Mr. Philbrick asked if the ear analyzed like meal.

Prof. Whitcher: Probably the sugar would be changed.

Mr. Cheever asked if the Sanford corn which he used was properly a sweet corn. He thought the name was applicable to

the varieties with a shriveled kernel.

Prof. Whitcher gave tables to show the comparative values of the two kinds, and showed that while the Sanford made butter on a basis of nineteen and one half cents a pound, the large southern made it cost twenty-two cents. Feeding grains with the large kinds, sufficient to bring the product up to the standard of the Sanford, made the butter cost thirty cents a pound. Whatever Prof. Stewart and Mr. Hazen might say of it, he had decided to make a thorough trial of whole ensilage, as the average farmer does not always own the power and cutter necessary, neither can he wait as he does for the threshing machine, for the reason that the silo must be filled before frost and in season to re-seed the corn land to grass. The laboratory sustained him so far as freedom from acid was concerned. He would caution farmers, however, against putting in the "fishing-pole" variety. Farmers would pay five cents for husking, and carry to mill, pay for grinding, and then return the meal to the identical fodder when feeding. They could take off the best ears and grind if they chose, but he believed it the better practice to put both stalk and ear in the silo together.

Mr. Tallant asked in what condition the ears came out. Prof. Whitcher: Very much like boiled corn in appearance. At this point the discussion was brought to a close, and after a vote of thanks to those who had contributed to the exercises, the institute was formally closed.

In reporting the discussions of this and other institutes of the winter, we here acknowledge assistance from the reports of Mr. J. L. Gerrish, of Webster, as published in the "People and Patriot," and from which we have appropriated some abstracts for our report.

BELKNAP COUNTY.

TILTON.

The first institute of the series in Belknap county was held at Tilton, Monday evening, January 23, with a fair-sized audience in attendance. Mr. G. S. Philbrick, of Tilton, member of the Board from Belknap county, presided, and after brief opening remarks introduced Hon. Joseph B. Walker, of Concord, as the first speaker. Mr. Walker's subject was "Agricultural Improvements within the Past Thirty Years," and he commenced by referring to the system of farming practiced at the beginning of the period. Some of the most important improvements have been made in farm machinery, making all kinds of farm work easier and more rapidly accomplished. Great improvements have been made in the facilities for supplying fertilizing material for the soil, and decided improvements in the stock by which the farmer converts forage and grain crops into a marketable product. He then spoke of the increase and improvement in the agricultural literature, and of the advantages derived from the various agricultural organizations which have come into existence during the time. Still greater results are expected of these in the future by harmonious action. Notwithstanding all these, the elevation of the agriculture of our own State depends upon individual action and effort utilizing the various means of advancement offered. Prof. G. H. Whitcher, of the Agricultural College, followed upon the subject of fertilizers, and in his usual interesting manner explained the needs of the various plants, and some of the sources from which fertilizing material is obtained. His lecture was substantially the same as printed in this report. The secretary followed with general remarks upon the work of the Board. Chairman Philbrick urged the necessity of more thought and experiments by the individual farmer for the greatest success in any branch of agriculture, after which the institute was closed.

SANBORNTON.

The house known as the Bay meeting-house in Sanbornton was reached the following day, in the severest storm of the season. The audience assembled was apparently much interested in the subjects presented, and it was a cause of deep regret to all that the day was so unfavorable. Mr. Philbrick, in calling the afternoon session to order, made a half hour's talk upon experiments upon the farm. The speaker stated that more experiments are being carried out each year by individual farmers, and that this was the only way many important facts can be determined. Farmers should know how much it costs to produce a quart of milk, a pound of beef, or a bushel of corn under various conditions of feed and soil. At the present time all farming is in a measure experimental. Farming must now be run as a business as well as an occupation. Instead of figuring, we have been having too much guesswork and habit. Every day brings inquiry to the minds of thinking and intelligent farmers. There were questions now arising in his farm rotation. He had been obliged to give up grain raising, and some other things which his father used to do, on account of the high price of labor. Whether to try to stock his ground down to grass with either oats or Hungarian grass, or to sow directly to grass without either, directly following his ensilage corn, was an unanswered question in his mind. He was glad that we were to have an experiment station.

J. L. Gerrish, of Webster, followed, upon fruit culture; preferred native trees, budded or grafted, to those obtained of agents. Mr. Gerrish gave the various methods of budding and grafting in detail, illustrating the method of splice grafting, which he recommended for small trees. He would prune in the early spring, when the crust would make it possible to reach the tops of young trees without bruising or breaking down. Would have an orchard compact, and not scattered over the entire farm; the trees could be given better care, and without interfering with other farm operations. Varieties should be selected according to soil and location. Numerous questions were asked at the close, which brought out interesting points. Sanbornton

is eminently a fruit section, and the subject was one of special interest.

Professor Whitcher spoke of the separator process of handling milk, more especially in regard to the work of the hand separator now used on the College Farm at Hanover.

It was with reluctance that the evening session was abandoned, owing to the severity of the storm and badly drifted roads.

BELMONT.

An institute was held on the following day at Belmont. The afternoon session was mainly devoted to the discussion of sheep husbandry, the leading talk being made by Mr. Gerrish. Mr. Philbrick urged the importance of more experiments in the various branches of farm industry, followed by the secretary in brief remarks. A good audience assembled at the evening session and manifested deep interest in the address of Mr. Philbrick, on milk and feed. The subject of dairying was presented by the secretary, followed by Mr. Gerrish and others in a lengthy discussion. The subject of ensilage was incidentally brought up, and the opinions expressed were practically unanimous in favor of the silo.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.

The institutes for Hillsborough county were held at Antrim and Peterborough, February 14 and 15, and were attended by large and enthusiastic audiences. Owing to sickness, the secretary was unable to be present, and assistance in reporting the proceedings was kindly given by Mr. J. Farnum, of Peterborough, and Mr. G. S. Philbrick, of Tilton, members of the Board.

ANTRIM.

The institute at Antrim was held in Waverly Hall, farmers and their wives beginning to arrive early in the forenoon, and in a

dining-room adjoining, preparations were soon commenced, by a select committee, for providing dinner for the entire company. At the appointed hour Mr. J. Farnum, member of the Board for Hillsborough county, called the meeting to order, and after opening remarks introduced Hon. Moses Humphrey, the venerable president of the Board, who presided during the sessions at both Antrim and Peterborough. After remarks appropriate to the opening, alluding briefly to the object and work of the Board, the president called upon Hon. D. H. Goodell, exmember of the Board, who was just recovering from a severe illness. He spoke briefly on silos and ensilage, giving his experience with the same, and stated that his enthusiasm had not abated, as reported, but he was stronger than ever in the belief that the ensilage system was one of the best methods yet introduced to assist the farmer in improving his farm. The speaker stated that he had succeeded in nearly trebling his crops and had doubled the amount of stock upon his farm since he commenced to feed ensilage; gets more milk from ensilage than from hay; thinks cut ensilage the best, keeps better and handles easier. Farmers are sometimes too conservative or timid, fearing to adopt new methods even after they have been proved a success beyond all doubt. The silo has passed the stage of experiment.

Mr. G. S. Philbrick followed, upon the same subject; also Mr. J. S. Perry, of Rindge, member of the Board for Cheshire county. The president announced the subject open for discussion, and Mr. Whittemore briefly responded.

H. F. Robinson asked if it had not been stated or proven by good authority that the quality of butter was impaired by feeding ensilage.

Mr. Philbrick replied that the case of Hon. W. F. Daniell was undoubtedly referred to, and stated that Mr. Daniell's first and only experiment of feeding ensilage had probably resulted in this way, which was not strange in view of the fact that his ensilage was a failure, owing to lack of sufficient time to properly construct and fill his silo. He had failed to give the method a second trial.

Adjournment was made at this point until 2 o'clock P. M., and in the mean time a sumptuous dinner was provided in the