Proceedings of the Farriers' Club. 231 



Mr. TVakeman, wlio had witnessed the good effects of such organiza- 

 tions in England and on the Continent. We originally met in the 

 old cit J hall and removed here soon after the completion of this noble 

 edifice-. Other clubs have sprung up all over the country, modeled 

 after this and encouraged by the success that has attended our efforts, 

 to draw out and lay before the county opinions, experiments and 

 discussions on agricultural topics. There are more than a thousand 

 such clubs in various parts of the land, and there can be no doubt as 

 to the signal and permanent good that flows from them. 



Hand Hoe and Corn Planter. 



This combination, exhibited by Mr. Sogg, the patentee, consists of 

 a capped tin vessel holding a pint or more, fitted at the head of a 

 hollow hoe handle. In holding it the uppermost hand rests on a 

 spring moved by a slight motion, so that a given number of kernels, 

 as five, can be instantly released. They run down the inside of the 

 handle and fall just where the planter wishes them to. It was left 

 with the Secretary, who will have it tested in the cornfield and pro- 

 perly reported on. 



Adjourned. 



May 26, 1868. 



Mr. Nathais: C. Ely in the Chair ; Mr. John W. Chajebeks, Secretary. 

 Southern Illinois. 



A letter was read from E. Iv. Grifiin, Equality, 111., an old corre- 

 spondent of the club. This is not a new country. Equality is sit- 

 uated on an ancient road leading from Shawneetown to St. Louis, 

 and is reached by boats in the winter and in times of flood, being on 

 the Saline river. A railroad is to be built to the Illinois Central. 

 There are beds of coal and salt wells, where sufficient salt is manu- 

 factured to supply the surrounding country. It is a good fruit region, 

 and peaches have not failed for four successive years. Clover and 

 grass do well, and winter wheat is a sure crop. Small farms, with 

 log buildings, can be bought from ten dollars to fifteen dollars an 

 acre. Money always commands ten per cent interest, with good 

 seeurity. Wages are low. Poor people in country places live by 

 renting land ; but we have too many of this class. Snow drifts are 

 unknown ; musquetoes seldom annoy ; the fever and ague is running 

 out ; consumption uncommon. It is not a good place for doctors or 

 lawyers ; and, being clad with a good conscience, we are not impres- 



