AMERICAN FARMERS’ INSTITUTES. 35 

passed the experimental stage, and has become a recognised 
part of governmental or educationai machinery. 
The function of the farmers’ institute is well described in 
the following passage from an article by Messrs. True and 
Ffall :—-“‘ The institute is the adult farmers’ school. Here 
they may learn from scientists and investigators the prin- 
ciples which underlie the art of agriculture, and from suc- 
cessful farmers the best methods of applying those principles. 
ihe scientist at the same time learns the needs of the 
farmer and the problems regarded as most necessary of 
solution, and finds out from the results of actual practice the 
truth or falsity of theories and deductions made from experi- 
ments on a limited scale. The views of both farmer and 
experimenter are broadened, and sympathetic relations are 
established by the close social contact which marks the 
institute in its most perfect form.” 
Though the institutes are not conducted under the same 
auspices throughout the country, the character of the 
meetings is in most respects essentially the same in every 
State. The farmers may meet for half-a-day every month, 
or at longer intervals, for four or six days. The meetings are 
usually held in the winter, when the pressure of work 
is relaxed; but they are also held at other seasons of 
the year in some States. The programmes are planned to 
promote the interchange of ideas, and a full and free discus- 
sion takes place on subjects introduced by specialists or 
successful farmers who have attained more than local 
reputation. All persons in attendance, the humblest as well 
as the most prominent, are urged to ask questions and to 
mention facts gained from personal experience. A ‘“ ques- 
tion box” is frequently made use of, and answers are given 
by the conductor of the institute, or by someone specially 
fitted to supply the information asked. At the evening 
session a popular iecture is usually given upon some subject 
of general agricultural interest, but it is made somewhat 
more elaborate and complete than at the day session, and 
less opportunity is given for discussion. 
The numerous agricultural colleges and experiment stations - 
which exist in the United States are closely associated with 
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