3(^4 KEPORT OF OFFICE OF KXPERIMENT STATIONS. 



culty by assoniblinp tlioir instituto tcaohors onco each year for a week 

 or ton days for the i)uri)os(' of roceiving instruction at the hands of 

 scientific experts ah)ni2^ the lines of their several specialties. 



Now that the institute office of the Department has become estab- 

 lished and tlu' farmers' institute work of the country is becoming 

 better understood, it may be well at this time to outline as definitely 

 as possible the prospective field the farmers' institute work of the 

 Department is likely to cover. By having such an outline at hand, 

 those who are intrusted with the duty of providing means for meet- 

 ing the requirements of this Dej^artment Avill be better able to deter- 

 mine what and how much should be first undertaken and the measures 

 necessary for securing support sufficient to carry the purposes into 

 effect. 



STATE INSTITUTE ORGANIZATION. 



In considering the obligation of the National Department of Agri- 

 culture to the several States in aid of their farmers' institute, it is 

 necessary, first of all, to have defined as accurately and fully as 

 possible the character and purpose of their work in this direction, 

 and the most effective methods by which this purpose can be 

 accomplished. 



The foundation idea and purpose of the farmers' institilte is educa- 

 tional — education along agricultural lines. As a means to this end 

 there is the exciting of interest in agricultural affairs through meet- 

 ings of agricultural people for conference, and through jMiblic 

 addresses upon agricultural subjects by expert lecturers who call 

 attention to the possibilities of this industry, giving instruction in 

 the arts and sciences that underlie its successful pursuit. 



The selecting of the best methods for securing this end is highly 

 important. While it is altogether probable that no general and uni- 

 form system of farmers' institute numagement will ever be adopted 

 by all of the. States, there are nevertholess in every system certain 

 essential features which each State will sooner or later be compelled to 

 adopt if the needs of its agricvdtural people are to be properly met. 



The first is that there must be competent central supervision — some 

 board or individual having general direction of the institute work of 

 the State. This is now practically undisputed. The only remaining 

 question respecting it is the form that this central supervision or con- 

 trol shall assume, and its limitations. 



The next essential, not however so universally accepted, is that of 

 a permanent institute organization for each county. This is necessary 

 in order that there may always be a body of men and women in each 

 county who are personally interested in the institute work and that 

 plans may be undertaken which require considerable periods of time 

 to execute fully. 



