Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-09-13
THE STATE FAIR.

The preparations for the approaching
Agricultural State Fair in this city are
going on rapidly, and indicate large and
interesting show, such as will gladden.
the hearts of our people to look at, and
stimulate farmers and mechanics with
new zeal in and love for their occupa-
tons. There is much discussion about
these annual shows and their management
as Invariably as the year rolls around, but
their establishment rs one of the institu-
tions of the land is fixed fact. In the
aggregate their results are beneficial.
They have their evils, Gas what institution
has not y but the good vastly overbal-
ances the bad. In the sharp competition
for premiums it is inevitable that dissatis-
faction will arise at the awards, even
though the judges were gifted with the
wisdom of Solomon and endeavored to be
as just as Aristides. Somebody must be
disappointed. and of course complaint will
follow; but if these somebodics are of true
manly metal their failure stimulates to re-
newed exertion which is finally crowned
with success. 1t is only the weak backed
man in any business, farming, mechani-
cal or any other. that allows one or sew
eral discouragements to control his ac-
ton and send him into the ranks of the per-
petual grumblers and disappointed do
nothings.
Say what we will about agricultural
fairs, they are really the greatest exhibit
tions of productive industry we have, and
we doubt not are destined to become
more instead of less, and to have as they
grow commanding influence over all
the country. They form at once the
farmers and mechanics holiday season,
practical school and market, while the at
fractions which they afford to persons of
occupations not directly connected with
them, in the splendid display of the best
productions of field and garden. dairy,
loom, needle. farm-yard, and the numer-
Gus and valuable achievements of invent
i've and artistic skill make them inviting
to all. Nowhere else can a mere look
er-on get so much to delight his eye
tor the same price. while to him who
enters into the spirit OF the affair and
becomes worker, competitor and learn
er the advantage is beyond calculation.
If there are farmers SO far advanced in
the science and successful practice Of ag-
riculture that they can learn nothing Qhe
number of which is very few they can
and should make these seasons profitable
to others by imparting their knowledge
and exhibiting their success, having for
their reward the satisfaction of knowing
that they are doing good. So there is
something for all to do and enjoy. Male
and female, old and young, all classes
and conditions, may be gratifed and ben
Gifted by attending the annual fairs. 1t is
a mark OF their wide reaching influence
that they. thus bring together by some at
traction all our varied population. making
ALI pay homage to the harvest and the
cunning works OF the human brain.
While the. county fairs claim the atten
ton Of their locality, the State Fair is en-
titled to the attention of all parts OF the
State. 1t will bring together the bes
from all sections. II is the great centre
Aroostook and York meet here and com
pare products. The man who rears OF
imports superior stock, will be here VIII