Daily Kennebec journal., 1883-10-16

DaiIp Kfnnfhtr Journal.
Farmers Clubs,

During the active spring. summer and
autumn campaigns Of ruralists our talk
has chiefly been of practical matters. such
As pertained to field, orchard and garden
operations. But the most important la
bors of the farmer and gardiner are nearly
finished for the season, and other themes
demand attention. Having devoted spec
ial attention to the cultivation and i'm
provement of the soil. let us discuss what
may be done to improve and store the
mind during the approaching season of
Information and comparative leisure.
The season for organizing and operating
Farmers clubs. institutes. and the like. is
rapidly approaching, and we wish thus
early to call the attention of our readers
to the Importance and usefulness of such
organizations. Every populous rural
district" should have an association of soil
culturists and regularly hold weekly or
fortnightly meetings for discussion, the
reading of essays on practical subjects
and occasional lectures. Such a meeting
is good place to receive or impart valu-
able information, and indeed. the best
place for many cultivators. Discussion
by intelligent, practical men is sure TO
bring out useful facts-tO separate the
wheat from the chaff-and the more grain
and fruit growers, breeders, graziers,
dairymen, etc. participate in it the better
will their respective home interests be
promoted. Facts obtained by careful ex-
pertinent and close observation are what
farmers and horticulturists want, and the
best way to elicit them is by comparing
experiences in field, orchard, dairy. sta
BILE and garden, and free discussion there
upon.
AS we once said. while urging this sub
ject upon our readers, the organization of
club is an easy and very simple matter.
Let dozen live, progressive cultivators
Cor even less number) meet and elect
the necessary officers. The adoption of a
few plain rules of guidance and the cleo
ton of president. secretaryand treasurer
will be sufficient for an organization
though it may be well to appoint an exc
cutive and few special committees. The
subjects for discussion should be those OF
most interest to members. If in grain
growing section let topics pertaining to
the culture of the cereals have precedence
and if fruit growing or dairying he the
leading interest preference should be given
accordingly. though variety of subjects
may be discussed and written upon during
the season and Information through which
frequent meetings will naturally be held
If the membership of the club is numer-
Gus, it will be desirable to hold the meet
ings in public hall or school house, where
sizable audierce can be accommodated
without inconvenience-for, if the pro-
ceedings prove as interesting as they
should, many non-members will soon be-
come regular attendants. But if club
has but few members. or is in COM
paratively sparse settled neighborhood. i.
may be well to hold the meetings at the
houses of members. Some of the best
clubs in the country have adopted the plan
of meeting at the homes of the various
MEMBERSHIPS examining the premises
(crops, stock, buildings. fences, etc. if
the weather is favorable. and then pro-
ceeding to business In some notable in
stances farmers wives have become MEM
bers and met at the same time, they dis
cussing household affairs while their hus
bands talked upon the culture of crops.
care of stock and other matters pertaining
to farming operations. But whatever the
plan adopted, organize club and endeav-
or to make it a success-bene6cial to
yourself and those of your fellow citizens
engaged in the most useful of all pursuits