304 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



of the attractions of the exhibit, but there was no lagging in the pro- 

 gram, and the local speakers kept well to their texts and within- their 

 allotted time. We would suggest that another year a special committee 

 should have for its duty to introduce the people of the vicinity to the 

 visiting lecturers, that those who have questions in mind to propose can 

 be given a good opportunity to converse with the Institute worker and 

 thus add to the value of the Institute season. 



MIDLAND COUNTY MIDLAND. 



Midland is surrounded by a very good agricultural section. That the 

 committee in charge of arrangements had done well was clearly shown 

 in the large attendance at the opening session, the well prepared hall. 

 and in all arrangements connected with the Institute. Great interest 

 was taken in all papers and talks. As soon as discussion was called 

 for some one was ready at once to open. There was no time lost and all 

 was profitably taken up. Midland has had several previous Institutes 

 and the people know how to conduct one properly and to get the most 

 good out of it. The Institute held here was one of the most successful 

 attended during the season. 



MISSAUKEE COUNTY LAKE CITY. 



This Institute was the first one ever held in Missaukee county. The 

 county is new and the farmers scattered. There is a great deal of good 

 land, yet the people have hardly emerged from the use of the cant hook 

 to that of the plow. There had been here a decided lack of knowledge in 

 regard to what an Institute is, some going so far as to say that it was 

 merely a political machine. In fact, the Institute was established only 

 through the efforts of two or three level-headed and earnest men who 

 fought against this spirit of conservatism. The Institute itself was not 

 largely attended, but those who came were thoroughly awakened to the 

 realization that an Institute is a good thing. If we do not have an aver- 

 age attendance at the next Institute of 100 to 125 each session, we shall 

 be very much disappointed. 



MONROE COUNTY — PETERSBURG. 



The large attendance, excellence of local papers, deep interest in all 

 the proceedings, practical experience in the matters treated, and 

 eflBciency of the local committee of entertainments at the Petersburg 

 Institute, combined to demonstrate the value of the local grange and 

 farmers' clubs in the education of a farming community. Fruit grow- 

 ing is a comparatively new industry, but is rapidly developing, and 

 received its full share of discussion. A great deal of attention was also 

 paid to the topics of butter making, grading grains, and treatment of 

 soiling. Notwithstanding the almost continuous downpour of rain, the 

 attendance and interest were remarkably good. 



