No. 7. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 269 



especially that of the human voice accompanied by instrumental 

 music. This increases in effectiveness when the words of the musio 

 are appropriate to the occasion. 



5. The value of music is somewhat measured by the character of 

 the institute session being held. 



If it is an evening session consisting of lectures of considerable 

 length that require very close attention and thought to appreciate, 

 it is very important to have a resting spell between talks and noth- 

 ing is so much appreciated at that time as good music. 



6. In mixed audiences there are very many persons present who 

 are but particularly interested in many lines of institute work. To 

 these people music is particularly refreshing and serves to relieve 

 the tension on their minds on the various subjects being discussed, 

 and assists in preserving order and preserving better attention to 

 the more serious subjects on the program. 



7. Most people attending institutes feel like taking some part in 

 the work of the institute, and many who do not feel competent to 

 enter into the various discussions, are willing to do whatever they 

 can to make the institute a success, and would cheerfully contribute 

 their musical talent to the interest and entertainment of the insti- 

 tute. This is particularly true of ladies, whose timidity or modesty 

 usually prevents them from participating in the other exercises of 

 the institute. 



8. The real, practical work of a Farmers' Institute should not be 

 subordinate to that of entertainment, whether it be of music, song 

 or other exercises. 



The value of an institute is measured by the amount of good it 

 produces, rather than the amount of entertainment it furnishes. 

 Stories, anecdotes and illustrations that develop a point or clinch 

 a fact are often the most potent factors in impressing truths upon 

 the mind, but when related merely as a matter of humor, without 

 point or lesson, they become subversive of good, and productive of 

 evil impressions, by diverting the mind from the lessons of instruc- 

 tion, which is the prime purpose of the institute. The same may 

 be said of music, but to a more limited extent. It has its import- 

 ant place in a Farmers' Institute, but should always be subordinate 

 to the real, practical work of the institute. It is seldom necessary 

 to secure music from a distance at great expense and sacrifice. It 

 is an expensive thing that may overshadow the real purpose of the 

 institute. I remember of an institute manager in the Western part 

 of the State Avho sent to Philadelphia for a lady institute lecturer 

 who was not at all practical, and cost him a large expense bill be- 

 yond his appropriation. He paid too dear for his whistle. Just so 

 we can pay too dear for much of our modern music that we can 

 better afford to do without. 



9. The amount of music furnished at each session of an institute 

 should be gauged by the character of the work of that session. At 

 a Ladies' Session much more music would be appropriate than at 

 a session devoted to many phases of farm work. My practice has 

 been to have very little singing or music in the forenoon sessions, 

 they being practically devoted to fruit, dairy, general farming and 

 fertilizing subjects. The afternoons allow a little greater range of 



