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. 



