210 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



narrower, and Johnson, and Secretary Baird, of the State Agricultural Col- 

 lege, for their efforts to make it a success. 



Resolved, That we heartily endorse the system of holding Farmers' Insti- 

 tutes as a means of diffusing knowledge on the great and important subject of 

 agriculture, and the interest connected therewith in this State, and as being 

 the means of improving the character and intelligence of our citizens. 



Resolved, That the interest of agriculture in our county would be advanced 

 by the organization of Farmers' Clubs in the different townships, and to hold 

 frequent meetings and discuss the various subjects appertaining to agriculture. 



Resolved, That it is advisable for the citizens of this county to hold an 

 Agricultural Institute annually, similar to the one now being held, for the dis- 

 cussion of the various interests pertaining to agriculture. 



Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the officers and committees who 

 have had charge of this institute for the efficient manner in which they have 

 managed the same. 



Resolved, That our thanks are due to those of our citizens who have fur- 

 nished papers for discussion during this institute. 



Resolved, That we take home with us and put them into practical use, so 

 far as practicable, the ideas allowed during the discussion here. 



MACON INSTITUTE. 



This Institute was held in Grange Hall. The weather was excellent and 

 the attendance exceptionally large. 



After music and prayer, Hon. Thomas F. Moore gave the opening address. 



He rejoiced in the fact that Michigan stood so high with regard to its educa- 

 tional institutions. We had one literary school of national reputation, and 

 one Agricultural College where an excellent general and scientific education 

 could be obtained, and whose professors mingle from time to time with the 

 farmers, giving them the benefit of their knowledge. He regarded these 

 institutes as one of the means that were contributing to raise the standard of 

 intelligence among the farmers. He expressed the hope that they might all 

 carry from the institute to their homes ideas that would be refining and 

 elevating, and to their farms ideas that would lead to improved and more 

 remunerative methods of operation. 



In response. Miss Collins formally extended a welcome to all those present 

 from other towns and counties, and gave a brief outline of township history. 

 Macon was named from the stream running through the town, which derived 

 its name from an Indian chief who owned a reservation where the Macon 

 empties into the river Kaisin. The town was settled in 1830. Of the pioneers 

 of fifty years ago, only two remain, John Sage and Joseph Howell. The pop- 

 ulation is 1,480. There are six houses of worship within her borders, and 312 

 school children drawing public money. We have no villages and, we are 

 happy to say, no saloons. When our system of tile and open drainage sliall 

 have been completed, Macon will take her position among the richest agricul- 

 tural towns of the county. 



A select piece of music by Miss Josie Clarkson, assissted by others, followed. 



The singing at the different sessions of this institute rendered by Messrs. B, 



