FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 165 



where they are largely filled witli professional men. This is due mainly to 

 the farmers themselves, for when one of their number is selected, popularity is 

 considered and oftentimes the power of clearly and concisely putting thoughts 

 together in words or on paper is out of their line, and the most they can do is 

 to fill the chair and vote with the party. The result is largely a failure. If it 

 was in humsn power to be experts in the different callings and know the neces- 

 sity of all, we would ask for nothing more than the present plan ; but as each 

 is interested in his own particular branch, what we ask is for the farmer to 

 realize the want, and cultivate the expression of thought, as well as the soil. 

 Persistent effort will assist in overcoming the deficiency; and if a person is 

 interested, the complete success of any undertaking is of the utmost importance 

 to that individual, and every obstacle surmounted is one step higher. 



In greeting the members present of the faculty of the College, those from 

 abroad and the citizens of our own county, we welcome you all, and hope that 

 you may feel at home, be free to ask questions, and express your views on any 

 subjects that may come up for discussion ; and to the ladies in particular, you 

 are welcome. It is by your effort and encouragement that many of us are 

 what we are, and your presence will aid us the more. May the time not be far 

 off when preparations may be made so that our daughters may share an equfl 

 chance in the land grant and other appropriations at the Agricultural College. 



With the exception of a poem entitled ''Time's Changes," by Miss E. M. 

 Gunnison, the other papers on the programme for the first evening session 

 were not forthcoming, but a somewhat extended discussion was had on the 

 subject of ''Agricultural Societies." A paper had been expected on this sub- 

 ject from Mr. Ben. B. Baker, Secretary of the Central Michigan Agricultural 

 Societv. 



FRIDAY FORENOON SESSION 



was opened with a paper from Mr. F. A. Gulley, foreman of the Horticultural 

 Department of the Agricultural College, on "Farm Economy." (See lectures 

 given at more than one Institute.) 

 Miss Nettie B. Wood, of Mason, read an essay on 



CIECUMSTANCES. 



The Avriter set forth the idea that a strong will was needful in order that we 

 might not be the creatures but the masters of circumstances ; that the weak 

 are apt to become discouraged and allow circumstances to control them. In 

 applying the subject to farmers and their work the writer said : The farmer 

 has much with which to contend, and what he earns is largely due to the 

 sweat of his brow. Proper planning and arranging the work may lighten the 

 labor of execution, but work and hard work must be done ere it is completed. 

 Why not? Work is the engine that draws the car of success. Command of 

 one's self and of many surrounding circumstances is indispensable. If mis- 

 fortune overtakes you, do not despair; if crops fail for some reason beyond 

 jonr control, try again, but if the failure was due to yourself, allow experience 

 to assert her supremacy and improve over the manner and time of previously 

 performing the operation ; if your home surroundings are not as pleasant as 

 they ouglit to be, improve them. I think that there is not a farmer's home 



