, 1863-10-08

The Eleventh Annual Festival of the
Illinois farmers and artizans Was held in
Decatur last week, commencing Monday
morning and closing Saturday night. This
probably has been the most interesting and
profitable reunion of the whole series from
the commencement, certainly so in finan-
cial point. Our special correspondents
have given comprehensive details Of the
whole affair, but few incidental refer
ences may not be out Of place. Our cor
respondents have stated that the exhibi-
tons in the departments Of horses, cattle
and agricultural implements were TN
doubtedly the best ever made in the West
And here is exhibited, more than in any
other departments, the rea1 progress which
our Western farmers are making toward
more perfect and intelligent system of ag-
ricultura1 economy. It is an interesting
and wonderful study to watch the i'm
proyem7nts from year to year in these de-
partments; to revert to the quality and
number Of cattle, horses and farm imple
ments offered for exhibition at the first
Festival held by the State Agricultural So
ciety, IN 1858, and compare them with those
exhibited Last week. They offer sugges-
tons for the study Of our farmers by which
We think they can and will profit.
Another important feature of this Festi-
Tal was the meeting Of wool-growers, at
which much important matter connected
with their future was discussed, series
Of important resolutions passed, embody-
ing the results Of that discussion, and
temporary organization, looking toa fuller
and more permanent one, made We look
for important results from this initiatory
organization, and we hope to see the mat.
ter brought to maturity as soon as posi-
bic. This interest has already suffered too
much from outside circumstances, which
this organization will be enabled more
certainly to counteract and control
The Government e. ant Of land for endow-
ing institutions where Thorough system Of
agricultural and mechanical education
shall be established, was another impor-
tant matter which received the earnest at
tenion Of the Agricultural Society, as it
had previously, at Rockford, the State Hor-
ticultura1 Society. In the discussion held
upon this subject, in which many Of the
leading minds of both societies took part,
the necessity Of q thorough educa-
cation in every thing connected with
farm cconomy-chemistry, botany, geolo-
e., natural philosophy, rotation Of crops,
breeds Of horses aud cattle, with their SAN
itary management, &c-,cwas thoroughly
and emphatica1ly maintained and enforced.
On this subject, there has been awakened
an interest which no other subject connect
ed with the future of farmers could COM
nand, and they have determined to take
such action as will speedily place within
their power the benefits to be derived from
the generosity of the Government. Upon
very important point in this matter there
Was no diversity of opinion-and that Was
that no existing institution, unless it aban-
doned all other teachings, should be al
lowed to participate in any Of the benefits
Of the Agricultural Education Fund.
In conclusion. We may add that the far
mers have manifested more interest gener-
ally in this Festival than in any previous
one, and we look for a progress in the
future which shall keep pace with the ex-
handing disposition of the Western mind