164 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



MASON INSTITUTE. 



This Institute, the last of the series, though not attended by as large a 

 number as most of the others, was deemed exceedingly satisfactory and profita- 

 ble by those attending it. It commenced on Thursday evening, January 29th. 

 After the usual preliminary exercises, Mr. A. F. Wood, who presided over the 

 Institute, gave the following 



OPENING ADDRESS. 



In behalf of the State Board of Agriculture we greet you. Meeting as we 

 do for the purpose of mental and social improvement, it is our desire that this 

 Institute may prove a credit to ourselves and the community. For a long time 

 it had been felt that business men, especially those engaged in agriculture, 

 knew too little of each other ; the masses have been ignorant of what has been 

 done at the Agricultural College, and the faculty was not conversant with the 

 needs of the farmer. Consequently, in 1875 Dr. Kedzie made a proposition to 

 hold agricultural institutes. The State board considered the matter, appointed 

 a committee, and the result was the appointing of six institutes in various parts 

 of the State, held in 1876. The result was so satisfactory that it has been con- 

 tinued and the same number held each year to the present time. 



Although we were one of the first to apply it was thought they might accom- 

 plish more good at other places, as the college is located in this county ; but 

 our application this year was favorably considered, and an appointment made. 

 I addition to these, a large number of local institutes have been held. What 

 has been the result? It has given members of the College faculty a large 

 acquaintance over the State, increased the popularity and growth of the College^ 

 and they have brought thousands together to hear and discuss matters pertain- 

 ing to their business, thereby gaining new ideas, and stimulating and bringing 

 into action knowledge that has lain dormant, helping the farmer and other 

 classes to improve and realize their true position. Improvement should always 

 be our motto. We should not be satisfied with producing ten or fifteen bush- 

 els of wheat to the acre, when by draining, care, and a little different culture, 

 we could double that amount with but a small outlay. So with beef — some 

 selling and Avorth four and five cents per pound, while others, and a large 

 amount, not bringing more than tAvo to three cents, and the latter oftentimes 

 costing the most to produce. Also of wool ; it costs more tosui")port the nature 

 of same sheep than others, while another might clip double the amount of 

 wool on the same expense of keeping. If the above are facts, we should not be 

 satisfied and stay at home, continuing such unsatisfactory returns, but should 

 make ourselves familiar with the best results by studying books and periodicals, 

 attending institutes, or any other gatherings where mind is brought in contact 

 with mind for improvement; also by being familiar with those that make suc- 

 cesses. Not only may we learn financially better how to manage our business, 

 but we must improve mentally — capable of enjoying more and of being more 

 useful. It has assisted persons to cultivate the habit of expressing their opin- 

 ions and filling places of trust and honor, much to the benefit of the world, 

 that otherwise would have been filled by professional men not suitable to look 

 after the majority of wants. I have only to refer you to our legislative halls. 



