‘AT THIRTY CENTS PER ANNUM, M.—J. J. WOODMAN, - - Paw Paw. O.—P. W. ADAMS, - - - Tecumseh. L.——C. L. WHITNEY, - - Muskegon. _ S.—H. FLEMING, - - - Pontiac. A. S.—W. H. MATTISON, - - Ionia. @‘ EXECUTIVE Michigan, State COMMITTEE fife? Grange, P. of H. VOL. 3.—-No. 2. SCHOOLCRAFT, MAY, 1877. Whole No. 26 THE GRANGE VISITOR, Is Published Monthly, lnvariably in Advance. J. J. WOODMAN, J_ T COBB : }Publishing Committee. All communications should be addressed to J. T. Cobb, Schoolcraft, Mich. Remittances should be by Registered Letter, Money Order or Draft . RATES OF ADVERTISING: lm. 2m.j3m..6m. lyr. 1 Square ———— —-. $2.00 $3.50 3 $5.00 ' 538.00 $15.00 2 “ ._____. 3.00 5.50 8.00 14.00 25.00 ;/ Column ____,l 4.00 7.00 _ 9.00 16.00 5 30.00 2 “ __-_1 7.00 12.00 . 1.5.00 23.00 1 ‘-15.00 A Square is one inch in space, column width. Ir Is not the purpose of the Executive Com- mittee in continuing the publication of the VISITOR, by direction of the State Grange, to deviate from the course first marked out in Feb- ruary last, which was to furnish the most direct, complete and cheapest medium of communica- tion between the ofiicers and members of the Order throughout the State. We hope Masters and. Secretaries will not fail to call the attention of members to every matter of general interest, which appears in the Vxsrron. = Communications on any subject, calculated to promote the good of the Order, are solicited. f For 'Gran_qe Supplies kept by the Secretary, see “ LIST or SUPPLIES” on eighth page. Officers Michigan State Grange. C.—SALMON STEEL, Bear Lake. Manis’e Co SEc.—J. T. COBB, - - - Schoolcraft. T.—S. F. BROWN, - - - “ Gr. K.-A. N. WOODRUFF, - Wate1'vliet. CEnEs.——MRs_. C. L. WHITNEY, Muskegon_ POMONA—MB.S. W. T. ADAMS, Grand Rapids. FLORA—M.RS. J. J. WOODMAN, Paw Paw. L. A. S.——MRS. W. H. MATTISON, Iouia. Executive committee. J. WEBSTER CHILDS, Chairm’n, Ypsilanti. F. M. HOLLOWAY, Hillsdale. GEO. W. WOODWARD, Shelby, Oceana Co. SAMUEL LANGDON, Bowen Stat’n. Kent Co. 0. G. LUCE, Gilead, Branch 00, S. E. JEFFRES, Okemos, Iugliam Co. WESTBROOK DIVINE, Balding, Ionia Co. J. J. WOODMAN, J. T. COBB, - Ex. Oflicio State Business Agent. J. H. GARDNER, Centreville, St. Joseph Co. Deputies. C. L. WHITNEY, General Deputy, Muskegon. H. A. DANVILLE, North’n Mich. P.O. Marilla. Wm. KILPATRICK, Lake Co. “ Baldwin City- ALBERT DAY, Wayne “ “ Wayne- W. 0. SMITH, Osceola “ “ CI'9«P0- WM. F, Lnwxs, Oceana “ “ New Era- Gno. B. DELONG, Monroe “ “ Monroe- IRA W. DONALDSON, Oakland “ Pontiac. W. 0. SMXTE, Osceola Co., Crapo,Mn’ste C0. Support the Vlslrou by subscribincr. GOD BLESS TI-IE FARM. God bless the farm—the dear old farm; God bless it every rood, Where willing hearts and sturdy arms Can earn an honest livelihood»- Cau from the coarse and fertile soil Win back a recompense for toll. God. bless each meadow, field and nook, Begemmed with fairest flowers, And every leaf that’s gently shook By evening breeze or morning showers ; God bless them all; each leaf’s a gem In nature’s gorgeous diadem. The orchards that in early spring, Blush rich in fragrant flowers, And with each autumn surely bring Their wealth of truit in golden showers; Like pomegranates on Aaron’s rod, A miracle from N ature’s God. _ , And may he bless the farmer’s home, Where peace and plenty reign ; N o happier spot ’neath heaven’s high home Doth this broad, bouuteous earth contain, Than where, secure from care and strife, The farmer leads his peaceful life. Unvexed by toil and tricks for gain, He turns the fertile mould; . Then scatters on the golden grain, And reaps reward a hundred fold; He dwells where grace and beauty charm, For God hath blessed his home and farm. The Grange and Agriculture. The excellence and beauty of the following extract from an address de- livered by John T. Jones, Master of the National Grange, invites repeated perusal: “ Let me urge upon you, then, by all that you hold dear—liberty,‘ family, fortune, country—-to stand shoulder to shoulder, and move in solid column on the enemy’s works. The Subor- dinate Grranges are the lite blood 01 our system, and give to it all its pow- ers, moral and active. When one of the sources of life and power fail, how- ever remote, the head and heart feel it. You may notrealizc at once, or for a time, in your own Grange. the ad- vantage you hoped for, and which must come in time-if you earnestly persevere, but bear in mind the gen- eral good of our class and country which we have already accomplished, the largely greater benefits which we may secure individually and collect- ively, if united and earnest in our Work, and our success will be assured. Power and superiority are the right- ful attributes of our class, instead of weakness and dependence. Without agriculture there is no wealth. Gold and silver are not wealth, they are its convenient representatives ;_commerce produces no wealth; “3 “mply « ex- changes it; Inanufactures and the arts c-,o1nbinc_- it. Agriculture is the pro- lilic mother of wealth; the rest simply ' handle it when produced and deliver- ‘ 4 ed into their hands. The earth breeds savages; agricul- ture breeds enlightened nations; it breeds houses and ships, temples and seminaries; it breeds the manufactory; sculpture, painting and music are its oflsprings The wheels of the work- shops, the sails of commerce, the im- plements of science, the pen of genius, the pencil and chisel of the artist, the eloquence oi the orator, the schem- ing brain of the statesman, the equip- ages of wealth, the banquetings of pleasure—all that renders earth in its tides of life anything but a great sep- ulchre, move and have power of being, because the fields yield their fruits to the patient toil of the husbandman. We might manage to live without merchants, without mariners, without manufacturers, without orators, with- out poets, perhaps we might possibly survive the loss of demagogues, but sure I am we could not. live without plowmen. The state of husbandry in any coun- try-is the best test of its enlighten- ment. The thermometer ef civiliza- tion rises or falls as drives the plow. You must send the plow, exclaimed a man who had traveled all over the Christian missionary ground in the heathen lands; a barbarian nation needs but be plowed up, deeply sub- soiled, sowed, planted, and the inev- itable harvest will be an enlightened empire.” needs a farmer as Wise, intelligent, and cultivated, as any part of its peo- ple. The farmer must not only know how to reach the highest and most intelligent results in way of produc- tion, but he must also add to this wide range of knowledge, the education of the merchant, to enable him to buy and sell. of the statesman that he may both criticise and use the laws. IT is intelligent, educated, thinking men and Women that the age demands, and the grange is our school. None are too old to learn—none so wise but is no society that has ever done for woman what the grange has, in raising she can be a true help-mate and co-' worker. She should recognize this by showing a willingness to work with him and educate the young, so that good morals, common sense, and hon- est labor, with forethought. may out- run whiskey, parties, and money. THE (}RANGE.——A country like this ' vote wisely, of the lawyer, that he may _ that they may gain in wisdom. ’ There. her up side by side with man, where" 2 THE GRANGE VISITOR. Life Insurance. Of all devices to draw the surplus earnings of labor from all parts of the country to the financial and trade cen- ters, and to give the money-monopo- lies control of this surplus, life insur- ance is the best planned and most effective. It reaches out its Briaerean , arms in every part of the land. Like the lightning-rod men, the life-insur- ance men are omnipresent. There is scarcely a section of inhabited coun- try that has not been traversed by them; scarcely a house in which their persuasive voices have not been heard. Year after year, the farmer, the retail merchant, the physician, the mechan- ic, the lawyer, the printer, the teacher, pay from their scant earnings an an- nual tribute to this modern Caesar, in the shape of premiums on their poli-. cies—— twenty, fifty, a hundred, two hundred dollars or more ; to do which they are often compelled to stint themselves and their families in the bare necessaries of life. Where does all this money, this life- blood of business and industry, go? Into the great vortices, the money maelstroms, the financial centers.- There it is loaned to the favored few ——the men who can deposit as collat- erals United States bonds or the stock of corporations of undoubted sol- vency. .Every man who pays a premium for life insurance contributes so much to increase the overgrown power of these inoney kings, and by so much dimin- ishes the resources of his own section. Out of the profits accruing from the loaning at compound interest of the sums paid as premiums by policy- holders, (increased, it is true, by pol- icies forfeited,) life insurance compa- nies pay all policies, maintain a great army of local and traveling agents, build marble palaces for offices, pay their oflicers princely salaries, exceed- ing in some cases the president of the United States, and pay good dividends to the stockholders. Suppose these premiums were paid into local co-operative enterprises, and there left to accumulate at compound interest, as would be the case if the shareholders would invest the inter- est on their shares as it accrued in new shares, what vast enterprises, mercantile, manufacturing, agricultu- ral, mechanical, and mining, would be built up all over the land! Produc- tive industry would hold fast to its own earnings, would see these in- crease in a geometrical ratio year by year in its own hands, instead of part- ing with their possession and use to labor’s worst enemies, the non-produc- ing money monopolies. The country would cease to suffer from financial congestion; money, instead of accu- mulating at the financial centers, would be equally distributed in all sections. There would be fewer overgrown for- tunes; fewer marble palaces woulel be built, but more comfortable cottages.’ The land would cease to produce mil- lionaires, but it would also cease to produce tramps and beggars.—Patron of Husbandry. Tenny Plains Grange, No. 345,. at Highland, Oakland Co., _is building a hall 20x36 feet, two stories high, and intend completing it this season. gssfefs gepartment. J. J. WOODMAN, —' — - PAW PAW- Wool, and its Preparation tor Market. There are few questions, which more directly interest the farmers of Mich- igan at this time, than that of the wool market, and the causes which here produced the low price which that important product has brought in the market for a few years past. Any one who will take the trouble to examine the different tariff acts passed by Congress during the last half century, and their effects upon the wool market, will be convinced that the price of wool produced in this country has ever been controlled by the tariff, and ever ‘will be, for the reason that in South America, Africa, and Australia, where pasturage is per- ennial, land unoccupied, and labor cheap, wool can be produced cheaper than in this country. But here the speculator, and self-constituted pro- fessor of Political Economy declare, “ that the people demand cheap wool; and if the farmers of the United States cannot produce it as cheaply as it can be in other countries and imported, then let them turn their attention to other products and abandon wool- growing altogether.” Suppose that in other countries. where capital has obtained full and despotic control over labor, reducing the wages of labor to a mere subsist- ence, that other products of the farm could be obtained cheaper, than they can be produced in this free land, with free, intelligent, well paid labor, would not the same argument hold good, and necessitate ei.ther degrading and crush- ing labor, or abandoning agriculture? Ours is an agricultural country, and the soil is the great source of its wealth. The continued productive- ness of the soil, and the consequent prosperity of the nation, depends upon skilled, intelligent, and well directed labor. To compel the farmer to aban- don a branch of agriculture which, more than any other, tends to enrich and improve the soil, because that product can be obtained cheaper from some other countries, would be not only unjust to the farmers of this country, but ultimately result in im- provising the nation, by the exhaus- tion of the soil. If the farmers of the United States could have the privilege of producing the wool required for home consump- tion, at remunerative prices, which they could and would do if the neces- sary protection was given them, the following figures will indicate some- thing near the amount of gold that would be saved to the country, and just put into circulation for business purposes. For 35 years prior to Jan. 1st, 1862, the average price of wool in this coun- try was as follows: Fine, 50 3-10c, medium, 42 4-5c, and coarse, 3513c per pound, on a gold basis; and yet in 1876, with an inflated currency, the average price realized by the farmers for that clip, did not exceed 25 cents per pound. Congress reduced the tariff in 1872; and the importation of wool and woolen, which for eleven years prior to that time had averaged annually, of wool, 25,058,843 pounds, costing in gold at the port- of ship. ment, $8,125,082; and woolens valued in gold at $33,099,301, were increased to 122,256,499 lbs. of wool in 1872, costing in gold $26,214,195,,and wool. ens valued at $52,408,921. In 1873, the latest statistics I have been able to obtain. there was imported 85,496,- 049 pounds of wool, costing in gold $20,433,938, and woolens valued at $51,075,492, making in two years, $150,132,546 of the gold of the coun. try paid to foreign countries for W001 and woolen fabrics, and this exclusive of shoddy, the importations of which have been large. Could this vast amount of gold Which is annually paid for foreign wools and woolens, be kept in the country and used to stimulate productive industry, would - it not in some degree, relieve us of the “hard times” of which we com- plain? Do farmers want any further evi- dence, than is contained in the above figures, to show the effects of the tariff upon the price of wool; or why the price has been reduced below the ac- tual cost of production. The tariff has been restored; but while it was off, the country was completely flood- ed with foreign wool, and shoddy, which must be worked up and worn out, before our domestic wool will again command remunerative prices. There is, as I understand, an unjust discrimination in the present tariff law. The cape wools, some of which equal in fibre our best Delain wool, are admitted on an equal with the coarse wools of South America and Australia. This should be investigat- ed, and if true, Congress should be appealed to, for the remedy. As the shearing season is near at hand, and the question is being dis- cussed, in many of the Granges of the State, how to dispose of the resent clip to the best advantage; an as I am informed arrangements are being made in several counties, by Patrons, for co operating, by bulking their wool and selling together, perhaps a few hints from one who has had some experience in that direction, may be of some practical advantage. That Michigan produces a grade of wool equal in quality,to any other State has been admitted by wool buyers, and was practically demonstrated, in the exhibition of wool at the Centennial. The principal reason why Michigan wool is quoted lower in the market, than that of other States, is on account of its condition as to cleanliness. Hence, the first question to be consid- ered is, how to prepare‘ wool for the market, so as to improve the reputa- tion of Michigan wool. lst. Do not allow sheep to have access to straw stacks; and be very careful and not scatter chaff upon their backs, in feeding during the Winter season. _ 211. Trim every sheep’ before turn- lug them out to pasture in the spring. Wash the tags, and at shearing put about the same quantity ,into each fleece, that was taken from the sheep. _3d. Wash the sheep in clear run- nlng water. The wool should be Squeezed with the hand until the wa- TI-IE GRANGE ‘V7ISITC)R. ', 3 ter pressed through it is clear. The sheep should then be put into a clean, well sodded pasture .until shorn. fhe time which should elapse be- tween washing and shearing, depends entirely upon the weather. If warm and dry, a few days after the wool becomes dry will suffice; but if cold or wet, a much longer time is neces- sary. Shearing should not be done until the oil from the sheep’s body starts freely. 4th Prepare the barn for shearing with care and neatness. Allow no straw, hay, or chaff to lie upon any portion of the floor, or fall from the scaffolds while the work is going on Shear upon a bench about twelve inches wide, and eighteen inches high, with a canvass tacked upon the under side, and suspended so as to catch the fleece without breaking, and keep it entirely from the floor. Shearing should not be done, if the wool is damp, either from rain or dew. If it is, somebody will be cheated, either by shrinkage, dockage, or ruined wool. 5th. It does not matter so much, how wool is done up, as it does to have it in good condition; but much depends upon this process. The fleece should be removed from the canvass with care and placed upon the folding table, with the inside of the fleece down; it -should then be arranged as near as possible in its natural posi- tion, and the outer edges folded in, leaving only the best portion of the fleece in sight, when tied up. 6th. Use medium sized, light-color- ed twine, and put nothing but mer- chantable wool into the fleeces. Pull- ed wool should be cleansed, and put up by itself, and no dockage upon it submitted to. If farmers and wool-growers, will follow these plain directions, in pre- paring their wool for market, they will be relieved of the humiliation of seeing Michigan wool quoted below that of some other States in the market. Where farmers bulk their wool and sell together, the business should be put into the hands of competent men, who should receive, insure, and sell the wool in such manner as in their judgment may seem best. If manu- facturers can be assured that wool is put up in such manner as to make it desirable for them to obtain it, they will not hesitatesto come to our wool- rooms for their supplies, and pay full prices for the same, including the com- mission usually paid to buyers. The State Granges of Ohio and West Virginia have made arrangements for handling several million pounds of wool. They have formed an Associa- tion under the laws of Ohio, to be known as the “OHIo, PENNSYLVANIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA WooL GRowERs ASSOCIATION or THE PATRONS or Hus- BANDRY;” and the business is placed in the hands of a board of competent and responsible directors, who give bonds, ample to secure all consigning wool, or money to them, from loss. “One and one—half cent per pound Will be charged to cover all cost after reach- ign the wool-house, including sacks, storage, labor, fire insurance, guaran- tee of sale, ete. Advances will be made upon the wool to at least one- half its value; and interest charged upon the same at seven per cent per annum. Sacks will be furnished, with a proper guarantee that the wool will be sent; but allowance will be made to those sending their own sacks. The wool will be under the control of the consignor, and will be handled, as far as possible, as he may direct, and sold when he desires. In grading, each lot of wool will be kept separate if de- sired, but one-half cent per pound ee- tra will be charged. -‘All wool will be handled at the same rates.” The peculiar advantages that Patrons will receive, will be the facilities for re- ceiving information in regard to the wool market, prospects, ete., which belong to members of the Order; and to which they, assuming the responsi- bilities, are entitled." This is intended to be a permanent institution, and its success, will de- pend upon the patronage given it. One great object of this organization is to raise the stan dard of wool-growing. The officers particularly request that all wool consigned to them be put up in good condition, “clear of dirt,” and nothing but live wool put up in the fleeces, “no stufiing.” Proper discrim- ination will be made in favor of wp,0l well handled; in grading, sorting, and selling. so that the best prices may be realized. The establishment of this Wool- House, is a step in the right direction, and if successful, will revolutionize the whole business of preparing, grad- ing, and marketing wool. The Asso- ciation has already received great en- couragement f r o In manufacturers, dealers, and consignors. This house is located at Steubenville, Ohio. For further information address J. D. Whitman, Corresponding Sec1'etary of the Association, at that place. A CORRESPONDENT writingto, if we remember aright, the Indiana Farmer, say s, that in some sections the ‘church- es and. religious societies are jealous and suspicious of the Grange. This seems almost unaccountable, but it is no more unreasonable than the fore- bodings excited by the Grange in many political breasts. There is a touch of egotism in this suspicious- ness of religious and political organ- izations. They seem to think that their methods for making men better and more influential are the only ones, and that as the Grange proposes this as its object,-it will wish to work in their fields with their implements and partake of their honors. The care which the founders of the Order took to keep it free _from everything of either a religious or a political char- acter, and the dilligence with which members have preserved it as they found it, seems to have had little in- fluence with outsiders. The politi- cians could not have been more excit- ed and more anxious for the result of “the Grange movement” if our Dec- laration had read “ It shall be our chief aim to nominate and elect farm- ers to important public oflices.” And if there is much of the feeling among religious bodies that this correspon- dent describes—we really do not see how there can be, however—it might have brought peace and quietness to many now troubled bosorns to have made ouselves a soul-saving society. _.G¢-ange Bulletin. ‘ Advertising Tlu-o’ the Grange. I fear there are some Granges who are not availing themselves of this ad- vantage as they should. It is the duty of the lecturer, as it comes under the head of the‘ intellectual department, and is easily accomplished in this man- ner: He provides an open box, say eight or ten inches square, called the intellectual box——a hat might answer till something better was furnished. It should sit on the lecturer’s desk, and as the members enter, before tak- ing their seats, they could drop into the box, to be read to the Grange be- fore intermission, any advertisement or intelligence they may wish to trans- mit for circulation to the Grange or town at large through the members. For example : A member has a fresh cow to sell or exchange for one com- ing in, or vice versa; or perhaps he has some grain to sell, or a cart wag- on, seed potatoes, a straw-cutter, orse, colt, a yoke of oxen, ete., or perhaps he would like to exchange some one of these things for some other things. He is in need of, or perhaps he wishes to hire a good man, or has a job of work to let to some one, and at the same time there will be others in the room who would be glad to buy, sell, or make the exchange with him if they knew his wants; and these things are continually coming up in every stirring farmer’s business, and he can benefit himself and others by simply stating the item of intelligence he wishes to transmit on a slip of paper, before the next meeting, and have it in readiness to drop into the “intelli- gence box” on his entrance to ‘the Grange, Of course the lady members are ac- commodated in the same manner. The matter of finding a girl to do house- Work is sometimes the subject of great anxiety and inquiry, and could be suc- cessfully advertised in this manner. The lecturer could be instructed to in- close in a large envelope the contents of his box, after reading it, and send by mail to the lecturer of a neighbor- ing Grange in exchange for his of the same character, and so extend the advertisement over more territory.—— Vermont Farmer. THERE are two classes of men that can be dispensed with: First, those curious fellows, who were anxious to climb the slippery pole or ride the Granger’s goat. They had their curi- osity gratified when they slipped from the top of the pole, and turned somer- sault over the head of the goat. Sec- ond, the cross-road politicians, who, through the Grange, intended to mount the firey steed that was ultimately to carry them to the goal of their. ambi- tion. Poor fellows! they found on examination that the spread eagle did _ not have half the footing in the grange that the brahma rooster did. These fellows are falling out of line, and the sooner the better. a helping hand. ——Many of the croakers have ceased complaining since the formation of Pomona Granges. They find that more can be accomplished by an the Granges in the section uniting than for each Grange to act in its individ- ual capacity. Patrons, lend them _ 4 . " ' THE GRANGE VISITOR. THE GRANGE VISITOR. SCHOOLCRAFT, MAY, 1877. égcsretaryfis gepartment. J. T. coma, - - - - SCHOOLCRAFT. Oflicers and members of S_ubordinate‘Granges in corresponding with this oflice, Wlll please always give the Number of their Grange. BLANKS. Blanks that are sent free from this ofiice on application are: Blank Quarterly Reports of Secretaries of Sub- ordinate Granges. _ Blank Quarterly Reports of Secretaries of P0- mona Granges. Blank application for Granges. , Blank applications for Membership in Pomona Granges. Blank Bonds of Secretary and Treasurer. Blank Election Reports of Sub. Granges. Blank Certificates of Election to County Convention. Blank Certificates of Representatives elected to the State Grange. Blank for Consolidation of Granges. Blank Application for Certificate of Dimit. Blank Plaster Order. Blank Certificate of Incorporation‘. organizing Pomona PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PIC N1Cs.—— We shall be glad to receive for publi- cation notices of public meetings and Grange Pic Nics anywhere in the State. BROTHER PATRONS.————FOI' several ~months Plaster has, in one way or an- other, been the leading item in my department From the present out- look I do not think, with the close of the Plaster season of 1877 we are yet entirely done with this matter, though we shall devote but little space to the subject in this number. We are very much gratified in be- ing able to say that there has been no serious hitch anywhere in the bus- iness of this season. Parties who ordered plaster have, in most instance received it when and where wanted. We have received very manv let- ters approving the quality, quantity, and condition of the plaster. Pay- ment has also been made with com- mendable promptness. I am confi- dent that no such large amount of money was ever before collected in comparatively small sums, in this State, with so little trouble and at so small cost. We have at no time cal- culated on bad debts, for,we have not believed nor do we now believe‘ that we have apoor account for plaster on our books. Day & Taylor have always been ready to make good any shortage re- ported, and have at all times seemed determined to give satisfaction‘ to their customers. ' The claim of the Executive Com- mittee on this firm for money ad- vanced to H. O. Weston. has been satisfied, and when the few unpaid accounts on my books have been col- lected} my business connection as in- termediate between the Patrons of Mich. and this firm will be" at an end. I take great pleasure in saying. that so far, our business relations have been pleasant and amicable. I can cheerfully commend this firm to the confidence of Patrons of the State. , In regard to the future of this plas- ter matter, the Committee have given the Order an opportunity to become masters of the situation. They have responded to a call very generally made, to provide some way by which the future of this plaster interest should be protected. At your request this matter has really been left with you to take care of. Will you do it? IT IS not pleasant to report delin- quent or dormant Granges. If our brother Patrons fully realized their own interests, we should have none to report. Those Patrons who let their Granges die on their hands from neglect, have been benefited pecuni- arily, more than their connection with the Order has cost them. By their indifference they are losing opportu- nities for improvement, for enjoy- ment, and for material advantage that the organization furnishes to all its members. If you allege that you have derived no pecuniary advantage by being a Pati'on, then we answer that the fault is your own. The oppor- tunities have been oifered you and the invitations have been frequent and pressing to improve them. There is one thing in connection with dormant or dead Granges that I like, as it furnishes good evidence that in every community where a Grange has been organized, a few of those who join, though not sufficently zealous to make their Grange a suc- cess, still sympathize with the move- ment and wish it success. This evi- dence lies in the fact that in almost every instance after a Grange has be- come dormant, and there is no hope of a renewal of its life, a few of its office for certificates of dimit so that they may join some neighboring Grange, I am glad to furnish these certificates Where the applicant is really entitled to a dimit. and to main tain his connection with the Order. ‘ Blank applications for such, sent free when wanted. These applica- tions are simply a certificate from the Master or Secretary 01' the Grange, showing that the applicant was in good standing and square on the books at the time of the surrender of char- ter, or when the Grange disbanded. In the April number of the Vrsrron, Bro Keith, of Keeler Grange, No. 159, states that with a membership of 58 that Grange had ordered five cars of plaster of Day & Taylor, and asks if any Grange in Mich. has done better? Brother J. B. Galloway answers Yes. Pontiac Grange, No. 283, in the face of active opposition at home, high rates of freight from Grandville, and low rates (on account of distance) from the Alabaster Works near Bay City, has ordered and received eight -car loads. What Grange has done better than Pontiac? The Secretary of Beehive Grange, N0. 158, sends us a resolution unani- mously adopted, asking that the VIS- ITOR be enlarged and published week- ly. To which we answer: That can only be done when the subscription list justifies the additional cost. The VISITOR must pay its way and not be a tax upon the Treasury of the State Grange. 4 Ladies’ Department. There will be found in this number of the VISITOR a new department, for the USE of the Sisters of the Order, though introduced for the instruction and improvement of both brothers and sisters. In introducing this change we feel like making an apology to the Sisters for not having assigned them a place in the very first issue of the VISITOR. Hoping we shall be forgiven for this sin of omission, we most cordially in- vite our Sister Patrons to feely use the opportunity now offered, and small as is the sheet, we will try and provide space. Sisters, we expect you to make this the most interesting department in the VISITOR. Granges delinquent in reports from Secretaries for quarter ending Dec- ember 31st, 1876i Nos. 4, 51, 54, 60, 62, 70, 78, 114,120, 131, 136, 138, 144, 160, 182, 187, 191, 193, 207, 211, 233, 236, 240, 244, 245, 251, 257, 275, 293, 300, 302, 319, 324, 327, 352, 377, 396, 398, 399, 412, 445, 467, 473, 477, 486, 496, 498, 507, 510, 524, 526, 538, 546, 554, 560, 569, 571, 573, 575, 585, 598, 601, 603, 607, 615, 626. This list does not include those dor- mant Granges that have not reported for a’ year or more, of which there are quite a number, who seem practically dead, though they have not formal- ly surrendered their charter. WE would call attention to the ad- vertisement of The Ifusbanman, of .Elmira. N. Y., in this issue, and can- _ . ,not, in commendation of this paper, members Wlll apply to l3l]1S‘ do more than refer to the letter of Bro. Alonzo Sessions in relation to it, printed in the April VISITOR. Those who know Bro. Sessions, want no better authority, and the IIusbcmd- man needs no better endorsement. CO-OPERATE with your neighbor on every possible occasion; unite teams to do heavy work, mass labor to per- form what needs quickly to be per- formed; join with him in the purchase of the more expensive agricultural utensils, if your pocket is not heavy enough to buy them alone; buy im- proved stock on joint account and thus increase the value of your herds without serious inconvenience. All this is co-operation—on a small scale, we admit it, but the lesson we may learn in this manner Will be of incal- culable value to us in larger transac- tions. —Manufacturers have at last discov- ered that the Grangers are not making war upon them, but are willing to pay them full value for their articles, and only ask that they be allowed to ‘pur- chase from the manuiacturer—-thus sav- ing to themselves agents’ commissions, and they on their part propose selling their productions direct to the manu- facturer—doing away with agents. So each party saves the commission here- tofore paid for purchasing. —The Grange movement will puri- fy the politics of the country, by pro- moting independence of thought among the voting masses. Farmers in the north a11d west are beginning to study their own interests. .'I‘I-IE GRANGE VISITOR. 5 Eectnrerfis gcpartment. flailing’ Eepartiiieiit. C. L. WHITNEY, - - MUSKEGON. June Meetings. As many of the Granges are about to arrange for meetings in June, I would say a word that may not de- tract from the interest of these meet- ings. Arrangements should be made early, that there may be no conflict in appointments. A little correspondence between Granges would often secure a concert of action, and a greater interest be secured. County Granges should ar- range for one or more meetings in the County, and at such times and places as would secure the greatest good to the order. When arrangements are made let every Grange interested, and every member of the Order make’ a special effort to secure not only a general and full attendance of the members of the Order, but of all who ought to be members, and make the occasion tru- ly a Patron’s Iloliday Don’t put the burden upon a few, but systematically arrange that noth- ing be forgotten, no one be over- looked. Don‘t leave this and that matter for some one else to attend to, but if you can do, and see that it is done, do so, and whatever you do, do it well and to pomote the best inter- ests and welfare of the Order. St. Joseph County Grange, a month since. arranged for a meeting at Cen- terville on the 7th of June, and the Lecturer is by invitation to be pres- ent and address the gathering —— should others wish his services about that time, let it be known soon. giants ggeiifs agepartmeiit. if ii.‘ lcjiiniilnn, '- cnxriiriviiffiij. The following firms at Detroit agree to do business for Patrons, with whom I have arrangements. Thomas Beck, 1:6 Wcodbridge St. Commission. M. Limbacli, 116 VVood ward Ave- nue, Hardware. , T. A. Parker, 91 VVoodward Ave- nue, Grocer. George Peck & Co., 155 VVoodwai'd Avenue, Dry Goods.’ Cleveland Bulk Oil Company, Foot of VVoodwai'd Avenue. Farrand, VVilliams & Co., Drugs, Paints, and Oils. A. F. Starling. Boots and Shoes. Detroit Paper Co., Stationery. Eggleston and Wagner, Kalamazoo, Furniture. This firm are making ex- cellent goods, which they offer to3Pa- trons at wholesale prices. VVilson, Luther & Wilson, Reeding, Lumber. Fuller & Potter, Greenville, Lumber E. Hayward & Brother, Casinovia, Lumber. Either of these three firms will sell lumber, lath, and shingles in car load lots at wholesale prices, rough or dress- ed, and all wanting to use lumber this season. had best to consult me or one of the above firms for prices: by Send‘ ing a bill of the kinds wanted I also have an arrangement for doors, sash, and blinds at low figures. ONIJY A -_-‘FARMER’S DAUGHTER. “ She is only a farmer’s daughter,” A stylish lady said, _ With a scornful glance of her handsome eyes, And a toss of her haughty head. Her hands, that sparkled with many a ring. ' Are fair as the lilly in hue. They play the piano with wonderful grace— ’Tis the only work they do I You’d suppose that among her ancestors She boasted a duke or an earl- Her father was once a carpenter, And her motherva factory girl. They call her brilliant and beautiful, Nor do I her charms deny; But the farmer’s daughter she scorns in her pride Is fairer by far to my eye. The roses and lillies upon her cheek By nature are warranted pure- She never bought them at “ Hinsdale’s,” Neither at “ Hurd’s,” I am sure. Though her fingers can skillfully touch the keys, They can wash the dishes as well, And her voice, singing blithely, at work or at P13)’. _ . _ Charming all with its musical spell. No mother toils in the kitchen for her, VVhile she on the sofa lolls, Novel in hand, or, dress in her best, Is receiving “ her morning calls.” But a share in the heat and the burden of life She willingly, cheerfully takes ; And dutiful love, in her happy home, A pleasure of labor makes. Of the wisdom and knowledge, whose gifts is ' power, She has more than an average share ; - And daily some lesson from nature she learns, At her school on the open air. And I think you will own, spite the verdict of those VVho live but in fashions gay whirl, That “ only a farmer's daughter ” means “ Only afisensible girl.” . Mas. E. B. SMITH. Should Farn1e1"s ‘Wives Under- stand the Theory of Agri- - culture. An Essay read before Paw Paw Grange No. 10, by Mrs. Samuel Biiskirk. At one of our late meetings a ques- tion was asked by a sister, which led ‘ me to enquire, if there was not sufli- l cient reason, why farmer’s wives 1 should possess a thorough practical ; knowledge of farming. I will endeavor to point out some ‘, of the ways of attainment, and show why our opportunities in this direc- 3, tion are neglected. A familiarity with agricultural pursuits may be of 3 no immediate benefit to us, perhaps I may never be; but in this changeful l world, how unknown are the requisi- T» tions of the marrow. To-day we rely ; in fancied security on the executive ; ability of one whose province it is} to attend to those matters. The ‘ future may find us without counselor or guide. The plans that are now i laid may be left for us to execute, and the work that is begun, for us to bring to completion. were these pos- sibilities to become realities with any of us, what prominence would this. important subject assume, with what value would this hitherto uninterest- ing question be invested. Would common sensethen suggest, that wo- man wanted only that kind of an ed- ucation which would help her in her special departments, but rather that she develop her intellect in any direc- tion that circumstance and interest may 1-equire. It is not to be sup- posed that our enlightenment in such matters would necessitate the per- formance of the labor with our own hands; but would enable us to intel- ligently direct the labor of others, so that we need not relinquish the home that has been ours for so many years, and endeared to us by its associations; and by its retainment be enabled to provide that which we are taught to first petition for, " Our daily bread,” and provide for» those that may be left to our care. Disease may for a time unfitghe husbandman for super- intending the work that the season ' demands shall be performed without delay. No one could so well carry out his plans and consumate his wish- es as one whose interests were identi- cal with his own. Perhaps it might assist his recovery, could he be re- lieved from anxiety, by his well grounded confidence in his wife’s ability to meet these requirements. Absence of the husband may also make it esssential that the wife should be familiar with the business of the farm, in order that she may assume a directing influence in harmony with I the system upon which it was previ- ously conducted. Another reason why we should cultivate a careful ac- quaintance with the farm is, that we _may form a correct estimate 01 the severe and exhausting labor it re- quires, and the uncertainty of the re- wards. No human foresight can en- tirely guard against devastation by insects, or the withering eliects of a summers drought. or the hopes that are well nigh fruition, being destroy- ed by the tempest and the storm. We must understand these things in order to appreciate the care and anx- iety which these and kindred evils cause those who know that upon their success in overcoming them, the welfare of the household depends. The more fully we study these inter- ests, the more readily we can see why time and money are not always at command, to carry out our pleasant projects of adorning our homes and make the improvements we so much desire. Now if the issues of life re- iquirea knowledge of these things can we find them when needed, "text book fashion” put up in packages and labeled “ ready for use.” Or will our only recourse be that which we have gathered and stored for ourselves by observation, comparison and study. By observation we can gain the rudi- ments of valuable information. We can note the time of seeding and preparation for each crop, the condi- tion of the soil, and the manner it is prepared. We can see what means are used to keep up its fertility, we can ascertain the amount of seed each crop requires; and watch their culti- vation and the process of gathering. To observe and learn these things, a little time must be taken, but" the healthful influence of our excursions to the fields. would only recompence us. The science of marketing, and investigation of the laws of trade and commerce, will reveal to us opportu- nities to acquaint ourselves with the productions, and demands of the world, and- the commercial and politi- cal conditions which govern prices. The privilege of attending these week- ly meetings and listening to the it 558: 2' F» can'- ' it combines the elements of power 6 THE GRANGE VISITOR- brothers as they give their ideas, sug- gestions. and experience about the, best wa of doing the work on the farm, a ords us a golden opportunity of making ourselves thoroughly famil- iar with the different methods that‘ different individuals use. By com-g parison we can ascertain which pro- ; duced the best results. Among the ‘= variety of facts obtained from the ex- , periments related, are embraced those I 1 that would take years of patient, per- sistent toil to secure by personal ef- I fort and demonstration although I there is so much that might be learn- [ ed from those discussions, and the ; deliberations of this society, it will; profit us nothing, unless we give them I such attention, and hold in memory the facts stated. It is not expected thata few evenings here, or a half dozen walks to the fields will make us as well informed in these matters as our husbands, who have passed a great portion of their lives‘ in this work. But if from time to time with patience and earnestness we grasp that within our reach, the effect will be a steady progress toward the end in view. Many farmer’s wives will not improve these opportunities for an education in rural pursuits, because they have no taste for it. Their minds are entirely engrossed in their domes- tic and social duties, and they have no wish to fathom the mysteries of the occupation by which their bread is won. Let us hope they may never feel the necessity for its use. Some fear its unrefining influence, While others seem to endorse the sentiment that is prevelant, “ that while woman may keep her womanhood and prac- tice in all other professions, it is de- grading to have a knowledge of the noblest of them all,—Agriculture.” ANY organization, to be successful, must be harmonious in its member- ship. United and acting in concert, which command respect and insure success, bidding defiance to all ob- structions. The objects of the Order are based upon principles of eternal truth, tending to elevate mankind to that moral and social elevation, that an all-wise Creator designed them to occupy. We only need unity of ac- }’ tion and earnestness of purpose to re- 2 alize the great benefits the Order is designed to confer. Without har- mony nothing great can be accom- plished. THE “question box,” usually kept upon the lecturer’s desk, we have often found to aid greatly in making pleas- ant meetings. In it the members can at any time drop questions and sug- gestions that perhaps contain much that is of value, and besides the quiet members and thesisters who cannot be peasuaded to “speak out in meet- ing” can thus have an opportunity of doing something in the Work. The questions are read off by the lecturer, at a suitable time. Some are submit- ted to the Grange, discussed and de- cided. Others are given to the coni- mittees to Work upon and report at a future meeting. Sometimes a brother or sister is appointed to consider the question and Write an article upon it. The questions do not all refer to farm- ing, but to Grange work, home life, etc. _ What is Co.ope1-ation ? “It is the great means by which the toiling class may raise then1SelVeS,_ 38 a class, out of the miseries into which they are plunged by the abuse of com- petition. _ “It is the great means by yvhlch the .richer class may make their wealth produce more comfort to themselves, while they remove the cause of pau- perism and wretchedness. “To the poor it is the self-help which is the only true help. ' _ “To the rich it is the uniter of in- terests, the hater of discords,‘ the pre- renter of strikes, and the safety-valve . against explosion. ‘-To all it is justice, wisdom, econo- my, and, morality; justice, by divid- ing profits equitably; wisdom, by showing how justice can be secured; economy, by preventing the waste ‘bf competition; morality, by discounte- nancing the frauds of trade. ‘.‘It has proved itself to be a success. “There are in England and Scotland more than 400,000 registered members of co-operative societies. “Their subscribed capital exceeds £2,750,000. “Their business exceeds £12,000,- 000 a year. It is conducted on prin- ciples fair to the-honest trader whom it does not undersell, and most adapt- ed to benefit the poorer buyer to whom it acts as a saving bank. Their clear profits at 7% per cent only (and they often divide to members 10 per cent) would be £900,000. “Brethren in toil, will you join us in helying you to help yourselves ?”—— Speech of J. W A. Wright. gfiammuniratians. Worthy Secretary Cobb .-——A man may become very learned, and yet be com- paratively helpless and useless. It is not that kind of learning that farmers need. In the main they must educate themselves, and while doing so, they must work or starve. The education they need is not for show or polish, but to enable them to accomplish results. It should be such as will enable them to do whatever it is necessary and proper to be done in the best possible manner in the least possible time. A man may _ manage to live on a farm, and live and die ignorant and stupid, unfortunately too many do so, but to be successful, to j be able to make the best use of labor and means on a farm, requires a degree of intelligence and thought equal to that required in any other branch of business, and if there was no other motive to be urged, no other. object to be gained but success in business that alone would seem to be ample compensation. All work without intelligence and without thought is mere drudging, and is often useless drudgiiig because ill-advised and misdirected. ' The dull ox knows not why he breaks the clod and has no in- terest in his work; the dull man that does not read reason, or think, differs little from the dull ox. He may work and drudge all the year, and from year to_year and.no good purpose is gained. His crops fail, he does not succeed, noth- ing prospers in his hands, “he has bad luck,’_’ and he does not know why.— The time he shouldspend in nailing and thinking is spent in gossiping, smok- mg, or worse, he gets in debt for tea, to- bacco, and perhaps beer or whiskey, and comes to regard these as the only neces- saries of life; finds himself unable to pay his debts; is forced to sell his farm in such a condition, and under such cir- cumstances that it will bring but half its value, thus he goes down and down, and down and has.nothing but “bad luck.” I Wish this was an exagerated picture, but unfortunately we all know that it is not, and yet there is a brighter side. There are farmers that read and study and think and work to some pur- pose. Their work is not drudging, and it is not useless because they know what they do, and why they do it. They take an interest in what they do, and a pride in doing it in the best manner, and at the proper time, knowing that there may be casualties and contingencies that they can neither foresee or prevent to interfere or change the result, yet knowing also in the absence of these just what their result will be, and how to work to accomplish what they desire without waste or loss. Every thing they undertake is completed and is done well. Their animals are good and are well cared for. Their crops are abundant, and are secured without loss. Every thing about them thrives, pros- pers and improves. Their farms grow more productive and more valuable from year to year. They find it easy to sup- ply all their-wants and to accumulate a surplus for future use. It may be said the cases I have stated are extremes, and I need not de- ny it. There are degrees in every thing. The fact I wish to impress is this: in proportion as the great body of farmers gravitate to one extreme they become helpless, useless and contemptable, and will be sneeringly treated and spoken of as only farmers, while in proportion as they gravitate towards the other, they gain self-respect and confidence, and all the attributes of a useful; and noble manhood. It is information, reason, mind, brains and their use in short, that makes all the difference, that has caused all the progress that has been made heretofore, and will occasion all that will be made hereafter. If every man can be induced to read and think for himself, the pro- gress Will be in due proportion. This matter will be further considered in another letter. Truly Yours, ALONZO SESSIONS. Lansing, May 7th, 1877. ’ BATTLE CREEK, May 16, 1877. Bro. Cobb.-—Your postal card duly received and contents noted. I have been over this section of country considerable for the past two weeks, and I find the growing wheat only promising an aver- age crop with the preceeding two years -—very few extra good pieces perhaps less winter killed than last year, but damaged much more by the Hessian fly than for many years past. I think the breadth of land in corn is more than usual——oats and barley about the same as preceeding years, on the whole I only look for about an average with last year. I am aware that many have been reporting the wheat crop unusually fine, but if they will take the trouble to go in the field and examine the plant, they will find in a great deal of the wheat the main stalk weak and feeble and full of insects, Enclosed find draft for $100 to apply on plaster account. The plaster trade for this spring is nearly over, I have about thirty tons on hand yet, I think about enough to supply the demand for this month. My sales have been more than I had reason to expect, considering the obstacles that were in they way so that on the whole I call our plaster trade a success. Fraternally, E. C. MANCHESTER. NoTE.——Bro. Manchester has ordered -this season over 250 tons of Plaster. BUCHANAN, Mich., May 16, 1877. J. T. Cobb.-—Worthy Bro., your card of the 12th received and contents noted, and in reply Would say that so far as my observation goes, the wheat crop looks quite well, fully up to the average of former years; in a few places on low clay soils the wheat was winter killed some, it is now making a good growth, and promises to be agood crop. We are flourishing finely in our Grange store. f we continue to sell for the balance of ‘v ’77, as the first part, we shall sell $50.000 worth of goods and implements. The Patrons are proving true to themselves, and in the face of the most determined opposition are standing by their store. I find the Grange VISITOR always a welcome Visitor. _ _ Yours Fraternally. FREEMAN FRANKLIN, Sup’t Grange Store, Buchanan, Mich. , PIPEsroNE, May 8th, 1877. Brother Cobb.-— Enclosed find $2.96 and quarterly report for quarter ending March 31st, 1877, which should have been sent you sooner. Allow me to say a word through your ever welcome GRANGE VISITOR in re- gard to the prosperity of Granges in Berrien County. During the first 18 months of our organization, our Grange held meetings in a district school house, but at the last annual school meeting the anti-secret society men voted to close the house against us, which they had a right to do. I think this will do us good, for we are soon to have a new hall just across the road from the school liouse——it is to be 24x40 feet, one story high, and to be completed by the 1st of September next. Since we were voted out of the school house, we have been holding meetings at private houses. The Patrons’ co-operative store at Bu- chanan is doing a thriving business, with a capital stock of about $2,000 they are selling twice the goods that some of their neighbors are that have more than double that amount of capital. This store is a fine thing for the Patrons in the southern part of the county, but is not convenient for us What we want- in the northern part is a store conduct- ed on the same principles and located at Benton Harbor. I think one would succeed here, as the location is a much better one than Buchanan. We hope this matter will receive prompt action at the next meeting of our County Grange. Fraternally yours, W. L. HOGUE. Sec’y, Pipestone Grange, No. 194. MCDONALD, May 5th, 1877. Bro. Oobb .-—-The following is a synop- sis of the crop reports, made at the reg- ular meeting of the Van Buren County Grange held in Bangor, May 3rd. Re- ports were received from fifteen town- ships. Early sown wheat, has suffered from the fly, and somewhat thinned, but what is left is making a vigorous growth. Later wheat looks well, and the crop throughout the county promis- es to be an average one. The peach buds are uninjured in most localities; the apples, pears, and cherries are in good condition, and an abundant har- vest is anticipated. Grass never looked better. The weather has been favorable for spring seeding, and a larger acreage than usual will be planted to corn. But little wheat of any kind is left in the hands of farmers for sale. HENRY G. Goss, Sec’y. NEWARK, Mich., May 5, 1877. Brother Cobb :—Newark Grange, N o. 514 is in good working order—attendance at Grange meetings very good. We have within the last year built us a good sub- stantial hall and store room. To build- ing is 20x38 with 18 foot posts. The up- per room is finished oil‘ for the use of our Grange. Shall probably put in a stock of general merchandize in our store room this season. .We propose to have a grand Grange rally at the County seat of this, Gratiot County, about the 20th of June. Hope we shall be able to report to you a grand success. Fraternally Yours, S. O. ROBINSON, Sec. FOUR TOWNS, May 14th. 1877- Oakland Pomona Orange No. 8, has now organized a co-operatiye store with a capital of $5000. It is in successful operation with about $1500 paid in, and the arrangement is satisfactory. About half our trade is with non-member_s.—_- We call for what we want, and if it is not there have it got. We take what we have there and have it sold. It is pleasant, convenient, profitable. Be- fore, we dealt with men that were work- ing for themselves, and paid us as little as they could and made us pay as much as they could. Now we deal with a man that is work- ing for us and pays us as much as he can I and takes as little as he can and it makes a good deal of difference. There is a prospect of at least a full crop of wheat in this county. There is afull averageon the ground. and not injured by insects—winter killing or otherwise. It had a good top in the fall and will begin to head by June 1st.- There is likely to be an extra crop. Con- siderable corn already planted; other crops as good as wheat; stock now in good feed. I am not quite satisfied with the re- plies to Bro. Shepherdson, Page 2, April number 1877. Fourth degree members can become members of the County Grange, and can vote in the County Grange. The members of the County Grange may take the 5th— degree or not as they choose. All Subordinate Gran- ges are entitled to the same aid and en- couragement, and the same pecuniary benefits of the County Organization; whether represented therein or not.- All members of the Order are entitled to the same pecuniary benefits of the County Organization, whether members thereof or not. Higher degree members have the social benefit of being present during the higher degree sessions. SLOAN COOLEY, . Past Master. PONTIAC, Mich., May 16, 1877. DEAR SIR:—Your card of the 12th is at hand, and noted; as to the wheat, the acreage is about the same as usual, and the condition is good, and seems to promise an average crop. Our store here" is doing well. Yours Truly, A. J. CROSBY, JR. FERRIS. May 12, 1877. At a regular meeting of Ferris Grange, No. 440, the following was unanimously adopted: Resolved, That the members of this Grange will support and so far as we are able sustain any arrangement the Ex- ecutive Committee of the Mich. State Grange may make for furnishing plas- ter in future to the Order—that we will in the purchase of plaster, give any company endorsed by said Committee, the preference over all other manufac- turers of plaster. N, B. SCOTT, Sec. LOWELL, May 14, 1877. J. T. C’obb.-——As to wheat crop, in our . county will say as far as my observation ; _ _ ' [ugh prazse. has been I think the promise is fine for more than an average crop; looks fair and a larger number of acres was sown last fall than heretofore. ‘8Respeclfully, W, R. BLAIsnEI.L. To SUBORDINATE Granges of which the members have very little ready money and think that the business ar- rangements of the Order are not for them, we commend the example of Wacand Grange, Missouri. Twelve months ago Wacand Grange began business with a capital of $75—-$3.00 a member in a Grange of25, a. very small Grange. ‘This capital was used in making purchases from the Miss- ouri State Agent, and it has been “turned” sixteen times. The pur- chases have amounted in nine months to about $3,500, and the capital of $75 has increased during the year un- til it is now suflicient for a $500 pur- chase. The saving in nine months has been forty per cent of the amount of purchases. Very few Granges are so badly 0'3‘ 1 THE GRANGE VISITOR. 7 that they cannot each raise a pur- chasing fund of at least $50, two dol- lars per member in a. Grange of twenty-five. Fifty dollars will be, if invested in goods, and if the goods are sold at a clear profit of ten per cent, more than doubled in nine turn- ings or purchases; and the Grange will have with which to make these nine purchases a total cash fund of $678.71. If the purchases are made at a State Agency or supply-house, the members get their goods from twenty to thirty per cent clieaper— even after paying expenses and add- iug_ ten per cent to the purchasing fund—than they could buy them of Outside dealers. The truth of the matter is, that in most cases where Patrons fail to receive financial bene- fits from their connection with the Order the will, not the Way, is want- ing. The opportunities are present, but members are too blind to see them, or too inactive to lay hold of them. THE REAPER DEATH. Died of Consumption, April 18th, a Worthy Member of Oakwood Grange, No. 333, Sister CLARA HILL, aged 39. Died, April llth, by an accident, Bro. JOHN FREEMAN, an old settler of Branch County, and a Worthy Member of Bethel Grange, No. 148. Died in March last, Sister BOWINGTON, wife of the Worthy Master of Columbia Grange, No 208. The above notices were accompanied with preambles and resolutions expressive of the re- spect and sympathy of the several Granges sending the notices which we should gladly publish if the size of the VISITOR would justify. ‘The Husbandman.’ THE BEST FA-RTMERS’ PAPER IN THE COUNTRY! _ It is the Most Influential and Widely Read Journal pub- lished in the Interest of the Grange. AS All AGRICULTURAL PAPER It 2's fresh and practical, and its read- ers inall parts of the country give it The Reports of the ELMIRA FAR- MERS’ CLUB DISCUSSIONS Are alone worth more than the cost of the pa- per, to any practical thinking farmer. It is read and endorsed by the principal ofii- cers of the Michigan State Grange, and by hundreds of Farmers in various‘ parts of the State. Lieutenant Governor Sessions has been a subscriber for nearly three years, and gives the paper high praise. He has freely recom- mended it to the iarmers of his county, and has induced many to subscribe. THE HUSBANMAN is a large eight page neatly printed Journal, and is fir.-it class in every respect. IT 1s ONLY $1.50 PER YEAR, _INvARIABLY IN ADVANCE. From May 1st, 1877, to Jan. 1st, 1878, only 3 1 .00. Forward subscriptions immediately. Address, “HUSBANDMAN,” Elmira, N. Y, Ja,pnn(nnco1‘d) ‘in Good, . 30 . 40 Flue, . . , . ‘ . . . . 55 Finest, . . ' , . ' . . 70 Best. . . . 70 . , . . : , . . . 85 Cash less 5 per ct. Samples mailed free. Send ad- : dress on postal card to P. O. Box 3090, New York. 8 PRICE LIST of SUPPLIES Kept in the office of the Secretary of the MICHIGAN S TA T E GRANGE. And sent out Post Paid, on Receipt of Cash 02‘- ' der, over the seal of a Subordinate Grange, and the s2'g1mtm'e of its llIaste1' or Sec1‘etm"3/. Ballot Boxes, (hard Wood,) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 20 Porcelain Ballot Marbles, per liuiidred,.. . Blank Book, ledger ruled, for Secretary to keep accounts with members, . . . . . . . . . . 1 Blank Record Books, (Express paid), . . . . . 1 Order Book, containing 100 Orders on the Treasurer, with stub, well bound, . . . . Receipt Book, containing 100 Receipts from Treasurer to Secretary, with stub, . well bound, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blank Receipts for dues, per 100, bouiid,. . Cushing’s Maiiual, . . .2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - Applications for Membership, per l00,.. . . Membership Cards, per 100, . . . . . . . . . . . . . Withdrawal Cards, per doz., . . . . . . . . . . . . Illustrated Visiting or Traveling Cards, each, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dimits, in envelopes, per 0.02., . . . . . . . . . . . Bv-Laws of the State and Subordinate .Granges, single copies 50, per doz.,. . . New kind of Singing Books, with music, Single copy 15 cts. per doz., . . . . . . . . . . . . Rituals, single copy, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ er doz., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blanks for Consolidation of Granges, sent free on application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blank Applications for Membership in P0- mona Granges, furnished free on appli- cation. Blank “Articles of Association” for the Incorporation of Subordinate Granges with Copy of Charter, all complete,. . . . . Patrou’s Pocket Companion, by J. A. Cra- mer, Cloth,,60 cts., Moracco with tuck, . 1 Notice to Delinquent Members, per 100, . . Address, J. _T. COBB, SEc’Y Mien. STATE GRANGE, SCHOOLCRAFT. MICI-I. 00 , ,The Whitney Ma.nuf’g Co. IS THE ONLY COMPANY THE GRANGE to 00, VISITOR. PARTEUULAH. MONTGOMERY WARD & 00., The Original Wholesale GE SUPPLY HOUSE 227 & 2f%8l 'VV'AZB.A.$I-I AVENUE, E ii JOBBERS IN lnnr GOODS, CLOT Il\TG, Hats, Caps, Trunks, &c., &c. CA'l‘AL()GUES AND PRICE LISTS on ALL OUR GOODS FREE TO ANY ADDRESS ON APPLICATION. A Great Reduction in the Prices of Many Lead- . ing Goods was made Jan. 1st, 1877. § SEND ALSO FOR SPECIAL LIST OF REDUCED PRICES. MONTGOMERY WARD 8:. co., Opposite the Matteson House, Chicago. In __'£‘HZ: PA'I'RONs' PAINT GOMPANY are manutm-- ‘J T. turing the Ii\'(—}ERSOLL 1i’E.1])Y-JIIXEI) PA Lvrs, and BRUSIIEN, and selling them at full trade discounts, delivering them freight paid, and no money required until the goods are receive(l—-making them chen per thau even the inaterial can be -bought elsetvhere. They are an absolutely pure article, possessing great endurance and brilliancy, and are, .giving' great satis- faction all over the country. We have a Patron friend who saved enough alone on Paint purchased to pay his Grange expenses for a life-time. They also sell ROOF PAINT 30 percent. cheaper than any one else. It is to the interest of That offer A Strictly First-class Sewing Machine to Patrons at Wholesale Prices R E A D : I have sold a large number of Whitney Sew- ing Machines during the past year, 1876, and they have given universal satisfaction. I rec- ommend them to Patrons. - W. A. HENDRICKS, 111. State Agt. Have sold a large number of them and have sufiicient testimony from purchasers to assert them equal if not superior to any mode. L G. KNIFFEN, State Agt., Wis. Sold 994 Whitney Sewing Machines in six months, with privilege of returning them if not satisfactory. Was not asked to do so in a sin- gle-instance. A. TYNER, State Agt., Ind. All letters received at this Agency speak in l praise of the Whitney the highest terms of Sewing Machine. J. D. GURTHRIE, State Agt. for Ky. and Tenn. In view of the extensive and satisfactory bus- iness we have done with this Co., Patrons should buy no other machine. A. J. CHIEDS, State Agent, Mo. Our State Agent, Col. Hill, reports his sales of the Whitney Sewing Machine for the past year at 396, 000.00. Indiana Agent reports $86,- 4"i3.50, making the total for two States 34182,- 463.50. If Patrons in other States appreciate the Whitneyas well as we do, it may well be called the Grange machine.——Grzmge Bulletin, 0. We send machines anywhere on trial. It wil'l cost you nothing to try them, if they do not suit you, and they are sold at the lowest figures possible. Send for Circulars. THE WHITNEY Msec. co., 22 Adams St. CHICAGO. ILL. The Mentor in the Grange —AND—— HOMES of P. of +1., Ought to be in every Grange and read by every ‘ member of our Order. Price, $2.00. Four copies for $7.00. The “‘Ma.tron’s Household Manual.” By SISTER SHANKLAND, is the best Cook Book 75 cents each; four copies to , ' t . fiigzdllrgsgsfor $2.59. One copy of the “ Men- tor" and one copv of the *‘ i\lzmuai” 1'or $2 -50. Address, C L. VVHITNEY, Muskegon. all about Pa1'.n.t0r.” painting to xvrite and have sent free their book, “ ELv(er1/ One His 011-» It will save much nioney, whether you buy their Paint or not. Ad’ ““’.=3- 259 FRONT STREET, NEW YORK.——(Frmn “ Farmers’ Friendfl’) lMP(lRTERS P. O. Box __8029. I it IG O P. of H. and S. of 1. Purchasing Agents, and ’ TEA AND COFFEE BROKERS, NEVV YORK. N0 Cluirge for Conmiission, (‘artiige or Boxing on Tens‘ or (‘ofl“ees. Our Brokerage business do ers in this City; sale dealers. _ in the way of quality and price. Since making these arran be purchased. This, ho with parties who were not Importers. to place ourselves in a position to Excel We.are the only Purchasing Agents in the C1’ (see their Quarterly Bulletin). We_wi1l fill orders or PLATS! GRAPE VINES! SPRING OF 1877. I am prepared to furnish strictly first class Osage prange Hedge Plants, one year old, for $2.2»). per 1000. Concord Grape Vines, strpoug one year old Plants, 81 .00 per dozen; $o;"0 I791‘ 100. Patrons would do well to avail themselves of the facilities afforded by 3 thedir frequent (arrange Meetings to co-operate ; am. order by the 100. Fifty at same rate. Orders for He-lge Plants should be sent in be- fore April let. HENRY COLLINS, BOX 311. White Pigeon, St. Joseph Co., Mich, N. B.—.E\'crgreen Trees for Lawns or Wind. i Breaks, at low rates ; also small Fruit Plants. plished our desires, and we ask that you favor us with a trial order. CONOMIST. Sample copies l g of Teas and Uofiees to Wholesale Deal- .. we the same prices at which We sell Whole- dividual can certainly estimate the advantage this arrangement presents y the National Grange, _ et, at lowest obtainable if our terms and provisions are mailed free. Address. BAIN & ENSIGN, P. Box 3029, New York, The Best Offer Yet! :2. The.Best and most desirable Seeds furnished at a Discount of 50 per cent. or one half the usual rates for all Seeds in small packets. I make this a special offer to Patrons of Hus- bandry, Clubs, &c., which will enable them to save one half in procuring their Garden and Flower Seeds. Address, EZRA VVILLIAMS, Rochester, N. Y.