The home journal. (Winchester, Tenn.) 1858-188?, 1859-06-02
A FAIR &C,

What are our folks doing in relation
TO the Annual fair in Franklin Coun,
tyi An apathy seems to pervade
them, which is by no means common
dable. They meet and wrangIe about
where the grounds shall be and failing
to agree about that, they seem ready
to neglect the thing altogether, Why
don't they meet en- masse and
have an Acknowledgements a
day and by every method possible
urge the agricultural and mechani-
cal world to prepare for the occasion!
We regret to see this Indifference
towards one of the greatest objects,
for the welfare OF our people, that
'oan be devised. And strangcst oil the
strange, is the fact that farmers seem
'indinerent in this matter. Why, gem
'tlemen, what is an Agricultural FAIR
lit is "a place where the most superior
specimens ofagriculturaI products are
exhibited to the view Of the visitors.
What then! Is that all the Object,
the end to be accomplished? If so,
why let them be no more. Bat II
higher object is to be accomplished
has been and will continue to be-
the Interchange Of thought among
those who produce articles for exhibit
ton. 1t is the peculiar province Of
the Fair to awaken inquiry, direct 1t
in proper channels, and stimulate the
energies Of the laboring masses.
When a man or boy comes to the fair
grounds and finds several thousand
persons, he gets larger and clearer
ideas OF the millions they represent.
Before, he read and heard Of Them;
now, he begins to see and feel the re-
ality. In the compass Of a fey acres
he sees the products Of the skill and
enterprise of thousands Of square
miles. Here he sees the perfection to
which good seed aud good culture
may bring snch products; here he
learns that common horses, common
COWS, common grasses grain, and veg
etables, may by care and knowledge.
be developed into premium stock and
farm products. He learns that there
is an education and graduation, in
these things, not unlike an academic
or collegiate course. lie is taught to
believe in scientific Turning. Alto
gether this Agricultural Anniversary
enlarges his ideas as it will in time en-
large his pumpkins, apples, beets.
and onions, and improve his stock and
farm.
Before men come to tie Fair, theil
ideas are circumscribed by the limits
ofthcir own shops and farm fences:
but here they see other beside home,
bred and traditionary notions, cmbo'
died in success beyond their own, and
founded upon scientific, practical
principles, The man in Franklin
sees what can be done in Lincoln ant
is stimulated by praise.worthy emuIa'
ton to excel him if possible, and tho
mar from Lincoln or Bedford, or sur
rounding counties, sees and learn;
something from the county OF Frank
lin, and leaves, as a recompcnSc, new
ideas which he brought with him. Lie
told the truth who said that Agricul
tural Fairs had contributed more It
our prosperity and growth as II nation
than all the gold California can poui
into our reach for ages.
And yet, as we before stated, how
strange--passing s~trangc-that St
many farmers appear unconccrned II
regard to the fairs. Will not the far
mers in this county arouse immediate
ly to the obligations resting upol
them. He who does not is Il disgrace
to the name Of the calling he pursues
A moral obligation rests upon then
all, and the only way to get rid Of tt:
obligation is to foster all such enter
priscs as Agricultural and Mcchani
cal Fairs.
We do hope no effort will be spareC
to render the Fair in this County NOR,
attractive the ensuing season THAI
ever. 1t is an annual gathering Il
which farmers especially should lool
with more interest than has ever vel
been manifested. Don't lie supincly
still while our sister counties shall
reap all the golden treasures from
us. We have the soil, let us learn
how to cultivate it, and avail your
selves ofthis method by which to learn
The first public day in Winchester lei
there be a meeting and some steps la
ken towards arousing with tenfold vi
.gor the failings of the whole people t
this matter. We know of few WHIT
are energetic and who deserve praise
and if our counfv yy,S filed with S1cl