Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1862-10-03
RIG CULTURAL.
Fall Fairs And oattle showg.

THESE are likely to be held in un-
diminished numbers this season. Two
years ago the cattle disease preven-
ted the holding of many Of these
fairs, and last year the alarms of
war either postponed them, or occa-
stoned a thin attendance. But this
year, Notwithstanding the disturbed
state of the country, and the multi
tudes that have Joined the army, the
usual number of fairs in the loyal
States is likely to be held, Judging
from the premium lists and the an
nouncements we have seen. This is
as it should be. There is no good
reason why the fairs should not be
opened with their usual attractions.
Our crop reports. embracing all the
loyal States, show very cOnclusiveiy
that larger breadth has been plant
ed than in any former year, and per-
haps we are justified in saying, that
not an acre less has been planted on
account Of the war. The demand for
our breadstuff in Europe. as well as
the war, has stimulated production
Some probably have been Influenced
/ by the tradition that thigh prices
rule in war" Horses and machines
have so far taken the place of human
muscles in the field, that we miss the
labor taken by the army far less than
we would have done ten years ago.
Farm crops, on the whole, were
never better, and the material for a
fine show are abundant on every hand.
1t is conceded that the wheat crop is
good deal better than the average;
hay, with rare exceptions, is good,
and grass abundant, which ought to
put cattle in good condition. Fruit
is plenty, which should make the hor-
tlcultural department of the fairs un-
usually good. Manufacturers in some
branches are depressed, but there is
the material for a good show in al
most every county. Fairs which once
might have been advocated as a far
mer's holiday, have now become a
necessity. They give few days of
recreation after the pressing labors
OF the Summer arc over, and for.
this purpose they are worth all they
cost. 1t does men ola common pur-
suit good to get together and have
a celebration. 1t begets enthusiasm,
and llghtens the burdens of toll
But fairs are no longer mere holidays
They are shoots of instruction, and
no farmer can afford to stay away
from them, and lose their benefits
He can hardly fail TO learn something
that will make his capital and labor
more available for the next year.
Here all the improved seeds, and
tools forsEigllteping the labors -efthe
husbandman. are on exhibition.-
Here are the model animals that will
surn the vegetable products Of his farm
into the most animal products for
sale. So long as one COW will make
more milk, butter, and cheese, from
the same pasture than another, it will
be a matter Of great Importance to
visit cattle shows, and study the mod !
els. These fairs have already done
a great work for the farming inter
ests Of the country, and, we doubt not
are destined to do a still greater
The shrewdest and most successful
farmers are the patrons Of these in
stitutions, always present in person
as careful Observers, and sending in
samples Of their stock and crops.
The shows should lose nothing ofI
their interest in a time of war. The
ability Of the country to sustain its
burdens, will depellahvery much upon
the oiperity Of Our agriculture
With our grancries full Of wheat and
corn, and our fields covered witt:
focks and herds, we shall he able
to continue this war for years to
come, if it be necessary. Let us go
up to the fairs then in full force, old
and young, and take with US the best
samples Of our handiwork--the pro-
ducts ofthe field, garden. and orchard,
and the best specimens of our focks
and herds, There is pleasure and
profit at the fair American Agri-
culturist.