10 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTJJRE. 



Mcjtntiiiic. at the CDlleiie harns, ]*i-f>fessor J. J. Fei-jjnson and Mr. 

 (Icori^p Hnitipliivv were illustratiuji inetliods of stock jiidjiin<»% takinj>; u[), 

 in order, the breeds of ealtle. sheep and swine, wliich had typical repre- 

 sentatives in the college herds. A lar<j;e nnnd)er of dele<;ates and visitors 

 attended each of these exercises. By reason of the excellent eiiuij»nient of 

 the college, definite and direct instruction could be given of a kind impos- 

 sible elsewhere. 



The conferences of county secretaries and institute workers each morn- 

 ing Avas j)rodnctive of much good. Methods of carrying forward the work 

 which had proNen sucessful in one county were discussed by delegates 

 from other counties and ado})ted by them as far as they were applicable 

 to C(»nditions existing there. This jmblic and i)rivate comparison of notes 

 at the annual institute is leading to greater uniformity of methods in the 

 several counties and is sure to bring forth better jdans and better 

 institutes. 



The granges an<l farmers" chibs have been of incalculable value to the 

 institute work during the j)ast cam](aign. In many i>laces these organiza- 

 tions have opened their halls to our use and have advertised the meetings 

 in ways im])ossible through other channels. They have trained not only 

 the speakers which travel from county to county but have develojjed the 

 local talent as well. U'herev^^r there is a live organization among tlie 

 farmers, there the institute is always well attended and the discussions 

 lively and interesting. For these reasons it has not seemed out of place 

 to directly encourage at all the institutes, the organizing of clubs and 

 granges. 



1 cannot close this report without again exju-essing the appreciation of 

 all those interested in the institute movement of the generosity of the 

 railroads in carrying the workers from one meeting to another at a half 

 fare rate. l>y Iheir action in this matter, the railroads have made pos , 

 sible the increased number of institutes tins year and have greatly aided 

 in building up some of the newer portions of the State. 



The thanks of the institute management is due to the Industrial School 

 band and choir for the most excellent music furnished at the sessions of 

 the round-up institute; to the ^I. A. (\ band for similar service, and to the 

 students of the college who, hy piano trios, vocal solos or other musical 

 efforts enlivened the proiiram of the closing institute. 



CLINTON I). SMITH, 



Superintendent. 



Michigjin Agricultural ('ollege, Mav 1. 1002. 



