On  Jan.  19,  1899,  the  Farmers  of  Douglas  County  began  their  three  days'
Institute  at  Areola,  and  it  was  another  overflow  meeting,  it  being  held  with
or  in  connection  with  the  Congressional  District  Institute  meeting.  They
had  a  fine  program,  which  was  well  carried  out,  and  one  of  the  finest  displays
of  grains,  vegetables,  dairy  and  pantry  atoies  that  I  have  seen.
1  have  the  honor  to  be,

Very  respectfully.
Report  of  14th  District.
Mr.  Chairman : — There  were  held  in  the  14th  district  successful  Farmers'  In-
stitutes in  the  following  named  counties:  Marshall  county, at  Wenona;  Taze-
well, at  Minier;  Fulton,  at  Lewiston;  Mason,  at  Mason  City.  These  were  of
unusual  interest  and  well  attended
throughout.  The  Congressional  or
round-up  meeting  was  held  at  Mag-
nolia, Putnam  county,  and  continued
in  session  three  days.  The  program
was  largely  rendered  by  residents  of
the  district  and  a  crowded  house  at
all  sessions  gave  inspiration  to  the
speakers.  Two  of  the  most  notable
sessions  being  the  women's  session
and  an  evening  devoted  to  an  orator-
ical contest,  the  contestants  all  being
school  children  attending  school  in
the  district.  Judges  were  appointed,
and  prizes  were  awarded  to  the  suc-
cessful contestants.
We  believe  this  feature  of  encour-
aging the  young  people  to  take  an
active  interest  in  institute  meetings
can  not  help  but  result  in  good.  In
developing  young  workers  thereby
increasing  the  benefits  of  the  Insti-

Oliver  Wilaon.  Director  Uth  DIM.  tutes.
Respectfully  submitted,

Oliver  Wilson.
Report  op  15th  District.
Mr.  Chairman:— The  Illinois  County  Farmers'  Institute  of  the  15th  Con-

fressional  district  for  the  winter  18!)8  and  1S99  opened  up  at  Mt.  Sterling,
rown  county,  with  dates  November  9th  and  10th,  with  unfavorable  weather.
