336 AN^'UAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



productivity of tliat liaiid-me-dowu fai-ni, witliont having to sell, 

 is a question only partially solved. "Uncle Sam" says to the mili- 

 tary powers of the world, "hands off," and off they go, but the in- 

 numerable hosts of insect foes march grandly on through field, farm, 

 orchard and garden. Greek roots are a source of trouble to the 

 student, but how to grow clover roots continuous!}' is more per- 

 plexing to the farmer. During a period of extreme drouth, we 

 consult our most reliable almanac, watch the barometer, com- 

 pare the never-failing signs with those of the lesser prophets, 

 Avatching and waiting for the dews of Heaven to descend upon the 

 parched earth, while the lumberman's axe continues to lay waste 

 our beautiful forests, and, in a measur<\ at least, change the cli- 

 matic conditions of the country. Under such circumstances we 

 think of the conserA^ation of soil moisture. These are some of the 

 (juestions that have to do with the making of a farmer. Upon him 

 devolves the task of answering them. 



"There are but three resources of wealth — brains, muscle and raw 

 material." Happily the farmer possesses all three. What he 

 needs is a better knowledge of their application. How can this be 

 secured? Uirst, in the farmers' home, made as good and comfort- 

 able as the possessor's circumstances will allow, where the child can 

 form habits of industry, learn the value of a dollar, be taught that 

 labor is' dignified and honorable, build up a strong physique in 

 observance of the laws of sanitation, and can be taught to learn to 

 love the beautiful and good in Nature, and beyond that, the God 

 \\iio created all things. Second, in the public schools, centralized, 

 graded, supplemented with a i)ractical course in nature study, sup- 

 plied with some needed apparatus, and e({uipp(Hl with an able corps 

 of teachers, the best one being in the ])rimary departm(Mit. Third, 

 in the Agricultural College and at the Experiment Station, applying 

 thi; scientific principles of specialists in the various lines, making 

 them levers of thought, by which the gr(^al agricultui-al interests 

 of the country must ultimately be nio\(Hl. 



But some one says this is impractical. l'\>r his benefit allow me 

 to say that not every farmer can secure a college education; but 

 practical and scientific literature is easily obtained, and it is crim- 

 inal neglect upon the part of parents at (his time to allow their 

 children to grow into citizenship without learning to read intelli- 

 gently. Not from books alone must come that knowledge so nec- 

 essary for the making of a farmer, but it is the cheapest means of 

 getting the other fellow's experience. Our ov.'n experience nmy 

 make a deeper impression u]>on the memory, and yet not be so valu- 

 able. Thought, and not after-thouglit. must direct the labor and 

 energy upon the farm. 



A good housewife having in liei- employ :i ('hinese cook, in whom 



