The Institute

önderthe auspiees of the n ashtenaw ty [fistitute Society an institute was held 'n Chelsea last Tuesday and Wednesdáy, with sesnons in the morning, afternoon and evening of each day. Some vèry interesting papers were read by prominent men of the state and eounty at each session. We feel sure that the publicación of all the speeches would prove interesting to everybody, but owing to lack of space we can only give a curtailed account, shówing the general idea on ihe different subjects under diseussion. TUESDAY MOKNING. The institute was formally opened by an address of weieome by the llon. .1. s. Gorman, givmg the visitors a hearty welcome to our pleasant little villagê. propriate response was given by li. M. Kellogg of Three Hivers, following which a paper was read by R. C. Reeves of Dexter, upon "A Farmer and ilis Changed Conditions." He spoke of the great changes which had triken place in the methods of farming, and Bhowed that the general depression of the country was caused by unprosperous condition of the farmer. The farmer had been legislated against and shut out at the caucuses and conventions. He believeil that it was time to assert their manhood. He also advocated the income tax law and the inheritance tax. E. A. Nordman of Lima, led the discussion with a few remarks indorsing the ideas expresseíl by Mr. lieeves, but was rompelled to close on account of lack of time. H. M. Kellosü crave an interesting address on tlie subject of "Small TVtiits tor Profit." He explained the proper method of preparing the soil, and said that the soil of Lower Michigan had all the elements for successf uí fruit raising if properly cared for. He also showed the average amounts of fruit to be raised under named conditions. The convention then adjourned for the noon hour. AFTERNOON SESSION. John L. Shawver oí Jielletontame, O., spoke on "Clovers, Manures and Fertilizers." He explained the best way to handle and distribute manures. and for what kind of land each particular fertilizer was (itted. He said that no one should sell hay in any other way han as be 'f , pork. etc. He also showed ;üat bean ground should be plowed inder, after each erop, to preserve its "ertility. M, S. Raymond of Sharon, followed giving his" approval to the ideas exjressed, and gave at greater length the 3est methods of planting beans. 3Vfrs. 3. W. Crafts of Sharon. gave a very ineresting address on the "Possibilities of the Farm." giving at some lengtli ;he position which might be reached by he farmer, (i. A. Peters of Scio. said hat he and his wife had farmed for ;he lust forty yeirs, and that somehing was wrong, for they had not yet acquired a competency. He claimed ;hat too much legislation and extravagance was the cause of many farm ilures, and close(l with the declararon that ''the practical part of life is vhat you can get out of it." The' session closed with a dissussion on the best method of feeding stock and h ow to get the best prices for products; also, whether the rust on strawberries would effect the coming erop. The effect was shown to be bad, and all tainted beds should be plowed under to insure safety. Before adjournins' a resolution was adopted recommending that a 1-aw should be passed compeiling butterinf and oleomargarine to be colored pink. Amended to green. Carried. EVENING SESSION. [r. Jno.L.Shawver opened the meeting with a treatise on "Farm Buildings," giving the dimensions for model farm buildings. He exhibited a miniature barn, which was built of planks bolted together. There were to be no heavy timbers and 110 morticing, and the building would be considerably cheaper and more durable than the average barn. An elabórate essay on " Peach Culture " was then gi ven by Prof. A. D. De Wittof Dexter. Iledetailedthemethod of preparing the soil, and explained under what conditions, and at what time to plant the trees, in order to secure the best results. He also spoke at some length on the diseases of peach trees, and recommended as the only cure for the yellows, that the trees should be cut down. WEDNESDAY MOENING SESSION. The convention was opened by an invocation by the Kev. Dr. Holmes. A questiou afose as to the advisability of putting lightning-rods on farm buildings. Only one man approved of it, and he had probably never been bitten by the sharks. L. H. Ives of Mason, who hart been billed to speak on '-The Eternal Fitness of Things," did not appear, so they pacsed on to the "Farm JJairy." by fT. E. Van Norman of the Agricultural College. Mr. Van Norman is a practical butt er-maker, and gave a very interesting lecture on the way to feed the cows, handle the milk, and prepare it for the churn. He illustrated his remarks, with a practical test, by churping a smal] amount of butter on the stage. ïhe discussions on this subject were very animated, as almost every one had an idea in regard to butter-making, which he wanted toexpress. The session closed with the election of the following oflicers for theensuing year: OFFICERS. President, E. A. Xordman: secretary and treasurer, II. Stumpenhusen; executive committee,.J(ilni A. .McDougall, H. D. Platt, J. K. Campbell, and A. K. Graves; vice-presidents: Ann Arbor, I. N. 8. Foster; Augusta, J. K. Campbell; Bridgewater, U. S. lïawson; Dexter, J. E. Hall; Freedoín .T I?uss; Lima, T. Fletcfyer; Lodi, S. L. White; Lyndon.J. Clark; Manchester. .7. G. Engljsh; Northfield, E. E.Leland; Pittsfield, II. D. Platt; Salem. .1. I'. Savory: Saline, C. M. Fellows; Scio, G. A. 'Peters; Sharoii. E. Crafts; Superior, J. A. McDougall; Sylvau. eo. F. English; Webster, W. E. Boydén; York, A. D. Mclntyre; Ypsilanti, A. R. Graves. AFTERNOON SKSSION. J. S. McDougall oL Ypsilanti, read a paper, on the subject of "Boads and Making." The theme of his argument was, tliat it would be unwise to subject the people to the added expense of manufacturing new roads, when the present system of road working, iï properly carried out, would be efficiënt. Mr. Nathan Pie ree of Lima, '. discussion, with a comparïson of the expense of making and repairing roads in Franco and this country. He showed that even with the chea'p labor and easily repaired roads of Franje, it would cost tiiis county fout times as the total county tax. to build new roads. He reommended the use oí the French wide tired wagon, as tin.' methpd of keeping the roads in repair. The speeches of both Mr. McDougall and Mr. Pierce were so well received, that the secretary ',vas instructed to liave tliem printed for general distribution. D. B. J'aylor of Chelsea gave a short talk on the subject of the road tax. .10. E. ('roman of Grass Lake, a memlier of the (rass Lake Creamery ('o., took up the reinaining time with a discussion of the best methods to be employéd in fe?ding stock, and in the caring of milk for butter making. Prof II. K. Vedder, Agr'l Col., eave a lecture on "Bridges and (,'ulverts for Country Highways'. Prof. Vedder is an enginer, and having been in the ' ploy of bridge companies. was m a position to showtheroad commissioner how they were fleeced by the bridge contractors. He had some models, f rom whieh he gave an entertaining talk. The followïng resolutions.were adopted bef ore the close of thesession. Introduced by B. Parker, "Resolved, ïhat we favor the enactment of a lavv. exempting from taxation populanty, both ! real and personal, to the amount of individual indebtedness, and that we requestour legisla ture to use every lawlul measuseto bring about such amendment to the law." This measure was opposed very by the tlon. J. S. Gorman, but was carried altnost unanimously. Introduced by E. A. Nordman, 'Kesoived, That it is the opinión of this iastitute that the mortgage tax law should not be repealed, and we hereby ask our legislators to vote against its repeal." Introduced by Mr. Brown, "Kesoived. Thatasajust measure f or the equalization of the burden of taxation, we the farmers of Washtenaw county. in institute assembled, hereby favór catión of a law f or the taxation of the income, and extend commendation and sympathy to the stnte legislature for "having entertained such a measure. EVENING SESSION. Prof. DeVVitt read a paper on the I school system of the state. He paid the highest honor to Father Pierce, onr flrst Supt. of Public Instruction, who introduced our present school system in this state. He spoke of the establishment of our University. Normal school and Agricultural college, and defined the duties of the different school oflicers, and of thf character of the different certifícate issued by the state. Mrs. Campbell gave a talk in the (range. She explained the great work which is being done by the society and then passed on to the environment on our lives. She showed that hard work was honorable and that a man is valued not by what he gets out of a community but by what the community gets from liim. Mrs. Mary A. Mayo of Battle Creek delivered an address on "Ilome Life on the Farm." She complained that the home life was not marie as pleasant as eould be. and that the parents should enforce strict obedience.though kindly, aud that the children's reading matter should be of the best. She emphasized the influence which the life of the parent has on the child, and advised every one to live s'o as to be a model for their children. Dr. Iloward Edwards, Agr'l College, gave a short lectura on "Markets." He explained how to find the best markets and secure the highest prices for products. He also showed how to arrange the prodncts in attractive packages and bundies, and then command better prices. Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock a meeting for women only was held at the Cnngregational church. Papers were read by sèvenil prominent ladies of the county, which were vtry interesting.