Farmers' Institute At Manchester

Reported specially for the Asaus. WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, FEU. 2O. After partaking of a bountiful repast pre pared by the farmers, the afternoon sessioi was opened, with music, followed by a poen on " Tlie Old Sharon Farm," by F. M Baker. Mr. lHtchcock, of Sharon, then read a paper on "Farm Help." He argued that i was highly essenttal to liire honest and in ........ .„vu, unu io employ tlie same hel as long as they give satisfaction to tlie em ployer. An essay on the "Use of Flowers," writ ten by Miss Emily Row, of Sharon, war then read. She dwelt apon the valué o flowers in house and garden, and tlie cheer ful influence which they impart to the household. Mr. Robert Campbell, of Pittsfield, read one of the most interesling papers of the Institute on "The Status of Farming." He maintained that the day is coming when the illiterate farmer wil] rarely be successful. The successful farmer will need to bea book keeper and financier, a botanist, a chemist, and an entomologist. High education, will, in time, be most important to the tillers of the soil. Agricultural colleges should be supported and encouraged. He attribnted the cry of "hard times" among the farmers to the high rates of interest. Iso occupation in which so many are engaged has fewer failures. "How we shall secure Agricultural Improvements" was next discussed in an able manner, in a paper by Daniel I.eCaron, of Eridgewater. The last topic of the session, The "Grasses for Michigan Farmers," was then treated by Prof. Wm. J. Beal, of Lansing. The professor illustrated lus subject by charts, and exhibited specimens of the best grass grown in this country. Grasses require different treatment on different soils. He said circum stances made great difievence in regard to the stock and grasses to be used, and that no deñnite rules will apply in all cases. The hay cut earlier than common is bctter than that cut later. WEDNESD.tY EVEN I MG, There were probably nót lcss than six lumdred persons present at the last session of the Institute. Hon. J. W. Childs, of Augusta, gave an interesting address on " Apple Orchards." He claimed that a well cultivated and judiciously prepared apple orchard was as profitable as any investment the farmer could make. The preparation of the ground is important. Plow as deep as possible, manuring well. He would plant as early as possible in the spring, and for ordinary market only four or five varieties. He recommended for his own section of country Rhode Island Greening, Northern Spy, Canada Red, Balduin, and the English or Golden Russet. G. S. Rawson, of Bridgewater, read an able paper on the " Qualitications of the Farmer," showing them to be many and important for success. "Farmers' Mistakes" was treated by Benj. G. English, and "Forest and Ornamental Trees," by John G. English, both of Manchester. The last paper was read by Prof. J. R. Miller, of Manchester Union School, on "Our District Schools." He summed up the wants of the rural schools undcr four heads : i. Lack of gradation. 2. Lack of unifonnity of text books. 3. Too frequent changes of teachers. 4. Want of interest on the part of parents and offïcers. Tlie Institute was closed by singing -'The Farmers' Old Hundred," composed for the occasion by F. M. Baker. The music of the Institute was under the direction of E. P. Crafts, assisted by Mrs. Bessie Miller, of Chicago, and the singers of Manchester, and was one of the most pleasant features of the occasion. Thus closed what is admitted by all to be one of the best Farmers' Institutes ever held in the State.