Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1870-07-15
.n.IRKET DTS .s.vD F.sR.uBRS
CLUBS,

CLUBs.
| am glad to see the increase in market
days in the different dairy sections. 1t is
evident that dairymen are advancing much
faster in the various improvements that are
calculated to promote Their interests, than
any other class Of farmers. The establish
ment of cheese factories and dairymen's
associations, and the discussions and inves-
legations, as well a. improved practical ex-
pcricnce thus induced have done great
deal to advance dairy farming. The fixing
ON certain days TO sell dairy products, is
another step in advance. 1t is not alone the
fact that by bringing a large number of
producers together, dealers may buy in q
kind of wholesale way, and pay more than
they could afford to if obliged to go to the
farms, or remain idle in town waiting for
now and then farmer TO come in; but it is
because the mass of farmers may become
better posted on all matters pertaining to
the value of their products, that am espe-
cialy pleased to see market days establish
ed.
There are two important improvements
that may be promoted by market days:
One il, that farmers may receive more full
and reliable information in regard to the
value of their products in the different home
and foreign markets. In all sections there
are men of more than average intelligence
men who have the means, time and in
clination to become better posted on all
matters affecting their interests, and espc-
cially those affecting the price of their pro-
duets, than the mass of farmers. These
men will naturally have something to say
at such places; if not otherwise inclined to
talk, they will be called on for information,
and thus the knowledge they have collected
in regard to matters Of immediate interest
will become much more generally known
than would otherwise be at all likely to be
the case. There are also men thus posted,
and of more than average good judgment,
who are known to sell to better advantage
than average farmers. At market days
more or less of the advantages of these
mems experience and judgment will be Sc
cured 10y others.
The other advantage that may be realized
at market days, will be found in comparing
the qualities of the different products pre-
sent0d by farmers. II gets the highest
price, while b has to take one or two cents
per pound less, then b will want to know
the reason for this difference; he will ascer-
tain and apply the remedy Of possible. In
this way the various defects, If any are
found, will be pointed out, and the proper
remedies ascertained. The frequent collec-
ton of a large number of producers, in this
way, affords more and better facilities for
investigation and improvement than are at
all likely to be as easily secured in any 9TH
er way.
FARMERS cLUBs
Also furnish farmers an opportunity to
become posted on the prospects of crops and
markets; they are another means of reliev-
ing farmers of some of the disadvantages Of
the isolation in which they are placed. The
course taken by club in Michigan, that
makes the prospects of crops and markets
the first point considered at each meeting,
is worthy of the attention of all other clubs.
In this way, too, the information obtained
by those best posted may be much more
generally dlfiused than has heretofore been
the case.
This is especially the case where such
clubs are located at the county seats, or
some other central place where a goodly
number of intelligent farmers may be bro't
together, and where il is convenient to have
the discussions reported in the local and
nearest agricultural papers. Then the in
formation brought out will not merely ben
eht those present-althOug this will we'll
pay for keeping upa club-but all the read
ers of the discussions may be more or less
benefited also. 1t is getting to be the prac-
tice in many places for most Of the leading
iarmerS-men not only noted as standing
in the front rank of practical farmers, but
as able and intelligent citizens who are
competent to fill any position, to take part
in the proceedings. These men, in tho care
fully prepared papers and well considered
remarks brought out on such occasions,
present some of the best practical facts, re-
ports and suggestions now published; and
the condensed reports of the principal points
considered are useful and interesting
These clubs not only bring out good deal
OF Information that otherwise might not be
collected, but in the attendants at the club
and the readers of the reports, good deal
of thought and investigation is induced,
that but for this might not take place.
For these and other reasons that might be
given, farmers clubs are taking the place
Of county and local agricultural societies,
In regard 10 the actual benefits secured.
The fairs are degenerating into horse races,
or rather horse trots, which amount to the
same thing; and the thought, investigation
and various improvements that ought to be
suggested and induced at such places, are
eclipsed by the race. Hence there are doubt
less fairs in which far less is accomplished
in the way OF actual improvement, than IL
secured in one earnest discussion in gooC
farmers club-that il, one meeting of tn,