The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1896-01-31

best informed men in the state, and at the
same time successful farmer. He took up
the matter of state taxes for this year and
explained many of the items about which
people have been bowling, when they had
no knowledge of what made them. His ex-
plantations took away great deal of the
hard feeling that has been stirred up by the
calamity howlers, the showing that expen-
ses of institutions In the state for 1913 and
'94, which were not provided for by the
legislature of 1913, having been the principal
cause of the large amount of tax in %.
His census statistics were highly interest
ing and we expect to publish condensed
statement of facts stated by him at some
future time. He showed that the popula-
ton of the state was about 1880, 900 at
present, of which rs per cent were native
and 25 per cent foreign born, but calling
those foreign who are Of foreign parentage,
the foreigner is increased to 40. Five
Fights of country people are native born and
but three-eights in the cities.
Wednesday morning session opened at
9:45 with good attendance. Misses Nc
Bride and Cooper, of Corunna, cheered the
audience with lively and finely executed
piano duet.
A. B. Crane, of Henderson, not being
able to be present on account of i'll health,
his paper on the Farmers Garden" was
omitted and j. N. Stearns, of Kalamazoo,
gave the most practical and interesting talk
of the institute. He has been for thirty
years engaged in the growing of fruits, and
has made 1t a paying and interesting bust
ness. In explaining his start in the bust
ness he said that i'll health had driven him
out of the general farming business, but
that since his firstufruitscrop he had never
seen sick day. 1t Is no more work he
says to take care of an acre of fruit than Of
an acre of potatoes. Fruit should be plant
ed in long rows because it makes the cult
walton easier and more thorough. in the
preparation Of the soil, blowing should be
done in the fall, land being used that has
previously grown crop of corn or potatoes.
If the land is clay subsoil give liberal
dressing of manure. In the spring pillow
again but only about four inches deep and
dress with unbleached ashes, especially for
strawberries, starting an entirely new crop
every year. Set strawberries in rows 81
feet apart and feet apart in the row, plant
ing early Ia April or the last of March
and cultivating Immediately. In picking
never pull the berry off but break gently
below the berry, thus preserving the sur
face of the fruit, preventing rotting for
considerable time. If your berries are
picked in this way your crop will soon be
in demand and the price will always be the
best For profit the strawberry, gOOseber-
ry, currant and blackberry are leaders, the
gooseberry being the most prolific bearer.
The gooseberry should be planted 6X6 feet
and on the best soil, thoroughly fertilized
and cultivated. On one acre he had grown
40 cases-235 bushels of gooseberries. The
current worm, il Thoroughly destroyed in
spring will not bother again the same sea-
son, but if work of destroying is not careful
ly done much trouble will result. Paris
green, one quarter of pound in so gallons
of the Bordeaux mixture and carefully used
will accomplish the end desired. Mulching
for strawberries is a good thing, but not for
raspLerries or blackberries, leaves being the
best mulch il they can be held in place;
coal ashes are good mulch but of no value
as a fertilizer. Many questions from grow
ers were asked and valuable information
given by Mr.. Stearns.
On the subject, "Home Influences" Mrs
ID. S. Cramer, of Burton, read paper full
of many tender sentiments and noble
thoughts, and was change in the program
that was much appreciated, especially by
the ladies. She said that the three words,
home and Heaven were associated
together. How sweet the name of mother.
What memories it brought up and to what
grand deeds 1t inspired. What the word home
to the weary; to the traveller it meant rest and
brought thoughts of tender greetings; hearts
turn eagerly toward it, bringing memories
of child hood. 1t reminded of good faith
or, brave brothers and loving sisters, but all
could never erase the memory Of mother.
She advised against the one bitter word that
made an aching heart for day or surly
glance the impression of which scarcely
soon passed away, but commended the
smile that brought joy. Be courteous at
home as elsewhere; forgive as eagerly there
as elsewhere and the influences will make
noble sons and pure daughters.
Miss Nellie Phillips recited in very ar
tistic manner, the story of ''Tommy's Let
ter" She has an excellent voice for pieces
of this kind and has a pretty manner that
makes her recitations highly interesting.
The business meeting was held from IL
until IL, A. @. Glidden presiding. G. b.
Cook on behalf Of the people of Laingsburg,
invited the organization to hold the '97
meeting in that town and on motion the in
vitation was unanimously accepted. N. K.
Potter, declining, Elmer Warren was unan-
imously chosen president and A. l.. Chan
dlar made vice president Fl II PuIvpr's