farmers' institutes in the united states. 361 



Replies were received from only 10 States, embracing but 8^ per cent 

 of the total number of persons addressed. 



The majority of those who replied stated that they had '* no 

 advice to olfer." Of those who did make suggestions, 35i ])er cent, 

 spoke of the need for a wider distribution of agricultural literature 

 among farmers, and for supplying skilled specialists in agriculture 

 as lecturers. 



Almost every correspondent asked for some method by which 

 increased attendance could l)e secured, particularly on the part of 

 those who are backward in their agricultural practice and most need 

 assistance. A number suggested corn shows as a means of improving 

 the institutes and creating interest. Others advocated the introduc- 

 tion of lectures upon the teaching of agriculture in the public schools. 

 Several were in favor of holding domestic science demonstrations. 

 Comparatively little, however, that was new was elicited by this 

 inquiry, showing that the movement is still in its formative stage, 

 and that the views of the majority of the local managers as to the best 

 methods to be pursued in its development have not yet become suffi- 

 ciently well defined to warrant them in expressing decided opinions. 



The need for careful study of the institute problem b}' experienced 

 educators who understand the conditions that surround the agri- 

 cultural people of this country is manifest, and State institute boards 

 and directors should as speedily as possible define the lines of future 

 jjrogress in institute work and agree upon methods that ought to be 

 adopted to secure the most beneficial results. 



WORK OF THE INSTITUTE OFFICE. 



The work of the Farmers' Institute Specialist, during the year, has 

 been that of continuing aid to the State directors by distributing 

 literature; by attending meetings of representative farmers; deliver- 

 ing addresses before farm organizations; aiding in the preparotion 

 of bulletins and circulars of information; by perfecting the organiza- 

 tion of the work of the office, and by conducting correspondence. 



During the year the States of Delaware, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, 

 North Carolina, Xorth Dakota, Xew^ York, Pennsylvania, Texas, 

 "West Virginia, and the Province of Ontario were visited and seven- 

 teen addresses were delivered. 



A statistical report of the farmers" institute work of the country 

 was prepared for the Yearbook of the D('j)artment. and an extended 

 institute re})ort consisting of ."iD pages of printed matter was made 

 out for the Annual P<'port of tiie Office of Experiment Stations, 1904. 

 A liulK'tin on Agricultural Instruction for Adults in the British 

 Empire, containing OG pages, was published. Assistance was also 

 given in editing the proceedings of the ninth annual meeting of the 



