Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-01-10


the ia'e Of the state society. but that the
distracted condition Of the country. and par
ticularly of his own state, rendered it some
what doubtful whether his public duties
would allow of his being present. Yet he
assured us he would be witt: us, II pos ;ible.
Getting no positive reply from Gov. John
son, the committee, in the latter part of Ju-
ly, invited Gov. Sprague, Of Rhode Island,
and the Hon. Josiah Quincy Jr.. of Boston,
to be present and speak at the fair. Both
OF these gentlemen Internationally accepted
the invitation. But the official position of
Gov. Sprague rendered his presence imper.
aively necessary at Washington. at the
very time of the fair. A letter was receiv-
ed from Gov. Sprague by the secretary,
immediately after the fair, expressing his
deep regret at not being able to be present,
which letter was communicated to the press
of the state for publication.
The Hon. Josiah Quincy, Jr.. was present,
and delivered most acceptable address
after which, by invitation of the committee,
the Hon. James Wilson, of California, ad-
dressed the people, giving great variety of
useful and valuable information in reference
to the golden state. The close attention
given TO these gentlemen for more than two
hours, furnished the strongest assurance
that their addresses met the wants and en-
pectHtions of the thousands who had gath
cred to hear.
Had not the second dny of the fair been
stormy, and the opening of the third day of
very doubtful character, the occasion
would have resulted as satisfactorily to the
public, and to the society, as any of our ten
preceding exhibitions. 1t is but justice to
say that the grounds at Rutland, upon which
the fair was held, in all their arrangements
and appointments, are far more convenient
and elegant than any previously occupied
by the soceity. Not so much can be said Of
the hotel Accommodations. The hotels at
Rutland furnished excellent Accommodations,
so far as they furnished any; but sufficient
preparation had not been made TO accomo-
date the great number who usually attend
our state gatherings. Had the second day
been pleasant, there would have been great
inconvenience experienced by strangers in
securing comfortable quarters. This is a
matter which the public have right to
expect will be properly looked after by the
society, before the recurrence Of the annual
fair Of this year.
Since our last annual meeting. the state
has repealed the law which gave our annu-
al bounty to county societies. What the
influence of this repeal win be upon our
county societies, it is difficult TO determine.
The bounty was small; but small as il was,
it undoubtedly brought into life, or stmula-
ted to increased activity, many county or
ganizations. 1t is singular fact, that purely
agricultural as is our state; dependent upon
its agricultural industry, and the develop
ment of its capacity as field for agricul-
tural labor, for lis prominence and success,
that this little patronage, the only evidence
of patertnal care which the state manifested
in the employment in which seven.tenths of
its inhabitants are engaged, should be taken
away at time when there was neither an
agricultural department in the state gov
ernment, or an agricultural paper published
in the state.
The great value of our county agricultu-
raj societies their eminent success in awak-
ening laudable ambition in the production
Of sheep, horses and cattle, and in diffusing
practical information among the farmers,
leads us TO hope that the enterprise of the
people will not suffer them to fall into dis
repute. 1t is to be hoped that the time is
not far distant, when, if the bounty is not
restored to the county societies, an agricul-
Iural department will be connected with the
state government.
Although this is period of war, it is no
lime for us TO slacken or abate our interest
in agricultural associations. If they ever
needed fostering, they need it now. The
welfare and future greatness of our state
lepend largely upon the condition of our
agricultural associations. Nearly ten thous-
md men have already left, or are about
eaving Vermont, for the battle field. Out |
If these, it is safe to calculate that seven |
housand, at least, have been agricultural
aborers. A similar draft for men has been /
evied upon all the ether states. This must,
inevitably, make labor dear, and II behooves
'ur farmers to study means by which labor
nay be saved. The mower and the horse |
axe have already come to our relief; and
I might be suggested, as q further means Of
aving labor. TO plant less land and manure
t better. Readily as every one admits the
act, it is still difficult TO secure a practical
ssent to the doctrine that it is cheaper and
wiser to take sixty bushels of corn from one
ere OF nd, ihan from two.
The price of wool for the next few years,