The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1902-12-14

TIL Missouri State Board of Agriculture,
in cooperation with the State Agricultural
College and Experiment Station. began 4
campaign of education among the farmers
OF Missouri and Arkansas last Monday.
A series Of twelve meetings has been ar
range for Missouri.
The Missouri Farmers Institute meetings
Of the past have been productive of such
good results that a departure has been de-
cided upon. An exhibit car is u feature at
every meeting
This car carries a complete outfit Of spray
pumps. specimens Of insects which are in
furious 10 fruit. specimens of fungus dis
eases, some Of the principal grasses grown
in the States. and samples showing the in
Guence of fertilizers. 1t Is equipped for
work along any special line in which the
farmers. Of any particular community are
most interested.
For those sections Of Missouri where
dairying is the most important feature the
car Will be a travelling dairy school. and ali
the practical points connected with the
production of milk, dairy manufacturing,
packing, Judging and marketing viii he
fully demonstrated.
In another section. where the fruit inter
ests dominate, the car will be converted
into a travelling horticultural school, carry
ing special equipment bearing upon this
subject
Where the livestock interests are para
mount, typical specimens Of live stock viii
~ e"N "a ~ -
Judge animals for the different purposes Will
be made.
This feature has been made possible by
the management of the Missouri Pacific
Railway Company. which has agreed u
transport the exhibit car free over its
lines. The meetings are being held AZ points
On this line OF railway.
In the party accompanying the car are:
George Il. Ellis, secretary OF the State
Board of Agriculture; H. J. Waters. dean
and dfr.crnr of rha S.a., Auyfgrrgt,,,.f ..l
lege; ]. c. Whitten, State horticultuE:st; j.
NJ. Stedman, State entomologist. and Pro-
lessor L. d. Mumford, who is recognized as
an eminent authority on dairy and 1--we
stock matters. ID. L. King, general travel
Ing freight agent Of the Missouri i'lcinc
and the Iron Mountain. accompanies the
party.
The placing of the exhibit car at the dis
posal of the State Board OF Agriculture.
with free transportation, is i'll line with the
recent action OF all Of the railroads Of :ne
southwest, by agreeing TO unite in a DEF
mite plan for the development OF an ex-
panSe OF country equal i'll area to more
than the half of Europe. The southern half
OF missouri is Included.
NEW ERA IN FARM INDUSTRY.
The present agitation marks the ieGin-
iinS of a new era i'll the development Of
the farming industry. And the educators
and the developers are epoch makers. 1t
is no longer necessary TO discuss with the
Intelligent farmer the necessity for some
kind of educational effort To improve has
methods in farm operations. The man VINO
uses his hands only must hc left behind.
but the man who uses his intellect 10 direct
his hands Will succeed.
The Missouri officials have consented TO
give one day Of the trip to the fruit belt Of
Arkansas. The trip through Missouri VIII
extend from December 5 To December -. On
December - the Missouri car will visit
Ciarksville. Ark, as the guests Of thu Mis-
souri, Pacific Railway. and while there meet
inSs will be held in the afternoon and even
ing.
This trip into Arkansas by the Mis-
sourians Is considered as a compliment to
the State, and Clarksvilie has been selected
so that the people of johnson. Pope. Frank
lin and adjoining counties may have an OPP
roriunity 10 attend. Professor Il. l.. Ben
nett. director of the Arkansas State Expert
ment Station, Fayetteville. is expected 10
I've present and take a part in the discus
sions.
The Farmers Institute work of the
United States Is fast becoming one Of the
great educational institutions OF the coun-
try.
In Missouri the first appropriation made
by the Legislature to carry OF the work
WIS about twelve years ago. In the first
year about fifteen meetings were held m
der many difficulties. and against much
prejudice. But the work has beer. improved
and has become d very popular means far
Inc dissemination OF knowledge relating TO
agriculture. horticulture. live stock breed
ing and feeding. domestic scierce. the i'm
provement of rural schools. and :or many
other purposes.
The progress of the work is shown by the
fact that last year 123 meetings were held.
These meetings were attended by more than
$500 people.
ABLE TEACHERS TO ASSIST.
The Missouri Agricultural college will
heartily cooperate with the State Board
of Agriculture. and furnish sDr1e of the
ahlest teachers OF agricultural science from
that institution to assist in the meetings
In a great many places the farmers will