SEVENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART IV. 121 



grower the national and state governments through the departments of 

 agriculture have accomplished striking results, by scientific study of all 

 the matters connected with farm life, by experimental stations, by the use 

 of trained agents, by the application of everything which in theory has 

 been demonstrated to be efficient. In these ways, and many others, great 

 good has been accomplished in raising the standard of productiveness in 

 farm work throughout the country. 



We live in an era when the best results can only be achieved if to 

 individual self-respect we add the mutual self-help which comes by com- 

 bination, both of the citizen in individual capacity and the citizen working 

 through the State. 



If the county fair could be conducted as a public institution, instead 

 of as a semi-public affair, as it now is, and with it would be consolidated 

 under the same management the farmers' institute, the short course in 

 grain and stock judging, the agricultural experiment work and the Chau- 

 tauqua, the count}^ would have an institution by and through which it 

 could and would receive the benefits and results of these kindred institu- 

 tions as well as the benefits and the results of the work of the national and 

 State departments of agriculture. The agricultural experiment work that 

 is now done by the county, with the assistance of the trained agents of 

 the State Agricultural College, could be done en the fair grounds, and 

 the results of experimental work could be part of the agricultural exhibits 

 at the fair. The corn school short course, which has proven so beneficial 

 to those who are constantly in search for information which tends to raise 

 the standard of productiveness of farm work, should be conducted under 

 the auspices of the county, and should be one of the branches of the 

 county fair. 



Let us unite our efforts and secure a public institution of this kind 

 in every county in the State. 



See discussion on this subject, page 127. 



The President : Onr Governor, Honorable A. B. Cummins, 

 will now address us. 



ADDRESS. 

 GOV. A. B. CUMMINS. 



Mr. President, Gentlemen of the State Farmers' Institute, and Conven- 

 tion: In some way I had received the impression that my performance 

 was to occur this afternoon, and I had rather expected to spend the noon 

 hour in pulling myself together and in determining just what should be 

 the subject of the discussion which I intended to put forth. However, 

 although I come entirely unprepared so far as phraseology is concerned, 

 I know very well what I desire to say and perhaps I can make myself 

 understood. 



I congratulate you all very heartily, very sincerely, upon the general 

 prosperity that has attended, and now attends, the interests in which you 



