Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-09-09
OUR AGRICULTURAL FAIR.

has proved one of the greatest incentives to
activity and order, among our Agricultural
and Mechanical community, and has thrown
open the door to numerous advantages-to all
classes of men, not otherwise to he obtained.
When it is generally known that the results
and products of the industry, care, soundjndg-
ment, enterprise, skill and ingenuity of a
whole district, are to be particularly displayed
when it is known that thousands, from
among our own ~neighbors and acquaintance,
and from foreign counties, will flock to this
public exhibition, we cannot fail to be aroused
to greater and assiduoHs action. That great
and lin such case) so honorable Stimulant to
hearty endeavor-pride-fnds a place in the
breast of every citizen. Each one feels that
there is a call upon him, to merit the approba-
ton of the community, and to become the re-
cipient of a token of universal appreciation
We look upon the products and manufactures
Of our worthy and industrious neighbors, and
envy them a sprig of their crown of laurels.-
We would have it said to US, too, well done
gOUu dlQ ldlGll4Ui Due, wv AhV"s So"o; ~
attain this mark of honorable distinction, the
evidences of our neighbor competitors, side
by side with the Sunday-dressed offerings of
our friends, where excellence and fault may
be easily, and at a glance, perceived, must
stand our contribution--to triumph in its
merit, or to fail to succeed. This last,
however, SO far from diScouraging. always
has a contrary effect. The pride of the I'M
successful competitor is still more aroused, and
he forms 8 firm determination that another
year his fortunate rival shall make a greater
effort and finer display, or he shall not a sec
ond time bear away the prize. These are the
feelings we would awaken in every man. This
kind of strife is noble. 1t is an emulation that
is glorious, in that its end is to see who shall
do best.
Would the skeptic ultilitarian inquire cui
bono" what good in all this; where is the
tdctaOn-ln the assurance that we have a1fsc
wel. Then we advance sciences, art, and all
the industrial avocations. The Mechanic
observes the construction and working of the
machinery, and the beauty, utility, and dura-
bility of manufactures. He obtains ideas from
this observation and from comparison, which
suggest new combinations, tending to greater
usefulness, simplicity, and economy. These
ideas of Improvement might, without Ties
opportunities for consideration and study, re-
main dormant for ages. Who would ever have
conceived and constructed a "Great East
ern," who had not had opportunity to observe,
and time to study, Ocean st~eam-cnginerry.
The workers of art here find a place, and by
the pleasing, and oftentimes exquisite produc-
tions of their skill and Imagination, gladden.
the eye, elevate the sentiments, and force the
conviction upon every beholder, that the
mind is noble, powerful, immortal. Objects
which make these impresSions--which tell us
SO Enthusiastically what the cultivated mind and
intellect can accomplish, how high (though
mortal) we rank in creation-should they not
be seen by all the world? Do they not, by
sublimating influences, inspire the soul, and
lead the thoughst to qOhat ae are, and for
qChat ee are? Do they not instil into the heart
sentiments of " purity, truth, faith, meekness
and love? The more cultivated the tastes
and intellect, the broader the foundation for
social, political, and religious enjoyment, and
the more material is there for real, sound, gen.
uine happiness.
And who will question the utility Of the
Dairy. the Housewife, aud the Ladies' Fan
cy-Work department? Do not all these tend
to the substantial and the beautiful? We
must have prorender, and the more palatable
it can be rendered, and the more cheaply af-
forded, the more are our Injuries increased,
and at less expense. The time spent upon
4" muslins, embroidories, worked under-clothes,
gloves, handkerchiefs, scarfs, and such triaes
as those, might be put to more profitable, and
less Industrious purposes. Then, too, are those
not the beautiful; accessory creatures those
fair-fngered workers-"our loves and lasses ~
No, no; we must not give cause to them to
say, they have nothing to wear"
In the Agricultural, horticultural and Flo
raj department, these exhibitions are all i'm
portant. Farmers may here examine Seeds
and Fruits, and Flowers. and Farming Uten-
sis, and Stock-in short, everything that per-
tains to their calling, Here is agrand Annu-
al Market, where those who have good goods
may always find sale for them. Their impor-
ted grain there as samples, is Immediately in
demand The fruit growers and florists, are
made known to the community.
The qualities of Agricultural Implements are
open to observation and discussion. Improve
ments in them are suggested by those who
have seen the particular deficiency in each
The influences of particular soils aud situations
upon particular crops is noted. The effect of
different manures and fertilizers is seen and
the introduction Of foreign growths to our own
soil and climate, becomes "a more frequent, and
more successful experiment. In the matter of
stock of all kinds, they are invaluable. Il Even