326 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



most gratifying. The day sessions were well attended and those of the evening 

 were crowded, and the interest manifested at all of them was marked. This year's 

 Institute occupied but two days, only one-half of the time consumed by the one of 

 a year ago, and the time was not adequate to the amount of labor undertaken. But 

 much good was accomplished, all that anybody could reasonably expect in the time 

 allotted, and if any particular interest has suffered through lack of as full a dis- 

 cussion as might seem, desirable or necessary, it must be set down to the fact that 

 more could not be done in so short a time. Mr. Sharp has been an excellent pre- 

 siding officer, and it is quite possible that many will occupy the position before a 

 better one is found. He has paid as strict attention as possible to the time set 

 apart for the discussion of the subjects, and by urging the work of the Institute 

 has accomplished much more than might have been done under the methods of 

 a president with less "push." That these Institutes are doing much good nobody 

 will deny. The intelligent farmer is now fully awake to his opportunity, has found 

 that practical knowledge and not mere theory is being disseminated through them, 

 and is striving to reach and apply the better methods taught in these gatherinc-rs. 

 In these times of low prices and adverse seasons it behooves every agriculturist to 

 be on the alert for any and all methods through the adoption of which he makes 

 failure less and success a more certain factor of his calling. These Institutes can- 

 not but be a great help to him in this direction. A membership costs twenty 

 cents per year, and it seems to us that it is a dull mind which cannot pick up one 

 hundred times their value during any complete session. And this also entitles the 

 holder to various valuable reports which will be sent direct to him from the Agri- 

 cultural College. — Centreville Observer, Feb. 1, 1896. 



Thus closed, what is pronounced by all who attended, the best Institute ever 

 held in Gratiot county, and by the State workers, the best they had attended this 

 year.— Gratiot County Herald, Feb. 6, 1896. 



The long Institute is a thing of the past. It has certainly been one of the best, 

 if not the best, ever held in the State. The lessons have been good, and where 

 notes were taken the various suggestions can be retained and carefully considered 

 in the future. The peach received by far the greater attention, and by its promi- 

 nence it is certainly entitled to this position. It is considered our mainstay, 

 almost regardless of actual profit many times. However, the other fruits were 

 given their proper attention, as well as fertilizers and cultivation, and no one with 

 ordinary powers of observation could fail to receive lasting benefit. The Institute 

 was more than a success. It has met the expectation of the State authorities as well 

 as the home workers and listeners. — South Haven News, Feb. 12, 1896. 



Grand Rapids, Mich., February 14. — (Special.) — The "Round-up" Institute came 

 to a close tonight, and not a man has been connected with it but who feels like 

 throwing up his hat and cheering in delight at the signal success achieved. The 

 Institutes all over the State were a decided benefit to all who attended and the 

 "Round-up" in this city capped the climax of success. There is no doubt that the 

 whole farming fraternity of the State will heartily demand of the next legislature 

 a continuance of the Institutes. — Detroit Free Press. 



THE "round-up." 



Three days of the program of the Farmers' "Round-up" Institute have passed, 

 and the final exercises will take place today. The steady attendance and close 

 attention manifested in the meetings are ample evidences of their success. With 

 the close of the convention will end one of the most important, and, from an educa- 

 tional point of view, most successful meeting of agriculturists ever held in this 

 State. Wednesday, the cultivation of fruit was discussed by professional and 

 practical farmers. The principal part of this discussion was devoted to the peach 

 and the strawberry — two of the most delicious fruits in the world. Yesterday, 

 stock was the leading topic, especial attention being given to cattle and the making 

 of butter. It is true that, among the farmers present — practical and successful 

 farmers — there were wide differences of opinion as to which lines of stock and 

 fruit can be raised at the least expense and greatest profit. But, it is also true that 

 each expression of opinion has added something to the general stock of knowledge 

 held by those who listened to the discussions. — Grand Rapids Democrat, Feb. 14, 

 1896. , ^ . . 



