REPORTS FROM LOCAL SOCIETIES. 119 



which others may profit. Several pictures, charts, and maps have been placed 

 on the walls of the Club room, which are both useful and ornamental. 



The Club is indebted to Mr. 11. G. Baird, Secretary of the State Board of 

 Agriculture, for a supply of the Reports for 1875, for the use of the Club. 

 Also to J. P. Thompson, Secretary State Pomological Society, for several 

 copies of the doings of that Society for 1875. These reports arc both replete 

 with good practical information. Every farmer should read and re-read them 

 to profit. 



The poultry exhibition given under the auspices of the Club in January 

 brought together the finest collection of poultry ever shown in Central Michi- 

 gan. The attendance of visitors was not creditable to the public, though the 

 display of high-bred poultry certainly reflected great credit on their fortunate 

 possessors. I would suggest that this feature of the Club be maintained, as I 

 believe it has already proved a source of revenue to all who have endeavored to 

 profit by it. 



A plowing match was held in June last, which was voted a complete success. 

 The attendance was large, and competition close in all classes. For full par- 

 ticulars, sec report of Secretary. 



In addition to essays and exhibitions named, discussions of wide range have 

 been held at various times, which must result in good to those who participated 

 in or listened to them. 



The association has paid for the use of this room, the past year $30. This 

 amount was paid promptly from membership dues, the only regular source of 

 revenue enjoyed by the Club. 



The annual membership fees were fixed at $1. This, by economical and 

 judicious management, has proved ample to meet all necessary expenses. 



In conclusion, let me say that our prospects were never better than now for 

 doing regular and prosperous work in the Club, and it is my conviction that 

 the year ' 77 will be quite prolific in good results. 



L. II. Ives, Secretary. 



CULTURE OF SMALL FRUITS. 

 READ BEFORE THE CLUB BY A. M. CHAPIN. 



Brother Farmers : — You have asked me to write an essay on the cultiva- 

 tion of the small fruits. Now I'm puzzled, that is to say, I don't know what 

 to say. My object in writing this essay is for the double purpose of telling you 

 how to grow small fruits, and inducing you to grow them. If you do not love 

 small fruits yourself, I ask you to grow them for the love that you bear wife 

 and little ones, if you are so fortunate as to be thus favored. 



I know that the cultivation of small fruits is considered by most farmers as 

 one of the fine arts, beyond their skill, or a small matter, beneath their notice 

 — no money in it. That there are pleasant associations connected with the 

 eating of a dish of strawberries smothered with sweetened cream, and all from 

 your own garden, sugar orchard, and dairy, no one will deny. There is inde- 

 pendence in it; there is health in it, and I think that there is money in it, 

 more ways than one. 



The farmer's motto shoud be to live ; not merely to eat and drink, to sustain 

 life, and delve, to lay up money, but to live as God has made him ; live a man, 

 '•'live while he lives." 



