/ 



142 CHAPTERS IN RURAL PROGRESS 



has first its business session, and then its "lec- 

 turer's hour," or literary session, usually with an 

 intervening recess for social greetings, etc. The 

 programmes are prepared by the lecturer, and 

 consist of general discussions, essays, talks, 

 debates, readings, recitations, and music; an 

 attempt being made to suit the tastes and talents 

 of all members, young and old. Many Granges 

 have built and own their halls, which are usually 

 equipped with kitchen and dining-room, in 

 addition to audience rooms; for periodical 

 "feasts" are as regular a feature of the associa- 

 tion as are the initiations of new members. 



The Granges of a county or other given dis- 

 trict often organize themselves into a "Pomona 

 Grange." The "State Grange" is a delegate 

 body, meeting annually; delegates being chosen 

 by the subordinate and Pomona Granges. The 

 "National Grange" is composed of the masters 

 of State Granges and their wives, and is also 

 an annual gathering. The National Grange is 

 the legislative body of the order, and has full 

 authority in all matters of doctrine and prac- 

 tice. But to State Granges is left the deter- 

 mination of policy and administration for the 

 states. The State Granges, in turn, legislate for 

 the subordinate Granges, while also passing 



