-^"> Bureau of Farmers' Institutes. 



better represented in the Legislature, but I would tremble if we 

 bad a Legislature with a majority of farmers in it. 



What position should the farmer assume toward the Erie canal? Shall 

 the work of enlargement be continued? 



Mr. Cook. — When we stop and think what the Canadians are 

 doing bj way of waterways, a canal across the State is of much 

 importance. Now, how many here are in favor of continuing the 

 canal appropriations? Hands up! 



(Not a vote.) How many are in favor of abandoning it? (Half 

 a dozen hands were raised.) How many would turn it over to the 

 general government? (Fifty or more hands were raised.) 



What must we do after planting corn, when the crows are so thick that 

 they fairly swarm? 



Mr. Squires. — I would put on corn enough for the crows, pro- 

 tect them, and shoot the boys that shot the crows. 



Dr. Smead. — That's right; I believe the crow is to-day the 

 farmer's best friend. Wherever we have been where crows are 

 plentiful, the reports are that the forest tree caterpillar is but 

 little known. 1 believe the crow is worthy of our protection; and 

 there is another little inoffensive animal which gives off an of- 

 fensive odor, which is being trapped for something for the ladies 

 to wear — which is the skunk. It is claimed that he steals 

 chickens and breaks up hen's nests, but he is another of the 

 farmer's friends. We often hear the inquiry: " What shall we do 

 to kill the white grubs in our soil?" This little animal is the best 

 destroyer of them we have. 



What can be done to decrease taxes? 



Mr. Cook. — I am tired of this talk of being taxed to death. The 

 town I live in receives from $5,000 to $10,000 more than it pays 

 out every year in State taxes, from the cities and corporations. 

 It is all bosh, this talk about our excessive taxes. There is a 

 much greater taxation levied on wasted manure and rusted out 



