THE FARMERS^ INSTITUTES IN THE UNITED STATES. 397 



maintaining the efficiency, as well as for economy of service. In the 

 method of teaching, illustrations and demonstrations showing the 

 truth of the theories advanced were generally recommended. 



The reports as a whole show that the institute teacher who is to 

 interest and benefit farmers in the time to come must be able to show 

 the practical applications of science to agricultural operations. 



ECONOMY IN INSTITUTE EXPENDITURE. 



TVliile the conditions in the various States are such as to prevent 

 anything like uniformity in the cost of the institutes, yet there 

 seems to be too wide a range between the cost in some States over that 

 in others doing presumably as efficient work. An examination of 

 the cost per session for the year ended June 30, 1910, shows a vari- 

 ation of 367 per cent between the lowest and highest, and from 

 6| cents per individual present at these sessions to 62 cents per 

 individual. 



Sixteen States expended an average of $40.43 for each institute 

 session. These States represent a total expenditure of $183,175.06, 

 and held 4,529 sessions. 



Twelve States expended on an average $26.22 per session, represent- 

 ing a total expenditure of $112,883.38, and 4,304 sessions held. 



Eighteen States expended an average of $15.38 per session, repre- 

 senting 7,753 sessions held and a total expenditure of $119,287.85. 



One State expended on an average $4.30 per session ; another $8.45 ; 

 and another $8.59. 



If the entire institute system of the country could be run upon the 

 amount per session, $15.38, expended by 18 States, there could be 

 added without increased cost to the country 10,029 sessions of insti- 

 tutes to the present number of 16,586, or over 60 per cent. 



These facts show that there is manifestly need for careful study 

 on the part of many institute directors of the practice in other States 

 with a view to the more economic use of their institute appropria- 

 tions and the better utilization of their institute force. 



IMPROVEMENT OF THE INSTITUTE SERVICE. 



The weakest point in the farmers' institute at present is in its 

 failure to see that its teaching on the platform is put into practice. 

 Valuable information is given at an institute meeting. At its close 

 the whole matter is dropped for a year, possibly never to be again 

 referred to. There is failure to " follow up " by personal effort what 

 has been recommended and to make sure that the teaching of the 

 institute is not lost and that the money of the State expended at that 

 meeting has not been wasted. 



