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ROCKINGHAM COUNTY.

FREMONT.

The first institute for Rockingham county was held at Fremont, March 7, a good number of practical farmers being present from Fremont and neighboring towns. The afternoon session was called to order at 2 o'clock by Hon. J. D. Lyman, member of the Board for Rockingham county, with cordial words of greeting to the audience assembled. President Humphrey was then called upon, needing no introduction to the farmers of this section of the State. His subject was corn raising, on which he spoke for about an hour, being accorded close attention. At the close of his remarks Mr. Holt, of Epping, familiarly known as "Farmer Holt," made a characteristic speech, in which some ideas advanced by the president were antagonized. President Humphrey made suitable and convincing reply. Mr. Lucien Thompson, of Durham, member of the Board for Strafford county, then presented the subject of the canning industry, which elicited numerous inquiries and considerable interest. The discussion of the corn question was then resumed, participated in by Messrs. Lyman, Thompson, the secretary, and others.

At the evening session the subject of dairying was presented by the secretary, followed with a general discussion of the same. Mr. Lyman discussed the subject of potato culture, with forestry and general improvements in agriculture incidentally appended. The subject was presented in Mr. Lyman's forcible and convincing manner. The session was closed with remarks by President Humphrey upon the grand opportunities available by the energetic farmer who would use the energy and study necessary for success in professional or mercantile pursuits. Much credit is given Messrs. G. F. Beede and A. F. Sanborn, of Fremont, for interest and influence in making the institute successful and well attended.

SOUTH HAMPTON.

An institute was held at South Hampton on the following day, by invitation of the Farmers' Club of that town. For a report

of the proceedings we publish an article which appeared in the "People and Patriot" the following week, from the pen of Mr. Joseph J. J. Sawyer, the efficient secretary of the South Hampton Farmers' Club :

"The meeting of the Board at South Hampton passed off as pleasantly and successfully as could have been desired. The attendance at the afternoon meeting was not far from eighty, and that in the evening in the vicinity of one hundred. We were pleased to notice a liberal sprinkling of ladies at both sessions. The meeting of the previous day having taken place at Fremont, and there being no public conveyance from there to this place, Mr. George F. Beede and Mr. A. F. Sanborn, of that place, kindly volunteered to take the party to this town by private conveyance. The party arrived in due time, and consisted of President Humphrey, Secretary Bachelder, County Member Lyman, and Mr. Lucien Thompson, Strafford county member.

"The meeting was called to order by County Member Hon. J. D. Lyman, who, after a few remarks complimentary to the Farmers' Club which had arranged for a meeting at this place, introduced President Humphrey, who delivered one of his strong, practical talks on corn culture. Col. J. M. Weare, of Seabrook, an ex-member of the Board, at the conclusion of the president's address took some exceptions to the remarks of the former, and gave some results of his experience that differed from that of Mr. Humphrey.

"Mr. Lucien Thompson, Strafford county member, gave an address on the subject of the co-operative canning industry, which was well received. Both of the speakers, incidentally to their subjects, took occasion to allude to the silo system and give it their indorsement, which elicited quite a number of inquiries from those present interested in that direction.

“Mr. J. H. Hill, of Amesbury, Mass., a member of the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, and Mr. David Smith, of

Newburyport, Mass., briefly addressed the meeting, after which there was an adjournment till evening. Those visitors present who remained till the evening session were suitably entertained by members of the Farmers' Club.

"The evening session was opened by Secretary Bachelder in an able and interesting paper on the subject of dairying, which was warmly appreciated by all present. Quite a number of questions were answered by the secretary at the conclusion of the address. Mr. Thompson also gave much valuable information in relation to associated creameries, in response to inquiries.

"County Member Lyman gave the closing address, on the subject of potato culture, to which was appended a variety of matter, useful and entertaining, forestry included. It is almost needless to say that this was eloquently delivered. The usual exchange of courtesies was then indulged in, and the session closed. We can assure the members of the Board, in behalf of those present, that their efforts were duly appreciated, and, if we mistake not, their seed has not fallen in stony places.'

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CHESHIRE COUNTY.

The institutes for Cheshire county were arranged for and advertised to be held at Dublin and Rindge, March 21 and 22. The speakers were in readiness, but the excessive rain of the 21st made the roads impassable, and the institutes were canceled. After consultation with Mr. J. S. Perry, of Rindge, member of the Board for Cheshire county, it was thought best, owing to the condition of the roads, to abandon the idea of holding institutes in this county the present season. It was with reluctance that this conclusion was arrived at, for we are aware of the interest manifested by the citizens of the towns where the sessions were to be held.

A good degree of interest has existed in the institutes of the winter, and in behalf of the Board we extend appreciative thanks for the efforts made by the farmers who have attended. We trust

the work we have endeavored to faithfully perform for the advancement of the agricultural interests of the State has not been in vain, and we confidently believe that an influence has gone out from these institutes that will be discernible in future years. We repeat, there are many encouraging features in the agriculture of New Hampshire at the present time for those who have the requisite enterprise and energy for success in any business.

We cannot refrain from alluding to the fact that as we go to press on this the 2d day of May, 1888, the venerable chairman of the Board, in his eighty-first year, who has upheld the banner of agriculture in nearly every town of the State, is being married to one of New Hampshire's worthy daughters, and bids fair to yet enjoy years of usefulness in the agricultural cause which he loves so well.

N. J. BACHELDER, Secretary.

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