FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 199 



governnieut. Who shall be the risino; Cincinnatus to lead more than half of 

 the most stable population of the country as conqueror over ignorance and care- 

 lessness among themselves and recklessness in high places, and encourage them to 

 think that they can guide the helm of the ship of state equally as well as the 

 plow ? 



In addition to those jniblished the following pai)eis were read at the Green- 

 Yille Institute: "The Culture of Indian Corn," by Mr. S. M. Gibbs ; "The 

 Farmer's Home," by Mrs, Henry Lessiter ; " Past and Present Condition and 

 Future Needs of the Farmer," by H. S. Sharp. 



At the close of the meeting the following resolution was adopted : 



Besolved, That the heartj^ thanks of this association be tendered to the professors 

 of the A<?ricultural College for their assistance at this institute, and for the interest 

 manifested in our advancement in agricultural and horticultural knowledge. 



Proof. Cook, in response, said that he was glad to think that such an interest 

 as had been manifested would result in general good. The professors feel that 

 at these meetings they always receive more than they give. They thanked the 

 audience for the interest manifested that had made the institute so great a 

 success. 



The excellent fruit on exhibition was then distributed, and the institute 

 declared adjourned. 



TRAVERSE CITY INSTITUTE. 



The Farmers' Institute at Traverse City was held in Campbell's Hall, com- 

 mencing on the evening of January ITth. Profs. 11. C. Kedzie, W. J. Beal, 

 and Secretary R. G. Baird, from the agricultural College, took part in the pro- 

 ceedings. The attendance was good, though not as large as at most of the other 

 institutes. Excellent music was furnished at both the evening sessions by the 

 city cornet band. Mr. Fairbanks, who had been appointed President, not being 

 present at the commencement of the exercises. Judge J. T. Ramsdell was 

 chosen to preside, and at the request of Mr. Fairbanks continued to occupy the 

 chair throughout the sessions of the institute. 



On being called to the chair Judge Ramsdell gave an extemporaneous opening 

 address. The object of the Farmers' Institute, he said, was to bring together 

 the men of practice and the men of scientific knowledge, to compare views and 

 experiences, and by means of addresses and discussions to gain a larger knowl- 

 edge of agriculture, that those engaged in it might pursue it with greater 

 success. 



In the first settlement of the State farming was the principal, the almost 

 exclusive occupation. Afterwards, under the stimulus of a protective tariff, 

 manufacturing became more lucrative. Farmers had become discouraged, find- 

 ing that so large a number of the young men were drawn off to find employ- 

 ment by engaging either in manufacturing or in selling the articles that were 

 seeking a market. The Judge referred to the constitutional convention of 1850 

 making provision for the establishment of an Agricultural College as soon as 

 practicable; tliat seven years afterwards the College was established and in 



