INTRODUCTORY. 



The plan of this report has been changed somewhat from that of former 

 ones in that the statistical matter has been placed last. Facts and figures 

 regarding details of the work have been put into the smallest possible 

 compass. We invite special attention to that part of the report which 

 shows our plans of work and the results obtained. 



The general success of the work during the past season has been 

 marked. The severe cold interfered most seriously with attendance in 

 twelve or fifteen counties where we usually have largely attended In- 

 stitutes. This partially accounts for the fact that the total attendance 

 at Institutes this last winter was not quite so large as the previous one 

 The membership list is considerably larger. 



The law and rules governing Farmers' Institutes for the past two 

 years will be found on page 10 of the report for 1897-8. 



Besides the State Round-up, there were held during the year 68 Two- 

 day County Institutes (including special fruit and dairy Institutes) and 

 115 One-day Institutes. 



