No. 4.] REPORT OF SECRETARY. xxxi 



moving one of the things which stimulate the farmer to produce 

 his best, and taking from him a favorable chance to compare 

 his efforts with those of his neighbor. 



It would seem advisable that the premium lists of the 

 various fairs should be revised and standard lists of fruits, 

 flowers, vegetables and stock furnished, so that each society 

 may choose from this list such things as would best be en- 

 couraged in its section. 



Twenty-six States in the Union are now offering prizes at 

 their fairs in "better babies" contests. Only one society in 

 JNJassachusetts has taken up this work, but with a degree of 

 success which has made these contests one of the features of 

 the exhibition. It would seem to your secretary that while we 

 are giving so much attention to the care and feeding of stock 

 and the growing of crops, it might be well to consider the 

 larger question of developing strong and healthy children, as 

 these should be the best crop of the farm. These contests are 

 conducted just as stock judging contests are. Points scored are 

 for development and not for beauty. Directions are given to 

 parents as to the care and feeding of children, and, in other 

 States, such contests have had a marked effect upon the de- 

 velopment of the child. This question is so closely connected 

 with that of milk production and its use, that it would seem 

 advisable for us to favor any plan which would lead to a more 

 sane use of milk in the home. 



Institute Work. 



A vote of the committee on institutes and public meetings, 

 and later confirmed by the executive committee, has made it 

 possible to carry out a circuit of institutes, as outlined in my 

 last report. Arrangements for working out such a plan are 

 under way, and it is hoped that it may be carried out this 

 winter. There is a growing demand for these institutes from 

 all sorts of organizations, and if the Board had the necessary 

 appropriation, more than double the work could be done. 



Your secretary attended the annual meeting of Farmers' 

 Institute Workers in Washington, and found that in comparison 

 with the amount of money spent, we are getting as good results 

 as are other States. There is, however, a growing feeling among 



