The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1901-01-22
THE FaRNERS' INSTITUTE.
INSTRUCTIVE ADDRESSES ON PRAC-
TICAL SUBJECTS.
Farmers Much Interested in the
Proceedings.

Nearly two hundred practical and
prominent farmers from surrounding
counties, attended the Farmers lnsti-
tvte in the Court House here yesterday,
commencing at IL o'clock. There was
much interest evinced aud the speakers
were listened to attentively and at
times were interrupted by farmers who
asked practical questions on the subjects
under discussion.
Mr.. ]. H o. Beverly, Of the State
Board presided, and after making Q
short address emphasizing the impor-
lance of the Board of Agriculture 70 the
farmers and advising them TO keep In
touch with 1t, introduced State Oom-
missioner G. W. Koiner who made o
plain. practical address clearly bringing
out points which were Of Importance to
his hearers. He explained tbs new fer
tilizer law and how it protects the
farmer from fraud. how TO use fertili.
GERS economically 20 improve land and
get the best results. how 20 improve our
worn-out-soil, the Importance OF more
vegetable matter In the soil which EN-
6bles it to hold moisture and prepare
plant food for insoluble clements In soil
which holds fertilizer when used, save
leakage Of nitrogen and which improves
physical condition Of soil and prevents
washing of land. He also discussed the
Importance OF cultivRting land so as to
cause IL to retain moisture when crops
are being grown. keeping q dust mulch
on the surface so hold the moisture.
Mr.. s. f. Barber, Of Harrisburg, Pa,
a practical dairymau, explained the
uses of different combinations OF feed
He showed how wasteful it is TO feed
the same food for different results-sSy
for beef or pork. BY the common
method among farmers about half OF
the feed used 10 lost, and poor results
are produced; explained the best
method Of managing the dairy. show
ing the importance Of feeding for milk.
the proper combinations to produce the
greater supply of milk. He also showed
the usual mistakes In handling milk
cream and butter which troubles the
dairy system.
Mr.. J. II o. Beverley member OF the
State Board of Agriculture for the
First District spoke on raising live
stock 10 Eastern, Va He said that
cattle, sheep and hogs could be raised
In eastern Va, with more proht than
In upper Virginia He said the win
ters were milder and shorter requiring
less feeding and less shelter, thereby
lessening the expense Of carrying the
stock through the winter. he CAV
his experience In raising cattle
In Essex county for twenty years
as profit. His cattle. he said.
sold 10 the Baltimore market at the
top Of the market Mr. Beverley cited
a case Ia his own experience where he
shipped last fall from his farm in Is
sex county, fourteen head Of cattle, bred
aud raised on his farm, which Melted
over 500 each.
Mr.. s. B Heiees Of York, Pa, was
the last speaker. His subject was fruits 1
how to plant and proteoS He spoke Of
the preparation OF the ground. the treat
ment Of orchards, and how 20 destroy
injurious insects and prevent fungus
diseases.
A vote Of thanks was rendered the
Business Mems Association and the
press for the courtecy extended the In
stitute and also on motion Of Capt ID.
NJ. Lee q vote Of thanks was rendered
by the farmers TO the speakers and es
pecially TO Mr. Beverly for having the
institute here
Mr.. Beverly says he will hold
three or four other institutes ia
this district In the spring, one each
at Tappahannock, Urbanna. Kilmar.
mock, and probably one at Montross or
Kinsale, In Westmoreland county.