614 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Any farmer's wife or daughter of good reputation may become a mem- 

 ber. To retain membership each member shall attend as often as once in 

 three months, and entertain at least once a year, unless there be some 

 reasonable excuse for not so doing. 



We meet every alternate Wednesday at two o'clock p.m. in the summer 

 and at eleven o'clock a.m. in the winter, the one entertaining furnishing the 

 dinner or supper, whichever it may be, but must keep within the bill of fare 

 provided by society. The small sum of five cents is collected from every- 

 one at the table. Proceeds, after expenses are met, to go for charitable 

 purposes. 



Within the past two years the society increased so fast and began to 

 extend so far that we found it necessary to limit the membership to thirty 

 and also decide on a limited territory, hoping this might encourage others 

 beyond to organize similar societies. Our meetings are all conducted in 

 the same business order, beginning with a hymn, and ending with a \ ro- 

 gramme. At each meeting a committee of three is appointed by the president 

 to make out programme for ensuing meeting. Programmes consist of music, 

 select readings, papers, discussions, etc. We have no trouble in making 

 them interesting, as we aim to put each member on for whatever she is 

 qualified. Some can tell us the best methods of canning fruit, making 

 pickles, curing meats, etc. Others are experts at poultry raising, while 

 still others can write fine papers on any subject pertaining to the home, care 

 of children, early experiences, etc. 



We had two picnics last summer, which were greatly enjoyed by both 

 young and old. At holiday time we had an oyster dinner for members and 

 their families. All these treats are free, society furnishing every thing. The 

 men are invited to attend any time and a goodly number do attend in the 

 winter when they can spare the time, and I believe they enjoy it as much as 

 we women do. 



We appropriated about fifteen dollars for charitable purposes during the 

 last year, which is good considering the amount paid in. 



Lastly — Why 40 we like the society? I answer — There is nothing that 

 so breaks the monotony of farm life, and drives dull care away as a good 

 social time with our neighbors. 



The programmes give us something to think about aside from the daily 

 routine of work, and the help we get exchanging ideas and methods better 

 equips us for the work we have before us. 



