The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1821-09-05
Messrs. MArsfsc & Tauxburr-

uentIy pr6OiCteu, lndt no Subsequent eA-
hibition would be so interesting. 1t was
supposed that its novelty was its princi-
pal attraction this gone, it was believ-
ed this anniversary would excite as little
interest as the celebration of other e.
vents, once interesting, but now attend
ed with indifference. Those who made
this prediction, did not duly appreciate
the object of the Society, and the char
acter of its members. The aim in es-
tablishing it was, to give an impulse to
the tardy spirit of agriculture and man.
ufacture in the County, to stimulate en-
ulation and enterprise, and to call forth
laudable ambition to be first in mer-
itorious exercise of self-interest and pat
riotism. By self-interest it is not meant,
the view to premium, which is but the
badge of honour, but the acquisition Of
the means of more ample productions,
from individual experiment, and from the
common stock of Improvements, which
are annually displayed.
The feelings and motives which Soci-
cites for the promotion of Agriculture
and Manufactures call forth and foster,
are such as are the most inherent and
operative in the human character; and
the exhibitions of such Societies Ill
have an interest, and command attention
so long as such feelings exist. Emula-
ton will be powerful agent in keeping
up the spirits of the Society. Here it
will operate, not only in competition
with fellow-members, but in aid of the
Society for pre-eminence among others,
formed for the same object.
1t is not peculiar to the Agricultural
Society of the County of Worcester,
that its members are men of liberal and
inquisitive minds, and generally have
the means of testing experiments, and
adopting the Improvements, which are
found to be their result. Nor is it ex-
clusively our boast, that the immediate
officers and agents of the Society, under
whose direction and management the
exhibition is held, and who designate
the objects for reward, are devoted to
its interest, and are indefatigable in their
exertions for its honour. Such men, by
infusing their spirit, would give life and
energy to any Society with whom they
associated. How much more then can
they accomplish, with their own ener-
gies concentrated, and how much more
pleasing the labour, when they find
each member zealously cooperating
with them for the best interests of the
association.
From the standing of our Society,
from the nature of our soil and climate,
and from the independence and enter
prise of our citizens, generally, much is
SUPPLEMENTARY would be a dis
grace. Although the objects and arti-
cles for premiums are designated, the
committee are invested with discretion
airy power to extend rewards to others,
not enumerated, of extraordinary merit.
The judges are selected with view to
their impartial justice, as well as to
their competency; and no fear is enter
tanned that their decision will not be
correct. The disappointment of com
petitors will not seek consolation in the
want of skill or fairness in the judges,
but in the reflection, that the credit and
interest of the Society and Of the COM
munity is enhanced by some exhibition
better than his own. The Show would
afford but an imperfect specimen of the
Improvements of the County, were it to
be confined to the objects for premiums.
Rare productions of the earth, new OF
improved implements and machinery,
specimens of domestick skill and indus
try, give an interest to the scene, and
conduce essentially to the object and
usefulness of the Society. Neat stock
is the great staple of the County. 1t
was remarked to the writer by gentle
man conversant with Cattle Shows, that
he might have seen as good, but that he
never saw SO naany good working oxen
as at our last Exhibition. 1t is expected,
that this year they will be better and
more of them; and that young stock,
for work and for the dairy, will be
shown, which, in their maturity, will
surpass the present race.
Few, if any, will now be found, who
consider the fostering care and iberali-
ty of the Legislature to this Society mis-
placed. The benefit to the community
is already manifest on our farms, in our
manufactures, and in our dwellings. E.
economy and industry are more conspicu-
Gus; and the physical power and virtue
of the people will continue to increase.