420 HISTORY OF THE GRANGE MOVEMENT; OR, 



try. It is founded upon the axioms that the products 

 of the soil comprise the basis of all wealth ; that indi- 

 vidual happiness depends upon general prosperity, and 

 that the wealth of a country depends upon the general 

 intelligence and mental culture of the producing 

 classes. 



" In the meetings .of this Order all but members are 

 excluded, and there is in its proceedings a symbolized 

 ritual, pleasing, beautiful, and appropriate, which is 

 designed not only to charm the fancy, but to culti- 

 vate and enlarge the mind and purify the heart, hav- 

 ing at the same time strict adaptation to rural pur- 

 suits. 



" The secrecy of the ritual and proceedings of the 

 Order have been adopted chiefly for the purpose of 

 accomplishing desired efficiency, extension, and unity, 

 and to secure among its members, in the inter- 

 nal working of the Order, confidence, harmony, and 

 security. 



" Women are admitted to full membership, and we 

 solicit the co-operation of women because of a conviction 

 that without her aid success will be less certain and 

 decided. Much might be said in this connection, but 

 every husband and brother knows that where he can be 

 accompanied by his wife or sister no lessons will be 

 learned but those of purity and truth. 



" The Order of the Patrons of Husbandry will accom- 

 plish a thorough and systematic organization among 

 farmers and horticulturists throughout the United 

 States, and will secure among them intimate social re- 

 lations and acquaintance with each other, for the ad- 

 vancement and elevation of their pursuits, with an ap- 

 preciation and protection of their true interests. By such 



