The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1888-01-20
FARMERS INSTITUTE.
AT
FREE CHURCH, MILLvILLE, PA
January II, IL. l3. 1883.

One OF tne most hucCeeslul IhrtueTb
In this state once remarked that he
made it . part OF his business to attend
all the meetings Of the State Board of
Agriculture, all Farmers Institutes
and all other meetings within his reach
where those subjects of interest to
farmers were discussed, aud, that much
Of his success 10 farming was owing to
the fact that he applied the things
learned at these gatherings in his own
farming. The work OF farmers would
be relieved of its drudgery, their pro-
ducts increased in quantity and value
and agriculture in all its branches
would be very much improved If all
the farmers Of the State took like in-
terest in these meetings. The views
Of practical and intelligent farmers are
here set forth, as well as the conclus.
ions of those who have experimental
in various branches of agriculture to
determine the best method of farming;
the best fertilizers; the best and most
profitable breeds of cattle; in short
how to make farming most profitable
The Institute held at this place was
notable both fur the interest iu the
essays ami discussions displayed by the
people of this village and the farmers
of the neighborhood, and, the practical
and valuable papers and discussions
offered. The Free Church was filled
at every session.
The first session of this Institute
cc mmenced Wednesday, Jan. IL, a,
l.3O p. m. by electing c. l.. Sands Of
Mordsnsville, president, J. b. Ewes
and w. b. Ewes vice presidents, Harry
w. Ewes and Geo. W. Henrie secre-
taries, aud Francis Heck reporter.
H. w. Ewes was then introduced
and spoke briefly Of the changes and
improvements which farmers have ef
fected in this country during century
Where was once bowling wilderness
with the Indian its sole human inhabi
tant they have made to bloom as {
garden. Farmers have done more il
securing national freedom and estab
fishing the best government in thu
world than any other class of persons
| 4. H. Painter, Esq, of Turbutville
discussed the relation of the farmer t.
national greatness. He gave a glow
ing description of the vastness, tn
enterprise and wealth of our country
the abode of the most intelligent, pros
porous, contented and progressive peo
pie of the globe. The farmers snnus
wheat product and domestic animals
in this country, are alone valued a
S1,371, 100000. That this great pros
perity may continue, good governmen
must also continue. Capital and labo
are at war; but farmers never enter in
to any of these controversies. No con
spiracy against the existing forms o
government vas ever Matched amonl
farmers.
Mr.. H. w. Northrop, of Glenburn
Lackawsnna Co., very congenia
gentleman, a ready and eloquent talke
aud capital farmer was introduce,
and said that he had been brought nj
on farm, had enjoyed its blessing
and was proud to represent the farmers
interest at this meeting. Farming il
no small or unbecoming occupation t
be engaged in, the farmer feeds all
| tolls for all, sweats for all, and bring
benefits to millions in carrying out th'
command of his Creator. He has tax
en- upon himself the burden of nations
but none of the nations troubles is eve
attributed to him. He works willing
| ly aud faithfully in the channel il
which God has placed him. He never
covers up his wealth to escape tax; bu
contributes faithfully towards the sup
port of the government. No NEAR
things are ever attributed to the farmer
| E. r. Ikeler thought the industry o
farming, the noblest in the world
Education that used to fit a man TO,
| life will not do now. Children used t
sing "Twinkle twinkle little star, how
| l wonder what you are" etc.; but nov
they sing "Twinkle twinkle little star
| know exactly what you are, etc
Whether farming is ennobling is {
question. 1t has long oeen promised
that science would lift the farmer ou
of his drudgery, but this promise ha
not been fulfilled. There are no strike
| no rebelllons or disturbances of an,
character among farmers, they peace
fully and faithfully engage in thei
calling; but does it pay 2 Our grea
farming industry is in danger, England
Ireland, France and other countrie
had prosperous farming interests; bu
what has become OF them Farmer
need relief, need protection, need t.
strike, corporations are increasing il
strength and are grinding the farme
between the upper and lower mil
stones. The farmer does not cover a
his wealth to escape taxation thereon
but for every improvement he makes
{ his taxes are increased, while the bon
, holder does not report his bonds, thu
escaping taxation thereon and throwing
this burden on the farmer. The fore
going was claased on the progrsmm
as the opening exercises.
The first paper was read by w. I
German, on "Pure Bred Poultry.
What breed of poultry is the best d.
, pends upon the purpose for which 20
, want them, For a general purpos
, the Plymouth Rock are tn
best, they are good layers, good for th
table, good to hatch and raise thei
Q brood, and mature young, but if 20
want eggs, the Brown Leghorn is tt
/ best breed, they lay more eggs tha
i any other breed and lay in winter tim
They begin to lay as yong as fo,
9 months and will lay from 200 TO 2.
eggs of a superior flavor in a yea
They are, however, not desirap
. breed for the table. 1t will pay
/ raise poultry if you have good stot
# and give it the proper care. 1t pa
"a better than keeping COWS. Chick'
a meat can be raised just as cheaply
Al pork. Best stock brings best prices.
!, John Hoffs, of Milton, member
q the State Board of Agriculture fro
i. Northumberland county, who makes
b specially of eggs, opened the disor
"a sion. He agreed with the essay
regard to the two breeds named, a
named the Wyandotte as desirat
70 table fowl. Chickens pay large prof
~ on the money invested in them. IT,