LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
FARMERS' CLUB 
 
 GUIDE. 
 
 HOW TO 
 
 0?*(/a?iize, Conduct, Govern and Make Suc- 
 cessful tfiese ^Popular Assemblages 
 of Fat^mers. 
 
 r 
 
 W. F. PARKER, 
 
 Agricultural Editor of The Chautauqua Farmer. 
 
 i, — 
 
 PUBLISHED BY 
 
 PARKER & HENDRICKS, 
 
 FORESTVILLE. X. Y ''? Nfy> 
 
 IC: 
 
 - — 
 
 Price, - - - - 15 cts. | 100 Copies, - $10.00 
 
 r/J 
 
 7? 
 
•Pa. 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879. 
 
 BY W. F. PARKER, 
 
 [n the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 
 
FARMERS CLUB GUIDE 
 
 CHAPTER 1. 
 
 OBJECTS OF THE FARMERS' CLUB. 
 
 The Farmers' Club is an independent organization 
 of farm people and of the friends and promoters of 
 American agriculture. 
 
 The organization is designed to effect the following 
 desirable objects: 
 
 1. The cultivation of social intercourse amongst 
 farm people, and a greater enjoyment of its pleasures. 
 
 2. The acquirement and diffusion of agricultural 
 knowledge, and scientific learning, embracing anv new 
 discovery or successful practice in the care, cultivation 
 or protection of any fruit, vegetables, &c. 
 
 3. The development of mental power and activity. 
 4c. The co-operation of all agriculturists in the work 
 
 of securing all rights and privileges essential to agri- 
 cultural industry, prosperity and success. 
 
 5. The support of all legitimate enterprises which 
 are promotive of agricultural interests and the general 
 welfare. 
 
 6. The interchange and distribution of new or val- 
 uable seeds, plants, <fec, with directions for their prop- 
 agation. 
 
 7. And any other desirable object which can be ef- 
 fected through the co-operation of farmers. 
 
CHAPTEP II. 
 ORGANIZATION. 
 
 PRELIMINARY STEPS. 
 
 A Farmers' Club should be organized in every 
 neighborhood throughout our broad land. No neigh- 
 borhood can really afford to be without one. It is not 
 expected, however, that every neighborhood will have 
 one, for real benefits and blessings are no more wel- 
 comed every where, than was the Nazarene Teacher 
 welcomed by the unwise Jews. 
 
 The immense good which has already been effected 
 through Farmers' Clubs clearly demonstrates that they 
 are indispensable at the present stage of agricultural 
 growth. Progressive farmers consider the Club a 
 necessary medium through which to diffuse the results 
 of scientific research in the most speedy and effective 
 manner. 
 
 Wherever a Club has been organized, with few ex- 
 ceptions, it has been perpetuated through years with 
 increased interest and profit. 
 
 Any farmer who has the disposition to have a Club 
 in his neighborhood, can easily effect that object by a 
 little exertion and energy. All he lias to do is to men- 
 tion the matter to his neighbors, and to invite them to 
 his house on some set day, and after all are gathered 
 and are interested in social intercourse, let him or some 
 one else who can talk sensibly for a few minutes call 
 the attention of the neighbors present to the desirable- 
 ness and propriety of organizing in the neighborhood 
 a Club. And, as soon as the ear ot the assembly is 
 gained, proceed at once with the work of organization. 
 .It there be a minister in the neighborhood, he will 
 willingly lend his aid to ti work of this kind, as he is 
 sagacious enough to understand the great power of 
 well conducted social organizations for good. 
 
 In efforts of this kind there need hardlv ever be a 
 
failure. If the effort does fail, it is honorable to at- 
 tempt to do good, at any rate. 
 
 1. The organization needed. 
 
 As the Farmers' Club is a purely social organiza- 
 tion, the less complexity it has, the better, provided 
 its laudable objects can be accomplished. Some Clubs 
 elect at each meeting a chairman, a secretary and oth- 
 er needed functionaries whose services close with the 
 meeting unless otherwise intended by the Club. Clubs 
 so thoroughly democratic sometimes find it difficult to 
 prosecute a meeting. No member having any official 
 duties compelling his attendance, there is generally a 
 good deal of laxness in attendance, and frequently 
 there are no members present who feel qualified to fill 
 the necessary chairs. Whilst this simplicity of organ- 
 ization has the charm of primitive freedom about it, 
 still, it is attended with many inconveniences and 
 really limits the power of the Club for good. Such a 
 Club hardly ever effects the grand objects contemplated. 
 
 It is advisable then to have an organization, and one 
 that will be wholly inexpensive if possible. The offi- 
 cers of a Farmers' Club, of course, never expect any 
 other compensation for their services than what they 
 receive from the honorable respect of the Club they 
 serve, and from the exquisite sense of duty discharged 
 for the common good. 
 
 The organization should be efficient. There should 
 be officers enough and of the right kind to enable the 
 Club to effect all the good results designed. To do this 
 there had best be to every Club at least five efficient- 
 officers, to wit: 
 
 1. A President. 
 
 2. A Secretary. 
 
 3. A Respondent. 
 
 4. A Cashier. 
 
 5. A Correspondent, 
 
CLUB GUIDE. 
 
 DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS. 
 
 1. The President. 
 
 The President, Master, &c, is more generally 
 qualified tor the office by being a_good farmer ; and 
 certainly a Club should put its' best farmers into the 
 chair-sas is nearly always done. The head of every body 
 should be intelligent and sagacious — having experi- 
 ence and knowing how to profit by it, and draw wis- 
 dom from it. 
 
 It is the duty of the President to generally oversee 
 the interests of the Club; to preside at all the regular 
 meetings ; to appoint all committees ; to maintain 
 good order and decorum during all meetings ; to de- 
 cide all questions involving parliamentary usage ; to 
 determine the meaning of any statement in the docu- 
 ments of the Club; to decide any question submitted 
 to him by any member or members of the Club ; to 
 decide all questions of privilege ; to instruct all com- 
 mittees ; to retain or release committees ; to call ex- 
 tra meetings when deemed by him advisable ; to au- 
 thorize the expenditure of any money belonging to the 
 Club, and to do whatever other things he may deem 
 best calculated to promote the interests and effect the 
 objects of the organization. 
 
 2. The Secretary. 
 
 The duties devolving upon this officer are, to 
 keep a regular, accurate and sufficiently full record of 
 all the proceedings of the Club ; of the speeches; 
 questions and answers ; debates ; essays ; addre«se^ ; 
 lectures ; readings ; reports of committees ; orders of 
 the President, and of all other matters essential to a 
 correct history of the Club. As the duties of this of- 
 fice are important the best educated, and most judi- 
 cious members of the Club should be elevated to the 
 station. 
 
 Much of the usefulness of the Club to the world de- 
 
 
pends upon the character of its reports which go to 
 the world through the press. Much of its public rep- 
 utation depends upon the manner in which its pro- 
 ceedings are reported to the world. A good reporter 
 soon acquires the high esteem of the public press, and 
 much renown amongst agricultural readers. No man 
 need desire a more responsible and honorable and 
 useful office than that of Secretary to a good Farmers' 
 Club. 
 
 The Secretary should prepare a full report of each 
 meeting, embodying the discussions and remarks on 
 farming in particular, together with abstracts of lec- 
 tures, &c, if the manuscripts of such lectures, &c, 
 are not contributed to him, and he should send them 
 promptly to his county agricultural paper for publica- 
 tion ; and when they are published they should be cut 
 from the paper and nicely pasted into the book of Rec- 
 ords of the Cmb. By this process the Club will have 
 its Records in print, in nice order and ready for ref- 
 erence, or publication, if it should be desired in a bet- 
 ter form at the end of the year. 
 
 The paper, pens, ink, &c, required by the Secretary 
 should be supplied by the Cashier of the Club on the 
 order or by the direction of the President. And he 
 should also be supplied with a book in which to paste 
 the printed reports of the Club meetings as they are 
 published by the press. 
 
 The books of the Club are always open for the ben- 
 fit of all members. 
 
 Should any member desire to modify his remarks 
 before they are sent to press, he should furnish in wri- 
 ting what he desires to have put in print to the Secre- 
 tary, and the latter should never be annoyed by appli- 
 cations to correct reports when once completed. 
 
 3. The Respondent. 
 
 Few Clubs have,as yet, this officer. Up to this time, 
 the duties of this office have either been entirely neg- 
 
FARMERS CLUB GUIDE. 
 
 lected, or imposed upon the President or divers mem- 
 bers of the Club as circumstances admitted. 
 
 The office of Respondent is exceedingly essential to 
 every, thoroughly organized Club. Questions are fre- 
 quently multitudinous and multifarious. They are 
 asked by interested members who desire information 
 and who ought to have it. They want correct, relia- 
 ble and explicit, answers. There should be one man 
 in each Club to give his whole soul to this important 
 feature of the work. He should be a wise man — a 
 man of experience — of profound knowledge if such be 
 obtainable. He should prepare himself especially to 
 answer questions. He should take time to investigate, 
 when investigation is necessary to give a satisfactory 
 response. 
 
 Questions should be submitted in writing at one 
 meeting to be answered in writing at the next meet- 
 ing, and these questions and responses should go to 
 the press, and become matters of record on the books 
 of the Club. 
 
 4. The Cashier. 
 
 Some Clubs have no Cashier or Treasurer. When- 
 ever any object is to be accomplished which requires 
 nioney, the amounts are contributed by such members 
 as choose to give, and then put into the custody of the 
 President to be applied by him as necessary. But it- 
 is a good plan for every Club to appoint one of its 
 members, man or woman, to this office. The Cashier 
 should make all the collections ; receive all voluntary 
 contributions ; keep an accurate account of all sums 
 received and of all disbursements made ; pay out all 
 moneys in sums and for objects authorized Iry the 
 Club, and he should report from time to time the con- 
 dition of his department. 
 
 5. The Correspondent. 
 
 Each Club should have an officer whose duty it shall 
 
FAEMEKS CLUB GUIDE. 
 
 be to act as correspondent for the Club. He should re- 
 ceive all communications addressed to the Club; keep 
 on tile all papers coming into his possession ; answer 
 all letters addressed to the Club, and communicate 
 with any and all parties as directed by the Club. 
 
 All paper, stamps and other materials necessary for 
 the discharge of his office should be furnished by the 
 Club. 
 
 MANNER OF ELECTION. 
 
 1. Viva Voce. 
 
 This manner is probably the simplest and the best. 
 Let the name of a competent member be proposed, and 
 then let the members vote. A preponderance should 
 elect. 
 
 2. By Ballot. 
 
 This method is adopted by some Clubs and proba- 
 bly in some respects is preferable to the viva voce 
 method. It is however more troublesome. Ballots or 
 slips of paper are prepared on which the members 
 write the name of any one they choose. These ballots 
 are then collected and examined. A preponderance 
 of votes should elect. 
 
 3. By Record. 
 
 This plan is deemed by some Clubs as the most 
 preferable. It obviates the evils that are attendant on 
 the other methods. No jealousies can arise, and there 
 can be no electioneering or "log-rolling" which often 
 causes much annoyance and trouble. This is the 
 method: 
 
 The list of members is taken and the first name on 
 the list is the name of the first President. If he refu- 
 ses to serve from a sense of incompetency, or for any 
 other good reason which satisfies himself, then the sec- 
 ond name is substituted, and so on until the male 
 chairs are filled. 
 
 The list of female members is then treated in the 
 same way. 
 
10 farmers' clue guide. 
 
 As each member serves, it is noted opposite the 
 name, and each name offered an office is noted. The 
 list is continued onward from time to time, until the 
 honors have been equally offered to all. 
 
 There seems to be one objection at least to this plan, 
 and that is, the office sometimes is not put into the 
 possession of the "fittest man. But it has this advan- 
 tage: it is impartial and removes grounds of jealousy 
 which too often spring up. 
 
 - Members of the Club as a general thing know each 
 other, and generally decline to take an office when it 
 will naturally fall on the right person by their refusal. 
 
 Either of these three methods is a good one. 
 
 WHEN TO BE ELECTED. 
 
 Officers are generally elected once each year, at the 
 last meeting of the year. 
 
 Some Clubs appoint only for six months. 
 
 Of course each Club will adopt its own rule accord- 
 ing to expediency. 
 
 WHEN TO BE INSTALLED. 
 
 The newly elected officers take their seats at the 
 first meeting of the new year No ceremony is ever 
 observed. The old incumbents retire, turning over to 
 the new appointees all books, papers, '&c, belonging 
 to the offices. 
 
 Generally each officer before leaving his chair makes 
 to the Club a report of his work and the condition of 
 his department. 
 
 WHO CAN BE MEMBERS. 
 
 As the title, ''Farmers' Club," indicates, the mem- 
 bership should be confined generally to the tillers of 
 the soil. It is a social organization of farmers. But, 
 almost all Clubs admit to membership all respectable 
 persons who apply. Mechanics, manufacturers, pro- 
 fessional men and others often add largely to the col- 
 lective fund of Club experience and knowledge. Such 
 
farmers' club guide. 11 
 
 men are often extensively read in Agricultural and 
 Scientific works, and greatly aid in the dissemination 
 of knowledge. 
 
 The number of members should be limited, as ac- 
 commodation, at private houses for a large gathering 
 of people, is often difficult to find. Some Clubs limit 
 their membership to fifty persons, some admit more, 
 others less. This is a point to be determined by the 
 peculiar circumstances of each neighborhood or com- 
 munity. 
 
 HOW MEMBERS ARE MADE. 
 
 So far as ascertained no form is necessary in ma- 
 king new members. If a person desires to become a 
 member of the Club, that person informs a member of 
 the fact, when a statement is made to the Club, and a 
 motion offered and voted. Some Clubs only require 
 the registration of a name. This last is the simplest 
 and probably the best method. 
 
 If a membership fee has been fixed it should be 
 paid at the time of becoming a member. 
 
 CHAPTER 111. 
 RIGHTS AND DUTLES OF MEMBERS. 
 
 All members of the Club have the same rights of 
 voting, speaking, holding office, proposing members, 
 offering resolutions, objecting to membership, propo- 
 sing subjects for discussion, asking questions for infor- 
 mation, proposing anything and doing anything which 
 will advance the interests and objects of the Club. 
 
 These rights of course involve corresponding duties. 
 And each member should be ready and willing to 
 freely discharge any duty or exercise which may, at 
 any time, be required. Any Club can be interesting 
 and beneficial, when all its members strive, by a will- 
 ing discharge of duty, to make it so. 
 
 The habitual performance of duty will increase the 
 strength and delight of each person. And there wil'i 
 
 i 
 
12 "farmers' club guide. 
 
 be no lack of interest and advancement when each one 
 strives to contribute to the common stock of pleasure 
 and profit. 
 
 CHAPTEK IV. 
 COMMITTEES. 
 
 It is found by experience, that the affairs of the Club 
 are best managed by the appointment of committees, 
 who can discuss and determine all the particulars 
 committed to their discretion and determination. 
 
 In all deliberative bodies both in the General and 
 State governments, it is now the rule to appoint special 
 committees to whom are referred the special questions 
 and duties needing special care and management. 
 
 THEIR GENERAL OBJECT. 
 
 The general object in the appointment of committees 
 is to relieve the Club from trouble and the expendi- 
 ture of time in the discussion and execution of the mi- 
 nor yet essential duties of the Club, while the great 
 body of members may be free to devote all the time at 
 their disposal to the accomplishment of the general ob- 
 jects of the Club. 
 
 The experience ot some years has demonstrated the 
 necessity and utility of committing to committees the 
 disposal of all questions involving the business man- 
 agement of the Club. 
 
 Generally speaking each Club requires the services 
 of no less than three standing committees who should 
 be chosen by the President at the time of his installa- 
 tion into office. 
 
 COMMITTEES. 
 
 1. Critical Committee. 
 
 Al! Clubs do not appoint a critical committee; still, 
 some of the most effective and profitable Clubs have 
 found such a committee exceeding! v useful and profit- 
 able. 
 
FARMERS CLUB GUIDE 13 
 
 This committee is generally composed of the best 
 practical fanners in the Club. 
 
 It is their duty to inspect the farms, the cattle, hors- 
 es, hogs, &c, the svstem of farm management, the 
 system of dairy, management, the condition of barns, 
 stables, dwellings, &c, of specified members, and re- 
 port the results of their examinations to the general 
 meeting of the Club. 
 
 It is found by experience that this liability to a vis- 
 it from the critical committee stimulates a high degree 
 of zeal in the conduct of farming operations, and is 
 raising considerably higher the standard of American 
 land tillage. Errors are pointed out, and improve- 
 ments suggested. The superior system and habits of 
 the farmer visited and examined are specified and 
 commended to the Club for imitation. Many farmers 
 consider this part of the work or the Club one of the 
 most essential and beneficial offices of the organiza- 
 tion. It is not always pleasant to have an erroneous 
 system of farm management commented upon and 
 condemned, but it is certainly highly profitable and a 
 work of genuine charity to save a brother farmer from 
 continuing a system which must result in continued 
 loss and final disaster. He is our friend w T ho tells us 
 our errors, and shows us how we may profitably cor- 
 rect and avoid them. By all means each Club should 
 have a Critical committee. 
 
 This committee is furthermore useful in hearing and 
 determining the value of all agricultural papers de- 
 signed for publication by any member of the Club. 
 And any member who has prepared a paper, a lec- 
 ture or a treatise for publication, would do well to sub- 
 mit the production to the hearing and examination of 
 this committee. If their judgment should be adverse 
 to the design of the author, he will be saved the morti- 
 fication of a public failure by heeding their advice. 
 But if their judgment be favorable, he can put his pro- 
 
14 FARMERS' CLUB GUIDE. 
 
 duetion into print, feeling assured that he already en- 
 joys the prestige of success. 
 
 Again : Any other duties demanding the aid of 
 
 it) J # o 
 
 such a committee can be satisfactorily committed to 
 them. 
 
 2. Business Committee. 
 
 There will always be more or less general business 
 to be done by the Club, such as printing, purchasing 
 things needed by the Club, making arrangements for 
 extraordinary occasions, &c, and all such things can 
 be best done by a committee specially appointed for 
 the purpose. And. each Club should have a Business 
 committee, thus taking the consideration of all such 
 questions out of the wav of the general objects of the 
 Club. 
 
 Of course it is presumed that the determinations of 
 the Committee will, as circumstances shall require, 
 be reported to the Club for approval or the contrary. 
 
 One of the principal duties of this committee will be 
 the making arrangements for the stated meetings of 
 the Club. There are three things to be looked after: 
 
 1. A suitable place, where accommodations can be 
 had for the Club. 
 
 2. Stable room for horses in Winter. 
 
 3. Materials for the Luncheon or dinner. 
 
 The Luncheon is the general repast of the Club, and 
 of course should be simple aud comparatively inex- 
 pensive. 
 
 It is provided by the Club, not by the person at 
 whose house the Club meets. It is discretionary with 
 the householder whether anything further than house- 
 room and accommodations be furnished. It is, how- 
 ever, customary in some sections for the person enter- 
 taining the Club to furnish the coffee. 
 
 The committee on Business generally allots to each 
 lady member, the kind of materials to be supplied. 
 One is required to furnish bread and butter, another 
 
FARMERS' CLUB GUIDE 1, 
 
 pickles, another cake, another cheese, and so on. Still, 
 each contributor exercises perfect freedom as to varie- 
 ty and quantity of articles contributed. 
 
 The meal is taken by the Club in their sittings, noth- 
 ing being served but plates and the several articles to 
 be eaten. Some distribute napkins, knives and forks. 
 The food is passed by members of tne Club, and eaten 
 with good cheer; generally, the social enjoyment of 
 this hour is very great and beneficial. 
 
 The Luncheon is «;enerallv served after the Club has 
 been one or two hours in session. 
 
 3. Committee on Order. 
 
 The duty of this committee is sometimes caused to 
 devolve upon the President or Secretary. 
 
 Order is essential to the success of ail social and de- 
 liberative bodies. There can be no profit, no enjoy- 
 ment, no progress, where there is no order. 
 
 It is the duty of this committee»to draw up the pro- 
 gram ot' exercises at one meeting for the next meeting 
 in order. They should select the question for debate 
 or investigation; the subjects for essays and appoint 
 essayists, the selections for readings and appoint read- 
 ers, &c. Or to appoint persons to perform these vari- 
 ous services, leaving it with the appointees to choose 
 their- own themes. 
 
 Occasionally some member should be requested by 
 the Club to deliver a public address or lecture on some 
 important subject of general or special interest. 
 
 Every thing should be done to stimulate and devel- 
 op the mental capital of the Club. And nothing like 
 envy or rivalry should ever find place in the heart of 
 a single member. Gifts differ as God has distributed 
 them; and let them shine as brightly as possible, and 
 let each one rejoice in another's brightness. The Clab is 
 one. and a member with brilliant endowments is still 
 a member, and his glory is the glory of the Club, and 
 belongs alike to every person, and should be alike the 
 
16 FARMEBS' CLUB GUIDE 
 
 pride and joy of every person, "Therefore laying 
 aside all malice and hypocricies, and envies and all 
 evil speaking, as new born babes desire the sincere 
 milk of knowledge that ye may grow thereby/' 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 MEETINGS. 
 
 WHERE TO BE HELD. 
 
 It has already been stated in this document, that 
 the meetings should be held at the residences of Club 
 members, or at the residences of any other persons 
 who may feel disposed to give the Club entertainment. 
 Occasionally a Club has a regular place for meeting 
 where a hall with suitable accommodations is at their 
 disposal. Some Clubs have even made a practice of 
 meeting at a school house or meeting house; but the 
 far greater number- make a practice of meeting from 
 house to house within the circle of their membership. 
 
 WHEN TO BE HELD. 
 
 To be really efficient the Club should meet at least 
 once each mouth, on some determinate day, as for in- 
 stance the second Saturday or the third Monday of 
 each month. By designating some day of the month 
 as the 10th, or 15th, or 25th, &c, there is apt to be 
 more or less misunderstanding, which seldom or never 
 follows from the first method of appointment. Regu- 
 larity is essential to success. It should almost be a re- 
 ligious duty for every member to be found in place on 
 the day appointed. ^SgT Do not fail to be punctual. 
 
 TIME OF ASSEMBLING. 
 
 No particular rule can be affirmed. Each Club de- 
 termines this question according to convenience; al- 
 ways meeting at such an hour, however, as will give 
 ample time for the completion of the program of ex- 
 ercises. 
 
1 
 
 LENGTH OF SESSIONS. 
 
 This must depend on circumstances. It may be 
 said that no session is too long while it affords instruc- 
 tion .and amusement to the members. As a general 
 rule sessions last from three to six hours. 
 
 HOW TO BE CONDUCTED. 
 
 1. The President takes his seat promptly at the hour 
 appointed, and calls the meeting to order. Then, if 
 there be any singers present, a song follows, after 
 which some Clubs have a prayer, which is followed by 
 another song. 
 
 2. The minutes of the preceding meeting are then 
 read, corrected and adopted. And the by-laws should 
 be read for a few meetings, unless every member 
 should have a copy of the Club Guide. Let every 
 member possess a Club Guide. It is invportcmt. 
 
 3. Next follows the reading of the program prepared 
 by the Committee on Order. 
 
 4. Then follows the reading of the main question for 
 Debate or investigation. 
 
 5. In conducting the Debate, some Clubs appoint 
 two or three members as affirmants and the same 
 number as deniers of the question, and the main dis- 
 cussion is limited to them. 
 
 Other Clubs submit the question to the members at 
 large, and every member speaks as he feels inclined. 
 No one is forced to deny a proposition in order to 
 show what may be adduced on the negative side. 
 Probably the best, as it is the most reasonable way, is 
 to give perfect freedom to the Chi!, to express genuine 
 views on any subject. 
 
 Every member who can give any information on the 
 subject ought to do so. 
 
 No member should monopolize much time. Proba- 
 bly ten or fifteen minutes should be the limit of time. 
 Although it is an objectionable plan to limit the time 
 of an instructive speaker. 
 
18 farmers' cltib guide. 
 
 When each member has had an opportunity to speak, 
 and has expressed his views, the debate may be de- 
 clared closed. The President should, if he feel so dis- 
 posed to do, review the debate, and gather up the ar- 
 guments and bring them to a logical conclusion. In 
 this way a result is reached by the debate which is not 
 otherwise effected. Of course, the President should 
 not become a party to the debate unless he speaks be- 
 fore the debate is closed. In our Clubs a President is 
 not hindered from speaking on any subject, because 
 he holds the chair. 
 
 6. After the general debate of the questions before 
 the male members and female members is concluded, 
 a recess of an hour is taken for refreshments. 
 
 7. At the expiration of the hour the Club is called 
 to order, and the remaining duties of the program dis- 
 charged. These duties are generally miscellaneous, 
 and consist of essays, poems, readings, recitations and 
 any other exercises which contribute to the profit and 
 enjoyment of the Club. 
 
 The Respondent now" proceeds to read and answer 
 in writing the questions specially submitted to him. 
 These papers he then transfers to the Secretary for 
 publication in the report of the meeting. 
 
 Good essays are generally published in the agricul- 
 tural journals together with the reports of the debates 
 and proceedings. 
 
 8. Each Club should have a scientific lecture as of- 
 ten as practicable; and this lecture should be made 
 the subject of special debate, if time be available. 
 
 9. Now follow the reports of all committees appoint- 
 ed by the Club. 
 
 10. And a general meeting for the transaction of 
 business should be declared, when any unfinished 
 business may be dispatched, and any new business 
 now brought before the Club may be referred to the 
 proper committees. 
 
19 
 
 11. Before dismission a resolution is generally in- 
 troduced and unanimously adopted, voting thanks to 
 the host or hostess of the Club as the case may be, for 
 the entertainment granted; and paying a like respect 
 to any person or persons deserving the special thanks 
 of the Club. 
 
 12. Members should separate with the kindest feel- 
 ings, and never indulge outside of the Club in any un- 
 charitable remarks on anything that may have been 
 said or done by any member of the Club. 
 
 RULES OF DEPORTMENT. 
 
 In speaking of the rules by which deportment in 
 the Club should be governed, a very sensible farmer 
 said : "The only rule needed for the government of 
 the behavior of members is, that each member should 
 conduct himself as a gentleman amongst gentlemen." 
 
 Still it may be proper to suggest the propriety of a 
 rigid observance of the following: 
 
 1. Every member should be present at every meet- 
 ing if possible. 
 
 2. No whispering, talking or anything else should 
 be indulged which interrupts or annoys either speak- 
 ers or hearers. 
 
 3. No member should speak more than once except 
 with the consent of the Club. 
 
 4. No smoking or chewing of tobacco should be in- 
 dulged in, in the house. 
 
 5. Not a profane word or immodest expression 
 should be uttered. 
 
 6. Every member should be dignified and polite. 
 
 7. Reciprocate respect and kindness. 
 8 Let every resolution be in writing. 
 
 9. Avoid all discussions which involve party spirit. 
 
 QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 
 1. The discussions of the Club are generally con- 
 
20 farmers' club guide. 
 
 fined to strictly agricultural subjects. It is, however, 
 legitimate and beneficial to discuss all questions rela- 
 ting to the interests of land tillage, such as Taxation, 
 Public Policy, Financial questions, Educational ques- 
 tions, and questions of Family government. 
 
 2. The objects of these discussions are : 
 
 A. The cultivation of the habit of public speaking. 
 
 B. The acquirement of information. 
 
 C. The importation of agricultural and profitable 
 knowledge. 
 
 D. The equalization of agricultural mind. 
 
 3. Every question for discussion is chosen at one 
 meeting to be discussed at the next meeting or at some 
 subsequent time. It is of the greatest importance that 
 the interim be employed in such reflections and stu- 
 dies as will enable the members to handle the. ques- 
 tions dexterously and profitably There cannot be too 
 much preparation. No member should "trust to the 
 spur of the. moment"' for his ideas, but he should 
 
 First, ascertain his own views of the subject an 1 ar- 
 range them in order. 
 
 Secondly, consult all books and documents accessi- 
 ble. For this object the agricultural paper will be 
 found ot great value. The agricultural paper should 
 be carefully preserved for this purpose. It is a bad 
 practice to suffer this medium of instruction to be de- 
 stroyed. It is as wise to destroy money as knowledge. 
 
 4. It is an admirable practice to take notes of all 
 speeches made, for reference and study at leisure 
 times. 
 
 5. Speakers should cultivate the habit of brevity, 
 perspicuity and precision. Never affirm a proposi- 
 tion without testimony to support it. We, farmers, 
 want precise and reliable information. Theories are 
 good pastimes, but are of little practical value. 
 
 6. It is a good plan for members to know the exact 
 weights and measures of their farm products. Also 
 
GUIDE 2 1 
 
 the exact amount of land in cultivation every year. 
 How much in pasture, meadow, under the plow, as 
 well as how much in the different cereals and vegeta- 
 bles. Figures are good arguments when wisely han- 
 dled. 
 
 7. It is an exceedingly commendable practice to go 
 to the Club with a carefully written statement of all 
 leading views on the subjects; and these written state- 
 ments can be handed to the Secretary to be placed in 
 his report. 
 
 8. Below we give 250 questions for debate by male 
 members. More questions could have been devised. 
 If none can be found below just suited to the wants 
 of the Club, it. will be found an easy matter to frame 
 the desired question.* 
 
 9. Subjects tor special essays can also be selected 
 from the same questions. 
 
 QUESTIONS FOR FARMERS. 
 
 1. What constitutes systematic farming? 
 
 2. What kind of farming pays best? 
 
 3. Which is the most profitable, grain raising or dairying? 
 
 4. What is the best rotation of crops? 
 
 5. Can we profitably undertake dairying? 
 
 6. How should one prepare for dairying? 
 
 7. What breeds are best for the dairy, and how can they 
 be best obtained ? 
 
 8. Would a cheese factory be profitable in this neighbor- 
 hood ? 
 
 9. Are we better situated for butter making than for cheese 
 making? 
 
 10. What is the best, food for milch cows? 
 
 11. What is the best Winter treatment of milch stock? 
 
 12. Is Summer or Winter dairying more profitable? / 
 
 13. What is the best method of butter making? 
 
 14. What kind of grain is the most profitable for us to raise ? 
 
 15. What kind of grasses are best adapted to our soils? 
 
 16. When is the best time to cut grass for hay? 
 
 17. Hovv should clover be handled for hay? 
 
 18. What is the best pasture grass? 
 
 19. How can old pastures be best renewed? 
 
 20. What is the value of Orchard grass, both for hay and 
 pasture? 
 
22 
 
 21. What is the best rime ami the best method of cutting 
 and curing Timothy hay ? 
 
 22. Is Timothy injured by cutting within three or four 
 inches of the ground ? 
 
 23. What is the best mixture of grass seeds for ha\ ? 
 
 24. What is the best mixture of grass seeds for permanent 
 pastures? 
 
 25. Are sheep profitable? 
 
 26. What are the best breeds for us? 
 
 27. What is the best system for us of sheep management? 
 
 28. When should lambs be sold? 
 
 29. What sheep should be wintered, and what rules of se- 
 lection should be observed? 
 
 30. What diseases afflict our flocks, and how best to pre- 
 vent and cure them ? 
 
 31. How can we best market our wool ? 
 
 32. Which is our best, wool market? 
 
 33. How can we best secure our flocks against dogs? 
 
 34. Are dogs useful and should farmers keep them ? 
 
 35. What is the safest and best dog for the farmer to keep? 
 
 36. How should a dog be kept and trained ? 
 
 37. How should the injuries inflicted on flocks by dogs be 
 paid for? 
 
 38. What rule should this neighborhood adopt for the dis- 
 position of stray dogs found on our farms? 
 
 39. What is the best method of stacking hay? 
 
 40. What is the value of straw for rough food ? 
 
 41. Are ripened cornstalks of any value for cattle food? 
 
 42. What is the best and most profitable method of produ- 
 cing corn fodder? 
 
 43. Should corn be sowed for fodder — both for green and 
 cured fodder? 
 
 44. What is the best method of curing corn fodder, and 
 when should it be done? 
 
 45 What is the best corn for our soils? 
 
 46. What is the best manure for corn ? 
 
 47. What is the best method of planting and cultivating the 
 corn crop ? 
 
 48. How can our corn crop be most profitably disposed of? 
 
 49. How can one determine the best soil for corn? 
 
 50. What is the value of corn as a food for stock, and how 
 should it be fed? 
 
 51. How can we get rid of our vveeds,ancl noxious growths? 
 
 52. Are we keeping up too many fencts? 
 
 53. What is the simplest and best method of building fence ? 
 
 54. Should our farms be fenced at all? 
 
 55. Does not our stock law need revising and improving? 
 
 56. How much and what kind of stock is it profitable for 
 us to keep ? 
 
farmers' club guide 23 
 
 57. How can we best improve our horned stock? 
 
 58. Is it. profitable for a small farmer to try to raise blood- 
 ed stock ? 
 
 59. What is the best system of breeding? 
 
 60. How caji a herd of native cows be so managed as to ef- 
 fect an improvement of stock? 
 
 61. Should stock be sheltered? 
 
 62. What is the most profitable method of feeding stock, 
 both for fat and for work? 
 
 63. What foods should the farmers mostly produce for his 
 stock ? 
 
 64. What is the value of roots as stock food ? 
 
 65. Is our soil adapted to the growth of roots? 
 
 66. What root will be most profitable for us? 
 
 67. Would it not be profitable for us to raise the Jerusalem 
 Artichoke? 
 
 68. Can we not profitably raise peanuts; if so what is the 
 best way so to do? 
 
 69. Should we at once plant forest trees on all of our un- 
 tillablesoil? 
 
 70. Should a iaw be passed prohibiting the further destruc- 
 tion of our primeval forests? 
 
 71. What is the best plan for tree planting? 
 
 72. Should we plant more orchards? 
 
 73. What is the best variety of fruits for an orchard ? 
 
 74. When and how should pruning be done? 
 
 75. How can we best preserve our orchards against insects 
 and animals? 
 
 76. How can we best grow Quinces? 
 
 77. What is the best method of Peach culture? 
 
 78. How can we raise Plums? 
 
 79. What kinds and how to cultivate small fruits? 
 
 80. Should farmers have lawns, shrubbery and ornaments? 
 
 81. Whit is the cheapest and best method of ornamenting 
 a farm ? 
 
 82. What kinds of shrubbery or flowers are best? 
 
 83. What is the best and cbeapest barn? 
 
 84. What is the best plan for providing stock water? 
 
 85. How can we best save our barnyard manures? 
 
 86. Should our stock yards be covered ? 
 
 87. What is the best plan for increasing our manurial pro- 
 ducts? 
 
 88. What is the best plan for saving the liquid manure of 
 the farm ? 
 
 89. Are forest leaves valuable as an absorbent? 
 
 90. What articles make cheap and good stable, pen and 
 yard absorbents? 
 
 91. Can we manufacture our own fertilizers, especially su- 
 perphosphate ? 
 
24 farmers' club guide. 
 
 92. What are the best crops for plowing under? 
 93 Should we cultivate clover as a manure? 
 
 94. Should we cultivate white clover? 
 
 95. Should we cultivate Lupine? 
 
 96. When is the best time for hauling manure? 
 
 97. What is the best system of care for the horse ? 
 
 98. What stock of horses is it most profitable for us to raise ? 
 
 99. What is the best method of raising and training colts? 
 
 100. How can balky horses be cured? 
 
 101. Should there be a professional horse doctor in this 
 section ? 
 
 102. Should farmers know bow to doctor their own fami- 
 lies and stock? If so, how can he get qualified to do so? 
 
 103. Should a farmer ever go to law? 
 
 104. In cases where courts are generally resorted to, should 
 not farmers submit their cases to disinterested neighbors? 
 
 105. Should agriculture be taught in our common schools? 
 100. How can we influence our children to love home and 
 
 farming? 
 107- What books should we buy for our homes? 
 
 108. Should not every farmer take an agricultural paper? 
 
 109. Should not farmers write for the agricultural press of 
 I he country ? 
 
 110. Should our agricultural papers treat of all subjects 
 connected with farming, as laws, taxation, education, &c. ? 
 
 111. Should farmers be perfectly honest? 
 
 112. Is it perfectly honest to sell butter artificially colored.? 
 
 113. Should butter be artificially colored? 
 
 114. What is the best method of working butter? 
 
 115. By what plau can we raise means for the purchase of 
 book*, papers, &c. without taxing the ordinary proceeds of 
 the farm ?' 
 
 116. Is co-operation in sales and purchases desirable? 
 
 117. Is it necessary to keep horses shod? 
 
 118. How should the fanner take care of his harnesses? 
 
 119. What is the value of ashes as manure? 
 
 120. How is ir. best to handle muck? 
 
 121. What is the best muck compost? 
 122 What is the best garden compost? 
 
 123. How can hen manure be best composted and applied? 
 
 124. What is the most profitable breed of fowls. 
 
 125. How can we get the most profit out of hens? 
 
 126. Is it profitable to raise ducks; if so the best breeds and 
 the best management? 
 
 127. Are turkeys profitable? 
 
 128. How can turkeys be quickest fattened? 
 
 129. What kind of geese should the farmer keep? 
 
 130. Should we encourage our children to raise pets, as 
 pigeons, rabbits, &c. ? 
 
25 
 
 131. How can we promote a love of study i-n the members 
 of our families? 
 
 132. Cannot we induce the children and young people of 
 the neighborhood to form classes for the study of chemistry, 
 natural history and agriculture? 
 
 133. Should not this Club offer a premium for the largest 
 collection and the best essay on the injurious insects and an- 
 imals of this neighborhood ? 
 
 134. What is the most profitable potato for cultivation by 
 the Club? 
 
 135. What is the best way to plant, cultivate and preserve 
 the potato ? 
 
 136. Is it profitable to raise and cook potatoes for stock? 
 
 137. What is the best method of feeding potatoes? 
 
 138. What is the best fertilizer to be applied to growing 
 potatoes? 
 
 139. How can we best destroy potato bugs? 
 
 140. Cannot we raise sugar beets? 
 
 141. Is it not profitable to raise a crop of sorghum ? 
 
 142. What is the best method of cultivating sorghum ? 
 
 143. What is the best plan of making sorghum syrup? 
 
 144. Are chemical fertilizers profitable? 
 
 145. Cannot this Club institute a series of farm experiments 
 that will be profitable? 
 
 146. Does this country need an Agricultural Department 
 of Government? 
 
 147. What aid does agriculture need from Government, if 
 any ? 
 
 i48. How can the farmers be best aided by the State? 
 
 149. Are agricultural fairs of any benefit to farmers gen- 
 erally ? 
 
 150. How can agricultural fairs be made beneficial to agri- 
 culture ? • 
 
 151. Should gambling, dancing, horse-racing and beer- 
 stands be allowed on or about Fair grounds? 
 
 152. Should Farmers' Clubs annually unite for an exhibi- 
 tion of stock and products? 
 
 153. Should we encourage popular lectures, on science, art 
 and agriculture? 
 
 154. How can we secure the best hired help? 
 
 155. How should hired help be treated ? 
 
 156. Should farmers co-opeiate in the purchase and use of 
 improved agricultural machinery? 
 
 157. Should we use oxen? 
 
 158. What is the best way to break and train steers? 
 
 159. How can we determine when land should be drained? 
 
 160. What is the cheapest and best method of under-drain- 
 ing? 
 
 161. How can rats be most successfully destroyed ? 
 
26 farmers' club guide. 
 
 162. How can poultry be best secured from hawks, owls 
 &c? 
 
 163. How can trees be best protected from mice and rah 
 bits? 
 
 164. What is the best method of lighting and ventilating 
 barns and stock houses? 
 
 165. Should farmers eat pork? 
 
 166. What is the most profitable breed of hogs? 
 
 167. Should hogs be penned? » 
 
 168. What is the quickest and best plan of fatting hogs? 
 
 169. What is the best way of ridding hogs of lice and keep- 
 ing them clean ? 
 
 170. How should breeding sows be treated ? 
 
 171. How can the hog-pen be mauaged so as to secure the 
 greatest returns in manure? 
 
 172. What is the best regular management of hogs? 
 
 173. What is the best system of feeding swine? 
 
 174. Is it profitable to pasture hogs on clover? 
 
 175. Cannot hogs be easiest and cheapest fatted on Jerusa- 
 lem artichokes? 
 
 176. What is the gain in boiling food for hogs? 
 
 177. How can pork and hogs be best marketed? 
 
 178. Should calves be hand raised? 
 
 179. What, is the best way to fatten calves for market? 
 
 180. How can a farmer determine what calves he should 
 raise and what ones to sell? 
 
 181. What is the best arrangement for keeping milk and 
 raising cream ? 
 
 182. Should the whole milk be churned? 
 
 183. How can the produce of the orchard be most profita- 
 bly disposed of? 
 
 184. What is the best plan for keeping apples and other 
 fruit? 
 
 185. Can we profitabty dry fruit? 
 
 186. How should buggies and wagons be treated? 
 
 187. How can a farmer best preserve his machinery and 
 tools? 
 
 188. Should every farmer insure his house and barn ? 
 
 189. Should every farmer insure his life? 
 
 190. What is the best insurance for the farmer? 
 
 191. What should be the position of farmers regarding 
 Agents? 
 
 192. Is not a reliable agency system profitable for the far- 
 mer? 
 
 193. Should farmers deal with agents who represent for- 
 eign houses and can give no testimonials of merit? 
 
 194. Should farmers ever lay a mortgage on the farm ? 
 
 195. Should farmers ever run into debt? 
 
 196. Should taxation be equalized? 
 
27 
 
 197. Should any property be exempt from taxation? 
 
 198. Should farmers improve their farms before they are 
 paid for? 
 
 199. What is the best system of plowing:? 
 
 200. Is fall plowing advisable? 
 
 201. Can we profitably raise barley? 
 
 202. What is the best method of raising barley ? 
 
 203. How can we most profitably dispose of our straw? 
 
 204. Is rye a profitable crop for us? 
 
 205. What is the best plan for the profitable cultivation of 
 rye ? 
 
 '206. What is the best rotation of crops for this section? 
 
 207. Is flax a profitable crop? 
 
 208. What is the best system of cheese making? 
 
 209. What is the value of cream when sold~ as compared 
 with butter? 
 
 210. Is it more profitable to make butter or to sell cream ? 
 
 211. When butter pells for 25 cents per pound what can we 
 afford to sell cream at per quart or gallon ? 
 
 212. What is apple pomace good for? 
 
 213. What is the value of apples as a cattle food ? 
 
 214. What is the best arrangement for destroving tree in- 
 sects ? 
 
 215. Will occasional applications of salt benefit our peach 
 orchards? 
 
 216. What is the best manure for the quince? 
 
 217. What is the best method of propagating and cultiva- 
 ting the currant? 
 
 218. What is the best method of filling and stopping gul- 
 lies and washes ? 
 
 219. Should we use windmill power? 
 
 220. What is the cheapest and best horse power (home- 
 made) that we can use? 
 
 221. How can we keep sweet potatoes through the winter? 
 
 222. Should we not use corn bread ? 
 
 223. How can we most profitably dispose of animals dying 
 from disease ? 
 
 224. What is the best method of keeping tools in order and 
 place?. 
 
 225. How can we keep our tools free from rust? 
 
 226. What is the cheapest and best ice-house? 
 227 How can we best gather ice in the winter? 
 
 228. How can we most speedily get rid of the animal odor 
 of milk? 
 
 229. How can we best utilize house and kitchen slops? 
 
 230. How much per cord is manure worth to us when pur- 
 chased off the farm ? 
 
 231. Is bee keeping profitable in our section ? 
 
 232. How can we best begin bee keeping? 
 
28 farmers' clttb guide. 
 
 233. Can we profitably raise field beans? 
 
 234. What is the value of beans as a cattle food ? 
 
 235. What is tlie best method of vinegar making? 
 
 236. Would grape culture be profitable ? 
 
 237. How can one start a vineyard ? 
 
 238. How can we best tan sheep skins for mats? 
 
 239. Can cats be profitably raised for their skins? 
 
 240. How can we get rid of foxes? 
 
 241. How can we determine where is the best place to sink 
 a well? 
 
 242. What is the cheapest and best method of constructing 
 cisterns ? 
 
 243. Will it pay us to sink seep wells in different parts of 
 the farm ? 
 
 244. What is the best method of well digging? 
 
 245. How can we prevent fence posts working out of the 
 ground ? 
 
 246. How can we preserve fence posts from rotting? 
 
 247. What is the best system of road and path making for 
 the farm ? 
 
 248. Can snow be so managed as to manufacture ice out of 
 it; if so, how ? 
 
 249. Should we cultivate medicinal plants? 
 
 250. Will we live forever? If not, how should we live? 
 
 QUESTIONS FOR THE LADIES. 
 
 1. What are essential qualities in a farmer's wife? 
 
 2. How can home be made pleasant? 
 
 3. What conveniences should every farm-house contain ? 
 
 4. What system can we adopt to abridge our labors? 
 
 5. To what extent should we indulge taste? 
 
 6. Do we not keep up too much house? 
 
 7. Is the care of the poultry a legitimate duty of the farm- 
 er's wife? [We say, No.] 
 
 8. What are the duties which justly and strictly belong to 
 the farmer's wife ? 
 
 9. How should we treat our hired girls? 
 
 10. How should we train our own girls? 
 
 11. Should farmers' wives follow city fashions? 
 
 12. How should farmers' wives dress? 
 
 13. What is household economy ? 
 
 14. How can a house be kept clean ? 
 
 15. Should feather beds be used ? 
 
 16. Is it profitable to keep a locked-up parlor? 
 
 17. Should a kitchen be carpeted ? 
 
 18. What is the best plan for making rag carpets? 
 
 19. How can large poultry feathers be most beautifully and 
 profitably worked up? 
 
 20. How should the farm-house be ornamented? 
 
29 
 
 21. How can the labor of the household be divided amongst 
 all the female members of the family? 
 
 22. How much time each day should be devoted to reading? 
 
 23. What course of reading is most advisable for the wo- 
 men of the farm ? 
 
 24. Should the household work be done by rule? 
 
 25. How can the quantity of washing be diminished ? 
 
 26. What is the easiest method of washing? 
 
 27. Is there a good and perfectly reliable washing com- 
 pound ? If so, how is it prepared ? 
 
 28. What is the best method of drying clothes? 
 
 29. How can grease spots be easily extracted ? 
 
 30. What is the best remedy for getting rid of bedbugs, 
 cockroaches and flies? 
 
 31. How can a house be kept free from mice? 
 32^ Should house plants be cultivated? 
 
 33. How can plants be kept free from vermin ? 
 34 How can windows easily be kept clean ? 
 
 35. What is the easiest method of dishwashing? 
 
 36. What is the best plan for scouring knives and cleaning 
 silver? 
 
 37. What is the best plan of cleaning carpets? 
 
 38. What is the best method of bread baking? 
 
 39. What is the best and most convenient yeast? 
 
 40. How can table scraps be utilized? 
 
 41. What is the cheapest and best soap? 
 
 42. How can woolen goods and fur goods be kept free from 
 moths? 
 
 43. What is the easiest method of washing bed clothes and 
 cleaning ticks? 
 
 44. How can a house be kept free from spiders? 
 
 45. How can martins and swallows be attracted to the house ? 
 
 46. What interest should we take in our schools? 
 
 47. How can we best promote neighborhood sociability? 
 
 48. How much company should we be ambitious to enter- 
 tain ? 
 
 49. Is not the social influence of company essential to the 
 culture of our children? 
 
 50. Should the farmer's wife study domestic medicine? 
 
 51. How to preserve fruits? 
 
 52. How to make jellies? 
 
 53. What is the best method of butter making? 
 
 54. How can we make good coffee? 
 
 55. The art of making pickles. 
 
 56. Should farmers' wives write for the agricultural paper? 
 
 57. Can we have music in the house? 
 
 58. Should our children be encouraged to learn drawing 
 and painting? 
 
 59. How can a disobedient child be cured ? 
 
30 
 
 60. Is there any remedy for a cross husband ? 
 
 61. Should a farmer's wife endeavor to get her husband to 
 keep farm accounts? 
 
 62. Should a farmer's wife keep household accounts? 
 
 63. Is it useful to keep a diary? 
 
 64. Are children's parties desirable? 
 
 65. What amusements should relieve the tedium of house- 
 hold work? 
 
 66. What is the best method of ironing? 
 
 67. How can stoves be kept clean and bright? 
 
 68. What is the best method of meat cooking? 
 
 69. How can eggs be preserved the year round ? 
 
 70. How can the hands be kept white and soft? 
 
 71. What is the best material for working-dresses? 
 
 72. What is the best plan for securing regular night read- 
 ings at home? 
 
 73. Should the farmer's wife be supplied with a well kept 
 garden ? 
 
 74. What is the most economical method of dress making? 
 
 75. What are the relations of the farmer's wife to time and 
 to eternity ? — 
 
 KULES OF ORDER 
 
 FOR THE 
 
 GOVERNMENT OF CLUBS. 
 
 1. The President having taken the chair the mem- 
 bers shall become seated, and the meeting shall be de- 
 clared opened. 
 
 2. The opening shall always be in the usual form, 
 if singers, &c, be present. 
 
 3. During the reading of the Minutes, Communica- 
 tions, Resolutions and other papers, and when a mem 
 ber is speaking, silence must be observed in the Club. 
 
 4. The President shall preserve perfect order and 
 announce the decisions of the Club on all subjects. He 
 may speak to points ot order, and shall decide ques- 
 tions of order without debate, subject, however, to an 
 appeal to the Club, by any member, which must be 
 seconded, when the question before the Club shall be, 
 
 'Shall the decision of the Chair stand as the decision 
 of the Glub?" which question shall be put without 
 debate. The President may present his reason for such 
 decision, confining himself strictly to the question up- 
 
31 
 
 on which his decision was made. He shall have the 
 right to speak on any question or motion before the 
 Club before the debate closes. 
 
 Before putting a question, the President shall ask, 
 "Is the Club ready for the question V If none speak 
 he shall put the question to the 01 ub. No one shall 
 speak who does not do so immediately the President's 
 question is asked. 
 
 5. When putting a question the Club must be silent. 
 
 6. When two or more members rise to speak at the 
 same time the President shall decide which is entitled 
 to the floor. 
 
 7. None but actual members shall be allowed to 
 vote on questions of Business or Order. 
 
 8. A member addressing the Chair or Club should 
 stand, not sit, and confine himself to the question un- 
 der debate. 
 
 9. All indecorous and sarcastic language, and all 
 personalities must be strictly avoided. 
 
 10. No member must be interrupted while speak- 
 ing, except to call him to order, or for the purpose of 
 explanation. 
 
 11. On being called to order, a member must take 
 his seat until the question of order is determined, when 
 he may proceed. 
 
 12. A member shall not speak twice on the same 
 question until all who wish to speak have done so; nor 
 more than twice without permission from the Chair. 
 
 13. A question shall not be subject to debate until it 
 has been seconded and stated trom the Chair; at the 
 request of two members, it shall be reduced to writing. 
 
 14. A question before the Club must be disposed of 
 before another is admitted. Motions to lay on the ta- 
 ble, to adjourn, for the previous question, to postpone 
 indefinitely, to postpone for a certain time, to divide, 
 to commit, or to amend; shall severally have prece- 
 dence in the order herein arranged. 
 
32 
 
 15. On the call ot three members the debate shall 
 close, and a vote be taken on the motion or question 
 under debate. 
 
 16. On motion a majority of the Club may demand 
 the previous question, which shall always be in this 
 form: "Shall the main question he now put?" and un- 
 til it is decided shall preclude all amendments and all 
 further debate. 
 
 17. A motion to adjourn shall always be in order 
 after the regular Club business is finished, which mo- 
 tion shall always be decided without debate. 
 
 18. Motions to lay on table shall be decided with- 
 out debate. 
 
 19. Questions postponed indefinitely cannot be 
 brought up again at the same meeting. 
 
 20. A motion to reconsider shall always be in order. 
 
 21. The member first named on a committee shall 
 act as chairman, until another is chosen by the mem- 
 bers of the committee, and the mover of a resolution 
 referred to a special committee, is usually the first 
 named thereon. 
 
 22. Any member may excuse himself from serving 
 on any committee, if at the time of his appointment 
 he is a member of any other committee. No absent 
 member can be put on a committee. 
 
 23. All special committees should report in wri- 
 ting. Yerbal reports may be received. 
 
 24. If a member object to the reading of a paper of 
 any kind, the Club shall by vote decide the question. 
 
 25. Motions may be introduced by remarks explan- 
 atory of the motions. 
 
 26. A question may be amended. 
 
 An amendment may be amended — but not further. 
 And the vote shall be taken first on the last amend- 
 ment, then on the first amendment, and then on the 
 main question. 
 
FARMERS' CLUB 
 
 GUIDE. 
 
 HOW TO 
 
 Organize, Co?iduct, Govern and Make Suc- 
 cessful these 'Pojiular Assemblages 
 of .Farmers. 
 
 W. ■ F. PARKER, 
 
 Agricultural Editor of The Chautauqua Farmer 
 
 PUBMSHKT) BY 
 
 PARKER & HENDRICKS, 
 
 FOKESTVILLE, N. Y. 
 
 Price, - - - - 15 cts. | 100 Copies, - - $10.00 
 

THE 
 
 "H® 
 
 v : iiriii^ t ' *t n ■ ■ 
 
 fillip ill 
 
 
 Is the only Agricultural Paper iii the United States, 
 that we are aware of, that is published right out in a 
 Rural District. All the others are published in cities, 
 edited by city men', who undertake to teach Country 
 People how to manage so as to Prosper. Are they 
 competent teachers ? 
 
 The FARMER is published on a large sheet, 30x44, 
 and is every week tilled with Good, Scientific, Prac- 
 tical talk. It is Gheci/ppr than any other, as the fol- 
 lowing will show:' 
 
 TERMS: 
 
 Three copies, all new, or two new and one a 
 
 present subscriber, each . $1.00 
 
 Two copies, both new, or one new and one a 
 
 present subscriber, each 1.25 
 
 One copy. -- _ . __ _ 1.50 
 
 Address 
 
 PARKER & HENDRICKS, 
 
 Forestville, N. T.