102 CALIFORNIA CITRUS CULTURE, 



FARMERS' CLUBS. 



My friend, Mr. J. H. Keed, whose suggestions are always to be 

 considered, urges me to append to my booklet a word of advice as to 

 clubs and co-operative associations. It is certainly a wise suggestion. 



No one can doubt the value of our Farmers' Institutes. Michigan 

 originated this "University Extension Work" in 1875. I was one of 

 the lecturers at the first institute, and have been engaged as director 

 most of the time from that day until now. In Michigan I inaugurated 

 the movement to form a monthly club at each institute. Michigan, I 

 think, excels to-day in the number of such clubs. As conductor of 

 farmers' institutes in southern California for twelve years, I empha- 

 sized the value of such organizations and aided in organizing over forty- 

 five. "Who can doubt the wisdom of such action? This virtually gives 

 each locality an institute each month. Such clubs have been of immense 

 value to many sections of our country. 



Requisites for a Successful Club. 



A wide-awake club requires enthusiastic officers, whose devotion will 

 permit no abatement of effort to make the club first best. Secondly, a 

 meaty programme at each session is a prime necessity. Thirdly, we 

 must have committees that will make a thorough study of some phase 

 of ranch work, each reporting at least once a year. This will give the 

 club dignity and influence. I would urge, in addition, ceaseless effort 

 to make the social atmosphere as fine and bracing as is possible. 



I will outline the principal features of the Claremont Pomological 

 Club, of which I was president from 1894 to 1912. It is a strong club 

 and has done exceptionally good work. 



Besides the usual officers who perform the duties common to such 

 officials, there are committees on insects, cultivation, irrigation, fer- 

 tilization, roads, household economy, street trees, decorative planting, 

 and good of the club. The club meets one day of each month from 

 September to June, inclusive. In June and September picnics are 

 enjoyed, always with a first-class dinner and programme, when all are 

 cordially invited to attend. The attendance usually runs up into the 

 hundreds. July and August are vacation months. Thirty-three fam- 

 ilies are the limit of membership. There are several applications con- 

 stantly on the waiting list. 



The social status of the club is admirable. The meetings are held 

 and entertainment provided at the homes of the members in succession. 

 The club owns the chairs (seventy-five folding chairs), lapboards, 

 knives, forks, spoons, plates, cups and saucers and tablecloths. There 



