farmers' institutes. 649 



work contemplated. The committee decided to postpone action in this 

 matter until this meeting of the Delegate Board, and in the meantime 

 each member was to seek for all information bearing on 'farmers' insti- 

 tutes.' Acting as one of the committee I initiated a correspondence with 

 otticers and managers of these institutes held in the States of Illinois, 

 Ohio and Wisconsin. Through the kindness and courtesty of the man- 

 agers in the three States mentioned, I have been placed in possession of 

 the rules and regulations governing their work. 



"I am reminded of the fact that our time is too limited to give details, 

 and I will, therefore, only explain the workings of these institutes in one 

 State, "Wisconsin. Prior to 1884 the State Agricultural Society, the State 

 Horticultural Society, and the State Dairymen's Association did all they 

 could to introduce institute work throughout the State. The State Agri- 

 cultural Society were induced to set apart a small sum of money to pay 

 only the actual traveling expenses of professors of the State University. 

 These gentlemen, assisted by local talent who were induced to take hold 

 of the work, held a number of interesting meetings. Charles E. Eastei'- 

 brook, a member of the State Legislature, formulated a bill in the in- 

 terest of agriculture, which was passed. It appropriated monej to carry 

 on the institute work already begun. In 1885 $5,000 was appropriated, 

 and a competent superintendent selected, who managed the institutes 

 so successfully that last winter a special appropriation of $12,000 was 

 made. 



"I think I can safely say that Indiana is today in as good shape to 

 commence the work of holding farmers' institutes as was the State of 

 Wisconsin in 1884. The plan I would advise for present action would 

 be the holding of at least one Institute in each county in the State be- 

 tween this and March 1st. I Avould require the members of the State 

 Board of Agriculture to take charge of this work in their several dis- 

 tricts, and see that these institutes are held. There is not a doubt in 

 my mind about the feasibility of this plan of work. In many places 

 local help will be freely given to thoroughly advertise the meetings. If 

 this plan is adopted for this winter's work, Ave can go before the Legis- 

 lature next winter and ask for a liberal appropriation for the purpose of 

 meeting the necessary expenses of holding the institutes, with assurance 

 of success." 



This report was followed by a somewhat lengthy discussion, Avhich 

 resulted in the following resolution, presented by Mr. Nelson: 



"Resolved, That the State Board l)e instructed to provide for a series 

 of "farmers' institutes' to be held during the coming year, one such 

 meeting to be held in each member's district." 



A later minute in the report of 1887 states: 



"Mr. Seybold's motion instructing delegates to present the matter of 



