522 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



iarmers by the farmers and for the farmers. The farmers as 

 a rule do not come prepared to discuss the subject^s upon 

 the program, but expect to hear some one else talk. This is a mistake; 

 it serves to make the work of the session drag and many get that "tired 

 feeling" that is sure to follow. 



I think it is well to place upon the program some one to open the dis- 

 cussion after each paper. I believe it is a mistake in preparing a paper 

 to make it too long; let there be more time for discussion. In discussion 

 lies the spirit of the meeting. The institutes should be made a source 

 from which knowledge can be drawn, a stimulant to pride and respect 

 for farming. They make known the latest discoveries in agriculture. 

 They give the farmers of the State an opportunity to met men who have 

 made their business a science as well as an art. They energize and 

 fertilize local thought. It is said: "The farmers' institutes in Iowa cost 

 less than a single cigar to each farmer in one year." To make a success 

 of any business is to do it well; usually, that is all that is necessary. 



The program of our institute has not varied a great deal in the last 

 few years, therefore, in order to make any improvements it might be 

 necessary to do a little experimenting. We have been holding a two days' 

 session, with an evening session, conducted by the county superintendent 

 of schools,. This has been a drawing factor, for we usually have a 

 crowed house and an instructive program. I think this plan a good one, 

 and have no suggestions to give as to its improvement. I am sure it 

 would be an improvement to have the farmers' wives at our meetings. 

 We usually succeed in getting one or two ladies' names upon our pro- 

 gram. I presume the reason they do not attend is because the subjects 

 oftentimes are not interesting to them, and such that they do not care 

 to take part in the discussion. Now I think it would be well to have a 

 three days' session, and give one day to the ladies; let it be called the 

 "Women's Session." Let these days be Thursday. Friday and Saturday. 

 Let the ladies have Saturday for their session, as that will perhaps give 

 them a better chance to leave home. The older children of the family 

 would be at home from school that day to take care of the little folks, 

 who do not care to attend the institute. Let the ladies conduct their 

 own session, choose their own president and their own secretary. If pos- 

 sible, have a professor of domestic economy to be with us that afternoon. 

 Have a committee of ladies prepare their program, and have it published 

 with the regular program; this would give them a chance to choose such 

 questions as would be of interest to them. There are many questions in 

 domestic economy that interest the "sterner half" as well as the "fairer 

 half" upon the farm. For instance, he likes good bread, and he wants 

 his wife or the hired girl to know how to make it with the least possible 

 waste. There are many household duties that are perplexing at times 

 to the average housewife, many of which might be overcome or made 

 light by having a woman's session at our institute. This has been tried 

 in other counties of our State and has proven a great success. Shall 

 we try it? 



