Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-03-18
FARMERS, OPPORTUNITIES.

The opening of the series of farmers
institutes by the commissioner OF agri-
culture naturally calls attention to the
many opportunities afforded farmers at
the present time for gaining knowl-
edge of their business. Through the
public Institutes provided for by the
state, the several organizations deVoted
to the different specialties, for the pro-
motion of which these organizations are
instituted, the grange meetings now
being frequently held in almost every
township and neighborhood, and withal
the weekly visits of the agricultural
paper freighted with its discussions OF
every phase of science and practice con-
nected with the operations OF the farm
these are affording opportunities for
gaining information that should not be
overlooked These lectures, papers and
discussions brought out at these assem-
blies cover the entire field of scientific
and practical knowledge of farm affairs.
That these opportunities are being I'M
proved by our farmers there is ample
evidence. The range of Intelligence
among our farmers at the present time,
as result of this teaching, is of high
order. They are no longer cropping their
way in ignorance. They generally
understand the principles governing the
later methods and practices OF their
work. While all the secrets involved IN
their operations have not been un-
covered, yet the knowledge they have
been gaining and the advances thus
made in the better understanding OF
their work and the successful results
coming from it are leading the way to
still further effort for the mastery OF
their business. The rank and file OF
farmers are an intelligent class, well
schooled in their business.
1t matters not that only portion OF
the farmers are reached by these pubic
efforts in their behalf. 1t is fact every
where observable that progress makes
it's way through the example OF a lew
leaders. In the case of the public efforts
now so widely going on about us, there
are always more or less individuals
whose minds are receptive TO the in
structions laid before them. They are
searching for knowledge. They are
always found at these public gatherings.
The knowledge there gained they take
home into their everyday work. Ihat
which is an improvement over the past
stands out in bold relief in all their
operations that he who runs may read.
People leran more from successful
example than through direct teaching,
Thus this higher knowledge gained by
the few is transmitted to the whole
community Improved methods and
better practices can not long remain
with the individual but soon become
common property. Hence though all
may not be reached through institutes,
organizations, grange meetings, or even
the agricultural papers, the work OF
progress goes rapidly on.
Every farmer, however, wishing for
greater knowledge of his business and de.
sirous of making it more successful should
make it a point to attend all meetings
of this kind within his reach. There is
always something to be learned that will
aid him in the successful conduct OF his
business. This is especially true in the
series of institutes now in course by the
commissioner of agriculture. - Maine
Farmer.