FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 207 



this informatiou I would have included in the lessons on cookery in the col- 

 lege. How often now do we see nice, tender beef, for use in the family, cut 

 up, packed in barrels, and each layer covered with salt in the same manner as 

 broadside pork is preserved ; and when it comes out it is as dry, hard, and 

 tasteless as white-oak chips, and just about as digestible. Mutton and ham 

 are treated in the same way. Of course no woman can cook such meat so as 

 to make it lit for the table; it is simply spoiled before it reaches the kitchen. 

 Prof. E. J. MacEwan gave his lecture on 



HOME. 



At the close of this lecture Secretary Baird led in a discussion, taking up 

 points in Dr. Avery's lecture and in the lecture of Prof. MacEwan, cookiag, 

 rearing children, well-regulated home life, fine dress, and the use of slang. 



E. F. Grabill complimented the lecture of Prof. MacEwan highly as a whole. 

 Its picture of home was beautiful and he hoped it might be realized more and 

 more in country and town. He strongly condemned the use of slang and 

 thought its use sadly demoralizing to the conception as well as the expression 

 of truth. He even doubted the propriety of its use in a public lecture by way 

 of illustration. 



Supt. E. P. Church of the city schools, enjoyed the picture of the ideal 

 home and hoped it would soon be classed among the attainable things of life. 

 He would be glad to secure a prescription never failing to secure in children 

 courtesy toward each other and the use of good language. The example of 

 parents will do much to secure these desirable things in children. Prof. 

 MacEwan had incidentally contrasted the culture of the east with that of the 

 west, highly complimenting New England manners. Prof. Church, who has 

 mingled with people of both sections, on the other hand, thought that western 

 people are more polite, have better manners, and are possessed of more real 

 culture than people even of Boston itself. 



J. E. Taylor thought that slang could often be used to the more forciby 

 express some truth. Children could be educated to the use of good language 

 much by the use of good papers and books placed in their hands by judicious 

 parents. 



Hon. W. Divine said one essential of enjoyment in home life is to have an 

 abundance of refreshing sleep. People cannot dissipate at night and expect 

 to enjoy life to the full. 



Geo. B. Gibbs referred to the cooking question and told an amusing anec- 

 dote. 



FRIDAY FORENOON. 



The weather was delightful and the attendance was good. After singing by 

 the choir the Institute commenced business with Hon. J. P. Shoemaker in the 

 chair. 



Geo. W. Miller read an essay on "How to Kaise Potatoes." Mr. John E. 

 Taylor read an essay on the 



VALUE OF THOROUGHBRED STOCK. 



Prof. Beal's lecture on "Plants in Motion" next followed. The pupils of 

 the high school were present, In the afternoon Prof. Beal made a few remarks 

 on the ensilage from the silo of the Agricultural College. Dr. R. C. Kedzie 

 then lectured on "The Ripening of Wheat." Dr. A. J. Stockholm read a 



