THE GRAN

ISSUED SEMI- JIIOJVTHLY,

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

VOL. 6,—No. 9. %
WHOLE N0. 89

SCHOOLCRAF T, MAY

1 St,

  

 

VISITOR

BY ORDER OF THE

MICHIGAN STATE GRANGE.

i88o.

[Kalamazoo Publishing 00.’: Pidnt.]

y Your. SUBSCRIPTION
will Expire with No.

Entered at the Post Ofliee at School-
ci-aft as Second Class matter.
I

gijlzistew flepartmmt.

THE GRANGE VISITOR,

is Published on the First and Fifteenth of
every Month

AT FIFTY CENTS PER ANNUM,

lnvariably in Advance.

J. '1‘. COBB, Editor and Manager.

To whom all communications should be ad-
dressed, at Schoolcraft, Mich.

Remittances should be by Registered Letter:
Money Order or Draft.

RATES or Anvsarismoz
Acceptable advertisements inserted. at the
rate of 31.00 per square. for W311 m5°1’t1°11- .
A Liberal discount will be made on standing
vertisements of three months or more.

INDEX TO THIS NUMBER.

Our Common Schools——The Editor — A Troub-
led Grange—Kansas — A Poem of Scrap%—
Girard Grange. N0 136 _ A Gentle 31'
minder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . 

1 (1 t S from Sorg um— Ur
Tlgaihzdfiatg, ulTl:.y‘IIdl§:ii, and the Farmers.2
The Methods Used by the Agricultural Depart-

ment in Distributing Seeds —- Our ftfilnlliloeg
Schools—" To Develop a Better an 5“-
Manhood and Womanhood among 3

 
 

California Letter, No. 3. - - - - - -  --  -   ' ' *
Pickings by the Way. No. 7.- ill“ ‘*5 “ge—
June Festivals — Department Seeds E 'I:‘3he
Wheat Crop—Cross Q_uestions——Appen a rt’;

rat'La—Notice of lileetiflgsr - - - - - ' ‘ ' ' ‘ ' ' ’ ' ‘ ‘
M‘ . d It—-—S rta Grange No
Hgglltlf Whigggrs lIs:0el11 Wh§iil:laiid-— “ B0’11nd
to Live" -— Flower and Vegetable Seeds -
Grand Ledge Grange Heard from—\;Pa.1-gen
or Pat-ron—Hudsonville Grange, I A .«—
Liberty is‘:-Ange. N0- 39al~f‘VV""d5_“f ‘I ‘'9'’
Good News-—The Order in Georg1“—N9W5Y'
go Go. Grange. No. 11—A Copy of the VISIT-
OR. for Each Family . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . .  . 6
The Sintrers —- Training Chil ren — An 2353.)’
—Wal:3son Grange, No. l:i4_-The Old,-F9«3l1-
ioned Girl — The Slangy Girl not a Lady -
Old Virginia Alive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Reaper, Death,— Advertisements, . . . . . . . 3

Offlcers National Grange.

MAsrEE—J. J. WOODMAN, Michigan. .
OvEs.sEEE— PUT. DARDEN, Mississippi.
LEcrnsEa——HENRY ESHBAUGH, Mo.
S’.l.‘EWAB.D—-A. J. VAUGHN. M135-

Assr. STEWARD—WILLIAM SIMS, Kansas.
CHAi>I..uN—S. H. ELLIS, Ohio.
TREASURER-—F. M. MCDOWELL, N. Y.
SECEETARY~Wm. M. IRELAND. W'*5h't°l1.D-C-
Gim.Kmamz—0. DIN WIDDIE. Indiana.
CEEEs—Mas. J. J. WOODMAN, Mi_ch_. _ _
POMONA—MB.S. PUT. DARDEN, Mississippi.
FLOBA—MBS. J. W. NICHOLS, N. J.
LADY ASSTISTANT Srawnnn-—Miss. WILLIAM

SIMS, Kansas.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE :

D. Wvarr AKIN, So. Carolina; H. J.uu'Es, Ind.;
W. G. WAYNE, New York.

Dfilcers Michigan State Grange.

M.—J. J. WOODMAN. - - Paw Paw
0.——THOS. F. MOORE, - - . Adrian
L.—C. L. WHITNEY, - . Muskegon
s.—s. A. TOOKER. ‘ ’ ‘ I“.““‘“1s-
A. S.——A. E. GREEN, - ' Fmnmgton.

C.—SALMON STEEL, Monroe Can. Gr. Tr.Co
'I‘.—s. F. BROWN, - - Schoolcraft.
SEc.—-J. T. COBB, - - - “
G. K.—-A. N. WOODRUFF, - Watervliet.
CEnEs.—-Mas. C. L. WHITNEY, Muskegon.
POMONA—MES. G. W. EWING, R085. Kent 00-
I"I.0BA—MBs. J. J. WOODMAN, Paw Paw.
L. A. S.———M1zs. A. E. GREEN, Farmington.

Executive Committee-
J. WEBSTER CHILDS, Chairman, Ypsilanti.

F. M. HOLLOWAY, - - Hillsdfl-[FL
C. G. LUCE, - - Gilead, Branch Co.
WESTBROOK DIVINE, Belding, Ionia Co.

THOMAS MARS. Berrien Center, Berrien Co.
WM. SATTERLEE, Birmingham, Oakland 00.
J Q. A. BURRINGTON, Tuscola, Tuscola 00.
J: J. WOODMAN, J. T. COBB, - Ex. Ofiicio.

State Business Agents,

GEO. W. HILL & Co., - - Detroit
THOMAS MASON. - - - Chicago-
cenera_l_l:Ieputy.

C_ L_  Y, - - - Muskegon.

, special Lecturers.
Th“, E, Moore, . . . . .  . .Lenawee Co

 

Geo. W, Woodward..Shelby, ..... ..Oceana Co
Bunnel Iaugdon, ..Bowen Staticn,. . .Kent Co
E. C. I-Ieri-ington, . . .Fonr I'owns,. . Oakland Co
I. L. Stevens,.... ....Pe _ ,....Shiawassee Co
L. B. Bi-own.....BawIou e_,. .Washffna (3?
Andrew G&IIIPl’°“-- -YP“l“““*' ' ,
In. B. Staele,. .Monroe C_eiitre.. .G.Trav s
“In. E Hiekloy, . . . ..Adl'l&I1. . . .Lena.wee “

J. J. WOODMAN. ' * PAW PAW

Our Common Schools.

The article on “Common Schools” to
be found in another column, contains
many good ideas, but our readers
will not be likely to accept without
investigation the assertion that the
Common Schools of this State are so
far behind those of other States.

If there is anything in our educa-
tional system that our people have
reason to be proud of, it is our free
Common Schools. They are the
schools for the masses, and are free
and accessible to every child in the
Commonwealth. Our townships are
six miles square, and are generally
divided into nine school districts,with
fine and commodious school houses
in each district,built and kept in repair
by a tax upon the property in the dis-
trict. In these,schools are kept up from
eight to ten months in the year, free
to every child in the district. All of
the common English branches must
be taught, and some of the higher
branches are successfully taught in
most of the schools. The schools are
under the supervision of a Township
Superintendent, who is well paid, and
has ample time to visit the schools
and ascertain by obser vation whether
the teachers licensed are competent to
tained by visiting the schools, when
visits do the most good, at or near the
begiiming of the term. As the Super-
intendent’s visits to the schools were
teach; and if not, to annul their cer-
tificates and fill their places by others.
Under the County system of Superin-
tendents, which our correspondent ad-
vocates. one man had the supervision
of all the schools in the County, which'
in some instances exceeded one hun-
dren. Each school has two terms
in each school year. To exam-
ine teachers for so many schools con-
sumed a large portion of the Superin-
tendent’s time, and as most of the
teachers examined were necessarily
strangers to him, “moral character
and ability to teach”—two of the most
essential qualifications for a good
teacher—could not be known or ascer-
necessarily few and far between, they
became merely a formal duty, a
routine of work with little or no prac-
tical results.

The only real objection to the
County Superintendency was that it
imposed more labor upon one person
than could well be performed. This
objection is obviated by the Township
system which seems to give very gener-
al satisfaction. Yet, our correspondent
is correct in saying that our schools
are not what they should be, and that
the fault is with the parents. The sub-
ject is a very proper one for discus-
sion in Subordinate Granges, for, in
the Common Schools does much
of the cultivation of that “best and
most costly crop raised upon the
farms, men and women, take place.”

The Editor.

In order to relieve the native mod-
esty of the editor and carry out the
resolution of the State Grange, we
deemed it proper to take advantage

- have a. good effect.

of his temporary absence, and give
place for his fine portrait and the
sketch which appeared in the last
number of this paper. Learning by
experience that artists are not always
true to nature, we took the precaution
“ to make assurance doubly sure," in
order to convince our readers that we
were not deceiving them. by obtain-
his autograph, which fortunately was
not needed to indicate the design of
the artist. We think the portrait a
good one, and would have been recog-
nized by all who know him, even
Without the autograph. How could
it have been otherwise with so fine a
subject?

A Troubled Grange.

RoMEo, March 22d, 1880.
Worthy Bro. Cobb:

As We see nothing of the workings
of Romeo Grange in the VISITOR, per-
mit me to say, we are doing good work,
and prospering. Although we cannot
boast of a large number of working
members, yet what we have are first-
class; and cannot be beat in any Grange
in the State.

All our members have been tried in
the crucible, and came out all right.
We meet once in two weeks; and after
the regular work of the meeting, we
have from one to twoshort essays, with
criticising discussions, &c. Still some
of our brother farmers stand aloof.
Their sympathies are with us, and
when we talk with them, their hearts
appear to be in the work. There seems
to be a fear that the goat will throw
them offer hurt them. or something of
the sort. We ask some of our neighbor-
ing Granges that are so prosperous, and
adding to their numbers by scores, to
tell us how it is done, to give us some
light through your valuable paper.

Can we vary our rules and not effect
our Charter, that will have an influence
for good? Or shall we stand by the
rules like men, as we have done froui
the commencement? I believe some of
the old members would come back if‘ it
were not for back dues, but they have
staid away from the meetings until it
seems hard. There is as much due as
the initiation fee would be at the pres-
ent time. I sometimes think it would
be advisable throw ofi‘ all their dues ex-
cept the last quarter. as they were all
right while they were with us. A few
words from our sister Granges may
There should be
frequent communication, and friendly
intercourse between the Granges; for
if one is affected by certain influences,
others will be, and what is as an anti-
dote forione is applicable to the others.
For every ill there is a cause, and the
cause will not always produce an anti-
dote for the disease, and not perceiving
the cause how can we remedy it? It is
true, men may experiment, but such we
thought was not the teaching of wis-
dom. So we move along with a power
and a resistless force, in full conscious-
ness of doing right and practicing faith,
hope, and charity. W. G. A.

WE advise the correspondent to con-
tinue to stand by the laws and rules of
the Order, as they have done, and en-
force them as far as it is possible to do
so. No Grange ever prospered for any
length of time, that persisted in violat-
ing the rules and usages of the Order,‘
or neglected to enforce them. The
most prosperous Gramges are those that

beat obey and enforce the law. Order,

system, thorough discipline, and a strict
observance of all the rules, lorms, and
ceremonies of the Order, are essential
toa prosperous Grange. An army with-
out discipline becomes a mob, a Grange
without forms and discipline, is but
little better. Every Patron, whether
ofiicer or “high private” should always
endeavor to be on hand at every “ roll-
call,” and fill his place in the Grange
as promptly and etficieiitly as a mem-
ber in an army corps. Then the meet-
ings should be made so interesting
with discussions, music, essays, lect-
ures, readings, and social recre-
ations that no member can afibrd to
stay away from them. Then will you
enjoy the “ fruits of your labor,” and
those outside the gates, “ witness-
ing your good works,” your love for
the Order, and its practical benefits
upon your lives, in making you better
men, better women, better husbands,
better wives, better citizens, will catch
the inspiration and knock at your gates
for admission. “All fears of a refractory
goat” will vanish.

It is evident that the writer is not
well posted in the rules of the Order
relating to reinstating “suspended and
delinquent members.” The following
is decision 39, to be found on page 108
of the Digest of the National Grange:

A member suspended for non-pay
ment of dues can be reinstated by the
Grange upon payment of all dues up to
the date of reiiistatement. This rule
does not prevent subordinate Grangcs
from adopting by-laws terminating the
I1]!-‘lllbershlp, or prescribing other con-
ditions of reinstatement, after the mem-
b_e—r has been delinquent a specified
time.

Kansas.

The following from the pen of Bro.
Samuel J. Barnard, Past Master of
Bainbridge Grange, Berrien county,
and Ex—Lecturer of Berrien County
Grange, will be read with interest by
his many friends in this State. If‘ he
does not succeed in infusing a new
life into the Subordinate Gr-anges in
his locality, it will not be for want of
ability, untiriiig zeal and unflcxible
faith in the principles of the Order.

HUMBOIIDT, Kan., March 15.
Brother Cobb .-

I intended to have written a short
sketch for the VISI'l‘0R before this, but,
as there was nothing encouraging to
write about the condition of the Order‘
in this locality, I have neglected doing
so. But perhaps it is just as essential
to tell of our failures as of our prosper-
ity, that our fellow laborers in the
Order may ward off’ airproaching dan-
ger. The Grange has had its boom in
this section of the State. There have
been two co-operative stores in this
county, which flourished for a while,
but being managed by incompetent or
designing persons have gone by the
board, the Patrons, who were honest
and enthusiastic, losing all their stock.
This has thrown a wet blanket over
the Order, and caused it to dwindle
from a good working condition, with a
lively County Grange, to a single Sub-
ordinate Grange, and that with scarce-
ly life enough to hold regular meetings.
The others have died. with no one to
give them decent hurial—lhat is, no
one has properly suspended their Char-
ters for them. Myself and wife have
joined the Grange that still survives;
they are taking a little courage, elected
their officers at the last meeting, and
say that they are going to live. Bro.
Jacob Helmick, a good Patron from
Berrien county, Mich , and one of my
co laborers while there, has purchased
a 160 acre farm three miles from me,
and I begin to have a little courage. for
every Patron from Michigan will add
greatly to our slrenglh. I believe that
the time is coming when I can make a
better report.

SAM’L J. BARNARD.

P. S.—Most farmers have sown their
oats, some have made garden and plan t-
ed early potatoes, and are new plowing
for corn, this 14th of March. s. J. B.

A POEM OF SCRAPS.

BY )1. A. DEMING.

. Why all this toil for triumphs of an hour ?

Life ’s a short summer, man's afiower :

By turns we catch the vital breath and die-

. The cradle and the tomb, alas! so nigh.

To be is better far than not to be,

. Though all man’s life may seem a tragedy ;

. But light cares speak when mighty griefs
are dumb,

. The bottom is but shallow whence they
come.

9. Your fate is but the common fate of all ;

Unmingled joys here to man befall.

. Nature to each allots his proper sphere—

. Fortune makes folly her peculiar care,

. Custom does often reason overrule,

. And throw a cruel sunshine on a fool.

. Live well, how long or short, permit to
heaven. '

. They who forgive most, shall be most for-
given.

. Sin may be clasped so close we cannot see
its face-

. Vile intercourse where virtue has not place.

. Then keep your passions down, however
dear,

. Thou pendulnni betwixt a smile and tear.

. Her sensual snares let iaithless Pleasure lay

. With craft and skill, to ruin and betray.

. Soar not too high to fall, but stoop to rise,

. We masters grow, of all that we despise.

. 0, then renounce that impious self-esteem;

. Riches have wings, and grandeur is a
dream

. Think not ambition wise because ’tis brave.

’. The paths of glory lead but to the grave.

. What is ambition P ’tis a glorious cheat,

. Only destructive to the brave and great.

. What’s all the gaudy glitter of a crown?

. The way to bliss lies not on beds of down.

. How long we live, not years but actions
tell,

. That man lives twice who lives the first
life well.

. Make then, while yet you may, your God
your friend,

. Whom Christians worship, yet not com-
prehend.

. The trust tho.t’s given guard, and to your-

self be just-
38. For, live how we may, yet die we must.

on —ic>_c:u¢x_:.:_m._.

[1, Young; ‘J. Dr. Johnson; 3, Pope; 4,
Prior; -3, Sewell; 6, Spencer; 7, Daniel; 8,
Sir Walter Raleigh ; 9, Longfellow ; 10. South-
well ; ll, Congreve ; 12,_Churcliill ; 13, Roch-
elislterr, 14. Armstropg ; lri, Milton ; l6, Bailey;
_ , tench ; lS, Somerville ; 19, Thompson ;
12$, Byron‘; .21, bmollett; 92:2,, Crabbe; 23,
Cessinger é_ 1:, Crowley; -0, Beattiei 26,
99owp‘;e_i‘“,_ .1, §(I)r Walter-Dz‘1ve;nant; (.8, Gray;
i‘, 1 is, L , Addi:-on , _..l, Dryden ; V 32,
‘ _rancls Qxiarles ; 33, Watkins ; 34, Herrick ;
§;,a::;)l;irI:]lVIason ; 36, Hill ; 37, Dana ; 38,

 

Girnrd Grange, No. 136,

GIRARD, April, 23d, 1880.
Bro. J. T. Cobb .-

It has been said that we never read
anything in the VISITOR from Girard
Grange, No. 136, and then the wonder
why it is, when we know that we have
both talent and material for communi-
cations in 21 Grange like ours. Our
Grange is prospering, and doing a good
business in the way of trade. Our
members are active, and their interest
in the Grange is increasing. A few
weeks ago, Bro. Mickley, by invitation,
gave us one of the best speeches we
have listened to. The speech was
public, and our hall was filled. Within
four weeks from date of Bro. M.'s
speech, 22 applications for membership
were filed with the Secretary, and so
the good work» goes on. Our farmers
actually begin to see the difl‘erence
between $4 and $8 plaster, for which
the Grange receives credit. We have
just been called upon to mourn the loss
by death of one of our most worthy
inembers, Bro. B. H. Smith. This is
the second death in our Grange since
the beginning of the New year.

Fraternally,
_ A PATRON.

A Gentle Reminder.

Bra. .7. T. Cobb .-

PLEASE change the address of the
GRANGE Vrsrron to A. Tompkins,
York, Washtenaw Co., Mich., and
oblige, as we have changed our resi-
deuce.

We presume A. Tompkins knows
where he formerly got his mail.
We don’t. When he tells us, the
desired change will be made.


  

‘ about five days longer to ripen.

 

 

 

- *_,_..a

 

 

* ‘newsman s

   

   

£1512-ter’5l glepartment

J. J. WOODMAN, - - -

 

PA\V PAW’.

The New Industry. Sugar from Snrglium,

Commissioner Le Due delivered a
very able and interesting address before
the Elmira Farmers’ Club, of New
York, upon the above topic, which is
published in the Husbandman, but too
lengthy for our colums. We commence
with this number the publication of
such extracts from the address, includ-
ing questions and answers, as will be
most interesting to our rcadersf We
invite special attention to the practical
questions and common sense remarks
of our esteemed frien_d, Col. Victor E.
Piolett, the able and zealous Master of
the Pennsylvania State Grunge, as well
as to the clear and practical answers of
Gen. Le Duc. Read and consider:

REPORT OF THE DAY-l\II~1E'I‘ING 01-‘ THE
ELMIRA FARMERS’ CLUB, FEB. 7.

Gen. LeDuc’s remarks.—At a conven-
tion which I attended a few days ago
in Minneapolis, for you must know
that there is a Sugar Growers.’ Associa-
tion in Minnesota, where the summers
are short, and the winters long and se-
vere, at the northern end of the great
central river which divides our conti-
nent—as well as at the southern ex-
tremity, with its torrid beats and niois-
ture iaden breezes, and its thousands of
acres of uncultivated lands, surpasssed
by none in the profitable production of
any plant suitable for that soil and cli-
mate. I say, in this Sugar Growers’
Convention at Minneapolis, I saw on
exhibition many samples of excellent
sugar, one farmer having five barrels of
as good common yellow sugar as could
be made anywhere, and to one who
loves his country, who delights in the
exhibition of her capabilities, of her
prosperity and independence, it was a
most gratifying and interesting exhibi-
tion.

At this meeting I endeavored to as-
certain all the particulars of cultivation
and manufacture which might be in-
structive to others, and found abundant
and conclusive evidence that the nortli-
ern halt‘ of the valley of the Mississippi
can produce all the sugar needed for
home consumption, and as much more
as may be required for export, and at
the expense of brevity I propose to
print the report of the doings and say-
ings of that convention, because the
very words of a witness always carry
more weight than any statement in
brief that can be made, and I hope you
will have an opportunity of reading the
entire proceedings of this very import-
ant convention of sugar boilers. All
this is with the supposition that the re-
lations ofcongress and the Department
of Agriculture will be such as to allow
me to make the publication I desire.

‘X’ it * -it * * * it
But, in advance of any such publica-
tion. I am desirous of communicating
any facts in my possession to persons
interested in the subject, and will,
therefore be pleased to hear, now, any
questions from members of the Club in-
terested in the subject.

Col. Pinlett. At what stage in the
growth of the cane should it be cut to
make sugar? _ _

Commissioner. Those most skilled in
boiling sugar in the V\_7est commence
cutting when the seed is passing from
the dough to the hard slate. After the
seed hardens, the stalk then com-
mences to grow at the joint and sends
out suckers. When this takes place,
thejuice of the plant probably under-
goes a slight chemical change, which
is not favorable for the making of su-

ar.
g Ques. Is there any curing of the
stalk, so as to work it in cold weather‘?

Com. In Minnesota it is tied in bun-
dles aiid set upon end in sheds, or piled
up in square piles like fence posts.
There is less juice obtained than if it
were cut and run through the mill im-
mediately. _

Ques. You speak of getting less syr
up. Would you not get about the same
number of pounds of sugar from the
acre, but less syrup?

Com. You will get less sugar_every
day that you let your cane remain un-
worked.

Ques. About how many weeks would
we have in which to work the cane?

Com. I should think y0_u mllillt
count upon eight weeks in this climate
—it‘ you use as far as possible from the
standing cane and then cut and pile.

Col. P. How long does it take for the
-‘ Minnesota amber cane” to mature ?

Com. About ninety days, in Minne-
sota. I think it would be about the
same in this latitude. In Kansas it
takes about five days longer. In Mis-
sou;-i the same. As you go south it
maintains the habit of that kind of
plant. If you bring your cane from
Minnesota to South Carolina,it will tallgre

.V

limiting the “ Early Amber” at differ-
ent periods, it will of course ripen at
different periods, and you would be able
to run your mills direct from the field,
for some time. If you should run out
‘of cage, you could commence on com.
I know gstatement I am about to make
in regard to thisthatwlll astonish some of
you. In the Department grounds this

  

TI-IE GRANGE VISITOR.

past season, we raised at the rate of 69
bushels of corn to the acre, and obtained
from the stalks thereof at the rate of960
pounds of sugar to the acre.

1l[r. Iloflman. In what condition
was that harvested?

Com. The corn was hard and dry.
It was good sound corn.

Ques. What kind of corn ‘.7’

Com. Horse tooth, Liudsey’s white,
and white Dent. It was not planted
for the purpose of making sugar, but
for observing the comparative growth
and development of these three differ-
ent varieties. These experiments and
observations having been completed,
We had an opportunity of experiment-
ing with the stalks. The chemist was
in the l'Dl(lSl’nOf experiments with corn-
stalks which had been brought in by
the farmers. He pulled the corn, cut
the stalks and run them through the
mill as an experiment. Understand,
this was not an acre of ground—oli!
no; we cannot do things on so large a
scale in VVashington, the Government
is too poor (laughter)- \Ve have to be
sparing of our little piece of three acres.
From it we have sent out the past year
10,000 grape vines, 125,000 strawberry
plants, 13,921 young trees, English wal-
nuts, Spanish chestnuts, &c., 5,000 Jap-
anese persirnmons, 70,000scions Russian
apples Every corner of itis full. Our
sugar experiments were confined to a
piece of ground about four times the
length of this hall and three times its
width (the hall is about 50x-10 feet).

Q. VVouldn’t the sweet corn do better?

Com. I am inclined to think that
the evergreen would be better than the
corn we used. I only mention this to
.-how that even in the refuse of our
fields we have a source of sugar. If the
corn stalks raised in the State of Illi-
nois should be all worked up after the
corn had been pulled, they would prob-
ably make all the sugar we require.

Q. Could you give any estimate of
the cost per pound of making sugar
from corn stalks ?

Com. Icannot give you the accur-
ate cost, but am confident that it would
not cost more than 10 cents a gallon for
syrup, if the stalks were reasonably full
ofjuice.

Col. P. (Jocularly.) You have a
splendid United States Sugar mill with
which to operate! (Laughter.)

Cam, I hardly think it would cost
over 1.} cents per pound to manufacture
sugar from corn stalks, but suppose it
costs you 5 cents or even 6 cents to
make it, you have made on your farm
what you would have paid to your gro-
cer, aiid out ol the waste of your farm.
Again, what may still more surprise
you, after going through with this oper-
ation of making sugar from your stalks,
they are better for feed than they were
before. Weight by weight, ly chemical
analysis, the stalks show more flesh-
making properties than before. All
you have to do is to put them in a
“silo” which is a large pit made of
bricks covered on top with earth,
which gives a continuous pressure and
excludes air, and this is one of the
things we are coming to We are a lit-
tle too extravagant with our feed at
present, but sometime vou will see our
stock fed all winter from fodder that
had been placed in the “silo.”

In regard to beets I will say one
word, One man, at least, at my in-
stance, has been making experiments
in manufacturing sugar from the beet
by the same process which he used for
making sorghum sugar. I wrote him
to make a grater by getting a piece of
sheetiron, punching it fullof holes, and
use it by hand or horse power and thus
reduce the beets to pulp; then press
out thejuice as best he could, and treat
it as sorghum juice. He writes me that
he has made an excellent article.

W. A. Armstrong. Your statement,
if I understood it, is this: if the corn
crop of Illinois were harvested when
the ears were fully ripened and the
juice of the stalks pressed out and re-
duced to sugar, that crop would have
many times the value of all the corn
crop of Illinois.

Cam. You can prove it for yourself.
We obtained sixty-nine bushels. That
is worth here how much ?

A voice. Tliirty-five dollars.

Com. VVe obtained at the rate of one
thousand pounds of sugar, that is

worth——
A voice Eighty dollars.
(jam. ’l‘lien in the West you have

a better crop than you had before. This
is what we have demonstrated, and in
spite of the want of those proper rela-
tions which the Government should
sustain to agriculture.

G. W. Ilofimrm. I presume there are
those present who would like to know
ofa simple way in which they can
make sugar.

(jornmixxioner. The first question
would then suggest itself: Whatsort of
seeds shall we plant? In this country

the early amber is the only plant.

that will ripen. The next would be:
What kind of soil shall we plant it on?
My answer would be: In a light loamy
soil of moderate fertility, rather than
on very rich soil. If you have an old
corn field. or a field which you can cul-
tivate without too much expense for
hoeing, because, when it comes up, it
resembles Italian rye grass, is weak
and sickly-looking and requires clean
culture. In about two or three weeks
after it has appeared it will begin to
l00k better. In the meantime it has
been sending its roots downward and it
should be kept clear of weeds. There.
fore, select a piece of land that will

cost you the least labor. Cultivate it as
you would corn. Plant about three and

one—_h-alf feet apart, leaving about six
or eight stalks to the hill. Plant your
rows north and south, if you drill, so
as to let the sun strike on both sides of
the rows. When you come to harvest
your crop, you have in the seed alone a
crop quite as valuable as oats or corn.
It can be fed to your chickens, hogs and
other animals. If ground into meal, it
will make as good cakes as your bu k-
wheat. Iam told by an experien ed
breeder that. in feeding it to sheep, he
obtains a quality of wool which is oily
and silky, and you know these valua-
ble qualities It is generally cut down
as corn, two men cutting two rows,
eat‘/ll laying to the left and right,
butts forward, and tops to the
rear. This will leave you a wind-
row covered and protected by the leaves
and tops. If you leave the leaves on in
that_ Way. your cane will keep for five
or six weeks without any damage to
the crop in favorable Weather; but as a
rule I would advise you to strip your
cane. Go between the rows, strip two
rows at _a time, striking right and left,
using either a light lath-like strip of
wood or else a light four-tined fork. In
cutting the heads ofi‘, you can do that
when you haul it, or before. If before,
you should gather the stalks in under
your arm and, taking a knife, sharply
whack the heads off, one or two joints
from the top. These you can rake up
with a horse-rake, convey to your
barns, or gather them in any other
yvay; or you may cut it up and haul it
in a. cart or wagon, letting the seed ends
project far enough behind to ciitas they
should be, then drive where you want
youi' pile of heads and cut off with a
corn or hay knife, or some other sharp
instrument, and drive to your mill and
unload the cane. Put thought into
your work, and you will soon find the
easiest and best way. To those who are
unaccustomed to it, I should say, first
strip your corn, then cut and grind it.
Bear in mind that everything about
your mill must be kept clean; you must
not leave any of the juice in the mill,
for fermentation will set in. Scald it
out every day. In our operations we
run the juice into a tank holding about
twenty-five gallons. Here we heat it
up to nearly the boiling point and treat
with lime, which corrects the acidity of
the juice. Then we draw into a pan,
skim and give it some sulphurous acid,
That is a very simple thing after the
juice has been reduced into syrup,
but it must be done as rapidly as possi-
ble. You can put it in barrels or tanks
and let it alone; it will sooiigranulate,
if it is in a warm room and boiled to
the proper thickness.

Ques. At what season should it be
plan ted ?

Com. As early as you can work the
ground and there be no dangerfrom frost
—although frosting will not hurt it very
much. Another observation : In plant-
ing, prepare your ground most thor-
oughly; you should work it until you
have reduced the lumps as fine as possi-
ble, by running over it what I call a
“smoother,” which is something I use
on my farm in preference to the roller.

A member. We call it a snap drag.

Com. After your smoother, then go
over your field and mark it out as you
would for corn, but don’t plant in the
furrow, as you want to cover very light-
ly. Plant on the side, so that any rain
that comes will not wash the seed out,
and when you plant it put your foot on
it and press it in a little, unless it be
clay land and too wet.

Ques. About what depth ?

Com. Plant very shall'ow.

00!. P. About as you would broom
corn ?

Com. Yes, exactly as you would
broom corn, and cultivate the same.

A mem. Is it necessary to cut all the
seed off the stalk before it is crushed?

Cam. Yes, or it will injure yoursyrup
and sugar very materially.

A mem. Does that seed ripen here?

Com. Yes, sir, if your season is one
hundred days long. In saving seed,
there is one important thing to know.
I would go through the crop and pick
out the longest and earliest ripened

seed heads, cut them offabont onejoint'

down and stick them in the ground,
letting them stay there until they are
thoroughly dry. After you haul them
in put them upon a. rack, as you would
to dry broom-corn seed. If they are not
thoroughly dried, they lose their vital-
ity quickly.

Amem. I planted some of this last
year on high ground. I procured the
seed from a. farmer residing in my
county, 2. Mr. Keeler. He says that out
tlierea farmer who can not raise his
own sweetening is of no account. I
planted on the 15th of May and at in-
tervals of ten days until July. That
planted on the 10th of July was caught
by the early frost. I made up the amber
sugar cane according to his directions,
and afterwards there came very nice
warm weather. Each hill grew up
vigorously, sprouting up from the old
stalks. It grew up quite high and al-
most covered the ground. This circum-
stance makes me think it would be a
splendid forage plant.

Commissioner. Two crops of sugar
have been made in Texas with this
cane, in one season. and by one plant-
ing of seed. It will grow as long as
the season continues. If you cut it
down it will come again, and it is my
opinion that you cannot have anything
better for forage.

A member. How much weight of
leaves would there be to the acre ?

Commissioner. About the same as
you would have in corn, The amber
cane does not make very many leaves.

The Honduras makes larger leaves, but
about the same weight, I think, as you
would get from a crop of corn, 1.055151);
9. little less.

A member. How many varieties of
can-e are there?
Comrmlssifoner. Seventeen that we

know of, probably more, but seventeen
marked varie ies at any rate. Of course
the question comes in here very prop-
erly whether we cannot improve our
varieties of cane as they haveimproved
beets in Europe. \Vhen they commen-
ced to make sugar from this source the
beet yielded four per cent., Wl.leI‘e.'»lS at
the present time, by proper breeding
and hybridization they have increased
the yield to fourteen per cent. \Ve can
breed a better cane than we now have,
and the Department shou d have an
opportunity of attempting it. This is
another ofilie many duties of Govern
in_ent to the Agricultural Department
of the people. I will say here, as itjust
no_w Oirctlrs to me, that a person at the
Minnesota Convention gave a very in-
teresting statement relative to sowing
broadcast, which I will read to you.
Col. P. While the Commissioner is
finding the statement he is to read I
should like to say that we have distin-
guished gentlemen here repi'e.-‘enting a
large portion of this section. Don't
you think they should write to their
respective meinbers, urging them to
make the Agricultural Department
what it should be, and telling them
also, ifthey don’t vote for the cause of
Agriculture— our cause—-they need

not come home to run again. (Great
app‘ause and laughter.)
The Commissioner then read the

statement of Mr. \Vylie, made at the
Minnesota convention, as follows:

i’l[r. Wylie “The cine that produced
the best yield was raised at Long Lake
this year. The gentleman who raised
it sowed four acres of cane broadcast,
as you would wheat, and he had 450
gallons to the acre.”

Ques. “ How much seed to the acre?”

Jllr. lV. “ I think about one busliel——
about five bushels on the four acres.
That syrup sold at seventy cents a gal-
lon, and was good—excellent. I would
not believe there was such a crop, and
went down to see it. He told me that
he was going to sow it that way, and I
wentdown to see what it had come to.
He grew suckers and all. Next year I
think of putting in 40 or 50 acres of this
cane,and I certainly shall sow 10 acres of
it broadcast. This cane I refer to grew as
high as my cane, and the stalks were as

large. I went three miles to see that
cane.”

Ques. “Was there any small cane
among it?

Jlfr. W. No; it was new land—tim-
ber land. There were places around
the stalks, where it was not properly
plowed. where they would be small,
but as a rule it was as large as any. In
cutting this, he didn’t strip it or any-
thing of the kind; he simply cutlt, took
itto mill and run itthrough.”

A. mem. VVliy would it not be a good
idea to sow it in drills, as they do cotton ?

Com. It is done in that way quite as

much as in any other way. I Should
think that you would get too many
Weeds if you sow broadcast, in this
country [The Commissioner here ex-
plained the ditferent samples of sugar
he had brought with liim.]
_ A member. Now we havecome along
all right to the reduction of the juice.
It is demonstrated by some of our
members that we can raise this sorgh-
um, and you have explained when it is
in a proper condition to cut and Work
up. Now then, in reducing this to
practice, the question for consideration
is, whether each individual farmer
should attempt to make his own sugar,
or should this be done on the co-opera-
tive plan, where a neighborhood would
combine, purchase the necessary appli-
ances, and work up in scientific man-
ner the product of the neighborhood.

Com. In answer to the gentleman, I
would say that every neighborhood can
have a mill that need not cost over $250,
or perhaps from $300 to $400, that will
do the work of ten or fifteen farmers,
unless they wish to go into it largely.

A member. How many acres would
that work up ?

Com. I would have to think about
that. In a. short time I will have pub-
lished a report giving information upon
the subject. That is a question that
I cannot answer without time to ninke
a calculation. Now as regard the co-
operative plan. Actual works for mak-
ing sugar in a large way‘, and having
acentrifugal, vacuum pan. &.c., build-
ings and all. as I am informed by those
who are willing to contract, can be
erected for $10,000, and this will he of
sufficieiit capacity to work up the pro-
duct of fifteen miles around. For iii-
stance, the proprietor of such it mill
would take all the syrup that is made
in the vicinity, or that is hrouglit to
him, and convert it into sugar. The
trouble in making sugar in the open
pan is, you cannot expose tliejuice to a
great heat without injuring or caramel-
ing it, as it is called. In order to get
good sugar, you must boil, if possible,
at a lower degree of temperature than
212°. You cannot boil water here at
less than that. The higher the eleva-
tion, thelower the degree ofheat neces-
sary to boil water. You all know you
cannot cook potatoes by boiling on the
top of the Rocky Mountains.

Col. P. Why?

Com. Because you can't get heat
enough to cook the starchy matter in

That is the first time I ever

heard that. (Laughter).

Cam. I am very glad if I am able to
teach Col. Piollet anything. (Laugh-
ter.) In order to get around this diffi-
culty with heat, in making sugar, a
vacuum pan has been invented, The
air is exhausted by an air pump. VVhen
the air is thus taken from it, water will
boil at a lower degree of heat, and the
sugar will not be caramelized. Such a
pan would cost—how much, Mr. Col-
well ?

Mr. Colwcll. It would weigh 4,500
pounds, and is worth $1,500.

Com. Eight strikes a day ‘.’

‘Mr. Colwell. Yes. It takes a little
time to fill and discharge. It would
be_large enough to accommodate any
neighborhood as far as they would want
to haul it.

Com. How much will your centrifu-
gal cost.

1_l1r. Co/well. If you commence at the
boilers and go through it, the total will
run up to Sl0,00() easily.

govt. VVli-at do you consider the low-
est .

Illr. Colwell. I would rather notstate
it in public now.

Com. Do you know that $10,000
would be exceeded ‘.7

jllr. Colwell. Ido.

Col. Piollel. To make a mill of what
capacity ‘.7

Jllr. Colzuell. It depends upon how
much sugar you expect to make.

C'0m_. The only mill that has been
run within my knowledge on this scale
wastlie mill at Crystal La1;e_ one of
the gentlemen connected with this es-
tablishmeiit thinks the cost would not
exceed $10,000, and with the outfit they
had there they made good sugar and a
good deal of it. They were troubled for
water, however, and they did not have
enough to cover more than one OI the
separatetoils. Mr. Colwell, how quick-
ly should they have made a ton of
sugar?

Zlfr. Colwell. VVith sufiicieiit steam, in
five hours.

Com. That would be two tons a (lay.

1_ll-in IIo_[7'mm2. I have the figures.
VVitii three runs a day it would take the
product often acres each day.

Col. 1’-iollet. If the farmers raise the
amber cane do you suppose there would
be parties who would buy it for there-
fineries or mills?

Corn. I have no doubt of it. As
soon as it is found out that there is
syruptojmake into sugar, that there is
profit of that sortto be made, there will
always be men to take hold of it; but
remember that this is a new industry,
and that it requires some little time and
experience.

[To be continued in next numbenl

 

Our 0aritlidate—llIr. Holden and the
Farmers.

The following, from the Hesperian,
under the above heading, comes marked
for the VISITOR. We cheerfully give it
place in our columns:

Several of our Granger friends have
lately asked us “if Hon. E. G. D. Hol-
den, our candidate for Governor, was a
farmer, or in sympathy with the farm-
ing interests.” We are happy to be
able to assure them that he is. Mr.
Holden was a farmer’s son, and spent
all his younger years, or until about
eighteen years of age, on the farm.
His efforts, as Secretary of State, to
advance the interests of the agricultur-
ists, were everywhere known and re-
cognized, but nowhere more emphatic-
ally than by the State Grange when it
met in Lansing, in December, 1878, as
noted in their printed proceedings. On
page 44 of the proceedings of that ses-
sion, we find the following:

“Resolved, That the thanks of this
State Grange are hereby tendered to the
Hon. E. G. D. Holden, Secretary of
State, for reviving Act No. 162, Laws
of 18:39. which for nearly twenty years
was a dead letter; and for his thorough
and effective collection and publication,
under said Act, of the statistics of
wheat, corn, oats and barley raised in
the State.”

From this resolution it will be seen
that the representative farmers of the
State not only fully recognized Mr.
Holdeiils interest in their affaiis, but
that they also publicly thanked him
for it and put their resolution on record.
So fair as our information goes, this is
the first and only instance in which
the State Grange went outside of their
orgiuiizatioii to thank anybody for their
interest, as public ofiicers, in the affairs
of the f:irmer. Mr. Holden has never
forgottcii that lie was a farmerls boy.
He hns always been interested in the
history and work of the Grange, and is
now—as we are creditahly infornied—an
honored member of Wyoming Grange,
No. 353. in Kent county. He is associ-
ate editor of an agricultural paper pub-
ll.~‘l1(‘\l at Grand Rapids, and devotes
much of his spare time, with his ready
pen, on its columns, in the interest of
the farmers.

We can assure our Granger friends
that, in office or out, the agriculturist.
never had a firmer friend than Hon. E.
G. D. Holden. We do not say this be-
cause he is our candidate for Governor,
but we do say it because it is true, as is
abundantly proved by his record, both
as a public oflicer and as a private citi-
zen.

A smudge of coal tar burned under
plum trees infested with curculios is
certain death to these pests. Select 3
time when the air is still, that the
smoke may rise slowly.


2
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1
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THE GRANGE v7Is1ToR.

3

The Methods Used by the Agricultural
Department in Distributing Seeds.

The following correspondence is
printed for the benefit of those who are
not informed as to the manner of dis-
tributing seeds by the Department, and
can therefore be used as an answer to
the numerous letters that are received
making inquiries relative to this sub-

ject:
House or REPRESENTATIVES,
WASHINGTON, D. C., }
February 7, 1880.
Hon. Wm. G. Le Duc, Commissioner
of Agriculture.

SIR: In reply to your letter of Feb-
ruary 3d, suggesting that the law re-
quires you to give the seeds, etc., direct-
1y,without the intervention of members
of Congress, I beg leave to say “Qui
facit per alium, facil per se.” It makes
no difference whether you give the
seeds with your own hand or deliver
them by a messenger or through the
mail, or by members of Congress.

I regret that your action upon this
subject has created so much indignation
among members of Congress. I protest
against it as utterly indefensible; but
“ what can’t be cured must be endured,”
and therefore, for the sake of my con-
stituents, I send you the inclosed list of
names of persons, all'of whom have
applied to me for seeds, and are entitled
to have them under Section 420 of the
Revised Statutes, and to whom I would
send the seeds if I had them.

Very respectfully, etc.,
->e  —>:- *-
DEPARTMENT 01-‘ AG’RICUL'l‘URE,
February 14, 1880.

SIR: Your favor of the 7th inst.,
condemning my method of seed distri-
bution as “utterly indefensible,” has
been received.

You will pardon me, I trust. that I
differ with you so far as to consider that
method fortified, not only by the de-
cided approval of the majority of the
very body among whose members (you
say) it “has created so much indigna-
tion,” but by the stronger fact that it
conforms to the letter and spirit of the
law, is well calculated to promote the
best interests of the Government, and
is eminently conducive to “ the greatest
good of the greatest number.”

With my information on this subject,
I must be allowed to believe you are in
error, too, in supposing that objection
is had by any considerable number of
members of Congress to the method of
distribution now followed. But were
your supposition correct,while I should
regret the lack of information on the
subject, or the indifference thereto, or
any other cause that has led to such
opposition, I should still feel it my duty
to adhere to a plan so plainly enjoined
by organic law, so strongly approved
by my own judgment, and so fully sus-
tained by the experience of the last two
years.

With many it is the subject of regret
that the line of duty does not always
lead through flowery fields. To bow
before the breath of censure, however
undeserved, to drift along with the
popular opinion, no matter how wrong,
if not as manly, is yet perhaps easier
than to stem the sweeping current.
But, recognizing the force of the
maxim “Ale Jubiter quidem omnibus
placit,” I am constrained to adopt my
own standard of right and to consider
not what is the popular but what is the
right thing to do. Non siln‘, secl palrice.

Among the very many questions
which it has devolved on me, in my
official capacity, to consider and decide,
none have engaged more pains-taking
thought and investigation than this of
seed distribution. I may then fairly
claim a pretty thorough knowledge of
the subject, of the manner in which
the distribution was made at a time
when the seeds were mainly sent to the
members of Congress, and of the im-
proved working of the present method
of distribution. As I seek only the
best interests of those chiefly concerned
——the farmers (and farmers are. in part,
your constituents) — and cannot be
charged with personal motives (not be-
ing a candidate, present or prospective,
for any oflice within their gift), you
will indulge me, I hope, in what might
otherwise seem an unnecessarily length-
ened communication. It is proverbial
that "A soft answer turneth away
wrath, but grievous words stir up an-
ger.” The soft answer will at this time
better serve my purpose, which is to
convince you, if possible, of the advan-
tage of the present plan of distribution,
against which you make complaint,
over the old plan, to which you would
have me return.

Yielding to the demands of members
of Congress, either because they deemed
acquiescence necessary to secure needed
appropriations, or for the purpose of
avoiding the responsibility and labor of
distributions made directly from the
Department to the farmer, or from
finding it easier to follow than to op-
pose a vicious precedent, former Com-
missioners of Agriculture turned over
tomembers tons of seed, which were
sent by the mail-bagful to their rooms
in this city. _ _ _

Here they were sometimes subdivided
into smaller parcels, and thus sent out
to political friends, or else were sent in
the full bags to friendly postmasters,
who were duly instructed to make such
dbtribution as would be of value in
making votes and influence for his
principal. Sqnotorious is this that I

will not insult your intelligence by
asking If you believe it to be correct.
These postniasters were often mer-
chants; and I have records showing
that the Government seeds were fre-
quently considered a part of the stock
in trade and sold for the benefit of the
merchant-postmaster. Sometimes the
seeds were in the way and were handed
by the postmaster-merchant to any and
everybody applying, or that could be
induced to carry them off. Other re-
cords show that, while many farmers
would have been glad to get them. the
seeds were not infrequently fed, in
large quantities. to horses, hogs and
poultry. And so of the thousands of
dollars’ worth of seed thus sent out it
is safe to say that the Depart-

ment never received reports suff-
clent to indicate Whether or not
they were of any agricultural

benefit whatever. Again where seeds
were sent in bulk to members of Con-
gress, no tally-list was or could be prop-
erly kept, and consequently duplicate
parcels were again and again sent out
from a never-overstocked depot, and
the few were thus over liberally sup-
plied, while the many went entirely
unprovided for.

Not. only have we these conclusive
reasons for abandoning the old practice,
but further objection is found in the
earnest protest of a large number of
Representatives themselves against a
system that drew so heavily on their
time and required so great labor, be-
sides cumbering their rooms with in-
numerable bags and bundles.

These gentlemen recognize the im-
portance of being freed from the nuis-
ance of themselves assorting and re-
assorting hundreds of little parcels, of
conning poll lists for names, of direct-
ing packages, and of answering the
almost countless number of letters
which the system imposed. They leel
that theirtime can be employed more
profitably to their constituents and
agreeably to themselves than in such
drudgery as this. They rightly consid-
er that they were not elected to the leg-
islative branch of the Government to
be transformed into mere clerks, and
are quite willing to delegate the work
of the party whose duty it is and who
is paid for it.

I have endeavored to make plain to
you (with some of its evil results) the
old plan of distributing seeds; I will
detain you btit a moment in explaining
the new.

Recognizing that the principal object
of distributing seeds at all is to have
them intelligently and thoroughly
tested, so as to determine their econom-
ic value and their adaptability to the
varying soils and differing climates of
the United States, and,with this knowl-
edge gained, to introduce and cheapen
the production of different varieties of
vegetables, grains, and such other pro-
ductions of the soil as are useful for
human and animal food, or that enter
into the world’s commerce, either in a
crude or manufactured condition, I
have, as the surest means for attaining
this end, selected, upon the testimony
of reliable witnesses, from ten to twen-
ty of the best farmers in every county
in the United States, (and this without
regard to political preference, or any
other consideration except that they be
good farmers,) who, together with all
live Granges, agricultural societies,
farmers’ clubs and like organizetions,
are to be made the chief recipients of
seeds. W'hen these and our regular re-
porting correspondents (of whom we
have one principal and three assistants
in each county in every State) and ir-
regular correspondents (who comprise
a large number of practical agricultur-
ists scattered all over the United States
and Territories) are supplied, little re-
mains for miscellaneous distribution.
From seeds so distributed we are sure
to have the required reports, or failing,
the recipient is speedily dropped from
our roll. These reports are carefully
examined, and note made of any im-
portant fact mentioned or conclusion
drawn that may he a’ guide for future
purchases and distributions.

Such a distribution benefits not only
the farmer who grows the grain or veg-
etable or fruits, but also the lawyer,
doctor, priest, law-maker, and other
non-producer who is interested in ob-
taining better food at less cost, and who
profits. by the general as well as the
agricultural prosperity of the whole
country.

I have, sir, been thus pains-takingin
setting the whole matter of the distri-
bution of seed before you, for the reason
that your letter has impressed me with
the belief that, in common with other
Representatives, you have neither fully
estimated the evils of the old system
nor weighed the advantages of the new.

I have written at greater length than
was at first intended, but cannot close
without_saying that, while the maxim
you quote, "Qu2'facz'l per otlium, fact‘!
per so,” may do very well in law, there
is a homelier maxim among the farmers
that pleases me better. It is, “ If you
want anything well done, do it your-
self." Now, wanting the seeds which
I have been at pains to select and pur-
chase put where the experiments with
them will be best conducted and reports
thereon be most surely returned, I
greatly prefer to make the distribution
myself, the more especially as the law
makes it imperative on me to do so.

I conclusion, I have the honor to in-
form you that seeds will be sent to your
agricultural correspondents named in
your letter of the 7th inst. in due course.

Very resp’y. WM. G. LEDUC,

Commissioner of Agriculture.

Qluntmunimtiun.-5'.

Our Common Schools.

J. T. Cobb .-

Haviug attended several of the
Grange meetings in our vicinity, and
being somewhat conversant with their
movements; also having the pleasure
of an acquaintance with some of your
contributors, I make hold to address a
few lines to you, and also to the pa-
trons of the GRANGE VISITOR, through
the columns of your excellent paper.

The subject that I would speak to
them about is one of so much import-
ance that I approach it with a trem-
bling hand, lest I should not present it
in such a manner as will induce them
to give the subject due considera-
tion and prompt attention. For it
seems to me as though the time has
fully arrived when this subject should
receive the attention of the whole peo-
ple, and especially of the Grange, who
are, necessarily, the most concerned
and interested in the up-building and
improvement of this great corner stone
of our National prosperity and inde-
pendence, viz: our common schools.

It is a fact not to be denied, that the
common or ungraded schools of our
State are not keeping pace with those
of the adjoining States, or with the
improvements in other directions in
our own State. Which fact is owing to
the simple cause of negligence to give
to this, the very foundation and frame-
work of our government, its proper
place and attention in our home circles
an social gatherings —which are the
true legislative halls of our country—
which it calls for at our hands.

One great fault lies in the cumbersome
text-books, the volume of which could
be decreased at least one-half, without
suffering loss, and also the almost infin-
ite variety that are in use in our State
at the present time.

Then, if we take into consideration
the fact that scarcely two schools in the
State use the same series of text-books
throughout—and, also that many of the
books they do use are out-dated, and as
far behind the times as the old wooden
plows of our grandfathers—it will not
be wondered at that we are not keeping
pace with our sister States; but when
we add to these disadvantages the
weightier ones ofa defective superinten-
dency, a second—rate corps of teachers,
and a lack of true interest at home, in
the education of our children,—-the only
wonder is, that we receive as much
benefit from them as we do.

We evince our interest in anything
by a personal oversight and supervision
of it—whether that thing may be the
making of a dress, the plowing of a
field, or some matter of greater import-
ance, it matters not; our interest is
shown by what we do, not by what we
trust others to do for us.

No good farmer would send his hired
help into the field in the spring of the
year with a few partial instructions
with regard to what he should do, and
never go near him during the entire
season to see if he was performing a
proper task daily of what you instruct-
ed him to do, and if it was done in a
workmanlike manner. Nay, verily!
but he would go out with him and show
him what he wanted done—and how to
do it, if need be. He would visit him
in the fields often, inspect his work,
commend or reprove, as the case may
be, and thus, by showing an interest in
his own affairs, awaken an interest and
zeal in his hired help, akin to his own,
that would have lain dormant under
the powerful and potent opiate which
negligence and lack of interest on the
part of his employer, would have ad-
ministered.

In a few words—if you want other
people to take an interest in your work,
take an interest in it yourself.

Is there a father among you who
does not show more interest in the
plowing up of a wheat-field, than you
do in the plowing of the virgin soil of
your children's minds, which shall
bring forth harvests of far greater im-

portance than the wheat field, if every
grain were a pearl‘?

Awake then, and spur yourself to
action, visit the school where your
children attend. Question them each
evening at home, on what they have
learned during the day, and ascertain

' if it was learned right,—if not, correct

any error that they may have fallen
into. Answer all of their questions
cheerfully, drop your evening paper,
take that little one on your knee, and
answer all ofhis curious questions about
this new world which his school life
has brought him in contact with. By
doing these things you will prove to
your children the deep interest that you

, feel in their future welfare and happi-

ness.

You cannot expect that any hired
teacher will take a greater interest in
your children than you do yourself.

I speak from experience when I say,
not one parent in ten makes a practice
of visiting the school-room, except on
such days as they have public exercism,
or some special occasion. They do not
look into the character or fitness of the
person to whom they implicitly trust
the training of their children’s minds,
further than that they bear a legal cer-
tificate. Nor do they questionltheir
children with regard to their teacher, or
how they are getting along in their
studies, unless it be in a half-hearted,
casual way, which will neither show
itself in the animated recitation, or
rapid progress in learning.

Think not, parent, that the quick
intuition of that bright-eyed child will
fail to detect your lack of true interest
in his education; for, alas! too many
are laboring under thisfatal error.

Let me entreat you not to put the fu-
ture destiny of that precious child into
the hands of an unknown workman,
without at least inspecting the work.
Remember that first impressions are
generally strongest, and that the seed
sown in that young and fertile mind
will surely spring up and bear fruit.
Aye! fruit that shall shed honor and
glory on your declining years, or bring
your gray hairs in sorrow to the grave.

While it is right that your heart
should be full of joy and thankfulness
for the gift of that little one who is the
light of the household, yet forget not
the awful responsibility that it brings
with it; for not only its destiny, but
that of hundreds, nay, thousands, may
be linked with that of the prattling
infant on your knee, who is taking its
first lessons from its mother's looks,
acts and words.

Remember, the sins of omission are
semetimes greater than those of com-
mission, and that you will not be held
faultless if you fail to take the general
supervision of your child’s education.
Just “as the twig is bent, the tree’s
inclined,” and school government he-
gins at home. Therefore, see to it that
the twig is straight in the beginning,
and keep a watchful eye on it, until it
is able to withstand the winter’s blasts
alone.

The following are a few questions for
discussion in the Grange meetings:

Resolved, That our Legislature should
prescribe a uniform series of text books

to be used throughout the ungraded
schools of our State.

Resolved, That County Superintend-
ency is better than Township.

Resolved, That we ought to have a
prescribed course of studies in our un-
graded schools, which all shall be re-
quired to pursue, and when such course
is finished, and the pupil passes asat-
isl'actory examination, he shall receive
a certificate stating the same.

Resolved, That the best way to drive
what few good teachers we have left
from the field,is to keep on cutting
down wages, and never, under any cir-
cumstances, keep them longer than
one term in a place.

Hoping that the above questions may
receive the attention of _the Granges,
and to as good purpose as numer-
ous other things which they have
given their attention to, and that what
I have said may be the means of
awakening a new interest in our com-

R
mon schools.

I remain, most respectfully,

Yours,
KARL M. LEA.

“ To Develop a Better and Higher Man- ‘

hood and Vljomanliood among
Ourselves.”

I find this glorious thought in our
Declaration of Purposes. It stands as
the first specific object. VVellit may.
Can a greater thought be conceived. Its
wording is simple, but 0! how deep is
its meaning. A better manhood and
womanhood.’ Does this mean‘ notori-
ousness? Does manhood comprehend
holding some high and honored posi-
tion 2’ Does womanhood mean being
able to shine in the most fashionable
circles? I think not. I know it does
not. A man is a man Wherever you
may find him——be it in the Presidential
chair, or in the cornfield, and a rascal
is not a man in either position.

\Ve may find nien‘ in every calling,
and in every position, and in the same
callings and positions we may find
those who are not men.

“ A bcller and higlier manhood and
womanhood among ourselves.” Does
this mean that we shall develop these
qualities in a few persons, farmers, that
they may become leaders in the Na-
tion ‘? I think not, but rather that each
individual farmer, farmer’.-4 wife, son,
or daughter, becomes better; reach
a higher manhood or womanhood;
becomes more gentle, more intelligent,
more benevolent, more charitable.

Of all the means necessary to the
accomplishment of this first object
mentioned in our Declaration, the ex-
ercise of charity seems to be among
the first—- “In essentials, unity;
in non—essentials, liberty; in all things-
charity.” Charity for each other’s opin-
ions; charity for their failings; charity
in all things. No two persons can be
just alike, think just alike, or believe
alike. “A difference of opinion is no
crime, but the error lies in the bitter-
ness of controversy.”

The investigation of the difierences
of opinions, leads to truth,——but charity
is necessary, or the bitterness of con-
troversy will defeat all good.

Our happiness as individuals, and as
a class, depends upon the degree of our
attainment of this great object——man-
hood and Womanhood.

Independence is essential—independ-
ence in thought and in actions. We
complain that farmers are not repre-
sented in the different departments of
our Government. It is true,and it should
not be so. Every farmer should think,
speak and act for himself. When this
is done, we will be represented by our
own class. Develop men for the posi-
tion, and with sutficient intelligence
and individual independence and res-
olution, and farmers’ rights‘ will be re-
spected.

\Ve often hear arguments in favor of
large farms. 1 read a remark made at
a Farmers’ Institute in this State, that
it is necessary to have 160 acres in a
farm, in order to make farming success-
ful. I am opposed to this idea. There
may possibly be more profit in the
large farm than in the small one, com-
paratively, but the difference is not
great. No one man can till 160 acres
of land with his own hands—and I am
in favor of a higher manhood and
womanhood in the whole class of farm-
ers, not in a few persons. Where one
man owns and cultivates a large tract
of land, he must certainly hire his help
by the day or month, and where there
is a master, there must be a servant.
Of course this matter must regulate it-
self, but I should much rather see each
man own what land he cultivates, even
though it be forty, twenty, or even ten
acres. Then we have a class of inde-
pendent men. Men who are citizens,
residents, free-holders. If our farming
community can be composed. of such
men, intelligent, industrious and inde-
pendent, the Nation will be on a secure

foundation.

“Patriot and Rover” are given as
opposite terms, and truly they are.

Let us work for this great object, “ A
better and a higher manhood and wom-
anhood among ourselves,” that we may
increase our individual and general
happiness, and if we have even a little
success, we may feel that our labor has
not been in vain. *

Sylvan Grange, N 0.393, Mar. 6, ’80.


lie

‘!

 

------,—-—-j—-~*  2- it

 

 

4

THE GRANGE VISITOR.

SCHOOLCRAFT, MAY 1, 1880.

 

__________._
Snrztaxyia grpartment.

 

J. T. COBB, SCHOOLCRAFT.

Oficers and members of Subordinate Gmnges
in corresponding with this ofiice, will please
always give the Number of their Grange.

POSTAGE STAMPS of higher value
than three cents will be returned
to the sender.

CALIFORNIA LETTER, N0. 3.

Our last communication from
Los Angelos left us a tourist tak-
ing notes at San Jose, one of Cal-
ifornia’s finest towns, now more
than a century old. Its neighbor,
the Santa Clara mission.was es-
in 1775. the first on the Coast, and
the mission of San Jose was es-
tablished a year or two later. The
towns are connected by the Ala-
meda, a street of not less than six
rods in width, with a row of old
trees through the middle the
entire distance, said to have been
set. out by the Jesuits soon after
the mission was established.

Both towns have a lot of adobe
houses occupied by Spaniards.
Their present value has little to
do with their age, as all important
improvements and valuable por-
tioiis of each are the growth of

vlate years.

San :'Jose has but small manu-
facturing interests. Aside from
flouring mills, it has one woolen
mill, two fruit canning establish-
ments, two glove factories, and
perhaps some other concerns of
little consequence. But it has
fine residences, school. houses,
churches, and other public build-
ings, four banks, also stores, shops,
and places of business of all sorts,
notforgettingtheinevitable saloon
and billiard tables, which consti-
tute, in amount, no insignificant
part of California business life.
Hard times, is the universal cry,
but this business flourishes every-
where. The city has five inde-
pendent lines of street railways,
two of which run to Santa Clara,
and accommodate business men
who have fine places all along the
route.

Situated in a valley of such
richness and extent, with an at-
tractive climate, its nearness to
San Francisco has made it desir-
able as a place of business and
residence for men of ample
means. Ailiberal expenditure of
money has covered her streets and
roads for miles in every direction
with a coarse gravel, that when
worn down makes almost a mac-
adamized road. We were at first
curious to know how so much
river bed gravel could be had, and
learned, on enquiry, that the rush-
ing waters of the rainy season
brought from mountain sources,
and washed out banks along the
way an annual supply, which is
taken from the dry bed of the
stream during the summer months.
These broad streets and roads
make the finest drives we have
ever seen. Our old friend, Frank
D. Cobb, invited us to ride out
and see the country around San
Jose. Starting out at a ten mile
gait, we soon measured the Ala-
meda to Santa Clara. Making a
circuit among the orange groves,
we drove in various directions for
an hour, returning by another
route. We whirled by beautiful
places of from one to twenty-five
acres. on which money had been
liberally expended to improve
and beautify. The size and ap-
pearance of fruit and forest trees,

and the improvements seen on,

either hand formed a striking con-
trast with the adobe houses of the
native Spaniard, and his untidy
surroundings-_ _ _
Coming again into the city, we
turned upon the road, leading to
the site of an observatory on the
summit of Mount Hamilton, twen-
miles distant. On this road,
County has expended $23,000.
to comply with a condition 0! the
will of Mr. Lick, one‘ of _the dead
rich men of California, Who,

 

THE

though not himself a scientist,
provided by a gift of $150,000 for
the establishment of an observa-
tory which sliall aid astronomical
science and transmit the eupho-
nious name of Mr. Lick down the
ages.

This rapid ride of little more
than two hours, covering not less
than twenty-five miles, gave us
a favorable impression ot' San
Jose roads and California horse-
flesh, and with a ride to the Alme-
daii mines and other similar fa-
vors, gave us a good acquaintance
with the surroundings of the city
and neighboring country.

On Monday the 29th, We left by
early train for Los Angelos. The
time at San Jose was so pleasant
ly spent that. we shall not soon
forget the genial hospitality of
Bro. and Sister Hale, nor the
friendly interest manifested by
them and the members of their
family, in our welfare. As we
bade them adieu, the invaluable
nature of our social relations, as
one of the most important elements
in human reach to secure the hap-
piness we are all seeking in this

-world, was impressed upon me,

and I saw in the future bright
spots along life's pathway.

From San Jose to Los Angelos,
a distance of about 470 miles, re-
quired thirty hours time, nine of
which were spent in the unimpor-
tant town of Lathrop. Here
weary travelers over this route,
while waiting for the train from
San Francisco, have been enter-
tained for several years by genu-
ine grizzly, who, though mainly
more inclined to sleep than to
s/zow 079", does sometimes caper
around his 8x‘l0 cage, grow], and
show his teeth, as a big grizzly
should. Leaving Lathrop at 8,130
P. M., we had little chance to see
the famous Valley of San Joaquin,
through which the Southern Pa-
cific runs in a southeasterly di-
rection.

Soon after daylight the follow-
ing morning, we reached the
mouth of a canyon 1,290 feet
above sea level, in which is situ-
ated Calienta Station. Our ascent
to the foot hills of this spur of
the Sierra Nevada mountains had
been gradual, but now the serious
Work of climing a precipitous
mountain side was just before us.

Just across the narrow point of
the valley, we could see one track
winding upward and disappear
around projecting cliffs.

The iron horse, refreshed for the
task, soon started for Tehachape
Summit, to reach which, required
an ascent of 2,674 feet in a dis-
tance of 25 miles.

This was a splendid run, cover-
every point of compass, winding
around rocky steeps and over
deep gorges, twisting and turning,
but always climbing.

After having traveled nine
miles, through six tunnels, some
straight, some curved, we look
down upon Calienta, one and a
half miles away. In making this
ascent to the summit, we pass
through seventeen tunnels, with
an aggregate length of 7,683 feet,
over the famous Loup, Where,
after passing through a tunnel, we
whirl around a circular mountain,
and in a few minutes pass over
this tunnel now 78 feet below.

So wild and crooked our route
that from out the same window,
we sometimes saw the track We
had just been over below us, or
the track we should soon reach
far above us. A working train,
following us about eighty rods,
could be seen emerging from one
tunnel as we rushed into another
above and beyond.

”l‘was a wild ride over a serpen-
tine track for three hours, and as
one of the sights we came to see,
was very much enjoyed, meeting
my expectations of rough can-
yons, deep gorges, over-hanging
cliffs, and snow-capped mountains,
more fully than anything before
seen.

Weoftensaw tracesoftheoldLos
Angelos and San Francisco wagon
road that we crossed and recrossed
on our railroad ride over the
mountain by this 'I‘ehachape Pass.
On the summit is avalley of the
same name, some 20 miles long by
three to five wide.

A fellow passenger, Mr. G. P.
Cuddeback, planted his fortunes

GRANGE VISITOR.

in this high valley thirty years
ago as a stockman, and with a
range of fifty miles each way,
covering mountain and valley, for
some years made money, until
the “no fence law of the State,”
destroyed his cattle range. Seven
years ago he sold his last 2,000
head of cattle, and four years
later a dry season starved to
death 1,000 of his sheep.

Selling the remainder—by habit
a stock ranchman—hehasinvested
in Angora goats, of which he has
now a flock of 700, which he will
increase to 2,000. He has faith in
goats—says they thrive on moun-
tain brush, which they prefer to
grass, and ,—being better travelers,
can be kept in a mountain district,
beyond the reach of sheep. From
the little we have seen, we con-
clude their is a vast amount of
country west of the Mississippi fit
only for miners and goats.

The fleece of the goat is lighter
than that of sheep, but being of
greater value per pound, as much
can be realized per head as from
sheep. The natural increase of a
flock is greater than of sheep, and
having better fighting qualities,
are better adapted to selt’-protec-
tion, so useful in mountain life.

We shall have occasion to refer
to this mountaineer again as a
fruit grower of Santa Anna Valley.

In this mountain valley suffici-
ent wheat is raised to keep a steam
grist mill busy all the year,
though we saw but a few small
fields of two or three acres each.
Alittle way beyond the summit,
to the right of the road, is a
small salt lake, dry in sum-
mer, during which time the
salt is shoveled up by the wagon
load. Descending the mountain
from Tehachape summit we speed
rapidly down a winding way to
Mojava, a station on the borders
of a desert of the same name, and
quite an important place, from
which supplies are forwarded to
various mountain mining districts,
some of them more than 100 miles
away. From here we crossed the
desert, and after ascending a
grade of 116 feet to the mile, the
road pierces a ridge of the
San Fernando mountains, passing
through a tunnel 7,000 feet in
length. From here we soon enter
San Fernando Valley, and see in
the distance fields of growing
grain, evidences of thrift and
prosperity such as we have not
seen since leaving the valley of
San Jose. Though not all good
land, the general appearance of
the valley is good, the rest of
the way to the “City of the
Angels.”

Los ANGELOS is situated twenty-
four miles inland from the port or
San Pedro, to which it is con-
nected by rail.

This old city has a population of
15,000 inhabitants. has some fine
business blocks of modern con-
struction. with some fine churches
and public schools, three banks,
four daily, and several weekly
newspapers.

It is the great business center
of Southern California,which being
separated from the more northern
portions of the State by a moun-
tain range, and having ample ter-
ritory for a State, her people are
talking of the not distant day,
when they will set up an indepen-
dent State government of their
own. The surplus agricultural
products of the valleys stretching
out from this city all seek this as
a central market.

The Naud warehouse, built of
brick, 200 feet square, with an ad-
dition of 100 feet being erected,
indicates something of the busi-
ness done in the way of shipping
produce, as it is reached by but
one of the three railroads center-
ing here.

We stepped into the flouring mill
of Lankershim & Co.. which has
eight run of stone, and found busi-
ness brisk. Over 150 barrels of
flour are ground and put up in 50
and 100 pound cotton sacks daily,
besides 15 tons of barley ground for
feed, which is mostly shipped to
Arizona.

This Company has undertaken
to supply its mill, in part, with
grain of its own raising. It has
20,000 acres of wheat in the San
Fernando Valley, some 25 miles
from the city.

Farming on a large scale is one
of tliefeatures of California busi-
ness life. We spent a half-day at
two of the largest ranches in the
San Gabriel Valley, a dozen miles
or so from Los Angelos. “ Sunny
Slope” has been the property of
Mr. L. J. Rose, for nearly 20 years.
That. he has not adopted the easy
going habits of the natives, the
following brief account of his bus-
iness will prove:

His orange orchard has over 7,-
000 trees. Of lemons and limes
there are about4,000 trees, and of
apples and other fruits 1,000 more,
covering in all something over 125
acres. Sold 11,000 boxes of oranges
and lemons in 1879.

He has 500 acres of vineyard,
and for 18 years has manufactured
Wine. Has now a distillery for the
manufacture of brandy from wine,
of greater capacity than any other
on this coast. In 1879 he made
220,000 gallons of wine and 50,000
gallons of brandy, and expects to
double that amount this year. In
this branch of his business, he has
a partner, a Mr. Stearn, of New
York City, who attends to selling
their goods in the Eastern mar-
kets.

He has made wine and brandy
for 18 years, and evidently under-
stands the business. The casks
required are all made on the prem-
ises, and of itself makes quite a
business. Mr. Rose keeps 50 men
employed all the time, and some
seasons of the year requires addi-
tional force.

He has all the facilities for per-
fectly irrigating his ranch, and ‘ex-
pressed the opinion that lands
properly irrigated would maintain
their fertility for an indefinite pe-
riod. His ranch everywhere showed
order, system, and good cultiva
tion; and Mr. Rose has become
quite famous for the success he
has achieved.

From “Sunny Slope” we went
two miles to “Santa Anita,” the
country residenceof Mr. E. J.
Baldwin, a San Francisco million-
aire. VVe were fortunatein finding
the proprietor at home, and pre-
disposed to show visitors what he
had done since 1874. .

We first took a drive through a
large barley field, the grain in full
head, and standing thickly on the
ground—then through an alfalfa
meadow, from which six crops had
been taken within a year.

This alfalfa, Mr. Baldwin said,
would produce not less than 15
tons per acre, on land well irrigat-
ed, or naturally adapted to it.

We had not time to visit his
wheat and corn fields, for on a
ranch of 8,500 acres, some of the
fields must be quite a distance
from the house; and this ranch,
which Mr. Baldwin designated as
the home ranch. is but a fraction
of his real estate in this valley.
On this place he has, however, 17,-
000 orange trees, 14,000 almonds,
chestnut. lemon, lime, and other
fruits. Has 350 acres in vineyard,
and intends to increase this branch
of his fruit growing to 1,000 acres.

He, too, manufactures wine and
brandy. A visit to his wine cellar
will satisfy any one that this
branch of his business is carried
on in the most; skillful manner,
and the forty-eighty tierces, each
holding 1.500 gallons, and a large
number of pipes, barrels. and
casks, indicated the extent of the
business. Though he commenced
this manufacture five or six years
ago, he has not put any on the
market within the last few months.

But we are dealing with com-
paratively small matters. This
ranch is simply the central point.
of his vast landed property, 60,-
000 acres of which are in Los
Angelos Co., and 15,000 in San
Barnardino Co., and 15,000 acres
in El Dorado Co. About 20.000
acres of this land is under cultiva-
tion. There are sixty tenant
houses and fifteen sheep camps. A
hundred men find constant em-
ployment at this time, and to
make the extensive improvements
of building, fencing, tree planting,
cultivating, ditching, and orna-
menting, generally has required
an army of from 200 to 250 men
for several years. Besides tenant
houses that are scattered about
the country, there is here a village
of well painted houses that are
part and parcel of this immense

ranch. ltseems incredible that the ‘

sum of $585,000 could be judicious-
ly expended in farm operations by
one man in half a dozen years.

This amount Mr. Baldwin has here ‘

expended as a farmer. A large
store, mechanic shops, school
house, and the necessary build

ings for the maiiufacture of_ wine
and brandy, packing of fruit, to-
gether with the mansion of _the
proprietor, with the required
barns and stables, the resident‘-83
of superintendent and employes
of lesser grade, make up a first-
class little village; and l)€ll’l?,‘
under the control of one man,
none of the disagreeable bad blots
that come of poverty, ignorance,
or shiftlessness are seen here. _

Mr. Baldwin’s large outlay is
beginning to give him some re-
turn, as within the last three
months he has sold over 840,000
of the products of his ranch.

His stock embraces 100 work
mules, seventeen thorough-bred
mares with colts, big and little,
a jack, several race horses, car-
riage and riding horses, 1,000 head
of cattle, 30,000 sheep, and 3,500
hogs. His hog ranch is a volun-
teer barley field where they will
remain until fattened with the
ripened barley. Of this crop he ex-
pects to slaughter next fall 2,000
head. His meat-curing establish-
ment, where pickling,packing, and
smoking are done, is complete.
The surplus stock of last year of
hams and bacon has all gone to
feed the miners of Arizona, to-
gether with grain and flour, and
several hundred tons of hay for
man and beast of that mining
district.

We visited the stable where his
fancy stock is kept. Near by, in
a field of alfalfa, is a mile track,
well fitted for use. Of this stock,
not being aconnoisseur in that
line, we express no opinion, only
that it is well cared for. From this
stable we went to the new car-
riage house and stable, not quite
completed, although $25,000 has
already been expended.

This building, as we drove on to
the premises—and here by “ we ”
is included our friend, Bro. C. E.
Duncan, who left Schoolcraft with

us six weeks ago,—the question
arose as to the use of the beautiful
building standing away from all
others, nearby the roadway; and
we reached the conclusion that it
was a very fine church, and rather
high-toned for the size of the vil-
lage.

On further inspection. we found
as fine work, perfect finish, and
expensive fixtures as are seen in
many of our first-class -churches;
but it was a carriage house,
and we left before finding the
church of the place, though we
have little doubt it is there.

The four stalls, and every part
ofthe lower story are furnished
with matched cedar and redwood
strips, with cornice and elaborate
trimming, which, varnished, gives
the whole an appearance of ele-
gance, such as we have never seen
approached in any building used
for this purpose. Iron upright hay
rack, with iron feed box and water
tank in each stall, and iron gutter,
with perforated cover, in the floor
at the foot of the stalls, completed
the stable or; our side of the floor.
On the other side were two large
box stalls, harness-room, a small
carpeted parlor, grain boxes, and
expensive fixtures everywhere.

_ ut we must hasten, as we have
neither time or space to give a full
description of this ranch.

After a_tw_o hours’ inspection,
we were invited by mine host to
partake of a lunch, to which we
gave ready assent, and found our-
selves well qualified to do ample
justice to this unexpected favor.

We left soon after lunch, feeling
thatthis had been one of our most
fortunate days for sight seeking
that we had spent on this coast.

We shall long cherish a lively
recollection of Santa Anita. and
the generous hospitality of Mr.
Baldwin and his very pleasant and
intelligent wife, nor will we forget
favors conferred by other members
of the family.

.______________

POSTAGE STAMPS of higher value

I

than three cents will be returned-

to the sender.


  

 

 
    

Efiecturerh flzpartmmt.

  

°-L-WHITNEY, - - - MUSKEGON

  

Pickings by the Way—No. 7.

On the morn of the 30th ult. we break-
fasted at Bro. Cobb’s, but the worthy
Secretary of the State Grange was not
there, yet the hospitality of his home
was dispensed by Bro. and Sister Wm.
Cobb, as usual. The forenoon was ac-
tively employed at the office in sending
out specimen copies of the Vrsrpog, to
dormant Granges. In the afternoon we
went back to Mendon, and were doom-
ed to disappointment, for only five of the
promising ones were present. Of the
others some were indisposed with a
convenient toothache, a bad cough, etc.,
etc., cover to the real cause, as time
will publish to the world. The Charter,
Seal, etc., the books of this Grange have
been ordered to be returned to Sec'y
Cobb's ofiice, and the last Secretary has
agreed to do so.—-but—there is plenty of
room,material and all that is needed to
make a good Grange at Mendon, but
those who should lead have private
reasons fornot having one, and hence
they have none. Will not some farmer
or farmers just south or east of the
town make a move to have a Grange
there? They can have one.

On the 31st, we returned home, visit-

‘ i_iig the office of publication of the VISI-

'roB.on our way, to find upon our table
a large pile of letters to be answered.
NEW GRANGE.

On the 9th inst, we accepted an invita-
tion to visit the town of Talmadge, (rt-
tawa Co., where in the evening we lec-
tured in the town hall, and afterward
organized Talmadge Grange, No. 639,
with thirty Charter members. Bro.
Myron Harris was chosen Master, and
Sister E. Smith, Secretary. They will
have a good Grange there, and the won-
der to us is that they have not had one
before. Let every County and Pomona
Grange see if there are not some rich
fields yet unoccupied by our Order.

KENT COUNTY.

On the afternoon of the. 12th inst
we were met at Berlin by Bro. John
Preston, worthy Lecturer of Kent
Pomona Grange, and a short ride af-
ter his new span of black horses
brought us to his comfortable home,
where.supper awaited us, well prepar-
ed and served by Sister Preston. A
socia evening and a good night’s rest
prepared us for the labors of the 13th
at Sparta Center. En route for this
appointment we called upon and made
the acquaintance of "Prof. Miller,late of
our Agricultural College, who not on-
ly has charge of the Alpine'Grange
school, and leads it with success, but
is making a fine home with attractive
surroundings, and an excellent fruit
and garden plat near by the Scene of
his scholastic duties. Arriving at
Sparta Center we found dinner just
ready at Bro. Lyman Murary’s, at
which Bro. and Sister Jas. Boyd, of
Alpine Grange,were our fellow guests.

At the appointed hour quite a large
and intelligent audience were Present
at the hall. On the desk we noticed
some good sister's work in two beau-
tiful bouquets of flowers, some
from the forest, and some from
the conservatory of some skilled
led cultivator; there were liverworts,
cactuses, callas, and other floral gems,
woven into beautiful gI'0l1P5 by 50””
appreciative hand, showing taste, cul-
ture and skill.

For an hour and a half this assem-
bly gave an attentive ear to what
was said of the Order, and its W0!'k
in the past.

In the evening we met 5Pf11'i"9'
Grange, No. 340, in private SGSSIOIJ1

, and think that if the good saying 0f

the members themselves that evening
were put into active service, Very
prosperous days would be seen in

this Grange precinct.

TI-IE GRANGE

V7lSIT()E..

__§___§_

The labors of the day completed,
we went to the cosy home and hospit-
able board and bed of Bro. and Sis-
ter D3-Ft: in the enjoyment of which
we were able on the morning of the
14th,to be ready for active duty to
Manager Preston, with whom we visit-
ed a sugar orchard and camp,belonging
to Bro. F. M. Cummings, and then
started for Oakfield Center.

Eastward lay our course, but
north and south from it We go to
avoid washed-out causeways, and see
some of the people of Algoma
Grange, near the center of that town.
Across the town of. Algoma, with its
sandy roads then deep and heavy,
where industrious farmers have settled
on,busy making farms,among stubborn
pine stumps and other hindrances we
go, and thence through the town of
Courtland,——where fair plains have
been made into places for pleasant and
attractive homes of rural life,—to Oak-
land. We soon reach S. B. Kuty’s,
where we get dinner and then go to
the hall where a small audience at-
tend. After the lecture we took sup-
per,and a ride of several miles along the
side of the beautiful lakes of the towns
of Courtland and Cannon to Bro. W-
T. Whitney’s, in Plainfield, where we
spent the night. The morning of the
15th found us rested and refreshed.
Breakfasting on a sumptuous meal
we ride to the city of Grand Rapids
where we find mail awaiting us. The
afternoon brought a few faithful and
interested ones together at the Beck-
with school house, the place of meet-
ing of the Beckwith Grange, where,by
language and blackboard we showed
how millions of money had been saved
to this State by the Grange, and had
it been organized sooner, many mil-
lions more could have been saved to
our hard working farmers.

The lecturers took tea with Bro.
Beckwith, the Master of this Grange,
and then rode across the country to
the home of M. B. Hines, of Imperial
Mills, in the township of Plainlield,
where we spent the night.

A RAINY DAY.

A rainy morning greeted us at our
awakening from sleep, and gave prom-
ise of a day of moist droppings. At-
ter breakfast We looked over Bro.
Hines’ fine flock of well bred Merino
sheep, and an evener lot of delaine
wools we have never seen. Bro. H. is
acareful breeder, not only in sheep
but in Durham cattie, as his herd will
attest.

Rain or shine, the Lecturer must
keep his appointments, so Bro. Pres
ton said onward to Cannonsburg, and
away we went in the teeth of the piti-
less storm, sorry to leave so comfort-
able quarters and such pleasant soci-
ety as the farm at “the Mills ” gives
to the Patrons who visit it. Carrying
an umbrella against a head wind is not
conducive to the enjoyment of the
picturesque in nature, so we cannot
tell you, as we otherwise would, of the
landscape pictures in which the town
of Cannon excels any town we have
seen in the State. Had we time and
talent we would tell you of those bills,

“ How proudly they rise
In the wildness of grandeur
To blend with the skies.”

Or how

“ ’Mid her clustering hills
Sweet Vales in dream-like beauty hide.”

“ When low the air with niusictfills,
And calm content and peace abide.”

In short, something startling might
have been done had not the cold rain
dampened our ardor. Our driver
pulled up at a gate and said, “ We
stop here for dinner.” At Bro. Hart-
wells, one mile from the village of
Cannonsburg, we dined and then went
to the Church where a large audience
would have been out, but for the rain,
yet a large number did come, to whom
we spoke, and have regretted that so
faithful and interested a neighbor-

hood could not have had a pleasant
day for their meeting.

Arrangements had been made to
feed all at the Grange Hall after the
public meeting, and to the Hall under
the guidance of fair young Patrons
we went and found it what every
Grange Hall can be, a place of social
enjoyment and rest, amid attractive
walls, decorated yb fair hands ready
and willing to use art and good taste in
ball as well as home, making both
pleasant and attractive.

A half dozen true sisters in any
Grange, working with a will to do,
and succeed, and it needs no prophet
to foretell the result. Like Cannons-
burg they willhave a good Grange, and
an attractive hall to meet in, and their
meetings will be instructive and pro-
ductive of good results. Sisters! the
power is with you, press onward and
make the Grange, the only Order that
recogniz-is your equal rights, a power
for good in the land. VVork for it,
and in it, and through it, and with it,
until the world shall acknowledge its
power, and by it, your worth and true
position.

A good supper, and pleasant Grange
meeting, with sweet singing and the
pleasant society, would pay any man
or woman to come a long way, even in
the rain to enjoy.

At a late hour this pleasant inter-
view closed, and we went to Bro.
Hartwell’s, the Master’s home, to
allow rest and sleep to prepare us for
the labor of the coming day.

Saturday mornings sunshine called
us to the labors and pleasures of an-
other day. With music and conver-
sation, the morning passed all too
soon, and we had a late start for Rock-
ford. We reached Bro. Livingston’s,
in Plainfield, just in time for dinner,
and thence soon made Rockford,wliere
a fair and verv attentive audience
gave ear to our instruction for an
hour or more. Good singing was
here, too, a pleasant auxiliary to the
other exercises. After the meeting,
an hour of pleasant conversation and
tea was taken with a pair of recently-
married Patrons; the wife is the
daughter of the old Master of Rock-
ford Grange, Bro. Dockery. Bro.
Solomon Whitney is the present Mas-
ter of Rockford Grange and, though
young, seems to be a leading Patron
and a good officer.

An evening train took us to Grand
Rapids, and a midnight train to Grand
Haven, whence we took the morning’s
boat for home, feeling pleased with
the week‘s work and our better know-
ledge of the Patrons of Kent County
and the hearty co-operation and labors
of Worthy Lecturer Preston.

Our Last Page.

“ Nothing but advertisements,”
says the reader, and he lays the paper
down as he glances at the eighth page
of the VISITOR. “Where can I buy
fruit trees, or paint, or harness, or
something else that I want?” are
questions often asked us by those who
ought to read the last page of the
VISITOR and learn. Hardly any thing
a farmer needs but can be had of
either or both of our Chicago or De-
troit agents. Write and tell them
what you want, and ask them what it
will cost you there; then figure in the
freight, and you can at once tell the
entire cost. Do you wish to paint
your builnings, buy a new harness,
get a pair of scales, fruit trees, plants
or seeds, bees or swine ?—then see the
too often unread last page of the Vis-
ITOR. The agency of Geo. W. Hill
& Co., Detroit, and that of Thomas
Mason, Chicago, are both giving gen-
eral satisfaction. Try them, and you
may realize that the page with “noth-
ing but advertisements” is last but
not least in value.

June Festivals.

The beautiful month of roses and
flowers is near at hand, and the season
of Grange gatherings upon the Earth’s
green carpets, under Nature's leafy
bowers, is near—near enough to have
the preliminary arrangements made,
place and time selected, speakers se-
cured, etc.

Let us have many such meetings
this year, before the hand of partisan
politics begins to mar the harmony of
society and to pit friend against friend,
array neighbor against neighbor, even
brother against brother.

Let our arrangements be all in time,
all be made with business precision,
and, when made, then announce them
to the public, and all labor together in
the best of unity to secure the de-
sired end. First, secure your speak-
ers by Writiug early, that you may
not be disappointed, nor compelled
to change your time to suit the
convenience or time of the speaker
you wish. Publish notice of’ your
meetings to inform the brethren and
the public, and secure a good attend-
ance, and let the public, as well as the
Order, know that we are alive and
very active. When arrangements are
complete, use personal effort to secure
the largest possible attendance. of all
who can be benefited by attendance,
and make the meeting pleasant, agree-
able and instructive to all who may
come.

May the June festivals be a great
success, and truly tend to the ad-
vancement of the farmer and the
building up of higher and nobler man-
hood and womanhood.

Department Seeds.

The Secretaries of most Granges
have. through the courtesy of the
Commissioner of Agriculture, received
packages of choice seeds for distribu-
tion among the members ofthe Order.

Care should be used in the distribu-
tion of these seeds, and a system
adopted by which each package can
be accounted for, showing to whom
given, and requiring each recipient to
return a written statement of the time
sown, soil grown upon, cultivation,
time of‘ gathering the crop, and the
amount and value of the product. All
these facts, collated by the Secretary
or Lecturer. would make a valuable
report to the Department, and enrich
the fund of experimental knowledge
upon which the Commissioner can
draw in compiling his annual publica-
tions. This ‘Would encourage the
Commissioner to supply seeds in
greater quantity and variety each
year, until each Grange would in
reality become an experimental sta-
tion, connected with and supplement-
al to the National Department of Ag-
riculture. This Department recog-
nizes the Grange, by sending the
seeds; let the Grange everywhere re-
cognize the Department, by using
such seeds to the best advantage for
all concerned.

The Wheat Crop.

Traveling through fifteen counties
in Central and Western Michigan con-
vinces us that, while the breadth of
wheat at the present writing may be
larger than it was last year, yet the
prospect is by no means_ flattering.
Wheat is everywhere much injured by
the winter, and so injured that it can-
not recover with even a very favora-
ble spring. It seems to us that it is
safe to calculate the yield of this year
at from ten to fifteen per cent. less
than last year’s yield. Poorly drained,
fiat and mucky soils seem to suffer
most by the freezing and thawing of
the open winter. More thorough
under-draining must be practiced on
such soils to be sure of a crop of
wheat.

Cross Questions.

NUMBER 1. Why don’t our Grange
get the State and National Grange
Proceedings? Why don’t your
Grange send the name and address of
its Master and Secretary i

No. 2. VVhy didn’t the Secretary
put our Grange upon the list of
Grangcs for 1880?-——VVhy didn’t
3/our Secretary report the names of
your Master and Secretary for this
year?

No. 3. VVhy have not some County
or Pomona Granges received the
Proceedings, By-Laws, etc.? Why
have not some County or Pomona
Granges complied with the By-Laws,
and sent in the names or address of
Master, Secretary and Lecturer?

No 4. Why was not the list of P0-
mona Granges put upon the list of
Granges for 1880 ?——-Why did not
Pomona Granges Nos. 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 11,
12,15, 16, 17 and 20 report, so thatit
could be done?

No. 5. “ Why don’t the State Lec-
turer visit our Grange ? Why
don't your Grange write him ?

No.6. Where can we buy supplies
and sell our products to the best ad-
vantage? Why don’t you read the
last page of the Vrsiroit?

Appemia Errata.

So many have failed to report the
names of the Master and Secretary of
their Grange as to render the list of
Granges for 1880 quite incomplete; to
remedy which it is proposed to print
an additional sheet, to put into the
present list. Send in to Secretary
Cobb at once, all errors corrected, all
omissions supplied, and all changes
made. County or Pomona and Subor-
dinate Granges may take this as a
special invitation to them to report at
once the needed information. If the
Secretary is so busy that he can’t do
his duty, let some of the members
volunteer to send a postal card with
the needed information.

THE following Granges are delin-
quent in reports and payments of dues
from the Secretaries for two or more
quarters:

3, 28, 47. 57, 66, 68, 86, 126, 143, 146,
155, 157, 172, 189, 203, 213, 214, 218, 268,
276, 283. 325, 326, 338, 339. 380, 382, 383,
388, 400, 414, 417, 422, 474, 43.5, 520, 562,
599, 630, 631, 632, 637.

W.‘lotlce ozfnfleetlngs.

The Berrien Co. Pomona Grange,
No. 1, will meet in regular session 3
Bain bridge Grange Hall, in Bainbridge
township, on Tuesday, the 25th day of
May, 1880, at 10 o'clock A. M. A general
invitation is extended to members of
the Order. The brothers and sisters
from adjoining counties are invited to
meet with us. CHAS. HOGUE, Sec,

Sodus, April 24th. 1880.

BERLIN, Ottawa Co., April 16,1880.
Bro. J. T. Cobb .-

Western Pomona Grange, No. 19,
will hold a regular Quarterly meeting,
at the hall of Ravenna Grange, Ra-
venna, Muskegon County, on Thurs-
day, the 28th of May, at 11 A. M. All

are invited. CHAS. W. WII.DE,
Secretary.

Don’t forget the Van Buren County
Grange, to be held at Waverly, May
20th. Find the program in VISITOR
for March 15th.

Fraternally,
C. B CHARLES, Sec.

Bangor, April 26th, ’80.

THE term “watered stock" originated,
it is said, with Daniel Drew, who was a
drover in his early days. '1‘. Carpenter,
aleading broker in Wall Street, wasa
son of a farmer in Putnam County,
where Daniel Drew came from.and he
went to him one day to sell him some
stock, which had been put upon the
market at considerably above the actual
cnstof theproperty Drew said: "That
stock makes me think of old farmer
Brooks, up in ‘Put’ who used to salt
and water his stock to make_his cattle
weigh heavy when he sold them I” The
broker told it on the street, and it be-
came an adage.


 

 
 

.... am.

 _év

  

HOW THE FARMER MISSED IT.

If I had told her in the Spring
The old, old story briefly,

When the sparrow and the robin began to sing,
And the plowing was over chiefly 1

Bui. haste makes waste, and the story sweet,
_I reasoned. will keep through the sowing,

Till I drop the corn and plant the wheat
And give them a chance for growing.

Had I even told the tale in June,
When the wind through the grass was blowing,
Instead of thinking it rather too soon
And waiting till after the mowing I

Or had I hinted, out under the stars,
That I knew a story worth hearing,

Lingering to put up the pasture bars,
Nor waiting to do the shearing!

Now the barn is full, and so is the bin,
But I’ve grown wise without glory,
Since love is the crop not gathered in.
For my neighbor told her the story.
—Burlington Hawkeye.

Qlurrrmxnntlstzte.

Sparta Grange, 340.

SPARTA, March 22d, 1880.
Bro. J. T. Cobb.-

Feeling fully satisfied that Sparta

Grange, 340, is doing its share of work.
and not the least signs of life from it in
the VISITOR, I will at least say that
We are prospering. We and 0111‘ WOFK
are steadily advancing, not with the
speed that some do, still our advance is
cautious and sure. The principles of
our Order are, at times, partially lost
sight of, yet they reappear often enough
so that we may see and appreciate
them, and the benefits vouched to us
if we fully sustain our obligations.
. Our hearts and minds are growing
larger and stronger under the generous
rules of charity, and g00d Wm mwards
our associates in our Grange.

The subject of education is takings
more general and liberal stand, than
when it was claimed by some that the
objectof the Grange was to secure the best
bargains, and be recognized as belong-
ing to a body that had influence to give
us a living at our own terms. VVe
now see where we erred then. Still we
are far from our rightful position on
this question. I noticed a word in
print not long since that at first failed
to interest me, but as its friends gradu-
ally crowded it into notice, I found it
to be the simple, plain word “ Boom.”
Now I don’t like the word used in con-
nection with our work. It is a word
that has an almost world-wide reputa-
tion, and figures in nearly every busi-
ness, whether desirable or not; and it
has become one of the leading by-
words of the day. I rather question its
power to add new members or life to 21
Grange, or in any way to assist us in
gaining that enviable position that we
might reach by following our language,
which is full of expressive words. the
meaning of which should be better
understood by all.

Now we don't need any “booms.”
The Grange has a sure and solid found-
ation, and is steadily advancing to
occupy its rightful position, where its

earnest workers feel proud to see it.
it * -)(-

SPARTA GRANGE, No. 340.

Perhaps a word from us would be
acceptable. We do not claim much
surplus strength, but we are quite sure
we are alive. As an indication of our
activity and usefulness, will say that
we have taken and disposed of 48 tons
0f Day & Taylor's plaster this spring.

We take a lively interest in all im-
portant Grange movements, and fully
appreciate the magnitude of the
work before us,——the purification of
our State and National politics. I do
not see much good accruing from our
participating in the primary caucuses
of the old political parties, as they are
controlled by and run in the interests
of the worst political hacks in the
land; neither am I quite sure that an
independent movement would be ad-
visable at present as, there are so many

farmers outside the gates, whose in-

fluence would be as likely to be against
us as for us.

1 gm quite encouraged by the many
earnest epistles published in the VIsI-
1-on, but am not quite so enthusiastic
” the brother who remarked that “if

 

J. J. \V. would run for President next
fall, I verily believe he would be
elected.” Hoping for the best, I am,
Fraternally yours.
W. S. CLARK, Sec.

 

Whispers from Wheatland.

CHURCH CORNERS, April 7th, '80.
Dear Sir .-

Enclosed you will find * *
dues for quarter ending March 31st, '80.

In connection with the above, I want
to say that Wheatland Grange is _pros—
pering. VVe are having an influence
here in arousing the farmers to looking
after their own interest. VVe do not boast
of a large number, but we do boast a
little of having a few solid and firm
members.

I see in the VISITOR a request that
you be informed of the number of
Grange halls in this State, also the size
and cost. We have a hall, built in 1878.
The size is 24x54 feet, one story high,
14 feet between floor and ceiling; cost
about $500, furnishing about $100. We
think we have a nice o11e.

Since we have had a home of our
own, we have kept a small stock of
goods, and find it pays. We get twenty
percent better goods, and they cost
twenty per cent less money. ‘We buy
most of our goods of Geo. W. Hill 6:
C0,, Detroit, and are well pleased with
him.

I have bought of Day & Taylor, 52
tons of plaster this winter at a cost of
$78, and paid freight on same to the
amount of $104—the freight being about
one-quarter more than first cost of
plaster. Who gets the best pay for
their labor, those who manufacture
plaster, or the railroad monopolies.
Two to one in favor of the latter. Then
give us a farmer to represent us in
Congress who will make a move fora
cure. Congressman first, Governor
second.

I see in the VISITOR one writer says
fill all the offices with Grangers. I
think that is asking too much. All we
should ask is equal representation, and
equal rights with other classes, and I
believe that if we ask it and demand it,
the time is not far distant when we, as
farmers, will obtain it. But I would

for

-really like to see Bro. Woodman Gov-

ernor. Fraternally yours,

JAs. I'IUMPHREY, Sec. 273.

 

“ Bound to Live.”

ED(}E\VOOD, March 28th, 1880.
Bro. J. T. Oobb .-

I enclose $1.50 for three new sub-
scribers for the VIsITOR. More are
promised. which I will forward soon.
We cannot do without it.

Hamilton and Lafayette Grange, No.
529, is not dead yet, as ‘Reuben ’ asserts
in the Post&' Tribune, which he knows
to be untrue, for he has been to our hall
and got books from our library, and
saw us there. We have a hall and a
$452 library. We meet every Friday
night, and do something in the way of
business by bulking our orders. We say,
let our next Governor be a farmer; we
have plenty of them in the State capable
of holding ihe oflice. We should not be
contented with Governor alone. For
one, I shall vote for farmers wherever
put up, irrespective of party. Our
numbers are few, but we are alive, and
bound to live, notwithstanding “ Reu-
ben’s ” assertion in the Post & Tribune
to the contrary. GUY.

Flower and Vegetable Seeds.

STURGIS, March 24th, 1880.

Please publish in your next issue, for
the benefit 9f the Patrons of Michigan,
and others, that if they want flower
and vegetable seeds, or dry goods, or
anything they need, send to G. W.
Hill & Co. I have dealt with them,
to some extent, both in dry goods,
groceries, boots and shoes, and seeds.
I purchased $72.00, worth of onion
seeds of them, that would cost me
$94.00 at} catalogue prices, and the
same reduction in everything else. I
consider them perectly reliable in every
respect. Patrons, try them.

THOS. STURGIS.

Grand Ledge Grange Heard From.

Bro. J. T. Cobb .-
GRAND LEDGE, March 12, 1880.

Not seeing anything in the VISITOR
that would indicate that there was any
Grange in this place, I thought I
would just say that there is a Grange
established here. VVe havea nice hall of
our own, and are attending to our own
business. I am a reader of the VISITOR,
and in pursuing its pages in connection
with other publications, I find a prin-
ciple therein contained that would
actuate us to extend our labor as
Patrons, and make an effort to secure
to ourselves a voice in our State Gov-
ernment, by giving the nomination
for Governor to some reliable farmer.
I consider that a step in the right di-
rection, and while we are doing this
for ourselves, let us not forget to look
over our Legislature a little, and in-
stead of filling up our Legislative halls
with second ‘and third rate lawyers,
who know nothing of our wants and
care less, let us see to it, and place in
their stead some of those farmers who
are more competent to transact the
business, and who have wisdom
enough to know when they get
through. Ithink a change in this
direction highly necessary. And who
can make this change‘? Surely the
farmer, for we hold the balance of
power, and if we will, we can bring
it about.

I feel that we, as a class of individu-
als, have been trampled down by those
who are inferior to many who till the
soil, and Who gain a livelihood by the
sweat of their brow, as commanded by
their Creator.

Our Grange is striving to live up to
Grange principles. VVe ship our wool,
we deal in groceries, salt, and plaster.
and our Grievance Committee have
never been called upon to settle any
difficulty. We are taking in a few
members occasionally, and have the
best of feelings to all members of the
Order. CHAPLAIN.

Pa-tron or Pat-ron.

ATTICA GRANGE, No. 448, }
April 20th, 1880.
Bro. Cobb :

With reference to an article in the
VISITOR, first number for this month,
on the proprieties of speech, or correct
pronounciation of words appertaining
to the Grange, permit me to offer a
thought. Let us not be more strictthan
the lexicographers. I suppose it proper
to pronounce it Pa-tron, or Pat-ron, or
Patron-age. Learned men have been
somewhat whimsical in their pro-
nunciation, and not quite in agree-
ment. I admit, we, as a class, need
instruction; and are pleased with the
instruction offered us through the
GRANGE VISITOR. But, if you please,
don’t check us up too tight, when we
are doing our best. When we do use
improper words or phrases, then check
us, if you please,—at the same time
don’t be more particular than VVorces-
ter or Webster. OLD PIONEER.

Hudsonville Grange, No. 112.

 

HUDsoNvILLE, April 9th, ’80.
Bro. Jerome T. Cobb :

I thought best to write something
concerning our Grange. We are still
alive, though there is seldom anything
heard of us through the VISITOR. We
are suspending more members than we
are taking in—but those who remain
are not going to die yet. We are deter-
mined to continue our work, and do it
well, and overcome every difliculty that
threatens to oppose.

Our Master, Bro. H. E. Hudson, and
our Lecturer, Sister E. Green, are do-
ing all they can to make our meetings
interesting and instructive.

We are truly happy to hear of the
success of the Grange throughout the
State, and it is our desire to see every
farmer that is interested in his own
welfare within the gates of the Grange.

Long live the Grange!

Fraternally yours,
DELL BARNBAY,
Secretary.

I’l‘I-IE (iRA.\GE VISITOR.

Liberty Grange. No. 391.

Bro. J. T. Cobb .-

I have been a constant reader of the
VIsIT0R some four or five years, and
have never seen a word from Liberty
Grange, No. 391, though I have looked
for it many times,knowing that we have
both brothers and sisters iII our Grange
who are capable of writing on most any
subject, if they would only take the
time, and set themselves about it.

As for myself, this is new business
for me, and I do not feel capable of
writing even a few words, and like
SisteI' M A. J.. of Cedar Run, I prob-
ably shall write nothing but what has
been said before.

‘Va have not as large an attendance
as when we first organized April 16th,
1874, some have moved away, and
others have gone out for non-pay-
ment of dues; but those left are
good Patrons, and the kind that will
stick by us through thick and thin.
Some are coming back. and more
are sending in their names for admis-
sion. VVe have a home of our own,
which is mostly paid for. All seem
to be aroused and greatly encouraged.
Outsiders find we are not dead as many
prophesied we soon would be, and we
judged by their actions and conversa-
tion that they were willing to bury us
Hoping some of our brothers and
sisters who will read this will write
something Inore worthy of publication,

I subscribe myself,
A MEMBER or LIBERTY GRANGE.

Words of Cheer.

ROCHESTER, Vt.. April 8th, '80.
J. T. Cobb .-

Enclosed you will find 50 cents, with
which to renew my subscription to the
GRANGE VISITOR. Izwlsh to thank
you and the Patrons of Michigan for
the words of cheer and encouragement
which it hascontained during the year
that I have received it.

Although living in the Green Moun-
tain State, and never having seen a
Michigan Patron, yet I feel acquainted
with many of them, and my wife
thinks that she could readily recognize
some of your lady contributors.

Our noble Order has a stronghold in
Vermont, and although our numbers
have somewhat diminished during the
past three years, yet our war/sing mem-
bcrship is as strong to-day as at any
time in the past.

Several Pomona Granges have lately
been organized, and we feel much en-
couraged at the prospects of returning
prosperity.

At the last meeting of the State
Grange, arrangements were made for
holding a State Picnic during the sum-
mer, or early fall months. It is earn-
estly desired, and confidently expected,
that Worthy Master VVoodman, of
whom you are sojustly proud, will fa-
vor us with his presence at that time.

Fraternally yours,
A. MEssER.

 

Good News.

Brother J. T. Cobb .-

Last night I, with my wife, visit-ed
Hudsonville Grange, No. 112, and found
them in good working order. Last fall
they were in rather a stupid condition,
but at the present time they are lively
and cheerful.

I formerly belonged to that Grange,
but it has been some time since I have
had the pleasure of meeting with them,
until last evening; and it was gratify-
ing to see each one so ready to push
the work along, and that friendly shake
of the hand of those brothers and sis-
ters was certainly cheering.

I am at present a member of Wyom-
ing Grange, No. 353, which is in good
condition. LIBERTY T. BURSLEY.

Hudsonville, April 6th, 1880.

 

ARCADIA GRANGE, of Kalamazoo, is
very prosperous, and we understand
that new members are added at every
meeting. The series of social parties
which has been held at their hall the
season now closed were so popular and
so well attended that an urgent request
was made that they may be continued.
Only one more, however, will be given.
—Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph.

The Order in Georgia.

Brother Cobb .- V

Perhaps a short communication from
the grand old Empire State of the
South might be of some interest to
your many readers of the VISITOR. VVe
come with fraternal greeting to our
brothers and sisters of the great State of
Michigan, through the columns of
your paper; to them all over this broad
and beautiful land, whether in the
mansions of the rich, or in the hum-
ble cot; ours is a common interest
and a common danger, and one should
feel that he had a duty to perform in
our glorious Order, and commence
work with a determination to succeed,
let the time be what it may, in accom-
plishing the noble mission of our Order,
in raising the farmer to a level with
other callings. “'6 have the power in
ourown hands, if we would but wield
it in the right direction, and that direc-
tion is the way pointed out by the last
meeting of the National Grange, on
“American Agriculture.” “ Let us heed
the admonition, and escape the doom.”

The Order in Georgia is looking up,
and will soon take her stand with her
sister States.

The “new process” cotton factory is
our hope and pride, next to our noble
Order.

Willaconcliee Grange is hurdling her
wandering sheep into her fold again,-
returning to their first love. Let them
come, there is room for all.

W. B. MCDANIEL, -
Ass’t Steward Ga. State Grange.
Glen Julia, Fla.

Newaygo Co Grange, No. 11.

Bro. J. T. Cobb.-

'1‘he next regular meeting of Neway-
go County Grange will be held at Fre-
mont Grange hall on Tuesday and
Wednesday, the 25th and 26th of May
next, commencing on Tuesday, at 2
o'clock I‘. M.

The unfinished order of the Croton
meeting will be called first, and after-
wards the following special order, each
and every topic to be followed by a
general discussion :

“ How to Make the Grange Pay,”
Bro. T. H. Stuart. Croton Grange.

“ The Social Features of the Grange,”
Bro. Samuel Gibson, Ashland Grange.

“ Labor,” essay by Sister S. P. Barn-
hard, Hesperia Grange.

“The Good of the Order,” Bro. Sam-
uel E. Dicker, Croton Grange.

“ Homes and and Home Education,”
essay by Sister J. Mallery, Fremont
Grange.

“ Fruits, and the Kinds of Apples
best Adapted to our Locality,” Bro.
Theodore Taylor, Hesperia Grange.

“In what Manner can the Grange
best Promote and Advance the cause
of Temperance,” essay by Sister Wm.
Hillman, Ensley Grange.

“ Why Should Civil Government be
Taught in our Common Schools ? "
Bro. James O. Wilsie, Ashland Grange.

“Culture and Profits of Corn," Bro.
L. Reinold, Ashland Grange.

“Our Schools, and the Duty of Pa.-
rents in Regard to Them," essay by
Sister L. E. Wright. Croton Grange.

" The Profits of Sheep,” Bro. Samuel
Cox, Ashland Grange.

“The Grange for our Boys and Girls,”
Bro. W. C. Dancer, Croton Grange.

“ Beautify and Adorn the Farms and
the Country, as well as the City.” essay
by Sister l\IaryStuart, Fremont Grange.

“ The Frauds of Trade,” Bro. W. W.
Carter, Ashland Grange.

“ The Necessity for a Rotation of
the Crops,” Bro. M. W. Scott, Hespe-
ria Grange.

Chorister——Bro. J. B. Smith, Hespe-
ria Grange.

All fourth degree members are espec-
ially invited to attend.

MELVIN W‘. ScoTT,

Lecturer County Grange.

A Copy of the Visitor for Each Famllv.

BELL BRANCH, April 5th, 1880.
Editor Grange Visitor:

At a regular meeting of Redford
Grange, No. 367, held April 5th, the
Grange voted a copy of the GRANGE
VIsIToR to each family whose mem-
bers fully paid, making 24 copies, for
which please find enclosed $12; send
as follows: * * * * * *
Several are now taking the paper,‘ but
propose to distribute their extra copy
outside the gate.

Yours fraternally,
MRS. E. P. F. BRADNER,

Secretary.


 

 

 

 

  

 

THE GRANGE VISI'I‘()fEl..

7

THE SINGERS.
LONGFELLOW.

God sent his singers upon earth,

With songs of sadness and of mirth,
That they might touch the hearts of men,
And bring them back to heaven again.

The first, a youth, with soul of fire.

Held in his hand a golden lyre;

Through groves he wandered, and by streams,
Playing the music of our dreams.

The second, with a bearded face,
Stood singing in the market place,
And stirred, with accents deep and loud,
The hearts of all the listening crowd.

A gray old man, the third and last,
Sang in cathedrals, dim and vast,
While the majestic organ rolled
Contrition from its mouths of gold.

And those who heard the singers three,
Disputed who the best might be;

For still their music seemed to start
Discordant echoes in each heart.

But the great Master said, “1 see

No best in kind, but in degree;

I gave a various gift to each,

To charm, to strengthen, and to teach.

“ These are the three great cords of might,
And he whose ear is tuned aright
Will hear no discord in the three,
But the most perfect harmony.”

Training (hildren.

This is a subject of interest, as well
as of great importance, for on the prop-
er training of our children depends the
future welfare of our country.

We could wish this subject had been
assigned to some one more capable than
ourselves of treating it.

The training of a child commences
with its infancy. Regular habits,
proper diet, plenty of fresh air and ex-
ercise, will lay the foundation of a
healthy, then naturally follows——a hap-
py childhood.

A great many children who are
thought by some, fretful and peevish,
are not well, and they require more
tender and judicious management than
those who are strong and robust.

I have heard people remark of a fret-
ful baby, “ Oh, he just cries from ugli-
ness, and I am going to let him cry it

‘out! ” But I do not believe it, a child
never cries for nothing. If they are
restless and ci'y, they need soothing.

They are babies only a short time,
they soon grow t-oo large for mother’s
arms, so give them all the love and care
you can, and take comfort with them.

Obedience is one of the first and most
difficult things to teach a child. It re-
quires many alesson, and much patient
teaching, to impress this upon the mind
of the child. But nothing is more pleas-
ing than prompt, cheerful obedience,
and if not learned in youth, will cause
many a bitter heartache in after life,
for this is a lesson all must learn. There
are no people more disagreeable and
difficult to get along with than those
who have never submitted to proper
authority. A willful, disobedient child
will make a selfish, obstinate man.

A mother says: “A sorrowful and
frequent practice is that of removing
articles from the child's reach, instead
of teaching it to let them alone, and so
enable the child to learn a lesson in
self-control. If achild cannot be taught
self-control, or is not taught it, how, as
a youth, or as a. man, can he resist
temptations which, on every hand, be-
set his steps?” and further, if a child’s
will is never subject to an earthly pa-
rent, how seldom does it become so to
our Heavenly Parent!

Another important thing is to teach
them habits of industry. If they are
required to do certain tasks each day,
they form habits which will follow
them through life. In requiring any-
thing of a child. not command, but,
rather, ask them ; it gives them more
self respect, and they will do it more
cheerfully.

Be careful with whom your children
associate, take an interest in their little
mates, and make them welcome ,when,
they come to visit them. ‘

If 8. child acknowledges a fault, do
not censure it, for it requires a great-
deal of moral courage, even in a grown
person, to admit they even were in the
wrong-

seek the confidence of your children,

let them feel that no one is as in terested
in theirjoys and sorrows as you are. A
great many, children are driven rom
confiding in their parents by having
their advances met with coolness and
indifference. If you would have them
trustworthy, trust them. \Voul<l you
make them true. believe them. Noth-
ing will do a child more good than to
trust it with little secrets, it shows that
you have confidence in it, and can
rely on it.

It is of little Lise for the mother to
admonish her child to be patient and
gentle, and herself give way to impa-
tience and anger: or for the father to
advise his sons not to usetobacco, while
indulging in the practice himself. In
fact, what we would have our children
lie, we must be 0u1'selves——for it is
by example,  well as by precept, we
are to lead them toanoble manhood
and womanhood.

One thing more we would mention,
and that is, give your children plenty of
good reading matter. The children of
the present time are favored, indeed-
for never before was there such an ar-
ray of talent interested in children's
literature as now. Some of the best
writers of the age contribute to the
children’s magazines and papers. If
they are furnished with good reading,
they form a taste for it, and do not
fancy the light, trashy, kind.

The magazines and papers are too
numerous to mention, but among them
them we would speak of Scribner’s St.
Nicholas as prominent. Children who
are not old enough to read it, can enjoy
and appreciate having it read to them.

Let them have games and home
amusements, and they will not seek it
elsewhere. Let them have a happy
home; fill their lives as full of sunshine
as possible—all too soon come the cares
and clouds of life—tlien they will have
in after life, one bright spot to look
upon, a free joyous, happy childhood.
Mss. J. E. BAYLEY.

An Essay.

The following was read before Paris
Grange, February 7th, by a sister :

It is but a few weeks since I heard a
worthy brother say that he thought
the Grange was -not going to stay long,
or at most, it would not long remain
an institution of much power. It was
also his conviction that the day was
not far distant when Paris Grange
would be but a -small affair. Brothers
and sisters, is this so‘? Are we going
to let it be so ‘.7 It is a very easy thing
to do, if we only say so. Nothing
could be easier. For we all know that
unless there is a unity of effort, and
that in the right direction, there can
be no such thing as a successful Grange.
But I do not believe it is so, or ever
will be, that is, unless something else
takes its place.

Do you think that we have labored
so long and so faithfully to have a
home of our own, a place where we
can meet, and say and do as we
chose, and none can trespass, or
debar us from aught, so long as we
obey the laws of our country.—do you
think that these will,—now that the
battle is half fought,——give up in des-
pair, or like traitors go over to the side
of the enemy, neglect their duties, and
prove false to themselves, and all the
nobler motives which should guide
their actions?

I have always been proud to say that
I was a farmer’s daughter; but if the
Grange goes down, I shall be proud no
longer. I shall hang my head in
shame to be classed with a set of people
who cared for no advancement in life
beyond their own selfish aims for
wordly gain. For with the death of
the Grange dies all hope of any great
advancement among the farmers; and
if the farmers do allow the Grange to
go down, they will justly merit the
ridicule which they have suffered in
the past for their ignorance.

It is a. fact which history proves, and
which I think all will grant, that
wherever a people have remained at

home, plodding day after day in the

same old furrow, giving no heed to
what is going on around them, shutting
themselves up within tliem:-elves,
giving up to sordid motives-
that people have remained from one
generation to another without any
improvement, but even worse than
their ancestors.

I think it is a well established fact
that the Americans are a progressive
people. Statistics tell us that severi-
tenths of the Al1]el‘i(‘fl.Y1 people are
farmers, Now if these seven-tenths
are going to say that We can not support
the Grange, an institution that will cer
tainly, if properly conducted. result in
the practical education of every mem-
be-r~—does this look like progress in the
future?

Farmers, situated as they are, com-
paratively isolated from one another,
have not, or think they have not, the
advantages of the laboring classes in
our cities and villages. There, the
people, on account of their relations
to each other, can unite more easily in
societies for general improvement.
They establish libraries and reading
rooms, attend lectures, and places of
interest and amusement at their pleas-
ure. But there is no earthly reason
why farmers may not do the same to a
large extent. VVith united energies,
wonders may be accomplished.

\Ve know that we are often surround-
ed with the most trying circumstan-
ces; and trivial things that comes
to annoy us, seem to gain increased
power, until We are tempted to
falter on the way. VVe know that
sometimes there is so much for busy
hands to do, there are so many hard
duties devolving upon the tired fath-
er, it seems like asking too much to
require him to hitch up the horses, and
drive to the Grange. But when we
get there, we feel paid for the}; extra
exertion required. The meeting of sis-
ters and brothers whose hearts we
know are true, to whom we may look
for sympathy, the bright faces and
cheerful tones of friends‘ we have
learned to prize, enlivens and re-
freshes, and gives us strength for the
duties that follow on the morrow.

When we hear our grandmothers tell
of the work they used to do, of the
spinning and weaving of every thread
that composed their garments, when
they had no sewing or washing ma-
chines, to lighten their ceaseless toil;
how they had little or no time for
learning or improving the mind,
eitherthrough schools. Granges, or
home instruction, how can we help
thanking a loving Providence for the
many opportunities we enjoy? And,
sisters, can we not aflbrd to sacrifice
some of the elegancies of the toilet,
beyond that which is necessary for
taste or comfort, to the development of
a refined and cultivated mind? Let
us try to devote just as much time as
possible to reading and study. As soon
as practicable, let us have a Grange
library, filled with books for all. Let
us study and put into practice more of
the beautiful lessons of our manual;
and above all seek to cultivate within
ourselves a habit of close observation
of the beauties of field and forest. VVe
who are so supremely blest with the
most exquisite adornments of na.ture’s
handiwork, as seen in her flowery
fields, her sighing forests, and babbling
brooks, often grow careless and indif-
ferent through familiarity with such
surroundings. Let this not be so, for we
shall find in nature every lesson we
need to learn. Lessons of charity, of
love to all mankind, of truth, purity,
and goodness of heart.

May the new home we now occupy
become to us a place second to none
but our own loved homes—a place

where our deepest, purest thoughts
find utterance. And may the lessons
we here learn be such as shall help us
{.0 live better, purer, nobler, and truer
ives.

ECONOMICAL. —Young wife (shop-
ping)—" I’m giving a small dinner to-
morrow, and I shall want some lamb.”
Butcher—Yes’m, fore quarter 0’ lamb,
lm ?” Young wife-—"I think three-
quarters will be enoughl”

Watson Grange, No. 154.

Bro. J. T. Cobb .-

Having never seen anything in the
VISITOR from VVatson Grange, I
will endeavor to write a few lines con-
cerning it, and let those who read the
Vrsrroa know that there is such a
Grange, and that the majority. of its
members are alive and wide-awake;
although backward about writing and
letting others know what they have
done and are doing.

Our Grange was organized December
12, l8T3. VVe have lost several from
dimils and suspciisions, but we still
number upwards of one hundred and
fifty. Last year we received seventeen
new ll16l1]i)el'S,‘dI]d this year have re-
ceived thirteen, and still new applica-
tions at nearly every meeting. We
hold our meetings once in two weeks,
so we have plenty of work to do each
meeting, balloting for and initiating
candidates, besides going through with
the general routine of business,and list-
ening to the usual amount of talking
done by members of the
Grange, most of which is very interest-
ing. I will close now, hoping that
some other brother or sister may take
courage from my feeble effort and write
something better. SUKIE.

various

The Old-Fashioned Girl.

She flourished thirty or forty years
ago. She was a little girl until she was
fifteen. She used to help her mother
to wash the dishes and keep the kitch-
en tidy, and she had an ambition to
make pies _so nicely that papa could not
tell the diti'ei'ence between them and
mamma’s. And yet she could fry grid-
dle-cakes at ten years of age, and darn
her own stockings before she was
twelve, to say nothing of knitting them
herself.

She had her hours ofplay, and enjoy-
ed herself to the fullest extent. She
had no very costly toys to be sure, but
her rag doll and little bureau and chair
that Uncle Tom made were just as
valuable to her as the $20 wax doll and
elegant doll furniture the children have
nowadays.

She never said “I can’t," and “ I
don’t want to,” to her mother, when
asked to leave her play and run up
stairs or down on an errand, because
she had not been brought up in that
way. Obedience was a cardinal virtue
in the little old fashioned girl.

She rose in the morning when she
was called, and went out into the gar-
den and saw the dew on the grass, and
if she lived in the country she fed the
chickens and hunted up the eggs for
breakfast.

We do not suppose that she had her
hair in papers or crimping - pins, or
had it “ banged ” over her forehead,
and her flounces were no trouble to her.

She learned to sew by making patch-
work, aiid we dare say she could do an
" over and over” seam as well as nine-
tenths of the grown-up women now-a-
days.

The old fashioned little girl did not
grow into a young ladv, and talk about
beaux, before she was in her teens, and
she did not read 'dinie novels, and was
not fancylng a hero in every plow-boy
she met.

She learned the solid accomplish-
ments as she grew up. She was taught
the arts of cooking and housekeeping.
VVhen she got a husband, she knew
how to cook him adinner. She was
not learned in French verbs and Latin
declensions, and her near neighbors
were spared the agony of hearing her
pound out " The Muiden’s Prayer” and
“ Silver Threads Among the Gold”
twenty times 2. day on the piano, but
we have no doubt she made her family
quite as comfortable as the modern
young lady does here. It may be a vul-
gar assertion, and we suppose that we
are not exactly up with the times, but
we honestly believe, and our own opin-
ion is based on considerable experience,
and no small opportunity for observa-
tion, that when it comes to keeping a
family happy, 9. good cook and house -
keeper is to be greatly preferred above
an accomplished scholar. When both
sets of qualities are found together, as
they sometimes are, then is the house-
hold over which such a woman has
control blessed.

The old-fashioned girl.was modest in
her demeanor, and she never talked
slang or used by-words. She did not
laugh at old people or make fun of
cripples, as we saw some modern little
girls doing the other day. She had re-
spect for elders, and was not above list-
ening to counsel from those older than
herself.

She did not think she knew as much
as her mother, and that her judgment
was as good as her grandmother's.

She did not go to parties by the time
she was ten,and stay till after midnight,
playing euchre, and dancing with any
chance young man who happened to be
present.

She went to bed in good season, and
doubtless said her prayers before she
went, and slept the sleep of innocence,

and rose in the morning happy and
capable of giving happiness.

And ifthere be an old fashioned lit-
tle girl in the world to-day,may heaven
bless her and keep her, and raise up
others like her.—N, Y. Examiner.

The Slangy Girl Not a Lady.

llothers of the old school look regret-
fully upon the questionable manners of
the rising generation, for the sang/froid
of the girl of the period stands out in
unpleasant contrast with the modest
suavity of our grandmothers. Notwith-
standing the painstaking attention giv-
en to deportinent in public and private
schools, the girl of gentle manners, un-
marred by ill—breeding and rudeness, is
the exception, and these faults are even
more prevalent among the liighborn,
than the lowly. At school, the girl who
has the largest amount of slang can
laugh the loudest, and has the least
respect for either rules or propriety, is
the most popular, and is courted as the
boon companion and the jolly spirit.
Most girls like to be favorites; the
slat-igy schoolmate is imitated, and a
pert. uncouth style is thus developed,
to mar tliroiigh life a beautiful picture.
Finishing schools, and intercourse with
refined people, will in a measure, tone
down the coarseness, but it will be ex-
hibited sometimes, and upon occasions
that produce the greatest chagrin.

l<‘oreigne-rs claim that what they term
the s«»lf- reliance and impudence of
American girls come from the wide lib-
erty given them to appearing in public.
Native gentleness and modesty are
worn off by a constant contact with the
rough edges of humanity. American
girls abroad have certainly been severe-
ly criticised for bad manners, and not
altogether unjustly; but the overbear-
ing snobbisliness exhibited toward us
in return, as if we were a race of Indi-
ans, partly palliates the ofl'ense. It is
better for us, in our cultivation of po-
liteness, to study the manners and cus-
toms of our own country, than to ape
foreign airs, and cater to foreign tastes.
American girls would place themselves
above all criticism, if they would but
study dignity of bearing, and mild,
lady—like ways. Music and the fine
arts are elevating, but French spoken
with the shrill, harsh voice of an apple-
vender. and a request for music an-
swercd with slang, force the bearer to
the belief that the accomplishments
have been cultivated to the neglect of
good breeding.

Another main constitutent of the
makeup of a real gentlewoman, is an
even temper. Tempers come by nature;
but they can be controlled, likea fine
piano. It requires work, but it can be
done by careful, judicious, self-training.
Some one says that a hot temper will
make rnoi'e havoc in a household than
a kerosene explosion. But a sweet,
well governed temper, and the ability
to overlook mishaps without a storm of
words, is like a delightful perfume, re-
freshing and pervading the whole
house.

VVhat better time to resolve to try the
experiment of wearing the graces of
a gentle womanhood‘? Drop slang,
study refinement and polite bearing;
and above all set a close watch on your
temper. At the end of the year, you
will be amazed at the compliments you
receive for being a perfect gentlewom-
an, and at the good influence you have
exerted upon others.—Land and Home.

.0ld Virginia Alive.

On every hand is to be heard “boom.”
For some months during the past year
there was quiet all along the Grange
lines, and it was thought that this indi-
cated DEATH or DISORGANIZATION, but
now it is seen that there is life in the
grand army of Patrons of Virginia
still. From all sections the good tid-
ings come that, with the budding of
the trees, and the blooming of the flow-
ers, which, to all appearance, were
:dead or lifeless a few months ago, so
those Granges which had retired into
“winter quarters,” and rested from
their labors for a season, are again mar-
shaling their hosts and preparing for
active work in the field.

Those that were quietly “sleeping”
have waked up refreshed and prepared
for work. Those that stood on guard
and were watchful during the halt in
the progress of advancement, have lost
none of their ardor and enthusiasm,
but are greatly encouraged and stimu-
lated to still more active work. while
some of those who were “dead and
buried.” and whose funeral had been
preached, have bursted asunder the
bands of death, and experienced a most
glorious resurrection.

The Virginia Granger takes up this
“Grange boom,” and heralds it through-
out the length and breadth of the coun-
try, and it will gladden the hearts of
good Patrons everywhere, from Maine
to Texas, from the Atlantic to the Pa-
cific, to know that in the grand old
Common wealth, “ the mother of States
and statesmen,” there is renewed man-
ifestations of interest in the grand pur-
poses of the Order, a spirit of a revival
awakened, the tents all have been
struck, and the onward march of the
brave band begun, and they will press

blows of “ Woodman’s ” axe shall be
he-ard clearing away the obstacles which
stand in the way of progress.

Subscribe for the Granger and you
will hear all about it-—and many other

things besides.— Virginia G’-ranger.

forward so long as the reverberating _


 

8

 

THE GRANGE VISITOR.

A FRENCH paper says that by thor-
oughly stirring Portland cement, or
good hydraulic lime, into a warm solu-
of glue, so as to make a thick paste, you
have an excellent cement for font walks
and for all purposes which require ex-
posure to the weather or dampness Ap-
p_Iy immediately after the required con-
sistency is attained. It will harden in
three or four days.

WE are pleased to sea THE Aonic1:rLrUaAL
WORLD, published by F. M. Carroll Ac C0,,
Grand Rapids, Mich., rapidly taking a position
as one of the leading Agricultural publications
in the State. The series of articles now running
entitled “F.irmers’ Relation to Law,” being an
exhaustive treatise of the law of highways,
titles, fences, drainage, estrays. patent-rights,
etc., etc,, are well worth five times the subscrip-
tion price of the paper. Every farmer in the
State should read these articles. The duties
of township officers are clearly pointed out, and
all law questions relating to Agricultural pur-
suits fully explained.

The publishers will send to trial subscribers
during the month of May as follows : three
months for 25 cents; or in clubs of five or more
20 cents each.

TIIE REAPER. DEATH.

DONALDSON.~-Died, at her residence, in
the town of Pontiac, Oakland Co.. March 27th,
1880, after a protracted illness, EMMA, wife of
Rev. Ira W. Donaldson, in the 43th year of her
acre.

UWEEREAS, It has pleased our Heavenly
Father to remove by death our beloved sister
from our midst. We bow in submission to the
Divine will, feeling that He doeth all things
well ; therefore, ,

Resolved, That while we thus recognize the
just hand of a loving Father, we must also ex-
press our sincere sorrow in losing a very wor-
thy member of our Order, and a true friend to
the cause of humanity

Resolved, That we unite in giving our sym-
pathy us a Grange to our brother, the family,
and friends ihat mourn her loss.

Reial-oed, That these resolutions be entered
upon th records of this Grange, :1 copy pre-
sented to the family of the deceased, and also
published in the GRANGE VISITOR.

Resolved. That our charter be draped in
mourning for sixty days.

Mas. T. H. POWER,

T. H. POWER,

W. F. KELLY,
Pontiac Grange. N0. 283. Committee.

SMI'I‘H.— WHEREAS. It has pleased an All-
wise Providence to remove, by the relentless
hand of death. our highly esteemed and greatly
beloved brother. BENJAMIN H. SMITH, a charter
member of Girard Grange, No. 136, of the Or-
der of the P. of H.; therefore, be it

Resolved. That while we bow with reverence
to the decree of God's immutable law, we deep-
ly mourn, with sorrowing hearts, our sad loss
and bereavement.

Resolved, That, in the death of our brother,
we have lost one of our most worthy members,
the community an honest and valuable citizen,
and the family a kind and afiectionate husband
and father, son and brother ; ‘and that we, as a
Grange. deeply sympathize with his wife and
children in this, their deep affliction, and would
also extend to them that sympathy and consola-
tion which warm hearts can give, who feel that
their sorrow is our sorrow, that their loss is our
loss, and above all. we would commend them to
Him whose tender mercies are over all His
works. And as a mark or respect for our de-
ceased brother, who has been our chosen chor-
ister since the organization of our Grange, our
hall shall be draped in mourning for the period
of sixtv days. _

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be
spread upon the records of the Grange, that
copies be furnished the bereaved companion
and aged mother, who survive him: and that
they be published in the GRANGE; Visiron and
Coldwater papers. LINA Hnnsorf. .

IRA L. NYE,

Goo. A. RUssELL,

EvA PADDOCK,
Committee.

LOOMIS.—Died. at her residence in Green-
bush, Clinton Co., 1‘./[ich., April 11th, 1880, after
an illness of some weeks, Sister ELIZABETH
LOOMIS, in the 40th year of her age. She was
a charter member of Keystone Grunge. No. 226.
A husband and three children are left to mourn
the loss of a faithful wife and a tender mother,
together with a. large circle of friends.

Resolved, That we, as a Grange, deeply sym-
pathize with the mourning family.

Reeoloed. That our charter and altar be
draped in mourning for sixty days. _ - 1

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be
put upon the Grange record, a. copy be present-
ed to the bereaved family. a copy be sent to the
GRANGE Visiroa, and to the County papers for
publication. Mas. EMMA L. BEEBE,

Mas. LUNA BENNETT,
Mas. ELIZABETH S. ADAMS,
Committee.

BARNARD. —— At a meeting of Portland
Grange, No. 174, the following resolutions were
adr-pted .

WHEREAS, It has pleased our Heavenly
Father to remove from our midst our beloved
brother, Dr. J. M. Barnard, who died March
4th. 1880 ; therefore, be it

Resolved, That, as laborers in the great cause
of Humanity, we have lost a co-worker, a char-
ter member, and a lover of our Order; there-
fore. be it

R-solved, That we svmpathize with the
widow, and children, and friends of our deceased
brother in this, their sad bereavement, and
commend them to that God who is too wise to
en-, and too good to do wrong ; therefore, .

Resolved That our charter be draped in
mourning for a. period of sixty days, and that
the foregoing resolutions be spread on the rec-
ords of our Grange, and a copy be offered the
Portland Observer and the GRANGE Vrsron for
publication. and a copy be sent to the family of
our deceased brother. B. J‘ BEEBE’
Mus. F. F. PIEREE,
Mas. J. W. BROOKS,

Committee.

wA'1‘TS.—Died at her home, at North Lake,
wuhgenaw County, March 9th, 1_880, Emily,
‘fig of Pa. enius Watts. Her illness was

brief. her departure sudden. She was a

devoted member of the Grange, and possessed

a very kind and loving spirit. Her vii tues will

ltong be remembered, and are worthy of imita-
1011

Resolved, That we, as a Grange, do most
earnestly sympathize with the afllicted family.

Resolved, That while it has pleased God to
call our dear sister from earth to heaven, we
bow in submission to the divine will, knowing
that he doeth all things well.

Resolved, That the foregoing be published in
the GRANGE Visi-ron. and acony sent to the
family of the deceased. ‘

, EMILY J. WHALIAN,
RICHARD S. WHALIAN,
Committee.

GARDNER.—Died, at his residence in Scipio,
Hillsdale County, Mich., GEORGE GARDNER, in
the 72d year of his age. At a regular meeting
of Litchtield Grange, No. 107, held March 13th,
the following preamble and resolutions were
adopted:

Again an alarm at the gate, and the messen-
ger, Death, has entered our Grange, for the
third time since its organization. and summon-
ed our worthy brother, GEORGE GARDNER. and

WHEREAS, In his death, Sister Gardner has
lost a worthy companion, the Order a devoted
member, and the community a true and reliable
citizen ; therefore, be it

Resolved. That while we bow in obedience to
the behests of that Being, whose ways are in-
scrutable, and who doeth all things well, that
we. the members of this Grange, will cherish
his memory and extend to our worthy sister
and family our sincere sympathy in their sad
afliiction.

Resolved, That our Charter be draped in
mourning for thirty days.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be
sent to the family of the deceased brother, and
to the GRANGE VISITOR for publication.

' HARRY GRISWOLD,
WM. MCDOUOAL,

Committee.
VOLNEY TAYLOR,

The H. L. 0. Leather Dressing.
MIDDLEBUSH, N. J., May 23d, ’79.

The can of L. D. came safely to hand.
and we have given it a thorough test
here on my farm. It is certainly all
that you claim for it.

I remain, yours fraternally,
l\IOR’1‘I1\IER VVHITEHEAD.

PLAINVIEW, Wabash Co., Minn.,

July 16th,1879.
A. D. STRONG. Esq.:

Dear S£r.—’l‘lie H. L. C. Dressing
obtained from you was tiiorouglily ap-
plied to my single and double harness,
over six months ago, and 1 have used
it on boots and shoes, and I wish to say
I am delighted with it. It makes stiff
leathersoft and pliable. Nothing fries
but and gums the surlhce. as with oils
and grease, when used in the hot sun.
On the contrary, the leather is very
pliable and has a smooth, bright sur-
face. Ibelieve it the best article any
can use on hariiess, boots and shoes, for
hot or cold, wet or dry, weather. I
never used anything I liked so well,
and from personal acquaintance and

business with you. I believe all who
give you their confidence will be lion-
orably treated and always satisfied.
Yours truly,
T. A. THOMPSON.

VVrite to G. VV. Hill &, Co., or any
other Grange Agent for general Cir-
cular, and price to Granges.

The Husbandman.

SIXTI—I YEAR.

REDUCED PRICE 1

$1. $1.

The HUEBANDMAN has been widely recognized
as standing in the front rank of agricultural
journalism. While treating fully all questions
embraced in

PRACTICAL AGRICULTURE,
it discusses with fearless ability the economic
problems that affect all productive industries.
It strives earnestly to incite thought, broaden
conception and increase understanding of the
wrongs through which agriculture has suffered,
especially the
UNJUST TAXATION

fastened upon it. and the hurtful discrimina-
tions by which its products are- ciieapened be-
low the cost of the labor employed in their
production.

It would stimulate self- respect among farm-
ers through well-applied thought, fitting them
to represent their industry in the halls of leg-
islation as a vital necessity to national pros-

A ‘Y'E AR.

perity.

All the well-known features of the HUsBAND-
MAN will be maintained, including full reports
of the famous

ELMIRA l‘ARllll‘.RS CLUB DISCUSSIONS,

and from time to time editorial letters of travel
and observations abroad.

ITS LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS
will embrace many writers whose work has al-
ready added largely to the interest and value of
its columns.

It will present complete reports of NEW
YORK and PHILADELPHIA MARKETS.

A FREE COPY will be sent to any person
who forwards in one order the names and ad-
dresses of ten subscribers, new or old, with ten
dollars in payment there for.

Remittances may be made by draft on New
York, Postoflice money order, or in currency.
Checks on country banks involving expense in
collection must have ten cents added to meet
such cost,

Drafts, Postofiice money-Order and checks
should be made payable and all letters ad-

dressed to '
HUSBANDMAN,
ELMIBA, N. Y.
Sample copies free on application.

PLEASE OBSERVE

———THA'[' OUR———

Price List, No. 27, for Spring and Summer, 1880,

IS NOW

READ'Y.

It is embellished with over 1,200 illustrations, and con-
tains prices, with descriptions, of Over 10,000 articles, useful

and ornamental. such as

DRY GOODS. NOTIONS. CLOTHING, BOOTS,
SHOES. SADDLES. HARNESS. CROCKERY,
CLOCKS. WATCHES & JEWELRY. GROCERIES,
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. ETC., ETC.,

All of which we offer, to the consumer only, at Wholesale

Prices, in any quantities to suit the requirements of the pur-

chaser. The only house in America who make this their spec-

ial and exclusive business.

Price Lists, Order Blanks, and

Samples of Piece Goods, SENT FREE to any address upon

application.

We are the Pioneers of this plan Of dealing di-

rectly with the Consumer, HAVING ORIGINATED the sys-

MONTGOMERY WARD & 00.,
227 & 229 VVabash Av., Chicago.

REFERENcE—The First National Bank, Chicago.

tem in 1872.

BEES FOR SALE.

ITALIANS, WITH QUEENS, FROM IM-
PORTED MOTHER. WRITE FOR PRICES.

0. B. RANNEY,

881:3 Kalamazoo. Mich.

APPLE TREES !

FIVE TO SIX FEET.

LEADING VARIETIES,
DELIVERED AT R. R. FREE,

[Boxing I£xtx'a.,]

At $60 Per 1000,

i§§"CASH WITH ORDER. $15
A. C. GLEDDEN,

Paw Paw. Mich.

TI-IE1

AGRICULTURAL WORLD,

A HANDSOME
SIXTEEN PAGE
ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY.

SEND FOR SAMPLE COPY.

IT IS THE ONLY ILLUSTRATED AGRI-
CULTURAL PAPER IN THE STATE.

The Agricultural World market reports are
fuller and more reliable than can be found in
any paper published in VVestern Michigan. A
reporter is employed who gives this department
his whole time, and the World's market reports
can be relied upon as correct.

The Household Department is in the hands
of a practical housekeeper, and is carefully and
ably conducted.

Many of the ablest farmers and writers‘ of
Western Michigan are regular contributors to
the World, and these practical, everyday let-

ters are alone worth more than the subscription '

price of the paper. The Grange interests and
Grange news form a special feature, and are at
all times fully represented. It contains all the
late home and general news, and well-selected
fireside and miscellaneous reading. It is, in
short, a complete Farm Paper, and should find
its went into every family. Subscription price,
$1.00 per year. Address,
F. M. CARROLL it CO.,

25 CANAL S'1‘BEET,‘T— GRAND RAPiDs. MIC

HEADQUARTERS FOR LAND PLASTER

DAY & TAYLOR.

Grandville, Mich

Are prepared to furnish LAND PLASTER,
fresh ground, at contrrct prices, made
with the Executive Committee
of the State Grange.

A large stock on hand of pure, finely-ground
LAND PLASTER,

Send us your Orders direct.

janl—ly DAY '& TAYLOR.

Wool - Growers’ Bulletin,

-——-THE ONLY:
WOOL-GROWERS’

PUBLISHED IN AMERICA.
Gives all the Wool News and Latest Markets,

FOR 50c. A YEAR.

Address,
WOOL-GROWERS’ EXCHANGE,
STEUBENVILLE, Omo.

Fllllllll SEEDS AND PLANTS.

It is now nearly time to use FLOWER and
VEGETABLE SEEDS, also to get BUDDING
PLANTS and HOUSE PLANTS.

Send in your Orders, and get the usual LOW
RATES given to Bro. and Sister Patrons.

Send for anything in my line, and I will
furnish it to you, or inform you where to get
it Fraternally,

C. L. WHITNEY.
Muskegon, Mich.

PAPER

March 15, 1880.

SAVE MONEY

BY PATRONIZING YOUR OWN

STATE
BUSINESS
AGENCY.

I AM PREPARED TO SELL YOU A
Single SEWING MACHINE

__A’]_‘ __

WHOLESALE RATES !

THE STANDARD SINGER,
one EXCELSIGR. Or
was IMPRCVED warmer
STYLE} OF FINISH.
No. 1 $16, No. 2 $1fi,Nn_ 3$17, No.4 $18.
MACHINES FULLY WARRANTED,
—-AND— I
SENT ON I0 DAYS’ TRIAL,

IF REQUESTED.

gma

i£§”ORDER DIRECT OF

THOMAS MASON,

Pafrons ’ (lammiksion Mere/Ian 2‘,
C H I C A G O I L L .

A. VAN DENBERG,

MANUFACTURER,

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN

Harnass, Whips, Blankets, Trunks, &c.,

92 Monroe
GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.

Street.

I take pleasure in presenting to your favor-
able consideration my CASH Price List of
Harness WOrk—HAND MADE. ALL of my
own manufacture-and also to return thanks
for the liberal patronage I have received from
the different Granges throughout Michigan. I
shall do in the future as in the past, furnish the
best goods for the least money.

Farm Harness, White Trimmed, Breech-

ing; Round Lines. Snaps, Rum Straps,

and spread rings, complete, . . . . . . . . . . .3529 00
The same without breeching,.. . .

“ “ with Flat Lines, ... .. .

ll H to H Al Withou bl-e

   

ing, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$25
Double light Buggy Harness, white trim-

med, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .from $25 to 30
The same Nickel Trimmed, from $35 to 50
Single Buggy Harness. with Round lines,

white trimmed, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Same with Flat Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 00
Nickel Trimmed.. .315, $16, $18, $20 and 25
Flat Lines, with Snaps, .. . . . . . . 2 50

   
    
   
 

Round Lines, with Snaps. . 4 00
Hame Straps, per doz.,. . . . . . . . . 1 20
Headstalls, Blinds, Road Checks,.. 4 25
Collars, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 25

Five-Ring Halters, . . . . . . . . . .
Breast Straps, with snap, . . . . .
Martingale, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ALL ORDERS RECEIVED UNDER SEAL

OF THE GRANGE

Will be shipped at once, and may be returned
at my expense if not entirely satisfactory.

GILEAD, Mich., Sept. 2d, 1878.

I have ordered several setts of Harness of A.
Vandenberg, of Grand Rapids, in the last two
years, and have recently seen nearly all of the
purchasers, and find that the work has given
good satisfaction.

(Sigiied,) C. G. LUCE.

Address all orders to

Yours very Respectfully,
A. VANDENBERG,

992 MONROE S'l‘., GRAND RAPIDS.
85- 7

READY-MIXED PAINT

—AND——

PARIS G REEN,
FIFTY PER CENT SAVED.

PATRONS’ PAINT WORKS

FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF

/NGEITSOLL ’8 Ready Mixed P/l//V 78

THE BEST AND CHEAPEST
PAINTS IN THE WORLD.

Paris Green and Brushes of all Kinds.

Freight paid on Paint and Paris Green to all
PM“ 01 the country. So it makes no differ-
e”99 “Vb?” you 1W9. you get goods at the same
price as if you were at the Factory.

0111‘ book. “ How EVEEY ONE CAN PAINT ”
with 20 Brilliant Colors, Brushes, Etc., ’
Illustrated, mailed free upon
application to

PATRONS’ PAINT WORKS,
Send for our Book. 162 SOUTH S'l‘., N. Y.

GEO. W. HILL & C0,,

80 Woodbridge St., - - Detroit,

Are now prepared to handle

Wlzeal, Oats and 007%,

IN CAR LOTS.

Having plenty of storage room we can also
handle

APPLE S.
BEANS.
CHEESE,

POTATOES,
B UTTER,
EGGS,

and in fact anything and everything that a
farmer has to sell,

01: as Favorable Terms as any
House in the City.

We also PURCHASE ALL KINDS OF

GOODS for STORES, CLUBS and Families

At the Lowest Wholesale Price.

3%“: f7'misi_(/mnents and Orders Solicited.
]yl2-no70tf.

'1'. .7. STRONG,
Monterey, Allegan 00., Mich-.

Breeder and Shipper of Pure -

Improved Chester Whites

Bred from the Noted Hcrd of S. H.
TODD, of Wakcman, Ohio.
§'Correspondence Solic ted.

-roo LATE

It soon will be. The rise of more than half in
the price of Iron is more than we can stand.
For a very slim"! time only we will receive or-
ders at old prices, viz.: 5 Ton Wagon Scales,
$50. All iron and Steel. Sold on trial—
freight paid by—-no morey asked till tested and
found si-.tisfactoi~y. All sizes. '
JONES OF BIN(GHAMP'I‘('lN,

Binghamptoii, N, Y.

Paw Paw, Mich., May 18th, 1878.
JONES, or BINGHAMTON:

My Scales give entire satisfaction. I have
subjected it to the most severe tests, and find it
not only correct in weighing large or small
amounts, but perfectly reliable.

Yours, Fraternally,
[Signed]

J. J. WOODMAN.
PRICE LIST of SUPPLIES
Kept in the office ofthe Secretary of the
MICHIGAN s 1' A 'r E GRANGE,
And sent out Port Paid, an Receipt of Car/I. Or-
der, over the seal of a Subordinate Grange,

and the signature of its Jtlaster or Secretary.

   

 

Porcelain Ballot Marbles, per hundred... . 60
Blank Book, ledger ruled, for Secretary to
keep accounts with members, . . . . . . . . .. 1 00
Blank Record, Books, (Express paid), . . . . _ I 00
Order Book, containing 100 Orders on the
Treasurer, with stub, well bound, . . . . . . 50
Receipt Book, containing 100 Receipts
from Treasurer to Secretary, with stub,
well bound, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Blank Receipts for dues, per 100, bOund,. . 50
Applications for Membership, per 100,... . 50
Membership Cards, per 100, . . . . . . . . . . 50
Withdrawal Cards, per 1102., . . . 25
Dimits, in envelopes. per doz., . . . . . . . . . . . 25
By-Laws of the State Grange, single
copies 6c, per doz., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
New kind of Singing Books, with music,
Single copy 15 cts. per doz., . . . . . . . . . . . .' 1 80
Rituals. single copy, . . . . . .. 15
“ per doz., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 50
Blank “Articles of Association” for the
Incorporation of Subordinate Grange:
with Copy of Charter, all complete,. . . . . 10
Patton's Pocket Companion, by J . A. Cra-
mer, Cloth, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Notice to Delinquent Members, per 100. . . 40

Declaration of Purposes, per doz, 5c.;
per lmndred, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Address, J. 'I‘. COBB.
SEO’-Y Mien. STATE GRANGE,
SCHOOLCRAFT, MICE.