FOURTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK — PART I. 15 



We say to the representatives of the town applying: "There are 

 certain things necessary for a successful meeting and before we appoint 

 the institute we ask that you provide. 



"Firet. A suitable hall free. 



"Second. Hotel entertainment for our speakers and workers. 



•'Third. Local music for evening sessions. 



"Fourth. A certain sum of money for paying premiums, etc." 



By this plan we have no difficulty in supplementing the State appro- 

 priation, and by the very fact of asking the town to help we interest 

 the people of that community more certainly than if we dumped the 

 thing into their laps "free gratis for nothing." We take an interest 

 in whatever costs us something. No effort, no interest. 



Having arranged the preliminaries, we try to get the local papers 

 talking about the institute. They are always glad to do this if they 

 are given a few facts. If some one is expected whom the farmers know 

 or have heard ot let the papers advertise it. If a specialist is to tallc 

 on some topic of interest to the farmers, or of prospective interest, let 

 it be known. Publish the convention so widely that everybody in the 

 county will know the time and place in advance. Get them talking 

 about it, if possible. In one town the business men organized, ap- 

 pointed a committee w^iich sent out special invitations by mail, and 

 we h&d a magnificent turnout and a great meeting. The best work can 

 not be done without a crowd. There is no inspiration in vacant seats. 



Whether there should be a set program and papers read, or whether 

 topics should be announced and a free-for-all discussion called out de- 

 pends, I think, on local conditions. In a community made up largely 

 of intelligent and well-read farmers, and with a presiding officer well 

 acquainted with the people and capable of drawing them out, a very 

 interesting time might be had without essays, but for the average com- 

 niunity, and the average unwillingness of farmers to express them- 

 selves in puglic,. I think it is well to have the discussion opened by 

 some one who has had time to give it some thought. I aim to give local 

 talent the first inning, then call out my reserve. After he speaks I 

 invite question or discussion. 



It may need a good deal of urging to get some men (and women) 

 to agree to read a paper, but I have often been surprised at the ability 

 shown when they once attempt it. This is the talent that needs bring- 

 ing out in every township, for if you can get a man thinking it is pretty 

 sure to benefit him, and if he is led to more intelligent and profitable 

 practices his neighbors will soon catch his spirit. Good works, like 

 the measles, are infectious by contact. 



I think our county institute was among the first to take up the 

 matter of offering premiums on corn. It has proved to be the means 

 of interesting the farmers more than any other one thing, and the lec- 

 ture? or the subject have proven a great stimulus to the wide-awake 

 younp, men who attend. It is hard to reform the old but there is hope 

 for the young. 



The average farmer thinks that he can raise a little finer corn 

 than any of his neighbors, and the bait of silver coin in a premium 



