The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1908-02-07
OPENING OF THE
FARMERS INSTITUTE
Col. Robert e. Davis Made Address Of
Welcome in Behalf Of City, Which
Was Followed by Practical talks by
Other Prominent Speakers
Gainesville Sun, 6th.)

Gainesville Sun. 6th.)
A large attendance gathered in the
Tabernacle last night 10 hear the
opening addresses Of the Florida
State Farmers Meeting
The gathering was presided ever by
s. H. Gaitskill Of McIntc sh. president
OF the Florida Live Stock Association
Seated beside him upon the platform
were Col. r. E. Davis Of Gainesville,
DR.. Andrew Sledd Of the University,
and Prof. F.. G. Schell Of Lake Butler,
secretary of the Cotton Growers AS
sociation.
Mr.. Gaitskill. after regretting that
Mr.. Rolls was too unwell to be pres
ent, introduced Col. Davis.
Col. Davis said that as Mayor
Thomas was indisposed. the pleasant
duty had been assigned to him of
welcoming those in attendance to
Gainesville. Gainesville welcomed
them gladly. He trusted the meeting
would be one Of great benefit to the
State
The chairman then emphasized the
fact that the prosperity of the farmer
is the prosperity of the State, and
that even in the sock business the
best Of farmers are needed. for the
raising of products for the feeding of
itself. He introduced DR.. Sledd, who
was to speak of agriculture in the
University.
DR.. Sledd said in part that the Uni
versity is a part of the public school
sysem of the State The aim of this
system is to serve the people. For
some years the public schools of the
United States have not been fully
meeting their obligations to the gen.
eral public. According to the census
Of 1900. Of the 100000 persons over
ten years of age engaged in gainful
occupations. 100000 were following
agricultural pursuits. or 35.7 per cent
The Federal Government early
manifested the interest. the first ac-
ton being taken even in the time of
George Washington. In comparative
ly recent times this interest in the
practical educatiOn-in the education
for agriculture and the mechanic arts
had grown greatly. The first ap-
preparation for the distribution of
seed was made in 1854. The depart
ment itself was established in 1862,
and has since done a magnificent SER
vice to the country.
Next on the program was an adj
dress by Mr.. Gaitskill on the Florida
Live Stock Association.
He said among other things that
good beef cattle had been introduced
by members of the association. The
results were not yet determined. Both
favorable and adverse reports were
being received. The adverse reports
were, in his opinion. due to the range
| conditions in Florida being different
from those Of the original homes Of
the stock. A cow in a new country
takes some time to learn how to
make a living, and in particular a
COW had great difficulty in adapting
itself to the Florida ranges.
Prof. Schell. on being introduced,
delivered vefy handsome address
and one full Of common sense. He
divided the farmers Of the state into
two classes-first, the fruit and truck
growers. and second the cotton and
corn growers-the old-time farmers.
He spoke Of the needs and the outlook
for each class.
| Before announcing the close Of the
meeting, Mr.. Gaitskill said that some
Of the speakers for the next session
could not arrive on time, and that
consequently the program had been
rearranged. The changed order Of ex-
ercises for the next two sessions fol-
lows:
| Thursday. Feb. 6. 9 a. m.-"Cattle
Raising in the South"--Col. w. A.
Harris.
Stock Raising in F1orida"-s H.
Gaitskill
"Tick Fever and It's Eradication
DR.. e. p. Guerrant
IL Noon-Barbecue.
2 D. m-Exhibition Of Cattle to be
Slaughtered-Dr. c. A. Cary.
1.-The Herefords on the Range"-C.
R. Thomas.
1.-THE Herefords in F1orida"-N. A
Callison.
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