FARMEKS' INSTITUTES. 155 



though not the best that might be found on the subjects treated, yet as setting 

 forth the experience and results attained by farmers in our own State, they con- 

 tribute to make the report more distinctively what it should be, — a report of the 

 agriculture of Michigan. 



We would respectfully suggest, for the gu'idance of those who may have the 

 management of Institutes hereafter, that it is possible to have too many papers 

 read at an Institute. If not more than two subjects were treated by essays and 

 discussion at each session, the treatment would be more thorough and of greater 

 benefit to all who participated. Let tlie local committees attend to the early 

 piiblication of the programmes, so that they shall be placed in the hands of as 

 many as possible of those who are likely to attend the Institute for some time 

 previous to its being held, that all can be prepared with their best thought on 

 the subjects to be discussed, and there will undoubtedly be a marked improve- 

 ment in the character of the discussions. By reducing the number of essays it 

 will bs an easier matter to find persons competent to write those that are read. 



GREENVILLE INSTITUTE. 



The Institute at Greenville was held, commencing January 16th. The com- 

 modious hall was well filled during all the exercises. An invitation had been 

 given to all who might attend to bring samples of fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. 

 The jiroducts of the farm, orchard, and garden which were brought in response 

 to this invitation made an exceedingly interesting display. The exercises were 

 begun with singing and prayer, after which the President, Hon. W. Divine, of 

 Eureka, made the following opening address: 



Ladies and Gentlemex : — We are pleased to see so many of you here to- 

 night, to take part in the first Farmers' Institute held in Montcalm county. 



The object of this Institute is to educate ourselves in our calling. Let us, 

 then, strive together to elevate ourselves, for much of our success as farmers 

 will depend more or less how we spend our winters. Winter is the time to think 

 and plan ; the time to close up the work of the old year, and get ready for the 

 new. The great work of life is to discipline and educate ourselves. The end 

 of each year finds us better or worse. No matter how prosperous the year may 

 have been, if we are less patient, more selfish, proud and conceited, our time 

 has been ill-spent; but if we are growing men and women, — growing in love, 

 joy, peace, temperance and goodness, we are prospering, we have not lived in 

 vain, we are better men and women. 



A farmer's best field is himself. This field can be plowed and cultivated as 

 well in the winter as in the summer. 



The commencement of a new year is a good time to break up and com- 

 mence a rotation. And, brother farmers, be careful to sow good seed, and 

 2)lenty of it. Energy, industry, forethought, patience, and temperance are 

 always profitable crops ; and the best farmer is generally tlie most intelligent 

 man, and a community of knowledge is one of the strongest ties that can bind 

 and bless society. 



Every farmer should aim to be instructed, not only in his special calling, but 



