218 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



in all departments, agricultural editors, doctors, chemists 

 and practical farmers, young men fresh from the colleges and 

 old men of acknowledged reputation and world-wide experi- 

 ence. The list is each year increasing in number. Much 

 credit is due our Secretary Sessions for the list of speakers. 

 It is a benefit to a man to be on the list and to come in contact 

 with the average farmer audience. Our college professors 

 and editors recognize the fact, and the office and laboratory 

 work go on the better after a day spent in such work, or 

 recreation, if you please. 



The list of speakers sent out by the secretary should not 

 be the only source from which to select. Local talent can 

 often be called in, and men of ability from neighboring towns 

 can be selected, who for a trifling expense can be secured to 

 furnish a lecture. A very interesting meeting last winter 

 consisted of twenty-minute essays, from four or five repre- 

 sentative farmers in the town where the meeting was held, 

 all on the same subject ; with the dift'erent views expressed 

 by the speakers, the discussion which followed was a spirited 

 one. 



One or two good blackboards should be procured and 

 placed in easy reach of the speakers in the hall, for the 

 speaker can often illustrate his point by figures, diagrams 

 and formulas better than by words, and the opportunity to 

 do so should not be denied him. A table large enough for 

 him to exhibit samples, photographs and models, is also 

 necessary. Often I have seen this table left out of the hall 

 furnishings entirely. Many speakers have charts illustrat- 

 ing their lecture, and a chance to hang them on the wall 

 must be arrano;ed. 



Presiding Officer. 

 For the success of a meeting, much depends on the pre- 

 siding officer or chairman. He should know the subject 

 beforehand, and, if he is not familiar with it, he should post 

 himself to some extent upon it ; he should learn who in the 

 locality are interested in that subject, and see that they are 

 present to aid in the discussion. He should be a live, wide- 

 awake and capable man, quick to see a point, to hear a 

 question and to till in any vacant moments. He should not 



