104 IOWA DEPVRTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



would gather many good practical ideas, which would help them in their 

 work. I know that the ofl&cers of the State Department of Agriculture are" 

 greatly benefited by their annual visit to the meeting of the Association of 

 American Fairs and Expositions. It is there we gather many new ideas, or 

 find the weak points in methods we have alrea'iy in vogue. 



SHALL THERE BE A CENTRAL ORGANIZATION FOR COUNTY FARMERS' 



INSTITUTES. 



There has been a good deal of discussion through the papers and at dif- 

 ferent meetings for the past few years, along the line whether a central or- 

 ganization for the farmers' institutes should be established. I think you 

 will all agree with me, that there should at least be a meeting once a year, 

 which would bring together the ofi&cers, and others interested in county in- 

 stitute work. The only question or argument has been, is to what power 

 this organization should have over the local institute. I have never favored 

 a plan which would take from the local institute their right to select their 

 own dates and speakers. However, I believe a plan could be adopted 

 which would bring about more unison in the institute work. I have in 

 mind a plan of this kind: That a committee be appointed who, so far as 

 the local institute is concerned, would have advisatory power only. They 

 could meet once or twice a year, or as often as necessary. It would be their 

 duty to block out the State in districts, and try and bring about an arrange- 

 ment whereby the counties of a certain district would arrange their dates 

 not to conflict. Provisions should also be made to get the names and ad- 

 dresses of institute workers, giving the subject of lecture they were prepared 

 to talk upon. Then the committee could prepare a number of subjects 

 which would aid the local officers or committee in making out their pro- 

 gram. These subjects, the name and address of the workers and the dates 

 of the institutes could be published in pamphlet form to be sent out upon 

 request. This work could all be done through the office of the Department 

 of Agriculture with the help of an extra clerk, which would have to be pro- 

 vided for by the legislature. 



I believe some plan should be devised whereby the State Farmers' Insti- 

 tute, Improved Stock Breeders, Swine Breeders, Horticultural Society and 

 meeting of the institute officers would be held in Des Moines during the 

 same week. If this could be done the best speakers in the country could be 

 secured at a much less expense than to bring them here for each of the 

 several meetings. 



Attached to, and made a part of this report, is a complete statement 

 showing the financial condition of the department for the fiscal 3'ear ending 

 December 1, 1904. 



Following is a statement of moneys coming into my hands as secretary, 

 and deposited with the treasurer, for which I hold receipts: 



From S rate appropriation for Agricultural building . .. ... $47,000.00 



From forage department 1,365.75 



From speed entries 4,127.50 



From suspension collected for American Trotting Association 44 . 00 



From insurance loss 38. 10 



From exhibitors tickets 1,706.00 



From scholarship contest 26.00 



From annual State appropriation for insurance, improvements and repairs 1 , 000 . 00 

 Frominterest 1,079.50 



Total $56,386 85 



