482 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE 



condition, make a total of about twenty-five Granges added to our list. 

 The report of membership dues paid to the National Grange in 189G show 

 an increase over 1895 of |72.82. This indicates an increase of 456 paying 

 members during the same time. 



• 



FIELD WORK. 



Immediately after the State Grange session of one year ago, specific 

 plans were matured and in printed form placed in the hands of all county 

 deputies for their guidance in the work of organizing and reorganizing.. 

 Also other specially prepared and printed matter was freely circulated 

 for the use of officers and workers in existing Granges in their work of 

 supporting and increasing membership. Farmers in attendance at Insti- 

 tutes were also canvassed for the purpose of locating neighborhoods 

 favorable to Grange work. From this last source there is now on file 

 much valuable data with which to commence the work anew. From per- 

 sonal experience, I am fully convinced that the printed recommendations 

 as furnished each deputy will result in success in most cases, if con- 

 fidently applied. For a test, seven localities were selected in Lenawee 

 county, and today, strong, active, n^w Granges exist in every place, 

 with three new Grange halls in process of building. The farmers are 

 surely ready to accejjt of that helpful agenc}', organization, and it is not 

 difficult for them to see that the Grange is the best equipped of all. 



THE GRANGE VISITOR. 



This old friend, which has served so good a purpose for so long, is to be 

 no more after the close of the present year. In accordance with contract 

 made, it is to be consolidated with the "Michigan Farmer" and the 

 Grange relieved of its publication. 



One of the saddest reflections regarding the ''Visitor'' is that it has, 

 for several years, brought much other valuable work to a standstill. 

 While the harvest has been ready for the sickle, it could not be gathered. 

 If the ten thousand dollars that has gone to pay "Visitor" shortages had 

 been judiciously used in the employment of skillful organizers and in 

 carrying out plans for the encouragement and support of existing 

 Granges, who can figure the result. This is from a purely business stand- 

 point. Otherwise the "Visitor" has been of great benefit. As we say 

 good-bye, old friend, let us remember it for the lasting good it has done. 



THE MICHIGAN FARMER. 



This ably conducted and widely circulated farm journal, which is soon 

 to contain a comprehensive Grange Department, edited by our own 

 esteemed Bro. K. L. Butterfield, is deserving of the support of every 

 Patron family in Michigan. 



woman's work in THE GRANGE. 



Where woman is interested and applies her energies, success follows. 

 To thus interest her, give her something special to do, so that she will 

 realize that she is a spoke in the Grange wheel. It is equally true that 

 without her presence and continued assistance, no Grange would long 



