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THE STORY OF BREAD 



The oldest school of its kind now in operation in 

 America, and the first to be supported by the state, 

 is the Michigan Agricultural College, opened in 

 1857. But Georgia was the first state to organize 

 instruction in agriculture, the year of this event 

 being 1854. The other states quickly fell into line, 

 and today the science of agriculture is recognized 

 as one of the most important branches of study. 



The first experiment station to be supported by 

 the state was opened in Connecticut in the year 

 1875. Then on March 2, 1887— a date to be kept in 

 mind — President Cleveland signed an Act of Con- 

 gress which brought into existence the first national 

 system of experiment stations in the world. The 

 United States Government took notice of agricul- 

 ture when, in 1862, the Land-Grant, or Morrill Act. 

 as it is popularly called, gave to each state a certain 

 amount of land, the proceeds from the sale of which 

 were for the benefit of agricultural colleges. All this 

 opened the way for greater strides in farm work. 



Railroads, manufacturing concerns, bankers, busi- 

 ness men of every description, all are concerning 

 themselves with the welfare of the farm. A famous 

 banker counting the grains on an ear of corn is a 

 sign of deep interest. But we are not at the end. 

 We are little more than at the beginning. We are 

 just commencing to realize the part good seed, the 

 right preparation of the soil, and other equally im- 

 portant items play in raising fine, large crops. 



