98 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



Mr. John Hyde has told us that territorial specialization has always 

 been a leading characteristic of American agriculture. Without doubt 

 this has been caused by conditions which are now in process of alteration. 

 It was forced upon the west while the virgin fertility of the northern 

 prairies and plains was being eaten up in extensive iarming for wheat. 

 It was helped on by the immense productivity of corn in the corn belt 

 and the utilization of this food of the new world in the cattle industry. 

 In the south cotton has long held sway. For some time, however, it has 

 proved profitable for the farmers, in part, to break down these regional 

 specialties. The northern wheat farmer has gone into flax or cheese pro- 

 duction the "corn belt" farmer into fruit raising, truck, broom corn and 

 the creamery industry, while the southern farmer plants about as much 

 corn as cotton and raises hogs and cattle. 



It is an element of stability in her industries that Michigan agriculture 

 has not been slavishly devoted to the staples. To the profit of all con- 

 cerned this State has been noted for orchard and small fruits, celery, 

 lettuce, poultry, melons, potatoes and truck growers products. 



The diversification of agriculture coupled with a diversification of 

 manufactures sufiicient to permit a closer union of these industrial arts, 

 if it is not joushed beyond the limit set by other necessary economic prin- 

 ciples, will tend to develop the friendliest and safest and most profitable 

 market for the farmer — the neighborhood market, will economize the 

 expenses of shipping, permit a closer harmony between soil and crops 

 and a safer and more scrupulous agricultural practice and by finding a 

 function for the village, utilize labor wastes and prevent the migration 

 of the young and energetic to the great cities. 



THURSDAY FORENOON. 

 The committee on resolutions reported Thursday morning as follows : 



Resolved, That this convention, embracing the Michigan Political 

 Science Association and the Michigan Farmers' Institutes, return the 

 cordial greeting of the American League for Civic Improvement; and 

 wishing them abundant success in their work, hereby extend to them 

 the right hand of fellowship. 



Resolved, That this joint meeting of the Michigan Farmers' Institutes 

 and the Michigan Political Science Association, cordially approves of the 

 idea on which this meeting is based — that of co-operation between all the 

 agencies of rural progress, including the church, the school, and the 

 farmers' organization, and, further, that we welcome any reasonable effort 

 that may be made by any individual or organization, having in view 

 the betterment of rural life. And we especially request the officers of the 

 Agricultural College and Farmers' Institutes and of the Political Science 



