The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1896-02-07
A GREAT SUCCESS !!
The Farmers Institute
Opened Under Most
Flattering Con-
ditionS.
Over 900 Farmers and
Their Wives Crowd
the Opera
House.
Improved Methods of
Farming Discussed
by Practical
Workers.

The farmers institute opened at
the opera house this forenoon with
every prospect of most successful
gathering. Fully 1000 farmers and
their wives gathered to listen to the
corps of workers present to address
them upon the most practicable
methods of advanced farming 1t was
an interested crowd which gave the
speakers the closest attention and
was not at all backward in asking
questions when given the opportunity.
Gen. J. III. Baker called the audi
ence to order and made a few intro
ductOry remarks explaining the work
to be done at the institute, and it's
coined the institute workers to the
city. He spoke of the change which
has come to this vicinity since the
grasshopper scourge and also the
the change in the methods of farming
from grain raising, and the prosperity
which has followed as result which
was given an impetus by the meeting
of the Northwestern Dairymen's asso-
citation which was held in this city.
Spoke of the inauguration and growth
of the institute work.
Supt. Gregg responded with a few
happy remarks. Thought this was
most appropriate place for holding an
institute, as he believed it was the
place where the first impulse to adj
vanced farming was given. Men often
build better than they know, and
such was the case when the business
men and citizens of Mankato invited
the Northwestern Dairymen's associa-
tion. He spoke of the forces which have
worked,the improvement in farming.
Paid a high compliment to Theo
Louis, of Wisconsin, and the work he
is doing for the farmers of Minnesota.
Was gratitied that the result Of the
institute work had resulted in more
than talk, and had helped to place
many farmer on tirmer financial
basis. Returned thanks to the Com
mercial club of this city for the work
tute here. Invited the farmers to
drop questions in the question box.
He then introduced Mrs. Tilson, of
Wisconsin, who spoke on poultry
raising.
She opened her theme by saying
her parents were farmers, and that
she felt she had some experience with
stories of farm life, and related few.
Her remarks were made most practic-
able by illustration by number of
drawings of hen houses, etc. The first
requirement in poultry hoose is a
dry, well-drained place. 1t should
have southern exposure, and should
be so placed that it will not be
shaded during the day. The house
should not be larger than is needed
for roosting and nesting purposes, as
otherwise it will be too cold in win
ter and it should be built warm if you
wish eggs in winter. She has a large
shed built on purpose TO give the mems
a place to exercise in cold weather.
In her remarks upon the building of
proper quarters for poultry, she said
they should be well ventilated and
from the bottom of the room, not
more than 20 inches from the floor.
The temperature OF a poultry house
should be about 45 or so degrees.
Would not use artificial heat. The
nests and perches should be movable,
as it is easier to fight vermin. The
fowls should have about four square
feet of room. Would prevent cholera
by cleanliness and pure water. Hens
should have wide range in the sum
mer time.
Mr.. Carlisle next spoke upon the
care and shelter of stock in winter.