THE GRANGE 147 



is self-culture. Of course, it would be but a 

 half-truth to assert that the order places all its 

 emphasis on the sober problems of education. 

 Agitation has had its place; the hope of better 

 things for the farmer, to be achieved through 

 legislation and business co-operation, has been 

 an inspiration to activity; but the noteworthy 

 fact remains that it has secured a fair degree of 

 organization and co-operation among farmers 

 chiefly by appeals to their larger and nobler in- 

 terests. 



That the association has vastly improved the . 

 social opportunities of farmers is a trite saying 

 among old observers of its work. It forces iso- 

 lation out of the saddle. The regular meetings 

 of the local bodies rapidly and surely develop 

 the social instinct among the members. Pomo- 

 na Granges bring together members from all 

 parts of the county and make them acquainted 

 with one another. The State Grange draws its 

 membership from every corner of the state ; and 

 as its personnel changes each year, thousands 

 are in the course of a few years given the wider 

 outlook, the more extended acquaintance, and 

 the broader view that participation in such a 

 gathering affords. Special social features add 

 their influence. 



