WOMEN IN THE GRANGE. 107 



should have special preference. The practices, more varied in their 

 details, will be found from time to time in the periodicals devoted 

 to these subjects. 



The social relaxation from every -day duties and toils, inculcated 

 and encouraged in the Order, is keenly appreciated by its members. 

 The barriers to social intercourse that are thrown around society 

 by despotic fashion, are ruthlessly thrown down with us, and we 

 meet on a common footing, with a common object in view, viz, of 

 receiving and contributing the highest enjoyments of civilized society. 

 To make country homes and country society attractive, refined, and 

 enjoyable; to balance exhaustive labors by instructive amusements 

 and accomplishments, is part of our mission and our aim. 



The admission of women to full membership, and their assistance 

 in the workings of the Order, is proving of incalculable value; it is, 

 indeed, doubtful whether the objects of the institution, especially in 

 regard to the refinements of education, and all that tends to 

 brighten hearths and enliven homes, could have been accomplished 

 without their presence and aid % 



In establishing an organization of this kind, we must noi allow 

 our energies to relax by an apparent indifference, or even avowed 

 hostility to our cause. This we must expect, as there is no popular 

 movement exempt from opposition. There is always a class of 

 doubters who predict failures; others misconstrue motives, and still 

 others who freely give opinions without investigating the objects 

 sought to be attained, or the methods by which they are to be ac 

 complished. 



The secret ceremony of initiation of members has been objected 

 to by a few persons; but we are already well convinced that the effi 

 cient discipline necessary to secure permanent organization could 

 not be attained by any other means, thus completely realizing 

 the only object that suggested its adoption; and it meets the warm 

 approval of all those who have experienced the transitory existence 

 of rural clubs and societies, and who recognize in our simple, but 

 efficient rules, elements of success, based upon a solid and lasting 

 foundation. 



The Patrons of Husbandry propose: 1. To secure for themselves, 

 through the Granges, social and educational advantages not other 

 wise attainable, and thereby, while improving their condition as a 

 class, ennoble farm life, and render it attractive and desirable. 



2. To give a full practical effect to the fraternal tie which unites 

 them, in helping and protecting each other in case of sickness, be 

 reavement, pecuniary misfortune, want, and danger of every kind. 



3. To make themselves better and more successful farmers and 

 planters, by means of the knowledge gained, the habits of industry, 

 and method established, and the quickening of thought induced by 

 intercourse and discussion. 



4. To secure economies in the purchase of implements, fertilizers, 

 and family supplies, and in transportation, as well as increased prof 

 its in the sale of the products of their labor, at the same time les 

 sening the cost to the consumer. 



5. To entirely abolish the credit system, in their ordinary trans 

 actions, always buying and selling on a cash basis, both among 

 themselves and in their dealings with the outside world. 



