The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1857-09-12
Agricultural Fairs, and How to En-
10y Them.

and the regimental muster" and stand, in
New England estimation, nearly on level
with independence, Fast, and Thanksgiving
DAYS Hitherto they have been considered
mainly in their practical relations, as tending
to promote 4 more thorough system of agri-
culture. by means of comparison and friendly
emulation In this direction they have ac-
complished much. They have directed pub
lie attention to the splendid possibilities of
the agrculturist's reward, and have proved
that skill. and study. and prudent expcndi-
lures bring more certain and abundant sue
cess. than harder labor without foresight,
than more rigid economy without julicious
outlaws.
We see the result ofthis improved farming
in the larger average crops: i'll superior
breeds of cattle; in better blooded horses !;
in improved sheep. hogs. and poultry; in
more and better Implements in substantial
homestcads. and in a general improvement of
everything connected with life on farm"
But We meant to alludc to these evidences
of progress only to lead the way to a remark
or two upon agricultural fairs considered in
quite another light. We wish to urge pco-
pie to make these fairs less matter of busi-
ness and more All occasion Of Pleasure. For
cigners always remark it of the Amer
lean people, that Acy have less inno-
cent socia! amusement than any other ma
ton; and that their intense application to
business, and their eager pursuit after the
almighty dollar are cngrafting upon the
national character most pcrnicious traits, and
rapidly increasing our tendency towards the
sharp nose. the narrow chest, the eager look
the haste. and the rambunctious zeal. which
characterize the unauthorized Iankce. Now,
if such traits are anywhere out of place, it is
in the country. and among our farming pop
ula,ion. 1t ought to be said of them with
truth. what Emerson said of the English peo-
pie, that of all men it i. they who stand firm
/ est in their shoes. The solditv of the Egg
glsh is mainly owing. we believe, to their
love of athletic sports and outdoor games
to their country frocs and Mav-dav dances-
to their exercise ON horseback. their games
of cricket. ball. and rowing.-in short, to an
unre>trained love for all manly trials of skill
and strength. These exercises give ,iyor
and tone TO the body. elasticity and courage
to the mind. and buovancv to the spirits. The
aourshng food and drink of England does
the rest and the result can he seen in rosy
checked. clcar-cycd. broad and ,'ccp-chcs,cl
English men and women
Now. it becomes aqucstion Of considerable
Importance. how shall we cn.ratt somewhat
Of this hearty halcncs> upon the sharp Yam
kce type? 1t WAS originally ours-why may
i, not again become our inheritance? ]; will
take long Years t" overcome our tcn,!cn-
cy towards haste and nervousness but. why
not begin at once The question leads lis
directly to the application We wish to make.
viz: Let our agricultural fairs be accepted
as the great fc>,iv"l-dav. when it shall hc
proper for rural New England to frisk and
kick up its heels at pleasure. AS a g,cat
many Of us. and especially MASCULINE Young
Americans. hardly know how to ENJOY our
selves quietly. so rs not to disturb our
friends. VIC wish to suggest Il few ways III
which ii may be done y family party. for
instance, from Lyndon. proposes 70 be pres
cnt at the Fair. How best to spend the time
so th,t it shall he 4 pleasure rather than a
wcarincsS. is the question. Our own inclina
ton would suggest that some vehicle. ample
enough to carry all. frcm grand mother to
baby. be procured. If it be the harvest way
on. rack and all. 50 much the better Orna-
mcnt it bv bundle Of wheat in one corner,
oats in another. rye or barlc. in third. and
corn in the fourth. Let the plan be carried
out b, hanging strings of corn. tomatoes. &C..
along the top. and distributing samples ofall
/ the various products of the farm and garden
iii every available space. Let the flower gar
! den contribute of its beauty and fragrance to
decorate and sIiritualizc the whole. While
the Younger members Of the family are ar
ranging these matters, the good housewife
will be preparing lunch Of cold turkey. and
sandwiches. and nice ,t-hit things all of
which will he generously diluted at the prop
er time with brmmin. mugs Of homc-prcss-
cd ncw-madc cider.
When all these preparations have been
made, the traces are hitchcd up, and wagon
full of happy humanity is on its way to ct the
ground"
We need not follow our party. They have
the means of enjoyment within themselves,
and will be sure to improve it. They are
simply having capital picnic, where there
are nice things to look at. and pleasant friends
to see. They have a centre of attraction in
their own wagon. and with an occasional
stroll about the ground. will make it their
home. ENJOYING each others conversation and
the refreshments provided.
This is merely an outline. of course, vet we
conceive that whoever carries it out in the
proper spirit will have pleasanter day to re-
member, than ninc-tcnths of those who annu-
ally attend agricultural fairs.
We have no room to specify in other par
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