Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1871-01-24
Spirit nf Jetfersou.
Gharlestown, Va, January "a, 1871.
TO our FARMING FRIENDs.

There is no class Of men in this country
who have less organization than the farmers,
and none in our judgment whose interest and
happiness could be more promoted than theirs,
by some wise aud judiciOus organization. To
this end we know Of NO sys,em better caicu-
lated to produce profitable aud pleasant results
than the forming of what is termed Farmers
or Agricultural Clubs This is done by some
twelve farmers in special and convenient 10.
calities nssOciating themselves together, with
the view of examining their farms, enquiring
into the best modes of treating their land,
seeding their crops, improving their seed,
stock, agricultural machinery, &c: These
clubs meet alternately once month, at the
residence of the different members, and con.
versatiOnally discuss all questions connected
with farming, gardning, fruit, and stock rails.
ing. This course will greatly tend to frater.
nize the farmer aud stimulate Intellectual,
moral and social growth, which of themselves
are sufficient considerations to prompt action.
In this connection, We append an extract from
letter of a young gentleman now living in
Kentucky, who takes great interest in all
matters pertaining TO the material develop.
nent OF this Valley: -"
al trust that in another year Jefferson
county will celebrate the anniversary of their
long neglected, we'll nigh forgotten, Agri-
cultural Fair. Her Cit,=enS- her farmers.
who are the best blood aud muscle OF tile coun
try, will fiud it true economy TO tax them
seIves seS erely to reSurrect this buried insti.
tuition. 1t is the dictate uf cummou sense to
profit, by tue example and experience OF
others, aud SO | have learned in Kentucky.
the leading state in breeding and raising OF all
kinds OF stock, how important and indis>
PeDsable part cattle fairs play in the promo
tIOn OF these objects. They arc AS necessary
us Congress to Republics, or show cases TO u
MiIliner. Whatever is 20 the interes, or ben.
eht OF public should be made popular, aud
this is done by showing it to the people
Where there Is a community of interest, the
community should be awake TO the fact, aud
act as a community, How fairs afford such a
channel OF action, TO an ugricultunl comuru-
nifty, Is open to the comprehension of any or
dinary MUD. They bring the people together,
secure concert OF action, afford au interchange
OF views, theories and practices, bringing to
your door the world III one or more of its
phases, Which you cannot 20 out to look at;
awaEens mn interest urOuses thought in regard
TO what was not known, or II known lightly
esteemed; shows you the advance your neigh
b"r has made, suggests improvements to others
IN this or that department, iu short affords all
the advan'ages Of corporation. 10 make
the n'"''er special and apply general priu>
c'paI to a particular case. If yon in Virginia
wish to have horses OF the pur.st blood. of the
greatest bottom, Of strongest siucwS, "t swiftest
trnt, or easiest gait # yon wish to have cattle
thorough bred Or grade, Ui the most St ymmeIric
form aud best descent for breeding or of the
greatest length and BREADTH aud highest fat
tenIng properties Tor tive market II YOU wish
to solve the problem Ui the uIaximum amount
OF milk from the minimum of fccd to cows
aud the maximum of butter from the mini
mum OF milk. II you want your hogs things
OF beauty, though lovers OF siop, aud the
largest hams with the least amount OF bone,
yOu will find cattle fairs. property managed. a
powerful auxiliary. | say tins ON the suppo.
s'tIon that your section Of Virginia is now. or
is yet TO become, a stock raising State, though
not to the exclusion, OF agriculture. | have
given before, my reasons for believing tina;
Virginia will become less and less grain
growing State. wunt at some furure time
TO prove that the superiority of hOrouyh bred
stock Is not fet'o', but great and actual fact"