EXECUTIVE Michigan State ’ ISSUED COMMITTEE <§?/E Grange, P. of H. Vor. 3.-Nlo. 3. SCHOOLCRAFT, JUNE, 1877. Whole No. 27 THE GRANGE VISITOR, Is Published Monthly, AT THIRTY CENTS PER ANN UM, lnva riably in Advance. $3 %; l3",‘,’,‘,’l‘,”1‘”_ j }rub1ismng Committee. All communications should be addressed to J. T. Cobb, Schoolcraft, Mich. Remittances should be by Registered Letter, Money Order or Draft. Russ or Anvnsrrsmo : 1m. 21n.j3m.!6m..1yr % Square ____ -- $3.553 , ‘, . “ ..... .. . 5.. . I . > ‘ '. 1/ Column ___-j 4.00 7.00 9.00 16.00 30.00 £ “ _-__. 7.00 12.00 ; 15.00 2.5.00 ; 45.00 A Square is one inch in space, column width. IT Is not the purpose of the Executive Com- mittee in continuing the publication of the Vrsrron, 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 oflicers 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 Vrsrron. Communications on any subject, calculated to promote the good of the Order, are solicited. iE§” For Grange Supplies kept by the Secretmy, see "‘ LIST or SUPPLIES " an eighth page. Officers Michigan State Grange. M.—- J. J. WOODMAN, - - Paw Paw. 0.-P. W. ADAMS, - - - Tecumseh. L.-—C. L. WHITNEY, - - Muskegon. S.—- . FLEMING, - - - Pontiac. A. .—W. H. MATTISON, - - Ionia. C.—SALMON STEEL, Bear Lake. Manis’e 00 SE .—J. T. COBB, - - - Schoolcraft. T.—S. F. BROWN. - - - “ G. K.——A. N. WOODRUFF, - Watervliet. CERES.—-MRS. C. L. WHITNEY, Muskegon. Pomona-—Mns. W. T. ADAMS, Grand‘ Rapids. FLORA-—MRS. J. J. WOODMAN, Paw Paw. L. A. S.—MB.s. W. H. MATTISON, Ionia. Executive committee. J. WEBSTER CHILDS, Chairm’n, Ypsilanti. F. M. HOLLOWAY, - - Hlllsdale. GEO. W. WOODWAR1), Shelby, Oceana Co. SAMUEL LANGDON, Bowen Stat’n. Kent Co. C. G, LUCE, - - Gilead, Branch Co, S, E_ J EFFRES, - Okemos, Ingham Co. WESTBROOK DIVINE, Belding, 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 D_ep11l'«Y: Musk9gon- H. A, DANVILLE, N0l"(.l'i’n M101}. P.O. Marilla. Wm. KILPATRICK. Lake 00- ‘ Baldwin (my- ALBERT DAY, Wayne “ ” Wayne‘ W. 0. SMITH, Osceola “ “ Crapo. WM. F, LEWIS, Oceana “ New Era- GEO. B. DELONG, Monroe “ K M0“1.”°e~ Inn W. Donsnnsox, Oakland ‘ Pontiac- W. 0. SMITH, Osceola Co.. CmD0.M'1’St9 00- Snpport the VISITOR by subscribing. AGRICULTURE. BY GEO. W. BUNGAY. Bronzed Agriculture, with his hands has spread, The board at which our hungry world is fed- And should he cast his shining coulter by, The nations must lie down and die. Not armies of brave hunters in the chase Could feed the wants of this omniverous race ; We have no land of Beulah, where ’t is said. The trees are loaded down with loaves of bread, And pigs already roasted run the street, Squealing for customers to cut and eat ; Where fishes cooked, come swimming in to shore, And turtle soup, in streamlets pass the door. This world is practical, and he, in brief, Must work, who would have daily bread and beef. We have two hands to earn our daily bread, And one month only to be daily fed; Teaching a lesson that even fools might learn- We have no right to eat what others earn. The ancient patriarchs toiled in days of old, Abraham was rich in cattle, sheep and gold ; In times unknown to iron steeds and steam, Job had three thousand camels in his team, Five hundred yoke of oxen in his stalls, And flocks of sheep to fleck the mountain walls. He had five hundred asses, and I fear, They have descendants in this hemisphere. The workers are the uncrowned kings of earth, Lords of the land, without the badge of birth; They need no coat of arms, no scroll of fame, No trumpeter to blow abroad their fame. They swing the axe, where the great forests bow And golden harvests smile behind their plow. But he who never cultivates his lands, Like Hermes, has more mouth than heart or hands. Yonder, the youthful farmer walks in pride, Before his steps, both clods and cliques divide ; Though times be harder than the frozen ground, His hank, amid the shocks on ‘change is sound ; The more it breaks the more his dividends. He toils among ancestral oaks and pines Where wood-birds sing, and the wild blossom shines ; ' He learns a lesson from each living thing That folds a blossom or unfolds a wing; For vines and corn and tcsselated grass, Show what has been and what will come to ass. 0 I gloliious world afloat, in crystal air, The sky bows with its sun to kiss the fair Prairies of grass and flowers of every hue, Sunshine and starlight left on petals blue, As though the beauties of the Summer skies Had. been repeated in the wild flower’s eves. THE following from the State Agent’s Department of the Bulletin of the Executive Committee of the Wisconsin State Grange, indicates progress in the business arm of the Order,and I commend it to the consid- eration of our grumbling brothers who can’t see that the Grange amounts to anything : “The amount of trade by Patrons through the Grange Agency during the month of March 1877, amounted to $16,812.03, an average of $622.00 per day, being an advance on any previous month. This is for transac- tions through our own ofIice—-we never make an account of trade by Patrons with otherhouses through our recommendation. If there is any apprehension that the influence of the Grange is growing less, or that our Order will not continue to move on triumphantly, we can assure our friends that from our standpoint we can plainly see the successful work- ings of the Grange, and the firm foun- dation upon which it is becoming es- tablished throughout the Union. Pa.- trons are apt to demand speedy re- sults, and look for too early fruit as the result of their efforts. “The mills of the Gods grind slow, but exceed- ingly fine.” The growth of a move- ment that swept over the entire Un- ion in a brief space of time, did not appear in the reaction of the tidal wave. Monopolies, unjust exactions, protected by long established cus- toms, were apparently only weaken- ed by their efibrt to resist the reform demanded by the Grange. But mark the results. The California wheat ring, with its millionaire Friedland as a representative, for years control- ed the wheat markets of California, and dictated to farmers the price they should receive‘. Last fall Fried- lander chartered all the available ship- ping for transportation of wheat from California to maintain his monopoly and dictated the price of wheat ; but not a bushel of grain would Patrons sell. The result was his vessels lay at the wharf unfreighted, and the California farmers themselves at last chartered the vessels at a less rate and marketed their own wheat. Pa- pers of the present date just announce the failure of Friedlander as the result of his last unjust attempt in the grain monopoly.” . Tun C’al7,'formIa Patron gives the fol- lowing description of the premises re- cently purchased by the Grangers’ Bank, the Grangers’ Business Associa- tion, and the California Farmers’ In- surance Company : “ The building is of brick, three stories high, with a basement 58 by 45 in ground area, and located on the northeast corner of California and Davis streets, as cen- tral and convenient a location for the purposes for which it is intended, as can well be found in the city. The building is now in complete order for the various departments of business which are centered there. A large brick and iron vault, burglar and fire- proof, was constructed in the center of the lower floor, divided into three compartments, each with its separate opening into the three different busi- ness departments which occupy that floor. The second and third stories have their entrance in the center of the California street front, as shown, which, as well as the stairways and balls. are large, and well lighted.” THE GRANGE VISITOR. l gsstefs gepartment. l J. J. WOODMAN, — — — PAW PAW. Reports ofsubordinate Granges ‘E Provided for by the State Grange. The State Grange at its last ses- sioii adopted the following recom- .} mendations of the Committee on County Granges. “lst. That the Lecturer of Subordi- nate Granges shall report quarterly to 1 the County or District Grange under 1. whose jurisdiction they may at the 3 time be, the general condition of their ‘ respective Granges, socially, finan- cially, and educationally; and also re- port the condition of the growing crops, yield when harvested, amount raised, surplus for market, &c.” “2nd. That the Lecturer of County or District Granges and County Coun- cils, shall compile these quarterly re- ports, and forward the same to the Secretary of the State Grange.” “3rd. That such blank forms shall be furnished to both County and Sub- ordinate Granges and Councils, as our Worthy Master and the Secretary of the State Grange, shall deem best suited to this purpose.” The delay in getting these blanks before the Subordinate Granges, has been caused by a pressure of other Grange business which could not be postponed, but we trust that the promptness with which every Subor- dinate Grange in the State will re- spond to this new order of ,things, will fully make up for the delay. This crop report is an experiment, the ob- ject of which is to place within the reach of every member of the Order, reliable information in relation to the condition of the growing crops, from time to time, so as to enable them to form correct ideas in relation to the market; and the success of the ex- periment will depend entirely upon the interest taken in it by those whom it will most benefit. In preparing the blanks, simplicity has been studied, and only such items of importance called for, as seem nec- essary to furnish the information most essential. In other words we have begun at the “ alphabet” and hope to progress until we have perfected a system of crop reports, more perfect and reliable than any which have heretofore been devised. The Blanks call for five items of importance. 1st. The condition of the growing crops. This is to be indicated by numbers from 1 to 5. If the condi- tion appears to be unusually promis- ing, or extra, the blank will be filled by 5. If the condition is good, or about an average with previous years, by 4. If fair or rather below the av- erage condition, 3. If poor, by 2, and if a failure, by 1. The Lecturer of the County Grange or Council, in compiling these reports, will divide the sum of the figures, representing the condition of each 2nd. pared with the previous year.” “Breadth of seeding as com- This I can be readily and very accurately obtained by the Lecturer, by inqui- ries among the farmers of the vicinity or township. Three columns are pro- 3 vided for this report, headed “aver- = age,” “greater,” “ less,” and in filling the blanks, double commas (") under the proper heading, will indicate the comparative breadth of seeding. 3rd. “Estimated yield per acre.” This can only be estimated from the apparent condition of the crop at the time the report is made; but when harvested anda portion of the crop threshed, or measured, the average yield per acre can be very accurately determined. 4th. “Estimated amount of each crop raised in the township as com- pared with last year." This informa- tion must be obtained from members of the Grange and others in different portions of the township, after the crops are harvested. By having this report full and accurate, we can aprox- imate to the amount of each crop that will be placed upon the market. 5th. “ Estimated surplus for mar- ket in your Grange.” This portion of the report can be very accurately made, and will afford not only a very interesting item of information, but a cheap way of advertising, and mate- orially assist in co-operative business in the County or District. The re- port should not only contain the amount of surplus produce, but every description of property held by mem- bers of the Order for sale. The names of the owners may be reported if desired. A copy of this report when compiled, should be placed in the hands of every business agent in the County. The questions upon the right of the blank, in relaticliln to the condition and prosperity oi‘ t e Subordinate Gran- ges, should all be answered. ‘County Granges and County Councils, have been instituted for the express pur- pose of “ encouraging, aiding and strerigtheniiig the Subordinate Gran- ges. Similar duties devolve upon the State and National Granges; but how can this be done, unless the con- dztzon and wants of the Sztbordirzate céirafiges are 7l7)tadefi Itnlown? Nothing thn e mores enfe cia to the Order, an accura e in ormation relating to the. means employed by the numerous thriving and prosperous Granges in the ‘State, to keep up a growing inter- est in the Grange, and bring the bene- fits olf) the, Order directly to every Iiiim ei ;%ili1d tlfie causes of failure in o ers. e ormer will stand as “beacon lights” to success the latter as “ buoys’: to warn from danger. . The making of these reports will impose new duties upon the '_'Lectur- ers the Subordinate Granges; very siitni ai to the duties required of sec- ie aizries in making theirquarterly re- por s to the Secretary of the State Grange; and we have reason to ex. pect Wlll be as cheerfully done, G The Lecturers of the _ C o u n y ranges and Councils Wlll compile crop reported, by , the number of Granges reporting, and the result will be the exact condition of the crop in the County or District, as indicated by the reports. . these reports, and forward the same to the Secretary of the State Grange, who will again compile, and publish all matters of a general interest con- tained in them, in the GRANGE VISITOR. Let it be distinctly understood that full peports are required and expected from every Subordinate Grange in the State, whether represented in the County G’r(,mge or Council or not, and if there is no County Grange or Coun- cil to report to, the report should be sent to the Secretary of the State Grange. What is the Grange! It is a moral organization——the vir- tues of honesty, integrity and frugality are taught, and kept constantly before the minds of the members, and no one is entitled to membership who is dis- honest, intemperate, vulgar or profane. It is a social organization, for the reason that the brothers and sisters meet in happy unison, rejoicing to- gether in that fraternal feeling which has a tendency to improve society and make us willing to listen to the distress of poor unfortunate brothers and sisters. It is an intellectual organization, for in the Grange brother strikes hand with brother, and sister with sister; and each one tries to elucidate, enliven and invigorate each other. It also helps to educate them in their house, home and field duties, as we well know that a good house-wife will in the exemplication of her duty, stimulate her sisters to go and do like- wise. Also, an attractive, pleasant, and well ordered home cannot be re- sisted, and which must make an im- pression that cannot be erased. So, also, with the farm; the brother who raises two bushels of corn or other crops, when the other raises but one, and exemplifies it, must and will awaken a desire in others to obtain a similar result. THAT the Order of Patrons has not done all that was expected of it every honest man will concede at oiice.— VVhy not? There are three good rea- sons: 1. Too much was expected It was believed that the prices of all sup- plies would be at once reduced, that the prices of all farm products would be at once increased, that the frauds and corruptions in public office would disappear, that the schools would be better, and — somehow — the whole structure of society renewed. The expectation was as wild as Secretary Seward’s when he boastingly declared that the war of the rebellion would cease in sixty days. The job was a good deal bigger than any of us ex- pected. 2. Not enough time was allowed to do the Work. Of all men, farmers should know that one must sow and then wait for the increase, that the harvest time is only after long delay and silent growth. But We expected immediate results, and we deserved disappointment. 3. Not enough work was done. When a farmer buys an improved plow, he well knows that he must hitch his team to it and then walk behind it all day, and many days, before its virtues‘ can be utilized. The Patrons seemed to think that this new instrument was to do the work itself. They were sadly mistaken. It is an organization for work, and its greatest use lies in’ the facilities it gives its members to work hard and work together. THE -GRANGE VISI’FOR. THE GRANGE Vfsrron. SC HOOLC RAFT, JUNE, 1877. égecretan.-9'5 éepsrtntent. J. T. COBB, - — - - SCHOOLCRAFT. Ofiicers and members of Subordinate Granges in corresponding with this oflice, will please always give the Number of their Grange. 1 BLANKS. Blanks that are sent free from this office 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 Gran es. 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 Certifica.te of Incorporation. organizing Pomona RAMBLING NOTES. Since the duties of Secretary of the Mich. State Grange Were devolved up- on me by a. score of pioneer Michigan Patrons who met in Kalamazoo, April 15th, 1873, to cement into a State organization the few Subordinate Granges then existing in this State, I have had occasion to travel but little over the State by the demands of the oflice beyond the requirements of the plaster business. At our annual meetings of the State Grange I have met from year to year, some of the same earnest Patrons, and formed acquaintances that not only made the passing hours full of social enjoyment, but gave promise of future benefits in kind when We should meet by chance or otherwis in the years to come. ’ The plaster season over, and weary with office work I determined to make good a promise made long ago,, ( but on which an extension had been grant ed) to visit some of the good Brothers and Sisters of Ionia county. _ Starting from home at seven ll]. the morning with good R. R. connections at Grand Rapids, we rang the bell of the Ionia county jail at half-past 12, calling our worthy Sheriff Matteson, Assistant Steward of the State Grange from his dinner. _ Without the use of signs, signals, or passwords, we were soon within “ the gates” andvery willingly helped _ Bro. M. and his good wife finish his work at the dinner table. We soon learned that the Ionia County Grange was holding its regular monthly meet- ing at the hall of Orange Grange, N0. 168, some seven miles distant, and we determined at once_to accept Brother Matteson’s invitation to see that part of the county and learn something of the work of their County Grange.—— The day was warm, but with good company, good roads, and good farms along the way, our ride_ was BVGTY way satisfactory. Arriving at the Hall about 3 o’cloek; We found 50”” 75 patrons engaged in discussing practical questions farmer. of interest to the As the season for marketing wool was near at hand, that subject had special prominence. A determi- nation that their, wool should be put up in the very best manner was ex- pressed very generally, and the pre- vailing feeling seemed to be in favor of shipping through theCounty agency. Bro. Welch, the County agent seemed a wide awake business man, deter- mined to do something-—— has had a large experience in handling Wool and stock, and if he is able to care for the interests committed to him by the Patrons of Ionia County as well as he has heretofore cared for his own, their success in the business department of the order is assured. The drift of the talk in relation to reapers and mowers was favorable to the Climax machine. The truth so patent to all thinking men, that when the reputation of a machine is estab- lished all first class farmers, or at least Patrons should unite and buy only that; was dwelt upon by’ one Brother Whose sensible remarks will have to be repeated several thousand times before we shall find ourselves living up to the doctrine as closely as we ought. As the hour of meeting was 10 o’clock a. m., the programme had of course included a dinner the tables. baskets. dishes, &c., outside the hall gave evidence that long before We arrived the Grange had passed from labor to refreshment, and had a good social time. Almost forgetting that we had eat one good dinner, we were sorry that we were not at the Hall three hours sooner. , Orange Grange has a good commo- dious hall, well finished and furnished ——-with the necessary ante-rooms, and every thing comfortable and home life. The Sisters had not forgotten to beautify this their common ground of social meeting as proved by pictures, mottoes, evergreens and flowers, nor had the Brothers forgotten the care of their horses, but have provided good substantial sheds suflicient to protect their teams from summers sun and winters cold. This Grange is located in a section where the land is good and strong— where good farming is reasonably sure of good returns, and from their good hall and good farm houses in sight of it, I conclude that these Patrons are in the van of that progress which our noble Order is promoting all over this broad land. After the close of the Grange and a chat with our friends for half an hour, we started for Ionia in that best part of the day to enjoy a ride in the country. The growing crops of wheat, clover and grass were all very fine and promising—the best we had seen any where this year.- Bro. M. is not the man to do things by halves, so the next day he provid- ed transportation for four, and with our wives at 9 o'clock we started for his farm, and the region round about returning before one to the city. In this trip of some 16 miles going and returning on different roads we did not see a poor piece of wheat- nearly all very thick on the ground, of large growth and promising very much above an average yield. Bro. M. has a good farm or 240 acres, the most of it very desirable for cultiva- tion. l saw no better wheat or clover any wlicre than his. and I was glad to 3 have such convincing evidence as his stock and crops exhibited, that he is a good farmer as well as a good Granger. This being decoration day, the good people from the country were in town in large numbers to witness the grand parade of military and civic societies as with music and banners led by Knights; with blue ribbon boys in the distance bringing up the rear, the march and counter march, gave the town a gala appearance. We listened to an oration well adapted to the oc- casion delivered by a young lawyer of the city whose name we cannot now recall. ‘ Our programme included a. visit with Bro. Alonzo Sessions. He lives four miles down the river from Ionia, or near the site where we remember seeing the log house of our pioneer friend as long ago as 1836, when on our way to Lyons behind an ox team, we crept out of the dense forest of the valley into the little opening of half a dozen acres where he first let in the sun-light on his future home.- During all these intervening years he has been enlarging his field of opera- tions until now, he has an estate of some 800 acres. We need not say that Bro. Sessions is a good practical farmer. His success is the best evi- dence of intelligent, well directed in- dustry; with lands well adapted to grass; he has flocks and herds con- verting it into the wealth that makes the owner independent and enriches ' the State. His wheat fields give pro- mise of an abundant harvest, and he said his only apprehension was that a storm might lay it down and ruin it while so green and heavy. His oldest son living a half mile away from the homestead is now the farmer of the family, his father de- pending on him to take charge of the various interests of the farm. As this was sheep washing day, I had an ex- cellent opportunity not only to see his flocks but to see that job to many farmers the most dreaded of the sea- son, well done and at little cost. A large log for a dam across the stream a few rods from his barn held back a supply of water and made a fall just suited to the work. Under these shutes a few feet apart in this log dam, three men with four others to drive and handle washed one after another the several flocks of yearlings, ewes and weathers, young and old in all nearly 600 the day I was there. _We enjoyed a. morning ride» of two hours with Bro. S., viewing his premises and neighboring farms, and were entertained while there not only with some of his experience as a farmer, but as a legislator and presiding officer of the Senate. Gov. Sessions spoke highly of the body of men over whom he presided last win- tei-— has faith in their good intentions as a whole, but evidently does not be. lieve the product of their labor is or will be worth much to the people of the State. Still though much legislation is not unmixed good, yet it is byno means unmixed evil, as the more we have the better for the lawyer class who de- pend for their support on the general muddle and complications of legisla- 4 tion and the folly of clients who em- ploy them. _ _ The Grange has not diminished the amount of legislation in this State, though I believe it has the amount of litigation among farmers, and I trust we are gradually being educated up to the point where we shall see and know that good common sense intel- ligent farmers are far more likely to truly represent the interests of the people, than are the lawyers and bankers who now mainly control our State and National legislation. Brothers. think of this matter and in 1878 do not nominate eighteen lawyers and send half of them to Congress from this State. In the afternoon we bade adieu to Bro. Sessions’ invalid wife, who, worn by the cares and labors of former life and a large family, has of late known but little "of the blessings of good health. As we have referred to the family of Bro. S. we shall add that his sons, four in number have had the advan- tages of a course at our State Agri- cultural College, the youngest having still one year more to serve the State before he will be entitled to the cov- eted Sheepskin. With good habits and not afraid or ashamed to work, these sons give promise of a career of future useful- ness in whatever calling they pursue. A girl of some fourteen summers in . the absence of her mother assumed the duties of hostess and discharged them well. A married daughter lives in Kansas, and another we did not see was from home some miles teaching. Bro. S. kindly returned us to the city in time for the aftermoon train west, and we left well pleased with our trip so far. At Lowell we found Bro. Stannard, Master of South Boston Grange, waiting to take us home with him a distance of six miles. Along the road here as elsewhere in Ionia Co., the wheat was-good. Before seven o'clock our wives had exchanged kisses, as the usages of the country demands, and we were soon enjoying the hospitality of Bro. and Sister Stannard at their tea table. _The next day we called on Bro. J. C. English. Without a personal ac- quaintance we had long known him as one of the most active Patrons in the State. As business agent of the Grange, Bro. E. is untiring’ in his work. His father and several broth- ers are earnest workers. In short to be an English in that neighbor- hood is to be a live Patron. A regular meeting of the Grange to be held that evening was a sufli- cient inducement for me to alter my plan and stay over another day. In the four years of my service I have attended but three meetings of Sub- ordinate Granges other than of N o 8, to which I belong, except for install- ation purposes, and I could I not well forego the pleasure of meeting with No. 175, in their fine Hall, the best I suppose in the State. - We took a survey of the Hall be- fore the meeting of the Grange which ave us a chance to make some notes. The lower floor of the main build- ing has a reception room at the right of the enzrance 16x30, next a dming , room 16x34, kitchen 16x20, with pantry and Wood room. The lower floor of the wing has a cloak room, store room and an entrance hall from which a stairway of ample breadth leads to the upper story. On this floor within the inner gate is the gate-keepers room Where the regalia, implements and parapharnalia of a working Grange are kept in condi- tion for use, also the ladies’ cloak room with all needful conveniences. We come now to the main Hall to which all these others are but con- venient appendages, each necessary to make complete and carry into effect the wise purpose of providing a central place of meeting for enjoy- ment mental culture and improve- ment of the enterprising members of this Grange. This room is 30x48, 15 feet high, and well finished. Twelve curtained windows with weighted sash admit day light, and two chan- daliers with six burners each. abun-. dantly provide for light at night. “ South Boston Grange, No. 175. P. of H.” in a frame, the work and gift of a brother, is placed over the entrance door. The arrangement of the Hall with pictures, mottoes, and emblems, the most of it the work of the sisters of this Grange, is not only beautiful in itself. but evinces culture and re- fined tastes as well as patient indus- try. A stage of ample size for dra- matic entertainments projects a little into the hall from one side and is reached from the ladies’ cloak room in the rear. If I were to attempt a more minute description I should fail to do justice to their work. Every want seems to have been anticipated and supplied. Stoves. chairs, dishes, and fixtures where needed, are all here and in their places ready for use. Accross the highway the stabling provided for more than a hundred horses affords not only protection from the weather, but has mangers so that when the Patrons have, as they frequently do, a feast, their horses can be provided at least with a good square meal. Bro. Stannard has been Master of the Grange since its organization and has been ably supported in his eiforts to build up and make permanent the organization in his neighborhood. N 0 narrow selfishness has fettered their action, but with the broad and enlarged views of the founders of the Order, they have gone forward to prove the great possibilities for good which the organization presents to the farmers of the country. At their evening meeting there were present some sixty members. When the hour of labor arrived no time was lost. he items in the “Order of Business” were rapidly disposed of. Under the call of reports from Special Commit- tees a half dozen sisters who had been charged at a’ former meeting with the duty of ascertaining how much butter could be obtained from 100 pounds of milk, and their indi- vidual methods of treatment, made one after another, verbal reports. A free interchange of opinions was bad. There was no hanging back. The te- dious waiting for some one else which is so common, and so killing, was not seen at any .~tage of the proceedings. THE GRANGE V1SIT()R. ‘A good long recess in which the so- cial feature of the Grange had free indulgence alike by young and old,met my views exactly, and I think partly answers the question so often asked, “How shall we keepup an interest in our Grange meetings." Too many Masters of Granges are so long get- ting through the routine of business in the regular order that members who have nothing to say, become weary staring at each other across the hall and think it does not pay to at- tend. A recess of five minutes will not pay these Patrons for coming several miles when one of an hour or more might. All cannot or will not take an in- terest in every question that comes before the body of the Grange, but whu fails to take part in the social groupes that enliven a hall during recess. These brothers and sisters who think they can .never “ speak in meeting ” will find congenial company as soon as recess is ordered and fre- quently engage at once in a discus- sion of the practical questions that have been considered or presented in debate -and their opinions are often quite as sound and valuable as others. But little time was spent after the re- cess before the Grange closed. Those who desired, started at once for home, while those who felt like chatting tarried a while longer. On our way out, as we passed the store-room, we saw the brother in charge busily en- gaged in putting up parcels for mem- bers. As there is no village near they find this co-operation both con- venient and profitable. We shall not soon forget our pleasant meeting with No. 175, and hope our rambling ref- erence to what we saw, will stimulate others to profit by their experience. Brother Stannard has a large farm and of course has work and business enough, but relief seems near at hand as his two sons, just returned from a complete course at the Agricultural College, have donned their overalls and evlnce their good practical sense by taking at once to the labors of the farm. We shall expect to hear of their success in the battle of life. We are indebted to Bro. Stannard and wife for their efl'orts to make our stay with them pleasant and for get- ting us to Lowell in time for the early train. Our next objective point was Bro. Langdon’s, at Bowen Station on the G. R. V. R. R. six miles from Grand Rapids. Since the organization of the State Grange he has been on its Executive Committee, therefore an old friend and co-laborer, and we did not pro- pose to give him the go by when so near. We found him and his good wife hard at work attending to the various duties that give successful farmers constant employment. Again were we fortunate in the time of our visit. The small Granges of Paris, Floral, and Burton, had arranged for monthly union meetings, and that day such a meeting was to be held at the house of Bro. Davis, M aster of Paris Grange, a half mile distant. Of course we attended and met a very pleasant company of Patrons. A lengthy and intelligent discussion upon the Sllbjrcl’. of izducation called \ TI-IE GRANGE VISITOR. 5 out several Brothers who are good talkers, and furnished me additional proof that our Grranges are so many s c h o o l s in which all who will, may, and do learn, and are really in- valuable to the farmers of the coun- try. A very sensible, practical essay was read by a young lady, that we thought worthy a place in the Ladies Department of the VISITOR, but as the author did not concur with us in that opinion, I did not get it. In due time the tables were spread and the contents of the baskets which each had brought, presented a very inviting appearance when arranged by the good sisters. The trial test which followed was quite as satisfac- tory as the appearance promised. If our narrative had not already covered so much ground I should be . glad to say more of this meeting. But space forbids, and I can only add that this plan of union meetings strikes me favorably. I think we do not visit neighboring granges as much as we ought. Go by pairs. or by scores and visit your brother farmers when in Grange assembled. You will secure a half day of recreation; and profitable en- joyment. . To whom it may concern, we say Bro. Langd'on’s is a good place-to visit. But I forbear. I ought to have found my last period before this. Suffice it to say that our trip was to us every way satisfactory, and we trust our time not miss-spent. Granges delinquent in reports from Secretaries for quarter ending Dec- ember 31st, 1876: Nos. 4,51,54,60, 62,70, 73, 114,120,131, 136, 138, 144, 160, 182, 187, 191, 193, 207, 211, 233, 236, 240, 244, 245, 251, 257, 275, 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, 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. - ——-Under date of June 6th, Bro. A. J. Crosby, agent of the Oakland County Cooperative Association, Writes, that “wheat is looking very finely; the apple prospect is fair; have the very best prospects for a full crop of potato bugs; wool is with us the chief topic of the day.” —We have just sent two sets of Blanks to Secretaries for Quarterly reports; also Blanks for Crop Reports, which they will please delivor to the Lecturer of their several Granges without unnecessary delay. We can- not send these blanks directly to the Lecturers as we have not their names. —We would call attention to the advertisement of D. C. Reed & Co., on the 7th page. Without a personal knowledge of this new Inplemerftil can say that I am personally acquaint- ed with four of the five farmers who recommend it, and vouch for their reliability. They are some of the , best farmers in Kalamazzoo Count)’- Subscribe for the,VisI'r0R. Thirty cehis a year. gist: ggcufs gepartmcut. J. H. GARDNER, - _ CENTREVILLE. By the courtesy of W. H. Hill, State agent of Ohio, any article on his list of implements can be had by sending to him, it money is sent with the or- der, which with my lists gives a wide range to select from. I desire all to remember that the cash must accom- pany orders for machinery, or it will not be forwarded. It is all good as is made and warranted to do good work. Farquhar’s Combined Reaper and Mower, self-rake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Farquliar’s Reaper alone, self-rake, . . . -‘ Mower, 4 ft. and 3 in. cut. Climax Mower, 4 ft. and 6 in. cut. . . . . “ “ 4 ft. cut . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ Combined Reaper and Mower, se,f-rake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135.00 Crawford Mower, 4 ft. or 4; feet, . . . . . 70.00 Eureka Mnwer, 5 ft. cut, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83.00 “ “ 6 ft, cut, . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98.00 These prices are on board cars at manufactory. The Victor self-dump- ing hay rake on car here $26.00. This is a new rake by the Dayton machine company ; dumps from both wheels and is ahead of any rake in the mark-_ et. For a cheaper rake, I have the star lock lever, at $21.00 put on car here. For riding cultivators, the Chal- lenge seven shovels will be furnished for $30, or with five shovels for $28. Walking cultivators; Brown’s im- proved four shovels, $23 ; Richmond’s five shovels, $26 ; these two have iron frames and beams. Three River seven shovels, fallow cultivator for $25. Three shovels, single horse cul- tivators for $5.50 ; two shovels for $3.25; hay forks, three tined for $7; rope at wholesale price. On plows I have the Kalamazoo Diamond; Union City and J onesville Chilled; Mishawaka Steel and Combination; Battle Creek Iron beam Chilled and Kalamazoo steel mould-board plows. Orders for either will be promptly filled and forwarded ; when receipted for by the agent of the rail road will be at the purchasers risk. Paris Green by the can of 141bs.; and wool twine by the bale at whole- sale price; also. paints, oils, lumber, nails and building materials; salt in car lots at ninety cents a barrel, at Saginaw. 1 have now a lot of new boots and shoes on hand, just received from the manufacturer at very low prices, es- pecially for ladies’ serge and serge foxed shoes. My stock of groceries is ample to fill all orders in that line, andmy arrangements with some of the largest wholesale 13011593 3‘? C_hi' cago, enables me to order any thing sent direct, if taken in whole pack- ages; also, the same arrangement for dry goods. lf orders could be for- warded to me on the 1st and 15th of each ‘month, so that I could bulk purchases a material saving could be made and time gained in forwarding. Please,t0 discuss this at your meet- ings, and see if it can not be done.— Remember that the freight on a box of 10 lbs. is the same as on one of a . ' ent sin 1 . 10? ]111;,sve1fg0st. a redugciion on the Howe sewing machine, No. 4, of four dollars from f0,.,ne1_- price, to take effect for l1.3.L'il1IleH Ol'«1el'€L1 hereafter; when an $135.00 1l5.00 70.00 order is sent, state how much money is sent with it. The Howe is furnished as heretofore on twenty days trial, when if not satisfactory it can be returned. It is warranted for five years. For the Whitney, money must be sent with order to secure a reduced price, and no trial is offered. Post oflice orders drawn on Three Rivers are preferable to registered letters, and as good as bank drafts. Some do not understand ‘what a gross of matches is; 14.400 matches is called a gross; 144 boxes of each, or 72 boxes of 200 each, or 48 boxes of 300 each are called a gross. They generally come in cases of three gross. I keep a stock of Richardson’s on hand so as to fill small orders. If a Grange would or- der a case at once, they would cost less than by a single gross, and the freight'would not be any more. It is time now to make up orders for hay- ing and harvesting machinery: don’t wait until you want to use it the next day, and then he compelled to pay an advanced price to a village agent.- Send to your regular agents, not to the scalpers who have crept into our order and are damaging us more than all the opposition from out side deal- ers. Remember that you don’t dam- age your agent, who is doing your work, by buying through other chan- nels, but are hurting yourselves and keeping back the progress of your business. I expect to be able to furnish‘ the New York hay tedder, but have not the price at present. If I had orders for a number, a material reduction can be secured from retail price for one. Send me orders soon for them.— Recollect to give post-ofiice in writing to me and last to sign your name. It is quite common to receive communi- cations without date, post oifice and name, and don’t be disappointed if I fail to answer such letters to your satisfaction. I have some self-binding reapers on hand which I can furnish at low rates- Wai'ner’s Patent Fanning-Mill is now offered for $18 when money accom- panies the order and is sent to me.— This mill is constructed on a new plan, having a double shoe, moving oppo- site which makes a perfect balance, runs very easy and almost noiseless, and will stand still when working ; all side shake is avoided; cleaning all kinds of grain and seeds, in a superior manner All orders sent me with the money will be filled at the low price of $18.00. It is recommended by C. G. Luce and other farmers. Have’ a car load of sugar and coffee now on hand, ready to distribute to all wanting either article; teas, Japan and greens in stock. I have a new price list now ready to send to all appli- cants. In sending money get a bank draft on New York or Chicago, or a post-oflice order on Three Rivers if convenient. Centreville is not an or- der office, when neither can be pro- cured easely, send by registered letter. Don’t wait until you want the articles to use immediately, but send a week in advance. so that if I have not the goods on hand, I can order from the city and get them. It is best to have your letters scaled, or at least counter- signed by the Master or Secretary where it is not convenient to use the 6 seal. I find some have ordered goods and body. Too many make a mistake who do not belong to our Order and ; in selecting their work and spending had no right to my prices. This their lives at something wh1ch,Judg- should be guarded against. 3 ing from their tastes and talents . seems to be the very opposite of , what nature intended them to do. Nothing is more important than that § we should love and honor our occupa- gaiii2s' gcpartment. THE GRANGE VISITOR. . The Husbandman. Give fools their gold, and knaves their power, Let fortune’s bubbles rise and fall; Who sows a field, or trains a flower, , Or plants a tree is more than all. For he who blesses most is blest ; And God and man shall own his worth Who toils to leave at his bequest An added beauty to the earth. And, soon or late. to all that sow, The time of harvest shall be given ; The flower shall bloom, the fruit shall grow, If not on earth, at last in heaven ! —Jo/in G. IV/Lz'ttL'e)'. The Blessings of Labor. Some years ago I overheard an Irishman remark to a fellow-laborer, “Isay Pat, wouldn’t this bea fine world if all the bad drinks was drinlied and all the bad works was worked .7” I laughed then at the rhetoric which clothed the expression, but have since recognized the ex- pression itself asa wail common to every one who toils; whether it be‘ with the spade of the ditcher, the‘ plow of the farmer, the brush of the artist, or the pen of the poet. To, earn bread by the sweat of the brow has so long been considered to be a curse that we seldom pause to think f that it is lined with bright blessings. ‘ The pleasure of knowing that we are ,' bearing at least our own burdens, the satisfaction of seeing something eith- 1 er useful or beautiful which our hands have made, the moral, mental, and physical health which spring from temperate toil, and the’ sweetness of , rest and recreation are all unheeded as we utter the universal sigh, “ Oh, how I wish I did not have to work." 5 Perhaps with that of intellect comes also the gift of complaining, for each : specie of the animal kingdom toils in its own way for sustenance, and while ‘ the little ant goes all day in and out 1 her granulated door, the robin sings , joyously over his nest-building, and 3 the squirrel chips out cheery notes as he gathers his winters food, man; shrinks from his task and thinks only of a life of idleness as a life of hap- ‘ piness. He merely endures the pres- 4 ent and all his hopes are fixed upon some golden future wherein he can sit with folded hands. When that day comes he wonders why the days are so long and the papers so stupid, why life drags and his heart so heavy. He fretted at his toil, but misses now the sweetness of rest, the energy of muscle " and cheerfulness of spirits which it brought. I h a v e long thought the curse cast upon Adam terribly misunderstood, for Sacred History tells us that, before the Fall, he was placed in the garden of Eden, “ to dress and keep it, ’ and that Eve was given‘ as a -‘ help meet,'.’ so labor - must have been intended for them i from the first. No one can be quite unliappy who .has congenial occupaaion for mud ,' tion. With this in view, children : should be allowed to follow their own inclinations. Do not, ,3 ambition to see a title prefixed to -your family name, -drive your son, f who has a natural right to be com- J . monplace, off to college, and make a 3 ’ poor scholar of what would have been .‘ a first rate farmer or mechanic, nor,’ ; keep him at the plow when his heart " is upon his books. Give to your I daughter an equal right, and when * * that time comes, which must come to f every energetic girl, when she grows ‘ restless and eager to try her strength = in the great struggle of life, let her i go, even if you need her aid at home, ; and your purse is ample to supply , her wants. Let her go into a school, 1 f shop, or wherever her tastes lead; '| feeling that she is not ungrateful for , your kindness, but has your loving f wishes for her success, and to what- ,‘ ever station she may be called in the 3 future to fill she will do it better than i if these longings for independence 1 had been suppressed and she had waited at home for some man to come through an i I l , and marry her. There falls upon ,every laborer a certain amount of, dirty drudgery which can never be l otherwise than distasteful to him; but V the general odium cast upon manual i toil surely comes from the olden times when none but a slave soiled his hands; and like our reverence for ti- f tle has been inbred so many gene-[ rations that it will cling to us in spite , of common sense and boasted liberty. , The equalization of the rights of ‘mankind is always followed by an’ equalization of labor, and the phrase, l f "‘ every man his own master,” is but ; a synonym of “every man his own servant.” We can see in our own} land that, in this regard, society is gaining a healthier tone, and the fact 7 that many who stand in high places , begin their ascent upon the round of 1 menial toil, increases our trust in and respect for them; and when labor comes to be recognized, not as a mere money making curse, but as the nat- ‘ ural and noble purpose of our being; ;‘when we place full value upon the pleasure as well as the profits of toil, of brain or muscle, and a healthy jidler 1S cast out of society as bees cast out a drone, our nation shall stand among others, as that Queen across the Ocean who has redeemed her Courts from iniquity and won the respect of the whole world, because she has spurned voluptuousness, and idleness, and taught her children the higher lessons of useful toil. Ame HALL JOHNSON. HARTFORD, June 9th, ’77. MR. ED_IToR:—Seeing that you have Ve1‘,\' <'o11side_rately granted the ladies at depannieiit, for their very own, (though ill in}; opiiii-xii you should first have en- larged ilie VlSl’l‘lCR, and issued it week. ly,) I hasteii [4)0fl'r'i‘--1106 in the finely- spuii seiiteiices and delicious cadence of‘ :-i. pi'acticed skillful knight of the quill, but in ihe plain terms of a practical l:oi.isel{ee=pei‘, a few siiggestioiis. It is indeed lamentable that there should be any dormant or listless Gran- , ges within our whole domain ; but as I thatis the case, I hope all li_ve members E will feel it their duty to strive to aid in i devising methods to interest and build f up such, and help to sustain in their 1 good cause all other Granges as well. I i have been thinking that our corner of the VISITER might be made interesting by the sisters contributing from their store of knowledge and experience for- mulas for all kinds of cooking and housework, not forgetting, of course, hints on home adornment, and bring the aquarium, the birds, the flowers, and the house plants in for a share of attention. From this interchange of ‘ ideas,and knowledge, I have thought ‘there might spring something more tangible, and so we might somehow form a sort of:an———— What shall I call it?——an exchange bureau, (will that do?) to be managed, perhaps, in ‘ this way : Let each Grange that wishes to enter the list, appoint a lady or gen- tleman from their members, suited to the position, as correspon ding secretary, and send their names, together with the address and number of the Grange, to 3 the GRANGE VISITOR, for publication. Then any one wishing to exchange or purchase any thing, have but to refer to the VIsI1'oR, and, selecting the address of a Grange or Granges they think will be likely to have what they wish, write to the corresponding secretary of that Grange direct; the letter can then be read by such secretary at their next meeting, and if any one present comply with the request or vouchsafe the infor- mation desired, they can do so. Farm- ers iii this way might exchange seeds, grains, fowls, etc., and the ladies, 011, such an endless amount as we might exchange to the mutual good of all. To illustrate: one may wish to exchange the geological specimens of their dis- trict for those of another locality. Dif- ferent kinds of house plants might be procured in this way, and ‘flower seeds, pressed ferns and flowers of the north might be, if the thing should become general in other States, be given for the varities of the south. Also butterflies and insects, stuffed birds,'a1id all kinds of patterns for fancy work, etc. In- clude all such things as delight the hearts of busy, beauty-loving home keepers. Sisters, let us make an attempt to in- augurate some system of exchanges, and improve it as experience shall suggest, thereby adding to our sources of profit and pleasure. Mus. M. A. PARKER, Hartford Grange, No. 89. Qaminuniratiana. IONIA, June 10th, 1877. W01'th,y iS'ec7'ez‘.a7',1/ Cobb : In former letters the importance of reading and thinking has been urged as ‘necessary to make an independant man, and a good farmer. But that alone is not all that a farmer should aspire to. Every farmer should be a good, intelli- gent, useful citizen, and agood business man. So long as farmers, as a class, can be made the dupes and victims of every bummer and sharper that travels the country for that purpose ; so long as lawyers from the villages and cities with half the intelligence‘ and informa- tion that every farmer should possess, are allowed to teach them their politics, and keep them so evenly divided that they are shorn of their influence and power, and submit to be continually cheated and plundered, either without knowing it, or without knowing how to protect themselves; so long will they continue to be contemptuously sneered at as only farmers;-nothing more—and the wiley tricksters who flatter them do it _to deceive, and cheat, while they de- 513186 ‘them. Why do the men who labor to improve the country, to provide for the Wants of all, and produce wealth \ THE GRANGE VISITOR. —the men, in the absence of whom! , other classes could not prosper or even live, consent to be only “hewers oft wood and drawers of water” ‘? Why do I they not realize their duties. rights, im- i portance and power‘? VVhy do they‘ consent to work, and slave, and drudge for a mere subsistence, and allow other 3 classes to thrive and prosper on the. profits of their toil, or by speculating upon their products, or their necessities? " \Vhy do they allow others to represent 1 their interests, and to make laws for them,—or more frequently to plunder them,—aiid submit to be cheated and plundered from day to day, and from year to year, when they have the power ; in their own hands, if they know, and have the ability and inclination to use i it‘? Is it not the bad habit oi indifferent thoughtlessness, often useless toil, or drudgery, and the thought of nothing j else, that keeps us in this hopeless, help- ; less condition ‘? W'ould we remain so if every man; that cultivates the soil, or cares for ‘ flocks and herds would acquire the: good habit of doing his own reading, and his own thinking? VVhat I desire is ‘ to see farmers in a condition to make the ‘ best possible use of his labor and his , To make the best 3 possible disposition of his surplus pro- § ducts; to purchase those articles that he ‘g needs and that his farm does not sup- , ply, with discretion and prudence, and , means on his farm. with the ability and caution of a good business man ; to perform all the duties ‘ of a man and a citizen with promptness, , intelligence and wisdom, in short, to be _ ‘ all Granges should have in order to be thoroughly educated in all that he needs to know; to get his own information; I to rely upon himself; to depend upon his own knowledge, and rely upon his ; _ ‘ orders and reap all the benefits possible, own judgment. If we ever do this, I submit whether we must not abandon the bad habit of allowing others to do the reading and thinking that we should do for our- selves. If I had reason to suppose or hope that what I wrote would reach those who should read and ponder what is said, there would be a strong motive to say more on this subject; but doubting, I cast my mite into the air, only hoping that it may make a lodgment some- where, if there is any place where it may be made useful. When we compare the past with the present, we find firmer ground for hope. \Vork has made changes in the past,- ‘ very effectual is this: it will make changes in the future. Let us work on, and all work together. Very truly, Ai.oNzo SEss1oNs. GRAND LEDGE, June ll, ’77. Bro. J. T. Cobb: DEAR S1R:—Please send GRANGE» VISITOR to the following names; Duplicate charterreceived. All right. , Our hall is nearly completed. Had a E festival on the 25th of May, the pro- ceeds of which amounted to $60. Our Grange is doing finely. Never so pros- K perous as at present. Have determiiied to co-operate by using every avallable dollar in purchasing through Grange channels. H. SHIPMAN, Master, No. 301. COLOMA, May 26, ’77- J. T. Cobb, Worthy Bro..- . In consideration of the benefits to be derived from making the VISITOR a weekly paper, the following resolutloll was this day adopted, and the secretary instructed to forward the same to YOU for publication, thinking to 0311 .01“ something from others: - Resolved, That it is the conviction or the in- dividual inembers of Home Grange» N°' 188' that the GRANGE Vrsrron should be enlarged and published weekly. And we hereby Pledge ourselves to give the same our cordial support. Fraternally, HELEN FINCH, Sec. GRAND TRAVERSE Co. MIoH., June 11, 1877. SILVER LAKE GRANGE, N o. 624.} BRO. COBB :—In accordance ' with your request I send you a few notes from the Grand Traverse region. VVheat promises a fair yield, fully up very few extra good pieces. ed out for a heavy crop, but owing to on our lighter sandy soil, and will be but about a half crop. very numerous appearance indeed, they all seem to be married and have large families, but we wage an unceasing war on them, and think we will come out ; Victorious. The mode of warfare some of us have adopted and which we find Take a single bladed shovel plow and plow one fur- row between the rows and during warm days between 10 and 2 o’clock take a paddle or broom and brush the young bugs into the furr W, where they soon die. A few times going overa field is as effectual as any amount of Paris Green, and much less dangerous, besides it does not injure the plants. Our little Grange is prospering finely, and we consider ourselves a success both financially and socially. VVe have begun the erection of a good substan- tial hall 18x30 feet, which we propose to finish in good style this summer and have a home of our own, as we believe successful. VVe have elected a business agent in our District Grange and our Subordinate Granges propose to mass financially. More anon. . Fraternally, S. A. GARDNER, Secy. BERLIN, Ottawa Co., June 8, ’77. l'Vo7-thy Secretary Cobb .- Ottawa Grange, No. 30, celebrated its fourth anniversary yesterday by hav- ing a picnic on the fair ground, at Ber- lin. Several of the neighboring Granges joined us in our celebration. Alpine and Lisbon Granges deserve special credit, for they turned out and formed a large procession, which added largely to our number. And there were also many frien ds outside the Grange present, mak- ing about 1,500 in all. There was music by the brass band and choir, and good speaking. The ad- : dress delivered by Bro. Thos. F. Moore, 3 of Adrian, was both instructive and in- ‘ teresting, and it was appreciated by all. ‘ There was also some short addresses , made by persons called on by the au- 5 1 dience. . feel that their time had been both plea- , And at the close all seemed to santly and profitably spent. Fraternally yours, - CHAS. W. VVILD, Sec., Ottawa, N o. 30. VVe clip the following from a letter‘, dated Benton Harbor, June _2d, 1877. 3’ We are in the producing part of the z ' IZERS for the last year. “Fruit Belt,” and the prospects are ‘V ‘ 1 good for a« large crop Of btrawbernesl = with any other Drug or Cultivator I ever used, and the ‘ spring of the tooth prevents its cloggin . Cherries, Peaches, Plums, Pears and Grapes, with a small crop ‘of Apples, Blackberries, and Raspberries. Large q111‘11titie5 of wheat are grown In thle the last year, to stisfy myself if it would work among , stone. I took one on trial, and I found it worked per- Uounty, and the farmers report tlis prospects good for a large crop. Truly and Fraternaly Yours, VVM. J. No'r'r. THE REAPER DEATH. Died, in Farmington, May 20th, 1877, Of ty No. 267. -—J (uncol'd) afian ' 30 0 1 ng-EXT‘ Y.Hy:on(sr‘n) (;£)(i‘:, . 35Good,. . . 40 _ , 40Fine,..45 . . 55 Finest, . 60 Best.1- .5. 70tB§::n- - 75 cash ess perc. dress on postal card 190 Fine, . . Finest, . 55 . . 70 Best. . . . 85 lesmailed free. Send ad- .0:Box3090,NewYork. I think thei , breadth of land sown and planted to: spring crops is larger than any previous , year, and all seem to‘ be doing well. 3 The “frisky” potatoe bug has put in a Q = years. THE KALAMAZOO Spring Tooth Gultivetar JHARRDW! to the agerage of previous years, with a , Grass start- '. __._j_T____j ‘ Maiiutacturcd by D. c. REED as C()., the hot dry weather ofa few weeks past E has been very much injured, especially 1 Kalamazoo, Mich. Saves time and money to the Farmer. This new Farm Implement is likely to sup- plant several of the good implements now in use as it alone will do the work of the Cultiva- tor, Harrow and Gang Plow. The teeth are about five feet long, bent nearly to a. circle, and are made of the best oil tempered spring steel. « Its advantages over the common Cultivator and Harrow are: lst. It is only about half as heavy as the two horse Cultivator, while the teeth inclining for- ward enter the ground readily. Znd. It cuts twice as wide and draws easier. 3rd. It stirs more ground with less power for the following reasons ; The teeth being narrow, sharp, points polished, and inclining forward, work with much less friction. .. 41:11. It adjusts itself more readily to uneven ground. 5th. The circular form of the teeth and their constant motion prevent their clogging. 6th. The points of the teeth incline forward, running easy and natural, thoroughly stirring the ground, and when a tooth strikes any solid substance it springs back and upward, thereby clearing the substance and immediately enter- ing the ground again without interfering with the working of the other teeth. 7th. It can be moved from place to place as readily as a common sled, by simply turning it upside down. 8th. The teeth keep themselves sharp in using, thereby saying all the trouble and ex- pense attending the sharpening the teeth of the common drag or Cultivator. 9th. It will alone do the work of the Culti- vator, Harrow, Drill, Pulverizer and Gang Plow, saving the ex ense of so many tools. 10th. The consta t spring of the? teeth re- lieves it from roots, stone or stubble, thereby saving the stopping and lifting off the ground; any boy capable of handling horses can use it. 11th. The wood frame of this Harrow works so close to the ground that it prevents the sod turning up, while the sharp polished teeth out the roots of the sod, and leaves the surface of the ground even and well pulverized to the depth of about four inches. It cuts the same depth in hard ground as in soft. There being no wheels, shafts, gearing of any kind, there is nothing to get out of order. The simple frame and teeth are all there Is of it, and there is no such thing as getting out of order. Testimonials. KALAMAZO0, Mich., Jen . 23, 1877. Ii am well acquainted with the SPRING TOOTH DRAG. I have used one for three years, and I think it will save more time and labor than any other Agricul- tural Implement I ever saw, by sixty per cent. JOHN MILHAM. KALAMAzoo, Mich., Jan. 26, 1877. D. C REED, Esq. :-—DcaT Sir :—Bcing interested in the improvement of Farm Implements, and feeling it a pleasure as well as a duty to encourage the manufacture of any article that will advance the interest of the far- mers, Iwisli to speak of the SPRING TOOTH DRAG, which lhavehad in use on my {aim for the last two I think it the most labor-saving iinpliment for fitting ground for seed I have ever used. One pair of horses handle it well, and will do as much work on a A hard suninier fallow in one day as two teams will do 3 with the best forty tuoth Drag or Cultivator I everowned. l It saves fully one-—hal£ the labor of any other Drag or Cultivator I have ever seen. Very respectfully yours, W. H. COBB, Pres’: of Kalamazoo 00. Agricultural Society. KALAMAZOO, Mich., Jan. 28, 1877. I have used one of the SPRING TOOTH PULVER— 1 can safely say that I can do as much work with it in one day as I can in two days 3 HEN RY BECKWITH. . KALAiuAzoo, Mich., Jan. 24, 1877. I have been watching the SPRING TOOTH DRAG for fectly among stone and every other place. I think it saves half the labor in fitting ground and putting in crops. JNO. F. OLIVER. KALAMAZ00, Mich, Jan. 27, 1877. I have used the SPRING TOOTH DRAG on my farm for two years. I have carefully tested its merits’ beside the best 40-tooth Scotch Harrow, and find the SPRING , TOOTH, in passing over the ground once. will leave it . _ ‘ , more thoroughly pulverized and in better condition than phoid fever, Matilda, wife of btepheii I. Brown, 3 . f Farmin ton Gran e “ _ 3' charter member 0 g g ’ ‘ wheat last fall with a.Drill,a.nd part I sowed broadcast, the Scotch Drag will in going over it twice. In order to test this Drag further. I put in part of my ahd dragged it in with the SPRING TOOTH HARROW. I found that the latter came up first and grew the fastest, and looked the best on the approach of winter. WM. SUUDDER. @“’ Send to D. C. REED & Co., Kalamazoo, or J. H. GARDNER, Centerville, for Circulars and Prices. 3 THE GRANGE V ISIT0R- PRICE LIST of SUPPLIES Kept in the oflice of the Secretary of the MICHIGAN STAT E GRANGE, And sent out Post Paid, on Receipt of Cash 0r- ' der, over the seal of a Subordinate Grange, and the signature of its Master or Secretary. I Ballot Boxes, (hard Wood,) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .431’ 2-‘) Porcelain Ballot Marbles, per hundred,. . . 60 Blank Book, ledger ruled, for Secretary to & C 0. ’ keep accouaitfi With Exfiembersr . . . . . . . l Blank Recor 00 s, xpress pai , . . . . . o - Order Book, containing 100 Orders on the ’ i h e Treasurer, with stub, well bound, . . . . . . Receipt Book, containing 100 _Receipts from Treasurer to Secretary, with stub, well bound, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blank Receipts for dues, per 100, bound,. . ‘ Cushing’s Manual, . . . . . . . ._ . . . . . . . . . . . . . - Applications for Members‘l)i6p, per 100,... . g 1%"-;'.’1‘.‘?i".i‘.‘.i1.‘i ‘éifiii: £22 §ozf,'.'.'.'.:::::‘::: 227 ch 223 wABAsn AVENUE. Illustrated Visiting or Traveling Cards, each, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - - - - Dimits, in envelopes, per doz., . . . . . . . . . . . ByDLaws of the State and Subordinate Granges, single copies 5c, per_doz., . . . D R O D S { S I O I I I I I G. New kind of Singing Books, with music, ’ ’ ’ Single copy 15 cts. per doz., . . . . . . . . . . . . Rituals, single copy, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ' “ d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . '. . . . . . . Blanks f§iirCoiCi:dlidation of Granges, sent S 7 C S 9 7 & C ' 9 C ' free on application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1.2TI?,‘f..1‘8‘£§§‘;§§“§.f?£$‘?ibf‘}?§‘i‘§.‘ipfifii CATALOGUES AND PRICE LISTS_OF ALL OUR GOODS FREE cation. . _ _ TO ANY ADDRESS ON APPLICATION. Blank “Articles of Association” Gfor the 3.."aii’.’%’S?.‘{$‘.§’é‘c‘§..§;‘lf°.§‘l‘鑧‘.f.‘§.1..2??? A Great Reduction in the Prices of Many Lead- Pfl‘,‘5I§?§,k§3§§‘?i‘€?.fi§’c‘é1.b.’$a‘ti.‘t{.31§f‘i 1 ing Goods was made Jan. 1st, 1877. Notice to Delinquent Members, per 190, . . Adams’ J_ T_ COBB, @ SEND ALSO FOR SPECIAL LIST OF REDUCED PRICES. 5”" “:3;-0?,T§g§f;;§§f;CH. MONTGOMERY WARD av. co., JOBBERS IN Opposite the Matteson House, Chicago. turi-ng the INGERSOLL READY-MIXED PAINTS, and BRUSIIES, and selling them at full trade discounts, delivering them freight paid, and no money required until the goods are received——making them cheaper I than even the niaterial can he bought elsewhere. They are an absolutely pure 9, \ 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 per cent. cheaper than any one else. It is to the interest of A F I R S T C L A S S all about painting to xvi-iteand have sent free their book. “ Every One His Own 1 Painter.” It will save iniich rnoney, whether you buy their Paint or not. Ad'- ‘‘'SS- 259 FRONT STREET, NEW Y0RK.—(Fro1n “ Farmers’ Friend.’’) 5 in Machine g , E.A.I1V' ck! EI1Nl'SIC‘=‘-JN|', FOR THE ABOVE AM OUNT. P. of H. and S. of 1. Purchasing Agents. and IMPORTEBS’ TEA AND COFFEE BROKERS, Owinv to expiration of the last of P O B 8029 the " ciimbination patents” we are ' ' OX ' NEVV YORK- enabled to make 3 ‘fin-ther No Charge for Commission, Cartage or Boxing on Teas or Coffees. R E D U C T l O N S Our Brokerage business does f M h_ ers in this City; b ‘ ‘ ' rice 0 our ac ines. willresult beneficially to all Patrons, th '11 t ' 1: th ’ ‘ - ’ In the P sale dealers. Any rational individual ‘in c:)i‘t:ilnl§:s Eiiiigfeathe fifgdiilialglelilifiig ii.rvi'ii1ili:;l<12i:gii1? 1;l>i“:sl<‘e(iit: P £013.77: Machine, - .$ in the way of quality and price. _ . Since making these arrangements, we are astonished at the very low prices at which goods E 00186 Ma/Ch E7716, 3 0 be purchased. This, however, is not strange, when it is considered that heretofore we hadcibn iigti , 1 b . t ,. 35 with parties who were not ‘Importers. It has been our purpose for some time past to endeavor H Ca; 37713 to place ourselves in a position to Excel in Teas and Coffees, and we feel now that we have accom- Foldmg‘ Case “ 40 . 9' ' Ls ‘ ' _ ' ~ - _ Flbll Cab]/net ‘ ‘ ' States or Canadas, if our ternis and provisions lire The su eriorit of our Machine is well known 1”‘ s"'mP1° °°Pi93 ""1195 f1‘9€- Address. among thpe Patroiis of this state. BAIN & ENSIGN, P. Box 3029, New York. Each Machine is warranted for five years. Machines sent on 20 days trial, by depositing ‘ ;;;;;,w;;:,g;§;§ss ::en;::»ar:anae HEDGE PLANTS! Ordesraiifaezll Zxgentes Cougmizsioiis. ! THE WHITNEY MF’G C()., 22 Adams 5% °H1°AG°- ILL SP1; ING OF 187% The Best Offer Yet! The e I am prepared to furnish strictly first class —* Osage Orange Hedge Plants, one year old, for The Best and most desirable Seeds "'AND“ 5 er 10 . - - . HOMES of of H_ gig}: on}; year oiiI(i>iang;?'1siiii)«(i§i§)rea?z12‘i.s§ fumlshed at a Discount of 50 per cent. _ M’) ~ $5.00 per 100. Patrons would do well to or one half the usual rates for all Ought to be In every Grange and I93 Y every avail themselves of the facilities afforded by S - member of our Order. their frequent Grange Meetings to co-operate eeds In small Pa'cketS- «- Price, $2.00- F0“!-‘ °°Pi'55 f°1' 3730- and order by the 100. Fifty at same rate. I make this a special Ofier to P t f H ” Orders for Hedge Plants should be sent in be- 3' mus 0 us- The “ Matrofls Household Manual’ fore April 1st. bandry, Clubs, Jzc. which will enable them to By s1sTEB SEANKLAND, is the best Cook_Boc:k HENRY COLLINS’ save one half in procuring their Garden and known to us. 70 cents each; fol"? 0013193 ° Box 311, White Pigeon, St. Joseph Co., M1ch_ Flower Seeds. Address, ~ ddress for $2.50. 0118 COPY °f the ” Men‘ . iffiiina one copv of the “Manua.l’ f01‘ 3250‘ N. B.——Evergreen Trees for Lawns or Wind- EZRA WILLIAMS, 0. L. WHITNEY, Muskegon. V Breaks, at low rates; also small Fruit Plants. Rochester, 33, Y. i i PATRONS’ PAINT COMPANY are nianutnc. Address,