The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-01-10

In all the leading agricultural states
the farmers Institutes are now in full
swing. These meetings Of farmers are
accomplishing a great deal of good-far
greater than may be apparent on the
surface. Some may have the impress
sion that the chief object of these meet
ings is only to let the farmers of a. COM
munity hear some leading authority lee
ture upon the subjects that interest
farmers mostly. but this view is wholly
wrong. The foreign talent" at the in
stitute is for the instruction of the home
people, Of course, but it is more to draw
the farmers together. start the ball Of
discussion rolling, and draw out from the
farmers those many valuable bits Of
practical experience that are so helpful
to others.
The institute is the farmers meet
Ing. Every man who is studying his
work should attend and gather all he
can from others. The lecturers are
usually practical men who have made a
success of their business, or they are
scientists who have experimental and
know facts that we want. Then there
are many good farmers who have learned
much by experience that would be valu-
able TO others if they had the benefit
of it. At the Institutes these facts are
brought out and discussed, and far
mer cannot afford TO stay away when his
brother farmers are comparing notes on
their work. These practical talks from
good farmers are often worth as much
as the more scientific lectures.
The pernanence of the institute work
depends upon the patronage given. If
farmers show their appreciation Of the
expenditure Of public money for their
benefit by attending the meetings the
institute system will remain. Its sue
cess viii be due not only TO those who
go TO hear. but especially to those who
are willing to contribute some facts that
will benefit others. All workers have
their meetings for conference, and the
live farmer nnds that he needs them
fully as much as workers in other Occu-
pations. Farmers should get together
once month, but If this cannot be
then the annual meetings is priced all
the more.
The unseen good is great. a few
men may have to do the most of the
talking. but there may be many young
farmers in the audience who are a little
discoura ged, and these get inspiration
from those Who have succeeded. With
the thought that what one has done
another should be able to do, they re-
turn home determined to put things on
a better business basis, till the crops a
little better another year, and try to
cheaper cost Of production by taking
advantage Of new things learned at the
institute. Thousands are annually bene-
flied in this way. They make little
noise. but get some help from the meet
ings.
The social side Of the institutes should
be cultivated. Farmers from various
parts of the country can thus meet and
get better acquainted. The Isolated con-
diton Of the farmer calls for these
gatherings. The wives and daughters
should attend with husbands and broth
ers, and the program should not fail to
have topics touching upon question that
especially interest the women on the
farm These farm meetings have a
social and especially an education, value
that make them too valuable to be
missed by any of our readers. Attend
you Institutes, and take part IN the dis
cussions. Make them a success.