FARMEES' INSTITUTES. 373 



rope during the past )'ear, I found that there they are far in advance of us, 

 but in regard to farm implements and machinery we are far in advance of 

 them. In France, I have no doubt, there are more farms than plows, — in 

 many places grain is still cut with a sickle, and women work with the men in 

 the harvest field. 



A joint ownership of the more expensive implements has been alluded to in 

 this discussion. I own a half -interest in a plaster-sower which has proved an 

 excellent investment. It is one of the most useful and labor-saving imple- 

 ments we have. It costs about forty dollars and one would do the work of a 

 whole neighborhood. 



The implement referred to was made at Dowagiac. 



Mr. H. J. Ilendryx read an excellent paper on "Horses," which we exceed- 

 ingly regret not being able to publish, as we have not the manuscript. 



DISCUSSION. 



J. J. Woodman. — I would like to have Mr. Ilendryx state the reason why 

 he would not use a graded sire in breeding. 



Mr. Ilendryx. — I would use only a pure-blooded sire, because with any other 

 you cannot be sure of what you will get. The grades will breed back and you 

 will not be likely to get such a horse from them as you expect or want. 



Mr. Durkee. — I think farmers lose more money from not understanding the 

 science of breeding than from almost anything else. Mr. Hendryx is entirely 

 correct in regard to the principle of breeding only from a pure-blooded male, 

 and the purer the blood of the dam the better. 



Mr. John Ilain gave a brief extempore address on "Wheat," with which the 

 forenoon session closed. 



AFTERXOOX SESSION. 



Dr. R. C. Kedzie gave his lecture on "The Comparative Feeding Value of 

 the Different Kinds of Indian Corn and Mill Stuff." 

 [See lectures given at more than one Institute.] 

 Hon. Milton J. Gard read the following essay on 



COKN AND ITS CULTURE. 



The corn crop is one of the most important that is raised by tlie farm- 

 ers of Cass county. Its importance is so well understood by all thinking farm- 

 ers that I deem its discussion at this time unnecessary. Although it is not the 

 crop relied on by farmers for turning into ready money, it at the same time is 

 the basis for nearly all the operations of the farm, and my impression is 

 that indirectly there is more money in it than in any other crop raised on the 

 farm. My impression is that a general failure of the corn crop in this county 

 would be a greater calamity to the farmers than the loss of any other single 

 crop. There is no other crop that would fill its place, when its feeding value 

 is considered. The stalks have a high feeding value when properly saved ; I 

 think equal to good hay and very much cheaper. The corn crop is the main 

 dependence for wintering our farm stock, the feed for our teams, fattening of 

 our swine, beef and mutton, production of our wool crop, milk, butter and 

 cheese, and is extensively used for human food. Among our most happy re- 



