The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1896-06-26
Burton Farmers Club.


AT the meeting of the Burton Farmers
Club held on June 4th. at the residence of
K. Q. Shepard, Mrs. III. Mason and Mrs. l..
A. Woodin read very interesting papers on
the subject, "What would be the best occu-
patton for young lady obliged to earn her
own living, she not having what is called a
good education?"
1.-The best methods of farm drainage" was
then taken up by the gentlemen. The ex-
perience of j. w. Hibbard had been in open
drainage; the formation and location of his
land being more adapted to that method
than any other.
VIM. A. Merrill: Some soils would require
drains shallow and not far apart; in loamy
/ soil the drains should be deep and more re-
mote from each other.
G. r. Woodin: Shallow drains are less
expensive, but there is no place in the
country that cannot be adYantageously tile
drained.
X. G. Shepard: Had in heavy soil tile
drained and placed it two and one-half feet
below the surface.
All the gentlemen were united in their
opinions that the method of draining should
depend upon the soil, the location and lay
of the land.
The Farmers State Association question,
"HOw can the work of our common schools
be amended so as to better equip our youth
for the practical duties of life?" was given
lengthy talk.
j. L. Moxley was opposed to introducing
into our schools studies that are not essential
to the every day duties of life. The three RS
reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic-thorough
ly mastered, would lay the foundation for a
life of usefulness. With these to build up
on everything else could be achieved.
g. r. Woodin would add to the three RS
spelling, photography, botany, grammar and
geography.
Other speakers followed, the trend of
thought being that our school work includes
much that can in no way be applied to prac-
tical purposes.
Miss Guilford taking adverse views said
there is small need of criticisms upon the
schools of today. That the facilities for the
education of our youth are so great, and the
methods Of instruction are so simplified and
systematized that the heighth of perfection
in our school work is already attained.
The discussion closed by the presentation
of the following resolution by j. w. Hib-
bard, which was adopted by the club
Resolved, by the Burton Farmers Club,
that the work of our common schools can be
better advanced by closer attention to the
common branches of education and more
diligent work by both teachers and pupils.
c. r. Woodln and r. c. Shepard were
appointed to draft resolutions upon the death
of our esteemed brother, 4. b. Simpson.
They presented the following, which were
adopted by the club:
Whereas, the All-wise Ruler of the uni
verse having been pleased in His mercy and
goodness to remove from our midst by
death our friend and brother, E. b. Simp-,>
son.
Resolved, that we extend to his widow
and orphans our sympathy and friendship.
Resolved, that a copy OF these resolutions
be given The TIMES tor publications; also,
that copy of these resolutions be presented
to the family of the deceased.
The music for the day was furnished by
Miss Blanche Shepard, Mrs. Ny rtle Merrill
and Miss Bertha Shepard.
The next meeting of the club will be held
nf A
Sc.