The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1882-02-03
Farmers Institute.
MORNING SESSION.

Dickson, and opened with music. Prayer
by Rev. Stephenson.
+. S. Kedzie, the able assistant in chemis
try at the Agricultural College, then read an
essay on Sorghum Sweets" which showed
that tho writer had sweet tooth, and if his
object was to s(Dyr-up those present to the
discussion of the sorghum question, his sue
cess was complete.
The essayist reviewed the history of the
experimental crop on the State Farm, from
the time the seed was procured till its con-
version into syrup. AS the matter of cost
IS the great question, he gave that portion of
the subject good airing, proving conclu-
sively, that it was profitable experiment,
while to farmers the actual cost of produc-
ton would not be near as great as is the
cost of raising it at the college.
Mr.. Harding wished to know how many
stalks should be left in hill. Mr.. X. re-
piled, that six or eight were left, but thought
that too many.
DIR. Kedzie said glucose is very poor, not
only for its sweets. but for its unhealthy
constituents, owing to the large amount of
free sulphuric acid, lime and coppens. Had
known whole families to be made sick by its
use. The largest amount of sweetening ma
ct g., @<~f,
the people want, and sorghum is just what
gives us this.
Mr.. Hampton wanted to know if there
was any danger of the clarifying material
poisoning the syrup. Also if there was any
danger Of copper pan corroding.
DIR. Kedzie: TO the last question, replied
that there was not, if kept at full boil. To
the first ne answered in the negative. He
also stated that the seed ia good for chickens,
because exceedingly rich in fatty substances.
A hoe is better to use in cutting than corn
cutter, because can get closer to the ground,
and the lower you go the sweeter they grow.
Mr.. Stephenson wanted to know if the
DR.. would repeat q crop on same ground.
DR.. Kedzie: l shall, but use no manure.
l.. =. Lawrence thought it a good plan to
soak the seed before planting, because pigeon
grass will get the start of il unless growth at
the start is rapid. Would plant - inches
deep.
Mr.. Gard raised ffty-two gallons on an
acre, and only half a stand at that.
Mr.. Fiero wanted to know how much bet
ter that was than potatoes at SOC. per bu.
Mr.. Gard: Owing to mans taste. 1
have both.
The Query Box was then resorted to, and
the first question drawn, was: To what ex-
tent can we probably use salt as fertilizer?
DR.. Kedzie was called upon to reply. He
referred them to his lecture on salt in agri-
culture, delivered at Saginaw, and printed in
the Agricultural report of 1879,
The second question was read, its adop-
ton without discussion moved, but after
quite long and heated discussion was finally
tabled by unanimous vote.
Third question: Is there any way of
changing the bearing year of an apple tree2
Il. j. Dickson: think there is. 1 had
some upset by a storm, and when they COM
menced bearing again, it was the odd year
However, would not advise raising storm
and upsetting trees, as it might prove too
expensive.
Mr. Lawrence thought half girdling the
limbs in June a very sure method.
Mr. Fiero would SGT part of an orchard at
q time for two or three successive years.
Several other methods were given, after
which the piece OF music entitled, SLOW to
Mortgage the Farm" was excellently render
ed by the choir, and proved to bo very APP
propriate one for tho occasion, it being a
rehearsal OF what we can easily conceive as
transporting in great many farm houses.
A recess till one o'clock p. M. was then
granted by the chair.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
After music and n collection to defray ex-
penses, the President introduced Mr.. Levi
Dewey, OF Pokagon, who read very finished
and scholarly essay on "Tho Farmer in So
oiety."
The usual discussion followed, showing
the difference in Union On this as well as
on all previous questions.
Mr.. Higgins thought it nobody's business
how be dressed.
Mr. Morris sa d thoro must be propriety
all things, and be shou dress appropri-
ately.