430 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE 



forward march of human advancement. This is a direct result of the 

 isolated life of the farmer. The merchant of our city steps to the tele- 

 phone and in one instant is in direct communication with his fellow 

 merchant, his customer, or it may be with his wholesale house in the 

 distant city. So with all business conditions in centers of trade. Not 

 so with the farmer. The very nature of his calling renders, under present 

 conditions, communication slow and uncertain; hence organization is 

 difficult, in fact the practicability of a sound organization among the 

 agricultural classes has been questioned by very many. 



We believe that in our farmers' clubs we have proven that organization 

 is not only possible, but that it is of the utmost benefit. It would, indeed, 

 be useless for me this evening to recount to you the advantages derived 

 from clubs and club work. You are members of clubs and each know as 

 well as I what a factor a club is in any agricultural community. 



This question now presents itself for solution: How can w^e most 

 effectually extend the influence of our organization? I can see no way 

 which will prove so fruitful as the individual effort of local clubs. Each 

 club should have one of its most earnest workers as a committee to 

 organize new clubs. He should report progress at club meetings and 

 every member should render him assistance whenever an opportunity 

 presents itself. In this way the number of clubs will rapidly multiply 

 and their influence become more general. 



The officers of this association will be ever ready to aid in this work, 

 but it is the local clubs that can ever do the most efficient service in this 

 matter of the formation of new clubs. 



It would seem that the County Association could not be otherwise tha)i 

 a power for good along the line of extending the effectiveness of club 

 work. I am sure that in doing local work and in securing local reforms, 

 a County Association would be of the greatest assistance. In my owa 

 county the County Association is as yet so young that we are hardly 

 able 'to judge of its results, but much interest is being manifested, and 

 we feel sure that it will not only be a permanent organization, but a 

 very beneficial one as w'ell. The subject of a county organization is an 

 important one and its discussion will, I hope, come up at this meeting, 

 that we may get the benefit of the experience of the delegates who have 

 labored along this line. 



Perfect unity of action is an absolute essential to the greatest influence. 

 To have this we must be kept in the closest and most constant touch with 

 one another. I am sure that I voice the sentiment of all present when I 

 say that the Michigan Farmer is the agency which has rendered united 

 effort on the part of the clubs possible. We should make constant use of 

 this most valuable paper placed so freely at our service. I would advise 

 that the very best talent in the club be employed as the Michigan Farmer 

 correspondent, for it is by these monthly reports that the sentiment of the 

 local clubs becomes known to all, and the outlining of a policy satis- 

 factory to all becomes possible. 



But it is to the editorials, the remarks and suggestions of the editor of 

 this department, who sifts the thoughts of his correspondents and sounds 

 the bugle call for action at just the opportune moment, and to the close 

 thinking leaders of our organization who use this department that we 

 receive the most benefit. 



At the meeting of the directors in the summer it was decided to concen- 



