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VOL. XXX. INDIANAPOLIS, IND., DEC. 28, 1895. NO. 52 The Institutes. What the Farmers are Thinking, Doing and Saying. Hendricks county.—We had the pleasure of attending the last half-day's session of this inftitute at Danville. Tuesday, the 17th, and heard a most excellent paper on "Supplementary education for the farmer's family,'' by Mrs. Doan, also a witty and wise talk on "The farmer as a citizen," by J. X. Babcock, and an illustrated lecture on hog raising by James Riley. These papers and talks were a real treat, and highly enjoyed by the large audience in attendance. After hearing Mr. Riley's talk and seeing his diagram of hog house and yards,with clean feeding troughs and convenient water' ing tanks, one can readily understand how he has had such remarkable success in the business. He has taken remarkable careas well in feeding as in breeding his handsome Berks. Mr. Babcock has a captivating way of his own with an audience of farmers, and is always popular and instructive. Mrs. Doan has some ideas regarding the proper way in which the farmer and his family should spend their winter evenings that we should be glad to publish. They would do great good we think to the immense audience the Indiana Farmer would give the lady. Will she oblige us by making some extracts? A very fine dispaly of frvjits, grains and vegetables formed a principal attraction at this institute. Pike county—The Pike county farmer's institute held at Algiers, Dec. 11th and 12th, was by far the most successful one ever held in this county. The attendance was double that of any former meeting, while everybody manifested an interest in the work. There were quite a number of ladies out. Had it not been for the inclemency of the weather on Thursday morning the attendanse would have been much larger. Mr. Cal Hussleman and Mr. W. B. Stevens were the instructors. Both gentlemen gave very interesting and practical talks on the subject assigned them. From the interest given those talks we will be surprised if agreat many of Ihe suggestions offered by them will not be put into practice this next year, especially as to the wastes on the farm. Mrs. S. W. Chappel read au excellent paper on "Better education for the farmer and his family," in which she showed the need of more practical information on the farm. She also showed that all our education does not come from books, but much of it is gained from observation and experience. Mr. O. A.IIad- lock had a very able paper on "How to make home happy." This was a very carefully prepared paper, and contained some very excellent thought upon this subject. .Mr. Hadlock showed that if home was what it should be there would be no trouble in keeping the boys on the farm. Mr. Kime read a paper on the "Duties of a farmer's wife," that received the very best attention, especially from the ladies. It showed that the writer was entirely conversant with his subject. Mr. Ellis Craig, a former student of Purdue and one of our practical young farmers, read a very able paper on "Corn culture." Mr. Craig gave many points of his own observation and personal experience in the preparation of seed bed and cultivation of the crop after planting. The next institute will be held at Winslow. • ilezen. M. L. H. Putnam Co.—This was an excellent and well attended meeting. It was held at Bainbridge on the 13th and 14th of December and the reputation of Bainbridge for excellent institutes was fully maintained. The writer had the pleasure of attending the meeting until noon on Saturday. From the very beginning up to that time the audience showed an eager interest in the proceedings and a very intelligent appreciation of the work that was done. The program was a full one and two to three home workers were assigned to many of the topics. With one or two exceptions these workers were on hand and thoroughly well prepared to discuss the questions assigned them. The Putnam county farmers who attended the institute,—and there were many of them—understood the nature and purpose of the work, and are in full sympathy with it. By actual count, over 500 were found to be present at the afternoon session the first day and the attendance was considerably larger in the evening. Great credit is due to the chairman, Mr. O. P. Lane, who almost unaided performed the preliminary work. That his work was performed faithfully and well is shown in the fact that, although the weather was quite cold, families attended, the meeting from over fifteen miles away. The features of the institute that especially pleased the writer, were: The evident intelligence of the audience: the large percentage of young men; the presence of ladies in very considerable numbers; the hearty participation in the informal discussions on the part of the audience; the friendly social spirit and harmony of the proceedings; the pointed, practical papers by home workers and the spirit of progress which characterized the meeting. Farmers living in adjoining counties, who enjoy a cordial welcome and a good institute, will do well to attend the next one in Putnam county. W. C. L. Park county.—This institute was a decided success. Homer Allen, a young farmer, welcomed the institute in well chosen words. J. A. Mount, in a forcible address pointed out the way whereby a poor young man might attain success in life. He set forth backed by numerous examples, the road from humble beginning to praiseworthy attainments. The same elements of success, he said, must characterize the young man "without capital" starting in any vocation, etc. Diligence in business, temperate habits and economy in the expenditure of money. John Osborn in a well written paper discussed "Intensive vs. extensive farming." Mr. Osborn argued in favor of smaller farms, better tilled, with better economy in utilizing all crops grown. A. O. Leckeridge compared farming with other callings. He pictured in well chosen words the sunny and the shaded side of farm life, lie thought the farmer was the producer of the largest part of the country's wealth, but did not enjoy as large a share of the profits as his arduous labor demand. John L. Campbell followed with an address in which he could distinguish but little difference between the stock transaction in the country, and margin trading in Chicago. This called forth some pointed argument to the contrary. This was Capt. Campbell's object in his paper. "Practical house keeping," was the title of a well written discussion from the pen of Mrs. Emma Morris. At the close of her paper she called for all men who could take the wife's or mother's place in the kitcken to stand up. Seventeen men promptly responded. The reverse side, asking how many women could take the farmer's place out doors, found but half a dozed respondents> "The successful farmer of the future," was discussed by Mr. Mount, who at length presented the many and complicated problems to be solved by the farmer of the future to secure success. Among these were soil fertility, live stock husbandry, markets, rotation of crops and the utilization of the same. The mind he said must be the dominant factor to point out the road to success. "The dynamics of a farmer's opportunity," was the theme of a most able paper from Mr. Lockridge. Mr. Lockridge posseses the grace and eloqnence of a polished literary speaker. "The bright side of farm life," was beautifully illustrated in a paper from Mrs. Clara McCord. Mr. Mount briefly but earnestly, presented the special agricultural course at Purdue and also the Farmers' Beading Circle. The institute showed the largest attendance and the best interest of any yet held. The court house was well filled the last day. Vigo Co.—The Vigo county Institute by reason of the continuous rain was not largely attended, but there was no lack of interest manifested in the addresses and discussions. The Curry Band furnished excellent music. Rev. J. H. Crum in a fervent appropriate prayer opened the meeting. Senator McLean delivered the address of welcome, to which Rev. Crum appropriately replied- J. A. Mount was the first speaker on program. He paid a compliment to Terre Haute and said he did not grow weary of coming to Vigo county, but was fearful that the institute would grow weary of him, as this was the fourth consecutive meeting he had attended. The president replied he was the choice of all the vice- presidents from the townships in the county. Mr. Mount discussed "The corn crop, how to grow and how to utilize it." Good seed, good soil and good tillage are the foundation of a good crop. He said, the corn fodder, or stover, if properly cared for, was 40 to 45 per cent of the value of the crop. He discussed different methods of using this, and exposed the unthrift of its waste. "Our grasses," by O. A. Lockridge was an exhaustive discussion of the subject as it related to the grasses profitable to the farmer. Mr. Lockridge said for fattening cattle, one steer should have four acres of blue grass. He said a good sod of blue grass would require from 7 to 10 year to secure it. The discussion evinced the fact that parts of Vigo are not well adapted to this grass. "Electricity, what is it? Will it be of special use to the farmer?" was presented hy Pres. C. L. Mees, of Kose Polytechnic University. It was a treat to the farmers to have this scientific question discussed by one of distinguished ability. He predicts the time will come when it will be a factor in light and power on the farm. F. J. S. Robinson discussed in a practical and forcible way, "How to maintain the fertility of the soil. "Farming compared with other callings" was ably discussed by A. O. Lockridge. Mr. Lockridge, in the course of his address read from the Secrefar3' of Agriculture's report, in which is presented the large surplus from the farmers, feeding all our population, and furnishing 69 per cent of all our exports. Mr. Lockridge claimed this was misleading and did not prove the prosperity of the farmer. He argued that the farmer did not receive a fair proportion of the profits. Mr. Mount reviewed the trend of markets for our live stock, presenting many facts from statistics, tending to show the increase and decrease in demand and supply and urged the farmers to study these factors, as they in some degree forestalled prices. Mr. Lockridge, Mr. Mount and Prof. Xoys, occupied the last session in valuable addresses which were well received. Wayne County.—The Wayne County Institute, which is one of the best in the State, met at Centerville, December 13 and 14, with an attendance so large that the town hall could scarcely accommodate the visitors. At the night session there were at least 600 present. There was an unflagging interest throughout the sessions and important topics were frequently followed by animated discussions. One feature of the work was a "question box" on the chairman's table into which written querries could be dropped by any one, these to be read aloud at the close of each session by the chair man, who solicited answers from the audience. Mr. Trusler, in a talk on "The relationship of agriculture, manufacturing and commerce," pointed out that these three dpartments of human activity were so inter-related that one cannot languish without the others suffering. The re- sesults to each should be in proportion to the labor, capital and service involved; but the agriculturist, the speaker maintained, does not receive in proportion to the wealth he adds to the country. "How can a young man begin on a farm without capital," by J. A. Mount, has already been reported from the Franklin county institute. Mr. Mount's evening address was "A farmer's home, and what it should seek to afford." This was an energetic and eloquent plea for the home in its fullest sense. The home, it was contended, is the unit of government, and no government will ever rise above or sink below the level of its homes. The home influences are more intact in the country than in the city, because of fewer external attractions to draw away, and in the country home of all others, these influences may be made binding. Let not our energies be given wholly to the increasing of herds—let us also give thought to music, love, comforts and weave influences that will reach from time into eternity. The speaker made a plea for the children and for the young men and women. The sanctifying effects of a home where love and kindness dwell will always remain with a child— the loving ministrations of a mother will never be lost. The address was listened to with deep interest and sympathy, and its many pathetic touches were visibly effective. Mr. Trusler read a paper on "Intensive vs. extensive farming," in which he ardently advocatsd the intensive method. The successful farmer of the future must utilize less ground and raise more to the acre. Farm economics must be studied and everything done to the best advantage. Discrimination must be made between the things that profit and those that do not, and the latter be discarded. Pharaoh's dream is a truism to-day. The seven lean kine will eat up the seven fat kine. Do not till or gather one crop to the neglect of another If work presses the best economy is to hire sufficient help to have everything well done. Mr. Truster's definition of "intensive" farming was still further narrow ed] Xo more of the crop products than are absolutely necessary should leave the farm. One important factor in successful farming is maintaining the fertility of the soil and this can be best accomplished by "animalizing" the crops or converting them into animal flesh, live stock being the ultimate products. As determined by the experiment stations every ton of clover hay hauled from the farm takes off $8 20; of timothy, $5 48; of wheat, $7 75; these figures representing the cost of commercial fertilizers necessary to replace the fertility lost. The economy of stock raising consists in the judicious selection of animals that will make a profitable return for their feeding and the rigorous weeding out of poor ones. Wheat as a feed was discussed, the speaker affirming that where wheat and corn are about the same price, if either must be sold it should be the corn. For hogs, he maintained, no feed is equal to mashed or soaked wheat for the forming of bone and muscle and for growing stock generally it is better than corn. Mr. Mount spoke of the "Prospective prices and profits in the growing of live stock." Farming, he said, cannot be carried on without the raising of some kinds of live stock and he advocated the animalizing of crops. The next question is the economics of stock raising and in this question first essential is to raise good animals and such as are in demand or promise to be. A most important factor in the economics Continued on Oth page.
Object Description
Title | Indiana farmer, 1895, v. 30, no. 52 (Dec. 28) |
Purdue Identification Number | INFA3052 |
Date of Original | 1895 |
Subjects (LCSH) |
Agriculture Farm management Horticulture Agricultural machinery |
Subjects (NALT) |
agriculture farm management horticulture agricultural machinery and equipment |
Genre | Periodical |
Call Number of Original | 630.5 In2 |
Location of Original | Hicks Repository |
Coverage | United States - Indiana |
Type | text |
Format | JP2 |
Language | eng |
Collection Title | Indiana Farmer |
Rights Statement | Content in the Indiana Farmer Collection is in the public domain (published before 1923) or lacks a known copyright holder. Digital images in the collection may be used for educational, non-commercial, or not-for-profit purposes. |
Repository | Purdue University Libraries |
Date Digitized | 2011-02-24 |
Digitization Information | Original scanned at 300 ppi on a Bookeye 3 scanner using internal software. Display images generated in CONTENTdm as JP2000s; file format for archival copy is uncompressed TIF format. |
Description
Title | Page 1 |
Subjects (LCSH) |
Agriculture Farm management Horticulture Agricultural machinery |
Subjects (NALT) |
agriculture farm management horticulture agricultural machinery and equipment |
Genre | Periodical |
Call Number of Original | 630.5 In2 |
Location of Original | Hicks Repository |
Coverage | Indiana |
Type | text |
Format | JP2 |
Language | eng |
Collection Title | Indiana Farmer |
Rights Statement | Content in the Indiana Farmer Collection is in the public domain (published before 1923) or lacks a known copyright holder. Digital images in the collection may be used for educational, non-commercial, or non-for-profit purposes. |
Repository | Purdue University Libraries |
Digitization Information | Orignal scanned at 300 ppi on a Bookeye 3 scanner using internal software. Display images generated in CONTENTdm as JP2000s; file format for archival copy is uncompressed TIF format. |
Transcript | VOL. XXX. INDIANAPOLIS, IND., DEC. 28, 1895. NO. 52 The Institutes. What the Farmers are Thinking, Doing and Saying. Hendricks county.—We had the pleasure of attending the last half-day's session of this inftitute at Danville. Tuesday, the 17th, and heard a most excellent paper on "Supplementary education for the farmer's family,'' by Mrs. Doan, also a witty and wise talk on "The farmer as a citizen," by J. X. Babcock, and an illustrated lecture on hog raising by James Riley. These papers and talks were a real treat, and highly enjoyed by the large audience in attendance. After hearing Mr. Riley's talk and seeing his diagram of hog house and yards,with clean feeding troughs and convenient water' ing tanks, one can readily understand how he has had such remarkable success in the business. He has taken remarkable careas well in feeding as in breeding his handsome Berks. Mr. Babcock has a captivating way of his own with an audience of farmers, and is always popular and instructive. Mrs. Doan has some ideas regarding the proper way in which the farmer and his family should spend their winter evenings that we should be glad to publish. They would do great good we think to the immense audience the Indiana Farmer would give the lady. Will she oblige us by making some extracts? A very fine dispaly of frvjits, grains and vegetables formed a principal attraction at this institute. Pike county—The Pike county farmer's institute held at Algiers, Dec. 11th and 12th, was by far the most successful one ever held in this county. The attendance was double that of any former meeting, while everybody manifested an interest in the work. There were quite a number of ladies out. Had it not been for the inclemency of the weather on Thursday morning the attendanse would have been much larger. Mr. Cal Hussleman and Mr. W. B. Stevens were the instructors. Both gentlemen gave very interesting and practical talks on the subject assigned them. From the interest given those talks we will be surprised if agreat many of Ihe suggestions offered by them will not be put into practice this next year, especially as to the wastes on the farm. Mrs. S. W. Chappel read au excellent paper on "Better education for the farmer and his family," in which she showed the need of more practical information on the farm. She also showed that all our education does not come from books, but much of it is gained from observation and experience. Mr. O. A.IIad- lock had a very able paper on "How to make home happy." This was a very carefully prepared paper, and contained some very excellent thought upon this subject. .Mr. Hadlock showed that if home was what it should be there would be no trouble in keeping the boys on the farm. Mr. Kime read a paper on the "Duties of a farmer's wife," that received the very best attention, especially from the ladies. It showed that the writer was entirely conversant with his subject. Mr. Ellis Craig, a former student of Purdue and one of our practical young farmers, read a very able paper on "Corn culture." Mr. Craig gave many points of his own observation and personal experience in the preparation of seed bed and cultivation of the crop after planting. The next institute will be held at Winslow. • ilezen. M. L. H. Putnam Co.—This was an excellent and well attended meeting. It was held at Bainbridge on the 13th and 14th of December and the reputation of Bainbridge for excellent institutes was fully maintained. The writer had the pleasure of attending the meeting until noon on Saturday. From the very beginning up to that time the audience showed an eager interest in the proceedings and a very intelligent appreciation of the work that was done. The program was a full one and two to three home workers were assigned to many of the topics. With one or two exceptions these workers were on hand and thoroughly well prepared to discuss the questions assigned them. The Putnam county farmers who attended the institute,—and there were many of them—understood the nature and purpose of the work, and are in full sympathy with it. By actual count, over 500 were found to be present at the afternoon session the first day and the attendance was considerably larger in the evening. Great credit is due to the chairman, Mr. O. P. Lane, who almost unaided performed the preliminary work. That his work was performed faithfully and well is shown in the fact that, although the weather was quite cold, families attended, the meeting from over fifteen miles away. The features of the institute that especially pleased the writer, were: The evident intelligence of the audience: the large percentage of young men; the presence of ladies in very considerable numbers; the hearty participation in the informal discussions on the part of the audience; the friendly social spirit and harmony of the proceedings; the pointed, practical papers by home workers and the spirit of progress which characterized the meeting. Farmers living in adjoining counties, who enjoy a cordial welcome and a good institute, will do well to attend the next one in Putnam county. W. C. L. Park county.—This institute was a decided success. Homer Allen, a young farmer, welcomed the institute in well chosen words. J. A. Mount, in a forcible address pointed out the way whereby a poor young man might attain success in life. He set forth backed by numerous examples, the road from humble beginning to praiseworthy attainments. The same elements of success, he said, must characterize the young man "without capital" starting in any vocation, etc. Diligence in business, temperate habits and economy in the expenditure of money. John Osborn in a well written paper discussed "Intensive vs. extensive farming." Mr. Osborn argued in favor of smaller farms, better tilled, with better economy in utilizing all crops grown. A. O. Leckeridge compared farming with other callings. He pictured in well chosen words the sunny and the shaded side of farm life, lie thought the farmer was the producer of the largest part of the country's wealth, but did not enjoy as large a share of the profits as his arduous labor demand. John L. Campbell followed with an address in which he could distinguish but little difference between the stock transaction in the country, and margin trading in Chicago. This called forth some pointed argument to the contrary. This was Capt. Campbell's object in his paper. "Practical house keeping," was the title of a well written discussion from the pen of Mrs. Emma Morris. At the close of her paper she called for all men who could take the wife's or mother's place in the kitcken to stand up. Seventeen men promptly responded. The reverse side, asking how many women could take the farmer's place out doors, found but half a dozed respondents> "The successful farmer of the future," was discussed by Mr. Mount, who at length presented the many and complicated problems to be solved by the farmer of the future to secure success. Among these were soil fertility, live stock husbandry, markets, rotation of crops and the utilization of the same. The mind he said must be the dominant factor to point out the road to success. "The dynamics of a farmer's opportunity," was the theme of a most able paper from Mr. Lockridge. Mr. Lockridge posseses the grace and eloqnence of a polished literary speaker. "The bright side of farm life," was beautifully illustrated in a paper from Mrs. Clara McCord. Mr. Mount briefly but earnestly, presented the special agricultural course at Purdue and also the Farmers' Beading Circle. The institute showed the largest attendance and the best interest of any yet held. The court house was well filled the last day. Vigo Co.—The Vigo county Institute by reason of the continuous rain was not largely attended, but there was no lack of interest manifested in the addresses and discussions. The Curry Band furnished excellent music. Rev. J. H. Crum in a fervent appropriate prayer opened the meeting. Senator McLean delivered the address of welcome, to which Rev. Crum appropriately replied- J. A. Mount was the first speaker on program. He paid a compliment to Terre Haute and said he did not grow weary of coming to Vigo county, but was fearful that the institute would grow weary of him, as this was the fourth consecutive meeting he had attended. The president replied he was the choice of all the vice- presidents from the townships in the county. Mr. Mount discussed "The corn crop, how to grow and how to utilize it." Good seed, good soil and good tillage are the foundation of a good crop. He said, the corn fodder, or stover, if properly cared for, was 40 to 45 per cent of the value of the crop. He discussed different methods of using this, and exposed the unthrift of its waste. "Our grasses," by O. A. Lockridge was an exhaustive discussion of the subject as it related to the grasses profitable to the farmer. Mr. Lockridge said for fattening cattle, one steer should have four acres of blue grass. He said a good sod of blue grass would require from 7 to 10 year to secure it. The discussion evinced the fact that parts of Vigo are not well adapted to this grass. "Electricity, what is it? Will it be of special use to the farmer?" was presented hy Pres. C. L. Mees, of Kose Polytechnic University. It was a treat to the farmers to have this scientific question discussed by one of distinguished ability. He predicts the time will come when it will be a factor in light and power on the farm. F. J. S. Robinson discussed in a practical and forcible way, "How to maintain the fertility of the soil. "Farming compared with other callings" was ably discussed by A. O. Lockridge. Mr. Lockridge, in the course of his address read from the Secrefar3' of Agriculture's report, in which is presented the large surplus from the farmers, feeding all our population, and furnishing 69 per cent of all our exports. Mr. Lockridge claimed this was misleading and did not prove the prosperity of the farmer. He argued that the farmer did not receive a fair proportion of the profits. Mr. Mount reviewed the trend of markets for our live stock, presenting many facts from statistics, tending to show the increase and decrease in demand and supply and urged the farmers to study these factors, as they in some degree forestalled prices. Mr. Lockridge, Mr. Mount and Prof. Xoys, occupied the last session in valuable addresses which were well received. Wayne County.—The Wayne County Institute, which is one of the best in the State, met at Centerville, December 13 and 14, with an attendance so large that the town hall could scarcely accommodate the visitors. At the night session there were at least 600 present. There was an unflagging interest throughout the sessions and important topics were frequently followed by animated discussions. One feature of the work was a "question box" on the chairman's table into which written querries could be dropped by any one, these to be read aloud at the close of each session by the chair man, who solicited answers from the audience. Mr. Trusler, in a talk on "The relationship of agriculture, manufacturing and commerce," pointed out that these three dpartments of human activity were so inter-related that one cannot languish without the others suffering. The re- sesults to each should be in proportion to the labor, capital and service involved; but the agriculturist, the speaker maintained, does not receive in proportion to the wealth he adds to the country. "How can a young man begin on a farm without capital," by J. A. Mount, has already been reported from the Franklin county institute. Mr. Mount's evening address was "A farmer's home, and what it should seek to afford." This was an energetic and eloquent plea for the home in its fullest sense. The home, it was contended, is the unit of government, and no government will ever rise above or sink below the level of its homes. The home influences are more intact in the country than in the city, because of fewer external attractions to draw away, and in the country home of all others, these influences may be made binding. Let not our energies be given wholly to the increasing of herds—let us also give thought to music, love, comforts and weave influences that will reach from time into eternity. The speaker made a plea for the children and for the young men and women. The sanctifying effects of a home where love and kindness dwell will always remain with a child— the loving ministrations of a mother will never be lost. The address was listened to with deep interest and sympathy, and its many pathetic touches were visibly effective. Mr. Trusler read a paper on "Intensive vs. extensive farming," in which he ardently advocatsd the intensive method. The successful farmer of the future must utilize less ground and raise more to the acre. Farm economics must be studied and everything done to the best advantage. Discrimination must be made between the things that profit and those that do not, and the latter be discarded. Pharaoh's dream is a truism to-day. The seven lean kine will eat up the seven fat kine. Do not till or gather one crop to the neglect of another If work presses the best economy is to hire sufficient help to have everything well done. Mr. Truster's definition of "intensive" farming was still further narrow ed] Xo more of the crop products than are absolutely necessary should leave the farm. One important factor in successful farming is maintaining the fertility of the soil and this can be best accomplished by "animalizing" the crops or converting them into animal flesh, live stock being the ultimate products. As determined by the experiment stations every ton of clover hay hauled from the farm takes off $8 20; of timothy, $5 48; of wheat, $7 75; these figures representing the cost of commercial fertilizers necessary to replace the fertility lost. The economy of stock raising consists in the judicious selection of animals that will make a profitable return for their feeding and the rigorous weeding out of poor ones. Wheat as a feed was discussed, the speaker affirming that where wheat and corn are about the same price, if either must be sold it should be the corn. For hogs, he maintained, no feed is equal to mashed or soaked wheat for the forming of bone and muscle and for growing stock generally it is better than corn. Mr. Mount spoke of the "Prospective prices and profits in the growing of live stock." Farming, he said, cannot be carried on without the raising of some kinds of live stock and he advocated the animalizing of crops. The next question is the economics of stock raising and in this question first essential is to raise good animals and such as are in demand or promise to be. A most important factor in the economics Continued on Oth page. |
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