The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1898-02-11

Spaulding then proceeded to illustrate by
charts, which he brought with him for
that purpose, the growth of these fungi
The fungus begins as a little moss or
protoplestic life and fixes itself to the plant
life which 1t infects. In the wheat plant
the fungus lives upon the sap of the wheat
germ, which 1t intercepts, forming In this
way, spores.
Another chart illustrated the growth on
on the Barbarry plant which was most in
terestingy explained.
The strictly parasite forms are causing
the greatest loss to plant life. We are
ever learning how to treat the diseases
engendered by these parasites. The for
mula sulphate of copper, milkof lime and
water make good mixture for Kidding
plants of these pests. Hot water treat
ment is good for the smut fungi on oats,
and this disease may be got rid of by
placing the grain in the water and keep
inu it in twenty minutes.
Potato scab may be treated in the same
way. Put seed in the water, keep there
some two hours before planting.
We now have means of controlling
these fungus growths, and therefore the
disease may be said to be overcome. Man
can dominate nature to an extent, as for
instance the devastation of the pine for
ests The state has an interest in pro-
tecting its lands. Around Grayling in
this state, the condition is such as to ex-
cite ones pity and cause one to exclaim
against the desolation there found. Can
not something be done to redeem this
land and make it productive?. Expert
ments in different parts of the country
show that much may be done. The
growth of trees may be induced to advan-
tage. In Michigan we can do much by
economically cultivating our forests.
"The Farmers Club Movement" was
then discussed by Mr.. E. j. Cook in an
interesting and instructive paper. Fiji
teen or twenty families make club and
meet at stated times at the houses of diff
ferent members. All take part in these
meetings and all are kept interested.
Had 800 clubs in the state with 10000
members. The central association or
club meets at Lansing annually.
The matter of taxation of farm proper
ty was then discussed by the speaker at
some length. Shall we demand our
rights, or shall we go to our homes and
remain there inactive? The farmers are
aided by different movements in their in
terests, and by the Michigan Farmer, the
organ of the state association. There
should be a live club in every neighbor-
hood, and a county organization. Con-
centration of effort along the line of these
farmers clubs will accomplish much for
the farmer.
The discussion was led by Chas Wood
in, of Owosso. One of the great objects
of farmers clubs is the social part, get.
ting acquainted and talking over what
each is doing. Then the educational part
there is chance for improvement
there. Learning to manage our farms is
important to us, and we discuss them at
our meetings and exchange views.
Politics, the speaker suggested, was
tabooed by the society, but there were
some questions of political character
which should be discussed.
Mr.. P. B. Reynolds favored the clubs
and urged the farmers to organize in ev-
cry part of the county, and thus enjoy
the social and instructive intercourse.
Mr.. White spoke of the uplifting power
of the club meetings. The clubs are or
ganized upon democratic idea and each
acts individually. The people felt better
results by meeting at the houses of men,
bers instead of meeting in hall.
Mr.. Whelan made some remarks.
The Question Box was opened.
Coarse wool sheep were better for NUT
ton thought A. B. Cook.
Mr.. Ball believed the Merino sheep the
best for farmers generally. He did not
agree with Mr.. Cook that the Lincoln
breed was the best.
The best breed of hogs to fat on corn
and clover, cross between Poland China
and Duroc-Jersey.
would breed Poland China straight
for the breed, but for fattening cross the
blood for best results.
Mr.. Hubbard thought this strange, as
the pure blood breed should be better to
raise for all purposes. He keeps the
Berkshire and always shall do so and
breed them straight.
Mr.. Ball explained the danger of too
close breeding. A mistake is made in
following this principle too far; but any
way would cross the blood for the mar
ket. All breeds are good in their place.;
would cross blood in breeding cattle.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
] The Wednesday evening session was
opened by a voluntary on the pipe organ
by Miss Duff. After which came "The
Bedouin Love Song" by Duff's male