The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1904-06-14
the simplicity of construction that could be fol-
lowed were points strongly emphasized.

nessee, next told of his experience in feeding sill
age to export cattle. This was certainly an ex-
cellent address, and is evidence of the practical
value of silage for the winter maintenance of
cattle. Mr.. W. d. Browder, of Pinhook Landing,
and W.. III. George, of Chandler, also spoke on this
subject, and gave some very interesting and in
structive facts. Col. S. E.. Young, of Sweetwater,
told of the value of silage for the maintenance of
the dairy cow. He regarded it as indispensable.
Prof. John r. Fain, of the Tennessee Experiment
Station, gave a summary of two years results in
feeding beef cattle ON silage. He showed that the
cattle had gained more than two pounds per day
throughout a period of one hundred and fifty
days and that these gains were made at a ~surpris-
ingly low cost.
Col. j. A. Reagan, of Sweetwater, next followed
with my Experience With Grasses and Clover"
He gave some very practical suggestions with ref
erence to this tolic. Mr.. P. o.. Vanatter, of the
Tennessee Experiment Station, then discussed
alfalfa and Grass for Hay and Grazing" He
stated that under proper conditions alfalfa
could be grown successfully in Tennessee, but that
the land must be thoroughly and carefully pre-
pared. This was the key to success.
Chattanooga, through Mr.. @. w. Holbrook,
Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, presented
an invitation to the convention to meet in that
city next year. He was given a vote of thanks,
and the matter was referred to the Executive
Committee with power to act. Resolutions were
then adopted asking the State Legislature to give
the Experiment Station at least $4,000 annually
for maintenance and support; approving the
farmers institute system as conducted by Com
missioner w. w. Ogilvie; thanking the Worlds
Fair Commission and the railroads for the special
rates, and asking the LEGISLATURE to give the Agri=-
cultural Department of the University the support
1T deserved. Resolutions we're also passed favor
ing compulsory education and the establishment
OF chairs of veterinary science and entomology and
a poultry department in the University of Ten
nessee; the secretary was highly complimented
for his work, and the membership fee was fixed by
amendment of the constitution at 81 per year.
The following officers were then elected: Presi-
dent, w. Gettys, Athens; Vice-President for Life,
o. P. Temple, Knoxville; Secretary, Andrew M.
Soule. Knoxville; Assistant Secretary, G.. b.
Wheeler, Morristown.
The convention then adjourned 10 visit the
University farm in the afternoon. A special train
of street cars was placed at the disposal of the
delegates by the Knoxville Traction Company,
and more than seven hundred reached the farm
about 2 o'clock. The 1900 grass and grain plats
were visited and the beautiful farm, will its
fine growing crops, was the subject of much ad-
miration and favorable comment. When the
stables were reached the stock received its due
share of attention The excellent dairy herd,
splendid beef cattle and Berkshire hogs were
greatly admired. Prof. Soule spoke on the re-
quirements of good beef cattle, illustrating his
remarks with a group of Hereford steers fed on
silage for the past six months at the Experiment
Station. These animals were almost perfect
specimens of the breed, and it is safe to say that
the object lesson thus presented will do much
towards improving the quality of cattle kept on
the average Tennessee farm. At the close of the
stock Judging demonstrations, conducted by
Profs. Plumb, Fain and Soule, the delegates were
all seated on the grass and given light refresh
ments. This constitutes the great annual social
feature of the convention, and it is needless to say
that it is thoroughly enjoyed. In fact, it is hard
to describe the real pleasure it affords The dele
gates.