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FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 



PRESIDENT A. J. ROSE, 



In his address of welcome, referred to the slighting terms often used of 

 farmers, such as " Pig feeders," " Hay seeds," " Buckwheats," " Mossbacks," 

 and " Flat feet," terms which show a very unthinking failure to appreciate the 

 importance of the calling by which alone it is possible for any other calling 

 to exist. "The farmer feeds them all" — whether the millionaire or the 

 tramp, the sailor, the mechanic or the so-called "professional men," — all 

 depend upon the receipient of these ill considered attempts at wit. This 

 being his real position, then, it is easy to see the importance of his receiving 

 whatever aid science can extend. 



In responding to the welcome, President Edwin Willits expressed the 

 opinion that the time was not far distant when this "jack pine region" 

 would be the chief dairy district of the State, saying that he deemed the 

 introduction of dairy farming to be the true solution of the problem of the 

 plains. 



CORN AND WHEAT ON THE PLAINS. 



BY HENRY T. SHAFER. 

 COEK. 



I began farming in Center Plains Township in the year 1881. I broke up 

 a small piece of land and planted it to Large Dutton corn, which I brought 

 with me ; the result was a good growth of stalks, but no corn. 



Since then I have grown as follows : 



I have tried several different kinds of corn, and have learned to my satis- 

 faction that the Canada corn is the only kind adapted to this climate. The 

 best time to plant is about the 20th of May ; I prepare the ground well 

 before planting, and plant about 3% feet each way, and commence working 

 at it as soon as I can see to follow the rows, and keep the ground well 

 stirred up until about the 4th of July. I have used some fertilizers but do 

 not think it pays. Clover sod turned under makes the best yield of corn. 



