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and success of the producers of these staples; we notice other 

 improvements in the farmer's condition in the more careful at- 

 tention given to vegetable, fruit and flower culture, both for 

 market and home use. This society has done much to encour- 

 age an increased interest in these productions by its liberal 

 premiums. While the able essays of Pres. Ware on the cabbage 

 and corn crops, with the agricultural pamphlets of J. J H. 

 Gregory inform the beginner and stimulate the experienced 

 farmer to acquire better methods and results. Nor is the wise 

 method of the day, to devote attention to specialties, over- 

 looked by our officers. The recent reorganization of the poultry 

 department of the show, and Mr. E. C. Woodman's manage- 

 ment of the flower exhibit attest the value of such arrangement. 

 Who doubts that the hen-yards and flower gardens of the 

 country are made more productive and beautiful by what is 

 learned at the show to-day. 



Let us inquire what our government is doing to show its ap- 

 preciation of the farmers of our nation. First, we have the 

 department of agriculture which sends its annual reports of in- 

 vestigation carried on at public expense, to all farmers who de- 

 sire it and will apply to the congressmen of their districts for a 

 cop}'. These reports are made by men skilled in accurate, 

 careful research and are well worth thoughtful study. We have 

 also the public seed distribution, ridiculed by some but I am 

 indebted to it for several choice varieties of vegetables. This 

 seed distribution is specially valuable in the western country at 

 a distance from seedsmen, and many a garden affords greater 

 variety and improved quality of food because of the kindly gift 

 of rare seed. 



The nation further recognizes its obligation to the tiller of the 

 soil by furnishing funds to establish State Agricultural Colleges, 

 The recent munificent appropriation for State experiment stations 

 puts within the power of every one of us to secure free of ex- 

 pense, the best scientific knowledge and skill in solving any 

 problem we meet in our work as farmers. I have twice sent to 



