io8 



numberof three or four hundred, assembled in the Baptist 

 church to listen to good music by a quartette, and then 

 for three-quarters of an hour to an address on road-making, 

 which was of practical interest to the farmer. In modern 

 cattle shows, so-called, there would have been a horse 

 trot on the programme, against which the lecturer would 

 have had to compete and who is equal to that? 



This society is doing admirable work in the way of ex- 

 periment, upon farms throughout the county, and much 

 attention is given to the work. Closing, I may call the 

 society a model one in many respects, but it is so situated 

 that it should lead in the work of agricultural exhibitions. 

 That it does lead in many departments, I believe is true. 

 That it might lead in all departments I believe is possible. 



Yours truly, 



W. H. BOWKER. 



FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 



The Society held seven Institutes during the season of 

 1890-91 on as many different days,forenoon and afternoon, 

 at which the following subjects were opened by carefully 

 prepared essays, and freely discussed by any and all per- 

 sons present who cared to discuss them, viz . — 



1. " Would Agriculture and the success of this society 

 be better promoted by a permanent location of its Fairs ?" 



2. " The new South." 



3. " Fertilizers." 



4. " Description of the Natural Bridge of Virginia ; " 

 " The Cave of Luray '' and " Lookout Mountain." 



5. " How can Farmers dispose of their milk to the best 

 advantage?" 



G. " Taxation." 



7. " Is it for the interest of the Farmers of Essex 

 County to develop the Farm Horse or the Roadster and 

 Driving Horse?" 



