Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-03-04
For the SPECTATOR.
The Farmers Institute at Charlottesville.
Mact;,cc of %b;o Ltd hove hoo,, oo,,

lHt arMcrS 1uStltute ~ CudTlObtcSVIll0s
Meetings of this kind have been con-
Quoted for some years 10 the more progress
sive States with very satisfactory results
The Farmers Institute is analogous to the
Teachers Institute" 1t is 8 school in
which is presented advanced practice and
theories developed by careful experimental
tion by men of the highest attainments in
the sciences and arts with the aid of the
best facilities which the governments
State and Federal-have afforded; also
there is presented the conclusions of the
most advanced farmers on difficult ques-
tiOns which arise in practical farming. 1t
is not merely school of book-learning,
but of actual tests accomplished by the
most careful and painstaking appliances;
some of which are not within the power Of
the farmer of moderate means, but which
the governments have undertaken to &C.
complish at public expense for general
information. The great need of this work,
which was commenced in England many
years ago by the private enterprise of
Gilbert & Laws for the benefit of agricul-
ture in Europe and America, has given
rise to the establishment Of the Depart
ments of Agriculture at Waship gton, and
now in the States. The Institute meetings
are designed to bring before the people the
accumulated testimony and experience of
the advanced thinkers and practitioners,
not only of our own but of all countries
where valuable facts have been ascertained,
thus enabling the retired farmer in his
pleasant country home to profit by the
discoveries of the profession throughout
the world.
Farmers Institutes are not "Alliance"
meetings, but are open to all and designed
for all interested in the products of the
soil. This brief explanation is given be-
cause these Institutes are new in our
State and must be understood to be ap-
preciated.
At Charlottesville there was discussed
the subject of road Improvements by Prof.
Thornton, Chairman of the Faculty of the
University, in everything per.
tanning to engineering and careful observa-
ton in this country and European roads,
His address should be in the hands of
every roadmaker in Virginia, as practical
guioe. He was followed in excellent ad-
dresses on the same subject by Capt.
Vawter, of the Miller Institute, and Capt.
o. a. Brown, Of Accomac.
Prof. Tuttle, of the University, delivered
an instructive address on the Hygiene Of
Animals. He showed great thoroughness,
not only from study, but from actual ex.
perience among herds and focks. The
University people are mahifesting great
interest in Institute work, and in adapting
their instruction to the advancement Of
practical life. It is a great mistake tc
suppose that University instruction has
little to do with the products of the earth,
when the earth and its attendants furnish
| the great problems fo1 discussion and
solution. There is no occupation which
involves more difficult problems and
profound mysteries than that of mixed
husbandry.
DR.. Chas. Ellis, of the Experiment
Station at Blacksburg, gave an instructive
lecture on the diseases OF animals, especi
ally of hog cholera. Prof. VIM. B. AL
wood of the same Institution, is full Of
information on the subject of the diseases
and insects which destroy our fruits. -Tht
State Institution at Blacksburg is now
making strenuous effort to assist agricul-
ture in it's diversified forms and the Insti
tute work. The Chemist of the Agricul
tural Department, Mr.. Gaines, was presen
to discuss the subject: "Does the Anal
ysis of Fertilizers teach the full practica
value as Manures ?'' An enquiry of much
| value to the farmer.
DR.. 7. B. Galloway, of the Agriculture
Department at Washington, delivered {
highly instructive lecture on 'Diseases O
Plants and their treatment; "-followed BY
Col. Pearson, of N. j., and others. A dis
cussion of the horse, sheep &C., Go, wal
! proftably presented, but time forbid
mention of the speakers Suffice it to say
that the Institute was a success to thu
delight of its promoters, chief of whom
| was Mr.. II. L. Lyman, who presided in thu
meetings with ability. 1t must be re-
membered that the G. 6 o. Railway Com
pany furnished an extra train for the &C
commodation of the visitors at reduced
rates. The farmers of Augusta wer,
notably absent, except very few.
OBSERVER.