-21
Clubs.

\ large number is not essential to
the success OF such an organization :
nor even i an elaborate 60 t%rtituti3n
necessary. Y halt dozen interes ed
men meeting once a week at each
others houses, TO talk over farm mat
ters, will derive much good from the
association OF course, the Larger the
number participating in the discus
slons. tine more valuable viii be the
results, and as many as possible should
be induced TO join. From a half
dozen upward, the simpler the oigani
zation the better. Where there are a
constitution and bylaws, much time
VIII be wasted IL amending and TIM
kerln2 them. An asseniblage of far
mers needs only the rules of common
courtesy 20 govern il. We once heard
AgassiZ say "Why all this talk about
bylaws. a company of gentlemen
need no bylaws A la &c association
viii of course need SOfne rules. but the
fewer and simpler these are. the bet
ter. 4 good way is, TO have the host
as Chairman If the meeting at his
house: it should also be agreed upon
at ach meeting. what is to be the
question for discussion at the next,
and the place appointed Then let the
talks be quite informal, with no spec
ial leaders, each puttl,g III his word
according TO his knowledge, and as OPP
~portunity may ctfer, guided as to time.
however, and lead GA by the chairman.
This small beginning may lead to q
large organization requiring bylaws
Ii regular officers, and meeting in q
hall. But the first will teach how 70
manage the more cumbersome affair.
~, ,~a,a l1@v,~xt =, go -, L. ..
ten in any case for the sons. and
wives, and daughters Will enjoy. and
add to the enjoyment 81 the meetings.
1t is this feature which makes the
Grange the success it is. in some iocali-
ties, and the same is true of many sue
cessful farmers clubs that We are ac-
quainted with
Where means a-d numbers permit,
it l. a very wise plan to have a library.
which, if no hall is held by the socie-
ty, can be in charge Of the village
postmaster. Fifty dollars or even
less. will purchase "a nucleus for a good
library. which would add interest and
give more p~ermanency TO the club. 1t
is we'll to exhibit at the meetings
specimens OF farm products, for COM
pariaon and criticism. Oftentimes
one can learn more by the intelligent
com p~arison OF specimens produced By
different methods of practice, accom-
panied by statements of yield and cul-
ture, than by hours of discussion. No
occasion is more favorable for this
than these small meetings where there
is not much else to distract attention.
The large lumber of farmers clubs
which we hear of as being organized.
as we'll as the Grange movement. Is
evidence that farmers ..re growing in
the idea of aeSOclat on aS a means of
advancement and proft-a fact which
commerce and TIE trades have long
held as a cardinal principle CT success.
The isolation of farmers renders it Of
even more impor ance that they
should associate for mutual strength
and instruction than for the people Of
towns Farmers should club together
if for no higher motive than mutual
protec ion against the various impCs-
tiers and swindlers that too often find
them an easy prey. A farmer who
feels hat his neighbors VIII make
common cause with him in such cases
can more effectively resist the de
mands of sharpers than when alone
and unaided. But, beyond and above
this, such organization and co-pera>
ton gives impetus to thought, diffuses
intelligence. creates ambition to exec
in farm practice, adds more of inter
est to the calling. makes it really
higher and nObler. aud finally results
in greater success, larger crops and
subsequent profits, greater happiness.
and develops and strengthens I'D the
young their natn al love for the ia.
and the country American 1yrical-
tHrjSt.