The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1879-02-18
FARMERS INSTITUTE.
Addresses Delivered at the
Farmers Institute at Hills
dale, Feb. IL and 13.

cAslct, W y. nice anu MISS mluule Al
len. At 10 o'clock a. m. Hon A. Hew
III, President OF the Association deliv
cred the following address:
FELLOW FARMERS: "A year has pass
ed away since We convened in thiI
place, upon an occasion similar that
for which we have come together to-
day. A year that has been laden with
many things, well calculated in them
selves to call forth the gratitude OF our
hearts to the good Being, that so wisely
administers to our necessities. Our
fields have brought forth an abundant
harvest; our orchards and gardens
have yielded more than an average
supply, giving us the assurance that
our physical requirements are we'll pro-
vided for. We have come together to-
day for mutual Improvement; we have
come in the capacity Of farmers, with
hands hardened with toll which demon
strates the fact that our business has a
practical, as we'll as theoretical side.
We are here in social capacity, look
ing to each other for information, and
for instruction from our experiences in
agricultural operations. And the ex-
periences of the past year are not with
out their influence and benefit, whether
they have been q success or otherwise;
for the mistakes that We may have
made, and the failures that come TO us,
in consequence should be turned to
our profit, for it is an Important thing
to know what not to do as well as to
know what to do, when. where, and
how TO do.
We have assembled under the au-
spices of the Hillsdale County Agricul-
tural Societh, with full Conscience in
ourselves 10 maintain, successfully, a
farmers institute. While it becomes us
TO solicit, and thankfully accept, what
ever assistance may come to US from
abroad. it is very important for us to
manifest degree Of self-relisnce as a
condition necessary to our highest at
talnments. For a long time farmers
clubs aud meetings for agricultural i'm
provement, have been held in different
parts OF the state, resulting in much
good to those that engaged in them:
but il remained for the faculty Of the
State Agricultural College, under the
direction OF the State Board OF Agri-
culture, 10 introduce the system of in
stitutes that are creating such an in
fuence for good throughout the length
and breadth of our state.
This system seems 10 have succeed
ed we'll, and it's success may be attrib-
uted TO the fact Of its calling out the
latent powers OF the people, by induc-
ing them TO take an active part in the
discussions Of subjects in which they
are deeply interested. From a better
acquaintance with the faculty Of the
State Agricultural College. our people
have learned that the methods Of those
men are not as il has. as it has so fire.
quently been said, ''all theory, and all
book farming" but that they teach
theory and practice combined. The
students under their care, not only
study in the college, but actually work
three hours each day ont on the farm,
under the direction Of an experienced
workman. 1t seems 10 nae, the better
we understand tho workings of the in
stitution, and the benefits to be deriv-
ed from IL, the more we should feel
disposed to give our support and en-
couragement.
/ am not learned in botany or chem
istry, and will venture TO say that our
farmers, generally, are not; and in
many instances, we have felt the neces-
sity OF better understanding OF the
principles that uuderlie our agricul-
tural interests. Ii would be very graf
flying to me il we could substitute
books aud periodicals, treating in a
familiar way, upon the arts and
sciences, and upon historical facts and
other important truths, in place OF the
great mass OF fictitious reading matter
that so readily finds place in many OF
our homes. And i will venture TO hint,
that. as the people advance in knowl.
edge q revelation, to some extent at
least, will take place in this regard. /
am hopeful for such a change, feeling
that il would be particularly beneficial
10 the children and youth OF our time.
One OF the great mistakes that farm
ers have labored under, is the idea that
anybody and everybody know enough
to successfully manage aud work
farm. Whereas, the truth is none OF
the great industries OF the country call
for more skill than does the farmers.
The knowledge OF the adaptation Of
different soils to different crops; the
best method Of preparing the soil for
the crops; the proper time to SOW and
plant; the best quality aud proper
quantity Of seed To be use; the applica-
ton Of fertilizers; the harvesting pro-
cess, threshing, marketing ETC.; the
kinds OF stock adapted to the farm.
their care and management; the fruit
interest, with its vatchful care; fencing.
draining, general improvements, and a
thousand other things that come under
his supervision, and continually y tax his
mental and physical powers, all shows
that his profession requires the ablest
talent; and also shows that the fire.
quent failures in agricultural pursuits,
IA attributable to ignorance OF the bus
mess. Knowledge is power on the
farm As well "a other places.
IL has been said that eternal vigi-
lence is price Of liberty" So the price
OF success, with the farmer. il toll,
watchful care, and unyielding perse-
verance. And, then, they have host
of little enemies TO contend with, be-
setting them on every side. Enemies
that are small in stature, but great in
numbers. The Hessian fly, the midge,
the army worm, the potatoe bug, the
cut worm, the cabbage and current
worm, the apple moth. the grass hop
per, and other ravenous insects. de-
stroy annually millions OF dollars
worth OF our products. II is n quss-
ton with us, how 10 eyade these little
pests, and any light upon the subject
will be hailed with Joy by all parties
interested.
But this is not all, following in close
proximity TO the grasshopper, and bat
little less In numbers, comes another
torment in human form denominsted
tho tramp. We feel justified in killing
the Colorado beetle that destroys our
potatoe vines, OF the moth that makes
such havoc With our fruit. but what
can we do to rid the country Of this
last named pest2 This is a question
not easily answered. Bills have been
tptro1nca1 an aop,a ~ fha Cfata I,eois.